bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A detailed analysis of codon usages bias and influencing factors in the nucleocapsid gene of Nipah Virus
Authors: Chaudhary Nimmi , Singh Niraj K.
Published: March 2022

Several outbreaks of Nipah Virus (NiV) have recently been reported in various parts of the world including India. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is the major structural and regulatory (for viral replication cycle) protein of NiV. In the current study, we have conducted a codon usage analysis of N protein encoding gene (N gene) of NiV. The relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values, in combination with an ENC value of 50.98, represented low codon usage bias in N gene. The effect of mutational pressure on codon usage bias was confirmed by significant correlations of GC3s, G3s, C3s, A3s, U3s, and ENC values with whole nucleotide contents (GC%, G%, C%, A%, and U%). Correlation study of GC3s, G3s, C3s, A3s, and U3s with axis values of correspondence analysis (CA) also supported the role of mutational pressure. The correlation study of Gravy values with GC3s, G3s, C3s, A3s, and U3s revealed the presence of natural selection in addition to mutational pressure on codon usage bias. Moreover, NiV codon adaptation index (CAI) value higher than their corresponding expected CAI (eCAI) values against human (CAI, 0.726; eCAI, 0.713), pig (CAI, 0.838; eCAI, 0.819), and bat (CAI, 0.763; eCAI, 0.751) also indicated natural selection play role on codon usage bias. Additionally, geographical distribution, and evolutionary processes also influenced the codon usage bias to some extent.
Effect of Biochar and Green Manure on Soil Nutrients and Rhizosphere Soil Fungal Community Structure
Authors: Li Maosen , Zhou Xuan , Wei Lezi , Feng Huilin , Liu Futong , Ren Tianbao , Dong Chunhua
Published: March 2022

In order to explore the impact of biochar and green manure on the micro-ecological environment of citrus soil, a field experiment was used to set CK (conventional fertilization), T1 (5.0 kg/biochar) and T2 (5.0 kg/biochar + 10% nitrogen fertilizer reduction + green manure), for measuring the 3 kinds of fertilization affectness to the fungal diversity and community structure of citrus rhizosphere soil. The results showed that, compared with CK, the pH, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium content of T1 and T2 treatments were significantly increased, and soil bulk density was significantly reduced. Application of only biochar increased the diversity of soil fungi, but reduced the richness of fungi. Combined application of biochar and green manure significantly increased the diversity and richness of fungi. Application of biochar increased the relative abundance of Basidiomycota, Schizoplasmodiida, and Talaromyces in soil, and decreased relative abundance of Ascomycota, Mucoromycota, Chaetomium and Fusarium. The study shows that the combined application of biochar and green manure can significantly increase the soil fungal diversity, reconstruct community structure of soil fungi, reduce the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, and promote micro-ecological balance in soil for citrus and soil health。
DPLHD: A computational geometry based provision for coverage hole detection in critical Wireless Sensor Network Applications
Authors: Angelin Anitha Christy , Silas Salaja
Published: March 2022

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have quite an exceptionally significant effect in diverse fields correlated to surveillance in which coverage plays an essential role. In specific, the coverage holes are actually instigated by both randomized distribution of the wireless sensor nodes and the failure of nodes. Recharging or repairing the battery is difficult, and thus the collaborative identification and estimation of coverage holes and the reclamation of these holes has been considered significant. When organizing the sensor nodes in a large scale WSNs, it is indeed complicated to cover the target or the region of interest (ROI). Coverage quality is compromised by the occurrence of holes in the monitored area of surveillance. This paper proposes a collaborative distributed point location based coverage hole detection methodology to spot coverage holes in an energy efficient manner. Firstly, construct a polygon using a visibility estimation approach on the basis of neighborhood information. Then a point location based hole detection algorithm is used to diagnose whether coverage hole is existing or not in the ROI. Also, the extent of the coverage hole is estimated based on computational geometry based modified partitioning approaches which not only determines the exact region of the hole but also accurately detects the point where the node fails. The accuracy of the algorithm is evaluated here based on statistical proofs. Comparing current coverage hole detection approaches, the output results of the proposed framework surpasses existing algorithms in standings of coverage rate, energy efficiency and network lifetime.
Implementing Community Pharmacy-based Influenza Point-of-Care Test-and-Treat Under Collaborative Practice Agreement
Authors: Hohmeier Kenneth , McKeirnan Kimberly , Akers Julie , Klepser Michael , Klepser Stephanie , Chen Christe , Klepser Donald G.
Published: March 2022

