bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change shifts the habitat suitability of range-restricted bird species (Catreus wallichii) in the Himalayan ecosystem: evidence from the Indian Himalayan Ecosystem
Authors: Singh Hukum , Kumar Narendra , Singh Ranjeet , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2022

Climate change affects ecosystems' functioning and composition by changing living organisms' habitats under adverse climate conditions. India's Himalayan ecosystem (IHE) is more sensitive and vulnerable to climate change. Changes in the habitats of range-restricted and vulnerable avifauna of IHE under climate change are not well understood. In the present study, we used ensemble species distribution modeling to delineate the climate-driven habitat shift of cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii) under the projected climate change scenario (representative concentrations pathways, RCPs) viz RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0, and RCP 8.5 by 2050 and 2070. We reported an increment in climatically suitable habitats, shifting towards higher altitudes, reflecting that higher altitudes would be the more favorable/suitable habitat in changing climate conditions. The model predicted an area of habitat as very highly suitable (4.24 km2) followed by highly suitable (50.35 km2), moderately suitable (109.29 km2), low suitable (91.03 km2), and rarely suitable (88.89 km2) in the current scenario. Projected enhancement of suitable habitat was 88.36 km2 and 80.75 km2 under RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0 and reduced (12.05 km2) in RCP 8.5 along with no change (approx. 2805.23 to 2810.60 km2) in RCP 4.5 and RCP 6.0, respectively by 2050. By 2070, the expanded suitable habitat was 93.52.36 km2, 163.01 km2, and 133.33 km2 with a reduction of 12.87 km2, 14.14 km2, and 10.01 km2 with no change of approx. 2799.69 km2, 2728.91 km2, and 2762.68 km2 in RCP 4.5, RCP 6.0, and RCP 8.5, respectively by 2070. Based on the analysis, we inferred that the species' climatically suitable habitat would disintegrate in the future climate change. Further, the mean diurnal temperature range was identified as a critical driver, followed by isothermally and precipitation which drove the species to shift towards suitable habitats, i.e., higher altitudes. This study helps policymakers formulate effective conservation plans for protecting Himalayan range-restricted bird species at the pace of climate change.
Tracking the spatio-temporal distribution and regional differences of carbon footprint in grid scale of China's construction industry
Authors: Guo Xiaomin , Chuai Xiaowei
Published: September 2022

China is undergoing rapidly urbanization process, enlarging the continuous optimization of infrastructure and increasing relevant construction activities sharply, releasing abundant carbon emissions (CEs) subsequently. Understanding the spatial-temporal patterns and changing characteristics is thus a fundamental prerequisite to assess and sustain energy saving and CEs reduction of construction industry (CI) level. Previous studies on carbon emission (CE) of CI however, are often limited to the quantitative level, provincial or local administrative unit scales, lacking relevant studies at the spatial raster resolution scale, due to data gaps. Here, using the energy consumption, social economic data and a series of remote sensing data from EU EDGAR, this study explored the spatial-temporal distribution and changing characteristics of CEs from CI in typical years of 2007, 2010, and 2012. This study found, from 2007 to 2010, then 2012, in addition to subtle differences, the direct, indirect, and total CEs of CI all showed an increasing trend overall. All provincial units except Tianjin and Guangdong, indirect CEs took up more than 50% of the total CEs, which can clearly indicate the “dominant low carbon, recessive high carbon” characteristics of CI. The direct, indirect, and total CEs of the CI in 2007, 2010, and 2012, all showed a positive spatial clustering. Specifically, hot spots were mainly distributed in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and cold spots were mainly focused in the west and northeast of China, presenting a similar distribution pattern with population-economy characteristics.
Dynamics of a nonlinear vibration reduction system with time delay feedback control
Authors: Mao Xiaochen , Ding Weijie
Published: September 2022

This paper reveals the dynamical properties of a nonlinear vibration reduction system with time delay feedback control and quasi-zero stiffness structure. The stable and unstable regions of the trivial solution of the system in the parameter plane of time delay and feedback gain are given. The amplitude-frequency responses and force transmissibility of the system under harmonic excitation are determined. The optimized parameters are obtained by using genetic algorithm. The complicated oscillations are explored, such as chaotic motions and multi-periodic orbits. Afterwards, the displacement and the energy of the primary structure and the force transmitted to the base are discussed under the shock excitation and random excitation respectively. The influences of time delay on the dynamical behaviors and reduction performance are shown.
Spin-dependent resonant Andreev tunneling in hybrid ferromagnetic metal - magnetic quantum dot - superconductor nanostructures
Authors: Koshina Elena , Krivoruchko Vladimir N.
Published: September 2022

