bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Water Productivity and Yield of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) at Melkassa, Centeral Rift Valley, Ethiopia
Authors: Tefera Abera , Mersha Daniel
Published: June 2022

The experiment was conducted at Melkassa Agricultural Research Center during the off-season under a semi-arid climatic condition where moisture stress is higher. The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of deficit irrigation on water productivity and yield of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).The experiment was a split-plot design with three common bean varieties as main plots and four deficit irrigation levels as subplots all of which were replicated three times. Four deficit irrigation levels 100%ETc, 85%ETc, 70%ETc, 55%ETc and three varieties SER-119, Biofortified small seed-5, and Awash-2 were used for treatment combination. The combined result indicates that there was a significant variation among treatments for yield, above-ground biomass and water productivity. All common bean varieties were significantly affected under deficit irrigation levels. Consequently, the highest yield (3.4 ton/ha) was obtained from irrigating 100%ETc followed by (3.2 ton/ha) with 85%ETc less yield reduction. In contrast, the intermediate (2.8 ton/ha) and smallest yield (2.4 ton/ha) was obtained from irrigating 70 ETc and 55%ETc.Water productivity ranged from (0.83 kg/m3) at full irrigation to (1.33 kg/m3) at higher deficit irrigation. In a limited water supply situation, the goals were to gain the highest possible yield and higher water productivity. The result of the economic analysis showed that the highest net benefit was obtained from irrigating the full 100%ETc of the three common bean varieties. In a semi-arid area, the available water is a limiting factor for crop production. So irrigating common beans with moderate deficit irrigation practices can shows an important solution for water-saving and common bean production. In this study irrigating common bean varieties from 70%ETc to 85% ETc are recommended because they gave nearly similar grain yields to that of 100%ETc. If the availability of water is the most scarce resource application of 55% ETc is also possible since the marginal rate of return is greater than 50%.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Medical Residents: A Multi-center Cross-sectional Study
Authors: E Shaolong , Ying Tianshu , Liu Dongmei , Bai Song , Liu Xiuping , Su Hui
Published: June 2022

Introduction and objectives: Although loneliness and social isolation are growing public health concerns, there is little knowledge of the experience of medical residents who are usually young adults. We aimed to explore the prevalence and associated risk factors of loneliness and social isolation in medical residents.Method: A multi-center cross-sectional study that included 1,338 medical residents from eight centers in China was conducted in February 2020. A self-report questionnaire was used to record participants’ demographic characteristics, dietary habits, life-related factors, work-related factors, and psychological outcomes. Loneliness and isolation were measured using the Revised UCLA loneliness scale. Multiple logistic analysis was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.Results: The effective response rate was 87.28% (1,338/1,533). Of the respondents, 24.40% reported loneliness and 44.50% reported social isolation. Three shared independent factors for loneliness and social isolation were identified: sleep quality (OR = 1.189; OR = 1.197; P < 0.001 for both), marital status (married vs. single, OR = 0.565, P = 0.007; OR = 0.486, P = 0.022) and perceived organization support (OR = 0.966; OR = 0.970, P < 0.001 for both).Conclusions: There is considerable prevalence of loneliness and social isolation among medical residents in China. Poor sleep quality, singlehood, and the absence of organizational support are shared risk factors for both loneliness and social isolation. Policymakers are encouraged to develop comprehensive strategies for preventing loneliness and social isolation.
Effect of heat generation on heat and mass transfer over a radially stretching surface embedded in porous medium with chemical reaction and activation energy
Authors: Elbashbeshy Elsayed M. A. , Asker Hamada Galal , Emam Tarek G.
Published: June 2022

The effect of heat generation on heat and mass transfer over a radially stretching surface embedded in a porous medium with chemical reaction and activation energy are numerically discussed. The governing boundary layer equations are formulated and transformed into ordinary differential equations using a suitable similarity transformation. The resulting ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by applying the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method with the shooting technique. The influence of the different parameters on the velocity, temperature, and concentration are discussed and analyzed. The skin friction coefficient, the Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are also computed and investigated for different embedded parameters in the problem statements.
Transcriptomic profiling reveals an enhancer RNA signature for recurrence prediction in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sahu Divya , Lin Chen-Ching , Goel Ajay
Published: June 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most fatal malignancies worldwide, and this is in part due to high rates of tumor recurrence in these patients. Currently, TNM staging remains the gold standard for predicting prognosis and recurrence in CRC patients; however, this approach is inadequate for the identification of high-risk patients who have the highest likelihood of disease recurrence. Recent evidence has revealed that enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) represent a higher level of cellular regulation and their expression is frequently dysregulated in several cancers including CRC. However, the clinical significance of eRNAs as recurrence predictor biomarkers in CRC remains unexplored, which was the primary aim of this study.
Results
We performed a systematic analysis of eRNA expression profiles in colon cancer (CC) and rectal cancer (RC) patients, from the TCGA dataset. By using rigorous biomarker discovery approaches, by splitting the entire dataset into a training and the testing cohort, we identified a 22-eRNA panel in CC, and a 19-eRNA panel in RC for predicting tumor recurrence. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that biomarker panels robustly stratified low and high-risk CC (P = 7.29e-05) and RC (P = 6.81e-03) patients with recurrence. Multivariate and LASSO Cox regression models indicated that both biomarker panels were independent predictors of recurrence, and significantly superior to TNM staging in CC (HR = 11.89, P = 9.54e-04) and RC (HR = 3.91, P = 3.52e-02). Importantly, the ROC curves demonstrated that both panels exhibited excellent recurrence prediction accuracy in CC (AUC = 0.833; 95% CI: 0.74–0.93) and RC (AUC = 0.834; 95% CI: 0.72–0.92) patients. Subsequently, a combination signature which included the eRNA panels along with TNM staging achieved an even greater predictive accuracy in patients with CC (AUC = 0.85).
Conclusion
Herein, we report a novel eRNA signature for predicting recurrence in patients with CRC. Further experimental validation in independent clinical cohorts, these biomarkers have the potential to improve current risk stratification approaches for guiding precision oncology treatments in patients suffering from this lethal malignancy.
Effect of acid pre-treatment on the anaerobic co-digestion of physicochemical sludge, poultry manure and sugarcane wastes (SCW) for biogas production
Authors: Nava-Valente Noemi , Aguilar-Hernández Eduardo , Alvarado-Lassman Alejandro , Contreras Juan Manuel Méndez
Published: June 2022

