bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Ketamine alleviated blood-brain barrier damage and microglia over-activation induced by SIRS via restricting cecum damage and HMGB1 release
Authors: Deng Bin , Yang Luxi , Wu Huanghui , Huang Ailing , Yang Daowei , Du Hailiang , Guan Ao , Li Liya , Wang Shaoshuang , Duan Na , Zhu Yulin , Wang Rui , Li Shuang , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2022

Following systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), the brain is one of the most sensitive organs vulnerable to an external stressor. According to our previous study, ketamine had a protective effect on alleviating SIRS-associated neuronal necroptosis and cecal epithelial cell necroptosis by inhibiting the RIP1-RIP3-MLKL pathway. In this study, we further provided valid evidence that ketamine could safeguard the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), modulate microglia over-activation, and prevent neural network damage, resulting in relieving cerebral edema and improving system symptoms significantly. Simultaneously, cecum damage was partly reversed by ketamine intervention, which was attributed to a decrease in circulating high mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1). Interestingly, the result showed less cecum injury and relieved BBB disturbance in Rip3-/- mice. Furthermore, circulating HMGB1 content between Rip3-/- mice and mice with ketamine intervention significantly decreased. Moreover, anti-HMGB1 neutralizing antibody identically reversed BBB damage, indicating that cecum-promoted HMGB1 releases extravagated SIRS and BBB leakage. In addition, we clarified that cecectomy reduced serum HMGB1 release level and alleviated BBB damage and microglial activation. Altogether, our work shed light on the new view about the pathogenesis of SIRS, establishing the connection between cecum damage and BBB damage. Besides, we identified ketamine as a candidate to protect the brain from damage like BBB leakage and microglia over-activation, which attributed to the effect on alleviating cecum damage and decreasing circulation HMGB1 release. Our results provided a new theoretical view and therapeutic target for the application of ketamine in SIRS.
Migration and interaction of tetracycline and heavy metals on goethite-coated sand under dynamic flow conditions
Authors: Liu Si-Jia , Zeng De-Hua , Yang Chen , Dang Zhi , Ma Xiao-Yan
Published: November 2022

The antibiotic tetracycline (TC) can easily form intricate complexes with metal ions in the environment because it contains electron donor groups, which affect its environmental behavior. Based on static adsorption and desorption with the aid of column experiments, the migration and interaction of TC and metals (i.e., Cu and Cd) on goethite-coated sand (GCS) were investigated. Furthermore, the interaction between both pollutants was analyzed. A comparison of the migration behavior of TC and heavy metals on the GCS column showed that with increasing pH, TC migration increased. However, the migration of heavy metals decreased, which was mainly related to their hydrolysis. Heavy metals inhibited the migration of TC in the GCS column (the inhibitory effect of Cu was stronger than that of Cd), which was related to the stronger complexation of Cu. Similarly, TC also inhibited Cu migration on the GCS column, and the inhibitory effect was enhanced with increasing pH. At pH 3.0, TC had little effect on the migration of Cd, while at pH 5.5 and pH 8.0, the complexation of TC and Cd and their migration characteristics in GCS column enhanced Cd migration. This study contributes to a better understanding and prediction of the fates of antibiotics and heavy metals in the soil environment under complex contamination conditions. A theoretical basis for environmental risk assessment is also provided.
Percent Fluid Overload for the Prediction of the Need for Fluid De-resuscitation in Critically Ill Patients: A Single-Centre Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Alharbi Reham , Aldardeer Namareq , Heaphy Emily , Alabbasi Ahmad , Albuqami Amjad , Hawa Hassan
Published: November 2022

Background: Positive fluid balance (FB) was reported in up to 40% of patients admitted to the ICU. Many studies found that positive FB is associated with increased mortality. The appropriate time for fluid de-resuscitation (DER) is controversial. This study aims to evaluate the association between percent fluid overload calculation and the need for fluid de-resuscitation among critically ill adult patients.
Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted at a single-center tertiary care hospital. The study included adult critically ill patients requiring intravenous fluid administration. Patients who were de-resuscitated with diuretics and/or renal replacement therapy were compared to those who did not require de-resuscitation. The study compared both groups for the median percent fluid accumulation on the day of fluid de-resuscitation or ICU discharge, whatever comes first.
Results: Three hundred eighty-eight patients were screened between August 01, 2021, and April 30, 2022. One hundred patients were included with a mean age of 59.8 ± 16.2. The mean APACHE II score was 15.4 ±8.0. Sixty-one patients (61%) required fluid de-resuscitation, while 39 (39%) patients didn't require fluid de-resuscitation during ICU stay. Median percent fluid accumulation on the day of de-resuscitation or ICU discharge was 3.8% (1.2-8.6) and 5.3% (2.7-8.6) in patients requiring de-resuscitation and those who did not, respectively (P-value NS). Hospital mortality was found in 25 (40.9%) patients with de-resuscitation and 6 (15.3%) in those who did not require it; (P-value 0.0069).
Conclusions: The median percent fluid accumulation on the day of fluid de-resuscitation or ICU discharge was not statistically different between patients who required fluid de-resuscitation and those who did not. A larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings.
Epidemiological Profile of Patients With Cerebral Palsy at a Dental Reference Service
Authors: Barbagelata Vania Regina Melo , Balbinot Karolyny Martins , Pinheiro Helder Henrique Costa , Kataoka Maria Sueli da Silva , Pinheiro João de Jesus Viana , Junior Sérgio de Melo Alves
Published: November 2022

