bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Global metabolic changes by Bacillus cyclic lipopeptide extracts on stress responses of para rubber leaf
Authors: Tunsagool Paiboon , Kruaweangmol Pongsakorn , Sunpapao Anurag , Kuyyogsuy Arnannit , Jaresitthikunchai Janthima , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Vongsangnak Wanwipa
Published: August 2022

The changing environmental conditions generate the abiotic stress like exposing of chemicals and biotic stress like Phytophthora palmivora infection which is causes leaf fall disease affecting the growth rate of para rubber seedlings resulting in economic loss. To prevent abiotic and biotic stresses, biocontrol agents like cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) from Bacillus spp. have been introduced to reduce the usage of chemically synthesized fungicides and fertilizers. This study aimed to use Bacillus CLP extracts as a biological agent to stimulate the plant growth system in para rubber seedlings comparing with an exogenous plant hormone (salicylic acid; SA) using untargeted metabolomics. CLP extracts were obtained from B. subtilis PTKU12 and exogenous SA that were each applied on the leaves of para rubber seedlings. The expressed metabolic network responding to stress induced by exposing of different agents was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. There were 1,702 and 979 metabolites which were detected in positive and negative ion modes of electrospray ionization, respectively. The application of CLP extracts showed the greatest accumulation of up-regulated metabolite changes in the leaves belonging to 56 metabolic pathways. The analysis of metabolic pathways indicated that CLP extracts played an important role in alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism to stress response leading to plant growth promotion. These findings revealed the effect of Bacillus CLP extracts on plant growth promotion considering as a protective option for para rubber plantation.
Higher performance for women than men in MRI-based Alzheimer’s disease detection
Authors: Klingenberg Malte , Stark Didem , Eitel Fabian , Habes Mohamad , Ritter Kerstin , (ADNI) for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Although machine learning classifiers have been frequently used to detect Alzheimer's disease (AD) based on structural brain MRI data, potential bias with respect to sex and age has not yet been addressed. Here, we examine a state-of-the-art AD classifier for potential sex and age bias even in the case of balanced training data. Methods: Based on an age- and sex-balanced cohort of 432 subjects (306 healthy controls, 126 subjects with AD) extracted from the ADNI data base, we trained a convolutional neural network to detect AD in MRI brain scans and performed ten different random training-validation-test splits to increase robustness of the results. Classifier decisions for single subjects were explained using layer-wise relevance propagation. Results: The classifier performed significantly better for women (balanced accuracy 87.58 ± 1.14%) than for men (79.05 ± 1.27%). No significant differences were found in clinical AD scores, ruling out a disparity in disease severity as a cause for the performance difference. Analysis of the explanations revealed a larger variance in regional brain areas for male subjects compared to female subjects. Discussion: The identified sex differences cannot be attributed to an imbalanced training dataset, and therefore point to the importance of examining and reporting classifier performance across population subgroups to increase transparency and algorithmic fairness. Collecting more data especially among underrepresented subgroups and balancing the dataset are important but do not always guarantee a fair outcome.
Correlations between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC uptake and absorbed dose from [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE
Authors: Bruvoll R. , Blakkisrud J. , Mikalsen L. , Connelly J. , Stokke C.
Published: August 2022

Background: Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE is used to treat gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NET), by targeting somatostatin receptors (SSTRs). High SSTR expression assessed on [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT images decides patient eligibility for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE PRRT. This study aimed to investigate potential correlations between therapeutic absorbed dose to tumours and the pre-treatment [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC uptake.Methods: This retrospective study included 301 tumours from 54 patients with GEP-NET. The tumours were segmented on pre-therapeutic [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET/CT, and post-therapy [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE SPECT/CT acquired 24 and 168 hours post administration (also 4 hours for some patients). The SPECT/CT images were used for absorbed dose calculations. Results: Mean SUVmean and SUVmax from [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET was 24.0 (3.6-84.4) and 41.0 (6.7-146.5), and the mean absorbed dose from [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE was 26.9 Gy (2.4-101.9). An absorbed dose prediction model was formed based on a weak, but significant (R2 = 0.44, p<0.05), linear relationship between SUVmean and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE activity concentration at 24 hours, together with a population-averaged pharmacokinetics. The relative error between predicted and calculated absorbed dose was 0.31+/-0.90.Conclusions: Depending on the required accuracy, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC PET imaging may estimate the [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE absorbed dose. While a linear correlation was found, differences between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE uptake gave especially high variance.
Release of a photopharmacological drug from its protein target captured by time-resolved serial crystallography
Authors: Wranik Maximilian , Weinert Tobias , Slavov Chavdar , Masini Tiziana , Furrer Antonia , Gaillard Natacha , Gioia Dario , Ferrarotti Marco , James Daniel , Glover Hannah , Carrillo Melissa , Kekilli Demet , Stipp Robin , Skopintsev Petr , Brünle Steffen , Mühlethaler Tobias , Beale John , Gashi Dardan , Nass Karol , Ozerov Dmitry , Johnson Philip , Cirelli Claudio , Bacellar Camila , Braun Markus , Wang Meitian , Dworkowski Florian , Milne Christopher , Cavalli Andrea , Wachtveitl Josef , Steinmetz Michel , Standfuss Jörg
Published: August 2022

