bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Healthcare Resource Utilization and Costs in Patients With a Newly Confirmed Diagnosis of Lupus Nephritis in the United States Over a 5-year Follow-up Period
Authors: Bell Christopher F , Wu Benjamin , Huang Shirley P , Rubin Bernard , Averell Carlyne M , Chastek Benjamin , Hulbert Erin M
Published: November 2022

Background: Evaluate healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and healthcare costs in patients with a newly confirmed diagnosis of lupus nephritis (LN) in the United States, over a 5-year follow-up period.
Methods: This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study (GSK Study 214102) utilized administrative claims data to identify individuals with a newly confirmed diagnosis of LN between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2018, based on LN-specific International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes. Index was the date of first claim with an LN-related diagnosis code during this period. HCRU, healthcare costs, and incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares were reported for each post-index year of follow-up for eligible patients with at least 5 years continuous enrollment post-index.
Results: Of 2,159 patients with a newly confirmed diagnosis of LN meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, 335 had at least 5 years continuous enrollment post-index.
HCRU was greatest in the first year post-LN diagnosis across all categories (inpatient admission, emergency room [ER] visits, ambulatory visits, and pharmacy use), and trended lower, though remained substantial, in the 5-year follow-up period. Among patients with HCRU, the mean (standard deviation [SD]) number of ER visits and inpatient admissions were 3.7 (4.6) and 1.8 (1.5), respectively, in Year 1, which generally remained stable in Years 2–5; the mean (SD) number of ambulatory visits and pharmacy fills were 35.8 (25.1) and 62.9 (43.8), respectively, in Year 1, and remained similar for Years 2–5.
Most patients (≥91.6%) had ≥1 SLE flare in each of the 5 years of follow-up. The proportion of patients who experienced a severe SLE flare was higher in Year 1 (31.6%) than subsequent years (14.3%–18.5%).
Total costs (medical and pharmacy; mean [SD]) were higher in Year 1 ($44,205 [71,532]) than subsequent years ($29,444 [52,310]–$32,222 [58,216]), driven mainly by inpatient admissions (Year 1: $21,181 [58,886]; subsequent years: $7,406 [23,331]–$9,389 [29,283]).
Conclusion: Patients with a newly confirmed diagnosis of LN have substantial HCRU and healthcare costs, particularly in the year post-diagnosis, and largely driven by inpatient costs. This highlights the need for interventions to prevent renal damage and improve outcomes in patients with renal involvement.
Bioprospecting of Indigenous Microalgae to Evaluate Their Potential for Bioenergy and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Shafique Tahira , Safir Waqas , Shahid Mariam , uddin Nasir , Safir Anis , Khan Fahim Ullah
Published: November 2022

In this study we investigated the phycoremediation ability of indigenous microalgal strains using synthetic wastewater along with the production of high-value biomass. Two algal strains were collected, cultured, purified, and later named as named as BERC3 and BERC4 after morphologically and genetically identification. Nutrient concentrations, pH, and light intensity were optimized for maximum growth and metabolite content. Harvested biomass was characterized to check the impact of wastewater on the biomass productivity and metabolite content (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, pigments) of selected strains. Results shows that both strains produced maximum biomass in low-light (150µmol m− 2 s− 1) at neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Both the strains performed very well in MGB11 (synthetic wastewater), indicated that these strains are suitable for growth in wastewater as those conditions favor biomass and metabolite production.
TLR4 inhibited autophagy by modulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in GC cell lines
Authors: Zhang Qian , Dan Jun , Meng Shuang , Li Yingjie , Li Jing
Published: November 2022

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern recognition receptors that are found on both immune cells and cancerous cells. Gastric cancer (GC) cells/tissues have been shown to exhibit elevated levels of TLR4. Here, we examined the role of TLR4 on autophagy and growth in GC cells. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot (WB) were used to determine TLR4 levels at different stages of GC cells/tissues as well as the levels of autophagy-related proteins (ARPs) and determine the underlying signaling mechanism. Cellular growth was assessed via the CCK-8 assay. The protein and mRNA levels of ARPs were elucidated, followed by the estimation of the involved signaling pathways. Our results demonstrated that the modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway resulted from autophagy inhibition/induction, which was in turn induced by the overexpression and knockdown of TLR4. Thus, TLR4 played a vital role in GC progression.
Influence of Titania–graphene nanocomposite and coronatine on taxanes production and expression patterns of the key genes involved in taxol biosynthetic pathway in cell suspension culture of Taxus baccata
Authors: gougeh rahimeh - hemmati , Fatahi Reza - , shokrpour majid - , naghavi Mohammad Reza , Varshochi Alidad - , Mirjalili Mohammad Hossein , Nasiri Jaber -
Published: November 2022

