bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trans-ancestry genome-wide association meta-analyses of hippocampal and subfield volumes
Authors: Yu Chunshui , Liu Nana , Zhang Longjiang , Tian Tian , Cheng Jingliang , Zhang Bing , Qiu Shijun , Geng Zuojun , Cui Guangbin , Zhang Quan , Liao Weihua , Yu Yongqiang , Zhang Hui , Gao Bo , Xu Xiaojun , Han Tong , Yao Zhenwei , QIN WEN , Liu Feng , Liang Meng , Xu Qiang , Fu Jilian , Xu Jiayuan , Zhu Wenzhen , Zhang Peng , Li Wei , Shi Dapeng , Wang Caihong , Lui Su , Yan Zhihan , Chen Feng , Li Jiance , Zhang Jing , Wang Dawei , Shen Wen , Miao Yanwei , Xian Junfang , Gao Jia-Hong , Zhang Xiaochu , Li Mulin Jun , Xu Kai , Zuo Xi-Nian , Wang Meiyun , Ye Zhaoxiang
Published: March 2022

The hippocampus is critical for memory and cognition and neuropsychiatric disorders, and its subfields differ in cytoarchitecture, function and disease vulnerability. The genetic architectures of hippocampal and subfield volumes have been studied in individuals of European ancestry; however, the results cannot explain for inter-ancestry differences in their associations with cognitive abilities and brain disorders. Here, we conduct trans-ancestry genome-wide association meta-analyses in 65,821 individuals for hippocampal volume and 39,007 for subfield volumes, including 7,039 individuals of East Asian ancestry. We identify 539 locus-trait associations at P < 5×10− 8 for 44 hippocampal volumetric traits, including 161 novel associations and 41 novel loci. Trans-ancestry analysis improves the precision of fine-mapping mainly caused by the inter-ancestry difference in linkage disequilibrium and can enhance the prediction performance of polygenic scores in under-represented population by including hundreds of individuals from this population. Genetic variants associated with hippocampal and subfield volumes are enriched for neurogenesis and Wnt signaling and also affect cognition, emotion and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Our results highlight the value of trans-ancestry analysis in the investigation of genetic architectures of human traits.
RNeuMark: A Riemannian EEG Analysis Framework for Neuromarketing
Authors: Georgiadis Kostas , Kalaganis Fotis P. , Oikonomou Vangelis P. , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Laskaris Nikos A. , Kompatsiaris Ioannis
Published: March 2022

Neuromarketing exploits neuroimaging techniques so as to reinforce the predictive power of conventional marketing tools, like questionnaires and focus groups. Electroencephalography (EEG) is the most commonly encountered neuroimaging technique due to its non-invasiveness, low-cost and its very recent embedding in wearable devices. The transcription of brainwave patterns to consumer attitude is supported by various signal descriptors, while the quest for profitable novel ways is still an open research question. Here, we suggest the use of sample covariance matrices as alternative descriptors, that encapsulate the coordinated neural activity from distinct brain areas, and the adoption of Riemannian geometry for their handling. We first establish the suitability of Riemannian approach for neuromarketing related problems and then suggest a relevant decoding scheme for predicting consumers’ choices (e.g. willing to buy or not a specific product). Since the decision-making process involves the concurrent interaction of various cognitive processes and consequently of distinct brain rhythms, the proposed decoder takes the form of an ensemble classifier that builds upon a multi-view perspective, with each view dedicated to a specific frequency band. Adopting a standard machine-learning procedure, and using a set of trials (training data) in conjunction with the associated behavior labels (“buy”/ “not buy”), we train a battery of classifiers accordingly. Each classifier is designed to operate in the space recovered from the inter-trial distances of SCMs and to cast a rhythm-depended decision that is eventually combined with the predictions of the rest ones. The demonstration and evaluation of the proposed approach are performed in two neuromarketing related datasets of different nature. The first is employed to showcase the efficacy of the suggested descriptor, while the second to showcase the decoder’s superiority against popular alternatives in the field.
Health and Safety Status of Health Professionals and Associated Factors During Covid-19 Pandemic in Public Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gidisa Bedasa , Feleke Hanna , Mengistie Bezatu
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Healthcare professionals around the world are at risk of contracting an infectious disease. The Corona Virus Disease 19 epidemic has had a profound effect, especially on hospitals and health workers. However, at the national level in Ethiopia, there is a lack of data on the current state of health and safety of health care professionals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the state of health and safety and the associated characteristics of health professionals in public hospitals during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational health and safety of health professionals and associated factors, at selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa during the Corona Virus Disease 19 pandemic.
Methodology:
An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted From January 1 to January 30, 2022, for 360 participants. A simple random technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using self-administered questioners and entered into Epi info version 3.1 before being exported to SPSS Software (version 23) for analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify significant variables and control confounding factor. The strength of the association was measured using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95 percent confidence interval at a 5% level of significance. A P-value < 0.05 indicated a significant relationship between factors.
Result
Out of a total of 360 study participants, 73.6% (95%Confidence Interval [CI] = 68.9–78.3) had good occupational health and safety status. Work experiences(Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.8, 95%Confidence Interval[CI] = 1.12–3.2), Availability of Proper facemasks to wear during patient contact (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3, 95%Confidence Interval[CI]: 1.7–5.2), the presence of cleaning and disinfection agents (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2, 95%Confidence Interval[CI] = 1.11–3.7), availability of water and hand washing facilities (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2, 95%Confidence Interval[CI] = 1.1–3.4), training on health and safety (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.8, 95%Confidence Interval[CI] = 1.13–3.2) were significantly associated with occupational health and safety status of health professionals. Conclusion: The findings indicated that occupational health safety status was generally good in the study area. However, the availability of personal protective equipment, availability of water and hand washing facilities, availability of cleaning and disinfectants, and the provision of health and safety training for health professionals still need to be improved because lack of these predictors decrease occupational health and safety status of health professionals and increase the risk of infections at work place.
As good as human experts in detecting plant roots in minirhizotron images but efficient and reproducible: The Convolutional Neural Network “RootDetector”
Authors: Peters Bo , Blume-Werry Gesche , Gillert Alexander , Schwieger Sarah , von Lukas Uwe Freiherr , Kreyling Juergen
Published: March 2022