There exists a variety of theoretical proposals to transform states induced by magnetic nanoparticles inside a superconducting gap into Majorana fermion states. The main challenge in this route is a conclusive proof and undoubted distinguishing between topologically trivial subgap Andreev bound states and topologically nontrivial magnetically polarized Majorana bound states. This motivated us to investigate a nonequilibrium electrons tunneling through a ferromagnetic normal metal - magnetic quantum dot - s-wave superconductor (F-mQD-SC) nanostructure where the mQD’s discrete levels are spin splitted. By using the Keldysh Green’s function method, the expressions for a tunnel current and probability of the Andreev reflection (AR) versus energy are derived and studied. We find that the system’s resonant ARs conductance exhibits different kinds of peaks depending on a spin splitting of the mQD levels, the spin polarization magnitude of the F-lead current, the gate voltage, and an external magnetic field magnitude. The nanostructure’s conductance versus a bias voltage exhibits extra peaks which at some combination of its parameters can mimic ones expected for Majorana modes in a topological superconducting state. The distinguishing transport characteristics of a F-mQD-SC nanoscale structure being in non-topological state are discussed. We suggest the results obtained can provide helpful clarification for understanding recent experiments in superconductor - ferromagnet hybrid nanostructures with topologically protected excitations.
Real-world data in primary care: validation of diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in primary care electronic medical records and estimated prevalence
Authors: de Burgos-Lunar C , Cura-González I del , Cárdenas-Valladolid J , Gómez-Campelo P , Abánades-Herranz JC , de-Andrés A López , Sotos-Prieto M , Iriarte-Campo V , Salinero-Fort MA
Published: September 2022

Background:
Primary care electronic medical records contain clinical-administrative information on a high percentage of the population. Before this information can be used for epidemiological purposes, its quality must be verified.
This study aims to validate diagnoses of atrial fibrillation (AF) recorded in primary care electronic medical records and to estimate the prevalence of AF in the general adult population.
Methods:
We performed a cross-sectional validation study of all diagnoses of AF recorded in primary care electronic medical records in Madrid (Spain).
We also performed simple random sampling of diagnoses of AF (ICPC-2 code K78) registered by 55 physicians and random age- and sex-matched sampling of the records that included a diagnosis of AF. Electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and hospital discharge or cardiology clinic reports were matched.
Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), and overall agreement were calculated using the kappa statistic (κ). The prevalence of AF in the community of Madrid was estimated considering the sensitivity and specificity obtained in the validation. All calculations were performed overall and by sex and age groups.
Results:
The degree of agreement was very high (κ = 0.952), with a sensitivity of 97.84%, specificity of 97.39%, PPV of 97.37%, and NPV of 97.85%.
The prevalence of AF in the population aged over 18 years was 2.41% (95%CI 2.39%-2.42% [2.25% in women and 2.58% in men]). This increased progressively with age, reaching 16.95% in those over 80 years of age (15.5% in women and 19.44% in men).
Conclusions:
The validation results obtained enable diagnosis of AF recorded in primary care to be used as a tool for epidemiological studies.
A high prevalence of AF was found, especially in older patients.
The Blockchain Revolution and the Volatility of Stock market in Iran During the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Masoomzadeh Sara , haghighat jafar , Salmani Behzad
Published: September 2022

Determining the factors affecting the volatilityand risk of the stock market by expanding the pricing models of capital assets has been the focus of researchers. One of the variables that have a close relationship with financial markets is blockchain technology. Blockchain is a new technology in the field of secure computing. This technology can revolutionize the digital world and by using the features of distributed ledger for every online transaction, it can execute transactions in such a way that the assets can be identified in the future without endangering the privacy, and security of the assets and the involved parties in the transaction. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of blockchain technology on total and systematic risk volatility in 84 selected companies in the stock market of Iran from April 2011 to August 2021 using the System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM). The results of the study show that market share, blockchain technology, research and development, and COVID-19 have a negative effect on systematic risk, manufacturing companies have a positive effect on systematic risk, also market share, research and development, and COVID-19 have a negative effect on total risk, and blockchain technology and manufacturing companies have a positive effect on the total market risk.
Association Between RBC Folate and Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection among Women
Authors: Liao Wan-Zhe , Zhou Zhi-Yi , Mao Jun-Hao , Wang Zi-Xun , Hu Yi-Ming , Lou Yong-Fu , Zheng Qiao-Rui , Guo Xu-Guang
Published: September 2022

Background
Increased folic acid has been found to be latently protective against gynecological infection, including several kinds of vaginosis. In this study, we laid the emphasis on whether red blood cell (RBC) folate status was associated with the infectious ratio of Trichomonas vaginalis, a kind of anaerobic parasitic protozoan.
Methods
We set RBC folate as the dependent variable and Trichomonas vaginalis as the targeted independent variable. Other subsidiary variables were regarded as confounding variables and potential modifiers that may work as a potential role. The cross-sectional study was conducted with two merged waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2001 to 2004, and a sample of 1274 eligible women (1212 negativeand 62 positivein Trichomonas vaginalis infection) was integrated for exploration. Multivariate regression analyses, subgroup analyses, and subsequent smooth curve fittings were conducted to estimate the relationship between RBC folate and Trichomonas vaginalis in a specific gender.
Results
In the results of multivariable logistic regression analyses, a negative association was observed between stratified RBC folate status and Trichomonas vaginalis infection with all confounders adjusted. Referencing the lowest RBC folate concentration quartile, the higher concentration quartiles reported a relatively lower infection ratio, while there was a weak correlation between total RBC folate concentration and T.v. infection. In subgroup analyses, this association did not differ among the stratified groups.
Conclusions
The cross-sectional study indicated a negative association between RBC folic acid and Trichomonas vaginalis infection.
NF-κB1 p50 Stabilizes HIF-1α Protein through Suppression of ATG7-dependent Autophagy
Authors: Huang Chuanshu , Zhu Junlan , Li Yang , Xu Jiheng , Chen Ruifan , Guo Mengxi , Qian Xiaohui , Li Tengda , Tian Zhongxian , jin Honglei
Published: September 2022

