bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of changing treatment strategy based on circulating tumor cells on postoperative survival of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Zihan , xu wei , Yang Yanlian , Gao Guoxuan , Teng Changsheng , Ge Zhicheng , Zhang Huiming , Yuan Zhu , Ding Guoqian , Wang Yang , Li Peixin , Xu Yaqian , Li Ping , Hu Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhongtao , Qu Xiang
Published: August 2022

Background: We sought to explore the impact of changing treatment strategy based on circulating tumor cells (CTC) on postoperative survival of breast cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed records of patients who underwent surgery for early-stage breast cancer at Beijing Friendship Hospital from January 2016 to January 2018 and regularly underwent CTC examination after surgery. During the regular examination and CTC monitoring, the patients with positive CTC results and without distant metastasis had their treatment regimen changed.Results: Of 109 patients who received CTC examination regularly after surgery, 61 (56.0%) were CTC-positive during postoperative follow-up, including 33 ER or PR-positive, and 28 ER and PR-negative patients. Of the 33 ER or PR-positive patients, 20 changed endocrine therapy drugs. Compared with those without replacement, those with changed endocrine therapy strategy had higher CTC clearance rates (90.0% vs. 53.8%, p=0.04) and significantly lower CTC-positive values (1.70 ± 1.72 vs. 0.62 ± 0.65, p = 0.04). Among the 28 patients who were CTC positive and ER and PR-negative, 11 used capecitabine. Compared with non-users, the capecitabine users had higher CTC clearance rates (100.0% vs. 52.9%, p=0.01) and more significant decrease in CTC-positive values (2.09 ± 1.14 vs. 0.82 ± 1.67, p=0.04). Disease-free survival (DFS) at 1, 3, and 5 years was significantly longer in those who changed treatment than in those who did not (respectively, 96.6% vs. 89.6%, 92.8% vs. 56.9%, 69.0% vs. 47.8%, p<0.01). By changing the treatment strategy, CTC-positive patients achieved DFS that was not significantly different from CTC-negative patients (95.0% vs. 97.7%, 77.5% vs. 82.9%, 57.6% vs. 59.9%, p=0.20). Conclusion: Timely change of treatment strategy for breast cancer patients with positive CTC results after surgery may improve CTC clearance rate and DFS.
Intraspecific functional variability associated to mangrove forest zonation in West-Central Mexico
Authors: Campo Judit Torres Fernández del , Olvera-Vargas Miguel , Figueroa-Rangel Blanca L. , Cuevas-Guzmán Ramón , Casanoves Fernando
Published: August 2022

Functional diversity and the contribution of functional traits in mangrove ecosystems dynamics in western México remain unknown. In this study, we assessed intraspecific trait variation in three different mangrove zones. We developed and tested the following hypothesis: i. mangrove species vary along trait axes associated with plant size and leaf economics. ii. there is intraspecific trait variation (ITV) in leaf traits related to economic aspects of plant function among mangrove zones. iii. the presence of functional variation in plant traits among mangrove zones is related to physicochemical ground-water gradients. We used 65 permanent plots, distributed across three contrasting mangrove zones to assess morphological functional traits: leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry-matter content (LDMC), tree height (H) and wood density; salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature were recorded in each plot. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) examined how mangrove and mangrove-associated species were assembled in the functional trait space; General Linear Models (GLM) to compare mean trait values for each species among mangrove zones and Redundancy Analysis (RDA) to identify the interstitial water variables explaining functional composition. Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle were mainly explained by SLA, LDMC and H; both species were associated to a bigger tree height, great leaf dry matter content, and small SLA values. GLM suggested ITV among mangrove zones with spatial patterns related to interstitial water variables. Our findings suggested mangrove species exhibited significant ITV mainly in SLA and H; salinity and pH were relevant to the functional ecology in mangrove ecosystems.
Simultaneously trapping solvents molecules and anions for stable and safe potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Yi Xianhui , Zhou Jiang , Lu Bingan
Published: August 2022

Critical issues along with potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) lies in free organic solvents molecules are always flammable, easily oxidized and will trigger the formation of potassium dendrite during cycling, leading to severe safety concerns and deteriorated cycle stability. Here, an environmental friendliness and facile preparation zeolitic imidazolate framework electrolyte, enabled by framework trapping strategy, is proposed to improve the performance of PIBs. The low cost electrolyte with simultaneously trapping strategy possesses high ionic conductivity, high oxidative stability (over 5.9 V), diverse inhibitory abilities - K dendrites, “shuttle effect”, and organic dissolution. Consequently, potassium metal symmetric battery shows a stable operation over 5,000 h at 0.1 mA cm−2, and graphite based potassium anode exhibits high capacity retention and high Coulombic efficiency. The high-voltage vanadium fluorophosphate (cycle in 2.0-4.6 V), easily soluble 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI) cathodes also can stable cycles more than 1,000 and 2,100 cycles, respectively. Moreover, the high energy density safe graphite||PTCDI based full cells exhibits an average capacity decay rate of 0.034% per cycle for 1,000 cycles at 50 mA g−1. This study presents a fresh approach for designing and developing low-cost and sustainable PIBs and beyond.
Modelling evolution of a large, critical glacier-fed lake in the Western Indian Himalaya
Authors: Gantayat Prateek , Ramsankaran RAAJ
Published: August 2022