The binding and release of ligands from their protein targets is central to fundamental biological processes as well as to drug discovery. Photopharmacology introduces chemical triggers that allow the changing of ligand affinities and thus biological activity by light. Insight into the molecular mechanisms of photopharmacology is largely missing because the relevant transitions during the light-triggered reaction cannot be resolved by conventional structural biology. Using time-resolved serial crystallography at a synchrotron and X-ray free-electron laser, we have captured the release of azo-combretastatin A4 and the resulting conformational changes in tubulin. Nine structural snapshots from 1 ns to 100 ms complemented by simulations show how cis-to-trans isomerization of the azobenzene bond leads to a switch in ligand affinity, opening of an exit channel, and collapse of the binding pocket upon ligand release. The resulting global backbone rearrangements are related to the action mechanism of tubulin-binding drugs against gout, cancer, and COVID-19.
Comparing the Utility of Palpation-Based and Ultrasound-Guided Teaching Methodologies for Subclavian Central Venous Access Using Formalin-Embalmed Cadavers
Authors: Skidmore Chad , Loveless Bosten , Muir Maxton , Limov Abigail , Fritsch Alexa , Thomas Rebecca , Yancey Taylor , Nigh Andrew , Zapata Isain , Mason Nena Lundgreen
Published: August 2022

Objective
This study compares the utility of palpation-based and ultrasound-guided teaching techniques for subclavian central venous access using formalin-embalmed cadavers.
Methods
The subclavian veins of 20 formalin-embalmed cadavers were imaged with ultrasound to evaluate vein patency and sonographic clarity prior to venous access. Twenty-three first-year medical students were trained to access the subclavian vein using palpation-based techniques. Training involved ten minutes of didactic orientation and ten minutes of hands-on practical instruction using cadavers. Participant confidence was measured using a 10-point Likert scale on pre- and post-training questionnaires. Objective skills testing for each participant included quantifying the number of skin punctures and recording the time elapsed from skin puncture to fluid flashback into the syringe.
Results
Participant confidence significantly increased following training in both ultrasound and palpation training groups across all questionnaire items (p < 0.0001). The ultrasound group had less skin punctures (p < 0.001) and less failures (1) than the palpation group (6). Participants in the ultrasound group were more confident than those in the palpation group in their ability to locate the vein and select the optimal site for needle access (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Formalin-embalmed cadavers provide a safe and stress-free environment in which to learn subclavian vein access. This method is effective for instructing students to use both palpation and ultrasound-based techniques. Utilizing ultrasound equipment and formalin-embalmed cadavers which are readily available in most medical institutions significantly increases trainee confidence, an essential factor in physician performance that may lead to fewer complications. However, participants also became confident in the palpation-based venous access technique, which would prove useful in cases when ultrasound is unavailable or too time-consuming. Introducing this type of hands-on practice to students early in their medical education may provide them the opportunity to administer their first live-patient clinical procedure with increased confidence in their procedural skillsets.
LncRNA HEIH expression in cancer prognosis: A review and meta- analysis
Authors: Wang Xuhua , Chen Zhaoyuan , Zhou Huaqiang , Liu Wuyang , Luo Jiaquan
Published: August 2022

Background: Several studies have shown that HEIH is overexpressed in a variety of cancers and plays a role as an oncogene in cancer. The present meta-analysis aims to elucidate the relationship between HEIH expression and prognosis and clinicopathological features among cancer patients.Materials and methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE database were comprehensively and systematically searched. pooled odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were employed to assess the relationship between HEIH expression and clinical outcomes and clinicopathological features in cancer patients.Results: The present study finally enrolled 11 studies which included 1227 cancer patients. The combined results indicated that HEIH overexpression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (pooled HR=2.03, 95% CI 1.74–2.38, P < 0.00001).Meanwhile, regarding clinicopathology of cancer patients, upregulated HEIH expression was closely related to larger tumor size (OR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.52–4.65, P = 0.0006), advanced tumor T stage (OR = 2.41, 95 % CI: 1.54–3.77, P = 0.0001), advanced TNM stage (OR = 4.76, 95% CI: 2.73–8.29, P < 0.00001), distant metastasis (OR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.75–4.96, P < 0.0001) and lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.05–4.07, P = 0.04), respectively.Conclusions: High expression of HEIH in some cancers predicts shorter overall survival and higher clinical stage as well as larger tumor size. HEIH has great potential to become a prognostic marker for cancer patients.
Challenging Organizational Factors Associated With Admission Delay to the Intensive Care Unit – a Novel Quality Indicator
Authors: Jakobson Daniel J. , Bashkin Osnat , Kalatskaya Viktoria , Veinberg Halel , Chernoguz Evgeny , Nesi Vicky , Levy Chezy , Sherer Yaniv
Published: August 2022

