bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the protective effect and mechanism of apelin-13 in ventilator-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Lian Siyu , He Shuang , Chen Zongyu , Shen Yi , Zhou Leilei , Jiang Wenqing , Zhang Xianming
Published: January 2023

Background: Mechanical Ventilationventilation (MV) is an essential life support mechanism in the clinic. It may also lead to ventilator-induced acute lung injury (VILI) due to local alveolar overstretching and/or repeated alveolar collapse. However, the pathogenesis of VILI is not completely clear, and its occurrence and development may be related to inflammatory reactions, oxidative stress, apoptosis and other physiological processes. Some studies have found that the apelin/APJ pathway is an endogenous antagonistic mechanism that is activated during Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), and it can counteract the injury response and prevent uncontrolled lung injury. To prove that apelin-13 plays a protective role in VILI, in this study, we established a rat VILI model to explore whether apelin-13 can attenuate VILI in rats by inhibiting inflammation, cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Methods: SD rats were divided into four groups: the control group, high tidal volume group, high tidal volume+NS group, and high tidal volume+apelin-13 group. After tracheotomy, autonomous breathing was maintained in the rats. After tracheotomy, the other rats were connected to a small animal ventilator for 4 hours to establish the rat VILI model. The mRNA expression of apelin was measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), and the protein expression levels of APJ, the apoptotic protein Bax, Bcl-2 and Akt/P-Akt were measured by Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence. The degree of lung injury was evaluated by pathological staining of lung tissue and measuring the wet to dry ratio of lung tissue. The expression of inflammatory factors in alveolar lavage fluid was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in lung tissue was measured to evaluate the degree of pulmonary inflammation.
Results: The expression of apelin and the APJ receptor was upregulated under VILI conditions. After the rats were treated with apelin-13, the activation of the apelin-APJ signaling pathway, the pathological damage to lung tissues, the degree of cell apoptosis, and the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α were reduced in the VILI model rats. The expression of MPO was decreased, and the activity of MPO was also decreased. Moreover, the Akt/P-Akt signaling pathway is associated with apoptosis. After treatment, the expression of Akt/P-Akt pathway-related proteins increased.
Conclusion: During VILI, the apelin/APJ axis plays an endogenous role in ameliorating injury. Overexpression of apelin can significantly reduce the inflammatory response, cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in the lung tissues of VILI model rats and slow the occurrence and development of VILI.
The association between gut microbiota and postoperative delirium in patients
Authors: Xie Zhongcong , Zhang Yiying , Baldyga Kathryn , Dong Yuanlin , Song Wenyu , Villanueva Mirella , Deng Hao , Mueller Ariel , Houle Timothy , Marcantonio Edward
Published: January 2023

Postoperative delirium is one of the most common postoperative complications in older patients. Its pathogenesis and biomarkers, however, remain largely undetermined. Majority of human microbiota is gut microbiota and gut microbiota has been shown to regulate brain function. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between gut microbiota and postoperative delirium in patients. Of 220 patients (65 years old or older) who had a knee replacement, hip replacement, or laminectomy under general or spinal anesthesia, 86 participants were included in the data analysis. The incidence (primary outcome) and severity of postoperative delirium was assessed for two days. Fecal swabs were collected from participants immediately after surgery. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to assess gut microbiota. Using principal component analyses along with a literature review to identify biologically plausible mechanisms, and three bacterials were studied for their associations with postoperative delirium. Of the 86 participants [age 71.0 (69.0–76.0, 25%-75% percentile of quartile), 53% female], ten (12%) developed postoperative delirium. Postoperative gut bacteria Parabacteroides distasonis (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.13, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09–4.17, P = 0.026) was associated with postoperative delirium after adjusting for age and sex. The association between delirium and both Prevotella (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33–1.04, P = 0.067) and Collinsella (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.27–1.24, P = 0.158) did not meet statistical significance. These findings suggest that postoperative gut microbiota (e.g., Parabacteroides distasonis) may serve as biomarkers in the pathogenesis of postoperative delirium, pending confirmative studies.
Public perceptions of 1080 poison use in New Zealand
Authors: Kerr Geoffrey N , Hughey Kenneth FD , Cullen Ross
Published: January 2023

Environmental policies are often contentious because of the public nature of their effects which individuals are typically unable to avoid. This paper provides evidence about the level of public support for and opposition to aerial 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) application to control vertebrate pests, and the role of beliefs about related factors that influence individuals’ positions on aerial 1080. Data are analysed from a 2019 survey of New Zealand adults which assessed participants’ views on 1080-related matters, gained their opinions about pest impacts, pest control and the role of science, and gauged their acceptance of 1080. Priors were that opposition to 1080 would be negatively related with education, trust in science and government, and negative beliefs about outcomes of using 1080. We apply factor analysis, cluster analysis, logistic regression and the potential for conflict index to gain insight into the level, strength, drivers for and heterogeneity of beliefs about aerial 1080 use.
The role of the PLGF in the prediction of the outcome in pregnancies complicated with fetal microsomia
Authors: Souka Athena , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Tassias Konstantinos , Chatziioannou Maria Ioanna , Papamihail Maria , Daskalakis George
Published: January 2023

