bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Renal Damage in non diabetic Metabolic Dysfunction associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) Patients: Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor α
Authors: Younis Mustafa Adel Ahmed , Zaghloul Amr M , Hashim Marwa S. , Ali Tasneem Mohammed , Mohammed Ali Hussein , Ahmed Nesma M.
Published: January 2023

Background:
The risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has shown increasing incidence among patients with metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The kidney is affected in inflammatory conditions and TNFα has been involved in different inflammatory cascade leading to renal damage. Less is known about the relation between MAFLD and the risk of CKD in Egyptian non diabetic patients. Our study explores the role of TNFα as a predictor of renal damage in those patients.
Method:
We evaluated 237 non diabetic patients with MAFLD using transient elastography (TE) with CAP.
CKD was defined by an albumin-to creatinine ratio (A/Cr) >30 mg/g if persistent for more than 3 months. Patients were subgrouped into two groups: group (A) included patients with CKD and group (B) included patients without CKD. Human TNF levels in serum were assessed utilizing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . In addition, logistic regression and stepwise multiple logistic regression were used for the evaluation of the factors associated with renal damage. The ROC analysis was used to assess the role of TNF in predicting renal damage and the best cut off point.
Results: The prevalence of CKD among the studied group was (61.6 %.). Patients with CKD had higher values of waist circumference and BMI. They also have a significantly higher liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and CAP values. The ROC curves showed that the TNF α could predict the presence of chronic kidney disease with cut off value (23.05 ng/L) with a sensitivity of 98% and a speciﬁcity of 72%.
Conclusion:
In patients MAFLD and with other metabolic risk factors for CKD, TNF α could predict the presence of chronic kidney disease.
However, we need more studies with a higher number of patients to confirm our results.
Anisotropy and Asymmetry of the Elasticity of Lattice Materials
Authors: Yin Huiming
Published: January 2023

Lattice materials formed by hinged springs or elastic bonds may exhibit diverse anisotropy and asymmetry features of the overall elastic behavior depending on their unit cell configuration. The recently developed singum model transfers the force-displacement relationship of the springs in the lattice to the stress-strain relationship in the continuum particle, and provides the analytical form of tangential elasticity. When a pre-stress exists in the lattice, the stiffness tensor significantly changes due to the effect of the configurational stress. Different lattice structures lead to different symmetry of the stiffness tensors, which is demonstrated by five lattices. When all bonds exhibit the same length, regular hexagonal, honeycomb, and auxetic lattices demonstrate that the stiffness changes from an isotropic to anisotropic, from symmetric to asymmetric tensor. When the central symmetry of the unit cell is not satisfied, the primitive cell will contain more than one singums and the Cauchy-Born rule fails by the loss of equilibrium of the single singum. A secondary stress is induced to balance the singums, which may lead to the loss of minor symmetry of the stiffness tensor. Displacement gradient dij=uj,i is proposed to replace strain in the constitutive law for the general case because u1,2 and u2,1 may produce different stress states. Although the honeycomb lattice still exhibits isotropic behavior, for general auxetic lattices, an anisotropic and asymmetric elasticity is obtained with the loss of both minor and major symmetry, which is also demonstrated in a square lattice with unbalanced central symmetry and a chiral lattice. The modeling procedure and results may be generalized to three dimension and other lattices with the anisotropic and asymmetric stiffness.
Assessment of groundwater suitability for irrigational utilization determined by distinct quality indices and information entropy theory in the Indian Sundarban region
Authors: Molla Sabir Hossain , ; Rukhsana
Published: January 2023

For sustainable agricultural practices, groundwater quality must be suitable for irrigation; otherwise, it can degrade soil and diminish crop production. The entropy information theory, several irrigational indices, multivariate statistics, GIS and geostatistics are used in this work to evaluate the geographical distribution and quality of groundwater in the Indian Sundarban region. 33 samples of groundwater have been collected in total, and they were evaluated for major cations, anions as well as other parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), potential salinity (PS), total dissolved solids (TDS), Kelly ratio (KR), Sodium absorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Magnesium Hazard (MH) and residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC). The overall trend of the principal cations and anions is in the sequence of Na+≥ Mg2+≥ Ca2+≥ K2+and HCO3−≥ Cl−≥ NO3−≥ SO42−≥ F−, respectively, whereas the spatial variation of %Na, SAR, RSBC, and MH demonstrate very poor irrigation water quality, and spatial variation of KR, RSC, SSP, PI, and PS signifies that the irrigation water quality is excellent to good. The hydrochemical facies indicates that mixed type makes up the bulk (51.51%) of the water samples. Following the Wilcox plot, more than 75% of the water samples are good to doubtful; however, by the US salinity hazard map, roughly 60.60% of the samples had high salinity (C3-S1 zone). As per the entropy-weighted water quality index for irrigation (EWQII), 60.60% of samples possess good to average quality, while the remaining 39.40% (poor) require severe restrictions before use in agricultural operations. As a result, to assure sustainable agricultural development, in the research area, continuous monitoring and water resource management are required.
First report of Boeremia exigua on Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Kashmir Himalayas
Authors: Rashid Uzma , Mughal M. Najeeb , Irfan Mohammad , Wani Tanveer A , Manghwar Hakim , Ali Qurban
Published: January 2023