In this study, we simulated the evolution of a large glacier-fed lake called the Gepangath lake located in Western Himalayas by numerically modelling the evolution of the Gepangath glacier that feeds the lake. This modelling was carried out by a 1D model that is based on the principle of mass conservation. The 1D model was forced with the glacier surface mass balance (SMB). Due to non-availability of published in-situ estimates, the SMB was estimated using an energy balance-based model on station derived and reanalysis derived meteorological data. Modelled glacier length fluctuations for over 134 years matched reasonably well with that of observed within the RMSE error ~320 m. In addition to that, between 2004 and 2019, the modelled and observed lake lengths were in agreement with each other with the RMSE ~110 m. Modelled glacier lake lengths also match well with published, satellite imagery derived lengths within 15% uncertainty. The obtained results though not highly accurate but demonstrate the importance of the combination of numerical models viz. ice-flow model and mass balance estimation model along with satellite images in modelling glacier lake evolution in the data-sparse Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Such studies have the potential to help understand as well as predict the evolution of critical glacier-fed lakes in the IHR.
Association between clinical and surgical variables with postoperative outcomes in patients treated for intestinal obstruction for non-malignant conditions: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Girón Felipe , Chaves Carlos Eduardo Rey , Rodríguez Lina , Rueda-Esteban Roberto Javier , Núñez-Rocha Ricardo E. , Pedraza Juan Daniel , Conde Danny , Vanegas Marco , Nassar Ricardo , Hernández Juan David
Published: August 2022

Background: Intestinal obstruction is considered a frequent surgical pathology related to previous surgical procedures. Many different factors can lead to different outcomes when surgical management is needed. Therefore, we aim to describe the factors related to morbidity and mortality in surgical management of IO in a single-center experience.Methods: Retrospective observational study with a prospective database, in which we described patients who underwent surgical management due to intestinal obstruction between 2004 and 2015. Demographics, perioperative data, surgical outcomes, morbidity, and mortality were described. Results: 366 patients were included. Female were 54.6%. Mean age was 61.26. Laparoscopic approach was done in 21.8 % and the conversion rate was 17.2%. Intestinal resection was performed in 37.9% of the cases. Postoperative complications were observed in 18.85%. Reintervention and mortality were 9.5% and 4.1% respectively. Laparoscopic approach shows lesser time of intestinal transit (mean 28.67 vs mean 41.95 hours), and restart of oral intake after surgery (mean 96.06 vs mean 119.65) compared with open approach. Increased heart rate and intensive care unit length of stay were related with mortality (p 0.01 and 0.000 respectively). For morbidity, laparotomy and need and duration of ICU stay were related with any complication statistically significant (p 0.02, 0.008, 0.000 respectively).Conclusion: Patients with increased heart rate in the emergency room, decreased amount of intravenous fluids, need and higher length of stay in the intensive care unit, and delay in resuming oral intake after surgery appear to have poor outcomes. Laparoscopic approach seems to be a safe and feasible approach for intestinal obstruction.
Diurnal switching of physical activity reduces depression-related behaviors: A time-series analysis of wearable device data
Authors: YOKOYAMA Satoshi , KAGAWA Fumi , TAKAMURA Masahiro , TAKAGAKI Koki , KAMBARA Kohei , Mitsuyama Yuki , Shimizu Ayaka , OKADA Go , OKAMOTO Yasumasa
Published: August 2022

Background
Wearable devices have been widely used in research to understand the relationship between habitual physical activity and mental health in the real world. However, little attention has been paid to the temporal variability in continuous physical activity patterns measured by these devices. Therefore, we analyzed time-series patterns of physical activity intensity measured by a wearable device and investigated the relationship between its model parameters and depression-related behaviors.
Methods
Sixty-six healthy individuals used the wearable device for one week and then answered a questionnaire on depression-related behaviors. A seasonal autoregressive integral moving average (SARIMA) model was fitted to the individual-level device data and the best individual model parameters were estimated via a grid search.
Results
Out of 64 hyper-parameter combinations, 21 models were selected as optimal, and the models with a larger number of affiliations were found to have no seasonal autoregressive parameter. Conversely, about half of the optimal models indicated that physical activity on any given day fluctuated due to the previous day’s activity. In addition, both irregular rhythms in day-to-day activity and low-level of diurnal variability could lead to avoidant behavior patterns.
Conclusion
Automatic and objective physical activity data from wearable devices showed that diurnal switching of physical activity, as well as day-to-day rhythms, reduced depression-related behaviors. These time-series parameters may be useful for detecting behavioral issues that lie outside individuals’ subjective awareness.
Anthropogenic impact and antibiotic resistance among the indicator and pathogenic bacteria from several industrial and sewage discharge points along the coast from Pydibhimavaram to Tuni, East Coast of India
Authors: Behera Swarnaprava , Tan Naga Radha Srinivas , Moturi Sri Rama Krishna , Gudapati Geethika , Tadi Satyanarayana Reddy , Modali Sravani
Published: August 2022