Purpose
to explore the value of measuring maternal serum PLGF in the prediction of the outcome of microsomic fetuses.
Methods
Singleton pregnancies referred with suspicion of microsomia were included if they had: no indication for nor signs of imminent delivery, fetal abdominal circumference (AC) at or below the 10th centile and/or estimated fetal weight (EFW) at or below the 10th centile and/or umbilical artery pulsatility index (Umb-PI) at or above the 90th centile for gestation. Women with pre-eclampsia at presentation were excluded. Maternal blood was drawn at the first (index) visit and analyzed retrospectively.
Results
51 fetuses were examined. Multiple regression analysis showed that history of microsomia, index EFW and PLGF were significant predictors of the birthweight centile; index femur length centile and PLGF were significant predictors of pre-eclampsia; PLGF and index systolic blood pressure were significant predictors of iatrogenic preterm delivery < 37 weeks whereas PLGF and index EFW were significant predictors of birthweight ≤ 5th centile and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. For all outcomes the addition of maternal-fetal parameters did not improve the prediction compared to PLGF alone. Using a cut off of 0.3 MoM for PLGF would identify 94.1% of the pregnancies with iatrogenic preterm delivery and/or intra-uterine death and all of the cases that developed pre-eclampsia, for a screen positive rate of 54.9%. Women with PLGF ≤ 0.3 MoM had a poor fetal/maternal outcome (iatrogenic preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia, intra-uterine death) in 61.5% of cases.
Conclusion
In pregnancies complicated by fetal microsomia PLGF identifies a very high-risk group that may benefit from intense surveillance.
Changes in snow cover climatology in Romania (1961-2020)
Authors: Amihaesei Vlad-Alexandru , Micu Dana-Magdalena , Cheval Sorin , Dumitrescu Alexandru , Sfica Lucian , Birsan Marius-Victor
Published: January 2023

The response of the cryosphere to a warmer climate is spatially diversified and requires accurate monitoring and understanding. The study analyses the changes in snow cover phenology (the first and last snow cover days - FSC and LSC), duration (SCD, SCDmax) and snow-free days (SFD) in Romania, which includes wide parts of the Carpathian Mountain range (the Eastern, the Southern and Southwestern Carpathians), using daily snow depth observations from 114 weather stations (WS), with long-term and gap-free time series, over the 1961–2020 period. The results are discussed over five elevation bands (< 500, 501-1,000, 1,001–1,500, 1,501-2,000, and > 2,000 m) and over the major Köppen-Geiger climate regions of the country. A delay in FSC and a retreat in LSC was systematically observed throughout the country, with average rates from 1.6 to 2.2 days decade− 1. The observed trends in snow cover phenology are prominent at mid-elevations (500-1,500 m) and in the lowlands (especially below 500 m), feedbacking the intense warming process. Consequently, declines in SCD and SCDmax have been also observed country-wide, especially at mid-elevations (500-1,000 and 1,000–1,500 m) and lowlands below 500 m, with an average rate exceeding 2.0 days decade− 1. Furthermore, the number of snow-free days have a significant growth in most areas, with an important contribution of significant trends (44% of WS). In mountain areas the SFD positive trends are weak and not statistically significant. The elevation dependency of the detected snow cover trends was not systematically observed throughout the major climate regions of the country. Accelerated snow cover changes with elevation were found specific only to the Dfc and Dfb climate regions, within narrow elevation bands (1,000–1,500 m). The high-elevation areas show weak changes in snow cover phenology and duration, mostly not statistically significant. The long-term variability in snow cover parameters shows breakpoints grouped during the 1980s, and mostly in the 1990s period. The analysis of the possible links with the large-scale atmospheric circulation (North Atlantic Oscillation - NAO) revealed that NAO has a significant negative correlation with LSC, SCD, and SCDmax for 30% of stations, mostly located in the north-eastern lowlands of Romania. NAO showed no statistically significant influence on FSC trends.
The Use of Information Technology to improve Interdisciplinary Communication during Infectious Diseases Ward Rounds on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Willems Jef , Heyndrickx Adeline , Schelstraete Petra , Gadeyne Bram , Cock Pieter , Driessche Stien Vanden , Depuydt Pieter
Published: January 2023

Prospective audit with feedback during infectious diseases ward rounds (IDWR) is a common antibiotic stewardship (AS) practice on the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). These interdisciplinary meetings rely on the quality of handover, with high risk of omission of information. We developed an electronic platform integrating infection-related patient data (COSARAPed). In the mixed PICU of a Belgian tertiary hospital we conducted an observational prospective cohort study comparing patient handovers during IDWRs using the COSARAPed-platform to those with access only to conventional resources. The quality of handover was investigated directly by assessment if the narrative was in accordance with SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) principles and if adequate demonstration of diagnostic information occurred, and also indirectly by registration if this was only achieved after intervention by the non-presenting AS team members. We also recorded all AS-recommendations. During a 6-month study period, 24 IDWRs and 82 patient presentations were assessed. We found a statistically significant advantage in favor of COSARAPed by indirect evaluation. We registered 92 AS-recommendations, mainly resulting in reduced antibiotic pressure. We concluded that the IDWR is an appropriate platform for AS-interventions on the PICU and that the utilisation of COSARAPed enhances the quality of patient handover.
Beamforming Algorithm for Phased Array Radar in Nonstationary Environments
Authors: Wang Shihan , Chen Tao , Wang Hongjian
Published: January 2023

