bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down-regulation of FUBP1 is related to intervertrbral disc degeneration through NRF2 signalling pathway
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Dong Yi-jun , Niu Lei , Zheng Meng-long , Chen Xi , Cai Hai-ping , Zhang Wen‑zhi , Hu Jun
Published: February 2023

Aim: Herein, we plan to explore the potential mechanism between intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and FUBP1 in reactive oxygen species mitochondria.
Methods: IDD samples were collected from our hospital and applied in our study. Firstly, the expression and function of FUBP1 were detected in IDD samples and cells by qRT-PCR and in vivo assays. Then, the downstream gene of FUBP1 was explored and verified in functional experiments. Finally, the whole mechanism of FUBP1 in IDD was elucidated clearly.
Results:FUBP1 was found to be dysregulated in early and advanced stages of IDD, and its sh-FUBP1 suppressed NP cell proliferation, while over-FUBP1 promoted cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Then, NRF2 was considered a target gene of FUBP1 in IDD, which was confirmed in experiments. FUBP1 had a positive relation with NRF2 in IDD.
Conclusion: In this study, we mainly make an investigation on FUBP1 and IDD progression based on the early and advanced IDD samples and a series of functional assays. It is concluded that FUBP1 could weaken the progression of IDD by targeting NRF2, which gives directions for the clinical therapy of IDD patients.
Pain is red, relief is white: the influence of color on pain perception prevails over pain modality
Authors: Wiercioch-Kuzianik Karolina , Brączyk Justyna , Bieniek Helena , Bąbel Przemysław
Published: February 2023

Colors are an important factor that influences different aspects of people's lives. However, little is known about the effects of colors on pain. This study aimed to investigate whether the type of pain affects the impact of colors on pain intensity. 74 participants were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the type of pain: electrical or thermal. In both groups, pain stimuli of the same intensity were preceded by different colors. Participants rated the pain intensity induced by each pain stimulus. Additionally, pain expectations related to each color were rated at the beginning and the end of the procedure. A significant effect of color on pain intensity ratings was found. In the electrical group, the perceived pain intensity following red was more intense than after green; in the thermal group, the perceived pain intensity following red was more intense than after blue. Moreover, the pain was most intense in both groups after red, whereas the lowest ratings were given after white. A similar pattern of results was observed for pain expectations. The study shows that white could reduce perceived pain, while red can alter the pain. Moreover, it shows that the effect of colors is affected by the pain expectations rather than the pain modality. We conclude that the way colors influence pain broadens the current knowledge on effects of colors on human behavior and could help in the future both patients and practitioners.
Parametric maps of spatial two-tissue compartment model for prostate dynamic contrast enhanced MRI - comparison with the standard Tofts model in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
Authors: ZHOU Xueyan , Fan Xiaobing , Chatterjee Aritrick , Yousuf Ambereen , Antic Tatjana , Oto Aytekin , Karczmar Gregory S.
Published: February 2023

The spatial two-tissue compartment model (2TCM) was used to analyze prostate dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI data and compared with the standard Tofts model. A total of 29 patients with biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer were included in this IRB-approved study. MRI data were acquired on a Philips Achieva 3T-TX scanner. After T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted imaging, DCE data using 3D T1-FFE mDIXON sequence were acquired pre- and post-contrast media injection (0.1 mmol/kg Multihance) for 60 dynamic scans with temporal resolution of 8.3 s/image. The 2TCM has one fast (K1trans and k1ep) and one slow (K2trans and k2ep) exchanging compartment, compared with the standard Tofts model parameters (Ktrans and kep). On average, prostate cancer had significantly higher values (p < 0.007) than normal prostate tissue for all calculated parameters. There was a strong correlation (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001) between Ktrans and K1trans for cancer, but weak correlation (r = 0.28, p < 0.05) between kep and k1ep. Average root-mean-square error (RMSE) in fits from the 2TCM was significantly smaller (p < 0.001) than the RMSE in fits from the Tofts model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that fast K1trans had the highest area under the curve (AUC) than any other individual parameter. The combined four parameters from the 2TCM had a considerably higher AUC value than the combined two parameters from the Tofts model. The 2TCM may be useful for quantitative analysis of prostate DCE-MRI data and may provide new information in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Spin-selective strong light-matter coupling in a 2D hole gas-microcavity system
Authors: Suárez-Forero Daniel , Session Deric , Mehrabad Mahmoud Jalali , Knuppel Patrick , Fält Stefan , Wegscheider Werner , Hafezi Mohammad
Published: February 2023

The interplay between time-reversal symmetry breaking and strong light-matter coupling in 2D gases brings intriguing aspects to polariton physics. This combination can lead to polarization/spin selective light-matter interaction in the strong coupling regime. In this work, we report such a selective strong light-matter interaction by harnessing a 2D gas in the quantum Hall regime coupled to a microcavity. Specifically, we demonstrate circular-polarization dependence of the vacuum Rabi splitting, as a function of magnetic field and hole density. We provide a quantitative understanding of the phenomenon by modeling the coupling of optical transitions between Landau levels to the microcavity. This method introduces a control tool over the spin degree of freedom in polaritonic semiconductor systems, paving the way for new experimental possibilities in light-matter hybrids.
A transposon insertion in the OsUBC12 promoter enhances cold tolerance during germination in japonica rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Fang Jun , Zhang Chuanzhong , Wang Hongru , Tian Xiaojie , Lin Xinyan , Han Yunfei , Han Zhongmin , Sha Hanjing , Liu Jia , Liu Jianfeng , Zhang Jian , Bu Qingyun
Published: February 2023