Increasing urbanization and industrialization of the Visakhapatnam region have brought domestic sewage and industrial wastewater discharge into the coastal ocean. This study tries to look at the quantitative abundance of the indicator and pathogenic bacteria and their antibiotic susceptibility. As part of this study, both surface and subsurface water samples were collected from ten different regions (147 stations; 294 samples) which included 12 industrial discharge points, surrounding stations and two harbours from the coast of Pydibheemavaram to Tuni. Physicochemical parameters like salinity, temperature, fluorescence, pH, total suspended matter, nutrients, chlorophyll-a, and dissolved oxygen of the water showed a difference from one region to other. We noticed the presence of indicator (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis) and pathogenic (Aeromonas hydrophila, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella and Shigella, Vibrio cholera and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) bacteria among the samples. Waters from the near harbour and Visakhapatnam steel plant showed lower bacterial load where there is no direct input from industries to the coastal water. Samples collected during the industrial discharge period had a higher bacterial load including E. coli. Enteric bacteria were found in higher numbers at most of the stations with some isolates being resistant to multiple antibiotics with higher antibiotic resistance (AR) and multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) indexes compared with the other coastal water habitats in the Bay of Bengal. The occurrence of these bacteria above the standard limits and with multiple antibiotic resistance in the study region may pose a potential threat to the local inhabitants and can create an alarming situation in the coastal waters in the study region.
Gasdermin B over-expression modulates HER2-targeted therapy resistance by inducing protective autophagy through Rab7 activation.
Authors: Gamez-Chiachio Manuel , Molina-Crespo Angela , Ramos-Nebot Carmen , Martinez-Val Jeannette , Martinez Lidia , Gassner Katja , llobet Francisco J , Soriano Mario , Hernandez Alberto , Cordani Marco , Bernadó-Morales Cristina , Diaz Eva , Rojo-Sebastián Alejandro , Triviño Juan Carlos , Sanchez Laura , Rodríguez-Barrueco Ruth , Arribas Joaquín , Llobet-Navas David , Sarrió David , Moreno-Bueno Gema
Published: August 2022

Background: Gasdermin B (GSDMB) over-expression promotes poor prognosis and aggressive behavior in HER2 breast cancer by increasing resistance to therapy. Decoding the molecular mechanism of GSDMB-mediated drug resistance is crucial to identify novel effective targeted treatments for HER2/GSDMB aggressive tumors. Methods: Different in vitro approaches (immunoblot, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, proteomic analysis, immunoprecipitation, and confocal/electron microscopy) were performed in HER2 breast and gastroesophageal carcinoma cell models. Results were then validated using in vivo preclinical animal models and analyzing human breast and gastric cancer samples. Results: GSDMB up-regulation renders HER2 cancer cells more resistant to anti-HER2 agents by promoting protective autophagy. Accordingly, the combination of lapatinib with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine increases the therapeutic response of GSDMB-positive cancers in vitro and in zebrafish and mice tumor xenograft in vivo models. Mechanistically, GSDMB N-terminal domain interacts with the key components of the autophagy machinery LC3B and Rab7, facilitating the Rab7 activation during pro-survival autophagy in response to anti-HER2 therapies. Finally, we validated these results in clinical samples where GSDMB/Rab7/LC3B co-expression associates significantly with relapse in HER2 breast and gastric cancers. Conclusion: Our findings uncover for the first time a functional link between GSDMB over-expression and protective autophagy in response to HER2-targeted therapies. GSDMB behaves like an autophagy adaptor and plays a pivotal role in modulating autophagosome maturation through Rab7 activation. Finally, our results provide a new and accessible therapeutic approach for HER2/GSDMB+ cancers with adverse clinical outcome.
The big squeeze: A product content and labelling analysis of ready-to-use complementary infant food pouches in Australia
Authors: Brunacci Kaitlyn A , Salmon Libby , McCann Jennifer , Gribble Karleen , Fleming Catharine A.K.
Published: August 2022