In Mexico, productive activities related to poultry farming and the sugarcane industry generate large amounts of three byproducts: physicochemical residual sludge, poultry manure, and sugarcane wastes, which have high concentrations of organic matter and lignocellulosic material. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of acid pre-treatment, with different doses of acetic acid (2%, 3%, and 4% v.v− 1) and exposure times of 30, 60, and 90 min on the solubilization of organic matter and biogas production in the anaerobic co-digestion of a mixture of agroindustrial wastes (residual sludge, chicken manure, and sugarcane wastes). The biodegradability and biogas production were evaluated by anaerobic digestion for 30 days. Finally, for 90 days semi-continuously, the increase in applied organic load of 1 kg VS m− 3 d− 1 was considered with Δ1 kg VS m− 3 d− 1 every 30 days until reaching 3 kg m− 3 d− 1. Acid pre-treatment with a dose of 4% acetic acid and an exposure time of 90 min improved the solubility and hydrolysis, considered the limiting stage of the anaerobic process, reducing the hydraulic retention time from 19 to 11 d, and increasing biogas yields (Ybio=609 ± 11.7 to 1857.2 ± 7.5 Lbio gVSrem−1) and methane (YCH4 = 426.9 ± 8.19 to 1392.9 ± 5.65 LCH4 gVSrem−1).
Development of doped ZnO-based biomimicking and tumor targeted nanotheranostics to improve pancreatic cancer treatment
Authors: Barui Sugata , Percivalle Nicolò Maria , Conte Marzia , Dumontel Bianca , Racca Luisa , Carofiglio Marco , Cauda Valentina
Published: June 2022

Despite different nanomaterials were developed so far against cancer, their potential drawbacks are still scarcely considered. The off-target delivery of a therapeutic compound, as well as the non-specific uptake of these nanomaterials by healthy tissues or organs, and their potential immunogenicity are some of the major issues that still have to be faced prior to a successful clinical translation. This work aims to develop an innovative theranostic, biocompatible, and drug-loaded nanoconstruct based on Gadolinium-doped Zinc Oxide nanocrystals (Gd-ZnO NCs), focusing on one of the most lethal diseases, i.e. pancreatic cancer. The use of ZnO is motivated by the huge potential of this nanomaterial already demonstrated for in vitro and in vivo applications, while the Gadolinium doping confers magnetic properties useful for diagnostics. Furthermore, an innovative biomimetic shell is here used to coat the NCs: it is composed of a lipid bilayer made from extracellular vesicles (EVs) combined with other synthetic lipids and a peptide targeting the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. To complete the nanoconstruct therapeutic function, Gemcitabine, a first line drug for pancreatic cancer treatment, was adsorbed on the Gd-doped NCs prior to the coating with the above-mentioned lipidic shell. The aim of this work is thus to strongly enhance the therapeutic capability of the final nanoconstruct, providing it with high biocompatibility, colloidal stability in biological media, efficient cargo loading and release properties, as well as active targeting for site selective drug delivery. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the Gd-doped ZnO core can in future allow efficient in-situ bioimaging capabilities based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging technique.The obtained nanoconstructs were tested on two different pancreatic cancer cell lines, i.e. BxPC-3 and the metastatic AsPC-1, proving high cell internalization levels, mediated by the targeting peptide exposed on the nanoconstruct. Cellular cytotoxicity assay performed on both cell lines dictated ~20% increased cell killing efficacy of Gemcitabine when delivered through the nanoconstruct rather than as a free drug. Taken together, our designed theranostic nanoconstruct can have a significant impact on the standard treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization of Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding based on numerical simulation
Authors: Paes Luiz Eduardo dos Santos , Andrade João Rodrigo , Lobato Fran Sérgio , Magalhães Elisan dos Santos , Ponomarov Volodymyr , de Souza Francisco José , Vilarinho Louriel Oliveira
Published: June 2022

