bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Cardiac Computed Tomography Characteristics of Double-Chambered Right Ventricle
Authors: Chang Monal Yu-Hsuan , Liou Yan-De , Huang Jou-Hsuan , Su Chia-Hung , Huang Shu-Chien , Lin Ming-Tai , Chen Shyh-Jye
Published: September 2022

PURPOSE: To introduce image characteristics of double-chambered right ventricle on cardiac computed tomography and set a diagnostic criterion for the diagnosis.
METHODS: We retrospectively collected and measured the right ventricular constrictive ratio on computed tomography images in children who had simple ventricular septal defects in the past 10 years, because double-chambered right ventricle is often associated with ventricular septal defects. The right ventricular constrictive ratio was defined as the subinfundibular cross-sectional intraluminal area during end-systole divided by the area during end-diastole in the same patient.
We compared the right ventricular constrictive ratio between subjects with concomitant double-chambered right ventricle and those without.
RESULTS: 52 children were included, and 23 (44.2%) of them have concomitant double-chambered right ventricle. In most cases (n=21; 91.3%), the hypertrophied muscular bundles occur just inferior to the level of the supraventricular crest in the right ventricle. Mean right ventricular constrictive ratio in patients with double-chambered right ventricle (15%) was significantly smaller than that without (29%). A cut-off value of a right ventricular constrictive ratio less than 20.1 % was established to diagnose double-chambered right ventricle with an 89.7% sensitivity and 78. 3% specificity.
CONCLUSION: Right ventricular constrictive ratio can be a valuable asset for the preoperative diagnosis of double-chambered right ventricle with cardiac computed tomography.
Assessment of the relationships between Ki67 expression and neoadjuvant treatment response and prognosis in breast cancer using two types of response evaluation systems
Authors: Sullu Yurdanur , Demirag Guzin , Kuru Bekir , Ozen Necati , Karagoz Filiz
Published: September 2022

Background: Although it is not a good prognostic marker for all breast cancers, pathological complete response (pCR) is an endpoint in evaluating neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) efficacy. Ki67, a proliferation marker, has a complex role as a predictive marker in determining the NAC response. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pretreatment and posttreatment Ki67 levels, posttreatment Ki67 change and treatment response using the Miller–Payne (MP) and Residual Cancer Burden (RCB) response assessment systems.
Methods: A total of 178 invasive breast carcinoma patients who underwent NAC were included in the study. Ki67 levels were evaluated by immunohistochemical method in trucut biopsy and surgical excision specimens. Treatment response in the surgical excision specimen was classified according to both MP and RCB classifications. We investigated the relationships between pretreatment Ki67 level, posttreatment Ki67 level and posttreatment change in Ki67 with NAC response and survival. Additionally, the cut-off value of the pretreatment Ki67 level for pCR and nonpathological response (pNR) was investigated.
Results. The pretreatment Ki67 level was significantly higher in the pCR group than in the partial response (pPR) and pNR groups (p<0.001) in both the MP and RCB systems. The posttreatment Ki67 level was significantly higher in the pNR group than in the pPR group (p<0.001) in both systems. There was a negative correlation between pretreatment Ki67 and disease-free survival (DFS) in the luminal B HER2-negative subtype (r=-0.377, p=0.036) and a significant negative correlation between posttreatment Ki67 and overall survival (OS) in the HER2-positive subtype (r=-0.544, p= 0.0209). A significant correlation was found between the posttreatment Ki67 change and the degree of response in the luminal B HER2-positive and HER2-positive subtypes (p<0.05). The Ki67 cut-off value was 37.5 for pCR in both the MP and RCB classification systems (95% CI 0.673-0.833 and 95% CI0.66-0.827) (p<0.001). There was a significant moderate agreement between the MP and RCB systems (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Pre-and posttreatment Ki67 levels may be used to assess treatment response in various molecular subtypes of breast cancer. In this study, the cut-off value of Ki67 for pCR was 37%. More aggressive treatments may be considered in luminal B HER2-negative tumours with high pretreatment Ki67 levels and tumours that do not show a Ki67 decrease.
Architecture characterization of orchard trees for mechanical behavior investigations
Authors: Jeon Min-Kyung , Burrall Matthew , Kwon Tae-Hyuk , DeJong Jason , Martinez Alejandro
Published: September 2022