The adaptive array processing technology for phased array radar is usually based on the assumption of a stationary environment; however, in real-world scenarios, nonstationary interference and noise deteriorates the performance of the traditional gradient descent algorithm, in which the learning rate of the tap weights is fixed, leading to errors in the beam pattern and a reduced output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this paper, we use the incremental delta-bar-delta (IDBD) algorithm, which has been widely used for system identification problems in nonstationary environments, to control the time-varying learning rates of the tap weights. The designed iteration formula for the learning rate ensures that the tap weights adaptively track the Wiener solution. The results of numerical simulations show that in a nonstationary environment, the traditional gradient descent algorithm with a fixed learning rate has a distorted beam pattern and reduced output SNR; however, the IDBD-based beamforming algorithm, in which a secondary control mechanism is used to adaptively update the learning rates, showed a similar beam pattern and output SNR to a traditional beamformer in a Gaussian white noise background; that is, the main beam and null satisfied the pointing constraints, and the optimal output SNR was obtained. Although the proposed algorithm contains a matrix inversion operation, which has considerable computational complexity, this operation could be replaced by the Levinson-Durbin iteration due to the Toeplitz characteristic of the matrix; therefore, the computational complexity could be decreased to O(n), so additional computing resources are not required. Moreover, according to some intuitive interpretations, the reliability and stability of the algorithm are guaranteed.
An atlas of the bone marrow bone proteome in patients with dysproteinemias.
Authors: Ho Matthew , Dasari Surendra , Visram Alissa , Drake Matthew , Charlesworth Cristine , Johnson Kenneth , Pujari Ganesh , Jevremovic Dragan , Kourelis Taxiarchis
Published: January 2023

Multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease is a significant cause of morbidity but there is a paucity of data on the impact of malignant plasma cells on adjacent trabecular bone within the BM. Here, we characterize the proteome of trabecular bone tissue from BM biopsies of 56 patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), smoldering (SMM), newly diagnosed (NDMM), relapsed MM (RMM), and normal controls. Proteins involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and immunity pathways were decreased in SMM and active MM. Among the proteins most decreased were immunoglobulins, type IV collagen, and TIMP3, suggesting increased immunoparesis and decreased ECM remodelling within trabecular bone. Proteins most increased in SMM/MM were APP (enhances osteoclast activity), ENPP1 (enhances bone mineralization), and MZB1 (required for normal plasmablast differentiation). Pathway analyses showed that proteins involved in gamma -carboxylation, a pathway implicated in osteocalcin function, osteoblast differentiation, and normal hematopoiesis, were also overexpressed in SMM/MM. This study is the first comprehensive proteomic atlas of the BM bone proteome in dysproteinemias. We identify new key proteins and pathways for MM bone disease and potentially impaired hematopoiesis, and show for the first time that gamma -carboxylation pathways are increased in the bone tissue of SMM/MM.
An evolutionary numerical method for solution of nonlinear differential equations
Authors: Mahmoodabadi M. J.
Published: January 2023

This paper describes a new optimum numerical method to analyze nonlinear quadratic Riccati differential equations. To this end, the Finite Difference Method (FDM) is employed to extract an appropriate discretized objective function, and the penalty method is implemented to convert the constrained problem into an unconstrained one via satisfying the initial conditions. Furthermore, the High Exploration Particle Swarm Optimization (HEPSO) is utilized to find the best numerical values of the nonlinear quadratic Riccati differential equation. In order to illustrate the effectiveness of HEPSO, the optimization trajectories are compared with those of a standard Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Moreover, comparisons are made between Adomians decomposition method (ADM), Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM), the exact solution and the proposed method to expose the accuracy, effectiveness and simplicity of the proposed method.
New record of larval-pupal endoparasitoid Exorista deligata parasitising Indian Tea looper Hyposidra talaca from India
Authors: Sharma Pooja V. , Das Tamal , Mukherjee Susmita , Rahman Azizur , Gathalkar Ganesh B.
Published: January 2023