Low-temperature germination (LTG) is an important agronomic trait for rice (Oryza sativa). Japonica rice generally has greater capacity for germination at low temperatures than the indica subpopulation. However, the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying this complex trait are poorly understood. Here, we report that OsUBC12, encoding an E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, increases low-temperature germinability in japonica, owing to a transposon insertion in its promoter enhances its expression. Natural variation analysis revealed transposon insertion in the OsUBC12 promoter mainly in the japonica lineage. Notably, the genomic region carrying the japonica OsUBC12 locus (with the transposon insertion) has been introgressed into the modern elite indica two-line male sterile lines Y58S and J4155S. Further molecular analysis showed that OsUBC12 may negatively regulate ABA signaling. OsUBC12-regulated seed germination and ABA signaling mainly depend on a conserved active site required for ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme activity. Furthermore, OsUBC12 directly associates with rice SUCROSE NON-FERMENTING 1-RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 1.1 (OsSnRK1.1), promoting its degradation. In contrast to OsUBC12, OsSnRK1.1 inhibits LTG by enhancing ABA signaling. These findings shed light on the possible genomic contributions of introgressions of the japonica OsUBC12 locus to trait improvements of indica rice cultivars and provide genetic reference points for improving LTG in indica rice.
Free and open-source software for object detection, size, and colour determination for use in plant phenotyping
Authors: Wright Harry Charles , Lawrence Frederick Antonio , Ryan Anthony John , Cameron Duncan Drummond
Published: February 2023

Background
Object detection, size determination, and colour detection of optical images are tools commonly used in plant science. Key examples of this include identification of ripening stages of fruit such as tomatoes and the determination of chlorophyll content as an indicator of plant health. While methods exist for determining these important phenotypes, they often require proprietary software or require coding knowledge to adapt existing code.
Results
We provide a set of free and open-source Python scripts that, without any adaptation, are able to perform background correction and colour correction on images using a ColourChecker chart. Further scripts identify objects, use an object of known size to calibrate for size, and extract the average colour of objects in RGB, Lab, and YUV colour spaces. We use two examples to demonstrate the use of these scripts. We show the consistency of these scripts by imaging in four different lighting conditions, and then we use two examples to show how the scripts can be used. In the first example, we estimate the lycopene content in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) var. Tiny Tim using fruit images and an exponential model to predict lycopene content. We demonstrate that three different cameras (a DSLR camera and two separate mobile phones) are all able to model lycopene content. The models that predict lycopene or chlorophyll need to be adjusted depending on the camera used. In the second example, we estimate the chlorophyll content of basil (Ocimum basilicum) using leaf images and an exponential model to predict chlorophyll content.
Conclusion
A fast, cheap, non-destructive, and inexpensive method is provided for the determination of the size and colour of plant materials using a rig consisting of a lightbox, camera, and colour checker card and using free and open-source scripts that run in Python 3.8. This method accurately predicted the lycopene content in tomato fruit and the chlorophyll content in basil leaves.
Estimated Standard Values of Aerobic Capacity According to Sex and Age in a Japanese Population: A Scoping Review
Authors: Akiyama Hiroshi , Watanabe Daiki , Miyachi Motohiko
Published: February 2023

Background
Aerobic capacity, which strongly determines health status, is the ability to sustain whole-body physical activity as fast and as long as possible. This study integrated previously reported data on the aerobic capacity (peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak]/kg and anaerobic threshold [AT]/kg) of Japanese individuals. Additionally, we estimated the standard values of aerobic capacity according to sex and age in the Japanese population and compared them with those of the other countries’ populations.
Methods
We conducted a systematic review of original articles on aerobic capacity in Japan and an umbrella review of review articles on aerobic capacity in other countries. PubMed, Ichushi-Web, and Google Scholar were used for the literature search. Two researchers independently reviewed and determined the included articles. The VO2peak/kg and AT/kg values by sex and age for Japan and other countries were extracted. Mean values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a meta-analysis.
Results
Twenty-three original articles and seven reviews from Japan and other countries, respectively, were included. Estimated standard values of VO2peak/kg (mL/kg/min) for Japanese men were: 47.6, 51.2, 43.2, 37.2, 34.5, 31.7, 28.6, and 26.3 (4–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and 70–79 years). In women, they were 42.0, 43.2, 33.6, 30.6, 27.4, 25.6, 23.4, 23.1 (4–9 to 70–79 years). Estimated standard values of AT/kg (mL/kg/min) for Japanese men were 21.1, 18.3, 16.8, 15.9, 15.8, and 15.2 (20–29 to 70–79 years). In women, they were 17.4, 17.0, 15.7, 15.0, 14.5, 14.2 (20–29 to 70–79 years). In Japanese individuals, VO2peak/kg (men: -7.0% per decade; women: -6.5% per decade) and AT/kg (men: -5.3% per decade; women: -4.1% per decade) declined after the age of 20 years. VO2peak/kg (men: -6.6%; women: -5.4%) and AT/kg (men: -19.5%; women: -11.8%) of individuals were lower in Japan than in other countries.
Conclusion
Herein, we present the estimated standard values of aerobic capacity according to sex and age in a Japanese population. The aerobic capacity declined after the age of 20 years and was lower in Japan than in other countries. The estimated standard values may be useful for establishing a reference value of the aerobic capacity for health promotion.
Calibration and test of discrete element model (DEM) for compound fertilizer particles in mechanized variable-rate application
Authors: Yuan Fahui , Yu Hanwen , Wang Lin , SHI Yinyan , Xiaochan WANG , Liu Hui
Published: February 2023