Background
Statistical analysis of root architectural parameters is necessary for development and exploration of root structure representations and their resulting anchorage properties. Three-dimensional (3D) models of orchard tree root systems, Lovell (from seed, prunus persica), Marianna (from cutting, prunus cerasifera), Myrobalan (from cutting, also prunus cerasifera), that were extracted from the ground by vertical pullout are reconstructed through photogrammetry, and then skeletonized as nodes and root branch segments. Combined analyses of the 3D models and skeletonized models enable detailed examination of basic bulk properties and quantification of architectural parameters divided into simple root segment classifications— trunk root, main lateral root, and remaining roots.
Results
The patterns in branching and diameter distributions show significant difference between the trunk and main laterals versus the remaining lateral roots. In general, the branching angle decreases with branching order. The main lateral roots near the trunk show significant spreading while the lateral roots near the end tips grow roughly parallel to the parent root. For branch length, the roots branch more frequently near the trunk than further from the trunk. The root diameter decays at a higher rate near the trunk than in the remaining lateral roots, while the total cross-sectional area across a bifurcation node remains mostly conserved. The histograms of branching angle, and branch length and thickness gradient can be described using lognormal and exponential distributions, respectively.
Conclusions
Statistical measurements of root system architecture upon hierarchy provide a basis for representation and exploration of root system structure. This unique study presents data to characterize mechanically important structural roots, which will help link root architecture to the mechanical behaviors of root structures.
Efficacy and safety analysis of a new hemostatic gelatin matrix for spinal surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Gao Ran , Yang Xiaowei , Zhang Bi , xu jiaqiang , Liang Wen , Xie Banglin , Zhang Bin , Guo Runshegn , Lai Qi
Published: September 2022

Objective
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a new hemostatic gelatin matrix for use in spinal surgery.
Methods
From September to December 2020, 54 patients from our hospital were recruited and randomly allocated to a test group or a control group using computer-generated randomization codes. In the test group, the new hemostatic gelatin matrix was used; in the control group, the Surgiflo™ Hemostatic Matrix was used. All operations for both groups were performed by a senior physician, and the following measures were recorded for comparison: (i) rates of successful hemostasis at 5 min; (ii) time to hemostasis; (iii) blood pressure (BP); (iv) red blood (RBC) cell count; and (v) hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the preoperative period, 1st to 2nd postoperative days, and 42nd postoperative day. Adverse events following surgery were also compared.
Results
All patients were followed up for at least 6 weeks. In the test group, 24 and 2 cases achieved and did not achieve hemostasis within 5 min, respectively. In the control group, 23 and 2 cases achieved and did not achieve hemostasis within 5 min, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P = 0.967). The time to hemostasis, BP, RBC, and Hb in the preoperative period, on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days, and 42nd postoperative day also showed no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The new hemostatic gelatin matrix has the same efficacy and safety as that of Surgiflo™ Hemostatic Matrix.
Prognostic significance and biological function of SOCS3 in bladder cancer
Authors: Zhou Hui , Chen Liuxi , Liu Ying , Zhang Ruonan , Chen Bi , Feng Jiao , Liu Shuiping , Xiang Yu , Zhang Mingming , Duan Ting , Zhang Wenzheng , Tang Huifen , Yang Zuyi , Chen Xiaohui , Gu Lei , Zhang Qi
Published: September 2022

Background: Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) is a family of proteins that respond to cytokine, growth factors and other signals, and can regulate various functions of tumor cells. The purpose of our study was to investigate the prognostic performance and biological function of SOCS3 in bladder cancer.
Methods: The clinical information of 80 patients with bladder cancer at Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital was collected and the SOCS3 protein level was detected by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between SOCS3 status and clinical parameters and the prognosis was analyzed. Besides, we explored the biological function of SOCS3 in bladder cancer.
Results: The expression of SOCS3 in bladder cancer tissues was lower than that in normal tissues at the protein level and transcription level (P < 0.001). The low expression group of SOCS3 was more inclined to high staging and high grading. The prognosis of the high expression group of SOCS3 was significantly better than that of the low expression group of SOCS3 in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients (P = 0.037). Also, ectopic expression of SOCS3 reduced the cell proliferation and migration ability of the bladder cancer cell line.
Conclusions: Our findings imply that SOCS3 is a potential prognostic factor for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and plays a tumor suppressor role in bladder cancer.
The Effect of Parental Diabetes Prevention Program Participation on Weight Loss in Dependent Children: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Atluri Namratha , Thariath Joshua , McEwen Laura N. , Ye Wen , Song MinKyoung , Herman William H.
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in children and adolescents in the United States. Children’s behaviors are strongly influenced by parental behaviors, and weight loss in parents is positively associated with weight changes in their overweight/obese children. Research is limited on how parents’ National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) participation affects the health outcomes of their dependent children. Analyzing the impact of parental DPP participation on weight loss in their dependent children may provide valuable insight into an important secondary benefit of DPP participation.
Methods: In this study, we identified 128 adults with prediabetes who were offered the opportunity to participate in a DPP (n = 54 DPP participants and n = 74 DPP non-participants) and who had at least one child 3 to 17 years of age living with them. Age and BMI percentile for dependent children were collected from insurance claims data for 203 children (n = 90 children of DPP participants and n = 113 children of DPP non-participants). Children’s changes in diet and physical activity, as assessed by parental surveys, were reported as secondary outcomes.
Results: There were no significant changes in BMI percentiles of overweight or obese children (i.e. BMI percentile ≥ 50%) of DPP participants vs DPP non-participants with prediabetes over one-year. Parents who enrolled and did not enroll in the DPP did not differ in the advice they reported giving to their children about eating a healthy diet or engaging in regular physical activity.
Discussion: These results are not consistent with the literature that suggests parent-based interventions may influence their children’s weight trajectories. Limitations include small sample size, short time span of intervention, and limited availability of additional health/biographic data on dependent children. Future studies should collect primary outcome data on children, investigate whether there is a minimum duration of parental involvement and level of parental adherence, and assess the effect of parent-child dynamics on child weight trajectories.
Human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells prevent pregnancy loss in a rat by JAK/STAT-mediated immunomodulation
Authors: Ding Xiaoying , Wu Rongrong , Yang Tingting , Jin Beibei , Zhu Chunyu , Zhang Yuquan , yang Xiaoqing
Published: September 2022

