bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of 33 Human Cancers Reveals Immunotherapeutic Value of FAK/PTK2
Authors: Shi Yujing , Ju Mengyang , Xue Ning , Zhang Yumeng , Liang Liang , Sun Xinchen , Di Xiaoke
Published: March 2022

Background: The immune environment in tumors is the key factor affecting the survival and immunotherapeutic response of patients.This research aimed to explore the underlying association between FAK/PTK2 and cancer immunotherapy in 33 human cancers.Methods: Gene expression data and clinical features of 33 cancers were retrieved from the Cancer Genome Atlas Database. The immunotherapy cohorts included GSE 67501, GSE78220 and IMVIGOR210, which were derived from the comprehensive gene expression database or from previous studies. Clinical parameters including patient age, gender, survival rate and tumor stage were analyzed to evaluate the prognostic value of FAK/PTK2. FAK/PTK2 activity was detected by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis and used to compare the difference between FAK/PTK2 transcriptome and protein expression levels. To better understand the role of FAK/PTK2 in cancer immunotherapy, we analyzed its correlations with tumor microenvironment and with immune processes / elements (e.g. immune cell infiltration, immunosuppressants and stimulants) and major histocompatible complexes. Potential pathways associated with FAK/PTK2 signaling in cancers were also explored. Correlations between FAK/PTK2 and two immunotherapeutic biomarkers (tumor mutation load and microsatellite instability) were studied. Finally, the three independent immunotherapy cohorts were used to study the relationship between FAK / PTK2 and immunotherapeutic response.Results: Although FAK/PTK2 is not closely associated with age (13/33), gender (5/33) or tumor stage (5/33) in any of the studied human cancers, it has potential prognostic value for predicting patient survival. Consistency between FAK/PTK2 activity and expression exists in some cancers (3/33). Generally, FAK/PTK2 is robustly correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune modulators, and immunotherapeutic markers. Moreover, high FAK/PTK2 expression is significantly related to immune-relevant pathways. However, FAK/PTK2 is not significantly correlated with the immunotherapeutic response.Conclusions: Research on the immunotherapeutic value of FAK/PTK2 in 33 human cancers provides evidence regarding the function of FAK/PTK2 and its role in clinical treatment. However, given the use of a bioinformatics approach, our results are preliminary and require further validation.
Laboratory breeding of Phortica spp. (Diptera: Drosophilidae), vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda
Authors: Bernardini Ilaria , Poggi Cristiana , Manzi Sara , Bezerra-Santos Marcos Antonio , Beugnet Frédéric , Fourie Josephus , Otranto Domenico , Pombi Marco
Published: March 2022

Background - The establishment of arthropod colonies is an important tool to manipulate disease vectors, investigate their life history traits, and their vector competence, prevention of vector borne pathogen transmission, or to assess insecticidal/repellent activities. Some species of drosophilid flies belonging to the genus Phortica feed on ocular secretions of mammals, acting as biological vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. This study describes an effective breeding protocol of Phortica variegata and Phortica oldenbergi in insectary conditions. Materials and methods - Gravid flies of P. oldenbergi, P. variegata and Phortica semivirgo were field collected in wooded areas of Lazio region (Italy) and allowed to oviposit singularly to obtain isofamilies. Flies were maintained in ovipots (200ml) with a plaster-covered bottom to maintain high humidity level inside. Adult feeding was guaranteed by freshly apple and a liquid dietary supplement containing NaCl and mucin proteins, while larval development was obtained by Drosophila-like agar feeding medium. The breeding performances of two media were compared: a standard one based on cornmeal flour and an enriched medium based on chestnut flour. All conditions were kept in a climatic chamber with a photoperiod of 14:10h light:dark, 26±2°C and 80±10% RH. Results - From a total of 130 field collected Phortica spp. three generations (i.e., 783 F1, 109 F2, 6 F3) were obtained. Phortica oldenbergi was the species with higher breeding performance, being the only species reaching F3. Chestnut-based feeding medium allowed higher adult production and survival probability in both P. oldenbergi and P. variegata. Adult production/female was promising in both species (P. oldenbergi: 13.5 F1/f; P. variegata: 4.5 F1/f), indicating the possibility to obtain stable colonies.Conclusions - This standardized breeding protocol, based on controlled climatic parameters and fly densities, together with the introduction of an enriched feeding medium, allowed to investigate aspects of life history traits of Phortica spp. involved in the transmission of T. callipaeda. Obtaining F3 generation of these species for the first time paved the road for the establishment of stable colonies, an essential requirement for future studies on these vectors in controlled conditions.
Heat and mass transfer in binary fluids containing alcohols with the Soret effect
Authors: Almasi Mohammad
Published: March 2022

