bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic characteristics of listeria that caused invasive listeriosis during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Voronina Olga L. , Kunda Marina S. , Ryzhova Natalia N. , Aksenova Ekaterina I. , Kutuzova Anzhelika V. , Tikulmina Anna N. , Karpova Tatiana I. , Melkumyan Alina R. , Klimova Elena A. , Gruzdeva Olga A. , Tartakovsky Igor S.
Published: September 2022

Invasive listeriosis is relatively rare, but is one of the deadliest food-borne infections, affecting pregnant women, their fetuses and newborn infants, the elderly and immunocompromised people. The aim of this study was to research the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on invasive listeriosis in the metropolis. Loci and whole-genome sequencing with subsequent bioinformatic analysis were used for the study of clinical and foodListeria monocytogenesisolates revealed in 2018–2022. The results indicate the crucial change in the spectrum of theL. monocytogenessequence types (ST) causing invasive listeriosis during the COVID-19 pandemic, with slight changes in the ST spectrum of the food isolates. An increase in sensitivity to previously non-humanL. monocytogenesgenotypes, namely ST8, 20, 21, 37, 391, and 425, was observed.L. monocytogenesof ST20 and 425 carried plasmids with virulence factors (VF), in addition to the 42 VF identified in the genomes with thevipgene exclusion in the genomes of ST7, 8, 21, and 37. Perinatal listeriosis cases were associated with the new hypervirulentL. monocytogenesof ST1, 4, and 219 compiled with old ST6. These data indicate the need for the more stringent control of food products for high-risk groups.
Frequencies of Clinically Significance Tooth Size Discrepancies Among Different Ethnicity in Malaysia
Authors: Rahman Aida Nur Ashikin Abd , Othman Siti Adibah , Marya Anand
Published: September 2022

Background: The Bolton analysis is one of the commonly used tooth size analysis or diagnostic tools in deriving a treatment plan for orthodontic patient. Many studies have indicated and concluded that normal measurements for one group should not be considered normal for other ethnic groups. The aims and objectives of this study were to investigate the applicability of Bolton’s ratios in orthodontic population of Malaysian main ethnics; Malay, Chinese and Indians. Comparisons were made in term of size and distribution of tooth size discrepancy in Malaysian orthodontic population and the findings were converted in terms of millimetres.
Methods: Hundred fifty pre-orthodontic study casts comprised of 52 Malay, 54 Chinese and 44 Indian patients were selected. Digital callipers (Fowler Pro-Max) link to Hamilton Tooth Arch Software were used to measure the tooth width and ratios. Statistical analysis was carried out to test for gender differences (independent t-test), to identify the effects of malocclusion and ethnic groups (Two-way ANOVA) and to compare the means of current study with Bolton’s standards (one sample t-test).
Results: This study showed that there was no significant difference between genders of sample of each ethnic. There was no correlation found between ethnic groups and malocclusion classes. There was a significant difference when comparing Bolton values with Malay sample for both ratios. It was found that more Malay subjects presented with maxillary excess contrary to Chinese and Indian which presented more maxillary deficiency for the anterior and overall ratio.
Conclusion: there were 20.7% of Malaysian sample fall beyond suggested 2SD of clinically significant for anterior ratio and 4.7% which fall in this definition for overall ratio. The Bolton standards can be applied to Malaysian Chinese and Indians but not to Malays ethnic group. Subsequently, a specific standard should be used for the Malays orthodontic population.
Randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of oral Gabapentin for prevention of neuropathy in patients receiving paclitaxel
Authors: Pandey Praful , Kumar Akash , Pushpam Deepam , Khurana Sachin , Gogia Ajay , Malik Prabhat Singh , Singh Mamta Bhushan , Chandran Dinu Santha , Arunmozhimaran Elavarshi , Batra Atul
Published: September 2022

Background

Distal symmetrical neuropathy is a common dose – limiting adverse effect of paclitaxel. A multitude of preventive strategies have been tried with futility in phase 3 settings. A recent phase 2 study has shown potential role of oral gabapentin in prevention of paclitaxel induced neuropathy. In this study, we aim to compare oral gabapentin with placebo in the prevention of paclitaxel induced neuropathy.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of oral gabapentin in preventingsensory neuropathy (NCI CTCAEv5.0 grade 2 or higher) in patients receiving paclitaxel.

Methods

This is a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, parallel group superiority trial. A total of 136 patients receivingpaclitaxel therapy will be randomly allocated (stratified by weekly vs. non-weekly administration) to receive either oral gabapentin or placebo for the duration of paclitaxel therapy, till completion of therapy or occurrence of the primary outcome. The patients will be followed up until three months after end of therapy. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients who develop grade 2 or higher chemotherapy induced sensory neuropathy. Secondary outcomes include any grade neuropathy, percentage change in sensorynerve conduction velocities in median, ulnar, and sural nerves, time to develop neuropathy, paclitaxel dose reductions and delays due to sensory neuropathy, patient-reported outcomes, adverse events, and adherence to oral therapy.