Spontaneous abortion (SA) is a syndrome with many origins. Among them, immune imbalance is a major risk factor for SA. Wharton's jelly-mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are considered to be able to prevent abortion. However, the underlining molecular signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms of WJ-MSCs in pregnancy maintenance are poorly understood. Here abortion mode is established by subcutaneous injection of bromocriptine in rat on day 9 and abortion prevention is achieved by WJ-MSCs injection via tail vein with or without JAK/STAT inhibitor. Here, we show that WJ-MSCs significantly lower the rate of embryo resorption of spontaneous abortion by reducing Th1-related cytokines while increasing Th2 and Th3-related cytokines in JAK/STAT-dependent manner. Together, our observation of WJ-MSCs in spontaneous abortion prevention will shed new light on potential therapeutic strategy development.
Study on the correlation mechanism between the living vegetation volume of urban road plantings and PM2.5 concentrations
Authors: Qianqian Sheng , Anqi Dai , Huihui Zhang , Zunling Zhu
Published: September 2022

To study the effects of species diversity of different urban road green space on PM2.5 reduction, and to provide a theoretical basis for the optimal design of urban road plantings. Different combinations of road plantings in Xianlin Avenue of Nanjing were used as sample areas, and 3–6 PM2.5 monitoring points were set up in each sample area. The monitoring points were setup at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 m from the roadbed for detecting PM2.5 concentrations in different sample areas. Moreover, the living vegetation volume of each sample area was calculated. The coupling relationship between the living vegetation volumes and PM2.5 concentrations in different sample areas was evaluated by regression fitting and other methods. PM2.5 concentrations among different sample areas were significantly different. PM2.5 concentrations were higher in the morning than in the afternoon, while the differences were not significant. The living vegetation volumes of the eight sample areas varied from 2038.73 m3 to 15032.55 m3. Affected by different plant configurations, the living vegetation volumes in the sample areas showed obvious differences with an order of S7 > S2 > S3 > S1 > S5 > S6 > S8 > S4. The S2 sample area, which was considered as control, was inside a residential area. The fitting curve of living vegetation volumes and PM2.5 concentrations in sample areas of S1 and S3–S8 can explain 76.4% of the change in PM2.5 concentrations, which showed significant fitting. The fitting relationship between living vegetation volumes and PM2.5 concentrations in different road green space is different owing to different compositions of plantings. With the increase in living vegetation volumes, their fitting functions first increase and then decrease in a certain range. It is speculated that only when the living vegetation volume exceeds a certain range, it will promote PM2.5 reduction.
A Mediterranean-Style Diet in association with gastroesophageal reflux disease in adolescents
Authors: AhmadiVasmehjani Azam , Beigrezaei Sara , Nafei Zahra , Behniafard Nasrin , Aflatoonian Majid , Darabi Zahra , Salehi-Abargouei Amin
Published: September 2022

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of common esophageal diseases in adolescents. Recent evidence has shown that dietary patterns might be associated with GERD risk. The aim of this study was to assess the association between a Mediterranean style diet (MedDiet) and GERD in a large sample of adolescents living in central Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted on 5141 adolescents aged between 13-14 years. Dietary intake assessed by using a food frequency method. The GERD diagnosed using a six-item questionnaire, which askes about its symptoms including heartburn, sense of reflux, poor sleep, medication use, nausea and epigastric pain. A binary logistic regression used to evaluate the relationship between the MedDiet score and GERD and its associated symptoms.Results: The analyses revealed that after adjustment for all possible confounding variables, the adolescents in the highest adherence to the MedDiet score had lower odds of GERD [odds ratio (OR)= 0.53; 95% CI 0.35-0.80, Ptrend = 0.005)], sense of reflux (OR= 0.45; 95 % CI 0.26-0.77, Ptrend = 0.01) and poor sleep (OR= 0.54; 95% CI 0.31-0.96, Ptrend = 0.02) compared with those in the lowest adherence. This association remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors including of age, sex, watching TV and computer and BMI. No significant link found betweenMedDiet and other GERD symptoms.Conclusion: The present study reported an inverse association between adherence to a Mediterranean style diet and GERD among Iranian adolescents. Adherence to MedDiet may be an important strategy in preventing GERD in adolescents.
Small Scale Biogas Technology Adoption Behaviours of Rural Households and its Effect on Major Crop Yields in East Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia: Propensity Score Matching Approach
Authors: Chekol Fasika , Tsegaye Ashebir , Mazengia Teshager
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to identify and assess the main determinants of small-scale biogas technology adoption and its effect on crop yields. The case study is based on cross-sectional data collected from 335 rural households in the East Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study. Primary data were collected through a questioner-based survey from 197 biogas adopter (treated) and 138 non-adopter (control) households. The analysis was based on propensity score matching (PSM) methods to estimate the determinants and impact of biogas technology adoption on cereal crop yields. Estimates from the probit model indicate that cattle head, follow-up and support, extension contact, training access, distance to water sources, and distance to the market were the main determinants of the adoption of biogas technology. The comparison between adopters and non-adopters based on PSM reveals that the adopters and users of bio-slurry significantly increase the crop yields by 41.5quintal/year/household on average. In summary, PSM estimation confirms that users of biogas slurry had a positive and significant impact on crop yields. Agricultural and rural development policies of Ethiopia should consider the impact of biogas technology adoption behavior of households when devising policy actions within the Agricultural Transformation Plan.
Landau-Khalatnikov Subcircuit based Equivalent Circuit Model for Hybrid Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Pavu Kiran Susan , Jacob Jobymol
Published: September 2022