In this study, heat and mass transfer in binary systems containing methylcyclohexane and n-alkanol (1-pentanol, 1-hexanol, 1-heptanol, 1-octanol, 1-nonanol, and 1-decanol) at 293.15 K to 323.15 K was investigated considering the mutual diffusion coefficient, thermal diffusion coefficient, Soret effect, and the separation ratio. Soret coefficient \({S_T}\)for methylcyclohexane is positive and indicates that this molecule is enriched in the colder regions of the liquids. Obtained results demonstrate that increasing the alkyl chain length reduces its tendency to move to the warmer regions. This behavior means that molecular forces are reinforced with the alcohol chain length. The new method's advantages over previous methods for calculating the thermal behavior of the mixtures are discussed.
Preparation and characterization of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA for gene transfer to MCF-7 cells
Authors: Afrouz Mehdi , Ahmadi-Nouraldinvand Farnaz , Ajirlu Yahia yaghooti , Arabnejad Fateme , Eskanlou Hadi , Yaghoubi Hashem
Published: March 2022

The ability of Chitosan-Folic acid and PLA-PEG polymers for gene delivery into MCF-7 cells was evaluated. The PLA-PEG copolymer is one of the most appealing nanoparticles for gene transfer to human cells because of its biocompatibility and high blood circulation. However, one of the barriers to the use of these polymers in gene therapy has always been the low effectiveness of these nanoparticles. In this study, Chitosan and folic acid were utilized to improve gene transfer efficiency and encapsulation of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles. PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles with different concentrations of Chitosan-FA were prepared using double emulsion-solvent evaporation technique. The biological properties (i.e., biocompatibility, DNA release, and gene transfer ability to MCF-7 cells in vitro) as well as the physical and chemical properties (i.e., particle size, zeta potential, and the morphology of the resultant nanoparticles) of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles were investigated. The results showed that increasing the Chitosan-FA concentration in the PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles resulted in an increase in zeta potential, DNA release, encapsulation, and gene delivery efficiency. The MTT assay showed PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles exhibit low cytotoxicity and good compatibility. On the other hand, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to test the ability of PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles with varied concentrations of chitosan-folic acid to transfer the gene to MCF-7 cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analysis showed that increasing the concentration of chitosan-folic acid in PLA-PEG/Chitosan-FA/DNA nanoparticles improved gene transfer efficiency to MCF-7 cells.
Continuous Wavelet Transform based Phonocardiogram Delineation Method
Authors: Shervegar Vishwanath Madhava
Published: March 2022

Time frequency-based methods have been employed for event detection in audio signals. The spectrogram can be used to extract loudness and energy functions by taking the row sum. The loudness function has been differentiated to obtain the on-set events of the audio. The same could be replicated in case of bio-signals such as phonocardiograms to extract on-set and off-set boundaries. Continuous Wavelet Transform based Time-Frequency algorithm for on-set and off-set Event-detection has been developed for Phonocardiograms and the same has been tested on the PCG dataset hosted in Physionet repository. To validate the simulation, real implementation has also been carried out with real heart sound recordings obtained from Bluetooth based stethoscope called the stemoscope. The simulation carried out using PCG sounds from the Physionet database gave an F1-score of 99.11%. Similar results were found using the real heart sound recordings from stemoscope with an F1- score of 99.30%. Experimental evaluation and Simulations both indicate that Continuous Wavelet Transform based time frequency algorithm can be used to derive on-set and off-set events of the sounds in the PCG signal.
SIRT4 functions as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting glutamine metabolism
Authors: Cai Liangliang , Ge Zhuhui , Xu Yunqiu , Sun Pingliang , Huang Guoyu
Published: March 2022

SIRT4, localized in the mitochondria, is an nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) -dependent adenosine diphosphate (ADP) -ribosyltransferase and is one of the least characterized members of the sirtuin family. Although it is well known that it shows deacetylase activity for energy metabolism, little is understood about its function in tumorigenesis. Recent research suggests that SIRT4 may work as both a tumor suppressor gene and an oncogene. However, the clinical significance of SIRT4 in prostate cancer remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated SIRT4 protein levels in cancerous prostate tissue and corresponding non-tumor prostate tissue via immunohistochemical staining on a tissue microarray including tissues from 89 prostate cancer patients. The association between SIRT4 expression and Gleason score was also determined. Further, shSIRT4 or stable prostate cancer cell lines (22RV1) overexpressing SIRT4 were constructed via lentiviral infection. Using Cell-Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay, migration, and invasion and apoptosis assays, the effects of SIRT4 on the migration, invasion ability, and proliferation of prostate cancer cells were investigated. We also determined the effect of SIRT4 on glutamine metabolism in 22RV1 cells. We found the protein levels of SIRT4 in prostate cancer tissues were significantly lower than those in their non-neoplastic tissue counterparts (P < 0.01); a lower SIRT4 level was also significantly associated with a higher Gleason score (P < 0.01). SIRT4 suppressed the migration, invasion capabilities, and proliferation of prostate cancer cells and induced cellular apoptosis. Furthermore, the invasion and migration of 22RV1 cells were mechanistically inhibited by SIRT4 via glutamine metabolism inhibition. In conclusion, the present study's findings showed that SIRT4 protein levels are significantly associated with the Gleason score in patients with prostate cancer, and SIRT4 exerts a tumor-suppressive effect on prostate cancer cells by inhibiting glutamine metabolism. Thus, SIRT4 may serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for prostate cancer.
Nutritional and antioxidant changes in lentil and quinoa induced by fungal solid-state fermentation with Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Sánchez-García Janaina , Asensio-Grau Andrea , García-Hernández Jorge , Heredia Ana , Andrés Ana
Published: March 2022