Boeremia exigua causing Ascochyta leaf spot is the first report on mungbean, owing to substantial yield losses. The outbreak of this pathogen on mungbean is of concern because of its severity and seed-borne nature. After the disease become more severe, collections of Ascochyta leaf spot were obtained during investigation. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of a combined ITS and β-tubulin sequence dataset, Boeremia exigua was reported as new pathogen to mungbean and therefore was introduced as new collection. Positive test results were obtained for this pathogen and the resulting PCR product sequences were submitted in GenBank (accession no. OM992361.1) and submission id of other sequence (2591999). Phylogenetic analysis in this study revealed that the observed isolates and Boeremia exigua formed a monophyletic group. Detailed descriptions as well as an updated phylogenetic history are provided to confirm the placement of this newly identified pathogen.
Inflation with very small tensor-to-scalar ratio
Authors: Hirano Koichi
Published: January 2023

We have investigated inflation models that predict a very small value of the tensor-to-scalar ratio, \(r\) . The spectral index \(n_s\) , and the tensor-to-scalar ratio $r$, are strictly constrained by the Planck data. $n_s$ and $r$ are sensitive to the shape and magnitude of the inflaton potential, respectively.The constraints by the Planck 2018 data combined with other cosmological observations are compared with the predictions from the inflation models regarding $n_s$ and $r$. Furthermore, we discuss the comparison of future tensor-to-scalar ratio data with predictions from the inflation models with a focus on part of the quantum fluctuation origin.
Development of a Genetically Encoded Magnetic Platform for Protein Purification
Authors: Wu Sha , Tian Jiesheng , Tang Zongwen , Huang Zekai , Hammock Bruce D. , Morisseau Christophe , Li Qing X. , Xu Ting
Published: January 2023

Background: Protein downstream processing remains a challenge in protein production, especially in low yields of products, in spite of ensuring effective disruption of cell and separation of target proteins. It is complicated, expensive and time-consuming. Here, we report a novel nano-bio-purification system for producing recombinant proteins of interest with automatic purification from engineered bacteria.
Results: This system employed a complete genetic engineering downstream processing platform for proteins at low expression levels, referred to as a genetically encoded magnetic platform (GEMP). GEMP consists of four elements as follows. (1) A truncated phage lambda lysis cassette (RRz/Rz1) is controllable for lysis of Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 (host cell). (2) A surface-expressed nuclease (NucA) is to reduce viscosity of homogenate by hydrolyzing long chain nucleic acids. (3) A bacteriogenic magnetic nanoparticle, known as magnetosome, allows an easy separation system in a magnetic field. (4) An intein realizes abscissionof products (nanobodies against tetrabromobisphenol A) from magnetosome.
Conclusions: In this work, removal of most impurities and good recoveries of nanobodies (92%) greatly simplified the subsequent purification procedure. The system also facilitated the bioproduction of nanomaterials. The developed platform can substantially simplify industrial protein production and reduce its cost.
Exploring the core competencies of clinical nurses in Chinese tertiary hospitals: a qualitative content analysis
Authors: Chen Meihan , Wang Aiping , Zhou Baosen
Published: January 2023

Background: With the changes in social and medical environments and people's health needs, the nursing core competency should be updated and developed in a timely manner. This study aimed to identify the core competencies of nurses in Chinese tertiary hospitals under the new health development strategy.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through qualitative content analysis. A purposive sample of 20 nurses and nursing managers from tertiary hospitals in China were interviewed.Results: Data analysis revealed 27 competencies, which were grouped into three major categories according to the Onion Model. These categories were motivation and traits (responsibility, enterprise, etc.), professional philosophy and values (professionalism, career perception, etc.), and knowledge and skills (clinical nursing competency, leadership and management competency, etc.).Conclusion: There is still a gap between the current core competencies of nurses in Chinese tertiary hospitals and the ideal, and there is still a need to continuously improve all competencies in the future to meet the needs of society and the people. Based on the results of each level of the Onion Model, it helps to understand nurses' competencies at different levels and provides guidance for core competency assessment and development.
NGF-NGFR communication inefficiency induces T Cell exhaustion impairing PD-1 immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Tongwang , Xu Qingguo , Xu Chuanshen , Wang Feng , Dai Deshu , Guan Ge , Zhang Yong , Wang Shuxian , Wang Jianhong , Bai Xiaoshuai , Jin Yan , Shi Shangheng , Li Xinqiang , Zhu Cunle , Chen Dexi , Wang Xin , Guo Yuan
Published: January 2023