Conclusion

This study aims to find if oral gabapentin reduces incidence of grade 2 or higher chemotherapy induced sensory neuropathy in patients receiving paclitaxel.

Trial registration

The trial is registered prospectively with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2022/02/040030) on April 4, 2022.
The CG Equation: A Probabilistic Approach to Predict Doctoral Success Likelihood
Authors: Chakraborty Sourojeet , Galatro Daniela
Published: September 2022

Doctoral attrition (DA) is a phenomenon of graduate students choosing to discontinue graduate studies and is universally encountered across all academic disciplines. Key parameters, that are typically perceived as valuable by Ph.D. students, are identified from a systematic literature review; and the CG probabilistic equation is formulated to predict the likelihood of a successful Ph.D. experience, called the Doctoral Success Likelihood (DSL), thus minimizing; possibly eliminating DA. Our model provides prospective/novice graduates with a novel framework to self-assess and predict the success likelihood of their Ph.D. journey. Such a framework enables the graduate student to judiciously self-assess and make a rationally informed decision about their career, rather than taking a blind leap of faith. Our equation also accommodates force-majeure circumstances (such as a pandemic, the bereavement of a loved one, mental health issues, etc.), which may significantly impact the time taken to graduate (TTD); leading to a candidate choosing to drop out. Such circumstances typically derail/delay doctoral progress, and can push an initially feasible set of probabilities, into an undesired “infeasibility triangle”. Higher the net probability values obtained from our equation, stronger the likelihood of an enriching Ph.D. experience. When periodically tracked, our proposed equation can also help students identify and calibrate their own doctoral experience, while capturing tangible feedback and perspectives for both students, and supervisors. One author presents his own doctoral journey, applying the CG equation to evaluate DSL values for his Ph.D., over a three-year period.
Gender and labor supply in Cameroon: an analysis in terms of job quality
Authors: Meka'a Cosmas Bernard , Fotso Silvain Raoul
Published: September 2022

The objective of this article is to analyze according to gender the quality of employment in the labor market in Cameroon. For this, we use data from the fourth Cameroon Household Survey (ECAM4). To estimate the determinants of job quality between men and women, we use the estimation of a multinomial logit model.
The results establish that the probability for women to hold a better job is lower compared to men. The only possibilities for women to benefit from good quality jobs are when they have managerial status and when they work in large companies. Inequalities in access to better quality jobs against them are more related to differences in unobservable characteristics than to differences in individual characteristics.
JEL Rating: J16, J23, C25, C35
Effects of Chemotherapeutic Drugs on the Antioxidant Capacity of Human Erythroleukemia Cells With MDR Phenotype
Authors: Marques Maiara Bernardes , Andrade Filipe Reis Teodoro , Silva Estela Fernandes e , Oliveira Bruno Rodrigues , Almeida Daniela Volcan , Votto Ana Paula De Souza , Marins Luis Fernando
Published: September 2022

In this work, we identified that different chemotherapeutic drugs may select cells with different antioxidant capacities. For this, we evaluated the sensitivity of two multidrug-resistant (MDR) erythroleukemia cell lines: Lucena (resistant to vincristine, VCR) and FEPS (resistant to daunorubicin, DNR) derived from the same sensitive cell K562 (non-MDR) to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, we evaluated how the cell lines respond to the oxidizing agent in the absence of VCR/DNR. In absence of VCR, Lucena drastically decreases cell viability when exposed to hydrogen peroxide, while FEPS is not affected even without DNR. To analyze whether selection by different chemotherapeutic agents may generate altered energetic demands, we analyzed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the relative expression of the glucose transporter 1 gene (glut-1). We observed that the selection through DNR apparently generates a higher energy demand than VCR. High levels of transcription factors genes expression (nrf2, hif-1α, and oct4) were kept even when the DNR is withdrawn from the FEPS culture for one month. Together, these results indicate that DNR selects cells with greater ability to express the major transcription factors related to the antioxidant defense system and the main extrusion pump (ABCB1) related to the MDR phenotype. Taking into account that the antioxidant capacity of tumor cells is closely related to resistance to multiple drugs, it is evident that endogenous antioxidant molecules may be targets for the development of new anticancer drugs.
Effects of different backing plates and tool design on the flash defect developed during friction stir welding of AA6061 aluminium alloy
Authors: Kulkarni Bhardwaj , Pankade Sandeep
Published: September 2022

The growing need for lightweight and higher strength materials, like aluminium alloys, in aircraft, ship construction, and railways has influenced manufacturers to adopt friction stir welding (FSW) due to the excellent mechanical properties of FSW joints as compared to other conventional welding processes. Friction stir welding (FSW) is defined by diverse interactions of thermal, mechanical, and tool geometry effects. The backing plate material is crucial for effective temperature control during the FSW process. Inappropriate FSW process parameters can result in flash defects. Due to extreme heat input, flash may be generated in FSW welds. This investigation aims to determine appropriate process parameters (backing plate thermal diffusivity, welding speed, and tool rotational speed) along with proper tool design to achieve flash defect-free joints. Visual observations indicate that the aluminium backing plate results in flash defect-free joints as compared to other backing plates.
A novel picorna-like virus identified in the cotton boll weevil Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Silva Leonardo Assis Assis da , Basso Marcos Fernando , Ribeiro Bergmann Morais
Published: September 2022