In this study, the potential effects of two elicitors of coronatine and TiO2/graphene nanocomposite were evaluated on the expression of txs, dbat, bapt and dbtnbt genes, as well as taxanes production in cell suspension cultures of Taxus baccata. For this purpose, we studied the influence of 10 µMl− 1 of coronatine and 30 µgl− 1 of TiO2/graphene nanocomposite along with phenylalanine and benzoeic acid at the concentrations of 0.003 mM and 1.0 mM, respectively. Our results indicated that the amounts of taxanes induced by TiO2/graphene nanocomposite were upper than coronatine and control (42.47, 22.187, and 13.36 µgl− 1 DW). The maximum amounts of baccatin III and taxol were detected at four days after treatment with TiO2/graphene nanocomposite. The highest quantities of 10-deacetylbaccatin III and 10-deacetyltaxol were detected in day 16 after treatment with TiO2/graphene nanocomposite and the control, respectively. The amount of cephalomannine get raised gradually with TiO2/graphene nanocomposite. Meanwhile, TiO2/graphene nanocomposite increased the relative gene expressions TXS and DBTNBT than Coronatine. The uppermost amount of TXS expression was observed 4 days after application of two elicitors. The DBAT gene exhibited the lowest gene expression among the four genes studied. The minimum and the maximum level of BAPT expression was detected after treatment with coronatine and TiO2/graphene nanocomposite at day 4, respectively. The highest expression of DBTNBT occurred after treatment with TiO2/graphene nanocomposite at day 2, whilst treatment with coronatine had no effect. In conclusion, TiO2/graphene nanocomposite was more effective elicitors to induce production of taxanes and gene expressions levels during experiments as compared with coronatine and control.
Evaluation of a Novel Precision Care Model for Management of Chronic Disease in Primary Care: An Open Label Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Mallin Michael P. , Hall Jane , Herlihy Maria , Gelman Eduard J. , Stone Michael B.
Published: November 2022

Precision medicine is a relatively new field, based on the hypothesis that genetic predispositions influence an individual’s response to specific interventions such as diet, exercise, supplements and prescription medications. Despite the increase in commercially available genomic testing, few studies have investigated the effect of a physician-directed program to optimize health using genomics-based precision medicine.
We performed an observational cohort study to evaluate the effect of the Wild Health program, a physician and health coach service offering genomics-based lifestyle interventions and supplement recommendations, on biomarkers indicative of chronic disease.
Patients underwent genomic testing, biomarker testing, and a full evaluation by physicians and health coaches, with ongoing health coaching after the initial medical consultation. Improvements in several clinically relevant out-of-range biomarkers at baseline were identified in patients treated through lifestyle intervention without the use of prescription medication. Notably, normalization of several out-of-range biomarkers associated with chronic disease occurred in 47.5% (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]), 33.3% (low density lipoprotein particle number [LDL-P] , and 33.2% (C-reactive protein [CRP]).
Evolutionary ethnobiology and knowledge about medicinal resources used to treat COVID-19 symptoms in Salvaterra, Marajó, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Andrade Marcia Tatiana Vilhena Segtowich , Monteiro Samuele Mougo , Costa Vitoria Menezes da , de Assis Davison Marcio Silva , Tavares-Martins Ana Claudia Caldeira
Published: November 2022

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has exerted selective pressure on local medical systems, encouraging human groups to seek alternative treatments, including traditional medicine. Natural treatments are critical alternatives for Amazonian populations due to the barriers they face to access health care services. Thus, this research aimed to carry out an ethnobiological study with evolutionary and ethnopharmacological approach on the selection processes and routes of knowledge transmission about treatments for COVID-19 to understand how local medical systems in the municipality de Salvaterra are adapting to the presence of COVID-19. Data collection was carried out through semi-structured interviews applied to residents of Salvaterra who tested positive for COVID-19. The interviews were conducted between July and October 2021. Sixty-two people, 31 living in urban and 31 in rural areas, were interviewed. Most respondents (74%) used natural treatments to treat the symptoms of COVID-19. Thirty-four plant species belonging to 21 botanical families were cited. Lemon [Citrus × limon(L.) Osbeck], garlic (Allium sativumL.), and jambu [Acmella oleracea(L.) R.K. Jansen] were the most cited. The preference for using leaves and plants from managed environments in preparing herbal remedies reinforces theories that the environment can influence how people use natural resources in each biome. The prevalence of horizontal (37%) instead of vertical (30%) transmission of knowledge reinforces that more diffuse ways, such as the horizontal and diagonal, are favored in unstable environments such as those created when a new disease emerges. According to the data, age and familiarity were the most substantial biases influencing the learning of biocultural traits in the studied local medical system.
Genetic testing and diagnostic strategies of fetal skeletal dysplasia: a preliminary study in Wu Han, China ​
Authors: Liu Wanlu , Cao Jing , Shi Xinwei , Li Yuqi , Qiao Fuyuan , Wu Yuanyuan
Published: November 2022