Background: cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of severe physical disabilities in childhood and affects about 17 million people worldwide, the aim of this study is to examine both medical and dental profiles of CP patients treated at a referral dental care center for patients with special needs and to identify the main risk factors involved in this neurological disorder.
Methods: an observational epidemiological analysis of 284 medical and dental records of patients with CP treated between 1995 and 2019 in a referral dental care center was performed. Statistical analyzes were performed to determine the association between risk factors and CP type, the relation between anoxia and home birth delivery, and the relation between the type of dental treatment and some variables (gender, age range, cognitive deficit, epilepsy, and CP type).
Results:the majority of CP patients were males (59.86%) and spastic was the most prevalent specified CP (40.14%). Premature birth was the only risk factor significantly associated with spastic CP (p=0.002). The high prevalence of perinatal anoxia (41.90%) indicated its relation to home birth delivery (p=0.0017). The cognitive deficit was the most prevalent comorbidity (72.40%). The majority of patients that attended the referral dental care center for the first dental appointment were older than 11 years of age (40.63%) and patients with spastic CP received the highest number of invasive treatments (41.07%).
Conclusions: the medical and dental profiles of patients with CP treated at a referral dental care center for patients with special needs highlighted premature birth as an important risk factor and the unprecedented significant association between perinatal anoxia and home birth delivery. Moreover, comorbidities associated with CP lead to more invasive treatments.
Influence of palliative care on medication: results of a retrospective analysis of 10,464 outpatients in Germany
Authors: Loosen Sven H. , Schwartz Jacqueline , Grewe Steven , Krieg Sarah , Krieg Andreas , Luedde Tom , Batzler Yann-Nicolas , Kostev Karel , Neukirchen Martin , Roderburg Christoph
Published: November 2022

Background
According to § 27 and § 87 1b of the German Social Code, Book V, outpatient palliative care (OPC) aims to promote, maintain, and improve the quality of life and self-determination of seriously ill people. It should enable them to live in dignity until death in their preferred environment. Instead of a curative approach OPC treatment focuses on the multiprofessional objective of alleviating symptoms and suffering on a case-by-case basis using medication or other measures, as well as the management of an individual treatment plan. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate to what extent medication differs from 12 months prior OPC treatment within 12 months following OPC treatment.
Methods
A retrospective database cross sectional study based on the IQVIA Disease Analyzer (DA) was performed, including adult patients with cancer diagnosis and at least one documentation of palliative support between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st, 2021, in 805 general practices (GP).
Results
The results of this study show, that in the context of OPC, there is a significant increase in the prescription of opioids (37.7% vs. 18.3%), sedatives (16.2% vs. 7.8%) and antiemetics (9.7% vs. 5.3%), as well as a significant reduction in other medications such as statins (21.4% vs. 11.5%), proton pump inhibitors (PPI) (41.2% vs. 35.3%), or antihypertensives (57.5% vs. 46.6%).
Conclusions
Our results support the role of OPC as an important element in improving pharmacological symptom control and deprescription to improve quality of life of patients at the end of their life.
Pre-hospital and intrahospital workflow optimization for patients with suspected ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion
Authors: Krebs Stefan , Ferrari Julia , Schürer Alice , Chiari Astrid , Neumann Christian , Lang Wilfried , Sykora Marek
Published: November 2022

Background
The efficacy of recanalization treatment in patients with ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is highly time dependent. We aimed to investigate the effects of an optimization of prehospital and intrahospital pathways on time metrics and efficacy of endovascular treatment in ischemic stroke due to LVO.
Methods
Patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) at the Hospital of St. John of God Vienna, Austria, between 2013 and 2020 were extracted from the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry. Study endpoints including time metrics, early neurological improvement and functional outcome measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months were compared before and after optimization of prehospital and intrahospital pathways.
Results
299 patients were treated with MT during the study period, 94 before and 205 after the workflow optimization. Workflow optimization was significantly associated with time metrics improvement (door to groin puncture time 45 versus 31 minutes; p<0.001), rates of neurological improvement (NIHSS≥8: 30 (35%) vs. 70 (47%), p=0.04) and radiological outcome (TICI≥2b: 71 (75%) versus 153 (87%); p=0.013). Functional outcome (mRS 0-2: 17 (18%) versus 57 (28%); p=0.067) and mortality (34 (37%) versus 54 (32%); p=0.450) at 3 months showed a non-significant trend favoring the later time period group.
Conclusion
The implementation of workflow optimization was associated a significant reduction of intrahospital time delays and improvement of neurological and radiological outcomes.
A C57BL/6 Mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection recapitulates age- and sex-based differences in human COVID-19 disease and recovery
Authors: Davis Michael , Voss Kathleen , Turnbull J. Bryan , Gustin Andrew T. , Knoll Megan , Muruato Antonio , Hsiang Tien-Ying , Dinnon III Kenneth H. , Leist Sarah R. , Nickel Katie , Baric Ralph S. , Ladiges Warren , Akilesh Shreeram , Smith Kelly D. , Gale Michael
Published: November 2022