Cotton boll weevil (CBW; Anthonomus grandis; Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is considered the major cotton insect-pest causing considerable losses in yield and fiber quality. The increase in boll weevil population due to the increasingly inefficient chemical control measures are of great concern among cotton producers. The absence of conventional or transgenic cultivars with minimal resistance to CBW has stimulated the search for new molecular and biological tools for efficient control of this insect-pest. Herein, were used a metagenomic approach based on RNA deep sequencing to investigate the presence of viruses and coding viral RNA in native apparently healthy adult CBW insects collected in cotton crops at Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 paired-end platform, 138,798 virus-related reads were obtained and a consensus sequence of a putative new virus with 10,632 nucleotides in length. The 5’- and 3’-untranslated sequences (UTR) were obtained by Rapid Amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), followed by Nanopore sequencing. The complete sequence showed a 5’-UTR sequence (1,158 nucleotides), a 3’-UTR (561 nucleotides), and a single ORF of 8,913 nucleotides encoding a large polyprotein was identified. Sequence analysis of the putative polyprotein showed several regions with high sequence homology to structural and non-structural proteins of viruses from the Iflaviridae family. Pairwise alignments from the polyprotein amino acid sequence showed higher identity (32.13%) with a partial polyprotein sequence of a putative iflavirus (QKN89051.1) found in samples of wild zoo birds in China. Phylogenetic analyses with full polyprotein sequences from different iflaviruses indicate that this new picorna-like virus is more closely related to iflaviruses found in lepidopteran insects. Thus, this new picorna-like virus was tentatively named Anthonomus grandis Iflavirus 1 (AgIV-1). This is to our knowledge the first complete virus sequence found in CBW that could be a beginning for further studies about its infectivity, transmission, and possible symptoms or acute disease. The AgIV-1 might be used to develop biological or molecular tools such as a viral vector to carry RNA interfering molecules for CBW control.
Evolution of patients with chronic diseases who did not contract COVID-19 during the first year of the pandemic; new comorbidities, mortality, drug use and use of health and social services: retrospective study and comparison by sex
Authors: Oliván-Blázquez Bárbara , Lear-Claveras Ana , Méndez-López Fátima , Samper-Pardo Mario , León-Herrera Sandra , Magallón-Botaya Rosa
Published: September 2022

Background: The restrictions introduced to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus have also had a direct impact on people with chronic diseases and especially on diseases to which lifestyles are relevant in their control and management, such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. The lockdown measures implemented hindered patients’ ability to lead a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, physical activity, etc.), which plays a crucial role in the proper management and control of chronic diseases.
Method: An observational real world data pre-post study of 668,974 people was undertaken. The patients studied were over 16 years of age, had been receiving care from the Aragon Health Service (Northeastern Spain), been diagnosed with one or more chronic diseases and had not contracted COVID-19. Sociodemographic, comorbidity, pharmacological and health resource use variables were collected during the six months prior to the onset of the lockdown and during the six and 12 months following the end of the lockdown. The comparisons by sex were carried out using a Student T-test or chi squared test to analyse differences.
Results: Dyslipidaemia (42.1%) followed by hypertension (35.1%) and anxiety and depression (34.6%) were the most prevalent chronic diseases among the study popualtion. 79.2% patients had between zero and four illness comorbidities. There was a decrease in new diagnoses of other chronic comorbidities in this population as well as a decrease in drugs prescribed and the use of health services. Although women received a higher number of diagnoses of chronic diseases, the number of drugs dispensed was lower, but the use of health services was higher. These figures were maintained throughout the pandemic.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that there was a decrease in new diagnoses of comorbidities and in the mortality rate from causes unrelated to COVID-19 due to the closure of health centres during the pandemic. This trend was exacerbated in women.
Effective Location of Shear Walls in High-Rise RCC Buildings Subjected to Lateral Loads
Authors: Shukla Kashyap , .K Nallasivam
Published: September 2022