Background:Delays in admitting patients to the ICU can defer the timely initiation of life-sustaining therapies and invasive monitoring, jeopardizing the success of the treatment. The current study aimed to assess the factors related to delays in admission times of critically ill patients transferred to the ICU using a proactive approach to admission process analysis.Methods:A specifically designed software was created to follow up, compare and measure the defined laps of the time to admission, implemented at the ICU for six months. Measurements included five time-lapse, referral department, and work shift at admission. Data of 1004 patients admitted to the ICU between July 2017 to January 2020 were analyzed in a retrospective observational study.Results:A significant shortening of time to admission before and after the intervention done by the institutional Quality Control Commission. The mean time to admission was shortened by 14 minutes, from a mean of 92.4 minutes to 78.6 minutes. Insights about the organizational factors delaying transfer provide meaningful information for future efficacy interventions.Conclusions:The current study shows the positive effect of a protracted follow-up of the complex process divided into several stations, where possible preventable situations can be found and modified.Trial registration:The study was approved by the Ashkelon Academic College Ethics Committee (Approval # 25/1-2020).
Ellman’s Reagent Prevents Dephosphorylation of Histones During Isolation of Mitotic Chromosomes
Authors: Paulson James R. , Mause Erica R. Vander , Dillinger Elizabeth , Luedeman Megan E. , Usman Bakhtawar
Published: August 2022

Histones H1 and H3 are highly phosphorylated in mitotic HeLa cells but are rapidly dephosphorylated by endogenous protein phosphatases during isolation of metaphase chromosomes. We show that this dephosphorylation can be prevented by including the sulfhydryl reagent 5,5’-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoate) (Ellman’s reagent, or DTNB) in the isolation buffer. The minimal amount of DTNB required is approximately stoichiometric with the number of sulfhydryl groups in the lysate. Inhibition of the protein phosphatases can subsequently be reversed by treatment with dithiothreitol or 2-mercaptoethanol. DTNB is compatible with isolation of either metaphase chromosome clusters or individual metaphase chromosomes. It should be useful in investigations of chromatin and chromosome structure and biochemistry and in the study of possible functions for mitotic histone phosphorylation.
GIS application in identifying suitable areas for solar panel installation in Mashhad County of Iran
Authors: Dastorani Mostafa , Shalamzari Masoud Jafari
Published: August 2022

Most areas of the Iran enjoy more than 300 days of good sunshine for photovoltaic energy production and the potential for wind energy production is also immense. In this paper we evaluated the suitability of Mashhad County in Iran for the installation of photovoltaic panels. Mashhad is a mega city with a growing population due to its religious importance and the travelling pilgrims coming to the city to visit the Holy Shrine each year. We evaluated the area based on several factors including including topographic features (slope gradient, slope direction and height), roads and infrastructure, built-up areas, environmentally protected areas, solar photovoltaic output potential, air temperature, land cover and active fault lines. Since most of the area is flat with minor elevations, there is no limitation for energy production. The largest share of the area has slope gradient of less than 15% (3303 km2), this factor also imposes no limitation. In terms of elevation also 42% (4335 km2) of the area below 2000m which is suitable for wind farm construction. There are some 72 active faults in the area. In total, 7.3% of the total area is covered with protected areas accounting for ~ 720 km2 which is not suitable for solar farms. In terms of land cover, 72% of the area is available for constructing solar farms. There is also no limitation in terms of air temperature and potential PV output. The final suitability map was obtained by combining these layers and then divided into five classes. Based on our results, the suitable class had the largest share of the final map. Highly suitable areas comprise 14.1% of the total area. The excluded lands from the analysis due to the limiting factors made up approximately 56% equal to 5811 km2. In total, Mashhad County is considerable potential for solar energy production.
An ancestral western diet causes transgenerational changes in offspring feeding behavior with associated alterations in brain mitochondrial proteome and microRNAs.
Authors: Murashov Alexander , Pak Elena , Mar Jordan , Fisher-Wellman Kelsey , Bhat Krishna , O'Brien Kevin
Published: August 2022

Clustering of obesity in families suggests that cultural inheritance, genetics, and epigenetics work together to affect children's eating habits. Emerging evidence in various species including Drosophila indicates that inter/transgenerational inheritance may play a significant role in programming offspring metabolism and behavior. In the current study, taking advantage of Drosophila physiological simplicity and genetic pliability we explored whether environmental factors, such as ancestral diet, can cause metabolic disturbances and alterations in offspring feeding behavior. Here, we demonstrate that ancestral Western diet increases offspring food consumption with concomitant changes in locomotor activity, triglyceride levels, and mitochondrial density in the brain. Mechanistically, the generational differences were associated with changes in brain proteome and miRNAs. RNAi-based knockdown approach implicated miR-10-3p as a potential factor in transmitting epigenetic information across generations. Together, this study suggests that ancestral nutrition may contribute to the programming of offspring feeding behavior through alterations in miRNAs.
R2R3-MYB transcription factor GEMMA CUP-ASSOCIATED MYB1 mediates the cytokinin signal to achieve proper organ development in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Aki Shiori S. , Morimoto Tomoyo , Ohnishi Taiki , Oda Ayumi , Kato Hirotaka , Ishizaki Kimitsune , Nishihama Ryuichi , Kohchi Takayuki , Umeda Masaaki
Published: August 2022