Objectives: Early and accessible testing for influenza with point-of-care testing (POCT) can be a critical factor for deciding to begin antiviral treatment. More than 10,000 pharmacies across the United States offer CLIA-waived POCT for infectious diseases, such as influenza A/B. Barriers and facilitators to large-scale POCT implementation may be useful in POCT for influenza test-and-treat services (Flu POCT). The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of pharmacists who were early adopters of point-of-care testing and treatment under collaborative practice agreement in community pharmacy settings. Study Design: Qualitative research design with in-depth, semi-structured telephonic interviews of licensed U.S. community pharmacists.Methods: Interview questions were derived from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interviewees were selected via a purposeful sampling of pharmacists who were enrolled in a nationwide clinical trial involving pharmacy-based influenza test-and-treat under a CPA. A deductive analytic approach was used via constructs from the CFIR.Results: Demographics for interview respondents are listed in table 1. Interviews ranged from 28-70 minutes, with an average length of 46 minutes. Four broad themes emerged from the data, and each had corresponding subthemes and supporting quotes: Influence of the Flu POCT Service Characteristics on Pharmacy Implementation, Influence of Factors Outside of the Pharmacy Setting in Flu POCT Implementation, Factors Within the Pharmacy Setting Influencing Implementation, Process of Implementing Flu POCTConclusions: Implementation of community pharmacy-based flu POCT services is feasible; but, a thorough understanding of both barriers and facilitators to their implementation are needed to increase the spread and scale of these programs.
Prognostic role of an inflammation scoring system in radical resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Meng , Ye Pu , Zhang Wei , Zhu Hong , Yu Huiming
Published: March 2022

Background
Inflammatory markers can influence postoperative prognosis and outcome of malignant tumors. However, prognostic factors for surgical treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are still debatable. The primary objective of this investigation has been to detect the preoperative blood fibrinogen and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in OSCC patients, and to determine the predictive validity of F-NLRs (the combined fibrinogen and NLR score).
Methods
A total of 421 patients with oral cancer after surgery were separated into three classes: F-NLRs of 2, with hyperfibrinogenemia (> 400 mg/dL) and high NLR (> 2.5); F-NLRs of 1, with only one higher index; and F-NLRs of 0, with no higher indices. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with three group F-NLRs. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the prognosis.
Results
The preoperative F-NLRs showed relatively better predictive role in oral cancer prognosis than fibrinogen and NLR alone. Multivariate analysis revealed that the F-NLRs has the potential to be an independent predictor for OSCC outcome (P = 0.030). Patients with high scores have a relatively poor prognosis relative to those with low scores (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the blood F-NLRs may serve as an independent prognostic factor in OSCC patients.
Indirect Effects of Intense Pulsed Light in Treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction--- A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Masked Trial
Authors: Cheng Yu , Song Wenjing , Yang Songlin , Yan Xiaoming
Published: March 2022

Purpose
This study was designed to explore the indirect effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Methods
This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800019160) on October 26th, 2018. Sixty participants with MGD were enrolled in a prospective randomized double-masked trial. Three IPL treatments were performed at distances of 3 mm (Group A) and 10 mm (Group B) from the lower eyelid margin at 3-week intervals. The meibomian gland yield secretion score (MGYSS) and tear film parameters were evaluated at baseline and at 3 weeks after each treatment. Symptomology and corneal nerves were assessed at baseline and at 3 weeks after the third treatment.
Results
MGYSS (of both upper and lower eyelids) and Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) scores improved in both groups after three IPL treatments (all p < 0.05), changes of both of which did not differ between the two groups. Tear film parameters and corneal subepithelial nerve density were maintained in both groups at levels equal to baseline levels.
Conclusion
IPL improves the function of meibomian glands and relieves the symptoms of related dry eye to the same degree at different distances of the IPL beam’s proximity to the lower eyelid margin in the short term, which implies the probable existence of indirect effects of IPL.
DDX17 modulates the expression and alternative splicing of genes involved in apoptosis and proliferation in lung adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: He Cheng , Zhang Gan , Lu Yanhong , Zhou Jingyue , Ren Zixue
Published: March 2022