The number of T cells that infiltrate tumor tissues in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is significantly low. The molecular mechanism underlying T cell proliferation in tumor tissues is poorly understood. The present study revealed that during the process of T cell infiltration from adjacent tissues to tumor tissues, the NGF-NGFR communication inefficiency occurred in the tumor tissues of HCC patients. Importantly, the tumor cell-secreted NGF interacted with NGFR on the membranes of the infiltrated T cells, which promoted proliferation of these cells through mitotic spindle signal activation. Mechanistically, the mitotic spindle signal activation promoted the proliferation was mediated by the HDAC1 unclear trans-localization-inhibited PREX1 expression. Further, PD-1 mAb acted synergistically with the NGF-NGFR communication to suppress tumor progression in both mouse model and HCC patients. In addition, NGF–NGFR communication was positively correlated with the PD-1/PDL-1 expression. However, NGF and NGFR expressions were low in tumor tissues, which was responsible for the incursive clinicopathological features and the disappointing prognosis in HCC patients. Collectively, the results suggested that NGF-NGFR communication inefficiency impaired PD-1 mAb immunotherapy and could, therefore, be utilized as a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of HCC patients in clinical practice.
Both host and diet shape bacterial communities of predatory mites
Authors: Yan Hong , Wang Endong , Wei Guo-Shu , Zhang Bo , Xu Xuenong
Published: January 2023

Microbial communities, derived from food, ambient and inner, can affect host ecological adaption and evolution. Comparing with most of phytophagous arthropods, the diet of predators is pretty complex and varied. At a higher trophic level, there may be more opportunity for predators to develop specific microbiota which may also depend on the level of prey host specialization shown by the predators. To explore how diet sources affect host microbial communities and vary across predators species, we considered three types predators from the family of Phytoseiidae: polyphagous (Amblyseius orientalis Ehara, Neoseiulus barkeri Hughes and Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henrio), oligophagous (Neoseiulus californicus McGregor), and monophagous (Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot) predatory mites. The polyphagous species were fed on two types of diets, natural prey (Tetranychus urticae Koch) and alternative prey (Carpoglyphus lactis Linnaeus). By using 16S rRNA sequencing, we found that diet was the main source of microbiota in predatory mites, and that there was no clear effect of prey specialization. For the polyphagous mites, species had a larger impact than prey type on microbial composition. Unlike A. orientalis or N. barkeri which showed consistency in their microbiota regardless of prey type, prey switching significantly affected β-diversity of bacterial composition in A. swirskii, with 56% of the microbiota changing. In short, our results confirmed the substantial influence of diet on host microbial construction in predatory species but also highlighted species differences in shaping the microbiota which are not necessarily related to prey specialization.
High-throughput sequencing to detect the bacterial microbiome in Ixodes granulatus in China
Authors: Chen Bin , Jiang Dan-Dan , Liu Ya-Fang , Lu Xin-Yan , Yang Guo-Ping , Geng Ling , Wang Xuan , Ren Tian-Guang , Yang Xing
Published: January 2023