Although our previous studies revealed that NF-κB1 (p50) itself alone could initiates NF-κB transcription-independent cascades to impair protein degradation of GADD45α and C-Myc and promotes p53 protein translation upon arsenic exposure, the function and underlying mechanisms of p50 in the regulation of protein expression is much less studied because of its lacking of transactivation domain. We here discovered a novel function of p50 in its stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) protein under the condition of cells exposed to arsenic exposure. In p50 deficient (p50-/-) cells, the HIF-1α protein expression was impaired upon arsenic exposure, and such defect could be rescued by reconstitutional expression of p50. Mechanistic study revealed that the inhibition of autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7)-dependent autophagy was in charge of p50-mediated HIF-1α protein stabilization following arsenic exposure. Moreover, p50 deletion promoted nucleolin (NCL) protein translation to enhance ATG7 mRNA transcription via directly binding transcription factor Sp1 mRNA and increase its stability. We further discovered that p50-mediated miR-494 upregulation gave rise to the inhibition of p50-mediated NCL translation by interacting with its 3’-UTR. These novel findings provide a great insight into the understanding of biomedical significance of p50 protein in arsenite-associated disease development and therapy.
Structure-Function Relationship in Glaucoma: Optical Coherence Tomography En Face Imaging vs. Red-Free Fundus Photography
Authors: Bak Eunoo , Choi Hyuk Jin
Published: September 2022

Background/Objectives: To analyze retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) defect measurements obtained from red-free fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) en face imaging, respectively, and to compare them for the strength of the structure–function association.
Subjects/Methods: Two hundred and fifty-six glaucomatous eyes with localized RNFL defect on red-free fundus photography were enrolled. A subgroup analysis included 81 highly myopic eyes (≤–6.0 diopters). Angular width of RNFL defect was compared between red-free fundus photography (i.e., red-free RNFL defect) and OCT en face imaging (i.e., en face RNFL defect). The correlation between angular width of each RNFL defect and functional outcomes, reported as mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD), were assessed and compared.
Results: The angular width of en face RNFL defect was measured smaller than that of red-free RNFL defect in 91.0% eyes (mean difference, 19.98°). The association of en face RNFL defect with MD and PSD was stronger (R2=0.311 and R2=0.372, respectively) than that of red-free RNFL defect with MD and PSD (R2=0.162 and R2=0.137, respectively) (P < 0.05 for all). Especially in highly myopic eyes, the association of en face RNFL defect with MD and PSD was much stronger (R2=0.503 and R2=0.555, respectively) than that of red-free RNFL defect with MD and PSD (R2=0.216 and R2=0.166, respectively) (P < 0.05 for all).
Conclusions: En face RNFL defect showed a higher correlation with severity of visual field loss than did red-free RNFL defect. The same dynamic was observed for highly myopic eyes.
Establishment and Characterization of Immortalized Human Vocal Fold Fibroblast Cell Lines
Authors: Chu Yinying , Fang Yi , Wu Haitao , Cheng Lei , Chen Jian
Published: September 2022