For the first time, we report the occurrence of Exorista deligata (Pandellé, 1896) (Diptera: Tachinidae) parasitising Hyposidra talaca (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), a major invasive pest of Indian Tea, Camellia sinensis (L) Kuntze (Theaceae). The looper pest, H. talaca, completes about 6 to 8 generations per year without diapause on C. sinensis, resulting in heavy crop loss. The field-collected larvae and pupa of H. talaca were reared until the emergence of either adult Hyposidra or parasitoid (Exorista) and subsequently investigated for parasitoid infestations. We observed the immature stages of the parasitoid (larva, pre-pupa, and matured pupa) inside the developing pupa of H. talaca, with complete devouring of the host. The adult parasitoid was identified as E. deligata with the help of morphological characteristics and confirmed by molecular technique, i.e., mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX-CO1-700bp) gene sequencing, BLAST and phylogeny matching analysis. The species is infrequent, and its parasitoid nature is still unexplored, except for its occurrence on certain hosts. The percent pupal mortality of H. talaca caused by E. deligata was calculated (mean 25.4%, range 5.88%-57.69%) as proof of the findings in light of its possible role as a biological control agent to address the damage mitigation against the tea looper pest, H. talaca in future.
Transportation Revolution and Banking Development：Evidence from Prewar China
Authors: Zhao Jinsong , He Peilin , Yu Chin-Hsien
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the effects of railroad placement on the development of modern banking in China from the late nineteenth century to the Pacific War. We construct datasets on railroad stations and bank locations across 250 prefectures between 1895 to 1937. The results show that construction of railroad stations significantly promoted the development of banking. More specifically, a new railroad station in a prefecture brought about 3.063, or 24%, more banks. We explore two potential mechanisms for this, finding that railroad placements stimulated modern banking both through 1) helping develop modern industries along rail routes and 2) through the cooperation of traditional local institutions (qianzhuang). Furthermore, we find that railroad placement allowed areas far from treaty ports to gain connection with the international market. The development of foreign trade also enabled modern banks to develop new business based on cargo mortgages, thus spurring geographic expansion of bank branches.
JEL Classification: N25, N75, O16
SAFE SLEEP EDUCATION BLITZ: A PRE-POST SURVEY STUDY
Authors: Grant Julian , Thornton Charlene , Sivertsen Nina , Gregoric Carolyn , Spurrier Nicola , Deverix Janiene , Steeb Alice , Dyer Susan
Published: January 2023

Background
Due to ongoing concerns about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy, a safe sleep education blitz was conducted for professional health and care providers in conjunction with the introduction of a safe sleep alternative, the Pepi-Pod program, to Aboriginal families in South Australia. The aim of the study was to explore the effectiveness of the education blitz in building clinical knowledge about safe sleep.
Methods
Surveys were administered pre and post the education blitz intervention to professional health and care workers. Changes in knowledge pre- and post- intervention were measured to determine campaign effectiveness. The education blitz and surveys were conducted online.
Results
The pre intervention test knowledge score mean was 8.6 (SD 2.56) and post intervention was 9.5 (SD 1.22), indicating an improvement in knowledge, although not statistically significant. The lowest scores were seen in the ‘other’ category of providers (mean score 6.4), The greatest improvement was seen in the question: What weakens a baby’s arousal response? with improvement from 83% correct to 100% post intervention.
Conclusions
The education blitz increased safe sleep knowledge and awareness of the Pepi-Pod as a safe sleep alternative. Knowledge among health and care professionals, especially related to the anatomy and physiology of infant arousal and breathing, could be improved by the ongoing availability of the education blitz. This study informs approaches to increasing health and care providers’ knowledge about safe sleep. Despite a high level of health professional knowledge, babies in South Australia continue to die from SIDS and SUDI.
“I just get scared it’s going to happen again”: A qualitative study of the psychosocial impact of pediatric burns from the child’s perspective
Authors: Woolard Alix , Wickens Nicole , McGivern Lisa , Belinelo Patricia de Gouveia , Martin Lisa , Wood Fiona , Rensburg Elmie Janse van , Milroy Helen
Published: January 2023

Background
Advances in medicine have improved the chances of survival following burn injuries, however, psychosocial outcomes have not seen the same improvement, and burn injuries can be distressing for both the child or young person, negatively affecting their wellbeing. Pediatric burn patients are at a higher risk of developing psychopathology compared to the general population. In order to promote resilience and prevent psychopathology post-burn injury for pediatric burn patients, it is crucial to understand the experience of children and young people after a burn. This study aimed to understand the psychosocial impact that a pediatric burn has as perceived by the pediatric burn patient.
Methods
Seven pediatric burn patients were interviewed from the Perth Metropolitan area on average 3.1 years after their injury. All participants had been admitted to hospital for their acute injury and stayed for a median length of 2 days in hospital. Interviews with pediatric patients took place online, and the patients were asked about their mental health, coping strategies, changes to lifestyle and supports following their burn injury. The interviews were transcribed and then thematically analysed using an inductive approach.
Results
Three overarching themes emerged from the interviews: burn-specific impact on the child or young person (including appearance concerns, family factors, and lifestyle factors), the psychological impact (including positive and negative impact on mental health), and factors supporting the recovery journey (including coping strategies and support services). The participants in our study highlighted issues they faced during recovery, the positive and negative impacts of the injury and recovery process and provided suggestions for future opportunities to bolster resilience and promote growth for pediatric burn patients who may face similar challenges in the future.
Conclusion
Factors that improve the mental health and wellbeing of pediatric burn patients should be promoted, such as mental health and social supports, the promotion of adaptive coping mechanisms, and meeting the needs of the family unit as a whole. Ultimately, the implementation of trauma-focused, family centred interventions is crucial for the psychosocial recovery of pediatric burn survivors.
Common genetic variants contribute to heritability of age at onset of schizophrenia
Authors: Muntané Gerard , Sada Ester , Aranda Selena , Martorell Lourdes , Vilella Elisabet , Papiol Sergi , Heilbronner Urs , Schulze Thomas G. , Kalman Janos , Molto Maria Dolores , Aguilar Eduardo , González-Peñas Javier , Andreu-Bernabeu Álvaro , Arango Celso , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto , González-Pinto Ana Maria , Fananas Lourdes , Arias Bárbara , Bobes Julio , Costas Javier
Published: January 2023