Background
Ixodes granulatus is of significant research value as the primary vector of Lyme disease in Asia, yet the bacterial community structure and diversity carried by these ticks have not been reported so far. Part of bacteria in ticks can affect tick development and the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. With the emergence of new pathogens, it is necessary to identify the bacterial microbiome carried by I. granulatus.
Methods
Ixodes granulatus were collected from rodent animals in the Binchuan, China. The bacterial DNA was extracted from non-engorged adult female I. granulatus. Sequencing of the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA genes was performed using the Illumina NovaSeq sequencing platform. Initial data was assembled in FLASH, QIIME, and UCHIME algorithm. Uparse and MUSCLE software were used to annotate and analyze the effective data.
Result
The predominant phyla in all samples were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Spirochaetota. The major genera were Spiroplasma, Staphylococcus, Candidatus-Lariskella, Corynebacterium, Ralstonia, Borreliella (Borrelia), Vibrio, Bacillus, and Listeria. Staphylococcus xylosus, Ralstonia pickettii, Corynebacterium mastitidis, Bryopsis hypnoides, and Vibrio metschnikovii were dominant bacterial species. The results demonstrated that there were discrepancies in bacterial microbiome richness and diversity among different individual ticks of the same species, and found a large number of pathogenic bacteria and opportunistic pathogens, yet Coxiella and Rickettsia were not detected.
Conclusion
The results presented here speculate that Spiroplasma is the endosymbiont of I. granulatus and competitively inhibits Borrelia. Our study suggested that Binchuan is at risk of Lyme disease transmission and needs to be taken seriously. These findings may serve fundamental knowledge for developing novel strategies to control ticks and their transmission of diseases.
A Novel approach for Cucumber Disease Detection (CDD) Using Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Singh Manish K. , Kumar Avadhesh
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Comparative observations of the hemostatic effects of bio-zeolite gauze and QuickClot Combat Gauze on massive hemorrhage with coagulopathy
Authors: Yang Hao-yang , Jia Yi-jun , Xiao Ny , Zhong Xin , Jiang Ren-qing , Ye Zhao , Du Wen-qiong , Li Tan-shi , Zong Zhao-wen
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND
The presence of coagulopathy after bleeding negatively affects the hemostatic effects of gauze. In this study, we compared the hemostatic effects of bio-zeolite gauze (BZG) and QuickClot Combat Gauze (QCG) on massive hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy.
Methods
In 30 rabbits, diluted coagulopathy was prepared by extraction of blood at a dose of 15 mL/kg body weight following infusion with saline three times the volume of blood loss. Then, simulated blast-induced pelvic injury was initiated to produce massive hemorrhage using a custom-made machine, as previously reported. The rabbits were then randomly allocated to three groups, namely A, B, and C, in which BZG, QCG, and ordinary gauze were used to prevent bleeding, respectively. The primary outcomes, including the immediate hemostasis rate, blood loss, and survival rate, were recorded at designated time points. Additionally, blood samples were taken for laboratory examinations, including conventional coagulation, thromboelastography, full blood count, blood biochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results
Animal models of diluted coagulopathy and major bleeding were successfully developed with decreased concentrations of coagulation factors XII and X. The overall effects of BZG were better than those of QCG and ordinary gauze, with a higher immediate hemostatic rate, less blood loss at 10 min and 30 min after gauze application, and higher red blood cell and platelet counts, higher maximum amplitude, lower R values, lower levels of creatinine, and lower levels of alanine aminotransferase at 30 min after gauze application. Furthermore, a higher survival rate was found in group A rabbits than in group B and group C rabbits at 90 min after gauze application.
Conclusions
BZG demonstrated better hemostatic performance than QCG and normal gauze for massive hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy. BZG is a suitable hemostatic gauze for control of massive hemorrhage complicated by coagulopathy.
The impact of brain lesions on quality of life in patients with WHO CNS grade 3 or 4 glioma: A lesion-function and resting-state fMRI analysis
Authors: Heinzel Alexander , Filss Christian , Stoffels Gabriele , Lohmann Philipp , Friedrich Michel , Shah Nadim J , Caspers Svenja , Lucas Carolin Weiss , Ruge Maximilian I , Galldiks Norbert , Fink Gereon R , Langen Karl-Josef , Kocher Martin
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Following multimodality therapy, glioma patients may suffer from reduced health-related quality of life (QoL). It is largely unknown how different types and locations of tumor- and treatment-related brain lesions, as well as their relationship to white matter tracts and functional brain networks, affect QoL.
Methods
In 121 patients with pretreated gliomas of WHO CNS grades 3 or 4, structural MRI, O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine (FET) PET, resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) and self-reported QoL questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30/BN20) were obtained. Resection cavities, T1-enhancing lesions, T2/FLAIR hyperintensities, and lesions with pathologically increased FET uptake were delineated. Effects of tumor lateralization, affection of white matter tracts and rs-fMRI network nodes by different types of lesions, and within rs-fMRI functional connectivity on QoL were analyzed.
Results
Gliomas of the right hemisphere were associated with significantly less favorable outcomes in physical, role, emotional and social functioning, compared to left-sided tumors. Most QoL scores correlated significantly with the affection of right-sided white-matter tracts by T2/FLAIR hyperintensities and with the loss of within-network functional connectivity of right-sided functional nodes. Tumors of the left hemisphere caused significantly more communication deficits.
Conclusion
In pretreated high-grade gliomas, right hemisphere rather than left hemisphere lesions are associated with decreased quality of life in most domains, except communication ability. These impairments are associated mainly with T2/FLAIR lesions affecting white matter tracts and functional nodal connectivity in the right hemisphere. The data suggest that sparing the right hemisphere from treatment-related tissue damage may improve quality of life in glioma patients.
Technology Importation, Institutional Environment and Industrial Upgrading: Evidence from China
Authors: Song Caixia , Qiao Cuixia
Published: January 2023

Considering the importance of technology for industrial structure upgrading, especially under the impetus of the fourth industrial revolution, the paper examines the impact of technology importation on industrial structure upgrading in 31 Chinese provinces from 2002 to 2020. It also emphasises the moderating role of institutional environment based on two dimensions of industrial upgrading. The findings indicate that technology importation has a positive effect on industrial advancement; however, its impact on industrial rationalisation is not significant. A higher-quality institutional environment can indirectly contribute to the impact of technology importation on industrial upgrading. Finally, the effects of technology importation and institutional environment on industrial upgrading vary with regions, and there are also differences in the moderating effects of different aspects of institutional quality. Therefore, the article suggests that technology should be introduced according to the institutional environment of different regions, and the government should develop personalised industrial upgrading strategies.
JEL Classification O33, O14, L16
Stability state of a Mediterranean coastal environment threatened by erosion: the case of the Djerba Island (Gulf of Gabes, SE-Tunisia)
Authors: Saïdi Hanen , Jhine Meyessa , Bjaoui Béchir
Published: January 2023