We present a comprehensive analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery in wild type C57BL/6 mice, demonstrating that this is an ideal model of infection and recovery that accurately phenocopies acute human disease arising from the ancestral SARS-CoV-2. Disease severity and infection kinetics are age- and sex-dependent, as has been reported for humans, with older mice and males in particular exhibiting decreased viral clearance and increased mortality. We identified key parallels with human pathology, including intense virus positivity in bronchial epithelial cells, wide-spread alveolar involvement, recruitment of immune cells to the infected lungs, and acute bronchial epithelial cell death. Moreover, older animals experienced increased virus persistence, delayed dispersal of immune cells into lung parenchyma, and morphologic evidence of tissue damage and inflammation. Parallel analysis of SCID mice revealed that the adaptive immune response was not required for recovery from COVID disease symptoms nor early phase clearance of virus but was required for efficient clearance of virus at later stages of infection. Finally, transcriptional analyses indicated that induction and duration of key innate immune gene programs may explain differences in age-dependent disease severity. Importantly, these data demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2-mediated disease in C57BL/6 mice accurately phenocopies human disease across ages and establishes a platform for future therapeutic and genetic screens for not just SARS-CoV-2 but also novel coronaviruses that have yet to emerge.
Is a bio-psychosocial approach model possible at the first level of health services in the Democratic Republic of Congo? An organizational analysis of six health centers in South Kivu
Authors: Molima Christian Eboma Ndjangulu , Karemere Hermès , Makali Samuel , Bisimwa Ghislain , Macq Jean
Published: November 2022

Background
Health system, in Democratic Republic of Congo, is expected to move towards a more people-centered form of healthcare provision by implementing biopsychosocial (BPS) approach. It’s then important to examine how change are possible in providing healthcare at first line of care.
On the initial value of PageRank
Authors: Deyasi Krishanu
Published: November 2022

PageRank is used by Google for ranking web pages to present search results for a user query.
Here, we have shown that the PageRank of a vertex depends on its initial value which is also known as an intrinsic, non-network contribution. We analytically proved that PageRank value of vertices become proportional to their degrees if the intrinsic, non-network contributions of the vertices are proportional to their degrees or zeros. Simulated and empirical data are used to support our study. In addition, we have shown that localization of
PageRank depends on the intrinsic, non-network contribution.
Interval harvests changes phytochemical traits and biological activities of elite transformed hairy root cultures of African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides DC.)
Authors: Yousefian Zeynab , Hamidoghli Yousef , Golkar Pooran , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2022

Tuberous roots of African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides DC.) with modern ethanolic formulation called EPs 7630 (Umckaloabo) have widely used in medicinal industries. The present study was aimed to explore changes in the phytochemical traits (i.e., phenolics, flavonoids, coumarins and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives), protein content, enzymatic-antioxidants and antimicrobial activities of several high-yielding hairy root lines (HRLs) of P. sidoides harvested at different times. Among all HRLs, antioxidative responses (e.g., phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase and catalase contents) were increased in HRL10 exposed to higher interval harvests. Moreover, HRL10 exhibited a promising antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, with MIC equal to (2.61 mg/ml). In total 10 phytochemical compounds were identified through chromatographic (HPLC) technique including: umckalin (Um), gallic acid (GA), quercetin (QE), luteolin (LU) and the others. The extraction of HRs had high content of Um at 21 days (0.35 𝜇g/ml). The maximal phenolic yield in particular GA was enhanced to (5194.5 𝜇g/ml), about 10-fold in comparison with non-transformed roots (516 𝜇g/ml) on the 35th day. HRs were able to produce the maximum improvement in flavonoid glycosides (13.96 𝜇g QE/ml and 23.75 𝜇g LU/ml) at the end of culture period. The most profitable transgenic lines offers an interesting option to enhance the productivity. These results support the in vitro cultivation of HRs for supply as a natural product to prevent inflammation and microbial related disorders.
A Multimodal-biometric Identification System Based on Deep Features to Identify Individuals
Authors: Akbari Mehdi , darooei shahram
Published: November 2022

With the growth of new technologies, biometric-based identification has been considered as an efficient method for automatic identification of individuals due to its unique nature and inability to forge it. Recently, researchers have used a combination of several different biometrics to more accurately identify people with a lower probability of error. Some of these methods use facial and fingerprint biometrics, which can become ineffective for a variety of reasons, including age and injury. As a result, choosing biometrics that are less prone to injury is an important factor. Therefore, this paper presents an identification system based on three biometrics: iris, fingerprint and face. In this method, the above biometrics are combined in two levels of feature and score, and simple and pre-trained convolutional networks are used to extract the feature from them. The results of this model on a virtual database consisting of three databases CASIA-IRIS, YaleB and FVC2000 show that the combination at the feature level gives better results due to the use of deep features. The results also indicate that the use of pre-trained network to extract features from facial biometrics, has made these biometrics more effective than the other two biometrics in accurately identifying the model.
Development of Simple Sequence Repeat markers (SSR) in Annona deceptrix Westra H. Rainner (Annonaceae) endangered species in Ecuador
Authors: Mendoza José Pico , Madrid Luis , Limongi Ricardo , Peña Geover , Flor Juan , Vélez Adrián , Quiroz Karla , Arevalo Bárbara , Carrasco Basilio
Published: November 2022