Background
Fetal skeletal dysplasia (FSD) is a diverse group of degenerative diseases of bone and cartilage disorders that can lead to movement disorder and even death. This study aims to deliver prenatal diagnosis through sonographic examination and genetic testing.
Methods
From September 2015 to April 2021, the study investigated 24 cases with suspected short-limb fetuses, which were obtained from Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. To identify the causative gene, multiple approaches (including karyotype analysis, copy number variations and whole exome sequencing) were performed on these fetuses. And further segregation analysis of the candidate variant was performed in parents by using Sanger sequencing.
Results
① Out of 24 cases, likely pathogenic gene variants in FGFR3, FBN2, COL1A2, CUL7 and DYNC2H1 were detected for 6 cases; genetic variants in FGFR3, IMPAD1 and GORAB as possibly lethal mutations were identified in other 6 cases; and gene variants in WNT1, FBN1, OBSL1, COL1A1, DYNC2H1 and NEK1, known as Variant of Undetermined Significance (VUS), were found in 4 cases. The rest 8 cases showed undetectable mutation in the whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis. ②A genetic diagnosis determined 12 different skeletal dysplasia genotypes in 14/24 (58.3%) cases. The other 10 cases with wild type gene (41.7%) were normal and well developed in one-year follow-up survey after study.
Conclusion
Genetic testing combining with ultrasound scanning enhances the accurate diagnosis of fatal skeletal dysplasia in utero, and then provides appropriate genetic counseling.
Are banking & financial institutions ready for the transformation? An analysis of FinTech adoption challenges using DEMATEL
Authors: Mathur Pooja , Gupta Neha , Agarwal Mohini
Published: November 2022

This study aims to analyse the various challenges faced by the financial institutions in the adoption of financial technologies. Forty challenges are identified through extensive literature review and expert’s opinions which are further classified into four main categories using EFA. Finally, the identified and validated challenges are evaluated for causal relationship using DEMATEL technique. The results of the study showed that challenges like perceived value of customers, handling of big data, banking regulations, and money laundering risk are the most influential challenges. The managers and policymakers need to focus on these challenges which will ultimately leads to other challenges as well.
Dietary of astaxanthin derived from a metabolic-engineered yeast to improve red-color performance, immune response and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus on white shrimp Penaeus vannamei.
Authors: Lin Yu-Ju , Chang Jui-Jen , Huang Huai-Ting , Lee Chih-Ping , Hu Yeh-Fang , Wu Mao-Lun , Nan Fan-Hua , Huang Chih-Yang
Published: November 2022

Astaxanthin (AST), a super antioxidant with coloring and medical properties, renders it a beneficial feed additive for shrimp. This study conducted a white shrimp feeding trial of 3S, 3’S isoform AST, which was derived from metabolic-engineered Kluyveromyces marxianus fermented broth (TB) and its extract (TE) compared to sources from two chemically synthetic ASTs (Carophyll Pink [CP] and Lucantin Pink [LP]), which contain 3S, 3’S, 3R, 3’S (3S, 3’R) and 3R, 3’R isoforms ratio of 1:2:1. The effects on red coloration, immune parameters and resistance to Vibrio infection were evaluated. Four AST sources were incorporated into the diets at concentrations of 0 (control), 100 mg kg− 1 (TB100, TE100, CP100, and LP100), and 200 mg kg− 1 (TB200, TE200, CP200, and LP200). Results revealed that in week 4, shrimps that received AST-supplemented feeds, especially TB100, TB200, and TE200, significantly increased redness (a*) values. Immune responses including phagocytosis activity, superoxide-anion production, phenoloxidase activity, and immune-related genes were examined on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Generally, shrimps that received AST-supplemented feeds exhibited higher immune responses on days 7 and 14 than the control feed. Gene expression levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly upregulated on days 7 and 14 in shrimps that received AST-supplemented feeds, while genes of penaeidins, antilipopolysaccharide factor, and lysozyme were upregulated on days 4, 7, and 14, especially received TB200 and TE200. Furthermore, shrimps that received TB100, TE100, CP100, and LP100 7 days were then challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and the result demonstrated higher survival rates especially TB100 at 168 h than the control feed. In conclusion, incorporating AST into the diets enhanced shrimp red coloration, immune parameters, and resistance against V. parahaemolyticus infection. The K. marxianus-derived AST exhibited higher performance than did chemical AST to be a potential feed additive in shrimp aquaculture.
Curriculum Change toward Competency-Based Education: Exploring Medical Students’ Experiences
Authors: Karami Morteza , Hashemi Nooriyah , Merrienboer Jeroen van
Published: November 2022

Introduction:
Since the beginning of the 21st century, competency-based education has been proposed as an approach to education in many disciplines including the medical sciences and it has become a dominant approach in many countries. We aimed to explore the lived experiences of general medical students about the change toward competency-based curriculum.
Methods
We conducted a phenomenology method to study lived experiences of general medical students through selecting participants via a purposeful sampling strategy. Snowballing and maximum variation samplings were also applied to recruit additional participants. The study was conducted at a Medical School in Iran. Three successive phases of qualitative data analysis, namely, data reduction by coding, data structuring by categorization, and data interpretation by discussion were applied to analyze the interviews.
Results
The results of the research showed that students' lived experiences fall under 4 main themes with 9 subthemes. The main themes show that (1) the compartmentalized curriculum in basic courses is experienced as the missing parts in a puzzle, (2) the physiopathology curriculum is experienced as swimming on land, (3) the externship is experienced as touring to mysterious land, (4) the internship is experienced as unleashed arrows.
Discussion
Our findings reveal that despite the changes already made in the curriculum, its compartmentalization is still a main obstacle to achieving competency-based medical education. A strict requirement for leaving the discipline-based curriculum behind is to use an integrated approach, in which basic science courses are connected with clinical cases, and physiopathology courses are connected with externships and internships.
Microstructural and Mechanical Characteristics of Friction Stir Welded Al6101/C11000 Joints with Zinc and Silver Interlayer
Authors: PAYAK VIRESH , P Jawahar , Roy Barnik Saha , Bhargava Manish , Choudhury Smrity
Published: November 2022