In welding processes, many factors contribute in achieving a required quality of the welds. Those factors are numerous and they may interact with each other, affecting response parameters such as welding penetration and the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) size. Some factors are more important while the influence of others is negligible. To find an optimum factor combination in order to maximize penetration and minimize the HAZ is not an easy task. This contribution is aimed to evaluate the influence of welding energy ( E ) versus the influence of current ( I ) and welding speed ( V w ) on the penetration and HAZ volume in the autogenous Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process. For this purpose, phenomenological and empirical models are proposed. The first considers an in-house Finite Volume numerical model, and the second is based on Response Surface Method. A sensitivity analysis of the empirical model using two strategies is also performed. In addition, to determine the best-operating conditions, a multiobjective optimization problem is proposed and solved. The presented empirical models were found to provide good concordance in terms of coefficient of determination and p-value, indicating its significance. Each model (with one or more independent variables) represents detailed information about the physical process and can be used for optimization. The sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the current affects penetration and HAZ volume much stronger than the welding speed does. Physically, this is due to the fact current has linear (arc coupling) and non-linear (Joule effect and pressure gradient) influence, and the welding speed contributes linearly, modulating the heat conduction. Finally, it was demonstrated a compromise between the penetration and the HAZ volume by addressing multiobjective optimization. In this context, point C ( I = 250 A; V W = 24.8 cm/min) of the Pareto curve is the optimal option for operation since it provides a lower relative HAZ volume while maintaining the same penetration and higher productivity (welding speed).
Segregationally stabilised plasmids improve production of commodity chemicals in glucose-limited continuous fermentation.
Authors: Allen James R. , Torres-Acosta Mario A. , Mohan Naresh , Lye Gary J. , Ward John M.
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe production of chemicals via bio-based routes is held back by limited easy-to-use stabilisation systems. A wide range of plasmid stabilisation mechanisms can be found in the literature, however, how these mechanisms effect genetic stability and how host strains still revert to non-productive variants is poorly understood at the single-cell level. This phenomenon can generate difficulties in production-scale bioreactors as different populations of productive and non-productive cells can arise. To understand how to prevent non-productive strains from arising, it is vital to understand strain behaviour at a single-cell level.The persistence of genes located on plasmid vectors is dependent on numerous factors but can be broadly separated into structural stability and segregational stability. While structural stability refers to the capability of a cell to resist genetic mutations that bring about a loss of gene function in a production pathway, segregational stability refers to the capability of a cell to correctly distribute plasmids into daughter cells to maintain copy number. A lack of segregational stability can rapidly generate plasmid-free variants during replication, which compromises productivity.ResultsCitramalate synthase expression was linked in an operon to the expression of a fluorescent reporter to enable rapid screening of the retention of a model chemical synthesis pathway in a continuous fermentation of E. coli. Cells without additional plasmid stabilisation started to lose productivity immediately after entering the continuous phase. Inclusion of a multimer resolution site, cer, enabled a steady-state production period of 58 hours before a drop in productivity was detected. Single-cell fluorescence measurements showed that plasmid-free variants arose rapidly without cer stabilisation and that this was likely due to unequal distribution of plasmid into daughter cells during cell division. The addition of cer increased total chemical yield by more than 50%. ConclusionsThis study shows the potential remains high for plasmids to be used as pathway vectors in industrial bio-based chemicals production, providing they are correctly stabilised. We demonstrate the need for accessible bacterial ‘toolkits’ to enable rapid production of known, stabilised bacterial production strains to enable continuous fermentation at scale for the chemicals industry.
Ten-item Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-10): instrument reduction based on Brazilian patients with lower limb dysfunction
Authors: Gomes Cid André Fidelis de Paula , Guimarães-Almeida Mariana Quixabeira , Pontes-Silva André , Protázio Jhonata Botelho , Apahaza Gabriel Henrique Santin , Souza Cesário Silva , Avila Mariana Arias , Dibai-Filho Almir Vieira
Published: June 2022

Aim
To propose a short version of the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), to compare our short version with the different structures proposed for the LEFS by the specialized literature, and to verify the criterion validity of the best structure of the LEFS identified in our study.
Methods
Questionnaire validation study. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), chi-square/degree of freedom (DF), comparative fit index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), standardized root mean squared residual (SRMR), Akaike information criterion (AIC), and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The method of reducing the number of items of the LEFS considered the modification indices and factor loadings.
Results
We included 140 patients. Body site most affected by pain was the knee (71.4%), and the most common diagnoses were knee osteoarthritis (55%) and anterior knee pain (11.4%). LEFS reduction generated a one-dimensional structure of the LEFS with 10 items (LEFS-10). When compared to other structures, the LEFS-10 presented the best fit indices (chi-square/DF = 1.88, CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.968, RMSEA = 0.079 and SRMR = 0.058) and the lowest values of AIC (3287.063) and BIC (3345.896). LEFS-10 presents a high correlation (rho = 0.911, p < 0.001) with the 20-item LEFS.
Conclusion
LEFS-10 is the proposal for a short version of the instrument with the most adequate internal structure, in addition to being satisfactorily correlated with the longer version of the instrument.
Is it because of climate change? Social-ecological system analysis of wetland protected area in Vietnamese Mekong Delta
Authors: Phan Loan Thi , Chiou Chyi-Rong , Jou Sue-Ching , Yang Ci-Jian
Published: June 2022

