bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis And Characterization Of Fe0@Chitosan/Cellulose Green Nanocomposite As Advanced Carrier For Ibuprofen Drug; Loading And Release Properties
Authors: Abukhadra Mostafa , Kashief Fatma A. El , Khim Jong Seong , Ajarem Jamaan S. , Allam Ahmed A. , Abu-Taweel Gasem M.
Published: March 2022

Green nanocomposite of Fe0@chitosan/cellulose (Fe0@CH/CS) was synthesized utilizing the green extract of khaya senegalensis leaves and sugarcane bagasse as cellulose precursor. The composite was evaluated as an effective carrier for ibuprofen drug (IBF) considering its release and loading properties. The Fe0@CH/CS is of significant IBF loading capacity (553 mg/g) and the loading behavior can be directed by the values of the experimental variables. The loading of IBF into Fe0@CH/CS is in agreement with the classic Langmuir isotherm (R2> 0.95) and Pseudo-first order kinetic (R2> 0.97). This displays homogenous, physisorption, and a monolayer loading of IBF into Fe0@CH/CS. Based on the findings of the Monolayer model with one energy as advanced isotherm model, the Fe0@CH/CS structure is of 252.6 mg/g active receptors density and each rector was occupied by two or three IBF ions (n=2.18) by multi-molecular mechanism. The determined IBF loading energy (4.81 kJ/mol) demonstrates the physical loading of the drug by Van-der Waals forces and/or hydrogen bonding. The Fe0@CH/CS structure is of significant release profiles as carrier for IBF which continued up to 260 h (gastric buffer) and 180 h (intestinal buffer). The studied release kinetics and the obtained diffusion exponent (0.58 (pH 1.2) and 0.48 (pH 7.4)) reflect the release of IBF from Fe0@CH/CS by complex diffusion and erosion mechanisms. The cytotoxicity tests declared the safe and biocompatible value of both Fe0@CH/CS and IBF loaded Fe0@CH/CS on the human bronchial epithelial cells.
Rfd1, A Restorer to the Aegilops Juvenalis Cytoplasm, Functions in Fertility Restoration of Wheat Cytoplasmic Male Sterility
Authors: Niu Fuqiang , Bu Yaning , Yang Xuetong , Wu Yongfeng , He Mengting , Zhang Lingli , song xiyue
Published: March 2022

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a crucial means for the utilization of heterosis, which is of great significance for improving the yield and quality of hybrids. Currently, fertility restorationhas been extensively investigated in crops, but fertility restoration of CMS wheat with Aegilops Juvenalis cytoplasm are poorly understood.Here, a backcross population BC1F1derived from a cross between male sterile line Ju706A, its maintainer line 706B, and restorer line LK783, was used to map Rfd1locus by bulked segregant analysis and wheat 660K SNP genotyping.In which Ju706A displayedcomplete male sterility,and its fertility can be restored by LK783 with a pair of dominant genes Rfd1Rfd1. The locus was located to 2.4-Mb region on chromosome 1BS by markersAX-174254104 and AX-111201011.Combined with transcriptomic analysis and quantitative real-time PCR assay,TraesCS1B02G197400LC, the most likely candidate gene for Rfd1, encoded a pectinesterase which was localized in the cell wall, and was highly expressed in fertile anthers.The silencing of Rfd1 resulted in decreased fertility and heterogeneous expression of Rfd1 promoted pollen germination and affected the vegetative growth.It implies that Rfd1 is required for anther or pollen development and male fertility in CMS wheat with Aegilops Juvenalis cytoplasm. Further, a 7 bp deletion in Ju706A was employed to develop specific marker Xnwafu1 for molecular marker-assisted selection of restorers. Thestudy providesa new understanding for exploring the fertility restoration mechanism of CMS.
MYB3 Plays an Important Role in Lignin and Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Under Salt Stress Condition in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Daewon , Jeon Su Jeong , Yanders Samantha , Park Sung‑Chul , Kim Ho Soo , Kim Sewon
Published: March 2022

Salinity stress is one of the major factors in the reduction of plant growth and crop yield worldwide. To improve our ability to grow crops in high-salinity environments, plant responses to salinity stress must be tightly controlled. Here, in order to further understand the precise regulation of plant responses under high salinity conditions, the function of the MYB3 transcription factor was studied as a repressor to control excessive accumulation of lignin and anthocyanin under salt stress conditions. Nuclear-localized MYB3 forms a homodimer. It is ubiquitously expressed, especially in vascular tissues, and its expression is highly induced by NaCl in various tissues such as roots, leaves, stems, and flowers. myb3 mutant plants exhibited longer root growth in high NaCl conditions than wild-type plants. However, several NaCl responsive or signaling genes were not significantly altered in myb3 compared to wild-type. Interestingly, high accumulation of lignin and anthocyanin was displayed in myb3, and the expression of genes involved in lignin and anthocyanin biosynthesis, such as PAL1, C4H, COMT, 4CL3, DFR and LDOX, sharply increased in myb3 compared to those of wild-type plants under NaCl treatment. According to yeast-two hybrid screenings, various transcription factors, including anthocyanin regulators TT8 and EGL3, were isolated as MYB3 interacting proteins. MYB3 was characterized as a transcriptional repressor and its repressor domain is located in the C-terminus of MYB3. Overall, these results suggest that nuclear-localized MYB3 functions as a transcriptional repressor for the control of lignin and anthocyanin accumulation under salinity stress conditions.
Can’t see the forest for the trees? Investigating attentional scope as a novel indicator of emotional state in animals
Authors: Hamlaoui Anne , Keeling Linda , Burman Oliver , Verbeek Else
Published: March 2022