Purpose Vocal fold scarring is abnormal scar tissue in the lamina propria layer of the vocal fold. To facilitate investigation of vocal fold scarring, we established and characterized immortalized human vocal fold fibroblast (iHVFF) cell lines.
Methods Human vocal fold fibroblasts were immortalized by introducing Simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40TAg) by transfection. Successfully transfected fibroblasts were sorted using flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence cytochemistry and western blot were applied to analyze the expression of fibronectin, vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Cell proliferation rate was measured by CCK-8 assay. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression level.
Results The iHVFFs continued to proliferate for more than 30 generations and appeared spindle-shaped. The expression of Vimentin and α-SMA were detected in both iHVFFs and primary fibroblasts, and enhanced expression of FAP was observed in iHVFFs. Furthermore, iHVFFs exhibited an increased proliferative capability compared with the primary fibroblasts. RT-qPCR results suggested that collagen type III alpha 1 chain (COL3A1), interleukin-6, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the iHVFFs significantly increased, whereas transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), elastin and matrix metallopeptidase-1 (MMP-1) expression significantly downregulated. No differences in mRNA expression of α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2) were noted between iHVFFs and primary fibroblasts.
Conclusion iHVFFs can be used as a novel tool cell for future researches on the mechanisms of pathogenesis and treatment of vocal fold scarring.
Neuronal injury assessment with early-phases of [18F]PI-2620 tau-PET versus [18F]flutemetamol β-amyloid-PET recordings
Authors: Völter Friederike , Beyer Leonie , Eckenweber Florian , Scheifele Maximilian , Bui Ngoc , Patt Marianne , Barthel Henryk , Katzdobler Sabrina , Palleis Carla , Franzmeier Nicolai , Levin Johannes , Perneczky Robert , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Sabri Osama , Hong Jimin , Cumming Paul , Rominger Axel , Shi Kuanyu , Bartenstein Peter , Brendel Matthias
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Characteristic features of β-amyloid-PET (A), tau-PET (T) and FDG-PET (N) can serve for the A/T/N classification of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies showed that the early, perfusion-weighted phases of β-amyloid- or tau-PET recordings serve as surrogates for cerebrometabolic deficits to FDG-PET, therefore indicate neuronal injury. As such, two channels of diagnostic information can be obtained in the setting of a single PET scan. However, there has hitherto been no comparison of early-phase β-amyloid- and tau-PET as surrogates for deficits in perfusion/metabolism. Therefore, we undertook to compare [18F]flutemetamol β-amyloid-PET and [18F]PI-2620 tau-PET as “one-stop shop” dual purpose tracers for detection of neurodegenerative disease.
Methods
We obtained early-phase PET recordings with [18F]PI-2620 (0.5–2.5 min p.i.) and [18F]flutemetamol (0–10 min p.i.) in 66 patients with suspected neurodegenerative disease. We contrasted global mean normalized images (SUVr) in the patients with a normal cohort of 15 volunteers without evidence of increased pathology to β-amyloid- and tau-PET examinations. Regional group differences of tracer uptake (z-scores) of 246 Brainnetome volumes-of-interest were calculated for both tracers, and the correlations of the z-scores were evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Lobar compartments, regions with significant neuronal injury (z-scores < -3) and patients with different neurodegenerative disease entities (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease or 4R-tauopathies) served for subgroup analysis. Additionally, we used partial regression to correlate regional neuronal injury with clinical tests.
Results
The z-scores of perfusion-weighted images of both tracers showed high correlations across brain, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes, which were the brain regions with pronounced neuronal injury (R = 0.83 ± 0.08; range: 0.61–0.95). Z-scores of individual patients correlated well by region (R = 0.57 ± 0.15; range: 0.16–0.90), notably when significant neuronal injury was present (R = 0.66 ± 0.15; range: 0.28–0.90).
Conclusion
The early perfusion phases of tau- and β-amyloid-PET are roughly equivalent indices of perfusion defect indicative of regional and lobar neuronal injury in patients with various neurodegenerative diseases. As such, either tracer may serve as a comparable diagnostic channel in the A/T/N classification framework.
The incidence of cardiac arrhythmias during exercise stress testing: a focus on patients with severe obesity undergoing sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Vecchiato Marco , Quinto Giulia , Neunhaeuserer Daniel , Battista Francesca , Bettini Silvia , Gasperetti Andrea , Vettor Roberto , Busetto Luca , Ermolao Andrea
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiac arrhythmias. Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) is a common bariatric surgery with beneficial effects on weight loss and comorbidities. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of arrhythmias during maximal exercise testing in patients with moderate-severe obesity and to evaluate the impact of SG on these arrhythmic events.
Methods: All patients with moderate or severe obesity who were considered suitable candidates for SG between June 2015 and September 2020 were recruited. Each patient underwent three incremental, maximal, ECG-monitored cardiopulmonary exercise test one month before and six and twelve months after SG; the frequency and complexity of ventricular premature beats (VPBs) and atrial premature beats (APBs) have been evaluated during rest, exercise and recovery phases.
Results: 50 patients with severe obesity (BMI 46.39 ±7.89 kg/m2) were included in the study. After SG, patients presented a decreased BMI (34.15 ± 6.25 kg/m2 at six months post-SG and 31.87 ± 5.99 kg/m2 at twelve months post-SG). At six months post-SG, an increase in VPBs, mainly during the recovery phase, was observed. At twelve months post-SG, a reduction in VPBs compared with the six months evaluation was showed.
Conclusion: Although in the early post-surgical phase the risk of exercise-induced arrhythmias may be higher, SG does not seem to increase the occurrence of arrhythmias in the long-term. No life-threating arrhythmias were found during post-SG evaluations.
Parental experiences of recontacting for extended genetic testing after a terminated pregnancy for congenital malformations
Authors: slegers ileen , Keymolen Kathelijn , Kim Van Berkel , Dimitrov Boyan , Dooren Sonia Van , Cooreman Rani , Hes Frederik , Fobelets Maaike
Published: September 2022