Plant roots influence many ecological and biogeochemical processes, such as carbon, water and nutrient cycling. Because of difficult accessibility, knowledge on plant root dynamics in field conditions, however, is fragmentary at best. Minirhizotrons, i.e. transparent tubes placed in the substrate into which specialized cameras are inserted, facilitate the capture of high-resolution images of root dynamics at the soil-tube interface with little to no disturbance after the initial installation. Their use, especially in field studies with multiple species and heterogeneous substrates, though, is limited by the amount of work that subsequent manual tracing of roots in the images requires. Furthermore, the reproducibility and objectivity of manual root detection is questionable. Here, we use a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for the automatic detection of roots in minirhizotron images and compare the performance of our RootDetector with human analysts with different levels of expertise. The minirhizotron data stem from various wetland types on organic soils. RootDetector showed a high capability to correctly segmenting root pixels in minirhizotron images from field observations (F1 = 0.6044; r² compared to a human expert = 0.99). Reproducibility among humans, however, depended strongly on expertise level, with novices showing drastic variation among individual analysts and annotating on average almost 3-times higher root length/cm² per image compared to expert analysts. Analyses with RootDetector save resources, are reproducible and objective, and are as accurate as manual analyses performed by human experts.
A programmable CRISPR-based light-up RNA stabilizer for fluorogenic RNA imaging
Authors: Fan Ze , Liu Fei , Wang Fenglin , Chu Xia , Jiang Jian-Hui
Published: March 2022

Live cell imaging of RNAs and dynamics is crucial for understanding their functions and pathological roles. However, fluorogenic imaging of endogenous RNAs remains a challenge. Here, we report the design of a programmable CRISPR-based light-up RNA stabilizer (LUSTER) that enables fluorogenic imaging of endogenous RNAs without the need for genetically inserted tags. We show that dCas9 can bind and stabilize the otherwise degraded extended guide RNAs (gRNAs). A light-up aptamer-embedded, mis-folded gRNA is designed to restore the dCas9-binding conformation in response to target RNAs and to provide fluorogenic signals from the dCas9-stabilized gRNA for RNA imaging. Our system is universally applicable for quantitative detection and dynamic imaging of diverse RNA targets, including mRNA detection, single-molecule RNA imaging, cytosolic or nucleic RNA localization imaging, and RNA-induced transcriptional activation in mammalian cells. The programmability and general applicability of the LUSTER system highlight its broad utility in RNA biology and theranostics.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs About Acute Coronary Syndrome Among Patients Diagnosed With Acute Coronary Syndrome, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Demisse Lemlem , Alemayehu Bekele , Addissie Adamu , Azazh Aklilu , Gary Rebecca
Published: March 2022