Background Encouraging the early development of healthy eating habits prevents diet-related chronic disease. It is well understood that highly processed foods with high amounts of sugars, salt and fats are a risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Commercial baby foods in ready-to-use squeeze pouches emerged in the global food market around 2012. The long-term effects of this now ubiquitous packaging on the quality of infant diets, baby food consumption and marketing are unknown. This study aimed to conduct a rigorous mixed-methods audit of squeeze pouches in Australia to inform product regulation and policy. Methods: Nutritional and marketing data were sourced from products available in Australian retailers. Analysis of nutritional content, texture and packaging labelling and serving size was conducted. Pouches were given a Nutrition Profile Index (NPI) score and compared with the Australian Infant Feeding Guidelines. Marketing text was thematically analysed and compared to existing infant nutrition policy around regulation of marketing claims.Results: 276 products from 15 manufacturers were analysed, targeting infants from 4+ to 12+ months. Total sugar content ranged 0.8-17.5 (g/100g), 20% (n=56) of products had added sugars, 17% (n=46) had added fruit juice, 71% (n= 196) had added fruit puree. Saturated fat content ranged from 0.0-5.0 (g/100g), sodium 0.0-69 (mg/100g) and dietary fibre 0.0-4.3 (g/100g). Only two products achieved an NPI score indicating nutritional adequacy. Marketing messages included ingredient premiumisation, nutrient absence claims, claims about infant development and health, good parenting, and convenience. Claims of ‘no added sugar’ were made for 59% of pouches, despite the addition of free sugars.Conclusions Squeeze pouch products available in Australia are nutritionally poor, high in sugars, low in iron, and there is a clear risk that if infants are fed regularly these products their health will be harmed. The marketing messages and labelling on squeeze pouches are highly misleading and do not support WHO or Australian NHMRC recommendations for breastfeeding or appropriate introduction of complementary foods and labelling of products. There is an urgent need for improved regulation of product composition, serving sizes and labelling to protect infants and young children aged 0-36 months and better inform parents.
Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: insights from a cohort of 257 thyroidectomized patients
Authors: Scherer Henrique Cabral , Fernandes Paula , Scheffel Rafael Selbach , Zanella André B. , Maia Ana Luiza , Dora Jose Miguel
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Active surveillance (AS) has been gaining attention as an option for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) management in selected patients. However, some questions remain on PTMC behavior, particularly on tumor multicentricity and cervical metastases. Our aim is to gather insights on the natural history of PTMC on patients treated with thyroidectomy.Methods: Consecutive patients diagnosed with PTMC (tumor size ≤ 1.0 cm) had their clinical characteristics, interventions, and outcomes described. Patients were classified as incidental or nonincidental based on the diagnosis of PTMC after or before surgery, respectively. Results: A cohort of 257 patients was included for this study, 84.0% of which were women, and the mean age was of 48.3 ± 13.5 years. The mean tumor size was of 0.68 ± 0.26 cm, 30.4% were multifocal, 24.5% had cervical metastasis, and 0.4% distant metastasis. The nonincidental and incidental tumors differed in tumor size (0.72 ± 0.24 and 0.60 ± 0.28 cm, respectively, p=0.003) and in presence of cervical metastasis (31.3% and 11.9%, respectively, p<0.001). Male sex, nonincidental diagnosis, and younger age were independent predictors of cervical metastasis. Notably, each year less in age represented an increase of 3% in likelihood of nodal metastasis (p<0.001). After 5.5 years (P25-75 2.5-9.7) of follow-up, only 3.8% of patients had persistent structural disease (3.4% cervical). Predictors of persistent disease at multivariate analysis included cervical metastasis and multicentricity.Conclusion: Incidental and nonincidental PTMC patients displayed excellent outcomes. Cervical metastasis and multicentricity are frequent findings in PTMC and prognostic factors for persistent disease.
Hair Cortisol as a Predictive Biochemical Indicator for the Preventive and Personalised Evaluation of Suicide Risk in Depression? An Exploratory Comparison Study Between Mentally-Stable Control Subjects, Depressed Individuals and Individuals After Completing Suicide
Authors: Karabatsiakis Alexander , de Punder Karin , Manrique Juan-Salinas , Todt Melanie , Dietrich Detlef E.
Published: August 2022

Depression and suicidal behaviour are interrelated, stress-associated mental health conditions, each lacking biological verifiability. Concepts of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (3PM) are almost completely missing for both conditions but are of utmost importance. Research reported altered levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the scalp hair of depressed individuals, while data on hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) for suicide completers (SC) are completely missing. Compared to mentally-stable control subjects (n = 12), we expected chronic stress-associated HCC elevation in depressed patients (n = 20), with an additional HCC increase in SC (n = 45) that might lead to the identification of between-group differences towards a 3PM conceptualization. HCC was measured cross-sectionally in extracts of pulverized hair (1cm and 3cm hair segments) using ELISA. In 3cm hair segments, we found an average increase in HCC for depressed patients (x1.66) and SC (x5.46) compared to controls. Furthermore, the average HCC in SC was significantly increased compared to the depressed group (x3.28). A significant correlation between HCC in the 1cm and the 3cm hair segments, as well as a significant association between HCC (3cm segment) and the severity of depressive symptoms, were also found. We replicate findings of increased HCC in depressed subjects compared to controls. Additionally, we provide data on HCC in SC, showing an additional increase in HCC compared to both controls and depressed patients. The usage of HCC as a predictive/preventive tool in the context of 3PM to possibly indicate and monitor suicidal risk in depression is an urgent question that needs to be answered timely.
Effect of substrate fertility on tank-bromeliad performances
Authors: Rapnouil Tristan Lafont , Coste Sabrina , Goret Jean-Yves , Julien Frédéric , Stahl Clément , Leroy Céline
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Members of the plant family Bromeliaceae can uptake nutrients directly from their leaves via leaf absorbing trichomes and their roots have long been reduced to anchorage function,thus overlooked. Recently, evidence has accumulated for a significant role for the roots of some species of tank bromeliads in both water and nutrients absorption. However, to date, little attention has been paid to the importance of the substrate fertility for the structure of the roots and the growth and performance of tank bromeliads.
Methods
This study investigated the effect of substrate fertility on Aechmea aquilega. Seeds of this tank bromeliad were sowed in a greenhouse in French Guiana in three different substrates: a nutrient-poor, a nutrient-rich and a mixed substrate. The performances of 15-month-old A. aquilega were assessed by measuring leaf and root traits related to nutrient acquisition and resources capture.
Results
We show that plants growing in nutrient-poor substrate grew twice slower and were smaller than plants grown on the nutrient-rich substrate with fewer leaves and roots, lower total dry mass, and smaller leaves and root length. Overall, 70% of measured traits responded significantly to the experimental treatments indicating that the response of A. aquilega to nutrient availability is a combination of physiological processes, leaf and root structure, and chemistry.
Conclusion
This study is the first to show that the fertility of the substrate on which the bromeliad A. aquilega grows has a strong and lasting effect on the plant performance and may be a relevant factor for bromeliad ecology.
Cerebral infarction in HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningitis: its predictors and impact on outcomes
Authors: Tu Jiashan , Zhang Siyu , Liu Qinghua , Lin Yu
Published: August 2022