Annona deceptrix (Annonaceae) is a wild endemic endangered species. This species presents relevant attributes that man can use and be considered as a consumption option, but, its natural populations have a high degree of vulnerability, due to the loss their ecosystems caused by man. This study aimed to isolate and characterize SSR loci to determine the genetic diversity in A. deceptrix and other Annonaceae. We identified simple sequence repeat (SSR) regions in a microsatellite library from A. deceptrix. 22 polymorphic Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) loci were isolated using new-generation kit Nextera of miseq illumine technology. The mean number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 8. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 1.0 and 0.00 to 0.93, respectively. These are the first microsatellite markers developed for A. deceptrix. All SSR markers developed are promising candidates for analyzing genetic diversity within or between natural populations, also of analyzing pool genic in other species of Annona genus.
Large Eddy Simulation Study of Atmospheric Boundary Layer Flow over an Abrupt Rough-To-Smooth Surface Roughness Transition
Authors: Mondal Kingshuk , Naik K. Naveen , Abhinay K , Ghaisas Niranjan S
Published: November 2022

The atmospheric boundary layer flow downstream of an abrupt rough-to-smooth surface roughness transition is studied using large eddy simulations (LES) for a range of surface roughness ratios. Standard wall models assume horizontal homogeneity and are inapplicable for heterogeneous surfaces. Two heterogeneous-surface wall models are evaluated, one based on a local application of similarity theory using a twice-filtered velocity field (BZ model) and another based on a local friction-velocity obtained by blending the upstream and downstream profiles (APA model). The wall shear stress and the turbulence intensity (TI) are sensitive to the wall model while the mean streamwise velocity and the total shear stress (TSS) are less sensitive. The APA model is more accurate than the BZ model on comparison to previous experiments. The APA model results are sensitive to the ratio of the equilibrium and the internal boundary layer (IBL) heights. A value of 0.027 gives good agreement with experiments over a wide range of roughness ratios. The IBL height is insensitive to the turbulent quantity (TSS or TI) on which it is based. Several analytical relations for the IBL height are evaluated using the LES data. Two models are found to be accurate for different roughness ratios while one model is reasonable over the full range investigated. A phenomenological model is developed for the TI downstream of the roughness jump using a weighted average of the upstream and far-downstream profiles. The model yields reasonable predictions for all roughness ratios investigated.
Geochemical implication of hydrocarbon exploitation on soil around crude oil producing area of Uzere, Niger Delta region, Nigeria
Authors: Ibitoye Abel , Imasuen Isaac , OSISANYA WASIU OLAJUWON
Published: November 2022

The crude oil sector in Nigeria continues to be a significant source of income and foreign currency. However, operations related to oil exploration and production have the potential to seriously alter the environment, having an impact on ecosystems, water bodies, and human life. In many cases, pollution indices are viewed as a useful instrument for thoroughly evaluating contamination levels. Additionally, they may have a significant weight when evaluating soil quality and the forecast of long-term ecosystem viability, in the case of farmlands, in particular. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to examine the heavy metal contents (AAS). Potential ecological risk index, Geoaccumulation index, Nemerow pollution, Pollution load index, Contamination Index (CI), and metal pollution index were the seven indicators employed in the study. The concentration of heavy metal such as Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As). Ranges from 11.9 to 184.1, 920 to 8870, 1.1 to 9.9, 9.7 to 60.4, 0.001 to 0.001, 2.4 to 34.7, 2.2 to 11.5 and 0.001 to 0.001 mg/kg respectively. The correlation matrix showed that there were positive correlation between Mn and Ni; Fe and Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr; Cu and Cr; Zn and Pb, Cr; and Pb and Cr; while a negative correlation exist between Cu and Ar, Cr and Ar.PCA showed that 75% of the samples in PC1 has loadings, in PC2, they have 50% of the parameters having loadings, in PC3 25% of the parameters had loading while in the PC4, 12.5% of the entire parameter has a loadings.Findings from aforementioned indices revealed that analyzed soil samples are polluted.
High prevalence of dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus and hypertension at a tertiary hospital in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Katundu Kondwani G.H. , Mukhula Victoria , Phiri Tamara , Phiri Chimota , Filisa-Kaphamtengo Florence , Chipewa Pascal , Chirambo George , Mipando Mwapatsa , Mwandumba Henry C. , Muula Adamson S. , Kumwenda Johnstone
Published: November 2022