Lateral loads such as earthquake and wind loads play a governing role in the design of high-rise buildings. Consequently, providing adequate lateral rigidity against such loads in high-rise buildings is a major concern for structural engineers. A shear wall is one of the vertical elements which are used in buildings to fulfil lateral rigidity requirements. But its location and arrangement should be proper to effectively resist lateral loads, so this study aims to find out the response of high-rise buildings with shear walls subjected to lateral loads.In the present study, various high-rise rectangular building models with and without shear walls have been analysed for seismic and wind loads in finite element based ETABS software. Seismic loads have been calculated according to the equivalent static method given in IS Code 1893 (Part-1): 2016 and wind loads have been calculated according to IS Code 875 (Part-3): 2015. Results of storey displacements and storey drifts have been extracted, considering four load combinations according to the Indian Standard Code.It has been found that shear walls situated at the centre in the form of a core perform effectively against lateral loads. Displacement at the top of such a building is approximately 2.5 times less than the top story displacement of a building without a shear wall. Shear walls located at corners are the least effective.The study focused only on symmetrical building shapes, and lateral loads were calculated using the equivalent static method.The high-rise building includes both framed systems and shear walls. The shear walls are distributed in such a way that the floor plan length of walls is the same in all the buildings, so results are affected by the arrangement and location of walls only.
MRI data-driven clustering reveals different subtypes of Dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Ferreira Daniel , Inguanzo Anna , Poulakis Konstantinos , Mohanty Rosaleena , Schwarz Christopher , Przybelski Scott , Diaz-Galvan Patricia , Lowe Val , Boeve Bradley , Lemstra Afina , de Beek M. van , Flier Wiesje van der , Barkhof Frederik , Blanc Frederic , de Sousa Paulo Loureiro , Philippi Nathalie , Cretin Benjamin , Demuynck Catherine , Nedelska Zuzana , Hort Jakub , Segura Bàrbara , Junque Carme , Oppedal Ketil , Aarsland Dag , Westman Eric , Kantarci Kejal
Published: September 2022

Background. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a wide heterogeneity of symptoms, which suggests the existence of different subtypes.
Objectives. We used data-driven analysis of MRI data to investigate DLB subtypes.
Methods. We included 165 probable DLB from the Mayo Clinic and 3 centers from the European DLB consortium and performed a hierarchical cluster analysis to identify subtypes based on gray matter (GM) volumes. To characterize the subtypes, we used demographic and clinical data, as well as β-amyloid and cerebrovascular biomarkers at baseline, and cognitive decline over three years.
Results. We identified 3 subtypes: an older subtype with reduced cortical GM volumes, worse cognition, and faster cognitive decline (n=49, 30%); a subtype with low GM volumes in fronto-occipital regions (n=76, 46%); and a subtype of younger patients with the highest cortical GM volumes, proportionally lower GM volumes in basal ganglia and the highest frequency of cognitive fluctuations (n=40, 24%).
Conclusions. This study shows the existence of MRI subtypes in DLB, which may have implications for clinical workout, research, and therapeutic decisions.
CNTNAP2 Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Intellectual Disability and Epilepsy comorbidity in Pakistani population.
Authors: MUDASSIR BEHJAT UL
Published: September 2022

· Background:
The genetics of neurodevelopmental disorders is partially investigated due to the multiple additive risk factors found to be involved. Emergence of individual genes implicated across multiple diseases suggests that they might share similar underlying driving pathways. The CNTNAP2 gene is an excellent presentation, that has been found in a variety of phenotypes. The role of CNTNAP2 is implicated in a vast number of neural and genetic networks of neurodevelopment which leads to the understanding of regulation and function of this gene. The diverse roles of CNTNAP2 can enhance our understanding of how combinations of individual genetic risk factors can contribute to the complexity of neurodevelopmental disorders.
· Methods:
The present study aims to investigate the role of CNTNAP2 polymorphism as a risk factor for comorbidity of Intellectual Disability and epilepsy in Pakistani population. 170 patients and 175 healthy controls took part in this study from different areas of Pakistan. Genotyping using Tetra-primer ARMS PCR technique was conducted to investigate the association between rs147815978 (G/T) and rs2710102 (A/G) of CNTNAP2 gene and intellectual disability and epilepsy co-occurrence in patients of different age groups.
· Results:
The genotyping data was analysed to trace the effect of CNTNAP2polymorphism on the comorbidity of ID and EPI diseases in study participants. Probability values less than 0.05 were considered significant for the association of CNTNAP2 rs147815978 and rs2710102. Results suggested a probable role of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphism predisposition to comorbidity of neurodevelopmental disorders in Pakistani population.
· Conclusion:
CNTNAP2 polymorphisms have a significant role in co-occurrence of NDDs due to the underlying shared molecular mechanisms causing neurodevelopment.
· Trial Registration:
Not Applicable for this study. Ethical approval from Ethical Review Committee of Department of Biosciences, Comsats University Islamabad campus was obtained prior to conduction of all procedures.
Determinants of household food resilience to Covid-19: Case of the Niayes zone in Senegal
Authors: Diouf Awa , Diallo Yoro , Ndiaye Mouhamadou Fallilou , Hathie Ibrahima
Published: September 2022