Wetland protected areas (WPA) are among the most productive natural environments providing substantial socio-economic benefits to humans as well as habitat for numerous species. However, they are also highly vulnerable in the Anthropocene era due to various factors of population growth, unsustainable productions, climate change, etc. Assessing the land cover change of WPA and its driving force are necessary work for the sustainable development and management of WPA. Here, we investigated vegetation as an indicator for land cover changes in WPA because of its strong interaction with governance system and external related ecosystem of WPA, such as water resources, nutrient cycle, etc. Along with the change of vegetation, we examine how climate change contributes to WPA change and human management. With the complication of research tasks, social-ecological system (SES) approach was applied with three main elements: resource system (vegetation covers); external related ecosystems (climate change) and Governance system (wetland management) and their interactions through Ecological performance (Outcome). We contribute to the lack of temporary SES research in the coverage of External Related Ecosystems in the relation to Resource systems and Governance systems. The selected site is the first Ramsar site of Vietnam Mekong Delta - Tram Chim National Park (TCNP) which is located at the exit of the Mekong River flow into Vietnam's territory. The study used a mixed methodology with the Mann-Kendall rank test, Theil-Sen estimative method, and the Mann-Whitney-Pettit method to analyze trends of climate parameters in from 1978 to 2019. Besides, the wetland vegetation changes were detected by the analysis of Satellite images based on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 2002 to 2020. We also used Public Participation Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) and did desk review of local reports and previous research for local disaster timeline and governance system. The results show that climate in TCNP has a significant change with an increase in both temperature and rainfall in the dry season. However, a decrease of NDVI dynamics and an extension of lowland vegetation community are dominated trends of spatio-temporal change of vegetation. With SES approach, we indicated that climate change is not a main driver but is always perceived as an increased risk for biodiversity conservation of WPA. Consequently, maladaptive actions and regulations from governance system have been implemented, which can threaten to sustainable development of WPA. Therefore, this study contributes a more comprehensive viewpoint to conservation and adaptive management of WPA.
Can we improve prediction of Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment by combining MMSE score and MRI-based imaging data?
Authors: Marcisz Anna , Polanska Joanna
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND
This work aimed to find MRI-based markers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to improve diagnosis.
METHODS
The multinomial logistic regression was used to predict diagnosis status: AD, MCI, and normal control (NC) combined with the Bayesian information criterion for model selection. Several T1-weighted MRI-based radiomic features were considered as explanatory variables in the prediction model.
RESULTS
The best radiomic predictor was the relative brain volume defined as the ratio between the volume of the brain without cerebrospinal fluid and the volume of the whole brain multiplied by 100%. The model was trained on the ADNI dataset and tested on the independent EDSD dataset. The proposed method confirmed its quality by achieving a balanced accuracy of 95.18%, AUC of 93.25%, NPV of 97.93%, and PPV of 90.48% for classifying AD vs NC for the EDSD. The comparison of two models: with the MMSE score only as an independent variable, and corrected for the relative brain value and age, shows that the addition of an MRI-based biomarker improves the quality of MCI detection (AUC: 67.04% vs 71.08%) while maintaining quality for AD (AUC: 93.35% vs 93.25%). Additionally, among MCI patients predicted as AD inconsistently with original diagnosis, 56.25% from ADNI and 54.17% from EDSD were re-diagnosed as AD within a 48-month follow-up. It shows that our model can detect AD patients a few years earlier than a standard medical diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
The created method is non-invasive, inexpensive, clinically accessible, and efficiently supports the AD/MCI diagnosis.
Effects of grazing on plant diversity and productivity in a subtropical forest
Authors: WEI Pujie , Zhao Shuai , Lu Wenxiong , Xu Yaowen , Ni Longkang
Published: June 2022