This manuscript presents the microstructure, and mechanical analysis of 3 mm thick Al 6101 (aluminum alloy) and C11000 (Cu alloy) plates Friction Stir Welded joints with and without Silver and Zinc interlayers. The tool used to make joints is made of H 13 steel, having a shoulder with 18 mm diameter and a taper pin with 4 mm tip and 6 mm root diameter. The quality of welded joints has been inspected using tensile testing, micro-hardness tests, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Microstructural studies clarified the flow variation of constituents with and without interlayer. Incorporation of a Silver and Zinc interlayer between the joining surface of aluminum and copper alloy decreased the generation of brittle intermetallics. The joint made with hybrid interlayers (Silver and Zinc) has the highest tensile strength with complete ductile fracture compared to the other joints tested.
Body mechanics among pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain: A cross- sectional study
Authors: Muhammad Begard Othman , Ahmed Hamdia Mirkhan , Media Shwan Kader
Published: November 2022

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of body mechanics (BMs) among pregnant women with lumbopelvic pain (LPP) and to determine the association between LPP and BMs. The study was conducted using a purposive sample of 110 pregnant women with LPP. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, a chi-square test (X2) (α = 5%), and a multinomial regression model were used. More than half (53.6%) of the participants were knowledgeable about BMs, and 55.5% did not perform their daily activities correctly. There was a significant association between the level of BMs knowledge and the severity of pain (p = 0.024), and the level of practice was significantly associated with pain severity (p = 0.038). The odds ratio (OR = 5.105) was higher among those with severe pain and those who did not practice correct BMs. The odds ratio (OR = 4.581) was higher among those with very severe pain and poor knowledge of BMs. Inadequate knowledge and limited practice of daily activities according to BMs principles were significantly associated with pain intensity in pregnant women with LPP in the 14th − 30th weeks of gestation.
Local Tool Path Smoothing Based on Symmetrical NURBS Transition Curve with Look Ahead Optimal Method: Experimental and Analytical Study
Authors: Lei Chunlin , Yusoff Nukman , Yap Hwa Jen , Abdelrazek Ali H. , Luo Mingbing
Published: November 2022

Linear tool path with the inherent shortcoming of tangential and curvature discontinuities which lead to poor machining efficiency and surface finish. A lot of local corner smoothing methods which inset a tiny spline curve at the corners have been proposed in literature. However, there exists potential overlap of the two adjacent spline curves while smoothing, and still no optimal solution for eliminating the overlaps. To optimally eliminate the overlaps and smooth the transition curve curvature in real-time, a symmetrical Non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) curve transition based on look ahead optimal method is proposed in this paper, by scanning a set of unconstrained pre-cornering transition curve information, analysing the overlap type and backward determining the optimal transition length, thus fully use the linear segment length of each corner, Thus fully increasing the feedrate at the corners. continuity, analytical expression of the curvature extreme, approximation error constraint and real-time performance are considered simultaneously in this paper. Simulation and real machining experiments are made to compare with the existing symmetrical rounding algorithms, the results show that the proposed method has a significant curvature decrease of 17.64% and 4.44% improvement of efficiency, and the curvature distribution of the adjacent curves are balanced, thus improved the machining velocity smoothness. In addition, the real machining experiment results validate the proposed method can work well in 125us real-time control period CNC system.
Application of optical coherence microscopy in Hirschsprung's disease diagnosis
Authors: Wu Zhiwei , Song Jialun , Zeng Xianxu , Cao Zhenjie , Zhao Xinxin , Wang Peng , Ma Qian , Ma Huan , Wang Baojin , Du Junpeng
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study was a prospective study on the diagnosis of congenital Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) using optical coherence microscopy (OCM).
Methods: A total of 109 HSCR patients admitted to a Chinese hospital were included and all underwent barium enema angiography preoperatively, and the resected diseased intestinal tubes were evaluated intraoperatively followed by OCM scanning and histopathological examination, and the OCM images were compared with the corresponding tissue sections for analysis. 10 non-HSCR fetal colorectal tissues at the same period were retained for OCM, the characteristics of which with and without HSCR under OCM imaging were analyzed.
Results: It showed that the structural features of HSCR tissue could be observed in the OCM images, which is consistent with the corresponding histopathological findings matching. Compared with the pathological findings, the OCM sensitivity, specificity, Kappa value, and AUC area reached 92.66%, 90.00%, 0.627, and 0.913, respectively.
Conclusion: OCM, as a non-invasive, high-resolution, real-time rapid imaging technology, has high sensitivity and specificity in congenital megacolon diagnosis, which will provide a more reliable basis for non-invasive diagnosis and pathological classification of patients with congenital megacolon, and has a certain potential for clinical application.
Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin depletes membrane cholesterol and inhibits SARS-COV-2 entry into HEK293T-ACEhi cells
Authors: Alboni Silvia , Secco Valentina , Papotti Bianca , Vilella Antonietta , Adorni Maria Pia , Zimetti Francesca , Schaeffer Laurent , Tascedda Fabio , Zoli Michele , Leblanc Pascal , Villa Erica
Published: November 2022