The DEAD-box RNA-binding protein (RBP) DDX17 has been found to be involved in the tumorigenesis of many types of cancers. However, the role of DDX17 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unclear. We silenced DDX17 expression in A549 LUAD cells by small interfering RNA (siRNA). Cell proliferation and apoptosis assays were performed to explore the functions of DDX17. Knockdown of DDX17 by siRNA significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in A549 cells. We used high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and alternative splicing (AS) events in DDX17 knockdown LUAD cells. DDX17 knockdown increased the expression levels of proapoptotic genes and decreased those of proproliferative genes. Moreover, the DDX17-regulated AS events in A549 cells revealed by computational analysis using ABLas software were strongly validated by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) and were also validated by analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUAD dataset. These findings suggest that DDX17 may function as an oncogene by regulating both the expression and AS of proliferation- and apoptosis-associated genes in LUAD cells. Our findings may offer new insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms of LUAD and provide a new therapeutic direction for LUAD.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells loaded β-tricalcium phosphate promote lumbar intervertebral fusion: a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zhao Jie , Ding Baozhi , Wang Xin , Gan Yaokai , Sun XiaoJiang , Tian Haijun , Zhang Kai , Cheng Xiaofei , Zhao Changqing
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAs current stem cell tissue engineering always requires in vitro cell culture, it is subject to restrictions such as extra time cost, ethical problems, and contamination. A novel device named the bone mesenchymal stem cells screen-enrich-combine circulating system(SECCS) was designed to rapidly enrich stem cells and combine with β-tricalcium phosphate to immediately produce bioactive stem cells/β-tricalcium phosphate composites during surgery and implant them into the intervertebral space for intervertebral fusion. Methods37 patients who underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery were included in this study and randomly divided into two groups. One group underwent decompressed laminal bone graft for intervertebral fusion, and the other was given SECCS-prepared β-tricalcium phosphate particles. Cells adhered to β-tricalcium phosphate were eluted for stem cell identification, including scanning electron microscope observation, ALP staining, flow cytometry analysis, and induction for three-line differentiation. Bone marrow was collected before and after enrichment for efficient enrichment analysis. The fusion rate, decrease in intervertebral height, and functional improvement, including Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Oswestry Disability Index scores, were compared between the two groups preoperatively and at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively.ResultsThe cells eluted from the β-tricalcium phosphate after screen-enrich-combine circulating system possessed characteristics of stem cell, including fiber-like morphology, positivity for CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105, negativity for CD34, CD11b, CD19, CD45, and HLA-DR, and could been induced towards osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. The screen-enrich-combine circulating system selectively enriched approximately 84.1% stem cells from the bone marrow in 6 minutes and could be simultaneously implanted into the intervertebral space during operation. Higher early fusion rate, similar intervertebral height decreases, and functional improvement tendencies were observed when stem cells/β-tricalcium phosphate particles were used as fusion scaffolds.ConclusionsThe screen-enrich-combine circulating system could quickly enrich stem cells from bone marrow, and the β-tricalcium phosphate particles prepared by the system showed higher early osteogenic efficiency than autologous laminal bone when used in intervertebral fusion, which provided a new bone scaffold substitute to autologous bone. Trial registration:ChiCTR,ChiCTR-INR-17010805,Registered 6 March, 2017, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=18386
Assessing Self-Reported Core Competencies of Public Health Practitioners in Lebanon Using the WHO-ASPHER Validated Scale: A Pilot Study
Authors: Iskandar Katia , Haddad Chadia , Hajj Aline , Sacre Hala , Zeenny Rony M , Akel Marwan , Salameh Pascale
Published: March 2022

Background: The World Health Organization and the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region recommend the self-assessment of public health core competencies to strengthen the public health workforce proficiency and prepare them for future challenges. A framework for these competencies is lacking and highly needed in Lebanon. This study aims to validate the WHO-ASPHER self-declared scale and evaluate the perceived competency level of the different categories of the Lebanese public health of practitioners. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study conducted online between July and September 2021 involved 66 public health practitioners who graduated from different universities in Lebanon. Data were collected using the snowball technique via a self-report questionnaire that assessed public health proficiency, categorized into 1) content and context, 2) relationship and interactions, and 3) performance and achievements. The rotated component matrix technique was used to test the construct validity of the scales. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed after ensuring the adequacy of the models. Significance was set at a p-value<0.05.Results: The factor analysis for scale domains showed that the Barlett test sphericity was significant (p<0.001), high loadings of items on factors, and Cronbach’s alpha values of more than 0.9 in all three categories, showing an appropriate scale validity and reliability. The perceived level of competencies was significantly different between public health professionals and other health professionals with public health activities. All respondents scored low in most public health categories, mainly science and practice.Conclusion: Data findings showed variability of self-declared gaps in knowledge and proficiency, suggesting a need to review the national public health education programs. Our study offers a valuable tool for academia and public health professionals to self-assess the level of public health proficiency and guide continuous education needs for professional development.
Contribution of extracellular vesicles to human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell dysfunction in congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhou Jing-jing
Published: March 2022

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of congenital heart disease (CHD). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small endosome- derived membrane microvesicles that play a prominent role in intercellular communication by carrying signaling molecules, such as proteins, mRNAs, and microRNAs.Methods: We obtained peripheral blood from irreversible CHD-PAH group and reversible CHD-PAH group and normal control group, and then isolated EVs from peripheral blood (PB-EVs) and monocytes/ macrophages (MC-EVs). We compared the effects of PB-EVs and MC-EVs from above three groups on the proliferation using Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8), migration using the transwell chamber assay, and phenotypic transformation of HPASMCs via detecting the expression of contractile phenotype markers and synthetic phenotype markers of HPASMCs by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunoblotting assay.Results: In this study, PB-EVs or MC-EVs from the irreversible and reversible CHD-PAH groups each enhanced HPASMC proliferation and migration compared with PB- or MC-EVs from the normal control group, which was most pronounced for the irreversible CHD-PAH group. Besides, PB- or MC-EVs from the irreversible and reversible CHD-PAH groups showed increased expression of synthetic phenotype markers and migration-related molecules and decreased expression of contractile phenotype markers compared with PB- or MC-EVs from the normal control group, especially in the case of the irreversible CHD-PAH group. Moreover, the level of phosphorylation of p38 in HPASMCs co-cultured with PB- or MC-EVs from the irreversible and reversible CHD-PAH groups were markedly higher than those in HPASMCs co-cultured with PB- or MC-EVs from the normal control group. Conclusions: In summary, our results indicated that EVs from peripheral blood of CHD-PAH patients could promote switching of HPASMCs from a quiescent contractile to a proliferative, migratory, and synthetic phenotype.
Characteristics of DLC films doped with multi-element alloy
Authors: Li Xiuyan , Chen Chun-Sheng , Tsao Chung-Chen , Hu Chih-Chung , Chen Cihai , Hsu C.Y.
Published: March 2022