Background
Controversies exist in the relationship between plant diversity and productivity. One contributing factor to the controversies is that plant productivity is determined by different sets of factors at different scales. On a regional scale, climate, topography, soil and temperature play a major role in productivity. On a local scale, human interference, natural interference or the mechanism of plant regeneration ability after disturbance are the main factors affecting plant productivity.
Methods
To determine the effect of grazing intensity on the relationship between plant diversity and productivity, and comprehensively analyze the impact of livestock grazing on its species composition, ecosystem productivity and soil nutrient cycling. We conducted a livestock grazing category experiment based on the dry weight of livestock manure collected in a subtropical forest in Hubei Province, China.
Results
The results showed that grazing significantly reduced stand density, above-ground biomass (AGB), soil total phosphorus (STP), soil total nitrogen (STN), Shannon-Wiener index and plant productivity, but increased Berger–Parker index. Moreover, grazing altered the relationship between plant diversity index, soil nutrients and plant productivity. In light grazing areas, the general linear model showed that soil organic carbon (SOC), STP, STN and stand density were positively correlated with the Shannon-Wiener index and plant productivity. SOC, STP, STN and stand density were negatively correlated with Berger–Parker index. The Shannon–Wiener index was positively correlated with plant productivity. The Berger–Parker index was negatively correlated with plant productivity. In heavy grazing areas, however, the relationship between SOC, STP, STN, stand density and Shannon–Wiener index and plant productivity was reversed, and the correlation between SOC, STP, STN, stand density and Berger-Parker index also changed from negative to positive.
Conclusions
Our study suggested that heavy grazing altered the relationship between plant diversity and productivity. Therefore, appropriate grazing management could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between subtropical plant diversity and productivity.
Ovine Fetal Adnexa-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells exhibit Stemness and Pluripotency with Distinction in Growth Kinetics and Clonogenic Potential
Authors: Shah Aamir Amin , Sheikh Aasif Ahmad , Hasin Dilruba , Shah Fozia , Aarif Ovais , Shah Riaz Ahmad , Ahmad Sheikh Bilal , Maqbool Showkat , Pampori Z. A.
Published: June 2022

Fetal adnexa derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) offer all in one solution in therapeutics. The present study was designed to isolate, cultivate, characterize and to evaluate the growth kinetics of ovine fetal adnexa-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). The gravid uteri of ewes were collected from a local abattoir. The four cell lines viz. Wharton’s Jelly (oWJ), Cord Blood (oCB), Amniotic Fluid (oAF), and Amniotic Sac (oAS) were isolated and expanded in vitro and characterized for surface markers (CD73, CD90 & CD105) and pluripotency markers (SOX2 & OCT4) at 3rd passage. The growth kinetics of MSCs was investigated at 3rd and 5th passages. Similarly, the colony forming unit (CFU) Assay was performed at 3rd passage. The fetal adnexa derived Ovine MSCs showed the amplification of CD73, CD90 & CD105, whereas, negative marker CD34 was not amplified. Similarly, the MSCs also qualified for the amplification of Pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2). The MSCs in culture showed a typical growth curve with initial lag phase, an exponential phase, a plateau phase and a decline phase. The proliferation potential of MSCs was higher at P5 than P3. The overall growth rate was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in oAF, followed by oCB, oWJ and oAS. The population doubling time (PDT) was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in oAS (87.28 ± 3.24 hr) and least in oAF (39.75 ± 1.09 hr). The MSCs showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in their clonogenic potential. The colony number was highest in oAF (53.67 ± 4.06) and least in oAS (22.0 ± 2.08). The study reveals that in terms of growth kinetics and clonogenic potential, oAF-MSCs were superior which outperformed other MSCs indicating that oAF derived MSCs could be utilized for regenerative medicine.
Characterization of Indigenous Yeasts isolated from some Fruits collected from Fruit Vendors
Authors: Lakew Eshet
Published: June 2022

Background
Yeasts are the best leavening agents that principally break down sugars of the flour into carbon dioxide and ethanol. Therefore, the present study was carried out to characterize the indigenous yeast isolates recovered from fruits. The indigenous yeast isolates were retrieved from fruits following standard methods.
Results
From a total of 88 yeast isolates, three of them were selected on the basis of not producing H2S and their high sugar fermentation abilities. Based on colonial, morphological parameters and biochemical tests, the three yeast isolates were identified as members of the genus Saccharomyces. The optimum growth pH and temperature values for the three selected yeast isolates were recorded as 5 and 30oC, respectively in Yeast Extract Peptone Dextrose medium. The results indicated that 30% (w/v) D-glucose and 5% (w/v) NaCl concentrations supported optimum growth of the isolates in the same medium. In all cases, the maximum biomass was achieved at 96 hrs of incubation but decreased rapidly afterwards.
Conclusion
Therefore, these three non-H2S but sufficient CO2 producers indigenous yeast isolates can be used to bread baking with and serve as a potential leavening agent for the bakery industry and can be used to produce ethanol.
Targeting regulation of VEGF by BPTF in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and its potential clinical significance
Authors: Dai Meng , Chunyu Hua , Mingqin Wang , Li Gao , Ling Jiang , Yuan Liu
Published: June 2022