The Covid-19 crisis had negative economic and social effects worldwide, and its repercussions have been more significant on vulnerable populations. This article examines the food resilience capacity of households in the Senegal’s Niayes area during the first wave of Covid-19, regarding the quality and quantity of meals consumed. We use an ordered probit model with field survey data collected from 443 households. Results highlight some significant determinants of household food resilience, including public and private social protection measures in place before and after the crisis. The ARC-Replica NGO Consortium’s money transfer program has enabled households to improve their food situation for all three included periods. However, food aid from the Senegalese government and the United Nations has been ineffective. Furthermore, measures settled to support households during the hunger gap (aid from ARC-Replica and the Office of the Food Security Commissioner) improved households food resilience. Thus, results show that for aid to be more effective, its objectives and the implementation period must be in line with the expectations and needs of target population. Therefore, the aid settled for agricultural households is more relevant during the hunger gap. Finally, endogenous resilience strategies, including diversity of income sources and migrant remittances, did not improve household food resilience during Covid-19. This highlights the importance of the negative internal and external effects of the crisis on households, but also the need for effective and recurrent social protection measures to sustainably improve household resilience to shocks.
Perspectives of Anesthesiology Program Leadership on Virtual Resident Recruitment
Authors: Kofskey Alexander M. , Lee Donaldson C. , Piennette Paul D. , Singh Nikhi P. , King Timothy W.
Published: September 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly transformed resident recruitment. It remains uncertain whether virtual modalities were effective for assessing and recruiting anesthesiology applicants during the 2020-2021 recruitment season. This study surveyed anesthesiology residency leadership to evaluate their perceptions of pre-interview virtual offerings, virtual interviews, and social media and the utility of these modalities for recruitment purposes.
Methods: A Qualtrics XM survey was developed and distributed by email to anesthesiology residency program directors in June 2021. The survey was open until July 2021. Responses were anonymized, and descriptive statistics were performed for each survey question and answer choice. Partially completed surveys were excluded from analysis.
Results: Of the 152 anesthesiology program directors reached via email, 28 surveys were completed, with a response rate of 18.3%. During the 2020 recruitment season, all surveyed programs employed pre-interview virtual offerings; twenty-six (93%) offered them for the first time. Most programs utilized virtual open houses (86%) and question and answer (Q&A) sessions with residents (68%). These offerings were primarily used to provide information to applicants (96%) and facilitate resident and applicant interaction (61%). Social media was used by most programs (85%) during the 2020-2021 recruitment cycle. Twenty (67%) developed social media account(s) in 2020, mostly on Instagram (95%) and Twitter (55%). Compared to pre-pandemic interview seasons, most programs (64%) extended more interview invitations, generally citing larger applicant pools and uncertainty related to gauging applicant interest. Most respondents (74%) believed applicants would be assessed similarly regardless of interview modality if dual options for in-person and virtual interviews were available in future years.
Conclusions: Anesthesiology programs overwhelmingly acknowledge the value of virtual open houses and social media engagement, even thought some appear reluctant to embrace virtual interviews permanently. This data suggests programs will continue to promote their virtual profile to recruit prospective applicants and be receptive to creative solutions in light of global health uncertainty.
Incidence, management, and outcomes of traumatic glaucoma in a tertiary eye hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: al-Atiah Fatemah , al-Dalgan Hind , al-Suhaibani Abdulrahman , Schargel Konrad
Published: September 2022

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, demographic, and epidemiological data for glaucoma developing after ocular trauma (open and closed globe injuries; all age groups) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We also explored the different management strategies in detail. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 80 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of traumatic glaucoma treated at the largest tertiary eye hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 2014 to 2021. The incidence of glaucoma after ocular trauma, patients’ demographic characteristics, average duration between ocular trauma and glaucoma diagnosis, other ocular pathologies associated with glaucoma, and different management strategies were evaluated. Results The incidence of secondary traumatic glaucoma was 20.5%, with the majority of affected patients (nearly 88%) aged < 30 years. The mean interval between ocular trauma and glaucoma diagnosis was 25.35 ± 46.53 months (range: 0.1–240 months). Open globe injury and closed globe injury had occurred in 58.8% and 41.3% of patients, respectively; 77.5% of patients were diagnosed with secondary open-angle glaucoma, whereas 22.5% were diagnosed with secondary acute angle-closure glaucoma. Angle recession accounted for nearly 41% cases. Conclusion Traumatic glaucoma is a vast topic of study. This study revealed that secondary traumatic glaucoma is not uncommon and frequently shows late onset after the trauma. It is associated with abnormalities involving visual acuity and intraocular pressure and can be managed by single or multiple treatments with or without surgery. Prognosis is often unfavorable depending on various risk factors.
Identification of miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Santos Julia Matzenbacher dos , Dombkowski Alan , Putt David , Chen Guoan , Choi Hyeon-Gyeom , Kim Sohee , Beer David G , Kim Hyesook
Published: September 2022

Background: The majority of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage and their 5-year survival rate is < 5%. However, when patients are diagnosed at an early stage, Stage I, they have ~70% 5-year survival rate. The aim of the study was to identify Stage I lung cancer miRNA biomarkers for early lung cancer detection.
Methods: RNA was isolated from serum of 11 healthy subjects and 45 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients comprised of 21 Stage I, 8 Stage II and 11 Stage III adenocarcinoma (AC) and 5 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, and from NSCLC (A549, H23, H1437, H460 and H1299) and kidney (ACHN) cell lines. Eight miRNA lung cancer biomarker candidates were selected based on previously published studies, were analyzed by qRT-PCR/Taqman® analyses.
Results: MiR486 levels were up-regulated in Stages I, II and III AC. Whereas MiR-122 and miR-29c were not detected in serum samples in most healthy subjects, these respective miRNAs were expressed in 62% and 71% of Stage I and 88% and 100% of Stage II and 91 and 100% of Stage III lung AC patients. Ratios of miR-486/miR-16 and miR-29c/miR-16 were ~10-fold higher in A549 lung AC cell lysates and media compared with renal ACHN cell lysates and media and both miRNAs were higher in A549 cells when compared to other lung cancer cell lines.
Conclusions: Upregulation of miR-486 and miR-29c in blood can be used as a biomarker for early AC lung cancer diagnosis.
Fine Mapping of CscpFtsY, a Gene Conferring the Yellow Leaf Phenotype in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Zha Gaohui , Yin Juan , Cheng Feng , Song Mengfei , Zhang Mengru , Obel Hesbon Ochieng , Wang Yi , Chen Jinfeng , Lou Qunfeng
Published: September 2022