Background. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) morbidity and mortality is increasing in low to middle income countries (LMICs) such as Ethiopia. The shift in resources from managing communicable diseases to chronic conditions have brought about formidable health care challenges.Objective. the objective of this study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs among ACS patients.Methods. Cross-sectional design was used to enroll participants admitted to one of 3 emergency units (EU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about ACS was measured using modified ACS response index questionaries.Results. Participant’s (N=330) mean age was 57.9 ± 14.1, majority male (n= 219, 66.36%). Half of the study participants have inadequate Knowledge (n=147, 44.6%), unfavorable attitudes (n=152, 46 %), and belief (n=153, 46.4%) about ACS symptoms even after being diagnosed and treated in the EU. The most frequently recognized ACS symptoms were chest discomfort (n= 274, 83%), fatigue (n=267, 80.9%) and chest pain (n=266, 80.6%) while Jaw pain (n=101, 30%) neck pain (n=146,44.2%), were less often recognized. Nearly two thirds of the participants (n=214, 65 %) would not prefer to use emergency medical services (EMS) to come to the hospital. Factors associated with adequate knowledge were age < 45 (AOR= 2.16, CI (1.1-4.0) p=0.014), and female sex (AOR= 2.7, CI (1.5-4.4) p= 0.001) and diabetics (AOR=1.9, (1.18-3.0) p= 0.008). Meanwhile, lack of formal education (AOR=6.7, CI (3.1-14) p<0.001) and unemployment (AOR=2.0, CI (1.1-3.8) p=0.021) were associated with unfavorable attitude. In addition, lack of social support (AOR=1.9, (1.17-3.0) p=0.009) and unfavorable attitude (AOR=2.1, CI (1.3-3.4) P=0.001) were significantly associated with unfavorable belief.Conclusion. Despite receiving treatment for ACS in an EU, roughly half of participants did not have adequate knowledge, favorable attitude and belief towards ACS. This elucidates there is significant communication gap between the health care providers and patients. The study findings stipulate there is a need to provide health awareness campaigns using different media outlet with special attention to the uneducated and unemployed groups. Furthermore, most participants were less likely to utilize EMS, which should be further investigated and addressed.
Global patterns in human exposure to greenspace: Contrasting inequality between cities of the South and North
Authors: Chen Bin , Wu Shengbiao , Song Yimeng , Webster Chris , Xu Bing , Gong Peng
Published: March 2022

The United Nations specified the need for “providing universal access to greenspace for urban residents” in the 11th Sustainable Development Goal. Yet, how far we are from this goal remains unclear in the global context. Here, we developed a methodology incorporating fine-resolution population and greenspace mappings and used the results for 2020 to elucidate global differences in human exposure to greenspace, specifically at country, state, county, and city levels. We identified a contrasting pattern of greenspace exposure between Global South and North cities. Global South cities (14.39%) enjoy only one third of the greenspace exposure level of Global North cities (45.84%), even though the South cities are generally located in more rural countries. Greenspace exposure inequality (Gini index: 0.47) in Global South cities is nearly twice that of Global North cities (Gini index: 0.27). The spatial disparity is largely associated with differences in urban greenspace landscape (R2 = 79%). We quantified that 22% of the variation in greenspace exposure inequality is associated with greenspace provision, and that 53% is associated with the joint effect of greenspace provision and spatial configuration. These findings support the idea that urban green is, in economic terms, a normal good, with supply increasing with income, and our analysis is the first to reveal the global pattern of its deficit among urbanized parts of the planet. The results highlight the need for prioritizing greening policies and actions to mitigate environmental disparity and achieve sustainable development goals.
Simulation Models To Assess Exposure Levels Of Lead In Blood Plasma And Saliva
Authors: Majinyali Boniphace E.
Published: March 2022

Human exposure to metals has been among major concerns of the world and there have been links to cancer, renal failure, cardiovascular and reproductive complications. There has been conflicting information regarding the efficiency of blood plasma and saliva when used as biomarkers in biomonitoring of human exposure to lead metals. Using the Joint Expert Speciation System, the bioavailability of lead was predicted at a range of 78-93 % in blood plasma and 2-23 %. The degree of bioavailability using a net-neutral species was dependent on the total concentrations of lead within low molecular mass ligands. These models predicted more bioavailability of lead in blood plasma than saliva, indicating blood plasma to be a suitable biomarker for biomonitoring of lead exposure even at low levels. This study offers regulatory and health authorities opportunities to consider using blood bioavailability data when assessing and making decisions on lead exposure assessments.
Hospital Based Surveillance of Severe Paediatric Malaria in Two Malaria Transmission Ecological Zones of Burkina Faso
Authors: Tiono Alfred B. , Konaté Amadou T. , Kargougou Désiré , Diarra Amidou , Ouedraogo Issa Nébié , Ouedraogo Amidou , Pagnoni Franco , Modiano David , Sirima Sodiomon B.
Published: March 2022

