bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of diagnostic ability of new blood endotoxin measurement method using leukocyte-rich plasma sample and existing sepsis markers
Authors: Yoshinao Daisuke , Takahashi Gaku , Nonoguchi Maria , Kan Shigenori , Inada Katsuya , Mase Tomohiko
Published: June 2023

The plasma sample, which contains almost no leukocytes, is generally used to measure endotoxin levels in blood. However, it is known that the diagnostic ability is not high. We assumed that most endotoxins exist in a state trapped by leukocytes, and then we have devised a method (LRP37 method) to obtain leukocyte-rich plasma (LRP) for measuring blood endotoxins. In this study, we selected the following two methods for measuring endotoxins in the LRP; the conventional turbidimetric kinetic assay (TKA) and the semi-automated luminescent substrate method (SALS) using the leukocyte fraction obtained the LRP. The endotoxin levels obtained from these methods were compared with the diagnostic ability of existing sepsis markers. The target cases were 40 who were admitted to our institution. Comparing the non-infected group with the Gram-negative infected group, the area under the curve of TKA and SALS were 0.94 and 0.86, respectively, and these diagnostic capabilities were the best among all the markers tested.
Assessment of the synthesis method for purity and particle size of Fe3O4 magnetic nanocatalysts and its effectiveness on viscosity reduction and upgrading of heavy oil
Authors: Torkaman Parya , Karimzadeh Ramin , Jafari Arezou
Published: June 2023

In this research, Fe3O4 nanocatalysts were synthesized systematically microwave-assisted. For the first time, the efficiency of the synthesized nanocatalysts in reducing viscosity and upgrading heavy oil was examined. The nanocatalysts were investigated for their magnetic and electromagnetic properties. Furthermore, the effect of the time and power of microwave radiation was investigated for the first time on the size and purity of nanocatalysts. By reducing the time and power of microwave radiation due to less heat production, the purities in the crystal network of Fe3O4 nanocatalysts expanded. Increased temperature leads to dope NH4Cl into the Fe3O4 crystal network. At: 1 minute and power of 400 watts had the most satisfactory results in the size and purity of nanocatalysts. For the first time, the effect of the synthesis method on the electromagnetic properties, size, and effectiveness of the synthesized Fe3O4 has been examined. The performance of Fe3O4 synthesized by co-precipitation and microwave in viscosity reduction and heavy oil upgrading was evaluated and compared. The crystallite size of the Fe3O4 synthesized with microwave-assisted was smaller than synthesized by the co-precipitation. Fe3O4 synthesized by microwave and the co-precipitation method lead to decreased viscosity by 28% and 23% respectively. Also, microwave-synthesized Fe3O4 reduced the sulfoxide index and aromatic index significantly more than the co-precipitated synthesized Fe3O4 (90% vs. 48% and 13% vs. 7%, respectively).
A 51-year-old man who presented with acute onset aphasia, right sided weakness - Case Report
Authors: Singh Shivangi , Mehta Amol , Kumar Aditya , Gutierrez Jose D. , Marshall Randolph S. , Spektor Vadim , Park Soojin
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Acute internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions have a precise differential, of which includes Eagle’s Syndrome, which is due to disfigured or elongated styloid processes. This can result in 1) unilateral oropharyngeal, facial and auricular pain due to irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve or 2) carotid artery dissection. In this report, we highlight the diagnostic/management approach to the latter.
Case Presentation
A 51-year-old man presented with acute onset aphasia and right sided weakness, was found to have a L ICA occlusion and on further review to have a R ICA occlusion in the past. Ultimately, workup was consistent with bilateral carotid artery dissections – Eagle’s Syndrome.
Conclusions
Bilateral Eagle’s Syndrome is an extremely care condition, and this case report highlights the diagnostic/management considerations, especially as it relates to the utilization of multiple imaging modalities.
Novel ensemble models and their optimization based flood susceptibility modelling in Indian Himalayan Foreland Basin
Authors: Pandey Manish , Costache Romulus , Dash Pratik , Mishra Varun Narayan , Geesupalli Purna Durga , Siddiqui Masood A. , Pandey Prem Chandra , Arabameri Alireza , Arora Aman
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on the mapping of flood susceptibility in a specific region characterized by a low-altitude-range, sub-tropical monsoonal climate, and a riverine floodplain environment within the Middle Ganga Plain. To achieve this, four novel artificial intelligence model ensembles were employed. The aim was to compare the performance of these models in a distinct, tectonically active topoclimatic fluvial floodplain setting and determine the significance of different causative variables. The information obtained from this analysis can be highly valuable for planning and policymaking related to flood management principles. The entire Ganga Foreland Basin, which includes the Middle Ganga Plain, experiences frequent floods of varying magnitudes, underscoring the importance of this modeling exercise. To conduct this study, a comprehensive flood inventory and twelve selected flood conditioning factors were utilized in the development, testing (using 30% of the data), and validation (using another 30% of the data) of the four novel artificial intelligence models: LR-EBF, LR-FR, MLP-EBF, and MLP-FR. These models have been explored less in existing literature. The results revealed that the LR-based ensembles (LR-FR, LR-EBF: SRLR−FR= 86.7%, PRLR−FR= 83.9%, SRLR−EBF= 87.2%, PRLR−EBF= 84.7%) outperformed the MLP-based ensembles (MLP-FR, MLP-EBF: SRMLP−FR= 85.8%, PRMLP−FR= 82.8%, SRMLP−EBF= 86.4%, PRMLP−EBF= 84.4%) in the selected topoclimatic setting of the present study. Additionally, the LR-based ensemble with EBF demonstrated superior performance compared to the MLP-based ensemble with EBF. One notable finding of this study is the variation in performance among the four ensembles when applied in different topoclimatic and altitudinal range environments. The study revealed that the performance differences between LR-based ensembles employing both FR and EBF statistical models were consistent across all environments, exhibiting similar accuracy (in terms of AUROC) with less than a 5% disparity in success and prediction rates. This suggests that these models are likely to perform similarly across various environments. However, the performance differences in MLP-based ensembles, particularly with FR, were more significant, reaching up to a 10% disparity. Therefore, it is recommended to apply these models in high altitudinal range terrains with different topoclimatic settings to those considered in the present study. Notably, even the MLP-based ensemble with EBF displayed relatively consistent performance in varying topoclimatic and altitudinal range environments.
Prussian Blue Modified Magnetite Decorated MW-CNT Nanocomposite: Synthesis, Characterization and Potential Use as Photo-Fenton Catalysts for Phenol Degradation
Authors: Gögen Yusuf , Koçak Çağrı Ceylan , Karabiberoğlu Şükriye , Polatdemir Elmas , Aslaner Harun , Zorlu Rabia , Çağlar Bülent , Çirak Çağrı , Özdokur Kemal Volkan
Published: June 2023