Hybrid perovskite solar cell technology has a distinct advantage over the conventional solar cell technologies due to its high predicted efficiency and low manufacturing cost. However, its commercialization is hindered by the unpredictability existing in its J-V characteristics leading to ambiguous efficiency estimation. Modeling the hysteresis in the J-V characteristics is a means of curtailing this ambiguity. It is established in literature that hysteresis models can be derived from the non-linear behavior of ferroelectric materials. Perovskite, which forms the light absorbing region of the solar cell is a ferroelectric material. In this paper, an equivalent circuit model for the hybrid perovskite solar cell is proposed in which the reasons for origin of hysteresis is characterized as varying capacitance to model hysteresis. A Landau-Khalatnikov subcircuit which portrays this variation is the principal addition to the conventional model to include hysteresis effect. The model parameters of the subcircuit are estimated from the inherent properties of perovskites. Hence, the proposed equivalent circuit model is completely physics based and it links the material property of perovskite to its equivalent circuit model parameters.
Long-term treatment outcomes of pediatric low-grade gliomas treated at a university-based hospital
Authors: Jujui-eam Apisak , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Hongeng Suradej , Hansasuta Ake , Boongird Attaporn , Tritanon Oranan , Dhanachai Mantana , Swangsilpa Thiti , Ruangkanchanasetr Rawee , Worawongsakul Rasin , Puataweepong Putipun
Published: September 2022

Purpose
A multimodality approach is generally considered for pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGG); however, the optimal management remains uncertain. The objective of the study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of pediatric LGG, focusing on long-term survival and factors related to outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective review of 77 pediatric LGG cases treated at Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand between 2000 and 2018 was performed. The inclusion criteria were all pediatric LGG cases aged ≤ 15 years. Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas and spinal cord tumors were excluded.
Results
The median follow-up time was 8.2 years (range, 0.6–19.7). The median age at diagnosis was 6.2 years (interquartile range, 3.6–11.4). Treatments included surgery (71%), chemotherapy (40%), and radiation therapy (14%). The 10-year overall survival (OS) and 10-year progression-free survival were 94% and 59%, respectively, for the entire cohort. The 10-year OS was 100% in three subgroups of patients: pilocytic subtype, WHO grade 1 tumors, and receipt of gross total resection. After multivariable analysis, older age and no surgery had a significant negative impact on OS.
Conclusions
Excellent outcomes can be achieved in pediatric LGG patients using a multidisciplinary approach. Gross total resection is the standard primary treatment. Chemotherapy is the alternative standard treatment in incomplete resection cases, unresectable patients, or patients with progressive disease. Radiation therapy should be reserved as a salvage treatment option because of late complications that usually affect patients’ quality of life.
Detection of reproducible QTL associated with bioenergy traits in sorghum across several growing environments
Authors: Teingtham Kanokwan , Braun David M. , Benjamin Babst , Dweikat Ismail M
Published: September 2022

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a promising bioenergy crop. To increase the productivity of this crop, marker-assisted breeding will be important to advance its genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with several bioenergy-related traits in sweet sorghum that include flowering time, plant height, total biomass, stem diameter, stem moisture percentage, and brix. We used 188 F7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between a sweet sorghum (Wray) and a grain sorghum (Macia). The RILs and their parental lines were grown at two locations. Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis of the RILs allowed for the construction of a map with 979 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Using the inclusive composite interval mapping of additive QTL, a major QTL for flowering time was detected on chromosome 6, and explained 29.45% of the phenotypic variances (PVE). Major QTL for plant height (29.51% PVE) and total biomass yield (16.46% PVE) were detected on chromosome 7, and QTL for stem diameter (9.43% PVE) were detected on chromosome 1. Several QTL for brix were associated with sugar transporter genes, providing candidate genes for further study. For example, a major QTL for brix (39.92% PVE) was detected on chromosome 3 consistently across four environments. In total, 21 QTL for five traits were detected across four environments using ICIM-ADD. The identified QTL in this study should aid in the development of lines and hybrids of sorghum that are suitable for the production of bioenergy.
Perfluorooctanoic acid exposure and its neurodegenerative consequences
Authors: Khosravi Azadeh , Mousavi Mahboobeh Kafi , Soltani Masoud , Aliomrani Mehdi
Published: September 2022