Vaccination has drastically decreased mortality due to COVID-19 but not the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Alternative strategies like inhibition of virus entry by interference with ACE2 receptors, could be warranted. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides able to deplete cholesterol from membrane lipid raft, thus inducing ACE2 receptors to relocate to areas devoid of lipid rafts. To explore the possibility of reducing SARS-CoV-2 entry, we tested hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) in a HEK293T-ACE2hi cell line stably overexpressing human ACE2 and pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 particles. We showed that HPβCD is not toxic to the cells for concentrations up to 5 mM and that this concentration has no significant effect on cell cycle parameters in any experimental condition tested. Exposure of HEK293T-ACEhi cells to concentrations of HPβCD starting from 2.5 mM to 10 mM showed a concentration-dependent reduction down to about 50% of the initial membrane cholesterol content. In addition, incubation of HEK293T-ACEhi cells with HIV-S-CoV2 pseudotyped particles in presence of increasing concentrations of HPβCD (from 0.1 to 10 mM) displayed a concentration-dependent effect on SARS-CoV-2 entry efficiency, with concentrations at least one order of magnitude lower than the lowest concentration showing toxic effects. These data indicate HPβCD as a strong candidate as a SARS-CoV-2 prophylactic agent.
Attitudes, beliefs and knowledge regarding medical cannabis among healthcare students in Cyprus: A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study
Authors: sokratous Sokratis , Kaikoushi Katerina , Alexandrou George , Rousou Elena , N.M Maria Karanikola
Published: November 2022

Background: Although the international research-based literature from the last two decades seems to favour medical cannabis (MC) use, there is a lack of evidence concerning healthcare students’ education on MC in Cyprus and across the world. Therefore, this study explored Cyprus healthcare students’ attitudes, beliefs and knowledge regarding MC use. We paid special attention to differences across specific sociodemographic (gender, age and religion status) and educational (level, year and study field) characteristics.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study with internal comparisons was performed from November 2019 to March 2020. All active undergraduate/postgraduate healthcare students (N= 900) studying in public and private universities in Cyprus were eligible to participate (final sample involved N = 819, response rate = 91%). To collect the data, we used the Attitudes, Beliefs and Knowledge towards Medical Cannabis Questionnaire (MCQ) questionnaire. To analyse the data, we employed the Pearson chi-square test for group differences, in addition to assessing descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Healthcare students had a generally positive attitude towards MC. Statistically significant differences were observed between genders and in terms of beliefs/risk associated with using MC, with males being likelier to believe that there are significant mental-health benefits associated with using ΜC (x2 = 8.06, OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.49–0.89) and females being likelier to believe that using MC poses serious physical (x2 = 23.00, OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.35–2.0, p < .001) and mental-health (x2 = 13.06, OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2–1.81) risks. Moreover, healthcare students who received specific (formal) education about MC during their study/training, they were more prepared to answer patient/client questions about ΜC (x2 = 17.27, df = 1, p < .001). In addition, the participants who received formal education had more friends (x2=12.69, df=1, p <.001) or family member who uses/has used MC (x2=4.03, df=1, p <.05).
Conclusions: This study provides useful information for curriculum development, educational changes and policy decisions related to cannabis use for medical purposes in Cyprus. The results show that the majority of healthcare students in Cyprus are in favour of MC use. However, the participants reported a dearth of knowledge and recommended additional evidence-based research and education to enhance their knowledge of MC use. Therefore, we recommend the implementation of formal education about MC in healthcare students in Cyprus during their study and clinical training. Furthermore, it is important to add MC-related theoretical and clinical/laboratory courses during studies and clinical practice.
Genome-Wide Identification of the CER1 Gene Family in Plants and Stress-Responsive Expression of the MdCER1 Genes
Authors: Gao Yanlong , Zhang Zhongxing , Cheng Jiao , Xian Xulin , Li Cailong , Wang Yanxiu
Published: November 2022