Cytokinin, a plant hormone, plays essential roles in organ growth and development. The type-B response regulator-mediated cytokinin signaling is repressed by type-A response regulators and is conserved in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Its signal coordinates the development of diverse organs on the thallus body, such as the gemma cup, rhizoid, and air pores. Here we report that the type-B response regulator MpRRB upregulates the expression of the R2R3-MYB transcription factor GEMMA CUP-ASSOCIATED MYB1 (MpGCAM1) in M. polymorpha. Whereas both Mpgcam1 and Mprrb knockout mutants exhibited defects in gemma cup formation, the Mpgcam1 Mprra double mutant, in which cytokinin signaling is activated due to the lack of type-A response regulator, also formed no gemma cups. This suggests that MpGCAM1 functions downstream of cytokinin signaling. Inducible overexpression of MpGCAM1 produced undifferentiated cell clumps on the thalli of both wild-type and Mprrb. However, smaller thalli were formed in Mprrb compared to the wild-type after the cessation of overexpression. These results suggest that cytokinin signaling promotes gemma cup formation and cellular reprogramming through MpGCAM1, while cytokinin signals also participate in activating cell division during thallus development.
Quasi-real-time inversion of significant earthquake rupture process based on Earthquake Early Warning System of China: Applications to the 2017 Mw 6.5 Jiuzhaigou earthquake and the 2022 Mw 6.7 Menyuan earthquake
Authors: Wang Jie-Min , Liang Yuan-Yuan , Wu Zhe , Pu Ju , Ma Pifeng , Wang Fengji , Yin Haitao
Published: August 2022

The significant earthquake rupture process shows the earthquake focal physics, the earthquake generation process and Earth vibration superposition propagation process. Almost all studies of the large earthquakes' rupture process took several days to publish after the origin time. With the growth of Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) systems in China, the parts of the system are already in operation. The earthquake early warning network with dense station distribution gives us a better choice, making it possible to invert the earthquake rupture process in quasi-real-time. The 2017 Jiuzhaigou Mw 6.5 earthquake occurred in Sichuan Province of China and the 2022 Menyuan Mw 6.7 earthquake occurred in Qinghai Province of China. The 2017 Jiuzhaigou earthquake and the 2022 Menyuan earthquake were respectively recorded by hundreds of strong motion instruments, and the waveform data were transmitted back to the data analysis center in real time. With the help of the automatic site selection procedure and the automated preprocessing procedure, the rupture process of earthquakes can be published in 30 minutes after the earthquake origin time.
Detection of Atrial Fibrillation in Real World Setting in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke and an Implantable Loop Recorder
Authors: Kim Seulgi Erica , Khawaja Muzamil , Kim Jitae Alex , Safavi-Naeini Payam , Pickett June , Molina-Razavi Joanna , Saeed Mohammed , Razavi Mehdi , Rasekh Abdi , Chelu Mihail
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are used to screen for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, there is limited real-world data regarding the long-term rate of AF detection using ILR and management consequences in patients with CS. The objective is to assess the rate of AF detection in patients with CS in a real-world study over 36 months of follow-up and its consequences on stroke prevention.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients with an ILR placed for CS at Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center between January 2014 and July 2021. The primary outcome was AF detection in patients with ILR. The secondary outcome was the rate of subsequent strokes after ILR placement in patients with or without diagnosed AF. The AF detection rate in our cohort was compared to the rate in CRYSTAL-AF Trial at 36-month follow-up. The impact of AF detection on clinical management was examined.
Results
We identified 225 patients. 51.1% were women and 38.2% African American. Among 85 patients with ILR labeled AF, 43 patients had true AF, and 42 had incorrectly labeled AF (48.3% false positive). The estimated AF detection rate at 36 months follow-up was 28.6% (95% CI, 26.6%-30.6%). 58.1% of patients with AF were initiated on oral anticoagulation, 80.0% of whom were started on a direct oral anticoagulant. 13.8% of patients had recurrent strokes after ILR implantation; 4 of whom were diagnosed with AF.
Conclusion
Compared to CRYSTAL-AF, the AF detection rate in our cohort is similar, but this cohort includes a higher proportion of female and African American patients. Most patients with recurrent strokes after ILR implant did not have AF during 36 months of monitoring.
Development of an in-house real time q-PCR assay for the detection of jak2 mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Umair Muhammad , Ullah Naeem , Khan Sadiq Noor , Ullah Jamshid , Zareef Adil , Saeed Waqar , Ahmad Nasir , Qayum Saima , Jabbar Abdul , Khan Aamir Ali , Yousafzai Yasar Mehmood
Published: August 2022

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) are rare heterogeneous hematological disorders usually characterized by one or more lineages of myeloid cells in bone marrow and increase number of normal and abnormal cells. Janus kinase 2 valine to phenylalanine (JAK2-V617F) is usually present in Philadelphia-negative MPNs. Pathogenic mutation in JAK2-V617F cause’s valine to phenylalanine substitution in JAK2 gene on exon-14. Different methods such as Allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR), Amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS-PCR), High resolution melting (HRM) analysis and Molecular beacon probe-based RT-PCR are already available to diagnose JAK2-V617F mutation. In current study, we aimed to develop and optimize real-time PCR assay which will be available locally and be feasible, less expensive and less labor extensive. The DNA was extracted from 128 patients and analyzed on our optimized method using newly designed primers and probe. Standards were generated using in-vitro synthesized sequence (Kinco Biological) and Standard curve was obtained. Predicted sensitivity of the method is at least5% for allele burden of the mutation. The total of 128 MPN patients were included in the present study and 54 (42.1%) were JAK2-V617Fpositive according to the optimized protocols. The study concluded that TaqMan Real time PCR is sensitive, efficient and less expensive for the detection of JAK2-V617F mutation.
The faint companion in 56 UMa unmasked as a neutron star
Authors: Escorza Ana , Karinkuzhi Drisya , Jorissen Alain , Eck Sophie Van , Schmelz Joan , Verschuur Gerrit , Boffin Henri , De Rosa Robert , Winckel Hans Van
Published: August 2022