The Djerba Island (Gulf of Gabes, SE-Tunisia) that is part of the South Rive of the Mediterranean is classified lately as an international heritage site. Despite this, it suffers from erosion. So, it's necessary to study and monitor its stability state (erosion/accretion) to predict future erosion. In the present work, the stability state was determined by studying the coastline evolution using photographs (1991) and satellite images treated by Remote Sensing and GIS tools. Extracted coastlines (schematized by polylines or extracted by the calculation of MNDWI index) have been superimposed. Their evolution (distances and rates) was calculated automatically using the Arc GIS Digital Shoreline Analysis System extension. Results show accelerated erosion over the last period 2016–2020 for all cells on the Island. The evolution over a period of 45 years, from 1975 to 2020, shows a coastline retreat along the entire Island (3 to 10 m/year), with the exception of the sandy spits of Ras Rmal and Borj Kastel (accretion due to the contributions of sediments by coastal drift currents). The sea level rise and the various hydrodynamic and anthropogenic forcings have led to this state instability and this generalized erosion.
Prospective association between an obesogenic dietary pattern in early adolescence and metabolomics derived and traditional cardiometabolic risk scores in adolescents and young adults from the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Solsona Eduard Martínez , Johnson Laura , Northstone Kate , Buckland Genevieve
Published: January 2023

Background Dietary intake during early life may be a modifying factor for cardiometabolic risk (CMR). Metabolomic profiling may enable more precise identification of CMR in adolescence than traditional CMR scores. We aim to assess and compare the prospective associations between an obesogenic dietary pattern (DP) score at age 13 years with a novel vs. traditional CMR score in adolescence and young adulthood in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Methods Study participants were ALSPAC children with diet diary data at age 13. The obesogenic DP z-score, characterized by high energy-density, high % of energy from total fat and free sugars, and low in fibre density, was previously derived using reduced rank regression. CMR scores were calculated by combining novel metabolites or traditional risk factors (fat mass index, insulin resistance, mean arterial blood pressure, triacylglycerol, HDL and LDL cholesterol) at age 15 (n = 1808), 17 (n = 1629), and 24 years (n = 1760). Multivariable linear regression models estimated associations of DP z-score with log-transformed CMR z-scores. Results Compared to the lowest tertile, the highest DP z-score tertile at age 13 was associated with an increase in the metabolomics CMR z-score at age 15 (β = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09, 0.32, p trend < 0.001) and at age 17 (β = 0.22, 95% CI 0.10, 0.34, p trend < 0.001), and with the traditional CMR z-score at age 15 (β = 0.15, 95% CI 0.05, 0.24, p trend 0.020). No evidence of an association was found at age 17 for the traditional CMR z-score (β = 0.07, 95% CI -0.03, 0.16, p trend 0.137) and for both scores at age 24. Conclusions An obesogenic DP was associated with greater CMR in adolescents. Stronger associations were observed with a novel metabolite CMR score compared to traditional risk factors. There may be benefits from modifying diet during adolescence for CMR health, which should be prioritized for further research in trials.
Shared rules between planetary orbits existing in multi-planet systems and their functions
Authors: Ma Yong , Wen Xiumei
Published: January 2023

Nearly 300 systems containing three or more confirmed planets have been discovered, which have the potential to reflect more orbital features in addition to mean motion resonances (MMRs) since they are all controlled by the same central gravitation. By using the method of orbital ratio parameter analysis, we calculated the observation data of the planetary orbits of these systems. The calculations show the orbital relationships between all planets of each system in a clearer quantification way, including the planets of MMRs. By comparisons and statistics, we found some features shared by different systems. We summarized these features into the shared rules between planetary orbits, from which we derived related equations, principles and traits. We will offer explanations. The shared rules, more likely appearing along with system formation, can help learn about the true planetary configuration of a system and its change. Because of varying factors, many systems show large deviation rates, which affect the clear display of the shared rules. Even so, the calculation with corresponding equations and judgment according to corresponding principles still reflect that the shared rules exist in 88 of the 101 extrasolar systems containing four or more planets. We further analyzed these systems, provided the suggestions of migratory and absent exoplanets, and calculated related orbits. Meanwhile, we summarized five main reasons for large deviation rates, which can objectively explain why some systems do not clearly show the shared rules. The shared rules provide a new approach for studying the changes in planetary configurations, the completeness of multi-planet systems, and their evolution.
Biological invasions as burdens to primary economic sectors.
Authors: Turbelin Anna J. , Hudgins Emma J. , Catford Jane A. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Diagne Christophe , Kourantidou Melina , Roiz David , Courchamp Franck
Published: January 2023

Many human-introduced alien species economically impact essential industries worldwide. Management prioritization and coordination efforts towards biological invasions are hampered by a lack of comprehensive quantification of costs to key economic activity sectors. Here, we quantify and predict global invasion costs to seven major sectors and unravel the introduction pathways of species causing these costs — focusing mainly on resource-based agriculture, fishery and forestry industries. From 1970 to 2020, costs reported in the InvaCost database as pertaining to Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry totaled $509 bn, $1.3 bn, and $134 bn, respectively (in 2017 United States dollars). Pathways of costly species were diverse, arising predominantly from cultural and agricultural activities, through unintentional contaminants with trade, and often impacted different sectors than those for which species were initially introduced. Costs to Agriculture were pervasive and greatest in at least 37% (n = 46/123) of the countries assessed, with the United States accumulating the greatest costs for resource-based industries ($365 bn), followed by China ($101 bn), and Australia ($36 bn). We further identified 19 countries highly economically reliant on Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry that are experiencing massive economic impacts from biological invasions, especially in the Global South. Based on an extrapolation to fill cost data gaps, we estimated total global costs ranging at least from $517 − 1,400 bn for Agriculture, $5.7–6.5 bn for Fisheries, and $142–768 bn for Forestry, evidencing substantial underreporting in the Forestry sector in particular. Burgeoning global invasion costs challenge sustainable development and urge for improved management action to reduce future impacts on industry.
PROF. DR. METİN GÜNDAY
Authors: GÜNDAY Metin
Published: January 2023