Multi-element alloy doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were coated using sputtering with a (AlCrNbSiTiV) target. TEM and XRD results indicated DLC film had an amorphous compound feature incorporating poly-crystalline phases around the face-center-cubic structure, which were embedded into the amorphous carbon matrix. The Raman spectra and mechanical characteristics of the DLC film sample were associated with concentration changes in the carbon and the multi-element alloy doped in the DLC films, which depended on the DC power. This investigation indicated that improved mechanical properties, including hardness and the elastic recovery rate, can be obtained from the multi-element alloy doped DLC film coated with proper DC sputtering power. These results demonstrated a proper DC power modifies the structure of multi-element alloy doped DLC film and improves its mechanical performance. This study should pave the way for the development of DLC film and elevate its application in various industries.
Full-State Time-Varying Asymmetric Constraint Control For Non-Strict Feedback Nonlinear Systems Based On Dynamic Surface Method
Authors: Yang Zhongjun , dong chuyan , Wang Guogang , zhang xinyu
Published: March 2022

We investigate the tracking control problem for the class of the non-strict feedback nonlinear system with external disturbance
and time-varying asymmetric full state constraints. Firstly, the unknown nonlinear term with external disturbance in the system
are estimated by fuzzy logic system. The backstepping method is applied to the design of adaptive fuzzy controller. However, to
prevent that the constraints are overstepped. By introducing novel tan-type time-varying asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function
(TABLF) in each step of backstepping design. Secondly, the dynamic surface control (DSC) is introduced in the algorithm
design to solve the complex problem of controller caused by the derivative of virtual control value. The proposed control
scheme can speed up the tracking speed of the system. Compared with the previous work, it is verifified that the combination of
DSC and TABLF can obtain good performance within the constraint range, and can ensure fast and stable tracking convergence
under external disturbance. Finally, two simulation examples verify the performance of the adaptive controller.
Role of interleukin-8 as a molecular indicator in the pathogenesis of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)
Authors: Singh Vivek , Pandey Sandeep , Singh Ranjana , Habib Nimra , Kushwaha Rashmi , Verma Shailendra Prasad , Tripathi Anil Kumar , Mahdi Abbas Ali
Published: March 2022

Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of a large number of diseases, such as atherosclerosis myocardial infarction (MI), sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the association of IL-8 in T-ALL patients. IL-8 levels have been estimated in 52 individuals, out of which 26 were healthy and disease-free volunteers. IL-8 was found to be relatively higher in the T-ALL patients than in the healthy volunteers. Here, the results revealed that IL-8 is positively correlated with T-ALL patients at the genomic and proteomic levels. Elevated serum IL-8 levels were related to the highly advanced disease stage of the clinicopathological parameters. Our results indicate that monitoring IL-8 has a role in modulating disease sensing in T-ALL and may hold the key for targeting innovative diagnostic and advanced therapeutic strategies.
Induction and Genetic Verification of Haploid-Derived Plants Using Anther culture of Citrus Aurantium L. (Sour Orange)
Authors: Jin Seong Beom , Kim Min Ju , Choi Cheolwoo , Yun Su Hyun
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to genetically verify whether Citrus aurantium L. (sour orange) plants grown using anther culture were obtained from somatic embryos or haploids. The ploidy of the individuals was assessed using ploidy measuring instruments and simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers. The anthers of sour oranges were cultured onto a medium supplemented with 0.44 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.8 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), 0.43 mg/L Zeatin, 0.44 mg/L Kinetin, 0.2 mg/L a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 0.2 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 500 mg/L malt extract. Somatic embryos and callus were obtained using dentin in N6 medium supplemented with malt extract (500 mg/L) and N6 liquid medium supplemented with spermidine (200 µM), and gibberellic acid (GA3, 1 mg/L) was added to the anther surface. Regenerated plants were obtained from Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/L TDZ, 1.0 mg/L GA3 (or single use 0.5 mg/L) and 500 mg/L malt extract. For the genetic verification of the obtained plants, haploid-derived plants were investigated by polymerase chain reaction using two SSR markers. In addition, verification with a ploidy meter confirmed that approximately 80–90% of the regenerated plants were triploids, and two plants among the investigated plants were haploids. This study was the first to report these results among haploid and triploid studies obtained from an anther culture of sour oranges. The study findings suggested that the anther culture technique can produce seedless triploid cultivars of domestic citrus varieties.
Vitamin C rescues high-fat diet-induced predisposition to metabolic dysregulation in GLUT10 deficient mouse model
Authors: Jiang Chung-Lin , Tsao Chang-Yu , Lee Yi-Ching
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly influenced by complex interactions between genetic and environmental (dietary and lifestyle) factors. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, AA) has been considered as a complementary nutritional treatment for T2DM. However, evidence for the significance and beneficial effects of AA in T2DM is thus far inconclusive. We hypothesize that combined genetic and dietary factors may influence AA effects on metabolism. PurposeWe aimed to explore whether AA effects on metabolism are influenced by the combination of genetic and dietary factors. MethodsWe investigated the impacts of AA on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysregulation in wild type (WT) and GLUT10G128E mice. We have previously showed that genetic polymorphisms in glucose transporter 10 (GLUT10) gene are associated with a T2DM intermediate phenotype in non-diabetic population, and GLUT10G128E mice (carrying human orthologous GLUT10G128E variant) are highly sensitive to HFD-induced metabolic dysregulation. ResultsHere we show that AA has greater metabolic impacts on HFD-fed GLUT10G128E mice than HFD-fed WT mice. Remarkably, AA rescues defective epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) development in GLUT10G128E mice at early developmental stages. Furthermore, AA attenuates the predisposition of GLUT10G128E mice to HFD-triggered eWAT inflammation, adipokine dysregulation, ectopic fatty acid accumulation, metabolic dysregulation and body weight gain, as compared with WT mice. ConclusionsTaken together, AA has greater metabolic impacts on HFD-fed GLUT10G128E mice than HFD-fed WT mice. AA plays an important role in improving WAT development and HFD-induced metabolic dysregulation in GLUT10G128E mice. Our results suggest that proper WAT development is essential for metabolic regulation later in life. Furthermore, when considering the usage of AA as a complementary nutrition for prevention and treatment of T2DM, an individual’s genetics and dietary patterns should be taken into account.
Sensory preference criteria and willingness to adopt vegetable soybean “Edamame” in Benin (West Africa)
Authors: Ahomondji Symphorien Essèdjlo , Agoyi Eric Etchikinto , Agbangba Codjo Emile , Lokonon Bruno Enagnon , Agbahoungba Symphorien , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem , Sinsin Brice
Published: March 2022