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) could be considered a suitable bioprocess to produce protein-vegetal ingredients with increased nutritional and functional value. This study aimed at assessing changes in phenols and antinutrients contents, along with biomass and protein production, resulting from the metabolic activity of Pleurotus Ostreatus, and edible fungus, in lentil and quinoa during 14 days of solid-state fermentation. The impact of particle size on these parameters was also assessed as the process was conducting in both seeds and flours. According to the obtained results, fungus biomass raised along fermentation and reached 30.0 ± 1.4 mg/ g dry basis and 32 ± 3 mg/ g dry basis in lentil grain and flour, and 52.01 ± 1.08 mg/ g dry basis and 45 ± 2 mg/ g dry basis in quinoa seed and flour after 14 days of SSF. Total protein content also increased about 20-25% along fermentation, excepting in lentil flour. However, soluble protein fraction remained constant. Regarding phytic acid, a positive impact of SSF was found with a progressive decreased, being higher in flours (90% of reduction) than in seeds. With respect to antioxidants properties, autoclaving of the substrates promoted the release of polyphenols together with an antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) in all substates. These parameters, however, drastically decreased as along as fermentation progressed. In conclusion, these results provide scientific knowledge for producing a based-lentil or quinoa fermented ingredients with higher protein content and low antinutrients content than their counterparts.
Practice of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 and reduction of the risk of influenza-like illness: A retrospective cross- sectional population-based study
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Issa Ola , Kanso Maysaloun , Youssef Janet , Abou-Abbas Linda , Abboud Edmond
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
While this widespread implementation of the non-pharmaceutical interventions was intended to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, such measures could be also effective in limiting the spread of other respiratory infections. This study aimed to examine the association between the implementation of personal protective measures and the occurrence of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the general population.
Methods:
An online retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in April 2021 to assess cases of ILI among Lebanese adults aged 18 years and above, from all Lebanese governorates during the 2020–2021 flu season. Data was collected using a convenient sampling method. In addition to their sociodemographic information, participants were asked about their frequency of implementing personal protective measures and if they have experienced symptoms of ILI in the previous six months. The overall score of the personal protective measures was computed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine the association between participants’ level of adoption of personal protective measures against COVID-19 and the occurrence of ILI.
Results:
Among the 1019 Lebanese adults participating in this study, 352 (34.54%) of them reported symptoms of ILI between October 2020 and March 2021. Lebanese adults who wore their facemasks frequently or always were less likely to suffer from symptoms of ILI than others who did not wear the mask (aOR = 0.452, 95% CI = 0.349– 0.693, p < 0.001). Similarly, adults who adopt the following protective measures washing hands (aOR = 0.608, 95% CI = 0.524– 0.922, p < 0.001), respecting cough etiquette (aOR = 0.763, 95% CI = 0.598– 0.918, p < 0.001), disinfecting surface (aOR = 0.892, 95% CI = 0.632–0.911, p = 0.012), avoiding crowded places surface (aOR = 0.739, 95% CI = 0.688–0.903, p = 0.049), respecting physical distancing surface (aOR = 0.646, 95% CI = 0.482–0.833, p = 0.031) on a regular basis (frequently/always) were less likely to report symptoms of influenza-like illnesses when compared with those who did not adhere at all to these measures.
Conclusion:
Our study highlighted the potential of personal protective measures against COVID-19 in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections such as ILI. Such findings might be invested during influenza season, particularly among groups at high risk of developing severe complications. Exploring trends detected by the national severe acute respiratory infection surveillance system is recommended to confirm the utility of these measures.
The Function Changes of the Ala348to Thr Polymorphism in the P2X7R Closely Related to the Onset of Gout
Authors: Li Man-Yun , Fang Xuan , Ma Yan , Pan Xian-Yang , Dai Xiao-Juan , Li Xiao-Mei , Li Xiao-ling , Wang Yi-Ping , Tao Jin-Hui , Li Xiang-Pei
Published: March 2022