Background
Dyslipidaemia drives the process of atherosclerosis, and hence a significant modifiable risk factor complicating hypertension and diabetes. In Malawi, the prevalence, screening and management of dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus have not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, biochemical characteristics, screening and management practices for dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus and hypertension comorbidity at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital in Blantyre, Malawi.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021. A total of 256 adult participants (diabetes mellitus = 100); hypertension = 100; both conditions = 56) were included. Medical data and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Blood samples were analysed for HbA1C and serum lipids. Associated risk factors for dyslipidaemia were also assessed.
Results
Dyslipidaemia was prevalent in 58%, 55%, and 70% of participants with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and both conditions. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) dyslipidaemia was the most common in all participant groups. Participants with both diabetes and hypertension had 2.4 times (95% CI 1.2–4.6) increased risk of LDL-C dyslipidaemia than those with diabetes alone (p < 0.02). Being overweight or obese and age over 30 years were risk factors for dyslipidaemia in patients with diabetes mellitus alone (OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.6), p < 0.04, and OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.2–4.7) (p < 0.01), respectively. Overweight and obesity predicted LDL-C dyslipidaemia in hypertensive patients (OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.2–9.9) p < 0.001). Poorly controlled hypertension was associated with a 1.8 times risk (95% CI 1.1–2.7) of dyslipidaemia in patients with both diabetes mellitus and hypertension (p < 0.01). Less than 1% of the participants had a lipogram performed before the study and on lipid-lowering therapy.
Conclusions
Dyslipidaemia with LDL-C derangement was highly prevalent, especially in individuals with both diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and there was absent use of lipid-lowering therapy. Screening and managing dyslipidaemia should be reinforced to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in this population at increased risk.
Post-operative Patellar Tilt Affects Knee Society Score After Total Knee Arthroplasty at 2 Years Follow up
Authors: Singh Swapnil , Mingzhou Toh , Zhao Zhiqing , Wang Jichuan , Krishna Lingaraj
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The effect of post-operative patella tracking on functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains unclear. Our study aimed to analyze the relationship of post-operative patellar tilt with functional outcome scores at 2 years after total knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Patient's data were retrieved from our institutions prospectively maintained TKA registry. 303 patients who underwent unilateral TKA from Jan 2012 to March 2017 were included in the study. After excluding patients with incomplete data and lost to follow up data for 231 patients were analyzed. Information was collected from pre-operative as well as post-operative skyline views and three functional outcome scores including SF-36, KSS, and WOMAC at pre-op, post-op 1 year, and post-op 2 years. Patella tilt (PT), patella displacement was calculated from radiology software in PACS. Patients were divided according to PT into 3 subgroups (PT < = 5 degrees, 5.1–10, > 10 degrees). Statistical analysis was done to identify the relationship of patella tilt and 3 functional.

Results

There was a significant improvement in post-operative patella tilt as compared to pre-operative patella tilt (3.35+-3.91vs5.65+-4.41, p-value = 0.0000). There was no significant difference in patella displacement in the postoperative period as compared to the pre-operative period. KSS functional score was significantly poor at 1 year and KSS objective score at 2 years in patients with PT more than 10 degrees. SF-36 and WOMAC were not significantly different in three subgroups based on PT.

Conclusion

Poor functional after TKA can be associated with an increase in patella tilt at 2 years follow up.
Level of evidence: II
Draft Genome Sequence of a Preterm Infant-derived isolate of Candida parapsilosis obtained using combined short and long read sequencing.
Authors: James Steve A , Telatin Andrea , Baker David , Evans Rhiannon , Phillips Sarah , Clarke Paul , Hall Lindsay , Carding Simon R
Published: November 2022

Candida parapsilosis is a human fungal pathogen of increasing incidence and a common cause of invasive candidiasis, notably in neonates born either prematurely or with low birthweight. Here, using a combination of short- and long-read sequencing, we provide the draft genome of C. parapsilosis NCYC 4289, a faecal-derived isolate from a young male infant born prematurely in the UK.
Novel ectophytic nematode antagonistic fungi and its potential application for nematode biocontrol
Authors: Mo Yi Xue , Kan Yuan Zi , Jia Lu Ming , Cao Xiao Tian , Sikandar Aatika , Wu Hai Yan
Published: November 2022

Dynamic of plant-parasitic nematodes population in soil is closely related to soil microorganisms. Fungi from Heterodera zeae cysts were isolated to explore the natural decline phenomenon of H. zeae population. A polyphasic method was used to identify the nematode-destroying fungal, including phylogenetic analysis of partial ITS, BenA, CaM, and RPB2 gene sequences, as well as macro- and micro-morphological analyses. The nematicidal activity of strain GX1 against H. zeae was assessed in vitro and greenhouse. Our findings revealed that strain GX1 is a novel species of Talaromyces, which named Talaromyces cystophila. It had strong parasitic and lethal effect on the H. zeae cysts with 91.11% parasitism on cysts at 3 d after treatment, and second-stage juveniles (J2s) and eggs inside the cysts appeared dense vacuoles and loss of vitality. The spore suspension and fermentation filtrate of T. cystophila inhibited significantly the hatching of H. zeae eggs and showed potential nematicidal activities on J2s. The hatching inhibition rates of eggs exposed to 1 × 108 cfu/ml spore suspensions or 20% 1-week fermentation filtrate (1-WF) for 15 days were 98.56% and 100%, respectively. The mortality of J2s exposed to 1 × 108 cfu/ml spore suspension reached 100% at 24 h, exposure to 50% 2-WF was 98.65% and 100% at 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Greenhouse experiments revealed that the spore suspension and fermentation broth considerably decreased H. zeae reproduction by 56.17%-78.76%. T. Cystophila is a potential biocontrol strain with parasitic and nematicidal activity, which deserves attention and application.
Evaluation of quality control and initial imaging properties of labeled [68Ga]GaPSMA-11 by elution of Monrol [68Ge]/[68Ga] generator
Authors: Yüksel Doğangün , Uğur Ayşe , Yaylalı Olga , Şengöz Tarık , Gültekin Aziz , Arslan Duygu
Published: November 2022