In humans, contrasting emotional states can lead to a broadening or narrowing of attentional scope. Whether this is also the case in animals has yet to be investigated. If confirmed, measurement of attentional scope has potential as a novel cognitive method of welfare assessment. In this study, we therefore aimed to validate a test of attentional scope as a measure of emotional state in animals. We did this by inducing four putatively different emotional states in dogs (N = 10), varying in valence (positive, negative) and arousal (high, low), in two different reward contexts (food rewards in Experiment 1, social rewards in Experiment 2) and then assessing dogs’ behavioural responses in a test of attentional scope. We also recorded heart rate variability (HRV) parameters as additional confirmatory affective indicators. In Experiment 1, the dogs showed a narrowing of attentional scope after the induction of both positively valenced emotional states. That dogs were in a positive state was supported by the reduced Standard Deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and the reduced Low Frequency (LF) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) HRV. In Experiment 2, when responses to social rewards were examined, the dogs showed attentional narrowing only in the low arousal negative treatment, while the LF and VLF were reduced in the high arousal positive treatment. In conclusion, our study provides the first indication that emotional states can also alter attentional scope in animals. The results justify further investigation of this approach for use in animal welfare assessment, although further studies are needed to refine predictions.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hernia surgery in a Swedish healthcare region: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Kollatos Christos , Hanna Sarmad , Sandblom Gabriel
Published: March 2022

BackgroundSwedish healthcare has been reorganised during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the availability of surgery for benign conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of COVID-19 on emergency and elective hernia surgery in a Swedish healthcare region.MethodsUsing procedure codes, data from inguinal and ventral hernia procedures performed at the three hospitals in Jönköping Region, Sweden, from March 1st 2019 to January 31st 2021, were retrieved from a medical database. The cohort was divided into two groups: the COVID-19 group (March 1st 2020 - January 31st 2021) and the control group (March 1st 2019 - January 31st 2020). Demographic and preoperative data, hernia type, perioperative findings, and type of surgery were analysed.ResultsA total 1329 patients underwent hernia surgery during the study period; 579 were operated during the COVID-19 period and 750 during the control period. The number of emergency ventral hernia repairs increased during the COVID-19 period, but no difference in inguinal hernia repair rate was seen. The characteristics of patients that underwent hernia repair were similar in the two groups. Moreover, the decrease in elective ventral hernia repair rate during the COVID-19 period did not result in a higher risk for strangulation.ConclusionThere is no evidence to suggest that the decrease in the number of elective ventral hernia repairs during the COVID-19 period had any impact on the risk for strangulation. Indications for surgery in patients with a symptomatic ventral or inguinal hernia should be carefully evaluated. Studies with greater power and longer follow-up are needed to gain a full understanding of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on hernia surgery.
Process Optimization of Automotive Brake Material in Dry Sliding using Taguchi and ANOVA Techniques for Wear Control
Authors: Saurabh Ashish , Joshi Kartik , Abhinav Manoj , Verma Piyush Chandra
Published: March 2022

Semi-metallic brake pads are more durable, fade-resistant, and long-lasting; thus, their tribological qualities are further studied. Taguchi's experimental technique is crucial for determining the impact of various braking limitations on semi-metallic brake pad performance. Taguchi's approach was utilized to create an experimental design using an L9 orthogonal array to examine the output. The effect of multiple parameter interactions and the relative contributions of each studied control is determined using ANOVA. At room temperature and humidity, tests were done under dry sliding circumstances with changing sliding velocity (1.047 m/s, 2.094 m/s, and 3.141 m/s), applied weight (40 N, 50 N, and 60 N), and sliding distance (1500 m, 3000 m, and 4500 m). ANOVA was used to determine the impact of the test constraints on the wear rate throughout the run. A multiple linear regression formula was established. The dry sliding wear resistance was investigated utilizing the 'smaller is better' criteria. In this study, the normal load has the maximum impact (71.02%), followed by sliding velocity (28.13%) and sliding distance (1.14%). The optimal functioning settings found after analysis, include a 40 N applied weight, a 1500 rpm sliding velocity, and a 1500 m sliding distance. This was also confirmed by SEM analysis. Lastly, validation tests were performed to double-check the experiment's results. The difference between calculated and actual values was discovered to be less than 10% which is in agreement with the methodology followed.
Prediction of Mechanical Behaviors of Additively Manufactured SS 316L via Machine Learning
Authors: Era Israt Zarin , Grandhi Manikanta , Liu Zhichao
Published: March 2022