Neutron stars are possible end products of massive star evolution (M ≥ 8 Msun). They are exotic astronomical objects observed with masses between 1.2 and 2.35 Msun and typically emitting at radio and X-ray wavelengths, especially when being young and rapidly rotating. As they age, their rotation slows down, their emission fades, and they become ‘quiet’, unless they are fuelled by mass transfer from a binary companion. Neutron stars not powered by accretion are difficult to detect and, therefore, very rarely observed. Here, we propose that the giant star in 56 UMa has a neutron star companion in a 46-yr orbit. Combining radial-velocity with HIPPARCOS and Gaia astrometric data, we derived its mass to be 1.31 Msun. Our claim is supported by the discovery of a cavity in the HI interstellar gas around the star, providing evidence of a supernova explosion. The heavy-element abundance profile of the giant bears imprints from the s-process and seemingly as well from the r-process of nucleosynthesis, making it the first known star with a combined rs-pattern at solar metallicity. Our finding opens an opportunity to explore evolutionary scenarios that could lead to such a system and to derive properties related to the progenitor of this supernova that exploded ~100 000 years ago only 170 pc away from Earth.
Estrogen antagonizes ASIC1a-induced chondrocyte Mitochondrial stress in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Zai Zhuoyan , Xu Yayun , Qian Xuewen , Li Zihan , Ou Ziyao , Zhang Tao , Wang Longfei , Ling Yian , Peng Xiaoqing , Zhang Yihao , Chen Feihu
Published: August 2022

Destruction of articular cartilage and bone is the main cause of joint dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis. Estrogen has been proven to have a protective effect against articular cartilage damage, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we found that acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) mediates intracellular Ca2+ overload in response to extracellular acidification, which leads to mitochondrial stress in rat chondrocytes. Estrogen antagonizes Ca2+ overload-induced mitochondrial stress by inhibiting the activity of ASIC1a, thereby protecting articular chondrocytes in vivo and in vitro . These findings suggest that extracellular acidification induces mitochondrial stress by activating ASIC1a, leading to the death of rat articular chondrocytes. Estrogen is a beneficial factor that antagonizes acidosis-induced joint damage by inhibiting ASIC1a activity. In summary, our study provides new insights into the protective effect and mechanism of action of estrogen in rheumatoid arthritis.
Transanal down-to-up dissection of the distal rectum as a viable approach to achieve total mesorectal excision in laparoscopic sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer near the anus: a study of short- and long-term outcomes of 127 consecutive patients from a single Japanese institution
Authors: Kagami Satoru , Funahashi Kimihiko , Koda Takamaru , Ushigome Toshimitsu , Kaneko Tomoaki , Suzuki Takayuki , Miura Yasuyuki , Nagashima Yasuo , Yoshida Kimihiko , Kurihara Akiharu
Published: August 2022

Purpose
In laparoscopic sphincter-preserving surgery (lap-SPS) for rectal cancer (RC), total mesorectal excision (TME) in low RC patients is difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of transanal down-to-up dissection of the distal rectum to achieve TME in lap-SPS for RC near the anus.
Methods
A total of 137 consecutive patients with RC near the anus underwent lap-SPS, with either transanal rectal dissection under direct vision (TARD), which mobilized the most difficult portion of TME via the anus, or trans-anal TME (TaTME), which used an endoscopic system, between January 2006 and February 2021.
Results
A total of 127 consecutive patients (87 men), with a median age of 66 years (range: 33–86 years), were included. TARD and TaTME were performed in 51 (40.2%) and 76 (59.8%) patients, respectively. Preoperative treatment was performed in 41 (32.3%) patients. Although operative time in the transanal portion in the TaTME group was longer (p < 0.001), total operative time was unaffected. Median blood loss was lower in the TaTME group (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications developed in 56 (44.1%) patients. TME quality was good for almost all the patients and recurrence occurred in 18 patients (14.2%). The five-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates in the 127 patients were 90.4% and 83.2%, respectively.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that a transanal down-to-up dissection of the distal rectum might be a viable approach in lap-SPS for RC near the anus. Further studies are needed to examine the differences between TARD and TaTME.
Synergic combination of calcareous algae and cyanobacteria stimulate metabolic alterations improving plant growth and yield
Authors: Amatussi Juliana Oliveira , Mógor Átila Francisco , Cordeiro Ely Cristina Negrelli , Mógor Gilda , Marques Harielly Marianne Costa , Lara Gabriel Bocchetti
Published: August 2022