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex disorder that typically arises in late adolescence or early adulthood. Age at onset (AAO) of SCZ is associated with long-term outcomes of the disease. We explored the genetic architecture of AAO with a genome-wide association study (GWAS), heritability, polygenic risk score (PRS), and copy number variant (CNV) analyses in 4 740 subjects of European ancestry. Although no genome-wide significant locus was identified, SNP-based heritability of AAO was estimated to be between 17 and 21%, indicating a moderate contribution of common variants. We also performed cross-trait PRS analyses with a set of mental disorders and identified a negative association between AAO and common variants for Schizophrenia, childhood maltreatment and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In addition, we explored whether copy number variants (CNVs) previously associated with SCZ played a role in AAO and found that there was no association with earlier onset. To our knowledge, this is the largest GWAS of AAO of SCZ to date, and the first study to determine the involvement of common variants in the heritability of AAO. Finally, we evidenced the role played by higher SCZ load in determining AAO but discarded the role of pathogenic CNVs. Altogether, these results shed light on the genetic architecture of AAO, which needs to be confirmed with larger studies.
Prolactin and Non-Puerperal Mastitis: A Multimethodology Observational Study Using Real-World Data
Authors: Yin Yulian , Le Haoxin , Cheng Yifan , Zhong Yuanyuan , Cheng Yiqin , Wang Bing , Meng Tian , Zhou Yue , Ye Meina , Wu Jingjing , Chen Hongfeng
Published: January 2023

Background
Non-puerperal mastitis (NPM) is an umbrella term for non-specific inflammatory mastitis inflammation with unclear etiology. The objective of the current study is to characterize NPM patients and examine the determinants associated with NPM severity.
Methods
This study analyzed the NPM inpatients admitted to the Department of Breast Surgery, Longhua Hospital Affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from 2016 to 2020. We explored NPM patient characteristics through demographics, physical risks, lab tests, and medical history indicators. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the relationship between the prolactin (PRL) level and NPM severity stratified by breast structure.
Findings
The majority of NPM inpatients had normal breast structures and were of lower average age than those with congenital nipple deformity (p=0.002). Significant positive risk (p< 0.001) association between PRL level and NPM severity was observed among NPM inpatients with normal breast structure in both binomial (OR: 2.91; 95%CI:1.88-4.52) and ordinal regression model (OR: 3.47; 95%CI:2.39-5.08), with age as a protective factor (OR:0.94; 95%CI:0.91-0.97). For NPM patients with nipple deformity, increasing odds of NPM severity regarding higher PRL level was only observed in ordinal logistic regression, which was lower (OR: 2.21; 95%CI: 1.14-4.34; p=0.02) than their peer with normal breast structure.
Interpretation
The risk of NPM severe episodes is higher among patients with higher PRL levels, of which the association is stronger for NPM patients with normal breast structure, implying different pathogenesis between NPM patients with varied breast anatomy. Testification of the analysis model indicates an improvement window for the current NPM severity assessment.
Funding
This study was supported by the second major clinical research project of "Three-year Action Plan for Promoting Clinical Skills and Clinical Innovation in Municipal Hospitals (2020-2022)" (SHDC2020CR2051B), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.82104854), and Shanghai Sailing Program (20YF1449800).
Using an extended model of the reasoned action approach to explore individual behavioral intentions regarding litter prevention in a developing country
Authors: Oduro-Appiah Kwaku , Afful Abraham , Osei-Tutu Henrietta
Published: January 2023

Implementing litter prevention strategies is essential for cities of developing countries, especially due to the prevailing high incidence of littering and the urgent need to realize the adverse per capita environmental impact target of the sustainable development goals. In this article, we report the use of the prominent reasoned action approach ––in its original state and in an extended model with moral norms–– for exploring the key socio-cognitive determinants of individuals’ litter prevention intentions in Ghana. By analyzing the valid answers of 447 participants to a structured questionnaire on litter prevention, we found attitudes (β = 0.35, SE = 0.014, p < 0.001) and moral norms (β = 0.57, SE = 0.099, p < 0.001) as the most influencing determinants to individual intentions in the original and the extended models, respectively. The analysis suggests that individuals will stop littering their environments through the implementation of eco-friendly interventions aimed at eliciting self-responsibility and moral obligation. Campaigns targeted at demonstrating the effects of littering on drain blockage, flooding, and disease outbreaks may improve individual litter prevention attitudes. Installing waste receptacles in public spaces along with persuasive messages may also facilitate individual antilittering intentions. Apart from contributing to the implementation of a litter management strategy to reduce the flood risk and enhance the resilience of the Greater Accra region of Ghana, this research helps to close the literature gaps in litter prevention behavior, as well as support the modernization of the municipal solid waste management systems in developing countries.
Mitochondrial biogenesis as an underlying mechanism involved in the cardioprotective effects of Gallic acid against D‐galactose-induced aging
Authors: Zarei Mohammad , Sarihi Abdolrahman , Zamani Alireza , Raoufi Safoura , Karimi Seyed Asaad , Ramezani-Aliakbari Fatemeh
Published: January 2023