Directed energy deposition (DED) is a rising field in the arena of metal additive manufacturing and has extensive applications in aerospace, medical and rapid prototyping. The process parameters, such as laser power, scanning speed, and layer thickness, play an important role in controlling and affecting the properties of DED fabricated parts. Nevertheless, both experimental and simulation methods have shown constraints and limited ability to generate accurate and efficient computational predictions on the correlations between the process parameters and the final part quality. In this work, data-driven machine learning models using XGBoost and Random Forest have been built and applied to predict the tensile behaviors of the stainless steel 316L parts by DED with variation in process parameters. The results suggest that both models can predict the tensile properties, e.g., yield strength, elongation, and ultimate tensile strength, of the fabricated parts and compute the significance of the factors affecting the quality of the part. The performance of the models was then compared with the Ridge Regression. XGBoost outperformed both Ridge Regression and Random Forest.
Perception of providers on use of the WHO mental health Gap Action Programme- Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG) and smartphone-based clinical guidance in Nigerian primary care settings
Authors: Ojagbemi Akin , Daley Stephanie , Kola Lola , Taylor-Salisbury Tatiana , Feeney Yvonne , Makhmud Akerke , Lempp Heidi , Thornicroft Graham , Gureje Oye
Published: March 2022

Background
Taking advantage of the rapidly increasing access to digital technology in low- and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization has launched an electronic version of the mental health Gap Action Programme intervention guide (emhGAP-IG). This is suitable for use on smartphones or tablets by non-specialist primary healthcare providers (PHCWs) to deliver evidence-based intervention for priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders. We assessed the perceptions of PHCWs on the feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of using smartphone-based clinical guidance and the emhGAP-IG in the management of people with mental health conditions in Nigeria.
Methods
Exploration of the views of PHCWs from 12 rural and urban primary health clinics (PHCs) in South-Western Nigeria were carried out using 34 in-depth key informant qualitative interviews with nurses (n = 10), community health officers (n = 13) and community health extension workers (n = 11). An additional two focus group discussions, each comprising eight participants drawn from across the range of characteristics of PHCWs, were also conducted. Thematic analysis was conducted using a three-staged constant comparison technique to refine and categorise the data.
Results
Three overall themes were identified around the use of clinical guidance and mobile applications (apps) in PHCs. Apps were deployed for purposes other than clinical consultation and decision making. Although paper-based guidance was the expected practice, its utilization is not fully embedded in routine care. An app-based decision-making tool was preferred to paper by PHCWs. Future usage of the emhGAP-IG would be facilitated by training and re-training of staff, helpful design features, and obtaining patients’ buy-in.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the emhGAP-IG could be a viable way to embed clinical guidance and decision-making tools in the management of people with mental health conditions in Nigerian PHCs.
A holistic approach for evaluating the contribution of system performance on resilience against earthquake in historic-commercial urban fabrics
Authors: Moaddab Rezvan , Hosseini Kambod Amini , Seyedrezaei Mirmahhdi
Published: March 2022

The occurrence of earthquakes in historical urban fabrics with commercial value, such as traditional bazaars may have far-reaching cultural and socio-economic consequences. However, few comprehensive studies have been conducted so far on assessing their risk and resilience to earthquakes. Among the parameters affecting the resilience of such urban fabrics, system performance plays a key role, which has been addressed in this paper to evaluate its contribution on resilience of historical bazaars to earthquakes. To this end, a novel index-based model is developed by integrating resilience-related dimensions, indicators and sub-indicators. For this purpose, the cultural, historical, physical, socio-economic and organizational dimensions of resilience have been considered. Then, the effective indicators and sub-indicators amongst these five dimensions are determined and their importance is calculated by using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Moreover, the qualitative parameters are quantified using fuzzy logic and included in the model. The proposed model can be used to estimate the system performance in traditional bazaars based on 5 dimensions, 17 indicators and 50 sub-indicators. In addition, by utilizing this model, the effective interventions to improve the resilience of different parts of bazaars can be assessed. The proposed model is applied in Tabriz traditional bazaar, as a world heritage, to determine the system performance and its impacts on seismic resilience. The results depicted the applicability of the model for assessment the system performance in traditional bazaars. This approach can be used in similar urban fabrics worldwide, by calibrating relevant parameters based on local conditions.
Highly Sensitive Refractive Index Sensor based on Photonic Crystal Ring Resonators Nested in a Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
Authors: Nohoji Amir Hossein Abdollahi , Danaie Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Today, with the rapid development of photonics, optical sensors are being considered as efficient tools for detecting environmental variations and have been regarded as one of the most important fields in photonic research. In this study, we have proposed a two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D-PC) refractive index sensor using a combination of Mach-Zehnder interferometers and two ring resonators. Our goal is to increase the sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) of the sensor, so that the output transmission spectrum can be considerably shifted by changing the refractive index of the simulated analytes. The proposed photonic crystal sensor consists of a hexagonal array of silicon rods on a SiO2 substrate. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is used for the numerical simulation of the structure. In this regard, to validate the simulation results, two different commercial software have been used. The quality-factor (Q-factor) and the sensitivity of the proposed structure are more than 1600 and 1700 nm / RIU, respectively, where RIU stands for the refractive index unit. In general, the structure has advantages such as low fabrication cost, high sensitivity to changes in refractive index and a high Q-factor.
Circulating microRNAs Signature as a promising epigenetic diagnostic biomarker of equine osteoarthritis
Authors: Yassin Aya M. , AbuBakr Huda O. , Abdelgalil Ahmed I. , Farid Omar A. , EL-Behairy Adel M. , Gouda Eman M.
Published: March 2022