Background
In order to obtain accurate discrete element simulation model (DEM) parameters of compound fertilizer and solve the problem of measuring parameters of contact mechanical properties of fertilizer particles, this study measured the intrinsic parameters and contact parameters of compound fertilizer particles through physical tests and established a simulation model that corresponds with the actual to solve the problem of challenging measurement of contact parameters of compound fertilizer particle.
Results
By using the Blackett-Burman test, the parameters that had a significant impact on the compound fertilizer's resting angle were determined to be the fertilizer-fertilizer collision recovery coefficient, fertilizer-fertilizer rolling friction coefficient, and fertilizer-steel static friction coefficient. Utilizing the steepest ascent test, the ideal value intervals for the three key parameters were identified. The Box-Burman response surface analysis was used to establish and optimize the regression model of the rest angle and significant parameters. With the actual rest angle as the target value, the best combination of significance parameters was found, which was used for the simulation verification test. The simulated rest angle is 20.61°, whereas the real rest angle was 19.95°, with a relative error of 3.31%.
Conclusion
The results demonstrate that the calibration parameters are essentially accurate representations of the real characteristics, which can serve as a reference point for simulation research and optimization design of variable fertilizer spreader.
Dynamic Evaluation of the Cervical Spine in Patients with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury without Fracture and Dislocation via Kinematic MRI
Authors: liu Ao , Qiu Nan-hai , Zhong Xue-Ren , Fang Xiang , Liao Jun-Jian , Zhang Zhi-Peng , Zheng Pei-Feng , Hu Yong-Yu , Hu Kong-He , Xiong Ying-Hui , Lu Lin-Jun , Xi Xin-Hua , Wu Qiang , Bao Yong-Zheng
Published: February 2023

Background
The pattern of changes in the cervical spine and the spinal cord and their dynamic characteristics in patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamic changes in the cervical spine and spinal cord from C2/3 to C7/T1 in different positions using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation. This study was approved by the ethics committee of Yuebei People's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University.
Methods
Using median sagittal T2-weighted images for 16 patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation who underwent cervical kinematic MRI, the anterior space available for the cord, spinal cord diameter, posterior space available for the cord from C2/3 to C7/T1, and Muhle’s grade were determined. The spinal canal diameter was calculated by adding the anterior space available for the cord, spinal cord diameter, and posterior space available for the cord.
Results
Anterior space available for the cord, posterior space available for the cord, and spinal canal diameter at C2/3 and C7/T1 were significantly higher than those from C3/4 to C6/7. Muhle’s grades at C2/3 and C7/T1 were significantly lower than those at the other levels. Spinal canal diameter was lower in extension than in the neutral and flexion positions. In the operated segments, significantly lesser space was available for the cord (anterior space available for the cord + posterior space available for the cord) and the spinal cord diameter/spinal canal diameter ratio was higher compared with C2/3, C7/T1, and non-operated segments.
Conclusion
Kinematic MRI demonstrated dynamic pathoanatomical changes, such as canal stenosis in different positions, in patients with cervical spinal cord injury without fracture and dislocation. The injured segment had a small canal diameter, high Muhle’s grade, low space available for the cord, and high spinal cord diameter/spinal canal diameter ratio.
Evaluation of Using Topical Bromfenac as an Adjunctive Treatment with Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Gabr Ahmed Fathy , Kamel Marian Faried , Barawy Ahmed Abdalla El
Published: February 2023

Purpose
To determine the safety and efficacy of adding topical bromfenac 0.09% in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.
Methods
Seventy patients (70 eyes) with centre involved diabetic macular edema (DME) with macular thickness (300-500um) were included. Patients were divided randomly into two groups; 35 eyes in each group. Both groups were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab monthly for three consecutive months. Bromfenac 0.09% eye drops twice daily was added to treatment of study group for six months from commencement of treatment. Efficacy of topical bromfenac was evaluated by comparing both groups through follow-up period as regards to visual acuity, central retinal thickness and the need of re-injection.
Results
Patients treated with topical bromfenac in addition to intravitreal ranibizumab revealed significant improvement in visual acuity, more reduction in central and average macular thickness; and less tendency to need reinjection compared to those treated with ranibizumab alone (p 0.013, p 0.010 and p 0.022 respectively).
Conclusion
Topical bromfenac 0.09 % twice a day could enhance and sustain the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema without increase incidence of corneal side effects.
A unifying criterion of the boiling crisis
Authors: Zhang Limiao , Wang Chi , Su Guanyu , Kossolapov Artyom , Aguiar Gustavo Matana , Seong Jee Hyun , Chavagnat Florian , Phillips Bren , Rahman Md Mahamudur , Bucci Matteo
Published: February 2023