The use of natural bioactive sources to promote plant growth and crop yield gains, such as those obtained from algae, are in evidence as a sustainable agriculture practice. In this sense, recently the calcareous alga Lithothamnium sp. had its bioactive plant growth promoting effect related to the presence of high degree of humification humic acid with pronounced auxin-like effects, while the cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina plantensis) has the plant growth promoting effect attributed to a pool of bioactive molecules, such as the free L-amino acids and polyamines. To explore the effect of algae sources combinations as plant biostimulants, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of micronized Lithothamnium (Lm) associated with A. platensis (Ap) dried biomass in onion (Allium cepa) metabolism, growth and yield. For that, adopting an step by step approach three experiments were conducted: (i) foliar application to onion plants grown in pots in greenhouse comparing algae sources alone and combined, (ii) foliar application to onion plants in the field under organic system testing algae sources combinations (first season), and (iii) foliar application in the field comparing doses and frequencies of selected combinations (second season). The association of algae sources promoted growth and biochemical changes, thus pigment contents, total sugars, amino acids and nitrate reductase enzyme activity were improved, increasing the onion yield by two seasons in a nature friendly way.
Comparison of ALC, LMR and IPS in predicting Prognosis in Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Khalil Hasan , Hussein Firas , Samra Suzan
Published: August 2022

Background
Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly treatable malignancy. However, there are many patients who relapse or are refractory to treatment. This explains the amount of studies and attention focused on determining prognosis and predicting the response to the treatment. This study aims to compare between absolute lymphocyte count, lymphocyte/monocyte ratio and international prognostic score in terms of their effectiveness in predicting prognosis of HL in the modern era.
Methods
A prospective cohort study of 84 patients with HL was carried out. Complete blood count and serum Albumin assay were performed at the time of diagnosis and before treatment given. The end points were Response to treatment, Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS).
Results
There was a difference in terms of therapeutic response between patients with LMR < 2.9 and LMR ≥ 2.9 when studying the entire patients. When examining the advanced disease group, a difference was found between patients with IPS < 3 and IPS ≥ 3 in terms of their response to treatment. There was a difference in progression-free survival between the high and low LMR group when studying the early disease group and the whole sample. By studying the entire cohort, we found a difference in overall survival between the two groups: LMR < 2.9 and LMR ≥ 2.9.
Conclusions
LMR has efficacy in predicting therapeutic response, 18-month PFS and 18-month OS in the state of the entire cohort. IPS can be used as an effective predictor of therapeutic response in advanced disease.
Andrographolide Protects Against Doxorubicin- and Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Toxicity in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Safaeian Leila , Shafiee Fatemeh , Haghighatnazar Samira
Published: August 2022

Background: Andrographolide (AG) is a lactone diterpene with valuable biological activities. This in vitro study evaluated whether AG can protect cardiomyocytes under toxicities triggered with anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents, doxorubicin (DOX) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). Methods and results: H9C2 cells were pretreated with AG (0.5-10 µM) for 24 h and then exposed to DOX (1 μM) or ATO (35 μM) for another 24 h period. For determination of cell viability or cytotoxicity, MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were used. Total oxidant and antioxidant capacities were estimated by determining hydroperoxides and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels. Real time-polymerase chain reaction was also used for quantitative evaluation of TLR4 gene expression. AG inhibited cardiomyocytes proliferation at the concentrations of more than 20 μM. However, it considerably enhanced cell viability and decreased cytotoxicity of DOX and ATO at the concentration range of 2.5-10 μM in MTT and LDH assays. AG significantly declined hydroperoxides concentration in ATO-treated cardiomyocytes and raised FRAP value in DOX- and ATO-treated cells. Furthermore, AG notably lessened TLR4 expression in H9C2 cells after exposure to DOX- and ATO. Conclusion: In conclusion, these data presented that AG was able to reverse DOX- and ATO-induced cardiotoxicity in vitro. The cardiomyocyte protective activities of AG may be due to the decrease in TLR4 expression and total oxidant capacity and increase in total antioxidant capacity.
A deep Second generation Wavelet Autoencoders based Curvelet Pooling to Brain Classification Pathology
Authors: TAKROUNI WIEM , Douik Ali
Published: August 2022

Neurological disorders represent the anomalies relevant to the human nervous system. They also contain biochemical, anatomical or electrical modifications in the central nervous system, the spinal cord or the brain. These disorders provoke different symptoms. Early diagnosis of such changes is necessary for treatment, with the aim of limiting disease progression. An accurate and CAD system is introduced in this paper to classify brain MRI, which overcomes crucial problems in pattern classification, such as extracting certain features in the training phase. Our contribution is to merge second-generation wavelet (SGW) networks and deep learning architectures, hence suggesting novel supervised feature extraction approaches for pattern classification. Our novel architecture allows classifying the dataset classes by reconstructing a deep stacked second-generation wavelet autoencoder. Combining curvelet pooling (CP) with the Adam gradient calculation method can enhance the accuracy of the autoencoder. We build CP with Adam in this work utilizing both a Haar curvelet (CurvPool-AH) and a Shannon Curvelet (CurvPool-AS). This network can be attained following many SGW autoencoders ending up with one Softmax classifier at the final layer. We also find CurvPool carried out fairly well on all datasets. However, overfitting is a problem with all the approaches we consider. CP, particularly when merged with an adaptive gradient and curvelets chosen specifically for the data, has the potential to surpass the present methods. Our architecture is tested with various image datasets. These latter can be as follows: DS-66, DS-90, DS-160, and DS-255. Based on 5×5 cross-validation, our suggested approach can outperform the state-of-the-art methods as regards the classification accuracy.
Sub-10 fJ/bit Radiation-hard Nanoelectromechanical Non-volatile Memory
Authors: Lee Yong-Bok , Kang Min-Ho , Choi Pan-Kyu , Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Tae-Su ,   So-Young Lee1 Lee, Yoon Jun-Bo
Published: August 2022