Background
Leaf color mutants are ideal materials to study pigment metabolism and photosynthesis. Leaf color variations are mainly affected by chlorophylls (Chls) and carotenoid contents and chloroplast development in higher plants. However, the regulation of chlorophyll metabolism remains poorly understood in many plant species. The chloroplast signal-recognition particle system is responsible for the insertion of the light harvesting chlorophyll a/b proteins (LHCPs) to thylakoid membranes, which controls the chloroplast development as well as the regulation of Chls biosynthesis posttranslationally in higher plants.
Results
In this study, the yellow leaf cucumber mutant, named yl, was found in an EMS-induced mutant library, which exhibited a significantly reduced chlorophyll content, abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure and decreased photosynthetic capacity. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the phenotype of yl was controlled by a recessive nuclear gene. Using BSA-seq technology combined with the map-based cloning method, we narrowed the locus to a 100 kb interval in chromosome 3. Linkage analysis and allelism test validated the candidate SNP residing in CsaV3_3G009150 encoding one homolog of chloroplast signal-recognition particle (cpSRP) receptor in Arabidopsis, cpFtsY, could be responsible for the yellow leaf phenotype of yl. The relative expression of CscpFtsY was significantly down-regulated in different organs except for the stem, of yl compared with that in the wild type (WT). Subcellular localization result showed that CscpFtsY located in chloroplasts of mesophyll cells.
Conclusions
The yl mutant displayed Chls-deficient, impaired chloroplast ultrastructure with intermittent grana stacks and significantly decreased photosynthetic capacity. The isolation of CscpFtsY in cucumber could accelerate the progress on chloroplast development by cpSRP-dependant LHCP delivery system and regulation of Chls biosynthesis in a post-translational way.
Emotion processing deficits in youths with conduct problems: An fMRI meta-analysis
Authors: Berluti Kathryn , Ploe Montana , Marsh Abigail
Published: September 2022

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies consistently indicate emotion processing deficits in youth with conduct problems. However, no prior meta-analysis has investigated emotion-specific responses associated with conduct problems. This meta-analysis aimed to generate an up-to-date assessment of socio-affective neural responding among youths with conduct problems. A systematic literature search was conducted in youths (ages 10-21) with conduct problems. Task-specific analyses examined responses to threatening images, fearful and angry facial expressions, and empathic pain stimuli across the whole brain. Amygdala region of interest (ROI) analyses were also conducted when data were available. Additional analyses explored responding among youths with callous-unemotional traits. Analyses incorporated a total of 23 fMRI studies, which included 606 youths with conduct problems and 459 comparison youths. ROI analyses of responses to negative images and fearful facial expressions showed reduced activation in right amygdala across youths with conduct problems relative to controls. Whole-brain analyses revealed reduced activity in left supplementary motor area and superior frontal gyrus when youths with conduct problems viewed angry facial expressions. Youths with callous-unemotional traits also exhibited reduced activation in left fusiform gyrus, superior parietal gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus when viewing fearful facial expressions. Youths with conduct problems displayed atypical activation in regions that included the amygdala and temporal cortex when viewing socio-affective fear, anger, and empathic pain stimuli. This reduced activation may underpin reduced empathic responding, dysregulated social learning, and heightened risk for aggression.
Identification for the species of aquatic higher plants in the Taihu Lake basin based on hyperspectral remote sensing
Authors: Mu Shichen , You Kai , Song Ting , Li Yajie , Wang Lihong , Shi Junzhe
Published: September 2022

Aquatic plants are crucial for an aquatic ecosystem, and their species and distribution reflect aquatic ecosystem health. Remote sensing technology has been used to monitor plant distribution on a large scale. However, the fine identification of aquatic plants is a great challenge due to large temporal-spatial changes in optical properties of water bodies and small spectral differences among plant species. Here, the identification method of each aquatic plant was developed by constructing the decision tree file of the C4.5 algorithm based on the canopy spectra of 8 plants in the Changguangxi Wetland water area measured with hyperspectral remote sensing technology, and then the method was finally used to monitor the distribution of different plants in Changguangxi Wetland water area and two other water areas. The results show that the spectral characteristics of plants is enhanced by calculating the spectral index of aquatic plants, thereby improving the comparability among different species. The total recognition accuracy of the constructed decision tree file for 8 types of plants is 85.02%, among which the recognition accuracy of Nymphaea tetragona, Pontederia cordata, and Nymphoides peltatum is the highest, and the recognition accuracy of Eichhornia crassipes is the lowest. The specific species and distribution of aquatic plants are consistent with the water quality in the water area. The results can provide a reference for the accurate identification of aquatic plants in the same type of water area.
Axonal Nerve Ring Localization of an Insulin-like Peptide Mrna in Stress-resistant C. Elegans Larvae
Authors: Chandra Rashmi , Husain Zahabiya , Alcedo Joy
Published: September 2022