Hayatımın en önemli dönemi olarak üniversite yıllarından başlatmak istiyorum yazımı. Akademik hayatım, gerçek anlamda üniversite tercihiyle başladı çünkü. Ankara Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesinin sınav sonuçları açıklandığında listede benim de kazanmış olduğumu gördüm. 1965 yılında Ankara Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi’nden mezun oldum. Fakülteyi birincilikle bitirmiş olmamın akademik kariyerimde önemli bir avantajı oldu. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (Alman Akademik Değişim Servisi - DAAD) bursu aldım. Almanya’da idare hukukçusu Prof. Dr. Ernst Forsthoff’un yanında anayasa doktorası yaptım. 1975 yılında Türkiye’ye geldim. Akademik hayatıma 1978 yılında başladım. Akademi insanın içine işleyen bir meslektir. İnsanın akıl sağlığı yerinde olduğu müddetçe bırakamaz bu mesleği. Siz bırakmaya çalışsanız bu meslek sizi bırakmaz. Hukuklu olmayın, hukukçu olun. Hukuklu olmak mevzuatı okuyup, sınavlardan geçer notlarını alıp mezun olmayı ifade eder. Buna mukabil hukukçu olmak demek sadece kanunu bilmek demek değildir. Ben bütün öğrencilerimizin hukukçu olmasını ister ve bunun için çalışırım.
The impact of governance quality on central bank’s independence
Authors: Vasylieva Tetiana , Dudchenko Viktoria , Samusevych Yaryna , Marci Anton , Sofronov Vadym
Published: January 2023

The stable functioning of the public finance system requires a rational regulatory apparatus. The central bank occupies a special place in this system. Science and practice prove that the central bank’s political and economic independence determines its effectiveness. Thus, it is crucial to determine the prerequisites for ensuring its independence. The study aims to assess the influence of governance quality on the central bank’s independence, considering the variance of the socio-political development of countries. The analysis was conducted based on 53 countries. Panel regression modeling with random effects was chosen as a research method. The analysis approach involves calculations for the groups of countries that differ in social and political development parameters according to the following criteria: the initial level of the central bank independence; level of human development; political rights freedom; level of civil liberties; and political regime. Socio-political factors significantly affect the central bank’s independence in the following conditions: a high initial level of independence of the central bank, a high level of human development, and an average level of political and civil freedom. At the same time, the governance quality ensures the growth of the central bank’s independence regardless of the countries’ political regime. Three factors have the most significant influence on ensuring the independence of the central bank, namely “government efficiency,” “quality of regulation,” and “rule of law.”
Research status and development trend of energy finite element analysis: a review
Authors: Xie Miaoxia , Yao Feilong , Li Ling , Li Yueming
Published: January 2023

Compared with finite element method (FEA) and statistical energy method (SEA), the energy finite element method (EFEA) is a promising and more suitable method to predict the high-frequency vibration response and radiated noise of mechanical structures, due to its advantages of both computational efficiency and ability to get detail information. In recent years, researchers have made great progress in EFEA, due to the urgency of engineering application. This paper aims to comprehensively summarize historical and latest development of energy finite element analysis from two aspects of theory and engineering, to furtherly promote its application in the engineering field. Firstly, the development history of EFEA in basic structures is summarized, and the theoretical development direction of energy finite element in recent years is further analyzed. After that, the application of EFEA in aerospace, ship and vehicle engineering are summarized. Finally, the problems that need to be furtherly studied in EFEA are presented, and it is pointed out that it is an urgent research work to continue to improve the energy finite element analysis theory and software and apply it to engineering.
CURRICULARIZAÇÃO DA EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA FRENTE AOS MARCOS LEGAIS
Authors: FERREIRA FERNANDA EMANUELA , Aguena Rafael , Perdoná Gabriela , Scheffer Daniel , Soares Thiago , Andrade de Lima Mauricio Andrade de Lima
Published: January 2023