Edamame, has many nutritional and human health benefits and is likely to overcome malnutrition, a common scourge among West African populations. This study aims to identify sensory preference criteria in order to select edamame varieties that meet the organoleptic needs of potential consumers in Benin. Ten soybean varieties were selected on the basis of their stability, adaptability and yield performance in Benin. These varieties were evaluated through hedonic test conducted with 200 untrained panelists, followed by a descriptive sensory evaluation conducted with 20 trained panelists. The hedonic test used sensory attributes such as appearance, flavor, taste, and texture. The study showed significant variation in sensory attributes for most genotypes (P < 0.001), expressing the variation in choices made by the panelists. The genotypes AGS 466, AGS 429, AGS 472, and Ashorowasse were the most preferred (more than 90%). Taking gender into account, AGS 466 and Ashorowasse were most preferred by women, who mainly based their choice on seed appearance and sweetness. In opposite, men were more interested in the taste and texture. Soybean varieties Maksoy 3N and Early hakucho were least preferred (less than 20%) by women and men, respectively. Respondents expressed a high willingness (90.11%) to adopt edamame. Preference criteria were large seed size, sweet taste, moderate chewiness, and starchy texture. The high-yielding grain-type soybean variety S1079/6/7 that showed moderate acceptability for edamame consumption among consumers in Benin may be considered by breeders for improvement in sensory attributes.
Delay Discounting, Probability Discounting, and Interdental Cleaning Frequency
Authors: DeFulio Anthony , Rzeszutek Mark
Published: March 2022

Background: Interdental cleaning is recommended by dentists but many people do not floss regularly. The health benefits of interdental cleaning are delayed, and sensitivity to delay is an important factor in many health behaviors. Thus, the present studies explore the relationship between frequency of flossing, and sensitivity to delayed and probabilistic outcomes. Method: Crowd-sourced participants were recruited in two studies (n = 584 and n = 321, respectively). In both studies, participants reported their frequency of flossing and completed delay discounting and probability discounting tasks. Discounting was measured with Area Under the Curve, and linear regression was used to analyze the results. Results: Findings show that higher levels of delay discounting were associated with less frequent flossing (p < .001, both studies). In contrast, probability discounting was not significantly associated with flossing frequency (ns, both studies). Conclusion: The findings are consistent with prior studies involving other health behaviors such as attendance at primary care and medication adherence. Results suggest that interventions that reduce delay discounting may help promote regular interdental cleaning, and that delay discounting is a more robust predictor of health behaviors than probability discounting. In addition, interdental cleaning appears to be a reasonable target behavior for evaluating potentially generalizable behavioral health interventions. Thus, interventions that are successful in promoting oral health behaviors should be considered as candidates for evaluation in other health behavior domains.
Gene expression and post-gene expression influence of Spondias mombin (Hog plum) and Nigella sativum (Black seed) on diabetogenic Wistar rats.
Authors: Eluehike Nkeiruka , AGU Kingsley Chukwunonso , Oriakhi Kelly , Onoagbe Iyere
Published: March 2022