Rapid advances in genetic testing techniques increase the possibility of finding a genetic diagnosis. In the case of couples who underwent a termination of pregnancy (TOP) due to foetal congenital malformations, these techniques might reveal the cause and meet the parent's need to know. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of couples with being recontacted after TOP for congenital malformations, as well as the reasons for participating. A retrospective cohort of 31 couples was recontacted for additional genetic testing by sending a standardized letter followed by a telephone call. Fourteen couples (45%) agreed to participate. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews at the genetics department of the hospital (UZ Brussel). Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. We found that, despite the years that passed since the TOP, participants were still interested to perform novel genetic testing. They appreciated that the initiative for recontacting came from the medical team and described it as a sensitive approach. Both intrinsic (searching for answers for themselves and their children) and extrinsic motivators (contributing to science and helping other parents) were identified as important drivers of participation. These results show that, even after several years, many couples are still interested and motivated to be recontacted for further genetic testing. The results of this study can offer guidance in current debate on recontacting patients in the field of genetics.
Model Risk Scores May Underestimate Rate of Biochemical Recurrence in African American Men with Localized Prostate Cancer: A Cohort Analysis of Over 3000 Men
Authors: Reese Adam , Epstein Matthew , Syed Kaynaat , Danella John , Ginzburg Serge , Belkoff Laurence , Tomaszewski Jeffrey , Trabulsi Edouard , Singer Eric , Jacobs Bruce , Raman Jay , Guzzo Thomas , Uzzo Robert
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
This study aims to determine if there is a difference in the CAPRA and Kattan model-adjusted risk of biochemical recurrence (BCR) and/or adverse pathology between African American (AAM) and Caucasian men (CM) undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).
Methods:
We identified men in the Pennsylvania Urologic Regional Collaborative (PURC) who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compare the rate of BCR after RP between CM and AAM adjusting for the CAPRA, CAPRA-S, and pre- and post-operative Kattan model score. Logistic regression models were used to compare the rate of adverse pathology after RP between CM and AAM, adjusting for the same models.
Results:
The 2-year BCR free survival was lower in AAM (72.5%) compared to Caucasian men (CM) (79.0%), with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.38 (95% CI 1.16-1.63, p<0.001). The rate of BCR was significantly greater in AAM compared to CM after adjustment for pre-op Kattan (HR 1.29; 95% CI 1.08-1.53; p=0.004), and post-op Kattan scores (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.05-1.49; p<0.001). There was a trend towards higher BCR rates among AAM after adjustment for CAPRA (HR 1.13; 95% CI 0.95-1.35; p=0.17) and CAPRA-S (HR 1.11; 95% 0.93-1.32; p=0.25), which did not reach statistical significance. The overall rate of adverse pathology was similar between AAM (38.4%) and CM (37.8%) (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.89-1.17; p=0.72) but was significantly greater in AAM compared to CM after adjusting for CAPRA (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.10-1.50; p=0.001) and Kattan scores (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.06-1.43; p=0.007).
Conclusion:
Our analysis from a large multicenter real world cohort provides further evidence that African American men may have a greater-than predicted rate of BCR and adverse pathology after RP than is currently predicted by CAPRA and Kattan models. Accordingly, AAM may benefit from more frequent use of adjuvant therapies.
Mapping of genomic regions linked to stemphylium blight (Stemphylium botryosum Wallr.) resistance in lentil using linkage mapping and marker-trait association analysis
Authors: Adobor Stanley , Gela Tadesse S , Banniza Sabine , Vandenberg Albert
Published: September 2022

Stemphylium blight caused by Stemphylium botryosum, is a foliar disease of lentil. It affects the productivity and milling quality of lentil crops, mainly in South Asia and Canada. Development of stemphylium blight resistant cultivars by introgression of resistance alleles from crop wild relatives of lentil, such as Lens ervoides, is one strategy of disease control. The objective of this study was to identify genomic regions associated with stemphylium blight resistance by combining linkage mapping and marker-trait association analysis. A total of 182 genotypes of a lentil advanced backcross population (LABC-01) developed from the backcross of the interspecificL. culinaris ´ L. ervoides line LR-59-81 (donor) and cultivar CDC Redberry (recurrent) and 101 diverse lentil accessions selected by stratified random sampling from a lentil diversity panel were genotyped and evaluated for stemphylium blight reactions. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified four loci contributing to stemphylium blight resistance on lentil chromosomes 2, 4 and 5. Marker trait association analysis detected five significant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with stemphylium blight resistance within QTLs regions and seven SNP markers outside the QTLs regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. The markers associated with stemphylium blight resistance may be useful for marker-assisted selection of resistant cultivars after validation.
Determinants of Enrolment in Community Based Health Insurance program among households in East Wollega Zone, west Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Desalegn Mengistu , Lemu Teferi , Tadesse Bekuma , Olana Tariku , Kaba Zalalem , Tolossa Tadesse
Published: September 2022