Gout is a common disease of inflammatory arthritis caused by hyperuricemia and the deposition of MSU crystals. Our previous study has shown that ATP action on P2X7R could be the second signal to induce the onset of gouty arthritis. However, the biological function changes of SNPs in the P2X7R, which affect the ATP-P2X7R-IL-1β signaling pathway with high uric acid, remained unknown. To further research P2RX7 gene variant (encoded by the SNP as rs1718119) polymorphism association between the gout susceptibility and the functional effect, 270 patients with gout and 70 hyperuricemia patients without history of gout flare (over 5-years course) were recruited in this study. The current study first time analyzed the genotyping study in genomic DNA samples from gout and hypeluricemia patients, then flow cytometry was used to test the transfected Ala348to Thr mutant in HEK-293T cells. Expression levels of IL-1β, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1 mRNA in THP-1 cells were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Expression levels of IL-1β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gout-sensitivity allele at rs1718119 was A. The AA and AG genotypes exhibited a higher risk of gout and the gout-sensitivity allele at rs1718119 was A. Moreover, Ala348to Thr increased P2X7-dependent ethidium+ bromide uptake. What’s more, Ala348 to Thr significantly up-regulated the serum and mRNA levels of IL-1β compared with wild type (P=0.0007;P=0.0334,respectively). Expression levels of NLRP3 mRNA in cells with Ala348 to Thr also showed a higher level than wild type(p=0.0003). However, no statistical significance were found in the mRNA expression of ASC and caspase-1 between Ala348to Thr and wild type in all three groups(P＞0.05). Our study revealed that the biological function changes of one SNP (rs1718119) mutation affected the ATP-P2X7R-IL-IL-1β signaling pathway with high uric acid. And, both rs1718119 was dominant gene. The genetic variability of the P2X7R rs1718119 gene might, in part, be associated with susceptibility for gout onset.
Did the Samalas Volcano Eruption in 1257 Initiate Climate Change That Resulted in LIA (Little Ice Ages)? Statistical Study of Global Climate Proxy Data since 1000
Authors: Aminy Ika Umratul Asni , Bijaksana Satria , Dahrin Darharta
Published: March 2022

The Little Ice Age (LIA) describes cold conditions that lasted for centuries associated with the expansion of glaciers that could be initiated by a large volcanic eruption. The 1257 eruption of the Samalas volcano caused climatic impacts worldwide and possibly has played a role in starting the LIA. The injected volcanic material was so extraordinary that statistically significant results were obtained. To test whether the Samalas eruption triggered climate change that resulted in LIA, the data used in this study refers to 7 curves of temperature reconstruction in the Northern Hemisphere because they are formed based on multi-proxy data. Furthermore, data processing is carried out in 4 stages, namely selecting the temperature reconstruction curve for the years 1000–2000, digitizing the curve, interpolating, and normalizing the temperature value. The data is then selected first based on the similarity of the shape of the digitization curve, the results of descriptive statistics are in accordance with the LIA periodization, and the results of inferential statistics show that there is no difference in temperature between the data. Based on the results obtained, the trend curve of temperature changes at 50-year intervals from each data group in the Northern Hemisphere can show global climate change due to the Samalas eruption and prove that the eruption of Samalas initiated climate change which resulted in LIA.
Associations of exposure to multiple metals with blood pressure and hypertension: a cross- sectional study in Chinese preschool children
Authors: Liu Yanli , Yu Lili , Zhu Meiqin , Lin Wei , Liu Yang , Li Mingzhu , Zhang Yao , Ji Hongxian , Wang Jing
Published: March 2022

Background:Exposure to metals might be a risk factor for hypertension, which contributes largely to the global burden of disease and mortality. However, relevant epidemiological studies of associations between metals exposure with hypertension among preschoolers are limited. This study aimed to explore the associations of urine metals with blood pressure and hypertension among Chinese preschoolers.Methods: A total of 1220 eligible participants who had urine metals measurement, blood pressure measurements, and relevant covariates were included in this cross-sectional study. Urine concentrations of metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The single and multiple metals regression models were used to investigate the associations of urine metal with blood pressure and the risk of hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: We observed urine concentrations of chromium, iron, and barium were negatively associated with levels of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension in the single metal model (all P-FDR adjustment < 0.05). Significant associations of urine chromium concentrations with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and the risk of hypertension were found in the multi-metal model ((β or odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was -3.07 (-5.12, -1.02) , -2.25 (-4.29, -0.22), and 0.51 (0.26, 0.97) for 3rd quartile, compared with 1st quartile, respectively). The same association was found for barium concentrations in the multi-metal model, while none of the associations among iron quartiles was significant. In addition, urine chromium, iron and barium may have joint effects on levels of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure and risk of hypertension. Children’s age and body mass index could modify the associations of chromium, iron, and barium concentrations with blood pressure.Conclusions: Our findings suggested that exposure to chromium, iron, and barium was inversely associated with blood pressure and hypertension among preschool children. These findings need further validation in prospective studies.
A Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Mixed Encoding for Community Detection
Authors: Yang Simin , Wei Wenhong , Zhang Yuhui
Published: March 2022