BackgroundIn the current context of tailoring interventions to maximize impact, it is important that current data of clinical epidemiology guide public health programs and health workers in the management of severe disease. This study aimed at describing the burden of severe malaria at hospital level in two areas with distinct malaria transmission intensity.MethodsA hospital-based surveillance was established in two regional hospitals located in two areas exposed to different malaria transmission. Data on paediatric severe malaria admissions were recorded using standardized methods from August 2017 to August 2018 with an interruption during the dry season from April to June 2018.ResultsIn total, 921 children with severe malaria cases were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 33.9 (±1.3) and 36.8 (±1.6) months in respectively lower malaria transmission (LMT) and higher malaria transmission (HMT) areas (p=0.15). The geometric mean of asexual P. falciparum density was significantly higher in the LMT area compared to the HMT area (22,861 trophozoites/µL (95% CI 17,009.2-30,726.8) vs 11,291.9 trophozoites/µL (95% CI 8,577.9-14,864.5)). Among enrolled cases, coma was present in 70 (9.2%) participants. 196 patients (21.8%) presented with two or more convulsions episodes prior to admission. Severe anaemia was present in 448 children (49.2%). Other clinical features recorded included 184 (19.9%) cases of lethargy, 99 (10.7%) children with incoercible vomiting, 80 (8.9%) patients with haemoglobinuria, 43 (4.8%) children with severe hypoglycaemia, 37 (4.0%) cases where child was unable to drink/suck, 11 (1.2%) cases of patients with circulatory collapse/shock, and 8 cases (0.9%) of abnormal bleeding (epistaxis).The adjusted odds of presenting with coma, respiratory distress, haemoglobinuria, circulatory collapse/shock and hypoglycaemia were significantly higher (respectively 6.5 (95%CI 3.4-12.1); 1.8 (95%CI 1.0-3.2); 2.7 (95%CI 1.6-4.3); 5.9 (95%CI 1.3-27.9); 1.9 (95%CI 1.0-3.6)) in children living in the HMT area compared to those residing in the LMT area. Overall, forty-four children died during hospitalization (case fatality rate 4.8%) with the highest fatalities in children admitted with respiratory distress (26.0%) and those with hypoglycaemia (25.0%).ConclusionThe study showed that children in the HMT area have a higher risk of presenting with coma, shock/dehydration, haemoglobinuria, hypoglycaemia, and respiratory distress. Case-fatality rate is higher among patients with respiratory distress or hypoglycaemia. Hospital surveillance provides a reliable and sustainable means to monitor the clinical presentation of severe malaria and tailor the training needs and resources allocation for case management.
Hypoxia-Induced MIF Induces Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism in Laryngocarcinoma Through IL-6/JAK-STAT Pathway
Authors: Yang Minlan , Wu Sa , Cai Weisong , Ming Xiaoping , Zhou Yuhao , Chen Xiong
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Hypoxia is a common feature of laryngocarcinoma. Alteration in lipid metabolism in hypoxic microenvironment is an important metabolic rewiring phenomenon for malignant cells to maintain their rapid proliferation, which makes most cancers, including laryngocarcinoma, hard to cure. However, the mechanism of lipid metabolism of laryngocarcinoma involved is still unclear. This study aimed to make clear the changes in lipid metabolism of laryngocarcinoma cell under hypoxic condition and explore the relative mechanism.
Methods
Hep2 cells were placed in a normoxic or hypoxic environment (5% CO2, 94% N2 and 1% O2) at 37℃ for 24 h. After exposed to hypoxia, lip metabolic indices including TG and NEFA were tested. The mechanism involved in lip metabolism regulation was explored by RNA seq and bioinformatic analysis. MIF inhibitor ISO-1 and JAK inhibitor XL019 were used to verify the mechanism. Finally, tumour xenograft model was applied has further verified these results in vivo.
Results
Hypoxia increased the TG and NEFA levels of Hep2 cells. Three genes, intersection of hypoxia gene sets and fatty gene sets, including MIF, ENO2, and LDHA were screened and verified by qPCR. MIF levels were elevated when exposed to hypoxia. Through GSEA and RNA-seq analysis, JAK/STAT pathway was screened. Hypoxia increased MIF and activated IL-6/JAK/STAT pathway. MIF inhibitor ISO-1 reversed TG levels, IL-6 levels, and reversed the expression pattern of screened genes in JAK/STAT pathway. Tumour xenograft model has further verified these results.
Conclusion
Hypoxia induced reprogramming of lipid metabolism in laryngocarcinoma cells through MIF/IL-6/JAK-STAT pathway. This study revealed one mechanism that allows laryngocarcinoma cells adapt to hypoxic tumor microenvironment. Therefore, a drug targeting MIF/IL-6/JAK-STAT pathway might be a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of laryngeal cancer.
Determinants of Targeted Cancer Therapy Use in Community Oncology Practice: A Qualitative Study using the Theoretical Domains Framework and Rummler-Brache Process Mapping
Authors: Ellis Shellie D , Brooks Joanna Veazey , Birken Sarah , Morrow Emily , Hilbig Zachary , Wulff-Burchfield Elizabeth , Kinney Anita , Ellerbeck Edward
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPrecision medicine holds enormous potential to improve outcomes for cancer patients, offering improved rates of cancer control and quality of life. Not all patients who could benefit from targeted cancer therapy receive it, and some who may not benefit do receive targeted therapy. We sought to comprehensively identify determinants of targeted therapy use among community oncology programs, where most cancer patients receive their care.MethodsGuided by the Theoretical Domains Framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 community cancer care providers and mapped targeted therapy delivery across 11 cancer care delivery teams using a Rummler-Brache Diagram. Transcripts were coded to the framework using template analysis, and inductive coding was used to identify key behaviors. Coding was revised until consensus was reached.ResultsWe identified distinctly different processes and determinants for 1) somatic and molecular testing and 2) delivery of targeted therapies. Although motivation and intention to offer genomic testing and targeted therapies were high, professional roles and identities were challenged across targeted therapy delivery. Community oncologists’ role as generalist providers was threatened by the knowledge demands of genomic testing. Further oncologists’ role in testing was inconsistent with not only their more traditional role as treatment decision maker, but also pathologists’ role to comprehensively stage tumors. In addition, new roles were emerging or intensifying in the pathology and treatment teams to manage orders from reference laboratories and to ensure patients had access to costly therapies. Professional society guidance and greater institutional standardization were desired for testing, test reporting, and treatment protocols. Benefits for testing (preventing harms and avoiding costs) and treatment (better outcomes, but long-term use without cure) were different and may impact commitment to each behavior differentially.ConclusionsIntervention strategies that address tumor testing and treatment as distinct behaviors with unique determinants may offer promising implementation strategies to improve cancer care delivery as the processes fall to different cancer care delivery teams. Coupling process mapping with determinant analysis may improve the quality of determinant analyses and the subsequent implementation interventions proposed.Trial Registrationn/a
Evaluation of a Mouthwash Containing Sambucus Williamsii var. Coreana Extract for Prevention of Periodontal Disease - a Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Kim Yu-Rin , Nam Seoul-Hee
Published: March 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to verify the clinical applicability by applying a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract for preventing periodontal disease.Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 64 patients, excluding those with insufficient data, who visited M dental clinic located in Busan, Korea. Thirty-two people were assigned respectively to the saline solution gargle group and the Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract gargle group to conduct O'Leary index, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and subgingival plaques. For the homogeneity of the two groups, scaling was carried out one week before the experiment, and the participants were taught for oral care to conduct during the study period. SPSS 24.0 for Windows (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used to compare the saline solution gargle group and the Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract gargle group as well as to analyze Baseline (before gargle application), Treatment (immediately after gargle application), and After 5 Days (5 days after gargle application).Results: When Baseline was measured, there was no difference between the two groups in terms of O'Leary index, PI, GI (indicators related to periodontal disease), and subgingival plaques. However, there was a significant difference in Treatment and After 5 days(p<0.05). Also, the periodontal-related indexes improved as the application time increased in the Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract gargle group. The antibacterial effect was also shown for gram-positive bacteria and gram-negative bacteria in subgingival plaques as the application time increased.Conclusion: The use of the mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract was found to be effective for oral periodontal-related indicators and bacteria causing periodontal disease. Therefore, using a mouthwash containing Sambucus williamsii var. coreana extract, a natural drug, will possibly maintain healthy periodontal health by inhibiting and preventing the progression of periodontal disease.
Association of Aspirin Therapy with Prognosis in Patients with Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fan Hua-ping , Mao Shuai , Zhou Yu , Jin Jun , Zheng Quanyou
Published: March 2022