We reveal and justify, both theoretically and experimentally, the existence of a unifying criterion of the boiling crisis. This criterion emerges from an instability in the near-wall interactions of bubbles, which can be described as a percolation process driven by three fundamental boiling parameters: nucleation site density, average bubble footprint radius and product of average bubble growth time and detachment frequency. Our analysis suggests that the boiling crisis occurs on a well-defined critical surface in the multidimensional space of these parameters. Our experiments confirm the existence of this unifying criterion for a wide variety of boiling surface geometries and textures, two boiling regimes (pool and flow boiling) and two fluids (water and liquid nitrogen). This criterion constitutes a simple mechanistic criterion to predict the boiling crisis, also providing a guiding principle for designing boiling surfaces that would maximize the nucleate boiling performance.
A hybrid machine learning model for in-process estimation of printing distance in laser Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Ribeiro Kandice Suane Barros , Núñez Henrique Hiram Libutti , Venter Giuliana Sardi , Doude Haley Rubisoff , Coelho Reginaldo Teixeira
Published: February 2023

There are several parameters that highly influence material quality and printed shape in laser Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) operations. These parameters are usually defined for an optimal combination of energy input (laser power, scanning speed) and material feed rate, providing ideal bead geometry and layer height to the printing setup. However, during printing, layer height can vary. Such variation affects the upcoming layers by changing the printing distance, inducing printing to occur in defocus zone then cumulatively increasing shape deviation. In order to address such issue, this paper proposes a novel intelligent hybrid method for in-process estimating the printing distance ( \(Z_s\) ) from melt pool images acquired during L-DED. The proposed hybrid method uses transfer learning to combine pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) for an accurate yet computationally fast methodology. A dataset with \(2,700\) melt pool images was generated from the deposition of lines, at \(60\) different values of $Z_s$, and used for training. The best hybrid algorithm trained performed with a Mean Average Error (MAE) of \(0.266\) , which indicates an average target error of \(6.7%\) . The deployment of this algorithm in an application dataset allowed the printing distance to be estimated and the final part geometry to be inferred from the data. Thus, the present method can aid on-line feedback control on the Z-axis increment, to regulate layer height, improving 3D shape geometry in L-DED.
A High Curing Efficiency Sucrose-based Adhesive via two-step modification by Toluene-4-sulfonic Acid and Methylenediphenyl Diisocyanate
Authors: Lin Qiumu , Cai Wenqian , Zhang Xue , Zhang Wang , Xia Xuanyuan , Zhao Zhongyuan
Published: February 2023

Sucrose-based adhesives utilize renewable biomass material sucrose as the main ingredient, which are eco-friendly and non-toxic, making them attractive potential substitutes for formaldehyde-based wood adhesives. However, wood-based panel processing using sucrose-based adhesives requires extraordinary harsh conditions with high hot-pressing temperatures (≥170 ℃), limiting practical applications. In this study, the sucrose-based adhesive (SD adhesive) was modified by toluene-4-sulfonic acid (TsOH) and methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) in two steps. The sucrose-based solution (SS) of the optimal adhesive in the study (SDTM20 adhesive) was synthesized with 5%TsOH catalyst at 100 ℃ for 3h, and then 20%MDI curing agent was added, followed by mixing. After that, the curing behavior, curing mechanism and microscopic characterization was used to analyze the optimal prepared materials. The wet shear strength (0.80 MPa) of the prepared adhesive meets the GB/T 9846-2015 China National Standard (≥0.7 MPa). 13C NMR showed that the TsOH catalyst promoted the formation of aromatic compounds, oligosaccharides and carbonyls, and the 5-HMF content of the SS in SDTM20 adhesive (44.0 g/L) was 158.8% higher than that of SD adhesive. In addition, the thermal curing behavior of SDTM20 adhesive was explained by changes in insoluble mass proportion (IMP) and TG-DSC thermal analysis. From the IMP measurement, SDTM20 adhesive (61.2%) increased by 141.9% compared with the SD adhesive. Additionally, in TG-DTG and DSC curves, the rapid weight loss temperature (145.1 ℃) corresponded to the endothermic reaction temperature (135.3 ℃), implying that the main curing reaction occurred at approximately 140 ℃, indicating that it is possible to improve curing efficiency of SD adhesive. ATR-FTIR was used to evaluate the curing mechanism of the SDTM20 adhesive. After adding TsOH/MDI, the dehydration reaction of sucrose, caramelization reaction, and Maillard reaction were accelerated to improve the curing efficiency. A complex polymeric cross-linking network structure with isocyanurate rings was generated, mainly connected by dimethyl ether bridges. SEM analysis of the microstructure of the adhesive revealed unknown crystal substances and small bubble pores on the fracture surface of the modified SDTM adhesive, showing that a novel cross-linking reaction had occurred.
Does Common Ownership Cause Higher Prices? Evidence from Retail Gasoline Markets
Authors: Sladden Nicholas
Published: February 2023