Insulin signaling has been implicated in many physiological processes, such as development, metabolism and stress survival, thereby ensuring an animal’s homeostasis. Thus, to enable the pathway to function with high precision, its ligands can undergo multiple levels of regulation—at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational levels. Interestingly, we now find that the endogenous mRNA transcripts of the C. elegans insulin-like peptide ins-6 also become localized to specific structures. ins-6 transcripts are present in the axonal nerve ring of the stress-resistant dauer larva. In contrast, non-dauer and post-dauer larvae have ins-6 transcripts that are localized to the somas of the ASI and ASJ sensory neurons and not to the nerve ring. The absence of other neuronal mRNAs in the dauer axonal nerve ring suggests specificity in this mRNA localization of ins-6, which has previously been shown to be important during the switch to and from dauer physiology.
Embryogenic abnormalities and genotoxicity induced by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid during indirect somatic embryogenesis in Coffea
Authors: Oliveira João Paulo Morais , Junior Alex Silva , Catrinck Mariana Neves , Clarindo Wellington Ronildo
Published: September 2022

Indirect somatic embryogenesis (ISE) is a morphogenetic pathway in which somatic cells form callus and, later, somatic embryos. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is a synthetic auxins that promote the proliferation and dedifferentiation of somatic cells, inducing the ISE. However, 2,4-D can cause genetic, epigenetic, physiological and morphological disorders, preventing the regeneration and/or resulting abnormal somatic embryos. We aimed to evaluate the toxic 2,4-D effect during the Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora ISE, assessing the somatic embryo morphology, global 5-methylcytosine levels (5-mC%) and DNA damage. Leaf explants were inoculated in media with different 2,4-D concentrations. After 90 days, the friable calli were transferred to the regeneration medium, and the number of normal and abnormal somatic embryos was monthly counted. The increase of the 2,4-D concentration increased the number of responsive explants in C. arabica and C. canephora. At 9.06, 18.08 and 36.24 µM 2,4-D, C. arabica presented the highest values of responsive explants, differing from C. canephora. Normal and abnormal somatic embryos regeneration increased in relation to the time and 2,4-D concentration. Global 5-mC% varied at different stages of the ISE in both Coffea. Furthermore, the 2,4-D concentration positively correlated with global 5-mC%, and with the mean number of abnormal somatic embryos. All abnormal somatic embryos of C. arabica and C. canephora exhibited DNA damage and showed higher global 5-mC%. The allotetraploid C. arabica exhibited greater tolerance to the toxic effect of 2,4-D than the diploid C. canephora. We conclude that synthetic 2,4-D auxin promotes genotoxic and phytotoxic disorders and promotes epigenetic changes during Coffea ISE.
Successful management of chyluria using percutaneous thoracic duct stenting
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Ngoc , Linh Le Tuan , My Thieu Thi Tra , Long Hoang , Hoa Tran Quoc , Hoan Le , Inoue Masanori
Published: September 2022

Background
Chyluria is defined as the presence of chyle in the urine that is caused by chylous reflux through the communication between the lymphatic system and the urinary tract. Thoracic duct stenosis or obstruction is one of the causes of chyluria. Although the diagnosis of chyluria is not difficult, treatment is still challenging. Although there have been no standard guidelines for the treatment of chyluria, interventional techniques now offer minimally invasive treatment options for chyluria such as interstitial lymphatic embolization, ductoplasty with balloon, or thoracic duct stenting. There are only few case reports about thoracic duct stenting in the literature.
Case presentation:
Here, we report a case of chyluria due to obstruction of the junction between the thoracic duct and subclavian vein in a 64 -year- old female patient. The patient was treated with balloon plasty for lymphovenous junction obstruction and interstitial lymphatic embolization for chyluria. However, chyluria was recurrent and the patient was successful treated with thoracic duct stenting.
Conclusions
This report demonstrates the feasibility, effective of using thoracic duct stenting in the treatment chyuria due to lymphovenous junction obstruction.
Design of additively manufactured moulds for expanded polymers
Authors: Alessio Franco , Alessio Mattia , Savoldelli Pietro , Vedani Maurizio , Viganò Roberto
Published: September 2022