Aged heart is defined via structural and mitochondrial dysfunction of the heart. However, there is still no impressive compound to suppress and improve the abnormal alterations in cardiac function result from aging. Gallic acid (GA) is known to be an effective agent in improving cardiovascular disorders. In the present study, we exhibit the protective effects of GA against cardiac aging. Male Wistar rats were randomly divvied into four groups: Control, Control treated with GA at 25 mg/kg (GA25), aged rats induced by D-galactose (D-GAL), aged rats treated with GA at 25 mg/kg (D-GAL + GA25).Aging induced by D-GAL at 150 mL/kg via intraperitoneal injection for eight weeks. Aged rats treated with GA at 25 mg/kg (D-GAL GA25) by gavage for eight weeks. The blood samples were used to assessment biochemical factors and heart tissue was assessed for evaluating oxidative stress and the gene expression of molecular parameters. Histological examination of the heart was occurred. The D-GAL rats indicated cardiac hypertrophy, which was associated with reduced antioxidant activity of enzyme, increased oxidative marker and alterations in Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1alpha and Transcription Factor A, Mitochondrial (TFAM) genes expression in comparison to the control animals. Co-treatment with GA improved all these alterations. Taken together, GA could protect the heart against D-GAL-induced aging via antioxidant effects, and the enhancement of SIRT1, PGC-1α, and TFAM genes expression.
Outcomes of early endoscopic realignment for pelvic fracture urethral injury
Authors: Chaker Kays , Ouanes Yassine , Chedly Wassim Ben , Trigui Mohamed , Mosbahi Boutheina , Chbeb Oumayma , Elabed Wiem , Bibi Mokhtar , Rahoui Moez , Dali Kheireddine Mrad , Ammous Adel , Nouira Yassine
Published: January 2023

Introduction:
Post-traumatic rupture of the posterior urethra is a serious injury that can compromise the micturition and erectile prognosis of the often-young patient. The management of this lesion is still controversial, leaving the choice between early endoscopic realignment or suprapubic catheterization with deferred urethroplasty. The objective of this study was to report our clinical experience and outcomes with early endoscopic realignment (EER) for patients with pelvic fracture urethral injury.
Patients and Methods:
We underwent a retrospective review of patients with pelvic fracture associated urethral injury who underwent EER from 2010 to 2020. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative outcome data were collected. Complications for the surgical procedure was analyzed, as well as post-operative stenosis, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The primary endpoint was success, defined as satisfying micturition with no urethral stricture at the time of last follow up.
Results:
A total of 26 patients underwent primary endoscopic realignment. The median duration from injury to EER was 15.4 ± 10.25 hours. No patient experienced complications from endoscopic realignment. EER was successful in 16 patients (61.53%) at a median follow up of 34 months (18–54). Ten patients (38.46%) developed a urethral stricture during follow up. Seven patients (26.92%) were treated by one or two direct visual internal urethrotomy. Only 3 patients (11.53%) required urethroplasty. There were no urethroplasty failure after previous EER. Two patients (7.69%) reported stress urinary incontinence after EER. Four patients (15.88%) developed de novo erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion:
Early endoscopic realignment allows some patients to avoid a heavier surgical treatment, and doesn’t compromise the realization of a later urethroplasty.
Penaeus vannamei nursery in a synbiotic system: Effects of different forms of artificially salinized in low-salinity water
Authors: Limeira Agatha Catharina , Silva Gênison Carneiro , Costa Gisely Karla Almeida , Silva Suzianny Maria Bezerra Cabral , Galvez Alfredo Olivera , Brito Luis Otavio
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different forms of artificially salinized on the zootechnical performance, TCBS and Sabouraud Dextrose counts in Penaeus vannamei juveniles reared in a synbiotic system. Four treatments were established in triplicate using a completely randomized design: SD (diluted seawater); LCSM (low-cost salt mix with freshwater); CS (commercial salt); and SW (seawater) in experimental tanks of 60 L, with a density of 2,000 PL m− 3 for 40 days. An ammonia stress test was performed at the end of the culture and TCBS and Sabouraud Dextrose counts in gut was performed at the 20th and 40th. The synbiotic system proved to be effective in the control of nitrogen compounds. The values of calcium, magnesium and total hardness remained above 30, 75 and 400 mg L− 1, respectively in low salinity treatments. Better values of final average weight were obtained with the different forms of artificially salinized (LCSM, SD and CS), but survival was lower when compared to SW. There was no influence of different forms of artificially salinized on bacterial counts of TCBS and Sabouraud Dextrose, and on resistance to ammonia stress. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that it is possible to rear P. vannamei juveniles in artificially salinized water of low salinity (3 g L− 1) in a synbiotic system.
Comparing variants related to chronic diseases from genome- wide association study (GWAS) and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA)
Authors: Jeon Soohyun , Park Chaewon , Kim Jineui , Lee Jung Hoon , Joe Sung-yune , Ko Young Kyung , Gim Jeong-An
Published: January 2023