Background: One of the most orthopedic problems seen in the equine is osteoarthritis (OA). The present study tracks some biochemical, epigenetic, and transcriptomic factors along different stages of monoiodoacetate (MIA) induced OA in donkeys in serum and synovial fluid. The aim of the study was the detection of sensitive noninvasive early biomarkers.Methods: OA was induced by a single intra-articular injection of 25mg of MIA into the left radiocarpal joint of nine donkeys. Serum and synovial samples were taken at zero-day and different intervals for assessment of total GAGs and CS levels as well as miR 146b, miR 27b, TRAF-6, and COL10A1 gene expression.Results: The results showed that the level of total GAGs and CS increased in different stages of OA. The level of expression of both miR-146b and miR-27b were upregulated as OA progressed and then downregulated at late stages. TRAF-6 gene was upregulated at the late stage while synovial fluid COL10A1 was over-expressed at the early stage of OA then decreased at late stages (P<0.05).Conclusions: In conclusion, both miR146b and miR-27b together with COL10A1 could be used as promising noninvasive biomarkers for the very early diagnosis of OA.
Structural and functional analysis of SNP rs76740365 G>A in exon-3 of alpha A-crystallin gene in lens epithelial cells
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Sun Yang , Fan Qi , Jiang Yongxiang , Lu Yi
Published: March 2022

Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide among older adults. As a major structural protein in lens, alpha A-crystallin (CRYAA) plays a crucial role in maintaining lens transparency. Previously, we have identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the exon-3 of CRYAA gene associated with the susceptibility of ARC, especially posterior subcapsular cataract. To clarify the effect of E156K mutation on the properties of CRYAA, we investigated the structure and function of human recombinant wild-type and E156K CRYAA. The mass spectrometric detection revealed that E156K mutation had no significant effect on the apparent molecular mass of CRYAA oligomeric complex. Evaluation of the structures of CRYAA by far- and near-UV circular dichroism spectra and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence analysis indicated that E156K mutation did not significantly affect the secondary structures, while caused the perturbations of the tertiary structure. The mutant CRYAA displayed an increase in chaperone-like activity by heat-induced aggregation of βL- and γ-crystallins and DTT induced insulin aggregation, which might be related to the increase of the surface hydrophobicity. Transfection studies of lens epithelial cells revealed that the E156K mutant impeded cell apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of p-AKT signal pathway and down-regulation of Casepase3. Taken together, our results for the first time showed that E156K mutation in CRYAA associated with ARC resulted in enhanced chaperone-like function by inducing its surface hydrophobicity, which was directly related to the activation of its anti-apoptotic function.
The Therapeutic Process – Client's Perception Of Success Promoting Factors In An And Arfid – Qualitative Study
Authors: Neiva Susana Maria Fernandes da Silva Albuquerque
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to analyze the perception that individuals have of success-promoting factors on their own therapeutic process. We intended to understand which aspects influenced their perception and which factors were considered relevant to the decision to seek help, not to abandon treatment and their motivation to change. The study involved patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoiding food intake disorder (ARFID), with intervention within the scope of different therapeutic models.Background: In Portugal, anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder with a significant increase in recent years, having been responsible for 4,485 hospitalizations between 2000 and 2014 in Portuguese public health services. Portugal has scarce research in eating disorders, although they are a serious mental health problem both in this country and in Europe.Methods: The study included a sample of 9 participants who responded to the request for participation posted on the different electronic platforms. The data recollection occurred through a semistructured interview, and the information was subjected to thematic analysis.Results: This study included a total of 9 participants, 5 with a diagnosis of AN and 4 with a diagnosis of ARFID. All the participants were women between 19 and 52 years of age (an average of 38.4 years). Similarities were found in both groups for and differences.Discussion: The desire to improve/not cause suffering to family members and the availability of social/emotional support were considered relevant aspects inherent to the client. One hundred percent of the participants considered that certain professional and personal qualities of the professional/therapist were the most relevant aspects to promote the success of the therapeutic intervention. The sample size of this study is small and therefore does not allow generalizations.Conclusions: The main objective of this study was to obtain knowledge that would allow professionals to reflect on their practice and adapt the intervention to the needs and concerns of the clients. Despite the limitations of the study, our participants provided detailed and relevant information, so we consider the results obtained to be pertinent for the proposed objective. Further research in these areas is needed to deepen the knowledge.
An investigation on a new sliding cutting strategy for Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Meng Qingxun , Huang Zheng , Cai Jin , Pan Xin , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2022