The ownership of competing firms by investment funds, or common ownership, can cause anti-competitive product market outcomes. This paper examines the price effects of common ownership in the Western Australian (WA) retail gasoline market. Using a rich data set of daily, station-level petrol prices, I exploit the acquisition of Puma Energy by Chevron which delivered a significant shock to common ownership in the market. Through a difference-in-differences framework, I estimate that prices increased by 1.54 cents per litre on average at BP stations that had increased common ownership relative to unaffected BP stations, representing a 20% increase in margins.
JEL classification: G23, G34, L13, L22, L41, Q41.
Are the interglacial epochs analogue of the Asian-African monsoon response to global warming?
Authors: Wang Yuhao , He Chao , Li Tim , Zhang Chengming , Gu Xiaoli
Published: February 2023

Precipitation was claimed to increase over Asian and North African monsoon (AAM) regions during past interglacial epochs and also under future global warming scenarios. Using CMIP6 model experiments, this study compares the changes of AAM in interglacial epochs to global warming. Moisture budget analysis shows that the increased monsoon rainfall during interglacial epochs primarily results from the dynamic process associated with strengthened monsoon circulation, but is caused by thermodynamic process under global warming associated with increased mean moisture. To disentangle the mechanism for the distinct changes in vertical and horizontal monsoon circulation, we further decompose the response of AAM to global warming into the direct effect from CO2 radiative forcing and the indirect effect due to increased sea surface temperature (SST), based on idealized CMIP6 experiments. The results show that the effect of direct CO2 radiative forcing on the AAM is an analogue to that in interglacial epochs driven by enhanced land-ocean equivalent potential temperature contrast, both of which are characterized by strengthened vertical and horizontal monsoon circulation despite regional difference. However, the above effect is overwhelmed by the substantially increased SST under global warming, which is absent during interglacial epochs. The substantial SST warming acts to weaken the monsoon circulation by decreasing the land-ocean equivalent potential temperature contrast and enhancing the atmospheric static stability. Our results demonstrate that the interglacial epoch is not an analogue of the AAM response to global warming, and the lack of global SST warming is responsible for their difference.
Effect of chemotherapy and different chemotherapy regimens on bone health among Chinese breast cancer women in different menstrual status: a self-control study
Authors: Peng Bai-qing , Wu Juan , Tian Shen , Qu Xiu-quan , Liang Xin-yu , Feng Jun-han , Chen Yu-ling , She Rui-ling , Ma Chen-yu , Song Jing-yu , Li Zhao-xing , Jiang Zhi-yu , Wu Kai-nan , Kong Ling-quan
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Although the therapy-related bone loss attracts increasing attention nowadays, the differences in chemotherapy-induced bone loss and bone metabolism indexes change among BC women with different menstrual statuses or chemotherapy regimens are unknown. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of different regimens of chemotherapy on bone health.
Method
The self-control study enrolled 118 BC patients who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) screening and (or) bone metabolism indexes monitoring during chemotherapy at Chongqing Breast Cancer Center. Mann-Whitney U test, Cochran's Q test and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed.
Results
After chemotherapy, the BMD in the lumbar 1-4 and whole lumbar statistically decreased (-1.8% /per six month), leading to a significantly increased proportion of osteoporosis (27.1% vs. 20.5%, P < 0.05), which were mainly seen in the premenopausal group (-7.0% /per six month). Of the chemotherapeutic regimens of EC (epirubicin+cyclophosphamide), TC(docetaxel+cyclophosphamide), TEC (docetaxel+epirubicin+cyclophosphamide), EC-T(H) [epirubicin+cyclophosphamide-docetaxel and/or trastuzumab], EC regimen had the least adverse impact on BMD, while the EC-TH regimen reduced BMD most(P < 0.05) in spite of the none-statistical difference between EC-T regimen, which was mainly seen in the postmenopausal group. Except the postmenopausal population with calcium/VitD supplement, the albumin-adjusted calcium increased significantly(2.21mmol/L vs. 2.33 mmol/L, P < 0.05) after chemotherapy. In postmenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement,β-CTX decreased significantly(0.56ng/ml vs. 0.39ng/ml, P < 0.05) and BMD weren’t affected by chemotherapy (P > 0. 05). In premenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, PTH decreased significantly (52.90pg/ml vs. 28.80pg/ml, P=0. 008) and hip BMD increased after chemotherapy (0.845g/m2 vs. 0.952g/m2, P=0. 006). As for both postmenopausal and premenopausal group without calcium/VitD supplement, there was a significant decrease in bone mass in hip and lumbar vertebrae after chemotherapy (0.831g/m2 vs. 0.776g/m2; 0.895g/m2 vs. 0.870g/m2, P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Chemotherapy might induce lumbar vertebrae BMD loss and spine osteoporosis with regimen differences among Chinese BC patients. Calcium/VitD supplementation could improve bone turnover markers, bone metabolism indicators and bone mineral density. Early interventions on bone health are needed for BC patients during chemotherapy.
Comparison of Metabolomic Profile Between Colistin Susceptible and Colistin Resistant Strains of A. baumanni
Authors: Atron Bydaa , Hasbek Mursit , Doğan Halef O. , ŞENOL Onur
Published: February 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii, has emerged as a critical nosocomial pathogen with the ability to develop resistance to all available antimicrobials, including colistin. Metabolomics tools may aid in the observation of the low molecular weight compounds in biochemical pathways yielding additional information about drug-resistant bacteria. The objective of this work was to compare the differential expression of metabolites between colistin-susceptible and resistant clinical strains of A. baumannii. The Q-TOF LC/MS method was used together with multivariate data analysis, Annotation of identified metabolites was performed along with the analysis of the metabolic pathways. Our results revealed that colistin-susceptible and colistin-resistant A. baumannii Strains have different metabolic profiles. Some of the identified metabolites were found to be involved in multiple biochemical pathways, such as cell wall biosynthesis and recycling, astaxanthin biosynthesis, and nucleotide metabolism. Cell wall recycling and nucleic acid degradation-related metabolites were up-regulated in colistin-sensitive strains. The lipid profile was down-regulated in colistin-resistant strains. On the other hand, a virulence factor that can serve as a drug target was found to be up-regulated in resistant strains. Our findings can provide a basis for further research on the elucidation of metabolites' role in resistance mechanisms and the determination of novel drug targets that would aid in the development of effective therapeutics against A. baumannii.
Numerical Assessment of Polyoxymethylene Dimethyl Ether (OME3) Injection Timing in Compression Ignition Engine
Authors: Marković Marijan , Jurić Filip , Šošić Dominik Pečaver , Schmalhorst Carsten , Hoang Anh Tuan , Vujanović Milan
Published: February 2023