Background: The [68Ga]Cl3 precursor is not commercially available as a raw material or as a [68Ga]-labeled radiopharmaceutical. [68Ge]/[68Ga] generators are household type generators used to obtain [68Ga] radionuclide.
In this study, the product quality control parameters of [68Ga]GaPSMA-11 radiotracer labeled with [68Ga]Cl3 obtained from a GMP certified [68Ge]/[68Ga] generator manufactured by “Eczacıbaşı Monrol Nuclear Products Co.” (Turkey) were investigated.
We evaluated and reported the quality control data and the first clinical patient studies with this radiotracer. Biodistribution of [68Ga]-radiotracer by PET-CT was evaluated retrospectively. Twenty one patients with prostate cancer who agreed to participate in the study were included and underwent [68Ga]GaPSMA-11 injection and PET-CT imaging.
Results: The initial elution yield of the generator was determinde as 75% with reproducible stability. The amount of [68Ga] in the eluate by the HCl elution fraction was found to be appropriate. Of the 21 patients referred to our department, 10 patients were included in the study for staging and 11 patients for evaluation of response to treatment. The [68Ga]GaPSMA-11 uptake was observed in primary tumor and metastasis foci in 11 patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Heterogeneous [68Ga]GaPSMA-11 uptake was observed in prostate cancer and metastasis areas.
Conclusion: [68Ga]GaPSMA-11 radiopharmaceutical was synthesized from a new generator with good quality and satisfying PET-CT images were obtained.
Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes between new T-shaped and variable-angle volar locking plates for the treatment of distal radius fractures.
Authors: Zhou Dong , Wu Shuting , Wang Lei , Su Yu , Liu Sihui , Guo Weizhong
Published: November 2022

Background:New T-shaped volar locking plates (VLPs) and variable-angle volar locking plates (VLPs) are utilized for the internal fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs). However, studies regarding the difference in clinical outcomes between these two plates are limited. The purpose of the present study was to compare postoperative outcomes between these two plate types for DRFs.
Materials and Methods: A total of 45 consecutive patients (23 patients with new T-shaped VLPs and 22 patients with variable-angle VLPs) who underwent surgical treatment for DRFs were reviewed for this retrospective study. The range of motion (ROM), grip strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, X-ray findings, complication rate, fracture healing time and patient satisfaction with current activity were compared.
Results: The analysis of wrist ROM revealed that there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in extension, flexion, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, supination, pronation or grip strength between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two groups with regard to alignment and fracture healing on X-ray. The final VAS pain score and patient satisfaction with current activity differed between the two groups. The complication rate in the variable-angle VLP group was significantly different from the 0% rate observed in the new T-shaped VLP group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: Although use of the new T-shaped VLP for the treatment of DRFs did not show superiority in functional outcomes or radiological findings over variable-angle VLPs, the present findings showed that internal fixation of unstable DRFs using the new T-shaped VLP yielded better clinical results with fewer complications.
Time-delay identification from chaotic time series via statistical complexity measures based on ordinal pattern transition networks
Authors: He Xin , Sun zhongKui
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a methodology based on the nonlinear time series analysis complex network theory to identify time-delay parameters from the chaotic time series is proposed for the first time, to accurately and rapidly reveal the intrinsic time-delay characteristics for the underlying dynamics. More exactly, we discover that time-delay parameters can be identified from chaotic time series by using two statistical complexity measures (SCMs) respectively, which are defined by two normalized ways of the ordinal pattern transition matrix of ordinal pattern transition networks (OPTNs). The prime advantage of the proposed method is straightforward to apply and well robustness to dynamical noises and observational noises. Some other merits were discovered including: A comparative research of the new technique with the permutation-information-theory approach shows that the identifying performance is improved to two orders of magnitude at least for the dynamical Gaussian white noise. And the new method also identifies two time-delay parameters for the condition of relatively short time series, but the traditional delayed mutual information technology cannot.
Low level incorporation of Lactobacillus Sporogenes in feed of Tinfoil Barb (Barbonymus Schwanenfeldii (Bleeker, 1854)) Fingerlings Positively Improves Growth, Gut Microflora and Intestinal Morphology
Authors: Vutukuri Manjusha , Ghode Gajanan , Pawase Anil S , Kouser Shaik , Tibile R. M.
Published: November 2022