The current cutting strategies for carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) inherit essentially from metal cutting. The frequently occurred damages such as burrs, cracks and delamination suggest that the existed strategies may not be the best choice for CFRP cutting. This study proposed a sliding cutting strategy especially for CFRP. The novelty is adding an extra lateral velocity on cutting edge to act sliding motion between fiber-matrix and the cutting edge. Then the stress in the materials in front of cutting tip will become more concentrated, which will help to break fibers in desired positions. Thus, the machining quality can be improved. The sliding cutting process was analyzed and experiments were conducted to examine the proposed strategy. Two types of cutting tools that offered sliding and orthogonal cutting were designed. Four factors, namely machined surface roughness, subsurface damages, forces and tool wear, were obtained to evaluate the cutting quality. Results show that sliding cutting has more advantages than orthogonal cutting in CFRP machining.
Nitric Oxide Inhalationtherapy for Pulmonary Hypertension After Mitral Valve Surgery Does Not Shorten the Intubation Period and Length of Stay in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sasaki Hanae , Kowatari Ryosuke , Kondo Norihiro , Konno Yukiya , Murata Kenyu , Itaya Hiroyuki , Daitoku Kazuyuki , Minakawa Masahito
Published: March 2022

Background
Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) is often used postoperatively for pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH). Although the use of postoperative inhaled NO for adult cases has become prevalent, the Asian data of such cases are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NO inhalation therapy for PH in adult patients after mitral valve surgery.
Methods
In this retrospective study, we enrolled 24 adult patients with a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) > 25 mmHg after mitral valve surgery at our institution from January 2017 to September 2020. Among these patients, NO was used postoperatively (NO group) in 13, whereas NO was not used in 11 (non-NO group). We compared the clinical data, such as age, preoperative echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization results, perioperative information, postoperative Swan-Ganz catheter data, tracheal intubation time, and length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Results
The NO group had higher tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, right atrial pressure, and pulmonary artery wedge pressure, as well as more surgically complex cases, than the non-NO group. There were no differences in operative and aortic cross-clamp time, tracheal intubation duration, or length of ICU stay. In the NO group, the mPAP decreased and the cardiac index increased after postoperative NO inhalation. However, there were no significant differences in the mPAP and cardiac index between the NO and non-NO groups.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that NO inhalation therapy was not associated with shorter postoperative intubation and ICU stay in adult patients with PH after mitral valve surgery. These findings support those of studies from other countries, yet they do not clarify the usefulness of inhaled NO in these cases. Optimal NO therapeutic strategies should be reconsidered with the goal of reducing intubation time and length of stay in the ICU.
Induction Of Ipsc-Derived Prg4-Positive Cells With Characteristics Of Superficial Zone Chondrocytes And Fibroblast-Like Synovial Cells
Authors: Satake Takashi , Komura Shingo , Aoki Hitomi , Hirakawa Akihiro , Imai Yuuki , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: March 2022

Background: Lubricin, a proteoglycan encoded by the PRG4 gene, is synthesised by superficial zone (SFZ) chondrocytes and synovial cells. It reduces friction between joints and allows the smooth sliding of tendons. Although lubricin has been shown to be effective against osteoarthritis and synovitis in animals, its clinical application remains untested. In this study, we aimed to induce lubricin-expressing cells from pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and applied them locally via cell transplantation.Methods: To generate iPSCs, OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and L-MYC were transduced into fibroblasts derived from Prg4-mRFP1 transgenic mice. We established a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells and characterised their mRNA expression profile. Finally, we injected Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells into the paratenon surrounding the Achilles tendons and knee joints of severe combined immunodeficiency mice and assessed lubricin expression.Results: Wnt3a, activin A, TGF-β1, and bFGF were applied to induce the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells. Markers related to SFZ chondrocytes and fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLSs) were expressed during differentiation. RNA-sequencing indicated that iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells manifested expression profiles typical of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplanted iPSC-derived Prg4-mRFP1-positive cells survived around the Achilles tendons and in knee joints. Conclusions: The present study describes a protocol for the differentiation of iPSC-derived Prg4-positive cells with characteristics of SFZ chondrocytes and FLSs. Transplantation of lubricin-expressing cells offers promise as a therapy against arthritis and synovitis.
The Practices and Challenges in the Implementation of Participatory Teaching Strategies in English as a Foreign Language Large Classes in Ethiopia
Authors: Bulbula Dereje Asfaw , Abajobir Fedila Abazinab , Bulti Tesfa Alemu , Areda Damtew Bulbula
Published: March 2022