Removal of organic pollutants with green and efficient methods is an important goal for researchers studying environmental pollution. Photo-Fenton systems with heterogeneous catalysts are a promising alternative for efficient water treatment. In this study, Prussian blue modified magnetite decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNT) nanocomposite was prepared and for the first time applied to the photo-Fenton degradation of phenol. The catalyst was prepared by rapid hydrothermal method. XPS, SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR methods were used for characterizing the functionalities and morphology of the catalyst. The effect of initial H2O2 concentration, catalyst mass, and initial pH of the phenol solution was investigated. Experimental results showed that 100 mg dm-3 of phenol could be degraded completely in 15 minutes at pH 7. This study describes the synthesis of the new Photo-Fenton catalyst for highly effective phenol treatment.
Why does Papilio bianor pupa Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging show similar results in T1Weight image and T2Weight image?
Authors: Nakatsuka Kaito , Ikegami Shôto , Sagae Masaki , Yoshida Masafumi , Niihara Kinuko , Honda Kei-ichi , Oda Yoshiki , Kuroda Kagayaki , INOUE Takashi , Fukuda Tatsuya
Published: June 2023

To establish a noninvasive technique for visualizing Papilio bianor pupae, we devised parameters for Proton Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 9.4 T. We attempted five imaging modes: T1-weighted without fat suppression, T1-weighted with fat suppression, T2-weighted without fat suppression, T2-weighted with fat suppression, and T2-weighted with water-signal suppression. Among these, only T2-weighted imaging with water signal suppression mode was useful for detecting fat bodies located in the brain, abdominal fluid, and wing margins of the pupae. We believe that this method is useful for detecting fat bodies in butterfly pupae. In contrast, no significant differences were observed between these imaging methods, except for T2-weighted images with water signal suppression. We believe that further improvements are required to accommodate insect observations.
The role of biofeedback in patellofemoral pain conservative treatment: a systematic review
Authors: Ferlito Rosario , De Salvo Sara , Managò Giovanni , Ilardo Martina , Sapienza Marco , Pavone Vito , Testa Gianluca
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND
Biofeedback techniques are gaining popularity in physiatry. The number of papers regarding this topic is rising. However, no previous systematic reviews exist on biofeedback techniques for patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness and the outcomes of the association between different types of biofeedback techniques and therapeutic exercises in the conservative treatment of PFP.
METHODS
The present study is a systematic review. We used the PRISMA statement guidelines and followed the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Between April and June 2022, the following electronic databases were searched: PubMed, ScienceDirect, BIOMED Central, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar e PEDro. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected. The bias risk evaluation of these studies was done using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool by Cochrane Collaboration.
RESULTS
Following the search, we underlined 414 records, and after using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, we retrieved 12 RCTs to include in this systematic review, assessing 513 patients. We evaluated the treatment effectiveness by dividing the results based on the protocols used (multimodal, visual feedback and therapeutic exercise, auditory feedback and therapeutic exercise, and somesthetic feedback and therapeutic exercise).
CONCLUSIONS
The association between biofeedback and therapeutic exercise may be beneficial for pain, function (AKPS), extensor muscle strength, reduction of the dynamic knee valgus and vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL) (EMG) optimization. All these results were valued in the short term. Regarding the intervention type, it was possible to correlate the EMG-biofeedback with the benefits of the knee extensors strength and the EMG activity of VM and VL. Conversely, using mirror, verbal, and somesthetic (hands and band) feedback seems to be linked to the reduction of the knee dynamic valgus. To conclude, these findings are preliminary since this topic's number of studies is still low. More studies are needed to understand the effectiveness of these treatments.
Immobilization of rough morphotype Mycolicibacterium neoaurum R for androstadienedione production
Authors: Zhao Anqi , Li Yamei , Wu Lixia , Wang Zhi , Lv Yongkun , Xiong Wenlong , Alam Mohammed Asraful , Liu Guohua , Xu Jingliang
Published: June 2023