PurposeThe effect of aspirin therapy in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between aspirin therapy and prognosis in nonobstructive CAD.MethodsWe searched for observational cohort studies on Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies were included that compared the endpoint differences in patients with nonobstructive CAD who were treated with aspirin or not. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Secondary endpoints included all-cause death, cardiovascular death and myocardial infarction (MI). The pooled effect size was estimated as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), which was measured by a random effect model using the generic inverse variance method.ResultsThirteen published studies with 34,463 patients were included. Pooled data showed that aspirin therapy was not associated with the risk of MACEs (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.85–1.41; P = 0.47, I2 = 57%). Similar results were observed in cardiovascular death (HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.73–1.73; P = 0.60, I2 = 0%) and MI (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.09–3.20; P = 0.49, I2 = 68%), except all-cause death (HR 0.77; 95% CI 0.63–0.95; P = 0.02, I2 = 25%). Subgroup analyses showed that there were no associations between aspirin therapy and MACEs in all subsets.ConclusionsRoutine aspirin therapy might not improve prognosis in patients with nonobstructive CAD. Aspirin therapy in non-obstructive CAD should be better investigated and future research is needed. A personalized antiplatelet regimen might contribute to reduction in ischemic cardiovascular events in patients with non-obstructive CAD.Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021281706).
Protective Effects of Dietary Flavonoid, Apigenin Against Sorafenib-Induced Oxidative, Genetic, and Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Singh Deepti , Khan Mohammad Afsar , Akhtar Kafil , Arjmand Farruk , Siddique Hifzur R
Published: March 2022