Community structure is one of the most significant features of complex networks and community detection is a crucial method to analyze community structure. Existing representations in community detection are inflexible and easily generate invalid solutions. To address the drawbacks, this paper proposed a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based on mixed encoding (MOGAME). The algorithm combines the locus-based representation and labels-based representation, which can avoid generating invalid solution and improve the performance. Extensive experiments on both synthetic and real-word networks show that the proposed algorithm performs better than the existing algorithms with respect to accuracy and stability.
Morbidity and mortality in the modern antiretroviral treatment era in a tertiary teaching hospital in Durban, South Africa.
Authors: Ghislain Manimani Riziki , Gumede Lungile Puritty , Magula Nombulelo
Published: March 2022

Background
Worldwide despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome still causes morbidity and mortality among patients. This study aimed at identifying the determinants of morbidity and mortality in the era of modern antiretroviral treatment (ART).
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted; data were obtained from medical records of all HIV infected patients admitted to King Edward medical wards from January to December 2018. This included demographic profile, clinical attributes and laboratory records. Data were analysed using R software where descriptive and inferential statistics were presented. The inferential statistics were five numbers summaries, box plot, Chi square, all fisher exact test and t test or rank some test.
Results
A total of 577 (50.6%) females and 564 (49.4%) males aged 12 years old and older infected by HIV were included in the study. The mean age of all the patients was 39.6 ± 12.2, 506 (44.3%) patients had CD4 less than 200 cells /mm3 and 273 (23.9%) had VL ˃ 1000 copies/ml. Association between CD4 cell count and Viral load (p˂ 0.05) was found. Male gender [OR 1.39(1.07–1.8) p = 0.015], Age [OR1.02 (1.01–1.03) p˂ 0.001], CD4 < 200 cells/mm3 [OR 2.14(1.37–3.45) p = 0.001], VL ˃ 1000 copies/ml [OR 1.93(1.08–3.63) p = 0.032] were associated with mortality in our cohort. Tuberculosis was the most common diagnosis on admission and the leading cause of death.
Conclusion
These findings illustrate that advanced HIV disease remains significant among inpatients despite the roll-out of ART. There is a need for raising the awareness of early appropriate treatment.
Influence of Gender Roles and Responsibilities on Family Planning Decisions in Adults, in Karachi, Pakistan: A Qualitative Analysis of Open-Ended Interviews
Authors: Sajwani Zara , Khan Murad Moosa , Sachwani Saima , Ahmed Warda , Ali Tazeen Saeed
Published: March 2022

Background
In Pakistan, the slow pace of declining fertility rate accounts for troubling consequences like multiple pregnancies, induced abortions, the low 34% contraceptive prevalence rate, and overpopulation. This coupled with the lack of literature on this topic in the country makes it pivotal to explore the gender roles and responsibilities of adults in marital life and within the family and their influence on Family Planning decisions in adults, in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods
The study design involved purposive selection of 12 consenting married adults belonging to Gulberg Town, from whom detailed qualitative data was collected using open-ended, semi-structured interviews, supported by field notes. For the sake of anonymity, participants were assigned codes. Furthermore, all discussions were conducted in English or Urdu language by the female investigator herself and were audio recorded after obtaining participants’ consent. Thereafter, a rigorous thematic analysis of the interviews was carried out, with the results being double-checked before being securely stored in soft or hard copy.
Results
The study observations identified that gender roles and responsibilities do affect Family Planning decisions in Pakistan. The results were broadly categorized into two themes: superficial reasons and deeper reasons affecting FP decisions. The first theme has three main categories; interpretation of FP, awareness about FP, and couple as representative of FP decision making whereas the second theme has five categories; roles and responsibilities of men in the family, roles and responsibilities of women in the family, women autonomy, mind the gap or taming the women, and way forward.
Conclusions
Our study findings suggest that while superficial reasons must be resolved, it is primarily crucial to eliminate the subtler, tap root factors influencing FP decisions by strongly addressing school curricula, nurses, and other Health Care Workers (HCWs) to positively impact the society. Further qualitative and quantitative research is ultimately necessary for assessing the viewpoint of important stakeholders and how, using a multiprong approach, the stringent perceptions pertaining to Family Planning can be altered to benefit the society.
Elevated CO2 could reduce spikelet fertility and grain appearance quality of rice (Oryza sativa) grown under high-temperature conditions
Authors: Yamaguchi Masahiro , Kamiya Shoma , Kokubun Dai , Nakayama Tomoki , Yonekura Tetsushi , Kohno Yoshihisa
Published: March 2022