Background
Descriptions of the patterns of acute/subacute cerebral infarction (ASCI) in HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningitis (CM) are scarce, and the predictors of ischemic stroke and outcomes following ASCI with CM remain unclear.
Aim
To study the clinical characteristics and evaluate the predictors of ASCI in HIV-negative patients with CM and assess the impact of ischemic stroke on the outcomes of the patients.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the data of 61 HIV-negative patients with CM treated between January, 2016 and February, 2022, and among them, 53 patients with complete neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data were enrolled in this study. The cohort was stratified by the occurrence of ASCI diagnosed based on MRI evidences for comparison of the clinical characteristics, laboratory data, imaging findings and outcomes of the patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of ASCI in the HIV-negative patients with CM.
Results
ASCI occurred in 26.4% (14/53) of the HIV-negative patients with CM. The incidences of fever, headache, neck stiffness, duration of symptoms, CSF parameter, meningeal enhancement in brain MRI and the treatment regimens were similar between the patients with and those without ASCI. Most of the infarcts (92.9%) were of the lacunar type, involving both the anterior and posterior territories. Basal ganglia-corona radiata and the brainstem-cerebellum were the most frequently involved sites. Logistic regression analysis suggested that consciousness disorder (P = 0.002), MRI evidence of hydrocephalus (P = 0.042) and posterior fossa exudates (P = 0.028) were all independent predictors of ASCI in these HIV-negative patients with CM. Compared with patients without ASCI, the HIV-negative patients with CM and ASCI had unfavorable outcomes (P = 0.001).
Conclusion
ASCI is relatively rare in HIV-negative patients with CM, presented commonly as multiple lacunar infarctions involving all the cerebrovascular territories. The presence of consciousness disorder, hydrocephalus and posterior fossa exudates may increase the risk of ASCI in patients with CM. ASCI is associated with a poor outcome of the HIV-negative patients with CM.
The (I-V) Curve Models of The Corona Plasmas Discharge Using The electrodes configuration model of Twin Blades Forming An Angle To The Plane.
Authors: Wardaya Asep Yoyo , Muhlisin Zaenul , Suseno Jatmiko Endro , Setiawati Evi , Hadi Susilo , Mustati’ah Mustati'ah , Windarta Jaka
Published: August 2022