Objectives
Enhance androstadienedione (Androst-1,4-diene-3,17-dione, ADD) production of rough-type morphotype Mycolicibacterium neoaurum variant by repeated-batch fermentation of immobilized cells.
Results
M. neoaurum R was a rough colony morphotype variant, obtained from routine plating of smooth M. neoaurum strain CICC 21097. M. neoaurum R showed rougher cell surface and aggregated in broth. The ADD production of M. neoaurum R was notably lower than that of M. neoaurum CICC 21097 during the free cell fermentation, but the yield gap could be erased after proper cell immobilization. Subsequently, repeated-batch fermentation by immobilized M. neoaurum R was performed to shorten the production cycle and enhance the bio-production efficiency of ADD. Through the optimization of the immobilization carriers and the solvents for phytosterols, the ADD productivity of M. neoaurum R immobilized by semi-expanded perlite reached 0.075 g/L/h during the repeated-batch fermentation for 40 days.
Conclusions
Although smooth strains that could homogenously suspended in broth seemed to be preferred in the steroid bioconversion, the rough-type strain M. neoaurum R might be able to find their place by proper cell immobilization.
WITHDRAWN: Production of Acarbose From Actinoplanes Species Isolated From Termite Mound for Treatment of Type Two Diabetes
Authors: Ekundayo Fatuyi Olanipekun , Olabanji Bukola Olayinka , Adedayo Bukola Christiana , Akindele Adeola Matilda , Efe Isunu Lucky
Published: June 2023

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the antidiabetic activity of acarbose produced by Actinoplanes species isolated from selected soils in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Acarbose produced by Actinoplanes utahensis was purified consecutively with dialysis, gel filtration, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The test isolate can be exploited for large-scale production of acarbose.
Results: Seven Actinoplanes species (Actinoplanes missouriensis, Actinoplanes utahensis, Actinoplanes aureus, Actinoplanes ramoplaninifer, Actinoplanes rhizophilus, Actinoplanes auranticolor, and Actinoplanes teichomyceticus) isolated from termitary soils were screened based on colonial morphology, microscopic ability to assimilate carbon from various sugars, and their ability to produce acarbose. The isolates were able to produce acarbose, but Actinoplanes utahensis had a higher acarbose activity. The blood glucose level of the experimental rats was reduced significantly from >250 mg/dL before treatment to 115 mg/dL after treatment. The haematology results also showed a deviation in the red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocyte counts, and platelet counts. The red blood cell values reduced during the experiment, the white blood cells and neutrophils increased, and the lymphocytes decreased in the diabetic group during the experiment, but there was a significant improvement to normalcy after treatment.
Conclusions: Actinoplanes utahensis has the highest ability to produce acarbose, which can act as an antidiabetic drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
BPA exposure decreases sperm production and male fertility through inhibition PCBP2 expression
Authors: Cao Yuming , Xu Jinfeng , Liu jie , Liang Yan , Ao Fei , Wang Shengnan , Wei Zexiao , Wang Li
Published: June 2023

Growing evidence suggests that exposure of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor that commonly presence in the environment, can impair reproduction. However, conflicting results have been reported and the underling mechanism have not been fully understood. In this study, 3 weeks old male mice were exposed to 50mg/kg/d BPA or equivalent corn oil for 28 days. Their testis and epididymis were then collected for morphology examination by HE stains. The number of sperm were counted, and the morphology was analyzed by PNA and pap staining. Fertilization capacity and successful rate was analyzed after mating with wide type females. Spermatid DNA damage and apoptosis were evaluated by DFI, γH2AX stain and TUNEL assay. RNA-seq analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes in testicular tissue of mice exposed to BPA. RNA interference was used to verify the regulatory mechanism of BPA exposure on gene expression in GC-2 cells. Our data showed that total number of sperm was decreased and the morphology was impaired in BPA-exposed mice. In addition, the serum testosterone level and fertilization efficiency were also reduced. Mechanism studies showed that BPA could suppress the expression of PCBP2, a key regulatory gene in spermatid development, by activating the EZH2/H3K27me3. In conclusion, we found that BPA exposure can impair spermatid development via affecting key gene expression that at least partially due to epigenetic modification.
Enhanced Therapeutic Effects of Apoptotic Cell Conditioned Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Lupus-Prone MRL/lpr Mice
Authors: Zhang Zhuoya , Huang Saisai , Liu Weilin , Chen Chen , Feng Xuebing , Wang Dandan , Sun Lingyun
Published: June 2023