This research encompasses the numerical analysis of trioxymethylene dimethyl ether (OME-3) e-fuel on an industrial compression ignition engine, as a viable replacement for diesel fuel. The performed simulations examined single injection and multi injection operating conditions of OME-3, varying injection rates and timing. The combustion process is modelled employing two approaches: three-dimensional Extended Coherent Flame Model (ECFM-3Z) and General Gas Phase Reactions (GGPR) with the reduced chemical kinetic mechanism. ECFM-3Z gives a faster convergence, where pretabulated autoignition and laminar flame speed databases are integrated into the model to decrease computational time. GGPR approach is validated on the experimental values for mean pressure, temperature, and rate of released heat in the same engine with diesel fuel and then again on an OME-3. Both approaches confirmed that a higher amount of OME-3 and a longer injection time is needed to achieve equivalent output power as diesel fuel since OME-3 has a lower net calorific value. It is established that multi injection case with an adapted injection timing is the optimal choice for OME-3 combustion since it achieves a 15% higher mean pressure peak compared to the diesel case. Nitrogen oxides emissions for OME-3 are also compared to the diesel case for both combustion modelling approaches.
A novel mutation of the EYA1 gene in a branchio-otic syndrome child with secretory otitis media and bilateral vestibular weakness
Authors: He Jun , Gu Yu , Jin Li , Ren Jihao , Yin Tuanfang , Fu Jinfeng , Liu Wei
Published: February 2023

Objective To investigate the phenotypic manifestations and molecular etiology of branchio-otic syndrome (BOS) in a Chinese family. Methods We recruited two generations of a Chinese family with BOS. Family history was obtained and detailed physical and hearing examinations were performed on all family members. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used to screen the candidate disease genes using phenolyzer software. Sanger sequencing was used for validation. The pathogenicity of the candidate mutations was analyzed. Results The proband had severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear, and mixed hearing loss, type III cup-shaped ear, external auditory canal stenosis and cochlea hypoplasia in the right ear; Cochlear hypoplasia together with the fused lateral semicircular canal and vestibular in the left ear, with bilateral preauricular pits and branchial fistulae. Moreover, the patient had unilateral secretory otitis media(SOM) in the right ear and bilateral vestibular weakness (BVW), which has not been reported in previous studies. The patient’s hearing on the right side was restored to nearly normal after myringotomy with grommet insertion. We also identified a novel frameshift mutation in the proband (c.1697_1698delinsT[p.Lys566Ilefs*73]) in exon 17 of theEYA1gene, which was assessed as “pathogenic” according to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Sanger sequencing was used to validate the novel heterozygous mutation and WES accuracy. Conclusion This is the first report of a child with BOS with SOM and BVW, further enriching the known phenotypes of this gene mutation. We also observed a novelEYA1gene mutation site in a patient with BOS, expanding the mutation map and providing a reference for genetic diagnosis.
Unintentional Pediatric Exposures to Household Cleaning Products: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Poison Data System (2000-2015)
Authors: Pacini Anthony , Tsutaoka Ben , Lai Leslie , Durrani Timur S.
Published: February 2023

Background
Household cleaning products are the second most common cause of unintentional poisoning in the United States.
Methods
This cross-sectional study analyzed all household cleaner calls classified as ages five and under made to the American Association of Poison Control Centers between the dates of 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2015.
Results
Significant clinical effects or injury was low, making up only 2.6% of cases with a known medical outcome. Alkali-based cleaning products accounted for the third highest frequency of overall exposures and the highest number of all exposure outcomes determined to have a significant clinical effect or injury.
Conclusions
Future injury prevention efforts should focus on increased awareness for parents of alkali cleaning products such as oven cleaners and drain cleaners, emphasizing purchasing products with child resistant packaging and proper storage and use practices.
Brachyury-targeted immunotherapy combined with gemcitabine against head and neck cancer
Authors: Yamaki Hidekiyo , Kono Michihisa , Wakisaka Risa , Komatsuda Hiroki , Kumai Takumi , Hayashi Ryusuke , Sato Ryosuke , Nagato Toshihiro , Ohkuri Takayuki , Kosaka Akemi , Ohara Kenzo , Kishibe Kan , Takahara Miki , Hayashi Tatsuya , Kobayashi Hiroya , Katada Akihiro
Published: February 2023