· It is projected that atmospheric CO2 concentrations will increase because of industrial activities. Elevated CO2 reduces transpiration from leaves via stomatal closure, which increases plant temperature; therefore, higher levels of CO2 could adversely affect crop production via increasing plant temperature, particularly for plants that are susceptible to heat stress, such as rice (Oryza sativa). · Two Japanese rice cultivars with different heat-tolerance, Hinohikari and Nikomaru, were grown in pots inside open-top chambers and exposed to ambient CO2 (400 µmol mol–1) or elevated CO2 (550 µmol mol–1) from the beginning of the tillering stage to maturity. The study was conducted in Nagasaki, in the Kyushu region of Japan, where heat stress on rice has become increasingly evident.· During the flowering period, the air temperature was sufficiently high to induce heat stress effects in rice, such as low spikelet fertility, even under ambient CO2 conditions for both cultivars. Although elevated CO2 significantly improved the net photosynthesis and whole-plant growth of the cultivars, there were no significant effects on grain yield, which in turn reduced harvest index. In both cultivars, adverse effects on other processes occurred with elevated CO2, such as reductions in spikelet fertility and grain appearance quality, which are typical manifestations of heat stress in rice. The elevated CO2 treatment showed significant reductions in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate of flag leaves, which could increase plant temperature.· Under high-temperature condition, therefore, elevated CO2 could induce manifestations of heat stress in Japanese rice via reduction in transpiration due to stomatal closure.
Overview and clinical significance of multiple mutations in individual genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ohshima Keiichi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Sugiura Teiichi , Ito Takaaki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Otsuka Shimpei , Ohnami Sumiko , Nagashima Takeshi , Hatakeyama Keiichi , Sugino Takashi , Urakami Kenichi , Akiyama Yasuto , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: March 2022

Multiple mutation (MM) within a single gene has recently been reported as a mechanism involved in carcinogenesis. The present study investigated the clinical significance of MMs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Two hundred twenty-three surgically resected HCCs were subjected to gene expression profiling and whole-exome sequencing. MMs in individual genes were detected in 178 samples (MM tumors: 79.8%). The remaining samples all carried a single mutation (SM tumors: 20.2%). MMs showed marked differences in their different mutational patterns, with a higher functional impact in comparison to SMs. Recurrence-free survival in the MM group was significantly worse in comparison to the SM group (P = 0.012). A Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that MM tumor was an independent predictor for worse a prognosis (hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.17; P = 0.045). MMs were frequently observed across in various genes, especially MUC16 (15% of samples had at least one mutation in the gene) and CTNNB1 (14%). Although the MUC16 mRNA expression of MUC16 wild-type and MUC16 SM tumors did not differ to a statistically significant extent, the expression in MUC16 MM tumors was significantly enhanced in comparison to MUC16 SM tumors (P < 0.001). In MUC16, MMs were associated with viral hepatitis, higher tumor marker levels and vascular invasion. The MUC16 MMs group showed significantly worse recurrence-free survival in comparison to the MUC16 SM group (P = 0.022), while no significant difference was observed between the MUC16 SM group and the MUC16 wild-type group (P = 0.324). In conclusion, MM was a relatively common event that may occur selectively in specific oncogenes and is involved in aggressive malignant behavior.
Sleep Duration and Risk of High Blood Pressure in Thai Adolescents: The Thai National Health Examination Survey V, 2014 (NHES-V)
Authors: Pirojsakul Kwanchai , Aekplakorn Wichai , Siwarom Sirinapa , Paksi Witchuri , Kessomboon Pattapong , Neelapaichit Nareemarn , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Assanangkornchai Savitree , Taneepanichskul Surasak
Published: March 2022

Background: Sleep duration has been proposed to be associated with high blood pressure. However, nationwide studies regarding the association between sleep duration and high blood pressure in adolescents are limited. This study aimed to explore the national prevalence of high blood pressure among Thai adolescents and to determine whether sleep duration is associated with high blood pressure.Methods: Data of adolescents aged 10-19 years from the Thai National Health and Examination Survey V were included. Demographic data including age, gender, height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood chemistries and data on the sleep duration were collected. High blood pressure was defined based on the cut-off values from the guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Risk factors for high blood pressure were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.Results: A total of 3539 (1803 female) adolescents were included. The prevalence of high blood pressure was 9.4% (95%CI 8.5, 10.4%). The high blood pressure group had higher BMI z-score, triglyceride, LDL-C and a lower HDL-C than those in the normotensive group. In multivariate analysis, BMI z-score was associated with high blood pressure. Interestingly, after adjusting for BMI z-score and lipid profile, an average sleep duration below 6 hours/day was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of high blood pressure compared to that of the group with an average sleep duration of more than 8 hours/day.Conclusions: High blood pressure risk was increased in participants who had an average sleep duration below 6 hours/day. This study highlights the need for promoting an adequate sleep duration in Thai adolescents to alleviate the risk of high blood pressure.
Health systems’ preparedness to provide post-abortion care: Assessment of Health Facilities in Burkina Faso, Kenya and Nigeria
Authors: Juma Kenneth , Ouedraogo Ramatou , Adjei Joshua-Amo , Sie Ali , Ouattara Mamadou , Emma-Echiegu Nkechi , Eton Joseph , Mutua Michael , Bangha Martin
Published: March 2022