Background: Our previous study showed that apoptotic cell conditioned mesenchymal stem cells (AC-MSCs) obtained stronger T cell suppressive ability via cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), but whether AC-MSCs exhibit enhanced therapeutic effect on systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE) remains unknown. In this study, we aim to explore the efficacy and possible mechanism of AC-MSCs in ameliorating SLE.
Methods: Splenocytes from MRL/MPJ-Faslpr (MRL/lpr) mice were co-cultured with AC-MSCs and the proportions of plasma cells (PCs) were detected by flow cytometry. MSCs and AC-MSCs, COX2 knock-down MSCs and COX2 knock-down AC-MSCs were infused into MRL/lpr mice respectively. Survival rates and lupus symptoms including proteinuria, kidney injury, renal immune complex deposition and autoantibody production were assessed. Besides, the numbers of PCs and serum inflammatory cytokines were measured.
Results: We found that AC-MSCs possessed stronger ability on PC inhibition via PGE2 in vitro. AC-MSC treatment led to significantly higher survival rate. Moreover, AC-MSC infusion decreased proteinuria levels as early as one week after infusion. Both of MSC and AC-MSC administration reduced renal immunoglobulin (Ig)G and complement C3 deposition, whereas COX2 knock-down MSCs and COX2 knock-down AC-MSCs could not. Serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels in AC-MSCs treated mice significantly decreased, as well as the number of PCs in both spleen and renal draining lymph node. In addition, AC-MSCs inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-21, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1.
Conclusions: AC-MSCs exhibited enhanced therapeutic effects on lupus mice, which was partially mediated by COX2/PGE2. Our findings indicate that AC precondition may be a new strategy for MSC transplantation in treating SLE.
Can Foliar Application of Natural Biostimulants Reduce Nitrate and Fiber Content in Fresh Green Bean under Soil Nutrient Deficiency?
Authors: Fawzy Zakaria Fouad , El-Ramady Hassan , Azab Mohamed AbdAllah , Mahdy Hayam A. A.
Published: June 2023

Background
There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of natural biostimulants in the agricultural productivity. This potential can play an important role in addressing the issue of cultivation of sandy soil, which is well-known with soil nutrient deficiency stress. In the current study, the selected biostimulants (i.e., chitosan, amino acids, yeast extract, and humic acid) were foliar applied on green bean in the open field of alkaline sandy soils.
Results
The main results that obtained after harvesting the fresh green bean pods were confirmed that all studied biostimulants improved the quantity and quality of green bean production compared to the control. Chitosan was the best applied biostimulants for producing green bean in a lower fiber and nitrate content in pods, a higher crude protein content in pods, and higher NPK content in leaves.
Conclusion
The role of studies biostimulants in promoting green bean productivity under nutrient deficiency stress may back to increase the uptake of nutrients (NPK), plant physiological (higher dry matter) and biochemical attributes (higher crude protein). More studies are needed using different applied doses and more different kinds of natural biostimulants.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with main portal vein invasion: systemic therapy alone or in combination with local transarterial chemoembolization treatment
Authors: Song Ze , Jiang Dai-Rong , Wu De-Di , Du Jia-Hang , Zhang Hao , Zhu Hao-Tu , Zhang Ying-Qiang
Published: June 2023

Purpose To compare the safety and efficacy of systemic therapy alone or in combination with local transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and main portal vein (MPV) invasion. Patients and Methods: Between May 2019 and December 2021, 73 consecutive patients with advanced HCC and MPV invasion either received systemic medical therapy alone (i.e., molecular targeted therapy plus immunotherapy, S group, n = 34) or in combination with TACE treatment (S-T group, n = 39). The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and treatment response. Adverse events (AEs) related to treatment were also recorded. Survival curves were constructed with the Kaplan‒Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Results The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The mean number of TACE sessions per patient was 2.6 (range 1–4). Although no TACE-related deaths occurred, 13 AEs of grade 3–4 occurred in the S-T group. The median OS was 10.0 months and 8.0 months in the S-T group and S group, respectively (P = 0.254). The median PFS between the two groups was similar (4.0 months vs. 4.0 months,P = 0.404). The disease control rate between the S-T and S group was comparable (64.1% vs. 67.6%,P = 0.750). Conclusions The results demonstrated that additional TACE treatment did not yield survival benefits compared to systemic medical therapy alone for patients with advanced HCC and MPV invasion. Considering the complications related to TACE, systemic medical therapy seems appropriate for managing those patients.
Kinetic studies of the removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution by biochar derived from jackfruit peel
Authors: Ton-That Loc , Huynh Thi-Ngoc-Linh , Duong Bich-Ngoc , Nguyen Duy-Khoi , Nguyen Ngoc-An , Phạm Van-Hien , Ho Thien-Hoang , Dinh Van-Phuc
Published: June 2023

Kinetic studies play an instrumental role in determining the most appropriate reaction rate model for industrial-scale applications. This study focuses on the kinetics methylene blue (MB) adsorption from aqueous solutions by biochar derived from jackfruit peel. Various kinetic models, including pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), intra-diffusion, and Elovich models, were applied to study MB adsorption kinetics of jackfruit peel biochar. The experiments were performed with two initial concentrations of MB (24.23 mg/L and 41.42 mg/L) over a span of 240 min. Our findings emphasized that the Elovich model provided the best fit of the experimental data for MB adsorption. When compared to other materials, biochar from jackfruit peel emerges as an eco-friendly adsorbent for dye decolorization, with potential applications in the treatment of environmental pollution.
Antiproliferative activity of extracts containing flavonoids from in vitro callus cultures of Astragalus onobrychis L.
Authors: Enchev Preslav , Zarev Yancho , Marinov Lyubomir , Rivera-Mondragón Andrés , Ionkova Iliana
Published: June 2023