Background
Several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been performed to identify variants related to chronic diseases. Somatic variants in cancer tissues are associated with cancer development and prognosis. Expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and methylation QTL (mQTL) analyses were performed on chronic disease-related variants in TCGA dataset.
Methods
MuTect2 calling variants for 33 carcinomas from TCGA and 296 GWAS variants provided by LocusZoom were used. At least one mutation was found in TCGA 22 carcinomas and LocusZoom 23 studies. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) from the three carcinomas (TCGA-COAD, TCGA-STAD, and TCGA-UCEC). Variants were mapped to the world map using population locations of the 1000 Genomes Project (1GP) populations. Decision tree analysis was performed on the discovered features and survival analysis was performed according to the cluster.
Results
Based on the DEGs and DMRs with clinical data, the decision tree model classified seven and three nodes in TCGA-COAD and TCGA-STAD, respectively. A total of 11 variants were commonly detected from TCGA and LocusZoom, and eight variants were selected from the 1GP variants, and the distribution patterns were visualized on the world map.
Conclusions
Variants related to tumors and chronic diseases were selected, and their geological regional 1GP-based proportions are presented. The variant distribution patterns could provide clues for regional clinical trial designs and personalized medicine.
Spatiotemporal expression of Rest in the brain of Ts1Cje mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Lim Chong-Teik , Lam Xin-Jieh , Crystal Arthini-Arrumugam , Huang Tan , Jusoh Norhazlin , Cheah Pike-See , Ling King-Hwa
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Down syndrome (DS) is a common genetic disorder caused by full or partial trisomy of human chromosome 21. DS individuals usually have poor neurological development with neuropsychiatric manifestations. Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is the key regulator for epigenetic neuronal gene expression. REST nuclear translocation is crucial to exert repression on target genes transcriptionally. A comprehensive spatiotemporal profiling of Rest expression was performed on the Ts1Cje mouse brain to reveal its association with DS neuropathology development.
Methods: Over-representation analysis of Ts1Cje differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with mouse REST targets was performed. The cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of Ts1Cje and wildtype (WT) mice were procured at postnatal - P1, P15, P30, and P84 and embryonic - E14 and P1.5 development timepoints[User1] . RNAs from the brain tissues and cultured neurospheres were analysed with qPCR to determine the spatiotemporal profile of Rest expression. Western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were performed to determine the level of REST expression and nuclear localisation.
Results: Over-representation analysis showed the Ts1Cje DEGs are significantly overlapped with mouse REST target genes. QPCR and Western blot analysis revealed a significant downregulation of Rest in neurospheres and protein expression in Ts1Cje compared to WT. Furthermore, IHC staining showed a consistent perinuclear marginalisation of REST, indicating impaired nuclear translocation in the Ts1Cje brain.
Conclusion:DEGs in the Ts1Cje tissues are potentially caused by the loss of REST functions. Dysregulated Rest expression at the early neurodevelopmental stage may cause premature neurodifferentiation, neural stem cell pool depletion, and disrupt early cell fate determination. The loss of nuclear REST function may cause neuroprotection and stress resilience deficits.
Efficiency of cultivation of sugar sorghum in the conditions of rice systems of the Kyzylorda region
Authors: Olzhabayeva Axaule Ondasynovna , Baimanov Zhanuzak Nurdildaevich , Bilalovich Begaliyev Kanagat , Urunbasarovna Bulanbayeva Perizat , Temirkhankyzy Aldambergenova Gulzinat
Published: January 2023

In the economy of Kazakhstan, agriculture occupies one of the leading places and is a vital sector of the national economy. In the Kyzylorda region, a decrease in land productivity (about 21.1 thousand hectares or 9.4% of the total used area (22.4 thousand hectares) was due to secondary salinization of about 62.8 thousand hectares, waterlogging of 22.3 thousand hectares or 29.6% of all irrigated lands in the region (287,525 hectares), loss of land resources and transformation into unproductive salt deserts. All this is a consequence of mismanagement in relation to the breadwinner of the land.
Of great importance for the sustainable development of crop production in the region is the introduction of non-traditional, salt-tolerant grain fodder and fodder crops that can form a high yield in the conditions of the Kyzylorda region. Within the framework of the FAO project "Integrated natural resource management in drought-prone and saline areas of agricultural production in Central Asia and Turkey", field studies were carried out on the cultivation of sugar sorghum in the saline fields of rice systems of Dostyk Zher LLP, NK Kurylys LLP and PF " Talapker”, which ensured a high yield of rice and efficient use of irrigated land.
Serum anti-PCK1 antibody levels are prognostic factor for the patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Namiki Toshiki , Takemoto Minoru , Hayashi Aiko , Yamagata Hiroki , Ishikawa Takahiro , Yokote Koutaro , Li Shu-Yang , Kubota Masaaki , Zhang Bo-Shi , Yoshida Yoichi , Matsutani Tomoo , Mine Seiichiro , Machida Toshio , Kobayashi Yoshio , Terada Jiro , Naito Akira , Tatsumi Koichiro , Takizawa Hirotaka , Nakamura Rika , Kuroda Hideyuki , Iwadate Yasuo , Hiwasa Takaki
Published: January 2023