Sorafenib is an FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drug used as standard therapy for advanced-stage cancers. However, Sorafenib-induced multiple adverse effects is a major limitation that directly impacts patients' physical and physiological well-being. Therefore, it is vital to identify agents that can lessen the associated adverse effects and enhance efficacy. Apigenin, a dietary plant-flavone, is a bioactive-compound present in fruits and vegetables having anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Our study aimed to investigate Sorafenib-induced toxic effects at genomic, cellular, and tissue level and the potential protective effects of Apigenin. We performed DNA interaction, genotoxicity, oxidative damages, anti-oxidant activities, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological studies. We demonstrated that Apigenin and Sorafenib bind DNA via electrostatic interaction. Further, Sorafenib induces genetic, oxidative, and tissue damages characterized by an increase in chromosomal-aberrations and micronucleus, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), oxidative and DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and hepato-renal damages, and a decrease in antioxidant-enzymes. Interestingly, the Sorafenib-induced adverse effects were ameliorated by Apigenin. Our findings indicate that Apigenin has protective effects against Sorafenib-induced toxicity and could be combined with Sorafenib to lessen its adverse effects and enhance its efficacy. However, further pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to evaluate Apigenin's effectiveness with Sorafenib.
Effects of Intermittent Fasting in Humans Compared to a Normal Diet and Caloric Restriction: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xie Fei , Fu Rongrong , Hong Jiaze , Ni Haixiang , Yu Kepin , Gu Lihu
Published: March 2022

Background
The popularity of intermittent fasting (IF) has increased as more and more people are trying to avoid or alleviate obesity and metabolic disease. This study aimed to systematically explore the effects of various IF in humans.
Methods
The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to IF versus normal diet (non-intervention diet) or caloric restriction (CR) were retrieved in PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library database, and Embase. Extraction outcomes included, but not limited to, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), glucose, and triglyceride (TG).
Results
Contrasting results showed that, participants had lower weight (WMD = 1.10, 95%CI: 0.09–2.12, p = 0.03) and BMI after IF (WMD = 0.38, 95%CI: 0.08–0.68, p = 0.01). The WC of participants in the IF group decreased significantly compared with the normal diet (WMD = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.06–1.99, p = 0.04). IF regulated fat mass (FM) more effectively than normal diet (WMD = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.17–1.31, p = 0.01). The fat-free mass of people after IF was higher (WMD=-0.73, 95%CI: (-1.45)-(-0.02), p = 0.05). There was no difference in blood glucose fluctuation between participants in the after IF and normal diet groups. The results of insulin and HOMA-IR, though, indicated that IF was significantly more beneficial than normal diet (SMD=-0.21, 95%CI: 0.02–0.40, p = 0.03, and WMD = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.04–0.65, p = 0.03, respectively). Cholesterol and TG levels after IF were also lower than after a normal diet (SMD = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.09–0.35, p = 0.001, and SMD = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.00-0.26, p = 0.05, respectively).
Conclusion
IF reduced weight, WC, and FM without affecting lean tissue. IF also could improve insulin resistance and blood lipid conditions compared with non-intervention diets.
Effect of Salinity Change Resulting From Ballast Water Discharge on the Recipient Freshwater Eco-System – Inputs to Scientific Ballast Water Management of Inland Ports
Authors: Yang Min , Wang Qiong , Wu Wenjun , Cheng Xinyan , Wu Huixian
Published: March 2022

In nowadays, world trade and cargo transportation mainly rely on shipping, and inland ports provide valuable and essential services to the maritime transport. With the increase of trade volume, the discharge of ballast water from ships is also increasing, which brings in ecological challenges. The International Maritime Organization stipulates that the number of organisms in discharged ballast water should be limited to prevent biological invasion to recipient waters. However, ballast water still contains many substances of source water, and may affect the plankton community in the recipient waters. In this study, the effects of ballast water on nature freshwater plankton community were evaluated at laboratory scale. It was observed that the abundance and diversity of planktons decreased with increase of water salinity. Through 10 days of continuous monitoring, it was found that ≥ 50 µm organisms were more sensitive to rising salinity than 10–50 um organisms, when water salinity was not over 3.6‰, there was no significant difference on ≥ 50 µm organisms quantity and diversity compared with the freshwater control group after 10 days, and the biota maintained certain recovery ability, while 10–50 um organisms had recovery ability when water salinity was not over 6.5‰. However, when the water salinity was over 6.5‰, both species composition and organism density showed irreversible and rapid reduction. In addition, organism species Platyias sp., Polyarthra sp., Tribonema sp., Navicula sp. were found to be very sensitive to salinity change and could be considered as indicative organisms for monitoring and evaluating ecological effect of discharge of saline ballast water. This is of great significance for the scientific management of ballast water discharge in fresh waters in the future.
A Practical Spatial Analysis Method for Elucidating the Biological Mechanisms of Disseminated Cancers in Vivo
Authors: Ota Yukihide , Sato Shinya , Yoshihara Mitsuyo , Nakamura Yoshiyasu , Miyagi Etsuko , Miyagi Yohei
Published: March 2022

The elucidation of spatial interactions between cancer and host cells is important for the development of new therapies against disseminated cancers. In this study, we developed a practical spatial analysis method using a gel-based embedding system and applied it to a murine model of cancer dissemination. After euthanization, every abdominal organ enclosed in the peritoneum was extracted en bloc. We injected agarose gel into the peritoneal cavities to preserve the spatial locations of organs including metastatic niches, then produced specimens after the gel was solidified. Preservation of the original spatial localization was confirmed by comparing the magnetic resonance imaging results to the sectioned specimens. We examined the effects of spatial localization on cancer hypoxia using hypoxia markers immunohistochemically. Finally, we identified the mRNA expression on the specimens and demonstrated the applicability of spatial genetic analysis. In conclusion, we established a practical method for the in vivo investigation of spatial location-specific biological mechanisms on disseminated cancers.
Poverty, Income inequality and Carbon Emission (CO2e) in Bangladesh: Evidence from ARDL and NARDL model
Authors: Tanchangya Papel , Ayoungman Fairtown Zhou
Published: March 2022