Astragalus onobrychis (Fabaceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant with a strong taproot and reaches a height of 10–60 cm. The stems have a woody base and grow first spreading and then ascending. The phytochemical composition of the plant has not been fully studied. So far, mainly metabolites from the flavonoid and saponin group have been found. Species of the genus Astragalus have been studied and shown a range of pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antitumor, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic. In traditional medicine, A. onobrychis is used as a diuretic and diaphoretic agent and as a remedy for rheumatic diseases. The aim of the present study was to obtain valuable information on secondary metabolites related to flavonoids in in vitro callus and shoot cultures of A. onobrychis. Five fractions were obtained from the methanolic extracts (70% MeOH) of callus and shoot cultures of A. onobrychis after column chromatography, each of which was subjected to ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis (UHPLC-HR-MS). The antiproliferative capacity of each fraction was also evaluated. Based on the mass spectral fragmentation data, use of standards, and comparison with literature sources, 15 flavonoid derivatives were characterized.
The Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Directs Macrophage Differentiation in an Oxygen-Dependent Manner
Authors: Shephard Matthew T , Merkhan Marwan M , Dale Tina P , Forsyth Nicholas R
Published: June 2023

Background
Chronic disease states can share inflammation as an underlying pathology. Macrophages are associated with chronic inflammation; in general, M1 phenotype macrophage activity inhibits cell proliferation and causes tissue damage whilst M2 macrophages promote proliferation and tissue repair. Human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) are of particular interest for immunoregulatory diseases, through their ability to suppress T cell proliferation.
Methods
The application of a physiological oxygen environment to hMSC cultures modulates their gene expression and results in an altered secretome. Consequently, physiological, 2% O2 hMSC SFCM was assessed in comparison to air oxygen (21% O2) produced SFCM and applied to activated THP-1 cells in 10% and 21% O2 to assess changes in macrophage differentiation.
Results
SFCM significantly suppressed proliferation and metabolic activity whilst promoting cell adherence compared to serum-free media (SFM) controls (p < 0.001). Terminal differentiation phenotype varied in an oxygen-dependent manner, with 21% air oxygen SFCM leading to an increased M1:M2 macrophage differentiation ratio, with cells displaying distinct pancake-like morphology, increased TNFa secretion (21% O2 = 922 ± 5 pg/mL, and 10% O2 = 373 ± 2 pg/mL) and CD197 expression (21% = 69.1%±6.4, and 10% = 18.6 ± 0.4%). In contrast, physiological oxygen SFCM led to the production of a greater M2:M1 macrophage differentiation ratio; displaying an elongated spindle shape, increased IL-10 secretion (21% O2 = 3780 ± 560 pg/mL, and 10% O2 = 9115 ± 889), and CD3 and CD14 expression. SFCM collected under 2% O2 suppressed pro-inflammatory transcriptional profiles through downregulation of TNFa, IL-1B, and IL-12B compared to 21% O2 collected SFCM.
Conclusion
Collectively, SFCM induced terminal macrophage differentiation in an oxygen-dependent manner. This effect was not completely replicated by the application of isolated candidate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 or TGFb) or a combinational cytomix, highlighting the complex effects of conditioned media products and further work needed to determine mechanism of action.
Modeling and simulation of Samarium and Neodymium separation by a solvent extraction process
Authors: Dourado Marcelo De Luccas , de Carvalho Davi Gomes , Vera Ysrael Marrero
Published: June 2023

The demand for permanent magnets is expected to increase in the 2021–2030 decade, which will require a commensurate increase in the production of samarium (Sm) and neodymium (Nd). Since these metals are considered critical and due to their abundance in Brazilian territory, the Brazilian government and mining companies must master the refining of these metals through autochthonous technologies. Thus, we developed a process to separate the light (La, Ce, Pr and Nd) from the medium (Sm, Eu and Gd) and heavy (Tb-Lu and Y) rare earth elements (REE) with D2EHPA by empirical modeling of solvent extraction (SX) processes. The experimental methodology included three phases: equilibrium data acquisition from batch experiments, solvent extraction simulation, and continuous process trials to validate the model on a mini-pilot scale. Our simulation predicted 99.5% Sm organic recovery and 80% Nd aqueous recovery in a seven-stage process and 0.30 A/O ratio, validated in the continuous trial. This work paves the way for establishing Brazilian technology to obtain the constituent elements of permanent magnets.
ASAPA: a bioinformatic pipeline based on Iso-Seq that identifies the links among alternative splicing, alternative transcription initiation and alternative polyadenylation
Authors: Wang Fei , Jin Zhongxin , Wang Shengnan , Yang Longcheng , Fan Zongbao , Yao Yuxin
Published: June 2023