With the exponential growth of the semiconductor industry, radiation-hardness has become an indispensable property of memory devices. However, implementation of radiation-hardened semiconductor memory devices inevitably requires various radiation-hardening technologies from the layout level to the system level, and such technologies incur a significant energy overhead. Thus, there is a growing demand for emerging memory devices that are energy-efficient and intrinsically radiation-hard. Here, we report a nanoelectromechanical non-volatile memory (NEM-NVM) with an ultra-low energy consumption and radiation-hardness. To achieve an ultra-low operating energy of less than 10 fJ/bit, we introduce an out-of-plane electrode configuration and electrothermal erase operation. These approaches enable the NEM-NVM to operate with an ultra-low energy consumption of 2.83 fJ/bit. Furthermore, due to its mechanically operating mechanisms and radiation-robust structural material, the NEM-NVM retains its superb characteristics without radiation-induced degradation such as increased leakage current, threshold voltage shift, and unintended bit-flip even after 1 Mrad irradiation.
On the role of wave climate temporal variability in bias correction of wave climate projections
Authors: Loarca Andrea Lira , Berg Peter , Baquerizo Asuncion , Besio Giovanni
Published: August 2022

This work presents the performance analysis of a multi-model ensembleof wave climate projections in the Mediterranean Sea against hindcastdata. The wave projections were developed with the numerical modelWavewatch III forced by surface wind fields of 17 EURO-CORDEXGCM-RCMs providing time series of the main wave parameters on a 3-hour and 10-km resolution. The performance of the wave GCM-RCMsimulations during the baseline period (1979 − 2005) was assessed bymeans of the deterministic metrics RM SE and Bias. Different biascorrection methodologies were analyzed by means of the application ofthe widespread Empirical Quantile Mapping method considering differ-ent temporal periods of significant wave height in order to analyze theability of the bias-correcting methods to capture the different wave cli-mate temporal scales ranging from storm events, monthly, seasonal andinterannual variability. The results show that the use of the EQM methodfor the full time series without taking into account other timescales,can lead to increased biases in some regions and seasons and that theuse of time-dependent bias-correction techniques leads to an improved accurate characterization of biases considering the interannual tempo-ral variability of significant wave height. More specifically the use of theEQM method for monthly data provides a good performance in capturingthe correlation and interannual temporal variability of wave climate.
Wide-field swept-source OCTA in the assessment of retinal microvasculature in early stage diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Wang Xiang-ning , Cai Xuan , Li Shi-wei , Li Tingting , Long Da , Wu Qiang
Published: August 2022

Background: To perform a quantitative analysis of retinal microvasculature in patients with early stage diabetic retinopathy (DR) using wide-field swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA).Methods: 119 eyes of 119 patents (67 eyes with no DR and 52 eyes with mild-moderate NPDR) were enrolled in this observational and cross-sectional cohort study, and an age-matched group consisting of 39 eyes of 39 non-diabetic subjects were set as the control. Each participant underwent a full ophthalmic examination, including wide-field SS-OCTA imaging. On OCTA scans (12mm * 12mm), the mean perfusion area (PA) and vessel density (VD) were independently measured in all 16 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) sectors. Linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the influences of PA.Results: In the central ring, there were no significant differences in the average PA and VD among the groups. In the 3 mm radius, the PA and VD of the no DR and mild-moderate NPDR were significant decreased compared with the control group in superior and inferior quadrants. In the wide-field scans (9 and 12mm radius), there was no significant difference in average PA and VD between the groups in each sectors (p>0.05). Regression analysis found that the effect of VD on PA was statistically different (p<0.001).Conclusion: Wide-field SS-OCTA allows for a more thorough assessment of retinal changes in patients with early-stage DR. Decrease in PA and VD was greater in the S3 and I3 sectors, and reductions in PA and VD were uneven in wide-filed sectors (9 and 12mm radius).
Performance Evaluation of Opportunistic Schedulers based on Fairness and Throughput in New Generation Mobile Networks
Authors: Ouwais Kabaou Mohamed , Nesrine Zoghlami , Hassen Hamouda , Fatma Baabou
Published: August 2022