Purpose
VEGF facilitates the formation of tumor angiogenesis, and bevacizumab targeting VEGF is used in anti-tumor therapy. It’s meaningful to clarify the upstream regulatory mechanism of VEGF. BPTF is important in chromosomal remodeling, and promotes the progression of tumors. However, its promotion of tumor angiogenesis by targeting VEGF has not been reported. This study aims to elucidate the regulation of VEGF by BPTF and its clinical significance in NSCLC.
Methods
1. Reduced the expression of BPTF by transfecting BPTF siRNA and shRNA plasmid in vivo and vitro. Examined the expressions of BPTF, VEGF and CD144 by immunofluorescence and Western Blot. 2. The expressions of BPTF, VEGF, CD144 and CD31 were detected in lung adenocarcinoma samples by immunofluorescence, Western Blot and immunohistochemical. 3. 26 lung adenocarcinoma patients treated by bevacizumab were divided into 2 groups according to the bevacizumab efficacy. BPTF and VEGF expressions were analyzed.
Results
1. BPTF knockdown can inhibit the expression of VEGF and CD144 in vivo and vitro. 2. Compared with para-cancer tissues, BPTF, VEGF, CD144 and CD31 were highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma. 3. In 75 lung adenocarcinoma specimens, BPTF and VEGF overexpression was correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. The five-year survival rate in group of BPTF and VEGF low expression was higher, and BPTF was positively correlated with VEGF. 4. Among 26 patients treated with bevacizumab, the patients with BPTF overexpresstion are more in the sensitive group.
Conclusions
BPTF positively regulates VEGF expression and BPTF predicts a better efficacy of bevacizumab in NSCLC.
Development and usefulness of gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy using a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method
Authors: Ito Hiroe , Nakagawa Junko , Tsutsumi Kiyoaki , Akaeda Tomoyoshi , Sagawa Yasukazu , Isaka Keiichi
Published: June 2022

Background:Laparoscopic myomectomy is more difficult than other laparoscopic surgeries because it requires advanced techniques such as extensive suturing and ligation, traction removal of the fibroids, and removal of the fibroids from the bodyObjective:To evaluate the usefulness of gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy using a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method developed by us.Study Design:In gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy, after lifting the abdominal wall by a subcutaneous abdominal wall lifting method, a 1.5-cm incision is made in the lateral abdomen, Lap Protector® is placed, and a 5-mm trocar is punctured in the fossa of the umbilicus to create a laparoscopic port under the supervision of an endoscope. The surgeon inserts multiple instruments through the Lap Protector and performs the operation, while the assistant operates the laparoscope and uterine manipulator.Results:Gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy was performed in 966 patients. The operative time (mean ± standard deviation) was 156 ± 56 min, blood loss was 157 ± 214 ml, fibroid weight was 174 ± 123 g, number of fibroids removed was 5.0 ± 4.3, and hospital stay was 5.7 ± 5.1 days. The number of complications of this method was remarkably low at 5 out of 966 cases (0.5 %), blood transfusion was 3 out of 966 cases (0.3 %), and there were no cases that were converted to laparotomy. The average number of sutures per case was 21, and the average suture time was 12 seconds, with the posterior wall taking longer to suture than the anterior wall. The average surgical wound size was 1.5 cm.Conclusion:Gasless reduced port laparoscopic myomectomy is a suitable surgical laparoscopic myomectomy because it allows powerful grasping and traction of the fibroid and rapid and reliable suture and ligation, despite having only one port for the procedure. In addition, it is a new laparoscopic myomectomy that is economical due to the reduction of manpower and disposable products.
Bilateral asymmetrical hip dislocation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Mirhoseini Mohammadsajad , Gargari Omid Kohandel
Published: June 2022

Background
Asymmetrical bilateral dislocation of hip is dislocation of both hips in different directions, one hip dislocates anteriorly and the other one dislocates posteriorly. 90 percent of all hip dislocations are unilateral and posterior. Asymmetrical bilateral dislocations are very rare. there is no study comparing asymmetrical bilateral dislocation and unilateral dislocations in detail. AVN (Avascular necrosis) is the most important complication of hip dislocation and the time interval between injury and reduction is crucial to avoid avascular necrosis.
Case presentation:
We are reporting a case of asymmetrical bilateral dislocation of the hip in a 60 years old man after falling from 6 meters height. 4 hours after injury, the patient was transferred to the operation room, and the dislocation was close reduced
Literature review:
A literature review was done to compare sexual distribution, mechanism of dislocation, and associated fractures between patients with asymmetrical bilateral dislocation of hip (n = 103) and unilateral dislocation of hip (n = 105). The results revealed that the female to male ratio is almost the same in both groups, although most patients were male in our population (81%). Traffic accidents are the most common cause of dislocation. Nevertheless, the odds of this mechanism are about 2 times larger in patients with asymmetrical bilateral dislocation (OR = 0.46). Fractures were more common among patients with asymmetrical bilateral dislocation, and the most common associated fractures included: Acetabulum (52.8%), posterior edge (21.3%), femur neck (18.5%), femur head (3.7%), and pelvis (3.7%).
Conclusion
Associated fractures are more common among patients with asymmetrical bilateral hip dislocation so have higher risk for long-term complications.
Spatiotemporal depletion of groundwater level in a drought-prone Rangpur district, northern region of Bangladesh
Authors: Monir Md. Moniruzzaman , Sarker Subaran Chandra , Sarkar Showmitra Kumar , Ahmed Mohd. , Mallick Javed , I Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul
Published: June 2022