Many researchers have tried to bring out the relationship between poverty and carbon emission in the environment that to a higher percentage result in environmental degradation in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, among other countries across the world. Environmental concern remains the topmost factor of concertation by different organizations in the world. In 2021, for instance, many countries were declared susceptible to the increasing environmental degradation that could result in cases of famine, among other factors. Environmental protection is currently the priority of many firms, businesses, and countries in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). A significant number of studies has been done on the impact of population growth and poverty on carbon emission in Bangladesh. However, the symmetric and asymmetric impact of income inequality, poverty and population on carbon emissions (CO2e) has not been conducted in Bangladesh. Thus, this study was conducted on the short-run and long-run impact of poverty, income inequality, population and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita on carbon emission in the country. This effect was investigated using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and also the Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) cointegration method in Bangladesh using the 1983 to 2020 yearly data period. Poverty, population density, and GDP per capita raise short-term carbon emissions, whereas economic disparity has minimal influence on long-term emissions. Asymmetric results show economic disparities decrease carbon emissions. The NARDL findings suggest that Bangladesh's economic growth positively influences carbon emissions.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict overall survival in young non-metastatic rectal-cancer patients after curative resection: A Population-Based Analysis
Authors: Zhenya JIA , Wu Huo , Xu Jing , Sun Guoping
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study was aimed to establish and validate a nomogram for predicting overall survival (OS) in young non-metastatic rectal-cancer (RC) patients after curative resection.Methods: Young RC patients (under 50 years of age) from 2010 to 2015 were extracted from the surveillance, epidemiology and results (SEER) database. Those patients randomly assigned to a training cohort and a validation cohort at a ratio of 7:3. The independent prognostic factors for OS were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A nomogram model was built based on the independent prognostic variables and was evaluated by concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves, calibration plot and decision curve analysis (DCA).Results: A total number of 3026 young RC patients were extracted from SEER database. OS nomogram was constructed based on race, histological type, tumor grade, T stage, N stage, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level, and number of lymph nodes (LN) examined. C-index, ROC curves, calibration plot and DCA curves presented satisfactory performance of the above nomogram in predicting the prognosis of young non-metastatic RC patients after curative resection. The nomogram can identify three subgroups of patients at different risks, which showed different prognostic outcomes both in the training cohort and validation cohort.Conclusion: We successfully established a reliable and insightful nomogram to predict OS for young non-metastatic RC patients after curative resection. The nomogram may provide accurate prognosis prediction to guide individualized follow-up and treatment plans.
Impact of infrasound exposure and glucose intolerance on bone composition in Wistar rats
Authors: Zagalo Luísa , Pereira Gonçalo , Casal Diogo , Gonçalves Luísa L. , Zagalo Carlos , Oliveira Maria João , Oliveira Pedro , Brito José A. A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The concentrations of some chemical elements may differ between healthy and diseased tissues. The knowledge of these differences is pivotal to understand the metabolic processes involved in both physiological and diseased states. The aim of this study was to evaluate the elemental composition of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in the bone of rats subjected to glucose intolerance and/or infrasound.Materials and Methods: X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was applied in the concentration determination of Ca and P in samples of Wistar rat tibiae. Tibiae from glucose intolerant, non-intolerant, exposed and non-exposed to infrasound rats were analysed.Results: There was a significant decrease in bone P concentration in glucose intolerant rats compared to non-intolerant animals. Similarly, the Ca/P ratio was higher in glucose intolerant animals. There were no significant differences for bone Ca concentration in both studied groups, nor between animals exposed and non-exposed to infrasound in either studied element.Discussion and Conclusions: Glucose intolerant rats had lower bone P concentration and unaltered bone Ca concentration compared to non-glucose intolerant rats. Infrasound exposure was not associated to changes of bone Ca or P. The reduction of bone P concentration may be associated with the augmented risk of bone fractures in diabetes.
Association Of Potassium Concentration And Variability With Mortality Among Patients Requiring Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy In Intensive Care Units: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Mao I-Chieh , Lin Pei-Ru , Wu Shin-Hwar , Hsu Hsin-Hui , Hung Pei-Shan , Kor Chew-Teng
Published: March 2022