This study is aimed at investigating Practices and Challenges in the Implementation of Participatory Teaching Strategies in Ethiopian EFL Large Classes. Large class to the context of this study is a class with many students in one class. To achieve this objective a descriptive research design with quantitative and qualitative data-gathering instruments and analysis was applied. This means questionnaire, observation and interview were a data-gathering instruments used to collect relevant data from grade 12 English language teachers and students. Two teachers were selected using Comprehensive sampling techniques and exposed to classroom observation and interview, whereas 20 students were also selected using simple random sampling techniques and filled the questionnaire. The questionnaires collected from sample students were analyzed quantitatively by using a descriptive statistical method with the help of SPSS and presented using percentages and mean values, and classroom observation and teachers’ interviews were analyzed qualitatively. The findings of this study indicated that EFL teachers have a clear knowledge about the implementation of participatory teaching strategies in the classroom, yet they did not frequently use the diverse techniques. The most frequently used techniques of active learning strategies were pair and group work, question and answer, discussion method, and debating. Therefore, EFL teachers are limited to some techniques due to students’ number in the class, and this prominently hampers them not to practice various techniques of active learning strategies. Thus, EFL teachers, administrators, and curriculum experts should develop a clear awareness of the educational benefit of active teaching strategies and act accordingly.
Novel approach to analysis of the immune system using an ungated model of immune surface marker abundance to predict health outcomes
Authors: Provost G. , Lavoie F. B. , Larbi A. , Ng TP. , Ying C. Tan Tze , Chua M. , Fulop T. , Cohen A.A.
Published: March 2022

Traditionally, the immune system is understood to be divided into discrete cell types that are identified via surface markers. While some cell type distinctions are no doubt discrete, others may in fact vary on a continuum, and even within discrete types, differences in surface marker abundance could have functional implications. Here we propose a new way of looking at immune data, which is by looking directly at the values of the surface markers without dividing the cells into different subtypes. To assess the merit of this approach, we compared it with manual gating using cytometry data from the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study (SLAS) database. We used two different neural networks (one for each method) to predict the presence of several health conditions. We found that the model built using raw surface marker abundance outperformed the manual gating one and we were able to identify some markers that contributed more to the predictions. This study is intended as a brief proof-of-concept and was not designed to predict health outcomes in an applied setting; nonetheless, it demonstrates that alternative methods to understand the structure of immune variation hold substantial progress.
Near isogenic lines (NIL) of sorghum carrying wild type or waxy alleles of the granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) gene have distinct effects on human gut microbiome phenotypes and host physiological characteristics
Authors: Yang Qinnan , Haute Mallory Van , Korth Nate , Sattler Scott , Rose Devin , Juritsch Anthony , Shao Jing , Beede Kristin , Schmaltz Robert , Price Jeff , Toy John , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Benson Andrew K.
Published: March 2022

Background:Waxy starches contain >90% amylopectin and are derived from grain crops carrying naturally-occurring mutations that block amylose biosynthesis. The absence of amylose in waxy starches produces unique physiochemical properties that are desirable for food processing, but the effects of increased amylopectin/amylose ratios in waxy starches on the gut microbiome and physiological characteristics of the host are not well characterized. Here, we used a whole-grain model with isogenic pairs of wild type sorghum lines and their waxy derivatives to test the hypothesis that major differences in amylose/amylopectin ratio produce significant effects on the human gut microbiome. Results:Fermentation of grain from waxy versus wild type derivatives produced substantial differences in overall microbiome composition, abundances of multiple taxa, and production of microbial metabolites (butyrate). Several of the taxonomic and metabolic signatures of fermentations from parental versus waxy lines were shared across fermentations with microbiomes from different human donors, including reduced levels of butyrate production and lower abundances of Roseburia and other amylolytic, butyrate-producing members of Lachnospiraceae in fermentations of waxy lines. Using a human microbiome-associated mouse model, we also detected significant differences in microbiome composition in animals fed low-fiber diets supplemented with 20% grain from isogenic pairs of parental versus waxy derivatives of sorghum. Remarkably, these microbiome changes were accompanied by significant differences in weight gain, with animals consuming waxy sorghum gaining significantly more weight. Conclusions:We conclude that the benefits of waxy starches on food functionality can have trade-off effects on the gut microbiome and host physiology that could be particularly relevant in human populations consuming large amounts of waxy grains.
Real-world comparative effectiveness of bDMARDs and JAK inhibitors in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Temmoku Jumpei , Migita Kiyoshi , Yoshida Shuhei , Matsumoto Haruki , Fujita Yuya , Matuoka Naoki , Yashiro-Furuya Makiko , Asano Tomoyuki , Sato Shuzo , Suzuki Eiji , Watanabe Hiroshi , Miyata Masayuki
Published: March 2022