This study aims to calculate the compatibility level of experimental and simulation (I-V) curves of the corona discharge on the electrodes configuration model of Twin Blades Forming An Angle To The Plane (TBFA-P) in the air. The active electrode supplies a negative DC voltage source. The center clamp angle of the active electrode has variations in the θ angles of 300, 450, and 600, and the distance variations between the active and passive electrodes (d) are 0.002 m, 0.005 m, and 0.008 m. The numerical formulation of the current value of the TBFA-P electrode configuration model uses Gauss's Law concept and the modified capacitance model by adding a multiplication factor k in the sharpness angle of the active electrode. For making (I-V) curves with several variable accuracy levels such as t-test and Standard Deviation (SD) using Python GUI Programming. The best (I-V) curve has the smallest t-test of 0.0313 and the largest percentage of tangent points of 92.31% in the case of θ = 450 at the value of d = 0.008 m. For all experiments, we get the average values ​​of the t-test is 0.0446, the SD is 0.903, and the percentage of tangent points is 69.204%.
The role of Sonic Hedgehog pathway in the development of spinal cord injury in rat model
Authors: Chen Weiting , Wang Hongyang , Chen Jianping , Tang Min , Lin Bin , Lin Aini , Lin Xiaoyan , Wang Yesong , Zhang Gensheng
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway plays an important role in neuroinflammation and neurorepairment after neurological injury, but its role in the development of spinal cord injury (SCI) and related mechanisms are not clear. The purpose of this study was to explore whether and how the Shh signaling pathway exert a neuroprotective effect in SCI. Methods: The SCI model of rat was established by a Allen's weight-drop method. Thirty SPF SD rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: Control, Sham, SCI model, SCI + purmorphamine (Shh activator), and SCI + cyclopamine (Shh inbibitor). Rats in group of Shh activator or Shh inbibitor were administrated with purmorphamine (10 mg/kg) or cyclopamine (10 mg/kg) respectively daily within one week after establishment of SCI model. Scores of Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) and Reuter were evaluated at the time-points of 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day after establishment of SCI model. Rats were sacrificed on 7th day , and the pathological injury, the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and the protein and mRNA expressions of Gli1, Shh and Smoothened in spinal cord tissue were assessed by HE staining, ELISA, Western Blot and RT-qPCR, respectively.Results: Rat treated with purmorphamine exhibited a significant increase in BBB score in comparison with SCI group, whereas there was no significant difference after cyclopamine treatment. Interestingly, purmorphamine treatment declined SCI-induced increases in the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 β and TNF-α), whereas cyclopamine administration up-regulated their expressions of these inflammatory cytokines. The pyknotic neuronal cells in gray matter area of the spinal cord and the area of cavity in white matter area were reduced in purmorphamine treatment when compared with SCI group, whereas treatment with cyclopamine elicited an opposite changes. When compared with Sham group, the protein and mRNA expressions of Gli1, Shh, Smoothened were up-regulated in SCI group; whereas these SCI-induced expressions were further activated or inhibited by purmorphamine or cyclopamine treatment.Conclusion: We demonstrated that Shh activator plays an important protective role in the development of SCI in rat model, which might provide a new strategy via targeting Shh pathway to prevent or treat SCI in the future.
Malted sorghum as a maize substitute in broiler diets: Effect on feed utilization, growth performance, and blood parameters
Authors: manyeula Freddy , Moses Chandapiwa , Mareko Molebeledi H.D. , Madibela Othusitse R. , Radikara Malebogo V
Published: August 2022

Sorghum is amongst the most drought-tolerant cereals in the driest rain-fed regions of the arid and semi-arid tropics and hence its suitability in circumventing food and feed insecurity. However, the presence of phytochemicals may limit its utilization in sustainable poultry production which require some form of treatment before use. Thus, this study was conducted to explore malting as a processing method and its effect on growth performance and haemo-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated by totally replacing maize with either malted Mr Buster (MBBD) or Segaolane (MSBD) and Control diets. One hundred and fifty one-week old Ross 308 broiler (R308BC) were evenly distributed into 15 replicate pens (10 birds/pen) to which experimental diets were randomly allocated and offered in three phase feeding. Birds fed MSBD were eating more than those fed other diets. The birds on Control diet gained more weight than those fed malted sorghum based (MSOBD). Poor feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed on MBBD birds in week 3, 4, 5 and 6.The PER was lowest on MSOBD birds in week 2 and 6 but in week 5 the opposite is the truth. Protein intake (PI) of birds on MSOBD was highest in all weeks. Haematological and serum parameters fell within reported normal range of healthy chicken. Overall, the results from the study suggest that maize grains can be replaced with malted sorghum grains, especially Segaolane in poultry diets without any adverse effects on the bird’s growth’s performance and health status.
Nondestructive root exudate sampling using aeroponics throughout progressive drought stress and recovery
Authors: Lin Heng-An , Coker Harrison R. , Park Sungkyu , Finlayson Scott A. , Nagy Elek M. , Hague Steve , Antony-Babu Sanjay , Howe Julie A. , Smith A. Peyton
Published: August 2022

BackgroundSampling root exudates in situ is challenging because root systems are often damaged while exudates are prone to microbial decomposition and sorption in the soil environment. Hydroponic systems provide the capability to capture root exudates without root damage or soil sorption; however, they lack the utility to provide drought stress. We hypothesized that a high-pressure aeroponic system could induce gradual drought stress and recovery by manipulating misting cycles, and that collecting “rinseate” from washed root systems would contain detectable quantities of exudates without destructively sampling roots. The objectives were to: (1) evaluate the ability of the aeroponic system to impose drought conditions on plants by measuring their metabolic, physiological, and morphological responses; and (2) test the efficacy of the aeroponic system to collect root exudates of cotton under progressive drought and recovery conditions. Progressive drought stress was induced for two weeks in aeroponically grown cotton at the match-head square stage (34 days after planting) followed by a 1-week recovery phase at full irrigation. Results The progressive drought treatment limited plant development by decreasing canopy height, number of green leaves, leaf fluorescence measurements, tissue biomass, and plant water content, while increasing visual drought severity. Abscisic acid (ABA) was chosen as a root exudate indicator sensitive to drought that could be monitored in the collected root “rinseate”. After initiating the drought treatment, ABA increased in the rinseate from drought-treated plants and subsequently declined in the recovery phase. Some response variables improved by the end of recovery phase (i.e., ABA, fluorescence, drought severity index, and water content), yet others expressed more longstanding effects (i.e., canopy height and number of green leaves). ConclusionUsing the aeroponic system, detectable quantities of root exudates were captured at each sampling time throughout simulated drought, while cotton demonstrated rapid adjustment to drought and recovery. This method expands root exudate collection strategies by offering continuous sampling of target crops throughout a diverse array of simulated stressors.
Backbone and side-chain resonance assignments of the NISTmAb-scFv and antigen-binding study
Authors: Ghasriani Houman , Ahmadi Sara , Hodgson Derek J , Aubin Yves
Published: August 2022