Water insufficiency during the pre-monsoon season and rapidly falling underground freshwater levels is a common scenario in the towns and cities of Bangladesh. The objective of the study is to investigate the spatiotemporal depletion of groundwater levels (GWL) in a drought-prone Rangpur district, northern region of Bangladesh. Groundwater observation well data from 1980 to 2019 was used for this purpose. Rainfall, temperature, irrigation, and land use/land cover datasets are used to assess the factors influencing groundwater level depletion. Linear regression, and the least square regression model were used to identify the trend of GWL depletion. Results show that GWL in drought-prone regions is declining rapidly because of the excessive withdrawal of groundwater and land-based reservoirs for irrigation and household needs. The declining GWL is alarming during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons due to some disproportional mismanagement in the study area. Among the rates of decline, the trend in maximum depth has a comparatively higher rate than the others. Findings from the study show that severe withdrawal of groundwater in agriculture, a decreasing amount of annual rainfall, and degradation of climatic factors in the area are all attributed to a lowering trend in groundwater level.
GRWD1 overexpression promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer through the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Ding Huiming , Feng Zhenyou , Hu Kongwang
Published: June 2022

Background
GRWD1 is a multifunctional protein that is overexpressed in various cancer cell lines and is considered as a potential oncogene. However, its role and mechanism in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the expression, biological function and the downstream signaling of GRWD1 in GC.
Methods
Methods: The protein expression of GRWD1 was examined by online data analysis website,IHC and WB. The relationship between GRWD1 expression and various clinical factors in gastric cancer patients was analyzed. To verify whether the expression of GRWD1 affects the postoperative survival time of gastric cancer patients. The effects of GRWD1 on gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion were verified by CCK8, clone formation assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay. The relationship between GRWD1 and NOTCH signaling pathway was verified by WB experiments. The effect of GRWD1 on the proliferation of gastric cancer in vivo was verified by tumorigenic experiments in nude mice.
Results
The expression of GRWD1 in GC tissues was higher than that in normal tissues, and was positively correlated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage, and negatively correlated with differentiation degree and prognosis. The overexpression of GRWD1 can promote gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion by activating NOTCH signaling pathway. The low expression of GRWD1 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells through NOTCH signaling pathway
Conclusion
Our study proves that GRWD1 plays a key role in the occurrence and development of GC. These findings suggest that GRWD1 may be a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
The changes of cytokine levels are involved chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma Patients
Authors: Li Haowu , Cheng Huaidong , Cui Yue , Lin Guohe , Gao Mingzhu , Xuan Han
Published: June 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study was investigating the correlation between cytokine levels and chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients.
Methods
A total of 30 patients with NHL were included in this study. These patients completed cognitive assessment and cytokine levels which including IL-4 and IL-6 before chemotherapy and after 2 courses of chemotherapy.
Results
The subjects' IL-4 was higher before treatment than after treatment (t = 2.85, P < 0.01) and IL-6 was lower before treatment than after treatment (Z= -3.17, P < 0.01). IL-6 has a weak correlation between RM and PM (r = 0.282 and 0.270, respectively, all P < 0.05). There was a moderate correlation between IL-6 and ECog-12 (r = 0.314, P < 0.05), but no statistical association was found between cognition and IL-4. There was a moderate correlation between subjects' cognition (MMSE, VFT, SDMT, CDT, RM) and KPS (r = 0.479,0.378, 0.464, 0.396 and − 0.366, respectively, all P < 0.01).
Conclusion
The cognitive function of NHL patients is impaired in a short time after chemotherapy, which is manifested in visuospatial disturbance, language and memory. IL-4 may be a protective factor of cognitive function, and IL-6 may be a factor of impairment of cognitive function. Management and improvement of cognitive function in NHL will help to improve KPS levels.
Trial registration number(date)
YX2021-011(2021/2/18)
Cultivating Interlanguage Pragmatic Comprehension through Concurrent and Cumulative Group Dynamic Assessment: A Mixed-methods Study
Authors: Rezai Afsheen
Published: June 2022

This study explored the effects of concurrent G-DA and cumulative G-DA on Iranian pre-intermediate EFL learners’ ILP comprehension. To this end, a total of 97 pre-intermediate learners took the key English test (KET) test and 45 learners whose scores fell between − 1 and + 1 SD were selected and assigned randomly into three groups, namely concurrent G-DA (n = 15), cumulative G-DA (n = 15), and immediate feedback (IF) group (n = 15). Then, they went through pre-test, intervention (lasted one hour for fifteen sessions held three times a week), and post-test procedures, as well as the interactions among the teachers and learners were recorded. The data were analyzed through a one-way ANCOVA and a microgenetic development approach. Results revealed that the experimental groups outperformed the control group concerning the gains of the ILP comprehension. Additionally, the complementary microgenetic findings demonstrated how concurrent G-DA and cumulative G-DA approaches could lead to improving the learners’ ILP comprehension.
Comparative Bioavailability Assessment of Four Brands of Ciprofloxacin Tablets Marketed in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Nduka Sunday , Opayemi Opeyemi , Mbachu Nancy
Published: June 2022