Background: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the retention rates and effectiveness of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs: Janus kinase inhibitors) in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: One hundred thirty four elderly RA patients (>65 years) who were initiated with bDMARDs (n = 80) or Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) (n = 54) between 2016 and 2020 in our institute were enrolled in this analysis. Follow-up was conducted at 4-week intervals from the start of bDMARDs or JAKi. We compared the drug relation and clinical response at 24 week between elderly RA patients treated with bDMARDs and JAKi. Results: In the demographic data, longer disease duration, higher previous bDMARDs use and lower glucocorticoid use were observed in JAKi group. Otherwise there was no significant difference in the other variables between the bDMARDs and JAKi groups. In the matched analysis, there was no significant difference in drug retention rates between bDMARDs and JAKi groups. There was no significant difference in the incidence of drug discontinuation due to lack of effectiveness between the two groups. Also, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients achieving good/moderate EULAR response at 24 week between these two groups. Conclusions: In elderly RA patients initiated with bDMARDs or JAKi, drug retention rates of these targeted therapies did not differ significantly between these two groups. These findings suggest that elderly RA patients can achieve similar clinical improvement after initiating bDMARDs or JAKi.
Surface Topography Modeling and Analysis of Camshaft Generated by Swing Grinding Process
Authors: Li Guochao , Lu Jie , Zhou Honggen , Dong Baojiang , Chen Jianzhi , Sun Li , Yang Fei
Published: March 2022

In conventional grinding (CG), camshafts with wide profiles suffer from poor quality and low efficiency because the large contact area between the grinding wheel and camshaft profile limits the diffusion of grinding temperature, leading to burn defects. Swing grinding (SG) can mitigate these problems as it involves a reciprocating motion along the axis of the grinding wheel; however, the lack of understanding of machined surface topography has restricted its application. Therefore, in this study, a surface topography prediction model was proposed based on the distribution, shape, and trajectory of grains. The model was verified through experiments, and the mean error was 10.2% for Rax and 3.8% for Ray ; the roughness along the grinding direction was Rax , and the roughness along the vertical grinding direction was Ray . Compared to CG, SG has a 8% lower Rax . The influence of the wheel speed and feed rate in SG is consistent with that in CG. Rax exhibited a periodic trend with an increase in the swing amplitude and a monotonically decreasing trend with an increase in the swing frequency. The variation trend of Ray with the swing amplitude was the same as that of Rax . Furthermore, Ray exhibited a nonlinear increasing trend with an increase in swing frequency. Considering the processing and practical application of camshafts, the swing amplitude should be within 4 mm, the swing frequency should be within 3 Hz, the grinding wheel speed should be large, and the feed rate should be small.
Differential DNA Methylation Patterns in Primary and Recurrent Glioblastoma : A Protumorigenic Role for the TEM8 Gene
Authors: Kundu Paramita , Jain Ruchi , Kanuri Nandaki Nag , Arivazhagan A. , Santosh Vani , Kondaiah Paturu
Published: March 2022

Introduction : Glioblastomas are infiltrative malignant brain tumors which mostly recur within a year’s time, following surgical resection and chemo-radiation therapy. Studies on glioblastoma cells following radio-chemotherapies, have been demonstrated to induce trans-differentiation, cellular plasticity, activation of DNA damage response and stemness. Methods : Utilizing the Illumina 450K BeadChip Arrays, we compared the DNA methylation profile of primary (first occurrence) tumors with recurrent (relapsed) disease, in order to delineate the contribution of epigenetic changes associated with therapy exposure, therapy resistance, and relapse of the disease. Results : Our data revealed 1224 hypermethylated- and 526 hypomethylated-probes in recurrent glioblastomas compared to primary disease. We found differential methylation of solute carrier and ion channel genes, interleukin receptor/ligand genes, tumor-suppressor genes and genes associated with metastasis. We functionally characterized one such hypomethylated-upregulated gene, namely ANTXR1/TEM8 (Anthrax Toxin Receptor 1/Tumor Endothelial Marker 8), whose RNA was validated to be significantly upregulated in recurrent glioblastoma compared to primary tumors and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Using overexpression and knockdown approaches, we show TEM8 induced proliferation, invasion, migration, and chemo-radioresistance in glioma cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrate β-catenin stabilization and activation of the β-catenin transcriptional program due to TEM8 over-expression. Inhibitor experiments revealed involvement of Src/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway on TEM8 activation. Conclusion : Overall, we report DNA methylation changes in recurrent GBM, and suggest the involvement of TEM8 in the progression of GBM.
A flea beetle can stick a perfect landing
Authors: Zong Le , Wu Jianing , Yang Pingping , Ren Jing , Shi Guanya , Ge Siqin , Hu David L.
Published: March 2022