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) therapeutics are the largest and fastest growing class of biologic drugs, amongst which, the vast majority are immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1). Their antigen binding abilities are used for the treatment of immunologic diseases, cancer therapy, reversal of drug effects, and targeting viruses and bacteria. The high importance of therapeutic mAbs and their derivatives has called for the generation of well-characterized standards for method development and calibration. One such standard, the NISTmAb RM 8621 based on the antibody motavizumab, has been developed by the National Institute of Technologies and Standards (NIST) in the US. Here, we present the resonance assignment of the single chain variable fragment, NISTmAb-scFv, that was engineered by linking the variable domains of the heavy and light chains of the NISTmAb. Also, addition of a peptide, corresponding to the target antigen of motavizumab, to samples of NISTmAb-scFv has induced chemical shift perturbations on residues lining the antigen binding interface thereby indicating proper folding of the NISTmAb-scFv.
Compound A attenuates proinflammatory cytokine-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in ß-cells and displays beneficial therapeutic effects in a mouse model of autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Andreone Luz , Fuertes Florencia , Sétula Carolina , Tabarrozzi Andres E. Barcala , Orellano Miranda S. , Dewey Ricardo A. , Bottino Rita , De Bosscher Karolien , Perone Marcelo J.
Published: August 2022

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterized by an immune-mediated progressive destruction of the insulin-producing β-cells. Proinflammatory cytokines trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and subsequent insulin secretory deficiency in cultured β-cells, mimicking the islet microenvironment in T1D. β-cells undergo physiologic ER stress due to the high rate of insulin production and secretion under stimulated conditions. Severe and uncompensated ER stress in β-cells is induced by several pathological mechanisms before onset and during T1D. We previously described that the small drug Compound A (CpdA), a selective glucocorticoid receptor (GR/NR3C1, nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1) ligand with demonstrated inflammation-suppressive activity in vivo, is an effective modulator of effector T and dendritic cells and of macrophages, yet, in a GR-independent manner. Here, we focus on CpdA’s therapeutic potential in T1D cellular and animal models. We demonstrate that CpdA improves the unfolded protein response (UPR) by attenuating ER stress and favoring the survival and function of β-cells exposed to an environment of proinflammatory cytokines. CpdA administration to NODscid mice adoptively transferred with diabetogenic splenocytes (from diabetic NOD mice) led to a delay of disease onset and reduction of diabetes incidence. Histological analysis of the pancreas showed a reduction in islet leukocyte infiltration (insulitis) and preservation of insulin expression in CpdA-treated normoglycemic mice in comparison with control group. These new findings together with our previous reports justify further studies on the administration of this small molecule as a novel therapeutic strategy with dual targets (effector immune and β-cells) during autoimmune diabetes.
Immunostimulatory activity of Syneilesis palmata leaves through macrophage activation via TLR2/4-dependent p38 activation and macrophage autophagy via TLR2/4 stimulation
Authors: Park So Jung , Yu Ju Hyung , Choi Min Yeong , Lee Jae Won , Jeong Jin Boo
Published: August 2022

Syneilesis palmata (Thunb.) Maxim (S. palmata) has been used as a traditional medicinal plant and vegetable. it has been found that S. palmata has anti-inflammatory activity, anti-cancer activity, and anti-HIV-1 activity. However, there are no studies on the immunostimulatory activity of S. palmata. Thus, in this study, we report that S. palmata leaves (SPL) induce the activation of macrophages. SPL increased the production of immunostimulatory factors and phagocytosis in RAW264.7 cells. TLR2/4 inhibition blocked SPL-mediated production of immunostimulatory factors and phagocytosis. In addition, the p38 inhibition reduced the SPL-mediated production of immunostimulatory factors, and the SPL-mediated p38 activation was blocked by the TLR2/4 inhibition. SPL increased the level of LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1. TLR2/4 inhibition blocked SPL-mediated increase in the level of LC3-II and p62/SQSTM1. These findings indicate that SPL may activate macrophage activation through TLR2/4-mediated activation of p38, and activate macrophage autophagy through TLR2/4 stimulation
Prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis infection and associated risk factors in the Tibetan area, China
Authors: Zhu Xiaowu , Liu Linlin , Yixi Lamu , Yang Yanan , Zhang Yan , Zhen Yang , Chen Huali , Dong Jinfeng , Yang Shouhua
Published: August 2022