Brachyury is a transcription factor belonging to the T-box gene family and is involved in the posterior formation of the mesoderm and differentiation of chordates. As the overexpression of Brachyury is a poor prognostic factor in a variety of cancers, the establishment of Brachyury-targeted therapy would be beneficial for the treatment of aggressive tumors. Because transcription factors are difficult to treat with a therapeutic antibody, peptide vaccines are a feasible approach for targeting Brachyury. In this study, we identified Brachyury-derived epitopes that elicit antigen-specific and tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells that directly kill tumors. T cells recognizing Brachyury epitopes were present in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Next, we focused on gemcitabine (GEM) as an immunoadjuvant to augment the efficacy of antitumor responses by T cells. Interestingly, GEM upregulated HLA class I and HLA-DR expression in tumor, followed by the upregulation of anti-tumor T-cell responses. As tumoral PD-L1 expression was also augmented by GEM, PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and GEM synergistically enhanced the tumor-reactivity of Brachyury-reactive T cells. The synergy between the PD-1/PD-L1 blockade and GEM was also confirmed in a mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These results suggest that the combined treatment of Brachyury peptide with GEM and immune checkpoint blockade could be a promising immunotherapy against head and neck cancer.
Driving the conversion of phytosterol to steroid synthons in Mycolicibacterium neoaurum by engineering the supply and regeneration of flavin adenine dinucleotide
Authors: Lu Song , Ke Jie , Luo Zhi-Kun , Xiong Liang-Bin , Dong Yu-Guo , Wei Dong-Zhi , Wang Feng-Qing
Published: February 2023

Background
The conversion of phytosterols to steroid synthons by engineered Mycolicibacteria comprises one of the core steps in the commercial production of steroid hormones. This is a complex oxidative catabolic process, and taking the production of androstenones as example, it requires about 10 equivalent flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). As the high demand for FAD, the insufficient supply of FAD may be a common issue limiting the conversion process.
Results
We substantiated, using the production of 9α-hydroxy-4-androstene-3,17-dione (9-OHAD) as a model, that increasing intracellular FAD supply could effectively increase the conversion of phytosterols into 9-OHAD. Overexpressing ribB and ribC, two key genes involving in FAD synthesis, could significantly enhance the amount of intracellular FAD by 167.4% and the production of 9-OHAD by 25.6%. Subsequently, styrene monooxygenase NfStyA2B from Nocardia farcinica was employed to promote the cyclic regeneration of FAD by coupling the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) to NAD+, and the production of 9-OHAD was further enhanced by 9.4%. However, the viable cell numbers decreased by 20.1%, which was attributed to sharply increased levels of H2O2 because of the regeneration of FAD from FADH2. Thus, we tried to resolve the conflict between FAD regeneration and cell growth by the promotor replacement. Finally, a robust strain NF-P2 was obtained, which could produce 9.02 g/L 9-OHAD after adding 15 g/L phytosterols with productivity of 0.075 g/(L∙ h), which was 66.7% higher than that produced by the original strain.
Conclusions
This study highlighted that the cofactor engineering, including the supply and recycling of FAD and NAD+ in Mycolicibacterium, should be adopted as a parallel strategy with pathway engineering to improve the productivity of the industrial strains in the conversion of phytosterols into steroid synthons.
Molecular insight into the expression level of an immunosuppression gene, VTCN1, and its regulatory factors in breast cancer patients and non-cancerous samples with a higher level of IgE
Authors: Sichani Adel Rezvani , Dadkhah Pouya , Tabandeh Tara , Dehkordi Nafiseh Kaviani , Rezaei Mohammad , Rahimirad Samira , Azadeh Mansoureh
Published: February 2023

IgE levels increase in some cancer types due to treatment methods also autoimmune diseases can emerge and lead to worsening of the cancer. Finding a factor based on the reduction in IgE levels found in cancer can act as a determinant in providing the early diagnosis of the disease in individuals with high IgE levels in their blood. Accordingly, in the present study, the effort was made to select a gene associated with breast cancer and high IgE levels through available databases to evaluate the gene expression and the associated lncRNA and polymorphism at the binding site of a miRNA with a gene. In this study, the expression of the VTCN1 gene and the associated lncRNA called NORAD (Non-Coding RNA Activated by DNA Damage), selected through bioinformatics methods and relevant databases were assessed in breast cancer tissue samples along with the blood samples of individuals with high IgE levels, employing the real-time PCR method. Lastly, NORAD’s protein interactions and the relevant signaling pathways were further investigated via bioinformatics tools. The results indicated that the expression of VTCN1 genes increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas NORAD increased insignificantly (P > 0.05) in both breast cancer and high IgE level samples. The prevalence of GG genotype in polymorphism rs10754339 was similarly high in both categories of samples. Bioinformatic analyses also demonstrated NORAD's association with proteins involved in immunity pathways. This study suggests the VTCN1 and NORAD genes as convenient markers for monitoring breast cancer in people with high IgE levels, as well as employing them in the research regarding the autoimmune diseases in individuals with a breast cancer diagnosis.
PKM2 promotes lymphatic metastasis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma via regulating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Zhou Xin , Li Yanshi , Pan Min , Lu Tao , Liu Chuan , Wang Zhihai , Tang Fengxiang , Hu Guohua
Published: February 2023