Background: Ethiopia has launched a community-based health insurance (CBHI) since 2011, which is a principal and innovative financing mechanism to enhance domestic resource mobilization and sustainable health financing. However, CBHI implementation has just started in East Wollega zone with an estimated household of 345,851 households (HHs), and a very low enrolment rate of roughly 19% far from the regional and national target coverage of 80% set for districts.
Objective: To assess determinants of CBHI enrolment among HHs of East Wollega zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022.
Method and materials: Community based unmatched 1:2 case-control study design was conducted between Jan 7and Feb 5/2022 among 428 HHs (144 cases and 284 controls). Cases were selected from HHs who registered for CBHI and currently using CBHI. Controls were from those who do not registered for CBHI membership. Data collected using a semi-structured, interview administered questionnaire. Data coded and entered into SPSS version 25 for analysis. All candidate variables were entered into multivariable analysis done in stepwise back ward LR to declare statistical significant association at P-value <0.05, 95%CI.
Result: Data from 428 (144 enrolled and 284 non-enrolled to CBHI) was collected yielding a response rate of 98.8%. Statistically lower odds of CBHI enrolment was observed among HHs who have poor knowledge [AOR=0.48 (95%CI:0.27,0.85)], perceived not respectful care [ AOR=0.44 (95%CI :0.24,0.81)], unavailability of laboratory services [AOR=0.37(95%CI:0.21,0.66)], inappropriate time of premium payment [AOR=0.31(95%CI:0.18,0.52)]. In addition, medium wealth status category [AOR=0.11(95%CI: 0.03, 0.45)]. Higher odd of CBHI enrolment observed among who have formal education [AOR=2.39(95%CI: 1.28, 4.48)].
Conclusion and recommendation: Educational level, knowledge, time of membership payment, laboratory test availability, perception on respectful care and wealth status were significant determinants of CBHI enrolment status. Therefore, the responsible bodies should discuss and decide with community on the appropriate time of premium payment collection, enhance community education and knowledge on CBHI benefit package. Tracing the continuity of laboratory services, focus on respectful care provision of health care work force and convince the medium and above wealth status classes that the objective of CBHI is to have solidarity of helping each other.
IL-33 promotes double negative T cell survival via the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Sun Xiaojing , Zhang Chunpan , Sun Fanqi , Li Shuxiang , Wang Yaning , Wang Tingting , Li Li
Published: September 2022

IL-33, which is a crucial modulator of adaptive immune responses far beyond type 2 response, can enhance the function of several T cell subsets and maintain the immune homeostasis. However, the contribution of IL-33 to double negative T (DNT) cell remains unappreciated. Here, we demonstrated that the IL-33 receptor ST2 was expressed on DNT cells, and that IL-33 stimulation increased DNT cell proliferation and survival in vivo and in vitro. Transcriptome sequencing analysis also demonstrated that IL-33 enhanced the biological function of DNT cells, especially their effects on proliferation and survival. IL-33 promoted DNT cells survival by regulating Bcl-2 and Survivin expression. IL-33-TRAF4/6-NF-κB axis activation promoted the transmission of essential division and survival signals in DNT cells. However, IL-33 failed to enhance the expression of immunoregulatory molecules in DNT cells. DNT cell therapy combined with IL-33 inhibited T cell survival and further ameliorated ConA-induced liver injury, which mainly depended on the proliferative effect of IL-33 on DNT cells in vivo. Finally, we stimulated human DNT cells with IL-33, and similar results were observed. In conclusion, we revealed a cell intrinsic role of IL-33 in the regulation of DNT cells, thereby identifying a previously unappreciated pathway supporting the expansion of DNT cells in the immune environment.
Use of artificial intelligence in the classification of elementary orallesions from clinical images
Authors: Gomes Rita Fabiane Teixeira , Schmith Jean , de Figueiredo Rodrigo Marques , Freitas Samuel Armbrust , Machado Giovanna Nunes , Romanini Juliana , Carrard Vinicius Coelho
Published: September 2022

Objectives: The Artificial Intelligence has generated a significant impact in health´s field. The aim of this study was to perform the training and validation of a convolutional neural network (CNN) based model to automatically classify six clinical representations categories of oral lesions images.
Method: The CNN model was developed with the objective of automatically classifying the images into six categories of elementary lesions, which are: 1) papule/nodule; 2) macule/spot; 3) vesicle/bullae; 4) erosion; 5) ulcer and 6) plaque. We selected four architectures and using our dataset, we decided to test the following ones: ResNet-50, VGG16, InceptionV3 and Xception. We used the confusion matrix as the main metric for the CNN evaluation and discussion.
Results: A total of 5069 images of oral mucosa lesions were used. The oral elementary lesions classification reached the best result using an architecture based on InceptionV3. After the hyperparameters optimisation, we reached more than 71% of correct predictions in all the six lesion classes. The classification achieved 95.09% as average accuracy on our dataset.
Conclusions: We reported the development of an artificial intelligence model for the automated classification of elementar lesions from oral clinical images, achieving satisfactory performance. Future directions is the study of including trained layers to establish patterns of characteristics that determine benign, potentially malignant and malignant lesions. Clinical Relevance:
Clinical Relevance: Its application in the classification of disease-related images for diagnostic purposes have achieved promising results, capable of recognising patterns in images, supporting the clinician’s decision at the time of evaluation.
Abnormal resting-state functional connectivity of the insula in medication-free patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Zhou Zilin , Li Bin , Jiang Jiaxin , Li Hailong , Cao Lingxiao , Zhang Suming , Gao Yingxue , Zhang Lianqing , Qiu Changjian , Huang Xiaoqi , Gong Qiyong
Published: September 2022