Use of probiotics in freshwater fishes is debated for its benefits to the host. Tinfoil barb, Barbonymus schwanenfeldii is a tropical fish having ornamental as well as food value. This study was conducted to evaluate effect of Lactobacillus sporogenes on Tinfoil barb. Diets containing 0%(T0), 0.5%(T1), 1%(T2), 1.5%(T3), and 2% (T4) of probiotic L. sporogenes were prepared and fed to fishes at 3% body weight for 80 days. Control diet was fed to fishes of all treatments for 20 more days. Growth parameters, gut microflora and intestinal histology were analysed. The growth performance was found to be significantly better (P < 0.05) in fishes fed with 1% of probiotic but Survival remained unaffected due to the concentration of probiotic. Total Plate Count of aerobes seemed to be affected by concentration and duration of probiotic treatment. However, anaerobic TPC did not show much variation. Histological analysis revealed that in lower level of incorporation (T2-1%) fish have intact mucosal layer with increased absorptive enterocytes and absorptive area of intestinal villi, well organized lamina propria with different types of cells compared to other treatments. The results indicated that addition of L. sporogenes at 1% level of inclusion was found to be effective for better growth, survival, gut flora as well as intestinal morphology in B. schwanenfeldii.
Significance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis and prognosis for spontaneous peritonitis in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Xiao Peng , Xu Hongqin , Zhang Feiyu , Liu Tao , Gao Yanhang
Published: November 2022

Background
The most common infectious complication in patients with cirrhosis is spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), which is directly linked to the prognosis of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The standard diagnostic criteria for SBP are insensitive, and early detection of SBP is difficult. Despite the evident benefits of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in the pathogens diagnosis of many infectious diseases, few data on the diagnosis and prognosis of SBP in patients with cirrhosis.
Methods
Sixty patients with cirrhotic ascites were enrolled from July 11, 2020, to December 15, 2020, who underwent ultrasound-guided abdominal puncture at Jilin University's First Hospital. Ascites samples of these patients were collected for mNGS detection and conventional pathogen culture. Patients were prospectively followed up on for 28 days and 90 days after enrolment. Finally, data on liver transplantation as well as other adverse events, death, and reasons for death were gathered prospectively in all patients 28 and 90 days after enrollment.
Results
Ascites mNGS technology can increase the positive rate of pathogens in cirrhotic patients with ascites when compared to ascites culture. The mNGS detection results are more detailed than ascites culture results, and they can help clinicians use antibiotics sooner. The positive rate of ascites PMN combined with ascites mNGS detection in the diagnosis of SBP in cirrhotic patients was significantly higher than that of ascites PMN combined with ascites culture. In cirrhotic patients with ascites, the mNGS assay was more accurate than the ascites culture in predicting adverse outcomes during the 28-dayand 90-day follow-up periods.
Conclusions
The ascites mNGS assay has greater diagnostic and prognostic value than bacterial culture for cirrhotic patients. In clinical practice, ascites mNGS detection should be conducted as soon as possible in patients with suspected SBP so that clinicians can identify and treat SBP earlier and improve prognosis.
Aging-related genes related to the prognosis and the immune microenvironment of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gang dongxu , Jiang yinyan , Wang xiaofang , Zhou jifan , Zhang xiaoyuan , He xiaoyu , Dong rujiao , Huang ziyang , Jiang songfu
Published: November 2022

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), one of the most common malignancies of the hematologic system, has progressively increased in incidence. Aging is present in both normal tissues and the tumor microenvironment. However, the relationship between senescence and AML prognosis is still not elucidated.
Methods: In this study, RNA sequencing data of AML were obtained from TCGA, and prognostic prediction models were established by LASSO-Cox analysis. Differences in immune infiltration between the different risk groups were calculated using the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE scoring methods. The KEGG and GO gene enrichment and GSEA enrichment were also used to enrich for differential pathways between the two groups. Subsequently, this study collected bone marrow samples from patients and healthy individuals to verify the differential expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) in different populations. Genipin, a UCP2 protein inhibitor, was also used to examine its effects on proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis in AML cell lines in vitro.
Results: It showed that Aging-related genes (ARGs) expression was correlated with prognosis. And there was a significant difference in the abundance of immune microenvironment cells between the two groups of patients at high risk and low risk. Subsequently, UCP2 expression was found to be elevated in AML patients. Genipin inhibits UCP2 protein and suppresses the proliferation of AML cell lines in vitro.
Conclusion: ARGs can be used as a predictor of prognosis in AML patients. Moreover, suppressing UCP2 can reduce the proliferation of AML cell lines, alter their cell cycle and promote apoptosis in vitro.
Rilmenidine protects against joint damage in MIA-induced model of osteoarthritis in rats
Authors: Kukula Osman , Çiçekli Mustafa Nusret , Şarklıoğlu Selenay Sevinç , Kırmızıkan Seda , Günaydın Caner
Published: November 2022