Plant cuticular wax is an important factor affecting the growth and quality of plants through protecting the plant from drought, and other diseases. It is reported that CER1 encodes a core enzyme involved in VLC alkane biosynthesis which can affect plant response to stress, but no characterization of CER1 gene and its family has been reported in apples. In this study, we identified 3 MdCER1 genes in Malus domestica and named MdCER1-1 to MdCER1-3, then we analyzed their sequences feature, expression patterns to screen highly expressed genes for cloning and functional verification. Expression analysis by real-time PCR showed that drought stress could induce MdCER1-like overexpression. The experiment of water loss showed that overexpression of MdCER1-like could effectively prevent water loss in apple calli, and the effect was more significant under drought stress. Meanwhile, the expression of wax metabolism related genes MdYPB5, MdCER3 and MdKCS1 was significantly up-regulated, GC-MS analysis of wax fraction showed that overexpression of MdCER1-like significantly increased the content of alkanes. The enzyme activities (SOD, POD) of overexpressed apple calli increased signifcantly, while the contents of malondialdehyde and proline decreased. In a word, MdCER1-like plays an important role in wax metabolism and tissue water retention, and provides a theoretical basis for exploring its role in drought stress.
The Association between the Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index and Serum Uric Acid in U.S. Adults
Authors: Xie Haitao , Li Ning , Zhou Guowei , He Zhiyuan , Xu Xiaoqing , Liu Qian , Wang Haiyan , Han Jie , Shen Le , Yu Peng , Chen Jiandong , Chen Xiaohu
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have shown that there may be a positive correlation between serum uric acid level and hyperthyroidism. However, the relationship between thyroid function and serum uric acid in healthy people is not clear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between sensitivity to thyroid hormones and serum uric acid levels, and to present them in quantitative form.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This study is a cross-sectional study of 4,600 adults (male: 2,366; female: 2,234) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2010. Parameters representing central sensitivity to thyroid hormones were calculated as: Thyroid Feedback Quantile-based Index (TFQIFT4), TSH index (TSHI), and thyrotropin T4 resistance index (TT4RI); Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone was evaluated by FT3/FT4 ratio. In addition, we have innovated TT3RI and TFQIFT3 indices based on FT3 and TSH. The relationship between thyroid hormone sensitivity and serum uric acid concentration was analyzed by multiple linear regression.
RESULTS
Higher levels of serum uric acid were associated with decreased sensitivity to thyroid hormones in euthyroid individuals. Further analysis revealed that TFQIFT4, TFQIFT3, TT4RI, TT3RI, TSHI had a significant correlation with serum uric acid levels in women and obese people; in people aged 20-39, except for TFQIFT4, other thyroid sensitivity indexes were positively correlated with serum uric acid levels.
CONCLUSIONS
Decreased sensitivity to thyroid hormones was associated with high levels of serum uric acid in people with normal thyroid function, and subgroup analyses showed similar results. It is possible to use the findings of this study to gain a better understanding of the effects of decreased thyroid hormone sensitivity on uric acid metabolism, and to provide clinical diagnosis and treatment references.
Viral replication probably promoted by EV71 VP4 protein via activating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in RD cell
Authors: Gao Xinghong , Liu Dongying , Zhang Xinquan , Wang Ying , Guo Xiao , Huang Yukai , Xiong Yongai
Published: November 2022

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) internal capsid protein (VP4) conserves in picornaviridae family and plays critical role in viral infection and replication by unknown mechanisms. In this study, mRNA sequencing was performed to analyze Differentially Expressional Genes (DEGs) in VP4 protein overexpressing Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells. It had been showed that Focal Adhesion, PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways were mainly activated by the significant DEGs. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay indicated that ITGA5 of DEGs interacted with VP4. After knockdown of the ITGA5, WB showed that PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways were activated, RT-qPCR experiments confirmed that viral copies were increasing. Thus, it is indicated that viral replication probably can be promoted by VP4 protein with activating the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways and a subsequent interaction with ITGA5.
Exploratory Analysis of L1 retrotransposons expression in Autism
Authors: Spirito Giovanni , Filosi Michele , Domenici Enrico , Mangoni Damiano , Gustincich Stefano , Sanges Remo
Published: November 2022