Objective
Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide and is associated with several complications. However, the paucity of research regarding the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area limits control efforts. We compared the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area and Wuhan city of China to unveil the epidemiological characteristics of this issue in the Tibetan area.
Methods
This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult women attending gynecology outpatient clinics in two public hospitals (one in the Tibetan area and one in Wuhan city) in China in 2020. Data were retrieved from the medical record system and laboratory information management system, including T. vaginalis infection, bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis by wet mount microscopy and nucleic acid hybridization of vaginal secretions from patients. The associations of variables associated with T. vaginalis prevalence were quantified by odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
Results
The overall prevalence rates of T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area and Wuhan city were 20.94% and 2.84%, respectively. Significant risk factors for having T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area included lower educational status and lower family income, clinical symptoms and a high level of vaginal cleanliness in the multivariate logistic analysis.
Conclusion
Interventions targeting improving living standards as well as women's educational level and promoting reproductive hygiene habits are recommended to contribute to the reduction in T. vaginalis infection in the Tibetan area.
Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of a Single Thermal Pulsation System Treatment (Lipiflow®) on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Meng Zhu , Chu Xiaoran , Zhang Chen , Liu Hui , Yang Ruibo , Huang Yue , Zhao Shaozhen
Published: August 2022

Purpose
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of LipiFlow® thermal pulsation treatment system compared with lid massage combined warm compress in Chinese patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods
Patients (n = 100 eyes, 50 subjects) diagnosed with MGD were recruited for this prospective, randomized, 3-month clinical trial. In Lipiflow group, patients (n = 50 eyes) received a single LipiFlow® thermal pulsation system treatment. In warm compress group, patients (n = 50 eyes) underwent warm compress daily for two weeks after an initial manual lid massage. Patients’ symptoms were evaluated using Standard Patient Evaluation for Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire. Safety parameters included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and objective parameters including meibomian glands yielding lipid secretion (MGYLS) number, meibomian glands secretion (MGS) score, lipid layer thickness (LLT), tear-film breakup time (TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) were measured and presented from baseline and to 3 months post-treatment.
Results
Baseline parameters in both groups were comparable (p > 0.05). SPEED score and TBUT improved in two groups from baseline to 3 months. MGYLS number, MGS score, LLT improved in LipiFlow group and these improvements were maintained with no significant regression at 3 months. CFS showed significant improvement in warm compress group at 1 month compared with LipiFlow group. Moreover, the correlation analysis indicated LLT was positively correlated with TBUT, MGS score, and MGYLS number.
Conclusion
A single 12-min LipiFlow treatment is an effective therapy for MGD patients and can achieve improvements in symptoms alleviation and meibomian gland lipid secretion function lasting for at least 3 months.
High sensitivity detection of capsaicin in red pepper oil based on reduced graphene oxide enhanced by β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Yun Ning , Lu Chaoqun , Sun Tian , Xu Baocai , Song Yushen , Zong Zibing , Chen Kangwen , Huang Ganhui , Chen Xingguang , Gu Qianhui
Published: August 2022

Red pepper oil is a kind of condiment used in the food factories, and its spicy degree can be reflected by the content of capsaicin. However, the classification method of red pepper oil is too subjective to be applied in food factories. In our work, a sensitivity electrochemical sensor for detecting capsaicin was constructed based on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) assisted reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The results showed that the introduction of β-CD made rGO more dispersed, increasing the electrochemical active surface area of β-CD/rGO, thus improving the charge transfer rate. Furthermore, polycyclodextrin with selective recognition ability was dispersed on the surface of rGO, providing the possibility of capsaicin enrichment on the surface of the sensor. Based on these reasons, the sensor had a lower detection limit (0.05 µg/mL), and the acceptable stability and anti-interference. Most importantly, β-CD/rGO/GCE displayed a satisfactory recovery rate (94.83% ~ 115.75%) in the detection of red pepper oil, and there was no statistical significance difference between this method and the LC-MS method.
Morphology of the coronal fractures in the femoral supracondylar and intercondylar fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Ding Yin , Wang Dong , Zeeshan Waheed Muhammad , Zhou Jun-Lin
Published: August 2022

Background
Previous studies reported the incidence of coronal fractures in the supracondylar-intercondylar fractures. We knew a little about the morphology of those fractures. Thus, we decided to describe the characteristics of the coronal fractures in AO/OTA type 33.C3 fractures and compare their differences to Busch-Hoffa fractures.
Methods
We retrospectively collected 166 patients with supracondylar-intercondylar fractures, including two bilateral fractures. We drew three-dimensional fracture maps according to CT images and measured two angles: angle α (coronal fracture intersected the posterior condyle axis in the axis plane) and angle β ( coronal fracture intersected the posterior femoral cortex in the sagittal plane).
Results
Thirty-three cases (30%) of AO/OTA type 33.C fractures contained coronal fragments. Most of them were type 33.C3 fractures. Angles α and β of the type 33.C3 were smaller than those of the type B3 at the lateral condyle, while the angles at the medial condyle were not significantly different. The fracture maps showed the coronal fractures and the articular comminution area were more anterior in the type 33.C3. An uncommon coronal fracture type in the type 33.C3 and C2 was found: the metaphysis was crushed and the posterior condyle was multifragmentary in the type C3 or simply fractured in the type C2 with a coronal fracture on it.
Conclusions
The incidence of coronal fractures was 30% in AO/OTA type 33.C and 67% in type 33.C3. The coronal fractures in the type 33.C3 were different from those in the type 33.B3 and should be treated specially.