When we flip a coin, we expect a 50 percent chance of it landing on heads. But what happens when an insect jumps? In this study, we report the self-righting strategy of the flea beetle, Altica cirsicola, which lives in a dense maze of leaves. How can the flea beetle coordinate landing on surfaces of such a range of orientation and position? In this experimental study, we film the take-off, flight, and landing of flea beetles on a configurable angled platform. Dead flea beetles tossed through the air have a 46% chance of landing on their legs, similar to a fair coin. However, live beetles land successfully 85% of the time, suggesting the importance of active self-righting strategies to accommodate the different orientations of the landing platform. We observe that beetles may extend their wings to slow down and reduce impact as well as perform numerous rotations. These behaviors may inspire jumping robots that can land softly.
The Frequency and Prognostic Significance of ABO/Rh Blood Groups in Male Breast Cancer Patients: A Multi-center Study
Authors: Dogan Izzet , Ayhan Murat , Gurbuz Mustafa , Kucukarda Ahmet , Aydin Esra , Urun Yuksel , Cicin Irfan , Saip Pinar
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The study evaluated the distributions and prognostic significance of ABO and rhesus (D) groups in MBC patients.Patients and methods: The data of 137 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, histopathological data and ABO/Rh blood groups of the patients were recorded. The ABO/Rh blood group distributions were compared to the healthy men control group (n:120,160) by the chi-square test. Results: Overall distributions of ABO blood groups were different between the patients (17.5% AB, 38% A, 19% B, 25.5% O) and control group (7.88% AB, 42.06% A, 15.22% B, 34.84% O) (p<0.001). There were significant differences between the patients and control group with respect to AB vs. nonAB blood group distributions (p<0.001, Odds Ratio: 2.43 CI 95%) and O vs. nonO blood group distributions (p=0.016, Odds Ratio: 0.62 CI 95%). However, A vs. nonA and B vs. nonB blood group distributions were not significantly different. The distribution of the Rh factor was similar between patients and the control group (p=0.93). In univariate analysis, ABO/Rh blood groups were not a prognostic factor on OS (p=0.29).Conclusions: The frequency of the AB blood group in MBC patients is increased than in the healthy control group. AB blood group may be a risk factor for MBC, whereas O blood group may be a protective factor.
Narrow funnel-like interaction energy distribution is an indicator of specific protein interaction partners
Authors: Choi Juyoung
Published: March 2022

Biological mechanisms comprise protein interaction networks. However, most protein interaction predictions are based on interspecies biological evidence. These knowledge-based predictions are biased and have limited predictive ranges. Moreover, protein interaction prediction using in silico docking exhibits low accuracy for weak interactions and requires high computational power. This study suggests a novel method to identify protein interaction using interaction energy distribution. Protein interactions with specific partners can be predicted by searching narrow funnel-like interaction energy distribution. Kinases and E3 ubiquitin ligase are important signaling components. However, because their interactions vary and are weak, the interaction predictions are highly limited. However, this study shows that their interaction can be identified by analyzing interaction energy distribution with high accuracy and low computational cost. Furthermore, other specific protein interactions have significantly narrower funnel-like interaction energy distribution than those of noninteracting protein pairs.
Maternal Mortality Study in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Ramazani Bin Eradi Imani , Ntela Simon-Decap Mabakutuvangilanga , Ahouah Mathieu , Ishoso Daniel Katuashi , Rothan-Tondeur Monique
Published: March 2022

Background: Affordable, quality health care for pregnant women can improve their health. Thus, performance-based financing (PBF) remains one of the outcomes for improving the health system and increasing the accessibility of the poorest pregnant women to health care and reducing the maternal mortality rate. However, there is no up-to-date data on maternal mortality in the health structures using PBF in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This study measures the mortality rate among pregnant women in health facilities by applying the PBF approach and identifies the associated risk factors.Methods: This analytical epidemiological study was based on rétrospective data materna deaths recorded in 59 health facilities, using the PBF approach in three health zones in the southern part of Maniema province in east DRC. The study was conducted from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020. Descriptive, bi and multivariate analyses were used.Results: The maternal mortality rate was estimated at 620 deaths per 100,000 live births, of which 46% of maternal deaths were related to a parturients’ delayed decision in seeking healthcare in time (first delay). Maternal deaths were significantly associated with extreme ages (≤19 years and ≥40 years: p = <0.001), patient parity (in primigravidas and in large multiparas: p = 0.001), complications such as hemorrhagic, (p = <0.001), uterine ruptures:(p = <0.001), infections, (p = <0.001), and dystocia (p = <0.001).Conclusion: Despite the establishment of the PBF approach in this part of eastern DRC, women continue to lose their lives when they decide to give birth. The results imply that it is imperative to strengthen both women and health professionals’ knowledge about pregnancy and maternal health and their power to reduce instances of first delay by supporting women in formulating their birth plans