Background
The function of insula has been increasingly mentioned in the neurocircuitry models of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for its role in affective processing and regulating anxiety and its wide interactions with classic cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit. However, the insular resting-state functional connectivity patterns in OCD remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate characteristic intrinsic connectivity alterations of insula in OCD and their associations with clinical features.
Methods
We obtained the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 85 drug-free OCD patients and 85 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC). We performed the general linear model to compare the whole-brain intrinsic functional connectivity maps of the bilateral insula between OCD and HC groups. In addition, we further explored the relationship between the intrinsic functional connectivity alterations of insula and clinical features using partial correlation analysis.
Results
Compared with HC, patients with OCD exhibited the increased intrinsic connectivity between the bilateral insula and bilateral precuneus gyrus extending to inferior parietal lobule and supplementary motor area. While we only found the decreased intrinsic connectivity between the right insula and bilateral lingual gyrus in OCD patients relative to HC subjects, which was negatively correlated with the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms in the OCD group.
Conclusions
In the current study, we identified the impaired insular intrinsic connectivity in OCD patients, and the dysconnectivity of right insula and bilateral lingual gyrus was associated with the anxiety and depressive severity of OCD. These findings provide the neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of insula in OCD and emphasize its considerable role in the anxiety or depressive symptoms of OCD.
Using a Community of Transformation to create a sustained change toward increased active learning in the undergraduate classroom
Authors: Prunuske Amy J. , Evans-Anderson Heather J. , Furniss Katherine L. , Goller Carlos C. , Mirowsky Jaime E. , Moore Michael E. , Raut Samiksha A. , Swamy Uma , Wick Sue , Wolyniak Michael J.
Published: September 2022

Background: Many individuals and groups have responded to the call to action to reform undergraduate biology teaching through increased utilization of evidence-based teaching strategies. One promising practice for creating sustained change is the use of a Community of Transformation or a deliberate network designed to reinforce active learning through mentorship. The Promoting Active Learning and Mentoring (PALM) Network, which encourage its members to reflect deeply on their teaching and to make changes based on evidence-based practices, supports the implementation of active learning through a network of practitioners from across multiple professional societies and disciplines. Members of the Network interviewed seven previous PALM Fellows, one to four years after completing their fellowship, to better understand the users of the network and why they engaged with the network.
Results: Key themes emerged from interviews about how engagement and experiences of each of the interviewees aligned with the ADKAR model of change management: Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement. The interviews supported the creation of three personas: Bob the Sponge, Lupe the Lone Wolf, and Malik the Master. The interviews also highlighted examples of how the Fellows continue to utilize evidence-based teaching practices and how they successfully implemented adaptation to online course interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusions, summary, and implications: Understanding how the personas intersect with the ADKAR model has led to a better understanding of how the PALM network functions as a community of transformation to facilitate transformative change toward active learning. This approach can serve as a model for others who wish to enable similar transformative change in various Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines.
Socio-economic factors associated with substance use across different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic: an intersectional analysis of a repeated cross-sectional survey
Authors: Somé Nibene H. , Imtiaz Sameer , Wells Samantha , de Oliveira Claire , Hamilton Hayley A. , Ali Shehzad , Elton-Marshall Tara , Rehm Jürgen , Shield Kevin D.
Published: September 2022

Background
This study examined trends in cannabis and alcohol use among Canadian adults and across socio-economic subgroups over four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022. Interactions between socio-economic status (SES) and gender, ethnicity/race, and age as they are associated with alcohol and cannabis use were examined.
Methods
Data were obtained from nine successive web-based cross-sectional surveys of adults living in Canada (8,943 participants) performed from May 2020 to January 2022. Substance use measurements included self-reported changes in alcohol and cannabis use compared to before the pandemic, heavy episodic drinking (HED) (i.e., consumption of 4 or 5 standard drinks on one drinking occasion in the past 7 days for men and women respectively), and cannabis use in the past 7 days. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to test for equality of the prevalence of substance use. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations of SES and its interactions with gender, ethnicity/race, and age with alcohol and cannabis use.
Results
The prevalence of increased alcohol and cannabis use differed through the pandemic waves depending on SES. The prevalence of HED and increased cannabis use were similar across SES groups. Having a moderate or high household income, and being unemployed was associated with HED and increased alcohol use. Women with a high household income ($120,000+) and a high household income and aged 40–59 years were associated with increased alcohol use compared to men. Non-White individuals who reported other impacts of COVID-19 on their work had lower odds of reporting increased alcohol use. Protective factors associated with cannabis use included having a university degree, being a senior with a moderate/high household income, being aged 40–59 years with a university degree, being a senior with at least a post-secondary level education, and being a highly educated non-White individual.
Conclusions
Associations between SES and substance use differ by gender, race and age. To reduce health disparities, public health interventions should account for these interactions.
Fibrinogen promotes gallbladder cancer cell metastasis and extravasation by inducing ICAM1 expression
Authors: Jiang Chengkai , Li Yang , Li Yongsheng , Liu Liguo , Wang Xu-an , Wu Wenguang , Bao Runfa , Weng Hao , Li Maolan , Shu Yijun , Liu Yingbin
Published: September 2022