A publicação do Plano Nacional de Educação (2014-2024), à luz da Lei nº 13.0005/2014 trouxe o desafio importante às instituições de ensino superior diante da necessidade de revisão dos currículos dos cursos superiores para atendimento à Meta 12, Estratégia 12.7. Este estudo propõe a análise do cenário da curricularização da extensão no Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Santa Catarina, considerando os marcos legais vigentes que orientam a gestão da extensão universitária.  O delineamento metodológico traz um estudo de caso, de abordagem qualitativa, de natureza aplicada e objetivos descritivos. Para obtenção de resultados foram utilizados dados primários por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas e dados secundários por meio de análise documental e bibliografia pertinente ao tema. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que o IFSC apresenta suas normativas institucionais alinhadas aos marcos legais federais ao que tange a curricularização, porém indicam que há necessidade de reconhecimento do IFSC pela sociedade por meio da extensão. A adequação aos processos que dão suporte à curricularização da extensão é necessário para que o IFSC possa atender aos marcos legais federais vigentes até 2024, prazo do Plano Nacional de Educação.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Management and Treatment Access Challenges:
Case Report
Authors: El-Azzabi Tarek I.
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness with respiratory and cardiac complications. International DMD standard of care guidelines exist, but their implementation and DMD treatment access in the Middle East have historically been challenging. This report highlights sub-optimal management of DMD in the Middle East together with recommendations for best practices, and the first reported use of ataluren, a mutation-specific treatment for nonsense mutation DMD (nmDMD), in this region.

Case Presentation:

The management of two patients in the United Arab Emirates diagnosed with nonsense mutation DMD is described. Under multidisciplinary care, both patients were treated with corticosteroids as per international DMD standard of care guidelines. Although both patients presented with typical DMD signs/symptoms, one received a genetic diagnosis and treatment relatively late owing to low awareness of the early signs and symptoms of DMD among physicians in the region; delayed genetic diagnosis of DMD hinders early initiation of mutation-specific treatments such as ataluren. Moreover, this patient demonstrated low adherence to the treatment plan, potentially resulting from low DMD awareness and poor understanding of the-risk-benefit of corticosteroids in the patient’s family. In contrast, the other patient was genetically diagnosed early at 25 months, was administered ataluren whilst ambulatory, and demonstrated high adherence to the management plan. Limited expertise in performing motor function assessments and complications with medical insurance for ataluren in the region created additional obstacles in the management of both patients.

Conclusions:

The contrasting experiences of these patients highlight the high variability of diagnosis and management of DMD in the Middle East. There is a need in the region to boost disease education for both public and professional communities, establish local DMD networks and guidelines, and improve access to treatments to improve the quality of care that patients with DMD receive.
Circ_0002762 Regulates Oncoprotein YBX1 in Cervical Cancer via
mir-375 to Regulate the Malignancy of Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Chunjie , Hou Li , Zheng Wei , Mu Haixia , Chen Jing
Published: January 2023

Background:

Cervical carcinoma (CC) is the third most common cancer among females and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death, which poses a serious threat to women's health. This study investigated the biological function and mechanism of circRNA circ_0002762 in the malignant progression of CC.

Methods:

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify circ_0002762, microRNA-375 (miR-375) and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) mRNA expressions in CC tissues and cell lines. After circ_0002762 was overexpressed in CC cell lines, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) and wound healing assays were executed to probe cell growth and migration. Additionally, the targeting relationships between miR-375 and circ_0002762 or YBX1 3’-UTR were confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. Western blot was adopted to examine YBX1 protein levels in CC cells.

Results:

Circ_0002762 expression was raised in CC tissues and cell lines, and highly expressed circ_0002762 was associated with larger tumor size and lymph node metastasis of CC patients. Circ_0007262 overexpression markedly accelerated the proliferation and migration of CC cells. Besides, miR-375 was revealed to be a downstream target of circ_0002762, and miR-375 overexpression counteracted the promoting effects of circ_0002762 overexpression on CC cell viability and migration. YBX1 was identified as a target of miR-375, and circ_0002762 positively modulated YBX1 expressions through adsorbing miR-375.

Conclusion:

Circ_0002762 promotes the progression of CC via sponging miR-375 and up-regulating YXB1 expression.
Adhesion Molecules as Prognostic Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Sagris Marios , Theofilis Panagiotis , Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Oikonomou Evangelos , Simantiris Spiros , Papaioannou Spyridon , Tsioufis Constantinos , Tousoulis Dimitris
Published: January 2023

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease, culminating in the production of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries through intricate pathophysiological processes. The progression of this disorder is based on the effect of triggering factors -mainly hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, arterial hyper-tension, and smoking- on the endothelium. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is an atherosclerotic dis-ease with a higher prevalence among individuals. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are the main contributors to atherosclerotic plaque formation. CAD and its manifestations multifactorial af-fect patients’ quality of life, burdening the global healthcare system. Recently, the role of adhesion molecules in CAD progression has been recognized. Physicians delve into the pathophysiologic ba-sis of CAD progression, focusing on the effect of adhesion molecules. They are proteins that medi-ate cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interaction and adhesion, driving the formation of athero-sclerotic plaques. Several studies have assessed their role in atherosclerotic disease in small cohorts and in experimental animal models as well. Furthermore, several agents, such as nanoparticles, have been introduced modifying the main atherosclerotic risk factors as well as targeting the endothelial inflammatory response and atherosclerotic plaque stabilization. In this review, we discuss the role of adhesion molecules in atherosclerosis and CAD progression, as well as the potential to be used as targeting moieties for individualized treatment.
The Role of Total White Blood Cell Count in Antipsychotic Treatment for
Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhang Yamin , Tao Shiwan , Coid Jeremy , Wei Wei , Wang Qiang , Yue Weihua , Yan Hao , Tan Liwen , Chen Qi , Yang Guigang , Lu Tianlan , Wang Lifang , Zhang Fuquan , Yang Jianli , Li Keqing , Lv Luxian , Tan Qingrong , Zhang Hongyan , Ma Xin , Yang Fude , Li Lingjiang , Wang Chuanyue , Zhao Liansheng , Deng Wei , Guo Wanjun , Ma Xiaohong , Zhang Dai , Li Tao
Published: January 2023