Background: In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), access to abortion is legally restricted, which partly contributes to high incidence of unsafe abortion. This may result in unsafe abortion-related complications that demand long hospital stays, treatment and attendance by skilled health providers. There is however, limited knowledge on the capacity of public health facilities to deliver post-abortion care (PAC), the spread of PAC services in these settings. We describe and discuss the preparedness and capacity of public health facilities to deliver complete and quality PAC services in Burkina Faso, Kenya and Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of primary, secondary and tertiary-level public health facilities was conducted between November 2018 and February 2019 in the three countries. Data on signal functions (including information on essential equipment and supplies, staffing and training among others) for measuring the ability of health facilities to provide post-abortion services were collected and analyzed. Results: Across the three countries, fewer primary health facilities (ranging from 6.3%–12.1% in Kenya and Burkina Faso) had the capacity to deliver on all components of basic PAC services. Approximately one-third (26%–43%) of referral facilities across Burkina Faso, Kenya and Nigeria could provide comprehensive PAC services. Lack of trained staff, absence of necessary equipment and lack of PAC commodities and supplies were a main reason for inability to deliver specific PAC services (such as surgical procedures for abortion complications, blood transfusion and post-PAC contraceptive counselling). Further, the lack of capacity to refer acute PAC cases to higher-level facilities was identified as a key weakness in provision of post-abortion care services. Conclusions: Our findings reveal considerable gaps and weaknesses in the delivery of basic and comprehensive PAC within the three countries, linked to both the legal and policy contexts for abortion as well as broad health system challenges in the countries. There is a need for increased investments by governments to strengthen the capacity of primary, secondary and tertiary public health facilities to deliver quality PAC services, in order to increase access to PAC and avert preventable maternal mortalities.
Effect of standardized education and supervision on pregnancy outcomes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: zhou yanna , Gan guiping
Published: March 2022

Background: To evaluate the effect of knowledge and practice education on reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: Prospective case-control studies were conducted, women with GDM who had randomly assigned into control group (168 cases) and intervention group (182 cases). In the control group, routine prenatal examination education was conducted, while in the intervention group, in addition to routine prenatal education, professional used video, WeChat public platform to regularly push knowledge and behavior education to women with GDM and supervise the implementation of actions. The pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were compared.Results: ①fasting blood glucose ,postprandial blood glucose in two hours, glycosylated hemoglobin of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05); ② in the intervention group ,the TPOAb positive rate was lower and FT4 was higher than that in the control group (P > 0.05); the vaginal pH value was significantly higher than that of the control group, TSH, the weight gain during pregnancy ,the incidences of preeclampsia, polyhydramnios, preterm premature rupture of membranes, premature rupture of membranes, cesarean section, puerperal infection, amniotic fluid pollution, chorioamnionitis, macrosomia, large for gestational age infants, neonatal care, neonatal hypoglycemia, neonatal pneumonia, the detection rates of BV, Candida, mycoplasma, Streptococcus agalactiae, cleanliness III / IV, and the positive rates of hydrogen peroxide, sialidosidase, and leukocyte esterase were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05)；The rates of Trichomonas, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia, the incidences of oligohydramnios, FGR, placenta previa, placental abruption, fetal distress in utero, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm labor, neonatal Apgar score less than 7 in one minute, neonatal defect, neonatal death, small for gestational age, hyperbilirubinemia were lower than those in the control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: women with GDM supervise their self-management during pregnancy, which can effectively control the blood glucose level, maintain the vaginal microecological balance, and reduce the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
FARMERS LIVESTOCK DROUGHT RESPONSE AND COPING STRATEGIES AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL IN GALMUDUG STATE, SOMALIA
Authors:   Somali National University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry., Yonis Abdullahi Mohamed , Yasin Khalif Ibrahim ,   Somali National University, Faculty of Economic and Management Science., Abdullahi Mohamed Shafii ,   Somali National University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry.
Published: March 2022

The frequency of drought presents huge challenges to the most rural communities in Africa. This article highlights drought characteristics and the many responses to drought stresses employed by Galmudug State, Somalia. Multiple data sources, including socioeconomic questionnaires with 123 households, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with farmers livestock were used to capture various aspects of droughtoccurance. Results revealed that extreme drought events were increasingly frequent, and have negatively impacted pastoral livestock.in addition to the survey result showed that 100% of the respondents indicated that drought incidence increased for last three decades. In order to adapt to or cope with climatic anomalies, households are using a variety of strategies. In addition to the traditional short-term coping mechanisms, the long-term adaptation strategies used include livestock diversification species, livestock mobility to track forage and water resources diversification of herd composition to benefit from the varied drought tolerance, However, the adaptation strategies are not practiced in full capacity, specifically Lack of meteorological information and lack of intuitional capacityabout the livestock rearing are the constraints in this regard. Finally, the study suggested as a point of departure in developing drought adaption strategy and other pressures.
UNEXPECTED IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL SURPRISE OF A CUSHINGS DISEASE MACROADENOMA CO-EXPRESSING ACTH AND PROLACTIN: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition. Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., Nkoua S.E. , Ismail Z. ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition. Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., Rafi S. ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition. Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., Mghari G. El ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition. Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco., Ansari N. El ,   Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition. Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh, Morocco.
Published: March 2022