Background:Although the events associated with alternative splicing (AS), alternative polyadenylation (APA) and alternative transcription initiation (ATI) can be identified by many approaches based on isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq), these analyses are generally independent of each other and the links between these events are still rarely mentioned. However, an interdependency analysis can be achieved because the transcriptional start site, splice sites and polyA site could be simultaneously included in a long, full-length read from Iso-Seq.Results:We create ASAPA pipeline that enables streamlined analysis for a robust detection of potential links among AS, ATI and APA using Iso-Seq data. We tested this pipeline using Arabidopsis data and found some interesting results: some adjacent introns tend to be simultaneously spliced or retained; coupling between AS and ATI or APA is limited to the initial or terminal intron; and ATI and APA are potentially linked in some special cases.Conclusion:Our pipeline enables streamlined analysis for a robust detection of potential links among AS, ATI and APA using Iso-Seq data, which is conducive to a better understanding of transcription landscape generation. The corresponding scripts are available at https://github.com/JZXBio/asapa.
Effects of Important Characteristics of Earthquake Ground Motions on Probabilistic Seismic Demand Assessment of Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Chen Liang , Zuo Rui , Hu Zhangliang , Xia Wei , Hao Zhiming , Hu Yuqing , Zhang Yingao
Published: June 2023

The uncertainties of earthquake ground motions have the most important effects on seismic responses of bridge structures, especially long-span bridges because of complex and special dynamic properties. The nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis is conducted for a two-pylon long-span cable-stayed highway bridge by using real earthquake ground motions rationally selected. The correlation between the important characteristics of earthquake ground motions and the probabilistic seismic demand assessment of the cable-stayed bridge reveals that the geometric means and dispersions of response spectra from selected ground motions have very significant effects on mean values, dispersions and probabilistic distributions of seismic demands of long-span bridges. The spectral shape of geometric mean spectra in the period ranges with large cumulative modal mass participation factors should be well matched to the target spectrum for improving the precision and computational efficiency of probabilistic seismic demand assessment. If earthquake ground motions are rationally selected, response spectral values at the periods with comparatively large modal participation mass ratios or PGA can be used as intensity measures and even provide more precise probabilistic seismic demand assessment than response spectral values at the fundamental periods.
Increased Expression of HPVE7 oncoprotein correlates with a reduced level of pRb proteins via high viral load in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Mir Bilal Ahmad , Ahmad Arif , Farooq Nighat , Priya M. Vishnu , Siddiqui A. H. , Asif M. , Manzoor Rouquia , Ishqi Hassan Mubarak , Alomar Suliman Y , Rahaman P.F.
Published: June 2023

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of sexually transmitted diseases and causes a wide range of pathologies including cervical carcinoma. Integration of the HR-HPV DNA into the host genome plays a crucial role in cervical carcinoma. An alteration of the pRb pathways by the E7 proteins is one of the mechanisms that’s account for the transforming capacity of high-risk papillomavirus. For the proper understanding of the underline mechanism of the progression of the disease, the present study investigate the correlation of concentration of host pRb protein, viral E7 oncoprotein and viral load in early and advanced stages of cervical carcinoma. It was found that the viral load in early stages (stage I & II) was less (log10 transformed mean value 2.6 and 3.0) compared to advanced stages (stage III & IV) (Log10 transformed value 5.0 and 5.8) having high expression of HPV E7 onco-protein and reduced level of pRb protein, signifying the role of viral load and expression level of E7 oncoprotein in the progression of cervical cancer.
Selective green leafy vegetables and their synergistic combination approach as natural anti-diabetic agents: therapeutic potential
Authors: Maser Wahyu Haryati , Venkatachalam Karthikeyan , Rai Amit Kumar , Karuturi Subrahmanyam , Bavisetty Sri Charan Bindu , Ali Ali Muhammed Moula
Published: June 2023

This study examined the antidiabetic potential and antioxidant properties of ten green leafy vegetables (GLVs) using in-vitro tests for α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and lipase inhibition (AGI, AAI, and LPI, respectively). To extract metabolites, 80% ethanol was used, and the resulting crude extract was examined for total phenolic content (TPC) and bioactivities. Of all the samples tested, A. cepa had the highest AGI activity at 595.28 mg ACE/g extract, 25 times greater than the sample with the lowest activity. During the AAI activity, A. fistulosum exhibited the highest inhibition of 36.73 mg ACE/g extract, surpassing all other samples. Meanwhile, P. crispumdemonstrated the highest LPI with an inhibition of 31.07%. Among antioxidant activities, DPPH activity was substantial, while metal chelating and FRAP activities were moderate. The results of studies combining A. cepa, A. fistulosum, and A. graveolens L. in equal proportions revealed the most effective combination for inhibiting all enzymes, even though the TPC remained uniform in all combinations. The mechanism of inhibition observed with A. cepa was non-competitive, whereas the combination of A. cepa, A. fistulosum, and A. graveolens L. (combination-1)displayed competitive inhibition, similar to that of acarbose. FTIR was used to identify the functional groups from all the samples. GC-MS results indicated that mannitol, myo-inositol, succinic acid, and propanoic acid were likely responsible for the antidiabetic activity. This research about the potential of GLVs as oral agents for treating T2DM could be critical in managing diabetes and developing functional food to prevent T2DM.
Mixed signals of environmental change and a trend towards ecological contraction in ground vegetation across different forest types
Authors: Kermavnar Janez , Kutnar Lado
Published: June 2023