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia due to the body’s inability to appropriately metabolism and utilize carbohydrates (sugars), further affecting protein and lipid metabolism, as a result of inadequate insulin release due to damaged pancreatic beta-cells (type 1 diabetes) or reduced tissue insulin sensitivity and elevated blood insulin (type 2 diabetes) – endocrine disorder. The possible anti-DM properties of Spondias mombin and Nigella sativum where investigated.Materials and methods: Four (4) groups ten (10) adult Wistar rats were induced with streptozotocin (STZ) to cause a pathologic DM condition after which they were treated with metformin (positive control drug, PC), Spondias mombin methanolic extract (T1) and Nigella sativum oil (T4) for twenty-eight days. The normal control (NC) and diabetic control (DC) received distilled water and STZ. Gene expression studies and molecular docking (post-gene expression) analyses were carried out on key factors involved in DM; lipid and glucose homeostasis (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, PPAR-γ), transport proteins (GLUT 1 to 5), proteins of inflammatory reactions (interleukin-1-beta, IL-1β; tumour necrosis factor-alpha-1), enzymes involved in glycolysis (phosphofructokinase-1, PFK-1).Results: It was observed that Spondias mombin, Nigella sativum, and metformin positively influenced the gene expression and post-gene expression phases to ameliorate the DM conditions.Conclusion: Spondias mombin performed better than Nigella sativum and metformin as a potential anti-DM plant.
Non-Invasive Evaluation of MAFLD and the Contribution of Genes: An MRI-PDFF-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Aruhan , Zhu Xiaoxue , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yingwen , Zhang Dezhi , Niu Junqi , Zhang Huimao , Ding Yanhua , Lv Guoyue
Published: March 2022

Objective
To investigate the clinical, laboratory and genetic features of MAFLD patients based on MRI-PDFF and liver biopsy in China.
Design:
Patients with high ALT and with a diagnosis of fatty liver were included in this cross-sectional study. Fasting blood was collected to test biomarkers and SNPs. A total of 266 patients underwent MRI-PDFF and FibroScan examinations, and 38 underwent liver biopsy. Diagnostic models (decision tree, LASSO, and elastic net) were developed based on diagnosis from MRI-PDFF reports.
Results
Approximately 1/3 were found to have NASH and fibrosis. After quantifying liver steatosis by MRI-PDFF (healthy: N = 47; mild MAFLD: N = 136; moderate/severe MAFLD: N = 83; liver fat content (LFC): 3.6% vs. 8.7% vs. 19.0%), most biomarkers showed significant differences among the three groups, and patients without obesity were found to have a similar LFC as those with obesity (11.1% vs. 12.3%). Variant alleles of PNPLA3, HSD17B13 and MBOAT7 were identified as genetic risk factors causing higher LFC (8.7% vs. 12.3%; 11.0% vs. 14.5%; 8.5% vs. 10.2%, P < 0.05); those with the UQCC1 rs878639 variant allele showed lower LFC (10.4% vs. 8.4%; OR = 0.58, P < 0.05). Patients with more risk alleles had higher LFCs (8.1% vs. 10.7% vs. 11.6% vs. 14.5%). Models including biomarkers showed strong diagnostic ability (accuracy: 0.80–0.91).
Conclusions
When the effects of genes on liver steatosis were first quantified by MRI-PDFF, the UQCC1 rs878639 G allele was identified as a protective factor, and the MBOAT7 T allele was identified as a risk only among nonobese individuals. Machine learning-based models can accurately predict disease status.
The Regulation of Insulin Receptor/insulin-like Growth Factor Receptor Ratio, an Important Factor for Breast Cancer Prognosis, by TRIP-Br1
Authors: Quynh Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Jung Samil , Anh Nguyen Hai , Lee Beom Suk , Myagmarjav Davaajargal , Eum Hye Hyeon , Lee Hae-Ock , Jo Taeyeon , Mongre Raj Kumar , Choi Yeongseon , Lee Myeong-Sok
Published: March 2022

Much higher risk of cancer is observed in patients with diabetes. Insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) are well-known targets in cancer research as well as diabetes treatment. Interestingly, a recent study proposed that the IR/IGF1R ratio is an important factor in breast cancer prognosis. Women with a higher IR/IGF1R ratio showed poor breast cancer prognosis and hyperinsulinemia. Here, we propose a novel mechanism by which the oncogenic protein TRIP-Br1 renders breast cancer cells to have a higher IR/IGF1R ratio by positively and negatively regulating IR and IGF1R expression at the protein level, respectively. TRIP-Br1 plays various cellular roles, one of which is as an adaptor protein. Our data revealed that TRIP-Br1 suppresses ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated IR degradation without directly interacting with IR. Meanwhile, TRIP-Br1 directly interacts with both IGF1R and NEDD4-1 E3 ubiquitin ligase, and TRIP-Br1/NEDD4-1 degrades IGF1R via the ubiquitin/proteasome system. Animal experiments indicated that TRIP-Br1 enhanced tumor progression, where a high IR/IGF1R ratio was detected. Furthermore, IR silencing elevates IGF1R expression, resulting in a lower IR/IGF1R ratio. Our extended study showed a similar effect of TRIP-Br1 on the IR/IGF1R ratio in insulin-deficient mice mimicking patients with diabetes, confirming the strong relationship between breast cancer and diabetes. In conclusion, this study provides invaluable information on the regulatory mechanism of how breast cancer cells acquire a higher IR/IGF1R ratio.
Standard Setting Very Short Answer Questions (VSAQs) Relative to Single Best Answer Questions (SBAQs): Does Having Access to the Answers Make a Difference?
Authors: Sam Amir H , Millar Kate R , Westacott Rachel , Melville Colin R , Brown Celia A
Published: March 2022