This paper is focused on the study of the allocation of radio resources using the scheduling and opportunistic techniques. This allows us to compare the quality of service afforded to each user when the types of traffic transmitted are highly heterogeneous and efficiently evaluate the performance of resource allocation algorithms and schedulers. Many scheduling algorithms are used for resource allocation and scheduling: Round Robin, MaxSNR and PF. The main objective of this research work is to analyze and develop the main performances relating to schedulers deployed by telecommunication operators. It should be noted that scheduling is a pri-modridial phase preceding the phase of allocation and allocation of radio resources in a mobile radio telecommunications system. We will focus in this paper on the major advantages and the contribution of opportunistic 1 Springer Nature 2021 L A T E X template M. Ouwais KABAOU et al. scheduling techniques in conjunction with classical approaches. This will further enable us to present recommendations allowing a notable gain in terms of resources for telecommunication operators for evaluation and improvement performances based on throughput and fairness.
Cyber-bullying among Sri Lankan children: Socio-demographic profile, psychosocial behavior pattern and impact of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vadysinghe Amal Nishantha , Perera Isuru , Wickramasinghe Chathula , Darshika Sachinthani , Ekanayake Kasun Bandara , Thilakarathne Isuruni , Jayasooriya Dasun , Wijesiriwardena Yomal
Published: August 2022

Cyber-bullying is a global issue in the current era. The main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and determinants of cyber-bully victimization and to analyze the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. A self-reported questionnaire collected data from students aged 14–17 years in Sri Lanka in September 2020. Prevalence of any form of bullying in the cohort of 970 subjects was 4.3%, with 3.5% being subjected to cyber-bullying. While females (57.1%) were more frequently victimized than males, the main perpetrators were males (61.9%). Victims experienced bullying mainly through embarrassing or abusive media circulated via social media and majority was cyber-bullied outside school hours. Although the majority was in the opinion that incidents of cyber-bullying should be reported to adults, most of them divulged only to their friends. Despite the increase in online activity during COVID-19 pandemic, only 10.7% believed that there is a rise in cyber-bullying during this period.
Venomics of the scorpion Tityus ocelote (Scorpiones, Buthidae): Understanding venom evolution in the subgenus Archaeotityus
Authors: Díaz Cecilia , Chang-Castillo Arturo , Lomonte Bruno , Bonilla Fabián , Víquez Carlos , Alfaro-Chinchilla Adriana , Triana Felipe , Sasa Mahmood
Published: August 2022

The subgenusTityus (Archaeotityus)includes small variegated species considered until recently, a basal group withinTityus, one of the most diverse and medically relevant genera of scorpions in the New World.Archaeotityusspecies are distributed in the humid forests of Lower Central America and the Choco, Guiana Shield, and Amazon regions. Due to their size and habits,Archaeotityusspecies are not usually considered dangerous, however, there are some clinical reports that show otherwise. To contribute to the toxinological knowledge of these poorly explored species, we characterized the venom ofTityus ocelotefrom three localities in Costa Rica. In addition, we assessed the evolutionary relationships of putative sodium channel modulating peptides found in this species with those reported for other members of the genus, through a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis based on their amino acid sequences. We observed the presence of homologs of previously identified NaTx from the speciesT. (Archaeotityus) clathratusand some other putative Na + and K + channel modulating peptides related to theT. bahiensisgroup. In addition, we sequenced some peptides related to toxins present in the venom of the subgenusAtreus, such as those reportedT. obscurus, T. pachyurus, and the Costa Rican endemic speciesT. dedoslargos. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that the venom of thisArchaeotityusspecies is very complex and that some of the ion channel toxins expressed in it are related to distinct lineages within the genusTityus, which could represent a plesiomorphic condition conserved in this group of scorpions of the New World.
Early initiation of antiviral therapy improves cure of chronic hepatitis B in immune tolerant children: a real-world study
Authors: Li Jing , Fan Peiyao , Xu Zhiqiang , Dong Yi , Wang Fuchuan , Hong Weiguo , Zhao Jinfang , Gao Yinjie , Yan Jianguo , Cao Lili , Zhang Chao , Zhu Shishu , Zhong Yanwei , Wang Fu-sheng , Zhang Min
Published: August 2022

Background
There has been a lack of reliable data to support that antiviral treatment can cure the immune tolerant (IT) children with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Therefore, this real-world observation study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IT children with CHB on early initiation of antiviral treatment.
Methods
This study enrolled 48 patients with CHB who were divided into treated group (n = 32) and untreated group (n = 16), all of them completed a 36-month follow-up check. Patients in treated group received either interferon-α (IFN-α) monotherapy or IFN-α add-on NAs, or IFN-α combined with NAs therapy.
Results
There were 18 cured cases (56.25%) and 14 uncured cases (43.75%) according to the criterion of HBsAg loss at the end of 36 months on antiviral treatment. Simultaneously, there was a rapid dynamic reduction in viral load and almost complete viral suppression in the cured IT cases at the end of month 6 from baseline compared to uncured cases. Accordingly, the rates of HBeAg or HBsAg loss and seroconversion were significantly higher in cured children than those in uncured cases. Statistical analyses indicated that there was a close correlation of HBsAg loss with younger age and a higher number of peripheral lymphocytes in IT children with antiviral treatment.
Conclusion
Early initiation of antiviral therapy for IT children under 6 years of age may effectively improve the cure of them. In particular, the age of 1–3 years may represent a unique and rare window for optimized response to antiviral treatment among IT children with CHB.