Background: Autoantibodies develop in autoimmune diseases, cancer, diabetes mellitus (DM),and atherosclerosis-related diseases. However, autoantibody biomarkers have not been successfully examined for diagnosis and therapy.
Methods: Serological identification of antigens through recombinant cDNA expression cloning (SEREX) was used for primary screening of antigens. The cDNA product was expressed in bacteria and purified. Amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA) was used to evaluate antibody levels in serum samples.
Results: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) was recognized as an antigen by serum IgG antibodies in the sera of patients with atherosclerosis. AlphaLISA showed significantly higher serum antibody levels against recombinant PCK1 protein in patients with DM and cardiovascular diseasebut not in those with acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, than in healthy donors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for anti-PCK1 antibodies was 0.7024 for DM. The serum anti-PCK1 antibody levels were associated with age, platelet count, and blood pressure. Anti-PCK1-antibody-positive patients showed significantly lower overall survival than the negative patients.
Conclusions: Serum anti-PCK1 antibody levels were strongly associated with DM and weakly but significantly associated with cardiovascular disease. The anti-PCK1 antibody marker is useful for predicting the overall survival of patients with DM.
Knockdown of Rab7B, but not of Rab7A, which antagonistically regulates oligodendroglial cell morphological differentiation, recovers tunicamycin-induced defective differentiation in FBD-102b cells
Authors: Fukushima Nana , Shirai Remina , Sato Takanari , Nakamura Sayumi , Ochiai Arisa , Miyamoto Yuki , Yamauchi Junji
Published: January 2023

In the central nervous system (CNS), insulative myelin sheaths are generated from the differentiated plasma membranes of oligodendrocytes (oligodendroglial cells) and surround neuronal axons to achieve saltatory conduction. Despite the functional involvement of myelin sheaths in the CNS, the molecular mechanism by which oligodendroglial cells themselves undergo differentiation of plasma membranes remains unclear. It also remains to be explored whether their signaling mechanisms can be applied to treating diseases of the oligodendroglial cells. Here we describe that Rab7B of Rab7 subfamily small GTPases negatively regulates oligodendroglial cell morphological differentiation using FBD-102b cells, which are model cells undergoing differentiation of oligodendroglial precursors. Knockdown of Rab7B or Rab7A by the respective specific siRNAs in cells positively or negatively regulated morphological differentiation, respectively. Consistently, these changes were supported by changes on differentiation- and myelination-related structural protein and protein kinase markers. We also found that knockdown of Rab7B has the ability to recover inhibition of morphological differentiation following tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which mimics one of the major molecular pathological causes of hereditary hypomyelinating disorders in oligodendroglial cells, such as Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD). These results suggest that the respective molecules among very close Rab7 homologues exhibit differential roles in morphological differentiation and that knocking down Rab7B can recover defective differentiating phenotypes under ER stress, thereby adding Rab7B to the list of molecular therapeutic cues taking advantage of signaling mechanisms for oligodendroglial diseases like PMD.
Long time behavior of a 2D Ginzburg-Landau model with fixed total magnetic flux
Authors: Fan Jishan , Ozawa Tohru
Published: January 2023

We prove the long time behavior of a 2D Ginzburg-Landau system in supercon-ductivity with Coulomb gauge and fixed total magnetic flux.
Mathematics Subject Classifications (2020): 35A05, 35A40, 35K55, 82D55.
A Systematic Pan-Cancer Analysis of SPATS2L, a Potential New Immunological and Prognostic Biomarker
Authors: Cao Yan , Yang Yuwei , Li Qiao , Wang Xinjing , Lu Hengzhi , Guo Zongwei , Yao Chen , Xiao Li , Xie Lixin
Published: January 2023

SPATS2L (Spermatogenesis-associated serine-rich 2-like) is anintranucleolar stress-response protein involved in chromosomal organization, ribosomal biogenesis, and translational control. Although there is mounting evidence that SPATS2L was involved in the carcinogenesis of some cancers, no thorough pan-cancer investigation of SPATS2L is available so far. Based on multiple databases, including TCGA, GTEx, CCLE, cBioPortal, TIMER2, ImmuCellAI, GDSC, and Reactome, we analyzed the expression, prognosis, DNA methylation, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune cell infiltration, drug sensitivity, and clinicopathological and prognostic relevance of SPATS2L in pan-cancer including 33 types of cancers. SPATS2L expression was dramatically increased in a variety of malignancies, while it was low in ACC, KICH, and LAML as indicated by multiple databases and confirmed by immunohistochemistry assays. Importantly, SPATS2L has been found to have prognostic and clinicopathological importance in several malignancies. SPATS2L expression was also linked to TMB and MSI in 9 types of cancers, and there was a link between SPATS2L expression and DNA methylation in 28 types of cancers. SPATS2L was also found to be highly linked with immune cell infiltration, ICP expression, stromal score, immune score, and ESTIMATE score in various malignancies, demonstrating their regulatory roles on the TME. Consistently, the results of GSEA and GSVA analyses revealed a substantial link between SPATS2L and certain cellular immunological responses. Finally, SPATS2L was found to be strongly linked to 173 anti-tumor drugs. This study indicated that SPATS2L might be a potential cancer biomarker for the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. SPATS2L expression in cancers may be involved in the regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity, which may be a new-targeted molecule for developing anti-tumor drugs and immunotherapy.