Fibrinogen (FIB) plays an important role in tumor progression. Here, we explored role of fibrinogen in gallbladder cancer (GBC) metastasis. The plasma fibrinogen level in M1 GBC patients was higher than in M0 GBC patients, indicating that fibrinogen may participate in GBC metastasis. Treatment of GBC cell lines with fibrinogen promoted metastasis and induced the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1). ICAM1 overexpression promoted metastasis and knockdown inhibited it. The cell adhesion and transendothelial migration of GBC cells were enhanced by fibrinogen treatment and ICAM1 overexpression. In addition, the medium of fibrinogen-treated and overexpression-ICAM1 NOZ cells exhibited enhanced macrophages recruitment. This may work in concert to promote angiogenesis. Immunohistochemistry results on clinical specimens showed that higher fibrinogen levels, higher ICAM1 expression, higher blood vessel density, and higher macrophage levels were present simultaneously. Collectively, this study indicates fibrinogen promotes metastasis and extravasation by inducing ICAM1 expression to enhance tumor cell migration, cell adhesion, transendothelial migration and promote angiogenesis and increase vascular endothelial permeability.
Comparison of the macular choroidal and microvascular network changes in thyroid eye patients with different activity scores and the effect of serum antibodies
Authors: Dogan Mehmet Erkan , İlhan Deniz , ayaz yusuf
Published: September 2022

Objective
To investigate the choroidal thickness and the microvascular network changes around the macula in thyroid eye disease (TED) patients at different stages and the relationship of those changes with risk factors, serum antibodies and the severity of TED
Material and Methods
A total of 85 participants were enrolled. All participants underwent ophthalmology and endocrinology examinations. Central choroidal thickness (CCT), superficial (s) and deep (d) foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, mean (m) and central (c) macular vascular density (SVD, DVD) measurements of the enrolled cases were performed with Topcon Swept Source OCT / OCT-Angiography DRI OCT Triton (Topcon Co. Japan). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the associations between CCT, FAZ area, SVD, DVD and the relevant factors of TED.
Results
It was found that those with active TED patients had higher c-DVD and m-DVD levels (p < 0.05), however there is no statistically significant difference in CCT between active and stable TED patients. Among the serum antibodies, it was observed that the CCT thickened only in patients with high thyroid stimulating hormone-receptor autoantibodies (TRAB) and human thyroglobulin (HTG) level also s-FAZ and d-FAZ increased, c-SVD and m-SVD decreased in patients with high TRAB level. There was no significant difference in CCT, FAZ, SVD and DVD measurement at gender, between hyperthyroid and euthyroid patients and among those with or without thyroid papillary ca.
Conclusions
The results showed that both disease activation and serum antibodies differentially affect both superficial and deep retinal vascular density. It has also been shown that high serum antibody levels affect choroidal thickness independent of clinical activity.
Efficacy of Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharide on Cytokine Response in Youths with Subthreshold Depression
Authors: Li Xiaoyue , Liu Tao , Mo Xuan , Wang Runhua , Kong Xueyan , Shao Robin , McIntyre Roger S. , So Kwok-Fai , Lin Kangguang
Published: September 2022

Background: Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin (IL)-17A have been repeatedly linked with major depression in both animals and humans. Our recent double-blinded Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial (RCT) discovered significant efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine substance, namely the Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), on reducing depressive symptoms among adolescents with subthreshold depression. Here, we further investigated whether the antidepressant property of LBP was associated with its anti-inflammatory effect on adolescents with subthreshold depression.
Methods: In this 6-week RCT, we measured common cytokine levels from participants’ peripheral blood samples, both at baseline and at the end of the 6-week intervention with either LBP (intervention group, N=14) or placebo (control group, N=10). Independent t-tests were used to compare the change of cytokine levels between groups.Network-based analysis was applied to evaluate the systemic immune responses to the interventions.
Results: The intervention and control groups were matched on demographic and clinical characteristics. As expected, the LBP group exhibited a greater reduction in IL-17A compared to the placebo group (t = -2.25, P = 0.04) after the 6-week interventions. Moreover, network-level analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity among cytokines (Z = 3.34, P < 0.01), which was in turn associated with improvement of depressive symptoms.
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that 6-week repeated LBP administrations downregulated immune responses in adolescents with StD, which could be a key mechanistic pathway underpinning the antidepressant effect of LBP.