Pituitary adenomas (PA) are benign well-differentiated tumors, with monoclonal development from the anterior pituitary gland, which can result in serious complications, in particular endocrine, metabolic and visual. Mixed ACTH and prolactin- secreting pituitary adenomas (PA) represent a rare association. We report a rare case of a patient who has Cushings disease with macroadenomaand the immunohistochemistry surprisinglyrevealed a co-expression of ACTH and PRL, with a silent prolactin lineage. She was a 41 years old female, admitted with aCushing syndrome ACTH-dependent of 73.63pg/ml, complicated with diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The hypothalamic-pituitary MRI revealed an 11.4x7 mm minimally invasivemacroadenoma,and thevisual fieldwas slightly reduced in both eyes. Her PRL level was normal. She had undergone transsphenoidal removal of the tumor. The immunohistochemical study showed90% expression of ACTHantibodies and 10% of PRL antibodies, the KI67 proliferation index was at 5%. The outcomes showedregression of clinical syndrome with persistent biological cortisolic activity, and the MRI performed 8 months later was normal. Immunohistochemistry remains the key element in diagnosing pituitary tumors and orientating their management. Mixed adenomas, in particularACTH co-secreting adenomas are difficult to manage because of their higher risk of recurrence and their secretory features.
PULMONARY EMBOLISM OF BUTYL-CYANOACRYLATE AFTER ENDOSCOPIC SCLEROSIS OF GASTRIC VARICES
Authors:   Central Radiology Service Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center Casablanca, Morocco., Sabiri Mouna
Published: March 2022

Pulmonary embolic complications may occur during endoscopic treatment of gastric varices using butyl-cyanoacrylate glue. Combined with a contrast agent, in particular Lipiodol, these vascular embols can only be diagnosed by computed tomography without injection of iodinated contrast. We report the case of a 21-year-old patient who presented with bilateral pulmonary embolism due to the injection of this glue into gastric varices.
Evaluation of dissolved oxygen sinks in water-stirring setups used in reaeration experiments
Authors: Ferreira M. de S. , da Luz M. S. , Silveira A. , Pinheiro H. D. , Gonçalves J. C. de S. I.
Published: March 2022

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is an essential parameter of water quality, and the surface reaeration process (K2) is the main source of DO in aquatic ecosystems. On a laboratory scale, reaeration measurements are performed using water-stirring setups (WSSs), but possible physical DO sinks are not considered in the WSSs. This paper aimed to assess the presence of physical DO sinks in WSSs. The experiments were carried out in four WSSs: circular hydraulic channel (CHC); straight hydraulic channel (SHC); turbine-stirred tank (TST); and oscillating grid tank (OGT). The physical DO sink was estimated by inserting a first-order term (K3, day−1) in the classic equation of DO balance. All WSSs presented physical DO sinks during the reaeration experiments: SHC (mean K3 = 4.58 day−1) > TST (mean K3 = 1.30 day−1) > CHC (mean K3 = 1.12 day−1) > OGT (mean K3 = 0.13 day−1). Physical DO sinks were originated from low-pressure zones located in WSSs, which was confirmed by the negative correlation (r = −0.78) between K3 and the static pressure in the suction pipeline of the SHC. This study presented additional information about identifying, and quantifying, physical DO sinks in WSSs, which are essential to produce a correct estimation of the K2.
Antidiabetic and Renoprotective Effects of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Mimosa
pudica Linn. Leaves Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Lan Pham Thi , Trang Tran Thi Huyen , Thom Vu Thi , Minh Phan Hong , Vui Dao Thi , Hang Pham Thi Nguyet , Tung Bui Thanh
Published: March 2022

Background:

Traditional medicine has used Mimosa pudica Linn. for diabetes treatment.
This study evaluates the antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of M.
pudica leaves on streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

Methods:

The cold maceration method was used to extract M. pudica leaves with 80% ethanol at
room temperature. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction was obtained from the M. pudica leaves extract
by successively partitioning with different solvents. Mice were induced diabetes type 2 by streptozotocin
(STZ) at a low dose and treated with EtOAc fraction of M. pudica leaves at 50 mg/kg and
100 mg/kg b.w for 60 days. After 24 hours of the final dose of therapy, the mice were sacrificed to
extract blood and kidney tissues for biochemical and histopathological analysis.

Results:

The EtOAc fraction of M. pudica leaves showed strong activity in improving glucose
concentration in the oral glucose tolerance test. Our results showed that EtOAc fraction significantly
decreased levels of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride
(TG) and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and protected kidneys against
damage in mice. EtOAc fraction also increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase
(CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and decreased malondialdehyde
(MDA) formation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) in kidney tissues.
Moreover, the renoprotective effect was also observed in the histopathological analysis.

Conclusion:

Our findings support the fact that the EtOAc fraction of M. pudica leaves has potent
anti-diabetic nephropathy activity by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving antioxidant
levels.