Background: Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a member of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), an industrial pollutant that has been produced for decades and widely used in various industries. Accumulation of this compound in the environment and body of organisms led to increased concerns about this compound. The toxic effects of PFOA on the nervous system are unknown, yet. We aimed to assess the myelination and neurogenesis in brain tissue.
Method and Materials: In this study, PFOA at doses of 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg were injected intraperitoneally into C57BL/6J mice for 14 days, and the myelin content, CD4 + and CD8 + cell infiltration to brain regions were evaluated. Also, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling was performed to compare neurogenesis among the groups.
Results: The LFB stating revealed a significant decrease in myelin content in both gender at high concentrations (p<0.001). The impaired neurogenesis was observed in both genders especially females which was highly related to the dose and region of the brain. The infiltration rates of CD4+ and CD8+ cells to the brain were shown to be decreased meanwhile the lymphocyte count was not significantly changed among groups over time and vice versa for the monocyte and neutrophils.
Conclusion: Our results showed that PFOA had a negative impact on neurogenesis and the myelination process through the specific region of the brain depending on the dose and gender. Also, PFOA could disturb the number of CD4+ and CD8+ cells infiltrating the brain, which plays a crucial role in neurogenesis, leading to toxicity and neurological abnormalities. It seems that more research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms of PFOA neurotoxicity and its long-term behavioral consequences.
A novel approach to subtypes of developmental dyscalculia
Authors: Pedemonte Bettina , Watson Christa , Borghesani Valentina , Ebbert Morgan , Allen Isabel , Pinheiro-Chagas Pedro , De Leon Jessica , Miller Zac , Tee Boon Lead , Tempini Maria Luisa Gorno
Published: September 2022

Developmental dyscalculia (DD) is an heterogenous neurodevelopmental learning disability that manifests as persistent difficulties in learning mathematics. DD can occur in isolation but is often diagnosed as a co-occurring difficulty in children with language-based learning disabilities. Basic cognitive and neuroimaging findings suggest different subtypes of dyscalculia exist. However, a comprehensive theoretical framework that provides accepted terminology and clinical criteria to design appropriate interventions is still lacking.
We developed a comprehensive battery of cognitive tests, the UCSF Dyscalculia Subtyping Battery (DSB), aiming at identifying deficits in four distinct mathematical domains: number processing, arithmetical procedures, arithmetic facts retrieval, and geometrical abilities.
The mathematical abilities of a cohort of 75 children aged 7 to 16, referred to the UCSF Dyslexia Center for a language-based neurodevelopmental disorder, were initially evaluated using a behavioral neurology approach. A team of professional clinicians classified children with difficulties in mathematics in four groups, depending on their parents’ and teachers’ reported symptoms and clinical history, in one of the following domains: number processing, arithmetical procedures, arithmetic facts retrieval and geometrical abilities. The 75 children and 18 typically developing control children were then evaluated with the DSB to identify which subtests of the battery better represented each group. We describe the detailed profiles of four cases, each of them representative of deficits in one of the four domains, and report the pattern of impairment in the overall cohort.
Our results show that a neuroscience-based DD evaluation battery enables identification of subtypes acknowledging the multidimensional nature of the disorder. If corroborated in large samples, these findings can pave the way for novel diagnostic approaches, consistent subtype classification, and ultimately personalized interventions.
Study on spatio-temporal variation and hydrological connectivity of tidal creeks evolution in Yancheng coastal wetlands
Authors: Zhou Shiwei , Wang Cheng , Li Yufeng , Huang Wanchun , Jia Yue , Wang Yuqing , Xu Wei , Qiu Chunqi , Liu Hongyu
Published: September 2022

Tidal creek is an important natural carrier of hydrological connectivity in coastal wetlands, and an important channel for material exchange between sea and land. Based on the remote sensing image data from 1987 to 2020, the spatio-temporal divergence patterns of tidal creek network and its hydrological connectivity were revealed. The results showed that: (1) The morphology of tidal creeks was similar to the “tree-shaped” development, and the tidal creeks at all grades tended to be “short, fragmented and parallelized” during 1987–2020. and the number, density of the tidal creeks showed an increasing trend year by year. (2) The development degree of tidal creek networks showed a trend of gradually increasing from north to south, with the tidal creek development in areas II and V showing the good network development characteristics. (3) The spatial heterogeneity of hydrological connectivity levels of tidal creeks in the study area was obvious, which gradually increased from the north to south, with the best in the southern Area V and the worst in the northern Area I. The results of this study revealed the development process and evolution mechanism of the tidal creek networks in coastal wetlands.
RBM15 suppresses hepatic insulin sensitivity of offspring of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Mice via m6A-mediated regulation of CLDN4
Authors: Fang Jie , Wu Xiafei , He Jie , Zhang Hanwen , Chen Xuyang , Zhang Hua , Novakovic Boris , QI Hongbo , Yu Xinyang
Published: September 2022