Forest ground vegetation (GV) may serve as an early warning system for anthropogenic global-change impacts on temperate forests. Climate warming induce decline of cool-adapted species to the benefit of more thermophilous plants. Nitrogen deposition has been documented to potentially result in eutrophication, which can increase the proportion of species with higher nutrient requirements. Abiotic forest disturbances are changing the light and soil conditions and temporal vegetation dynamics may be altered by deer browsing. In this resurvey study, we tested the magnitude and direction of change in GV at different forest types (11 monitoring sites and 174 permanent vegetation plots within the ICP-Forests network) in Slovenia over 15 years (2004/05–2019/2020). Using the plant-derived characteristics (Ellenberg-type indicator values) and by testing a priori predictions concerning expected effects of environmental drivers, we show that the magnitude and direction of floristic changes varied greatly between forest sites. Divergent response of GV at different sites resulted in low net change and overall weak environmental signal. Sites positioned at the ends of the gradients are losing their original ecological character and are becoming more similar to mid-gradient sites which exhibited smaller changes. Shifts towards the middle of the gradients (process of ecological contraction) was driven by the decline of ecological specialists and their replacement by species with greater ecological amplitudes. Our results point to the importance of local stand dynamics in explaining the temporal trends in GV. Ground vegetation in Slovenian forests is changing in directions dictated by multiple local, regional and global change drivers.
Short milking tube thermogram analysis: an indicator of sub-clinical mastitis identification in Murrah buffaloes
Authors: Lal Gayathri S , Bhakat Mukesh , Mohanty T. K.
Published: June 2023

Early detection of sub-clinical mastitis via thermogram analysis by using a part of the milking machine without disturbing the dairy animal can be a milestone in precision farming. In the present study, thermal images of the short milking tube of milking machine representing four udder quarters independently attached to a milking animal, along with pre- and post-milking udder and teat thermograms were taken using a hand-held digital infrared thermal camera (DarviDTL007) during morning milking of lactating Murrah buffaloes (n = 132) to assess the sub-clinical mastitis status. California mastitis test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC) of milk samples were carried out to screen the udder quarters as healthy, sub-clinical (SCM), and clinical mastitis (CM). The thermograms revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) of 2.19 and 3.72ºC in the mean values of short-milking-tube (SMT) surface temperature among SCM and CM quarters compared to healthy quarters, respectively. The mean values of udder skin surface temperature (USST) for pre-milking, milking, and post-milking of SCM and CM compared to healthy quarters showed significant increase (p < 0.05) of 2.17, 1.96 and 1.61ºC and 3.11, 2.88 and 2.73ºC, respectively. Similarly, the mean values of teat skin surface temperature (TSST) for pre-milking and post-milking of SCM and CM compared to healthy quarters showed an increase of 2.12 and 1.66ºC; and 3.07 and 2.45ºC, respectively. Also, CMT and SCC results showed strong positive correlation (r = 0.68–0.91, p < 0.01) with all the thermographic parameters. Thus, thermograms of SMT alone can be used as an efficient detection tool in assessing SCM among Murrah buffaloes.
Impact of Freeze-Thawing, Cell Collection, and Laser Irradiation Cycles on Mosaicism Occurrence in Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuhiro , Kuwatsuru Yukari , Kuroki Yuko , Fukumoto Yumiko , Tokudome Mari , Moewaki Harue , Iwakawa Tokiko , Mizobe Yamato
Published: June 2023

In preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy, various opinions exist regarding the handling of mosaic embryos. This study aimed to investigate the impact of freeze-thawing, number of cells obtained, and number of laser irradiation cycles on the degree of embryonic mosaicism. There were 3 parts to the study. First, we classified specimens into thaw-biopsy (TB) (17 patients, 49 blastocysts) and nonthawed (B) (119 patients, 304 blastocysts) groups. In Study I, groups TB and B were classified into four categories (euploidy, low mosaic, high mosaic, and aneuploidy) according to next-generation sequencing (NGS) results, and the number of cells collected and laser irradiation cycles were compared for each category. In Study II, the effects of differences in the number of cells collected and laser irradiation cycles on NGS results were investigated in groups TB and B. Lastly, in Study III, the data on cell collection and laser irradiation cycles and NGS analysis results were compared between groups. In Studies I and II, no intergroup differences were observed. In Study III, group TB had a significantly higher incidence of chromosomal mosaicism than group B. Interestingly, group TB showed a significantly higher rate of low degree mosaicism than group B. Neither the number of cells collected norlaser irradiation cycles affected the percentage of chromosomal mosaicism. However, the freeze-thaw process increased the occurrence of mosaicism.
Positional relationships between a tracheal diverticulum and the tracheal tube under general anesthesia: a single-center observational and simulation study
Authors: Mitsuzawa Kunihiro , Kumagai Tsukasa , Uchida Haruo , Shimizu Toshiyuki
Published: June 2023