Background
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases whose genetic etiology is not completely understood. Several investigations have relied on transcriptome analysis from peripheral tissues to dissect ASD into homogenous molecular phenotypes. Recently, alterations of gene expression from post-mortem brain tissues have identified sets of genes with altered expression, mapping on pathways known to be involved in ASD etiology. In addition to protein-coding transcripts, the human transcriptome is composed by a large set of non-coding RNAs and transposable elements (TEs). Advancements in sequencing technologies have proved that TEs can be transcribed in a regulated fashion, and their dysregulation have a role in neural diseases.
Methods
We exploited published datasets comprising RNA-seq data from 1) post-mortem brain of ASD subjects, 2) in vitro cell cultures where ten different ASD-relevant genes were knocked out and 3) blood of discordant siblings. We measured the expression levels of evolutionarily young full-length transposable L1 elements and characterized the genomic location of deregulated L1s assessing their potential impact on the transcription of ASD-relevant genes.
Results
We detected a strong upregulation of intronic full length L1s exclusively in a subset of samples where the number of deregulated genes correlates with L1 upregulation. In brain tissue, specific upregulated L1s overlap ASD-relevant downregulated genes, suggesting the existence of a negative effect of L1 transcription on host transcripts for a subset of ASD genes.
Limitations
Our analyses are limited by the low number of samples and by the lack of replicates among post-mortem brain samples. Measuring the transcription of locus-specific TEs is complicated by the repetitive nature of their sequence, which reduces the accuracy in mapping sequencing reads to the correct genomic locus.
Conclusions
We observed L1s upregulation in a subset of ASD samples. In these cases, L1 upregulation might directly impair the expression of ASD-relevant genes by a mechanism not yet understood. L1s upregulation in autism appears to be limited to a subset of subjects probably harbouring mutations in genes related to DNA/chromatin modification.
Outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation with haploidentical versus HLA-matched donors in patients with higher-risk MDS
Authors: d'Aveni-Piney Maud , Michel Claire , Robin Marie , Morisset Stephane , Blaise Didier , Maertens Johan , Chevalier Patrice , CASTILLA-LLORENTE Cristina , Forcade Edouard , Ceballos Patrice , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Poiré Xavier , Carre Martin , BAY Jacques-Olivier , Beguin Yves , Loschi Michael , Huynh Anne , Guillerm Gaelle , FRANCOIS Sylvie , Mear Jean-Baptiste , Dulery Remy , Suarez Felipe , Bilger Karin , Cornillon Jerome , Chalandon Yves , Maillard Natacha , labussiere helene , Charbonnier-Gouin Amandine , TURLURE Pascal , BERCEANU Ana , Chantepie Sylvain , Maury Sébastien , Bazarbachi Ali , Menard Anne-Lise , QUOC Stephanie NGUYEN , Rubio Marie-Thérèse
Published: November 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the best curative option for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. The presence of monosomal karyotype and/or complex karyotype abnormalities predicts inferior survival after allo-SCT in MDS patients. Haploidentical allo-SCT has been increasingly used in acute leukemia (AL) and has similar results as using HLA-matched donors, but data on higher-risk MDS is sparse. We compared outcomes in 266 patients with higher-risk MDS after HLA-matched sibling donor (MSD, n = 79), HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD, n = 139) and HLA haploidentical donor (HID, n = 48) from 2010 to 2019. Median donor age differed between the three groups (p < 0.001). The overall survival was significantly different between the three groups with a better OS observed in the MUD group (p = 0.014). This observation could be explained by a lower progression-free survival with MUD (p = 0.014). The cumulative incidence of grade 2–4 acute GvHD was significantly higher in the HID group (p = 0.051). However, in multivariable analysis, patients transplanted using an HID had comparable mortality to patients transplanted using a MUD (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR]: 0.58 [0.32–1.07]; p = 0.080) and a MSD ([sHR]: 0.56 [0.28–1.11]; p = 0.094). MUD do not remain a significant positive predictor of survival, suggesting that beyond the donor-recipient HLA matching, the donor age might impact recipient outcome.
Perception and Awareness Towards Malaria Vaccine Policy Implementation in Nigeria by Health Policy Actors
Authors: Nnaji Adaugo , Ozdal Macide Artac
Published: November 2022

Background of study: The study aimed to assess perception and awareness of health policy actors on malaria vaccine policy implementation in Nigeria. A descriptive study was conducted to assess opinions and perception of policy actors on implementation of a vaccine program against malaria in Nigeria. Descriptive statistics were carried out to study the characteristics of the population and the univariate analysis of the responses to the questions raised to the participants. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the association between demographic characteristics and the responses. Results: The study revealed that the malaria vaccine awareness was poor with only 48.9% of the policy actors who have previous knowledge of malaria vaccine. Majority of participants (67.8%) declared that they are aware of the importance of vaccine policy in the efforts on tackling the diseases transmission. The more the year of work experience of the participants increases, the odds of being more likely to be aware of the malaria vaccine increases [OR 2.491 (1.183–5.250), p-value < 0.05]. Conclusion: It is recommended that policy makers develop methods of educating populations and increase the awareness on the acceptability of the vaccine and ensure that an affordable malaria vaccine program is implemented in the population.
The mitochondrial genome of Binodoxys acalephae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with unique gene rearrangement and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Xu Shiwen , Li Weiwei , Liu Qiannan , Wang Yunming , Li Xiaoling , Duan Xiaoqian , He Jia , Song Fan
Published: November 2022

Background: Species in the subfamily Aphidiinae from the Braconidae of Hymenoptera are endoparasitic wasps that exclusively utilize aphids as hosts. Some Aphidiinae species are widely used as biological agents. However, there were only one species with determined complete mitochondrial genome from this subfamily.
Methods and Results: In this study, we sequenced and annotated the mitochondrial genome of Binodoxys acalephae, which was 15,116 bp in size and contained 37 genes. The start codon of 13 protein-coding genes was ATN, and the complete stop codon TAA and TAG was widely assigned to 11 protein-coding genes. The lrRNA contains 43 stem-loop structures, and srRNA contains 25 stem-loop structures. Remote inversion of tRNA genes was found to be dominant in B. acalephae. Compared with the ancestral organization, two tRNA genes (tRNACys and tRNATyr) were translocated and three tRNA genes (tRNAIle, tRNAMet and tRNALeu(CUN)) were remote inverted. Within Braconidae, gene clusters tRNATrp-tRNACys-tRNATyrand CR-tRNAIle-tRNAGln-tRNAMet were hotspots for gene rearrangement. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods recovered the monophyly of Aphidiinae and suggested that Aphidiinae was the earliest branching lineage of Cyclostomes, forming sister clades with the remaining subfamilies. The phylogenetic analyses of nine subfamilies supported the monophyly of Cyclostomes and Noncyclostomes in Braconidae.
Conclusion: The arrangement of mitochondrial genes and the phylogenetic relationships among nine Braconidae subfamilies were constructed better to understand the diversity and evolution of Aphidiinae mitogenomes.
Deep Ensemble Transfer Learning-based Approach for Classifying Hot-Rolled Steel Strips Surface Defects
Authors: Bouguettaya Abdelmalek , Mentouri Zoheir , Zarzour Hafed
Published: November 2022