Background:

Total white blood cell count (TWBCc), an index of chronic and low-grade
inflammation, is associated with clinical symptoms and metabolic alterations in patients with schizophrenia.
The effect of antipsychotics on TWBCc, predictive values of TWBCc for drug response, and
role of metabolic alterations require further study.

Methods:

Patients with schizophrenia were randomized to monotherapy with risperidone, olanzapine,
quetiapine, aripiprazole, ziprasidone, perphenazine or haloperidol in a 6-week pharmacological trial.
We repeatedly measured clinical symptoms, TWBCc, and metabolic measures (body mass index,
blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting blood lipids and glucose). We used mixed-effect linear
regression models to test whether TWBCc can predict drug response. Mediation analysis to investigate
metabolic alteration effects on drug response.

Results:

At baseline, TWBCc was higher among patients previously medicated. After treatment with
risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, perphenazine, and haloperidol, TWBCc decreased significantly (p
< 0.05). Lower baseline TWBCc predicted greater reductions in Positive and Negative Syndrome
Scale (PANSS) total and negative scores over time (p < 0.05). We found significant mediation of
TWBCc for effects of waist circumference, fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and glucose on
reductions in PANSS total scores and PANSS negative subscale scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

TWBCc is affected by certain antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia, with
decreases observed following short-term, but increases following long-term treatment. TWBCc is predictive
of drug response, with lower TWBCc predicting better responses to antipsychotics. It also mediates
the effects of certain metabolic measures on improvement of negative symptoms. This indicates
that the metabolic state may affect clinical manifestations through inflammation.
Reducing Hepatotoxicity Mechanism of Radix Wikstroemia Indica by
Processing with “Sweat Soaking Method” Using UPLC-MS/MS and a
Cocktail Probe Substrate
Authors: Su Hongmei , Feng Guo , Xu Qin , Li Wei , Liu Wen , Wu Zengguang , Li Lailai , Wang Wenjing , Zhu Guanglin , Ren Chenchen , Song Xueli , Zhang Ju , He Zhengyan
Published: January 2023

Background:

Radix Wikstroemia indica is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drug. However, it has serious hepatotoxicity, "Sweat soaking method" processed could effectively decrease its hepatotoxicity.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to study the effects of Radix Wikstroemia indica on six kinds of cytochrome P450(CYP450) isozymes of rat liver microsomes before and after processing, and to study the mechanism of Radix Wikstroemia indica processed by the "Sweat soaking method" to reduce liver toxicity in rats.

Methods:

In this study, the effects of Radix Wikstroemia indica and processed Radix Wikstroemia indica on the six main CYP450 isoforms (2E1, 1A2, 2C6, 2D1, 2C11, and 3A1) were investigated in vitro. Using a cocktail probe of CYP450 isoform-specific substrates and their metabolites, we carried out in vitro enzymatic studies in liver microsomal incubation systems via UPLC-MS/MS.

Results:

The results showed that the established UPLC-MS/MS method was precise and reliable. Compared with the blank group, the activities of six enzymes in the RWI and PRWI groups were higher than those in the blank group. At the same dose, the enzyme activities of CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP2C6, CYP2C11, and CYP3A1 increased with the increase in dose, and the enzyme activities of the RWI group were higher than those of the PRWI group. The enzyme activities of CYP2E1 and CYP1A2 in the Radix Wikstroemia indica group were significantly increased compared with the blank group, CYP3A1 in the RWI high-dose group was higher than that in the blank group and PRWI group with statistical differences (p<0.05 or p<0.01).

Conclusion:

The processed Radix Wikstroemia indica could reduce liver injury, and its detoxication mechanism might be related to the decrease in enzyme activity of CYP1A2, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1.
The Composite Quality Score (CQS) as an Appraisal Tool for Prospective,
Controlled Clinical Therapy Trials: Rationale and Current Evidence
Authors: Mickenautsch Steffen , Rupf Stefan , Miletić Ivana , Yengopal Veerasamy
Published: January 2023

Background:

Current evidence appraisal concepts, such as the Assessment,
Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and Cochrane’s Risk of Bias (RoB) tool, rely on
assumptions related to the classic problem of inductive reasoning and may suffer from insufficient
inter-rater reliability.

Discussion:

The Composite Quality Score (CQS) has emerged as a possible trial appraisal tool
that does not rely on inductive assumptions and has been shown to be of potentially very high
inter-rater reliability.

Conclusion:

Although the current CQS concept is still under development, its current evidence is
encouraging and justifies further study. This article presents the rationale and currently available
research concerning the CQS and shows where further research is required.