BackgroundWeinvestigated whether question formatand access to the correct answers affect the pass mark set by standard-setters on written examinations. MethodsTrained educatorsused the Angoff method to standard set two 50-item tests with identical vignettes, one in a single best answer question (SBAQ) format (with five answer options) and the other in a very short answer question (VSAQ) format (requiring free text responses). Half the participants had access to the correct answers and half did not. The data for each group were analysed to determine if the question format or having access to the answers affected the pass mark set.ResultsA lower pass mark was set for the VSAQ test than the SBAQ testby the standard setters who had access to the answers (median difference of 13.85 percentage points, Z=-2.82, p=0.002). Comparable pass marks were set for the SBAQ test by standard setters with and without access to the correct answers (60.65% and 60.90% respectively).A lower pass mark was set for the VSAQ testwhen participants hadaccess to the correct answers (difference in medians -13.75 percentage points, Z=2.46, p=0.014).ConclusionsWhen given access to the potential correct answers, standard setters appear to appreciate the increased difficulty of VSAQs compared to SBAQs.
Analysis for MBOAT Family Genes in Human Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Quanjun , Wang Minghan , Han Junyuan , Jiang Ying
Published: March 2022

Membrane-bound O-acyltransferases (MBOATs), a group of integral transmembrane enzymes that perform divergent functions which are attractive drug targets in cancer. 11 of MBOAT proteins (MBOAT1, MBOAT2, HHATL, GOAT, LPCAT3, MBOAT7, SOAT1, SOAT2, HHAT, DGAT1, PORCN) are located in the progression of various cancer types, especially in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Although these proteins are important drug targets, the diverse expression patterns and prognostic values have yet to be analyzed. Here we discussed the transcriptional and survival data of 11 of MBOAT proteins in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma from the cBioPortal databases, Gene Expression Proﬁling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Oncomine, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. We found that the expression levels of MBOAT2 and 7 were correlated with advanced tumor stage. Survival analysis using the Kaplan- Meier Plotter database revealed that the high transcription levels of MBOAT1, 7, SOAT1 and PORCN were associated with low relapse-free survival in all of the patients with Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Conversely, high HHATL levels predicted high relapse-free survival in these patients. This study implied that MBOAT1, 7, SOAT1 and PORCN are potential targets of precision therapy for patients with Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma and that HHATL are new biomarkers for the prognosis of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. -ehog acyltransferase (HHAT)11-16. The expression of some MBOAT proteins are deregulated in several human malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC), prostate cancer, clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC), Glioblastoma(GBM), breast cancer and liver hepatocellular carcinoma(LIHC)17-23. Liver hepatocellular carcinoma is the the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death around the world. Early- stage LIHC is amenable to potentially curative treatment, which includes local ablation, surgical resection and liver transplantation24. LIHC has identified six robust subgroups of , designated G1 – G6 which are associated with specific genetic and clinical characteristics25-26. Mutations in the TERT promoter (occurring in 44 – 65% of patients with LIHC and encodin transcription of the catalytic subunit of telomerase), gregulating CTNNB1 (27–40%, β-catenin, a proto-oncogene in the WNT signalling pathway) and TP53 (21 – 31%, the master cell cycle regulator) are the most conventional27-28. Despite the headways made in liver hepatocellular carcinoma management, including noninvasive radiological diagnosis and more availability treatment options over the past few decades, of which only overall rate of survival after developing this cancer29. Due to the heterogeneity of tumor, biomarkers that predict prognosis at current have some boundedness, thus, new biomarkers as prognostic indicators to availably prognosis and personalized treatment are very important.
PD-L1 Testing In Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Results Of An Italian Survey
Authors: Cerbelli Bruna , Cirillo Alessio , Pomati Giulia , Pernazza Angelina , Ascione Andrea , Pisegna Simona , Pisano Annalinda , Leopizzi Martina , Pignataro Maria Gemma , Costarelli Leopoldo , Mulè Antonino , Vecchione Andrea , Catalano Piera , Coppola Luigi , Perrone Giuseppe , Perracchio Letizia , Anemona Lucia , Mastracchio Antonio , Nardi Stefano , Reitano Renato , Massari Annalisa , Grillo Lucia Rosalba , Liberati Fabrizio , Rocca Carlo Della , Marchetti Paolo , Botticelli Andrea , D’Amati Giulia
Published: March 2022