Background: Serum potassium between 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L is known to be a safe range for patients. The optimal serum potassium level for critically-ill patients with acute kidney injury undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) remains uncertain. This retrospective analysis investigated the association between ICU mortality and potassium concentrations and variability. Methods: ICU patients aged 20 or older, with a minimum of two serum potassium values during received CRRT, treated in ICU in a tertiary hospital in central Taiwan between 1 January 2010 and 30 April 2021 were eligible for inclusion. Patients were categorized into groups of mean potassium: <3.0, 3.0 to <3.5, 3.5 to <4.0, 4.0 to <4.5, 4.5 to <5.0, and ³5.0 mmol/L; potassium variability was divided by quartiles of the average real variation. We analyzed the association between potassium concentration and variability with mortality and performed Cox’s proportional hazard models.Results: We studied 1991 CRRT patients with 9891 serum potassium values within 24 hours after receiving CRRT. There was a J-shaped association between serum potassium and mortality, with the lowest mortality observed in patients with mean potassium concentrations between 3.0 and 4.0 mmol/L. The risk of in-hospital death was also significantly increased in those with the highest variability [HR and 95% CI=1.31(1.03-1.65) for in-hospital mortality; 1.39(1.06-1.82) for 28-day mortality and 1.43(1.11-1.83) for 90-day mortality, respectively].Conclusions: Patients receiving CRRT may benefit from a lower and tighter serum potassium control. During CRRT, progressively increased mortality was noted in patients with higher potassium variability. Thus, careful and timely correction of dyskalemia among these patients is particularly important.
Bioinformatic analysis for the identification of potential gene targeting drug resistance in CRC
Authors: Zhou Zhengyang , Zhang Yan , Yang Changliang , Yang Haiou , Yang Jiayu , Zhang Haiyang , Ba Yi
Published: March 2022

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and chemotherapy is an effective treatment against it. However, the occurrence of drug resistance has always been a big problem hindering the treatment.
Methods
We used bioinformatics analysis to identify potential key genes and pathways to further understand the mechanism of oxaliplatin resistance in this study. GSE69657 was an expression profile dataset of advanced CRC patients receiving standard FOLFOX chemotherapy, which was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enriched terms and pathways were determined by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) analyses. The key modules and hub genes involved in oxaliplatin resistance were identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis.
Results
A total of 232 DEGs were identified. In Go biological process, cellular component, and molecular function analyses, muscle contraction, contractile fiber, and structural constituent of muscle were enriched obviously. The most significantly enriched pathway was vascular smooth muscle contraction. And we found that smooth muscle contraction, muscle contraction may be the critical module in the PPI network analysis. Ten up-regulated hub genes, including TPM1, TPM2, and MYH11, may play an important role in the chemotherapy resistance of CRC. In the transcription factors (TF) prediction, we also found that the serum response family (SRF) was involved in chemotherapeutic resistance. These hub genes and TF identified by us may be potential targets for reversing drug resistance of CRC.
Conclusions
A number of hub genes such as TPM1, TPM2 and MYH11, as well as smooth muscle contraction, muscle contraction played a crux role in drug resistance of CRC. They may be a novel target to reverse tumor drug resistance and function importantly in clinical treatment in the future.
Prioritization of Intervention Domains to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease: A Country-Level Case Study using Global Burden of Disease and Local Data
Authors: Wilson Nick , Cleghorn Christine , Nghiem Nhung , Blakely Tony
Published: March 2022

Aim: We aimed to combine Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study data and local data to identify the highest priority intervention domains for preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the case study country of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ).
Methods: Risk factor data for CVD in NZ was extracted from the GBD using the “GBD Results Tool”. We prioritized risk factor domains based on consideration of the size of the health burden (disability-adjusted life years [DALYs]) and then by two alternative ways: (i) strength of the evidence-base for domain-specific interventions being cost-saving (based on number of NZ publications); and (ii) the domain-specific interventions that delivered the highest health gains and cost-savings.
Results: Based on the size of the CVD health burden in DALYs, the five top prioritized risk factor domains were: high systolic blood pressure (84,800 DALYs; 5400 deaths in 2019), then dietary risk factors, then high LDL cholesterol, then high BMI and then tobacco (30,400 DALYs; 1400 deaths). When considering strength of evidence-base around health economic benefits, we found that tobacco control could be considered to be the highest priority risk factor domain to intervene in (nine NZ publications showing cost-savings). But if policy-makers aimed to maximize health gain and cost-savings from specific interventions that have been studied, then they would favor the dietary risk domain (e.g., a combined fruit and vegetable subsidy plus a sugar tax produced estimated lifetime savings of 894,000 health-adjusted life years and health system cost-savings of US$11.0 billion). Other potential considerations for prioritization are: (i) the potential for total health gain that includes non-CVD health loss (i.e., again favoring tobacco control); (ii) potential for achieving relatively greater per capita health gain for Māori (Indigenous) to reduce health inequities; and (iii) consideration of co-benefits such as greenhouse gas reductions from dietary interventions.
Conclusions: We were able to show how CVD risk factor domains could be systematically prioritized using a mix of GBD and country-level data. Tobacco control could be top ranked if policy-makers focused on the strength of evidence for health economic benefits. But if policy-makers wished to maximize health gain and cost-savings from any specific intervention/s, then they may favor dietary interventions e.g., food taxes and subsidies.