The traditional tools used in steam-chest moulding technologies for the shaping expanded polymers can be replaced today by lighter moulds, accurately designed and produced exploiting the additive manufacturing technology. New paradigms have to be considered in the mould design, assuming that additive manufacturing enables the definition of different architectures that are able to improve the performance of the moulding process. This work describes the strategies adopted for the design and manufacturing by Laser powder bed fusion of the moulds, taking into specific consideration their functional surfaces, which rule the heat transfer to the moulded material, hence the quality of the products and the overall performance of the steam-chest process. The discussion about a case study and the comparison between the performance of the traditional solution and the new mould are also presented in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new approach.The study demonstrates that the re-design and optimization of the mould shape can lead to a significant reduction of the energy demand of the process, thanks to a homogeneous delivery of the heating steam throughout the part volume, which also results in a remarkable cutting of the cycle time.
Strong HONO Emissions from Fertilized Soil in the North China Plain 4 Driven by Nitrification and Water Evaporation
Authors: Xue Chaoyang , Ye Can , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Chenglong , Su Hang , Bao Fengxia , Cheng Yafang , Catoire Valéry , Ma Zhuobiao , Zhao Xiaoxi , Lu Keding , Liu Yuhan , McGillen Max , Mellouki Abdelwahid , Mu Yujing
Published: September 2022

Soil was proposed as an important nitrous acid (HONO) source but has not so far been demonstrated by field flux measurements and its atmospheric impacts are highly uncertain. Here we conducted field flux measurements and found that soil HONO emission flux (FHONO) could be enhanced by more than two orders of magnitude by the use of nitrogen fertilizers for agricultural fields in the North China Plain (NCP). FHONO showed distinct diurnal variations with noontime peaks up to hundreds of ng-N m-2 s-1. With soil samples where field measurements took place, our laboratory experiments subsequently found that the release of soil nitrification-originated nitrite as HONO was largely accelerated by soil surface water evaporation. This process was parameterized by a modified Arrhenius equation that reproduced field flux observations well. With the consideration of FHONO, the box model could well reproduce the observed ambient HONO and found that FHONO could significantly accelerate ozone (O3) production, highlighting the amplified role of nitrogen fertilizer use in exacerbating O3 pollution in the NCP. Moreover, we estimated yearly HONO emission of 0.25 Tg-N from global fertilizer use for agriculture, representing a considerable reactive nitrogen source and significantly affecting atmospheric oxidizing capacity and air quality on a global scale. Furthermore, we found that nitrification inhibitors could reduce HONO and nitric oxide emissions by ~90%, indicating their great potential to mitigate regional air pollution.
Multi-objective optimal edge-drop control in tandem cold rolling of silicon steel strip
Authors: Wang Pengfei , Li Jiannan , Li Xu , Duan Shuwei , Huang Huagui , Wang Dewei
Published: September 2022

In cold rolling of silicon steel strip, edge drop directly affects the side cutting and yield of silicon steel. To improve the edge drop of silicon steel in the cold rolling process, a multi-stand coordinated control strategy and model based on multi-objective optimization are proposed. The first step is to analyze the influence of each control stand work roll shifting (WRS) on edge drop through the finite element model (FEM), then determine the edge drop control effectiveness of each work roll shifting actuator. Meanwhile, a fitting model is proposed to solve the limitation caused by the discrete change of efficiency factors in solving the optimal adjustments of each WRS. On this basis, the target model for silicon steel edge drop control is formulated, and the optimal adjustment model of WRS of each stand is established. To realize the optimal coordinated control among the rolling mill stands, a multi-objective optimal model of edge drop control has been established by the overall modeling method. The improved penalty function algorithm is developed to calculate the optimal adjustment of WRS for each stand. The experiments and application show that the proposed multi-objective optimal control strategy and model can effectively improve the accuracy of edge drop control in silicon steel continuous cold rolling.
The Effect of Physical Activity on the Severity of Menopausal Symptoms: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wu SongWen , ShI Yi , ZHAO Qiao , Men Ke
Published: September 2022

Objective
To investigate the effect of physical activity on the severity of menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women in northwest China.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional internet survey study. Using a snowball sampling method, 468 women aged 45 to 60 were recruited from northwest China and their demographic information was collected. We then assessed their modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (mKMI) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF). Random forest (RF) was used to rank variable importance and select their optimal combination. An ordinal logistic regression model was further applied to explain the direction and relative risk (odds ratio value) of selected variables.
Results
The prevalence of menopausal syndromes was 74.8% and more than one-half of the participants had moderate or severe symptoms (54.3%). The Mantel-Haenszel linear-by-linear chi-square test showed a strong and negative correlation between the severity of menopausal symptoms and the level of physical activity. RF analysis demonstrated that the most significant variable associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms was physical activity level. Multiple RF regressions showed that the out-of-bag (OOB) error rate reaches the minimum when the top 4 variables (physical activity level, menopausal status, perceived health status, and parity) in the importance ranking form an optimal variable combination. Ordinal logistic regression analysis showed that a higher physical activity level and a satisfactory perceived health status might be protective factors for menopausal symptoms (odds ratio (OR) < 1); whereas perimenopausal or postmenopausal status and 2 parities might be risk factors for menopausal symptoms (OR > 1).
Conclusions
Physical activity has a very important effect on the severity of menopausal symptoms. There is a strong negative correlation between them. Although these findings need to be confirmed by prospective longitudinal studies, physical activity is still recommended to improve menopausal symptoms, thereby increasing the quality of life.