Background: Immunotherapy has revolutionized the approach to metastatic triple-negative breast cancers (mTNBC). Atezolizumab was approved for patients with mTNBC whose tumours express PD-L1, determined by SP 142 assay. To assess the availability and practice of SP142 test we administered a survey to all the 15 Pathology Departments of the Lazio Region during a 6-months period.Methods: The survey comprised 12 questions regarding the availability of SP142 in the Pathology Departments, the percentage of positive tests, the difficulties of pathologists in case close to cut-off value and the tested samples.Results: The SP142 assay was available only in 8 Centers. In case of positive result, most Centers (5/8, 62.5%) reported values of PD-L1 expression ranging from > 1 to <= 5%, with values close to the cut-off point (≥ 1% or < 1%) being the greatest challenge. Most of Centers (6/8, 75%) tested material from both their own and other Hospitals. In most Centers, the evaluations were performed either on primary tumors or metastasis, in particular lymph nodes (5/8, 62.5%), followed by lung (3/8, 37.5%) and liver (1/8, 12.5%) metastasis. ﻿Conclusion: Our results raise some important issues concerning the evaluation of PD-L1 in the “real-life” setting, providing strategies for its implementation.
Morphological Features of Bronchiectasis in Patients With Non-tuberculous Mycobacteriosis and Interstitial Pneumonia
Authors: Tabe Chiori , Dobashi Masaki , Ishioka Yoshiko , Itoga Masamichi , Tanaka Hisashi , Taima Kageaki , Tasaka Sadatomo
Published: March 2022

Background: The pathogenesis of bronchiectasis differs between chronic lower respiratory tract infection and interstitial pneumonia. However, there has been no report that compared their morphological characteristics by quantitative analysis of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images.Objective: We aimed to compare the morphological features of bronchiectasis between patients with different underlying diseases.Method: Fourteen patients with non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis (NTM) and 13 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were included. A 3D image of the bronchial structure was made from HRCT data using Ziostation 2 (Ziosoft, Inc., Tokyo, Japan). Bronchiectasis was defined as abnormal dilatation of the bronchi with the diameter greater than that of the accompanying pulmonary artery. We measured the inner and outer diameters, wall area as %total airway cross sectional area (WA%), and wall thickness to airway diameter ratio (T/D) of the 4-8th generations of bronchi. Result: In patients with IPF, the inner and outer diameters linearly decreased toward the distal bronchi. In contrast, the inner and outer diameters of NTM fluctuated. The coefficient of variation of the outer diameters of the 6-7th generations of bronchi was larger in the NTM patients than in those with IPF, whereas no significant difference was observed in the coefficient of variation of the inner diameters between the groups. In IPF patients, WA% and T/D varied between the generation of bronchi, but the coefficient of variation of WA% and T/D was relatively small in those with NTM.Conclusion: The morphological characteristics of bronchiectasis were different between the IPF patients and those with NTM, which might be associated with the pathogenesis of bronchiectasis and edematous changes of the bronchial walls.
Prognosis and Treatment of Asymptomatic Versus Symptomatic Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Kuba Sayaka , Maeda Shigeto , Minami Shigeki , Moriuchi Hiroki , Tanaka Aya , Akashi Momoko , Morita Michi , Sakimura Chika , Baba Masayuki , Otsubo Ryota , Matsumoto Megumi , Yamanouchi Kosho , Yano Hiroshi , Kanetaka Kengo , Nagayasu Takeshi , Eguchi Susumu
Published: March 2022

Background
In Japan, asymptomatic metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is often detected using any tumor marker or imaging tests. We aimed to determine whether differences in clinicopathological features, subtypes, prognosis, and treatment exist between asymptomatic and symptomatic MBCs.
Methods
We performed a multicenter, retrospective analysis of patients with MBC who visited our hospitals from 2008 to 2018. Patients were divided into asymptomatic and symptomatic groups to compare their prognosis by breast cancer subtypes: luminal (hormone receptor positive/hormone receptor negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative), HER2 (any hormone receptor/HER2 positive), and TN (hormone receptor negative/HER2 negative).
Results
Of 204 patients with MBC (114 asymptomatic, 90 symptomatic), the symptomatic group had a higher frequency of multiple metastatic sites and TN subtype. All cohorts and TN patients in the asymptomatic group had longer post-recurrence survival (all cohorts: p < 0.001, TN: p = 0.01) and tended to have longer overall survival (all cohorts: p = 0.09, TN: p = 0.06) than those in the symptomatic group. In contrast, for the luminal and HER2 subtypes, post-recurrence survival was higher in the asymptomatic group than in the symptomatic group (luminal: p = 0.08, HER2: p = 0.09) but without significant difference in overall survival. In the multivariate analysis, TN, recurrence-free survival, multiple metastatic sites, and symptomatic MBC were independently predictive of post-recurrence survival. Regarding the luminal subtype, the asymptomatic group had longer durations of chemotherapy than the symptomatic group, with no significant difference observed in overall survival between the groups.
Conclusion
Asymptomatic and symptomatic MBCs require unique treatments due to prognostic differences.