Background: Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM)is a common pregnancy-specific disease with high morbidity, which is linked to a high risk of obesity and diabetes in offspring. N6-methyladenosine modification of RNA is emerging as an important epigenetic mechanism that is widely manifested in many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of m6A methylation in metabolic syndrome in offspring result from intrauterine hyperglycemia.
Methods: GDM mice were established by feeding a high-fat diet 2 weeks before pregnancy. The m6A RNA methylation quantification kit was used to detect liver tissue methylation levels. PCR array was used to determine the expression of the m6A methylation modification enzyme. Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and western blot were used to examine the expression of RBM15, METTL13, IGF2BP1, and IGF2BP2. Subsequently, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing combined with mRNA sequencing, followed by dot blot and glucose uptake tests, were performed.
Results: In this study, we found that offspring from a GDM mother were more vulnerable to glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. GC-MS revealed significant metabolic changes including saturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids in liver of GDM offspring. We also demonstrated that global mRNA m6A methylation level was significantly increased in the fetal liver of GDM mice, indicating epigenetic change may have a strong relationship with the mechanism of metabolism syndrome. Concordantly, RBM15, the RNA binding methyltransferase, was upregulated in the liver. In vitro, RBM15 suppressed insulin sensitivity and increased insulin resistance through m6A-regulated epigenetic inhabitation of CLDN4. Moreover, MeRIP-sequencing and mRNA-sequencing revealed that differently regulated genes with differential m6A peaks were enriched in metabolic pathways.
Conclusion: Our study revealed the essential role of RBM15 in insulin resistance and the effect of RBM15-regulated m6A modification in the metabolic syndrome of offspring of GDM mice.
CDX-2 expression correlates with clinical outcomes in MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Ziranu Pina , Pretta Andrea , Pozzari Marta , Maccioni Antonio , Badiali Manuela , Fanni Daniela , Lai Eleonora , Donisi Clelia , Persano Mara , Gerosa Clara , Puzzoni Marco , Bardanzellu Fabio , Ambu Rossano , Pusceddu Valeria , Dubois Marco , Cerrone Giulia , Migliari Marco , Murgia Sara , Spanu Dario , Pretta Gianluca , Aimola Valentina , Balconi Francesca , Murru Stefania , Faa Gavino , Scartozzi Mario
Published: September 2022

Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) showed efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with mismatch-repair deficiency or high microsatellite instability (dMMR-MSI-H). Unfortunately, a patient’s subgroup did not benefit from immunotherapy. CDX-2 would seem to influence immunotherapy’s sensitivity, potentially being a biomarker of ICIs efficacy. Therefore, we investigated its role as a prognostic-predictive marker in patients with mCRC MSI-H.
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively collected data from 14 MSI-H mCRC patients treated with ICIs between 2018 and 2021. The primary endpoint was the Progression-Free-Survival (PFS) rate at 12 months. The secondary endpoints were Overall Survival (OS), PFS, objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR).
Results
The PFS rate at 12 months was 80% in CDX-2-positive patients vs 0% in CDX-2-negative patients (p = 0.003). The median PFS was not reached (NR) in the CDX-2-positive group versus 2.07 months (95%CI 2.07to10.8) in CDX-2-negative patients (p = 0.0003). Median OS was NR in CDX-2-positive patients versus 2.17 months (95%CI 2.17to18.7) in CDX2-negative patients (p = 0.0262). All CDX-2-positive patients achieved a disease response, one of them a complete response. Among CDX-2-negative patients, one achieved stable disease, while the other progressed rapidly (ORR:100%v0%, p = 0.0005; DCR: 100%vs50%, p = 0.02). Pembrolizumab in the first-line did not reach the median PFS, and it achieved a median PFS of 10.8 months (95%CI 10,8to12,1; p = 0.04) in third-line treatment.
Conclusion
Our analysis confirms the prognostic role of CDX-2 in CRC and suggests a promising predictive role in defining the immuno-sensitive population. Modulating the CDX-2/CXCL14 axis in CDX-2-negative patients could be useful in overcoming primary resistance to immunotherapy.
Object detection and size determination of pineapple fruit input to a juicing factory in Eastern Cape, South Africa: A deep learning approach
Authors: Harris Jessica , Er Şebnem
Published: September 2022