Objective Patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC) have a poor prognosis mainly because of lymphatic metastasis (LM). This research aimed to determine the PKM2 role in LM in HPC and the underlying molecular mechanism contributing to this phenomenon. Methods PKM2 in HPC was studied for its expression and its likelihood of overall survival using TCGA dataset. Kaplan-Meier and COX's regression analysis were employed to determine PKM2's prognostic value, while western blotting, qRT-PCR, and IHC were employed to confirm PKM2 expression. Methods including gain- and loss-of-function were used to examine the PKM2 role in HPC metastasisin vitroandin vivo. After that, Transwell assay, Wound Healing assay, Flow cytometry, EdU, and anin vivoPopliteal lymphatic metastasis mice model were employed to show the role of PKM2 in FaDu cell lines.In vitroandin vivo studies also confirmed lymphatic metastasis's mechanism. Results Prominent PKM2 overexpression was seen in patients with LM of HPC, and there was an inherent relationship between a high PKM2 level and poor prognosis.In vitroresearch showed that knocking down PKM2 decreased tumor cell invasion, migration, and proliferation while promoting apoptosis and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but overexpressing PKM2 had the reverse effect. Animal studies suggested that PKM2 may facilitate tumor development and LM. Conclusions Our findings suggest that PKM2 may be a tumor's promoter gene of LM, which may promote LM of HPC by regulating EMT. PKM2 may be a biomarker of metastatic potential, ultimately providing a basis for exploring new therapeutic targets.
Medial to lateral VS lateral to medial in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy-are both techniques the same?
Authors: Hazan Danny , Ishakov Arkadi , Levi Sammy , shimonov mordechai , dayan katia
Published: February 2023

Purpose
we compare MtL to LtM surgical approach for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, with regards to number of lymph node harvested, operation duration, and length of hospitalization (LOH).
Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy resections for malignant neoplasms, curative-intent, between 2013 to 2020 at Edith Wolfson Medical Center. Surgical techniques were defined as Medial to lateral if the first stage included blood vessel ligation. Lateral to Medial was defined if the first step included mobilization of the lateral attachments.
Results
133 patients who were diagnosed with colon cancer (mean age 72 ± 5.8 years, 46% males) were selected for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. 54 were treated with the MtL approach, and 79 were treated with the LtM approach. Lymph nodes harvested were similar between the 2 groups (mean of 17, SD +-11). LOH and time of first flatulence were similar between the groups (11.78 ± 1.8 for the LtM group vs. 10.56 ± 1.4 for the MtL group for LOH, and 3.75 ± 0.8 days for the LtM group vs. 4 ± 0.9 days for the MtL group for time of first flatulence, p = 0.30 and p = 0.69 respectively). No difference in patient's survival rate within 30 days. Patients after LtM approach had a shorter operation time (2.18H).
Conclusion
The laparoscopic approach performing right hemicolectomy resection can be performed safely with the same results using the two methods compared. It showed no oncological benefits, and no significant differences in the LOH or short term survival. The LtM approach was associated with a shorter surgery time.
Exploring navigation of gender in a sample of clinically referred young people attending the Gender Identity Development Service
Authors: Haywood Daisy , De Andrés María , Masic Una , Carmichael Polly
Published: February 2023

Background: Gender-diverse young people navigate a cisnormative world and are subject to unique minority stressors, which have been found to contribute to adverse mental health. This research aimed to understand the experiences of clinically referred gender-diverse young people prior to commencing clinical support in gender services.
Methods: The baseline measure of a newly developed questionnaire, the GIDS Gender Questionnaire (GIDS-GQ), was sent to all young people (or caregivers for those aged under 12) attending the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS). Eighty-four young people and caregivers completed the questionnaire, with eighty-one included in the final sample (M = 15.77 years, SD = 1.83, range = 9-17; assigned female at birth = 72, assigned male at birth = 9). Questionnaires were emailed to participants via an online survey between one and three appointments with the Service. Data were collected between April 2021 and February 2022.
Results: All young people had initiated a social transition, with 75.3% categorised as fully socially transitioned. More young people reported experiencing transphobic bullying (64.2%) and a lack of acceptance of their gender identity (85.1%) in the past than in the time just prior to attending the service (transphobic bullying: 12.3%; non-acceptance: 49.4%). 94.5% of the sample reported disliked body parts, most commonly breasts (80.8%), genitals (37%), and hips (31.5%). Participants most commonly reported a decrease in their mood (61.25%) and most areas of social connectedness.
Conclusions: The majority of this sample had socially transitioned, were supported in their identification, and had experienced less transphobic bullying and non-acceptance prior to commencing services. However, young people continued to dislike their bodies, and experience low mood and social connectedness. Prospective research is required to understand the role of clinical support in distress management.