Over the last few years, advanced deep learning-based computer vision algorithms are revolutionizing the manufacturing field. Thus, several industry-related hard problems can be solved by training these algorithms, including flaw detection in various materials. Therefore, identifying steel surface defects is considered one of the most important tasks in the steel industry. In this paper, we propose a deep learning-based model to classify six of the most common steel strip surface defects using the NEU-CLS dataset. We investigate the effectiveness of two state-of-the-art CNN architectures (MobileNet-V2 and Xception) combined with the transfer learning approach. The proposed approach uses an ensemble of two pre-trained state-of-the-art Convolutional Neural Networks, which are MobileNet-V2 and Xception. To perform a comparative analysis of the proposed architectures, several evaluation metrics are adopted, including loss, accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and execution time. The experimental results show that the proposed deep ensemble learning approach provides higher performance achieving an accuracy of 99.72% compared to MobileNet-V2 (98.61%) and Xception (99.17%) while preserving fast execution time and small models’ size.
Validation of the Methods for the Non-milk Fat Detection in Artificially Adulterated Milk With Palm Oil
Authors: El-Nabawy Marwa , Awad Sameh , Ibrahim Amel
Published: November 2022

Background
Dairy products are among the most adulterated food products. Especially the milk fat can be replaced with foreign fats or oils. Because of the current high price of milk fat, it has been replaced by low-cost oils, especially those oils that have the same fatty acid profile as milk fat. This study aims to validate some classic methods (saponification number and iodine number) and the use of modern devices (gas chromatography, reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared) to detect palm oil in milk and to confirm the minimum levels of palm oil added to milk. Five treatments of fresh milk cream and an emulsion of palm oil were used to prepare different levels of palm oil in the final liquid milk.
Results
The results of this study showed that the values of the saponification number decreased with the increase in the percentages of added palm oil, but there was no decrease from the limits of the Egyptian standards until the addition of 25% palm oil. The iodine number is less sensitive than the saponification number in the detection of palm oil. Butyro refractometer reading is unable to detect the palm oil in milk. The fatty acid profile in milk determined by gas chromatography correlated well with the addition of palm oil. Also, there is a good relationship between the cholesterol and β-sitosterol content measured by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography and the level of added palm oil. There was no relationship between the behavior of the spectra resulting from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the presence of palm oil.
Conclusions
Gas Chromatography has potential to be used for the detection of palm oil in milk, the levels of some fatty acids in the milk could be used as an indicator. Also, Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis could be used for the same purpose, as the addition of palm oil caused a gradual decrease in the cholesterol percentage and increase in the β-sitosterol content of milk.
Psychotic experiences in Afghanistan as a reaction to a highly stressful environment
Authors: Kovess-Masfety Vivianne , Sabawoon Ajmal , Keyes Kerry , Karam Elie
Published: November 2022

Objectives
To estimate the prevalence and demographic, psychiatric, and trauma-focused correlates of psychotic experiences (PEs) in the Afghan general population
Methods
Data were drawn from a cross sectional household survey implemented in eight regions of Afghanistan (N = 4445). The CIDI structured instrument was administered to adults to assess psychiatric disorders and psychotic experiences; life events and PTSD were assessed validated instruments. Weighted multivariate models integrated socio-demographics, regions, traumas as determinants of PE.
Results
PEs were frequently reported in the Afghan population: 27.50% of the population reported a lifetime PE. PEs were more common among specific ethnic groups, and were associated with lower income in adjusted regression models. PEs were associated with mental health problems including major depressive disorders (OR = 3.43), PTSD (OR = 5.08), generalized anxiety (OR = 4.2); life-time suicidal attempts (OR 6.04), lifetime suicidal thoughts (OR = 3.42), addiction (OR = 2.18); and psychological distress and impairment due to mental health (OR = 2.95 and 2.46, respectively).
Conclusion
Psychotic experiences in the Afghan general population confirm general population findings in other countries, that psychotic experiences are common and associated with economic and social marginalization, and part of a continuum of mental health problems experienced in populations. Efforts to reduce and treat psychotic experiences within a broad array of psychiatric conditions are needed.
Comprehensive analysis based on methylation microarrays and single-cell transcriptomics in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xiao Qiyu , Huang Qingguan
Published: November 2022

Aberrant methylated genes (DMGs) play an important role in the etiology and pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Single-cell transcriptome analysis of immune cells in tumors provides a way to comprehensively study these cells in a highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we combine methylation datasets and single cell datasets to ascertain aberrant methylated-differentially expressed genes and pathways associated with ESCC TME by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. STRING and Cytoscape software were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. In total, 111 hypomethylated/high-expressed genes were identified at the screening step, and finally found six mostly changed hub genes including COL1A1, COL1A2, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL11A1 and THBS2. Pathway analysis indicated that aberrantly methylated DEGs mainly associated with extracellular matrix structural constituent and cytokine − cytokine receptor interaction. Analyzing the single cell data of ESCC, we confirmed the specific cell cluster highly expressing hub genes and predict the biological function of the cell cluster. These results can shed a light for screening and diagnosis of ESCC in future.