This research presents a deep learning approach to determine pineapple size from images, to identify the instances of pineapples, and subsequently to extract fruit dimensions using the OpenCV library. This was achieved by first detecting pineapples in each image using Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN) and then extracting the pixel diameter and length measurements, and the projected areas from the detected mask outputs. Various Mask R-CNNs were considered for the task of pineapple detection. The best-performing detector (Model 4: COCO Fliplr Res50) made use of MS COCO starting weights, a ResNet50 CNN backbone, and horizontal flipping data augmentation during the training process. This model achieved a validation AP@[0.5:0.05:0.95] of 0.914 and a test AP@[0.5:0.05:0.95] of 0.901, and was used to predict masks for an unseen dataset containing images of pre-measured pineapples. The distributions of measurements extracted from the detected masks were compared to those of the manual measurements using two-sample Z-tests and Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) tests. There was sufficient similarity between the distributions, and it was therefore established that the reported method is appropriate for pineapple size determination in this context.
Temperature and leaching effects of Zeolite-X derived from Kaolin
Authors: Mgbemere Henry E. , Ovri Henry , Sargent Anna-Lisa
Published: September 2022

Zeolites are microporous materials that find a lot of applications in today’s world due to their different properties. In this research, the effect of different calcination temperatures (700oC and 900oC) and acid leaching (7% and 15% dilution) on zeolite-X crystals has been investigated using the hydrothermal method. The results from the different sample characterization show that the SiO2/Al2O3ratio is approximately 5.6 while the Infrared spectra indicate that Zeolite-X was produced with slight shifts in the wavenumbers. The diffraction patterns show that in addition to the formation of zeolite-X crystals, other phases were also obtained. The thermal analysis indicates that the zeolite is stable below 500oC. Thermogravimetric study shows that after about 200oC, only about 13% of the mass was lost. The differential thermal analyzer indicates that the samples followed the same trend until a temperature of 300oC where the samples calcined at 700oC had a positive heat loss while the samples calcined at 900oC had a negative heat loss. The BET analyses show that the zeolite from samples calcined at 700oC had lower adsorption-desorption isotherms compared to those at 900oC. The pore volume and sizes of the former were also lower than those of the latter. These results have shown that leached kaolin is effective in producing zeolite-X samples.
Individual consistency in the learning abilities of honey bees: Cognitive specialization within sensory and reinforcement modalities
Authors: Finke Valerie , Scheiner Ricarda , Giurfa Martin , Avarguès-Weber Aurore
Published: September 2022

The question of whether individuals perform consistently across a variety of cognitive tasks is relevant for studies of comparative cognition. The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an appropriate model to study cognitive consistency as its learning can be studied in multiple elemental and non-elemental learning tasks. We took advantage of this possibility and studied if the ability of honey bees to learn a simple discrimination correlates with their ability to solve two tasks of higher complexity, reversal learning and negative patterning. We performed four experiments in which we varied the sensory modality of the stimuli (visual or olfactory) and the type (Pavlovian or operant) and complexity (elemental or non-elemental) of conditioning to examine if stable correlated performances could be observed across experiments. Across all experiments, the individual’s proficiency to learn the simple discrimination task was positively correlated with the performance in both reversal learning and negative patterning, while the performances in reversal learning and negative patterning were not correlated. These results suggest that this pattern of correlated and independent performances across the learning paradigms tested represent a distinct cognitive characteristic of bees. Further research is necessary to examine if this pattern of individual cognitive consistency can be found in other insect species as a common characteristic of insect brains.
Effects of Food on the Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Oseltamivir Phosphate for Suspension and TAMIFLU® in Healthy Chinese Subjects：A randomized, open-label Clinical Trial.
Authors: Wang Ying , Tang Zhongbang , Xie Jing , Wang Xiaoqin , Ren Peng , Wu Guangmei , He Cuixia , Zhu Minhui , Su Yue , Ding Jiaxiang , Xu Yuanyuan , Fan Ling , Ge Qin , Ding Yuzhou , Zhu Juan , Liu Bingyan , Shan Rongfang , Zhou Huan
Published: September 2022

Purpose Oseltamivir is mainly used for the treatment and prevention of influenza. The study was aimed at evaluating the bioequivalence and safety of oseltamivir phosphate suspension (Oselavir®), provided by Shenzhen Beimei Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd. and manufactured by Hetero Labs Limited, and the reference product TAMIFLU®in healthy Chinese subjects.
Methods A single-dose, randomized, open-label, two-phase, two-sequence, self-crossed model was adopted. Among 80 healthy subjects, 40 were maintain an empty stomach before took medication while the other 40 had the opposite. Subjects were randomized into the above two groups according to the proportion of 1:1, administered 75 mg/12.5 mL Oselavir® or TAMIFLU®, and cross-administered after 7 days.
Results The Tmaxof two oseltamivir products in the fasting group were 1.50 h and 1.25 h, and t1/2were 3.34 h and 3.67 h, respectively. The Tmax of two oseltamivir products in the fed group were both 1.25 h, and t1/2 were 6.18 h and 7.23 h, respectively. Geometrically adjusted mean ratios of the PK parameters (Cmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞) of Oselavir® along with TAMIFLU® under fasting and postprandial conditions were in the range of 80.00-125.00% at the 90% confidence interval. Among the subjects on medication, a total of 18 subjects reported 27 adverse events (AEs), all of which were treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), six of these TEAEs were rated as grade 2 in severity and the rest were as grade 1.
Conclusion Two Oseltamivir phosphate suspensions are safe and bioequivalent as food had no effect on the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence in healthy subjects.
Molecular and Thermodynamic Insights into Interfacial Interactions Between Collagen and Cellulose Investigated by Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Umbrella Sampling
Authors: Ma Huaiqin , Shi Qingwen , Li Xuhua , Ren Junli , Li Zhijian , Ning Lulu
Published: September 2022