Objective of study: This study evaluated the relative bioavailability of four brands of ciprofloxacin (500mg) tablets marketed in Southeast, Nigeria using an in vivo approach. Methods: The bioavailability study was carried out on twelve healthy male rabbits which were given a single dose of ciprofloxacin (500mg) tablet of the reference (R) and three test (A, B, D) products in the fasting state in a balanced incomplete block design. Serial blood samples were collected after dosing at 8 different time intervals for a period of 24 hours. Serum obtained from blood was analysed for ciprofloxacin with microbiology assay while plasma samples were analysed using UV-Vis spectrophotometric analytical method at a wavelength of 272.4 nm. The pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using non-compactmental as implemented in WinNonlin pharmacokinetic program. The 90% confident interval of the log transformed mean values of the test/reference ratios for the pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax), (AUC0-t), ant the (AUC0-∞)were calculated and used to determine the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80 – 125%. Result: The pharmacokinetic parameters from the UV-Vis analytical method showed no statistically significant difference between the reference and the tested brands as the mean Cmax obtained for the reference sample (R) was the highest (275.50 (±3.86) µg/ml) occurring at a tmax of 6.83 (±1.89) h, followed by B (222.17 (±2.11) µg/ml) at 5.08 (±0.98) h, C (202.00 (±0.55) µg/ml) at 3.63 (±1.02) h and A (192.00 (±1.10) µg/ml) at 7.00 (±1.11) h. The value obtained for the 90% CI for log-transformed ration for Cmax is A/R (94.7, 101.6), B/R (87.8, 101.6), C/R (91.2, 99.2) which is within the acceptable range of 80% to 125% as it is for AUC0-t and AUC0-∞also. The obtained outcome for microbiological assay reflected similarities with the UV-Vis assay as the pharmacokinetic parameters are not different statistically and the value obtained for the 90% CI for log-transformed ration for Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞are within the regulatory acceptable range.Conclusion: The four formulations were considered to be bioequivalent as the peak plasma concentration and AUC parameter analysis of variance reflected no significant difference between the innovator brand and the three other brands.
Sulfatase2 affects the polarization of M2 macrophages through the IL-8/JAK2/STAT3 pathway in bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Wentao , Yang Fuhan , Zheng Zongtai , Li Cheng , Mao Shiyu , Wu Yuan , Wang Ruiliang , Zhang Junfeng , Zhang Yue , Wang Hong , Li Wei , Huang Jianhua , Yao Xudong
Published: June 2022

Background: Sulfatase 2 (SULF2) can affect the occurrence and development of cancer by regulating HSPG-binding factors. In bladder cancer(BCa), the mechanism of SULF2 is unknown. Here, we clarify the mechanism that SULF2 affects the secretion of HSPG-binding factors (IL-8) and regulates the polarization of M2 macrophages in the BCa microenvironment.Methods: The RNA sequencing of 90 patients with BCa was analyzed. GSEA analyze the relationship between SULF2 and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis. SULF2 knockdown or overexpression cell lines, flow cytometry, CCK8, Transwell, Edu assay, Western Blot, qPCR, co-culture systems were used to analyze the effects of SULF2 on the biological functions of BCa in vitro. The mouse orthotopic BCa model, flow cytometry and IHC were used to analyze the changes of SULF2 on the tumor microenvironment of BCa in vivo.Results: RNA sequencing data analysis showed that the expression of SULF2 is closely related to the prognosis. Knockdown or overexpression of SULF2 revealed that it promotes tumor proliferation and invasion through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, SULF2 affected the polarization of macrophages by using the mouse orthotopic BCa and flow cytometric analysis,. Mechanism studies clarify that SULF2 promotes the release of HSPG-binding factors--IL-8 to the microenvironment through β-catenin. Meanwhile, IL-8 activated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway of macrophages to promote the expression of CD163 and CD206, thereby regulating the polarization of macrophages to M2 macrophages.Conclusions: These data indicate that SULF2 plays an important role in regulating the microenvironment of BCa. SULF2 promotes the polarization of macrophages to M2 by secreting IL-8, which further deepens the malignant progression of BCa.
Microsatellites for the at-risk Mottled Duskywing butterfly, Erynnis martialis
Authors: Kroeze Shayla L. , Brewster Adrienne , Linton Jessica E. , Norris D. Ryan , Otis Gard W. , Young Yvonne , Keyghobadi Nusha
Published: June 2022

We describe 24 microsatellite loci for an at-risk North American butterfly, the Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis). Forty-one perfect tetra and di-nucleotide loci were originally identified using Illumina sequencing and were refined to 24 variable and cleanly amplifiable loci, which we attempted to characterized in 34 individuals from a single population. We detected 2 to 10 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.06 to 0.76, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.06 to 0.79. We also describe conditions by which 18 microsatellites can be multiplexed in five separate reactions. These microsatellites will be used to investigate population differentiation and diversity of Mottled Duskywing, to inform reintroduction and conservation protocols for the species in Ontario, Canada where it is listed as endangered.