Rilmenidine protects against joint damage in MIA-induced model of osteoarthritis in rats
Purpose: Osteoarthritis is a common problem, and its incidence significantly increases with age. Patients suffer from excruciating pain while moving, and currently, major treatment options consist of surgery. Rilmenidine is a potent antihypertensive agent with a high affinity for imidazoline and alpha2 adrenergic receptors. Based on the knowledge that these receptors are also related to bone turnover and pain, we aimed to reveal the effect of rilmenidine on the osteoarthritis model in rats.
Methods: Monosodium iodoacetate(MIA) was used to induce osteoarthritis. Animals were treated with rilmenidine(0.5, 2 mg/kg) for 14 days. Hot plate test was performed to assess pain response before and end of the drug treatments, in addition to the walking track analysis. Twenty-four hours after the last drug treatment, serum levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand(RANKL) and osteoprotegerin(OPG) were measured. Hematoxylin&eosin and safranin-O staining were used to evaluate MIA and rilmenidine induced changes in the hindlimb joints.
Results: Our results demonstrated that rilmenidine(2 mg/kg) prevented MIA-induced thermal hyperalgesia with improved walking behavior in the walking track test. Additionally, rilmenidine(2 mg/kg) also prevented MIA-induced increase in the RANKL and OPG levels in the serum. Histopathological analysis showed that rilmenidine was protective on joint capsule and matrix.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that rilmenidine showed the antinociceptive effect on MIA-induced OA via improving bone turnover.
Distribution and ecological status of alien fish species in the Karun River Basin, Iran
Authors: Shahraki Mojgan Zare , Keivany Yazdan , Dorche Eisa Ebrahimi , Blocksom Karen , Bruder Andreas , Flotemersch Joseph
Published: November 2022

We assessed the distribution of alien fishes in one of the most ecologically and economically important aquatic ecosystems in Iran, the Karun River Basin. Fish samples were collected from 35 sites in the Karun River Basin during the low-flow period from November to December 2018. We documented the occurrence of 37 species of fishes from nine orders and 14 families. Amongst these, 10 species were alien (986 individuals; 15.7%). The relative abundance of native, endemic, and alien species estimated as 54.8%, 29.5% and 15.7%, respectively. Total length of alien species ranged from 0.4 to 25.5 cm and their total weight from 0.17 to 350 g. The ten alien species belonged to seven families including, Cyprinidae, Cichlidae, Xenocyprididae, Gobiidae, Poeciliidae, Gobionidae, and Salmonidae. Carassius gibelio, Oreochromis aureus, and Coptodon zillii were found to be the most abundant alien species in the downstream region. We applied redundancy analysis (RDA) as a direct stressor method to identify the extent of changes in alien fish assemblages with environmental parameters. The first two axes (RDA1 and RDA2) accounted for 36.24% and 25.33% of the variation of five alien species, respectively. Altitude, depth, electrical conductivity, water temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and river width were the most significant parameters affecting the distribution of alien species. Our results propose that management practices are needed in the downstream sections of the Basin to recover native and endemic species. Monitoring of presence and extent of alien species is a key to measuring the success of these efforts.
Stateful Layered Chain Model to Improve the Scalability of Bitcoin
Authors: Elwi Dalia , Abu-Elnasr Osama , Tolba A. S. , Elmougy Samir
Published: November 2022

Bitcoin is a digital cryptocurrency which had become the focus of scientific research in the modern era. Blockchain is the underlying technology of Bitcoin because of its decentralization, transparency, trust-less, and immutability features. However, blockchain can be considered the cause of Bitcoin scalability issues especially storage. Nodes in Bitcoin network need to store the full blockchain to validate transactions. By time, the blockchain size will be extremely huge. So, the full nodes will prefer to leave the network, and this leads to the blockchain being centralized and trusted. Therefore, security will be adversely affected. In this paper, we propose a Stateful Layered Chain Model which is based on storing accounts’ balances to reduce the size of the Bitcoin blockchain. This model changes the structure of the traditional blockchain from blocks to layers. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model reduces the size of blockchain by about 50.6%. Imlicitly, the transaction throughput can also be nearly doubled.
Hematologic and serum biochemical characteristics of rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) in two different culture environments
Authors: Su Liangxia , Qiu Ning , Hou Miaomiao , Xu Chunsen , Xiong Xiaoqin , Wang Jianwei
Published: November 2022

Hematological and serum biochemical parameters are essential for the evaluation of both structural and function status of fish species due to the involvement of culture environment and sex. To obtain a basic knowledge about the variation in hematological and serum biochemical parameters of conventional (CV) and specific pathogen-free (SPF) rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) with respect to sex, blood samples collected from 720 healthy and adult rare minnow (♀:♂=1:1) are analyzed by using standard methods and techniques. The results indicated that hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) values in female CV rare minnow were 82.4 ± 9.5 g/L, 41.6 ± 8.4%, 408.3 ± 81.6 fl, which were significantly lower than those in SPF rare minnow (p < 0.05). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) differed significantly between these two cultured rare minnows (p < 0.05), and no significant differences were observed in other serum biochemical parameters (p > 0.05). In addition, MCV values of female rare minnow are significantly higher than male individuals (p > 0.05). These data demonstrated that hematological and serum biochemical parameters of rare minnow were affected by culture environment and sex, and that a clean culture environment could contribute to the health physiological status of rare minnow.