Cellulose/collagen composites have been widely used in biomedicine and tissue engineering. Interfacial interactions are crucial in determining the final properties of cellulose/collagen composite. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to gain insights into the interactions between cellulose and collagen. It has been found that the structure of collagen remained intact during adsorption. The results derived from umbrella sampling showed that (110) and (1-10) faces exhibited the strongest affinity with collagen, (100) face came the second and (010) the last, which could be attributed to the surface roughness and hydrogen-bonding linkers involved water molecules. Cellulose planes with flat surfaces and the capability to form hydrogen-bonding linkers produce stronger affinity with collagen. The occupancy of hydrogen bonds formed between cellulose and collagen was low and not significantly contributive to the binding affinity. These findings provided insights into the interactions between cellulose and collagen at the molecular level, which may guide the design and fabrication of cellulose/collagen composites.
Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health Promoting Strategies: the Aspects of Preparatory Schools in Addis Ababa City Administration.(School Based Qualitative Study)
Authors: Birru Tadesse Gossaye , David Professor Mphuthi Ditaba
Published: September 2022

Background: Adolescents and young people don’t hesitate to make any decisions pertaining to their sexual and reproductive health matters without sufficiently examining the consequences and taking precautions to protect themselves. Fewer studies have been conducted in Ethiopia to assess school adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health behaviours despite the fact that, their number is continuously mounting across all corners of the country.
The purpose of this study was therefore to improve the sexual and reproductive health needs of preparatory school adolescents in Addis Ababa city administration through provision of vibrant and effective adolescent specific sexual and reproductive health service strategies.
Methods: The study employed a qualitative study design to explore in-depth understanding and insights about school adolescents risky sexual behaviors. A series of open ended questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. A step by step computerassisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) was used to transcribe collected data.
Results: The study has documented that, significant number of preparatory school adolescents in Addis Ababa were lacking adequate knowledge about their sexual and reproductive health issues. They were the most neglected and passive to make informed decision despite quite a lot of them were engaged in risky sexual practices. Their health service seeking behavior was very low; health service providers were not well equipped, the existing health services were mal-distributed and adult centered.
Conclusions: Fairly large numbers of preparatory school students in Addis Ababa were suffering from unpleasant consequences resulting from risky and harmful sexual practices. Unprotected sex leading to unintended teenage pregnancy, attempt to terminate pregnancy usually reported to be unsafe, sexually transmitted infection, school drop-out, physical and psychological abuses were reported by the participants left and right. Given the findings of the study, the researcher has developed aadolescents sexual and reproductive health promoting strategies under the corresponding thematic areas after it was validated by a group of qualified and experienced experts and their feedbacks have been incorporated for enrichment.
Short- and long-term outcomes of preservation of the superior rectal artery versus ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic D3 lymph node dissection for descending colon cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Sato Aya , Imaizumi Ken , Kasajima Hiroyuki , Ichimura Kentaro , Sato Kentaro , Yamana Daisuke , Tsuruga Yosuke , Umehara Minoru , Kurushima Michihiro , Nakanishi Kazuaki
Published: September 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic D3 lymph node (LN) dissection between ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) (LIMA) and preservation of the superior rectal artery (SRA) (PSRA) for descending colon cancer using propensity score-matched analysis.
Methods
This retrospective study included 101 patients with stage I-III descending colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic D3 LN dissection with LIMA (n = 60) or PSRA (n = 41) at a single center between January 2005 and March 2022. After propensity score matching, 64 patients (LIMA, n = 32; PSRA, n = 32) were included in the analysis. The primary endpoint was the long-term outcomes, and the secondary endpoint was the surgical outcomes.
Results
In the matched cohort, no significant difference was noted in surgical outcomes, included the operative time, estimated blood loss, number of harvested LNs, number of harvested LN 253, and complication rate. The long-term outcomes were also not significantly different between the LIMA and PSRA groups (3-year recurrence-free survival: 78.7% vs. 88.9%, P = 0.335; 5-year overall survival: 69.8% vs. 63.4%, P = 0.888; 5-year cancer-specific survival: 84.2% vs. 82.8%, P = 0.607). No recurrence of LN metastasis was observed around the IMA root.
Conclusion
Laparoscopic D3 dissection in PSRA was comparable to that in LIMA regarding both short- and long-term outcomes. The optimal LN dissection for descending colon cancer should be investigated in future large-scale studies.