Background
Incomplete sealing of tracheal diverticula by a tracheal tube cuff during positive-pressure ventilation causes barotrauma but the concrete possibility of incomplete sealing has not been indicated.
We aimed to assess the possibility of incomplete sealing in a simulated situation of tracheal intubation for patients with tracheal diverticula with tube fixation where the tracheal tube’s vocal cord guide overlaps with the patient’s vocal cord.
Methods
We retrospectively assessed the characteristics of tracheal diverticula based on thoracic computed tomography data in our institution from January 2018 to July 2020. Then, we assessed the structural parameters of three single-lumen tracheal tubes (Parker Flex-Tip [Parker Medical, Bridgewater, CT, USA], Portex Soft Seal [ICU Medical, San Clemente, CA, USA], and Shiley TaperGuard [Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland]; 6.0–8.0 mm inner diameter size) and simulated the positional relationships between tracheal diverticula and the tracheal tube during tracheal intubation where the vocal cord guide overlaps with the patient’s vocal cord. We assessed each tube product’s possibility of incompletely sealing tracheal diverticula and the possibility of unintended bronchial intubation.
Results
In 5,854 patients, the prevalence of tracheal diverticula was 5.7%. The mean (SD) length from the vocal cord to the distal end of the tracheal diverticula was 52.2 (12.8) mm. Tracheal tubes with length from the distal end of the tracheal cuff to the vocal cord guide of ≥70 mm had a low risk of incompletely sealing tracheal diverticula (<5%) and length from the distal end of the tube to the vocal cord guide of ≤95 mm had a low risk of unintended bronchial intubation (<5%). No products in this study satisfied both outcomes.
Conclusions
Tube fixation, where the vocal cord guide overlaps with the patient’s vocal cord, is associated with risk of incompletely sealing of tracheal diverticula depending on the tube’s manufacturer and tube’s inner diameter size, although it was not a high risk. The use of small inner diameter sized tube relative to patient’s body size is high risk of incomplete sealing of tracheal diverticula.
Trial registration
This trial was prospectively registered at University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN). Clinical trial number and registry URL: UMIN000043317 (URL: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000048055)
BST2 is an immune-related prognostic biomarker for glioma
Authors: He Mingliang , Zhang Bohong , Ouyang Leping , Li Shuai , Liu Anmin
Published: June 2023

Background
Glioma is the most common brain cancer. Research has indicated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the proliferation, invasion, and treatment response of tumors. However, the role of TME in glioma remains unclear. Here, we try to identify a TME-related gene in glioma that can predict prognosis.
Methods
The transcriptome data and corresponding clinical data of 701 glioma samples were downloaded from the TCGA database. The transcriptome data of normal samples were obtained from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. R software and R packages were used to perform statistical analysis, calculation of TME scores, survival analysis, Cox regression analysis, and functional enrichment analyses. GSEA software was used to perform Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed using Cytoscape software. The protein expression level of BST2 was detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results
By gene differential expression analysis based on TME scores, we obtained two sets of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively, followed by intersection analysis, we obtained shared DEGs. By univariate Cox regression analysis and PPI network analysis of the shared DEGs, we obtained a prognostic gene set and hub gene set, respectively, followed by intersection analysis, we obtained three hub genes associated with prognosis, including BST2, CCL2, and RSAD2. Subsequent analyses were focused on BST2. Compared with normal samples, BST2 expression was higher in glioma samples. Moreover, BST2 expression was positively correlated with pathological grades and was negatively correlated with overall survival time (OS). Consistently, a validation cohort of 42 glioma patients further verified the upregulation of BST2 and its influence on prognosis. Mechanistically, the result of GSEA indicated that BST2 might be involved in regulating tumor immunity. By differential analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) contents between high- and low-BST2 expression groups, and correlation analyses between the expression level of BST2 and TICs contents, we obtained 7 key TICs, and 5 of them were significantly associated with OS, especially regulatory T cells and M2 macrophages.
Conclusions
The TME-related gene BST2 could promote the progression of glioma via regulating the composition of TICs, and thus might be a novel prognostic biomarker.
Hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p are down-regulated expressed in high dysplasia HPV-Positive Pap-smear samples compared to normal cytology HPV-Positive Pap-smear samples
Authors: Dehghani Ali , Khajepour Fardin , Dehghani Mohammad , Razmara Ehsan , Zangouey Mohammadreza , Abadi Maryam Fekri Soofi , Nezhad Reza Bahram Abadi , Dabiri Shahriar , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: June 2023

Background The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may affect the miRNA expression pattern during cervical cancer (CC) development. To demonstrate the association between high-risk HPVs and the development of the cervix dysplasia, we examined the expression patterns of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p in Pap smear samples from southeast Iranian women. We compared samples that were HPV-positive but showed no abnormality in the cytological examination to samples that were HPV-positive and had severe dysplasia.Methods Pap smear samples were obtained from 60 HPV-Positive (HPV-16/18) patients with histologically confirmed severe dysplasia (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN 3) /carcinoma in situ) and the normal cytology group. The expression of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, using specific stem-loop primers and U6 snRNA as the internal reference gene. Clinicopathological features were associated with miRNA expression levels. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis was conducted using in silico tools. Kaplan-Meier survival method was also obtained to discriminate survival significant candidate miRNAs in CC, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic value.Results Compared to HPV-positive cytologically normal Pap smear samples, hsa-miR-194-5p, and hsa-miR-195-5p relative expression decreased significantly in HPV-positive with a severe dysplasia pap smear. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significant association between miR-194 decrease and poor CC survival. In essence, ROC curve analysis showed that miR-194-5p and miR-195-5p could serve as valuable markers for the development of cervix dysplasia in individuals who are positive for high-risk HPVs.Conclusions This study revealed that hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p may possess tumor suppressor capabilities in the context of cervical dysplasia progression. However, it remains uncertain whether these microRNAs are implicated in the transition of patients with high dysplasia to cervical cancer. We also showed the potential capability of candidate miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers related to cervical dysplasia progression.