bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body mass index is a mediumiator of the genetic association between STK39 and blood pressure in Mexican women
Authors: Huerta-Chagoya Alicia , Moreno-Macías Hortensia , Ordoñez-Sánchez María Luisa , González-Villalpando Clicerio , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos Alberto , Gamba Gerardo , Sebastián G.-Behn-Eschenburg , Marroquín-Rodríguez Montserrat , Tusié-Luna Teresa , Chávez-Canales María 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Although obesity causally relates to hypertension, the underlying genetic mechanisms are not completely understood. STK39 gene, encoding the SPAK kinase, associates with both hypertension and body mass index (BMI). In a murine model, we previously showed that the inactivation of SPAK resulted in a hypotensive and obesity-resistant phenotype.
Methods
We analyzed the mediator effect of BMI on the association between STK39 and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in a sample of 2,853 Mexican adults. We also assessed the STK39 expression patterns in human adipose tissue, a relevant tissue determining BMI.
Results
We found that a STK39 locus, tagged by rs6749447 genetic variant, has a positive and significant direct effect on blood pressure in women (B(SE) = 0.073(0.028), P = 0.010), as well as an indirect effect through the BMI (B(SE) = 0.010(0.004), P = 0.024), therefore showing that BMI is a mediator of STK39 and SBP. None of the effects were significant in men (direct effect: B(SE) = 0.030(0.031), P = 0.329; indirect effect: B(SE) = 0.124(0.255), P = 0.626). Additionally, we found that STK39 is expressed in subcutaneous adipose tissue with similar steady-state levels to PPARG and LIPE genes, and its expression is higher in women than in men (P = 0.0008).
Conclusions
Our results shed light on the genetic basis of obesity-induced hypertension and outline a specific locus within STK39 as an important modulator of this process.
Comparative Study Of Growth And HSP70 Gene Expression In Japanese Quails Fed Different Levels Of Black Solder Fly, Hermetia Illucens
Authors: El-Sayed Mohammed A , Hatab M.H , Ibrahim N. S , Assi H.AEM , Saleh H. M , Sayed W.AA , Rumpold B.A 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Edible insects are considered a promising nutritious, sustainable alternative protein source for feed. The effect of black solder fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens meal on growth performance, heat stress-responses and heat shock protein (HSP70) gene expression in sexed Japanese quail were assessed. The quails were fed on three different diets containing 100% soybean meal (diet A), 50% soybean and 50% BSF meal (diet B) and 100% BSF meal (diet C). Results revealed that overall live body weight, the relative weight of carcass, heart, liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, small intestine and sex organs of Japanese quail were significantly increased for diet B and C as compared to diet. The interaction of dietary treatment and heat stress had a significant effect on the diet A group's live body weight, the relative weight of carcass, and measured organs, whereas the diet B and diet C groups had no or the least effect on their traits. Investigating HSP70 gene expression with heat stress exposure in control diet A was 13.215. While, the diet B was expressed of 8.487 with the HSP70 gene. Moreover, the gene expression of the birds fed on diet C were 3.203, respectively. Our findings point to a beneficial role for BSF meal as a quail feed in improving growth performance and combating the negative effects of heat stress exposure on bird growth.
The groundwater environmental effects and health risk assessment in saline-fresh water mixing zone of coastal plain
Authors: Liu Sen , Yang Xiao , Liu Yanan , Jia Chao , Gao Maosheng , Dang Xianzhang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The groundwater environment is important to human living in coastal plain. In this study, southern Laizhou Bay (SLB) is chosen as the study area and 47 groundwater samples are collected to analyze groundwater environmental effects and health risk assessment in saline-fresh water mixing zone (SFMZ) of coastal plain. Influenced by saline water intrusion (SWI), K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42- and HCO3- concentration values are exceeded WHO standard value seriously. High-F groundwater is the product in process of SWI, caused by cation exchange, weakly alkaline environment, evaporation and fluorite dissolution. Na+ concentration and a decrease in the Ca2+ concentration can promote further dissolution of fluorite and other F-containing minerals. Based on the health risk assessment method, the average HQ sequence in typical groundwater pollutants is Cl- > F- > NO3-N > Se > Mn > NO2-N > Cu > Pb > Zn > Fe, and the CR sequence caused by carcinogenic heavy metals is Cd > As > Cr. The greatest non-carcinogenic risk to adults and children in the study area is caused by Cl-. Cd is the most important indicator of carcinogenic risk, and its contribution to CR accounts for 74.531%. The regions with high health impacts of carcinogenic pollutants in groundwater are mainly concentrated in the central part of the study area, with the exceeding range of 35.373% for adults and 44.768% for children. Non-carcinogenic pollutants are enriched in SFMZ, which have greater impacts on human body and lead to higher health risks compared with carcinogenic pollutants.
Cognitive Function is a Predictor of Home Discharge in Subacute Stroke Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Kawakami Michiyuki , Ishii Ryota , Tsujikawa Masahiro , Honaga Kaoru , Kondo Kunitsugu , Tsuji Tetsuya 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: To investigate the cognitive function and its relation to home discharge of patients following subacute stroke.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1,229 convalescent patients experiencing first subacute stroke. We determined discharge destination and demographic and clinical information. We recorded the following measurement scores: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, Stroke Impairment Assessment Set score, grip strength, and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify factors related to home discharge. Results: Of the 1,229 participants (mean age: 68.7±13.5 years), 501 (40.8%), 735 (59.8%), and 1,011 (82.3%) were female, had cerebral infarction, and were home discharged, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR], 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–0.96; P<0.001), duration from stroke onset to admission (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; P=0.003), living situation (OR, 4.40; 95% CI, 2.69–7.20; P<0.001), MMSE score at admission (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00–1.09; P=0.035), FIM motor score at admission (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06; P=0.001), and FIM cognitive score at admission (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04–1.13; P<0.001) were significantly associated with home discharge. Conclusions: MMSE at admission may be a useful indicator for predicting home discharge.
A Trojan horse biomimetic delivery system using mesenchymal stem cells for HIF-1α siRNA -loaded nanoparticles on RPE cells under hypoxia environment
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yan Jie-Jing , Li Mu-Qiong , Wang Xi-Xi , Fan Li , Wang Hai-Yan , Wang Yu-Sheng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
AIM: To demonstrate the feasibility of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-mediated nano drug delivery, which was characterized by the “Trojan horse”-like transport of HIF-1α siRNA between MSCs and retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) under hypoxia environment.METHODS: Plasmid and lentivirus targeting the human HIF-1α gene were designed and constructed by Genechem company. HIF-1α siRNA was encapsulated into Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) nanoparticles(NPs) through the water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) multiple emulsion technique. MSCs were transfected with the NPs and the transfection efficacy was evaluated by flow cytometry. Then a transwell co-culture system of MSCs and RPE was constructed under hypoxia environment. The effects of MSC-loaded HIF-1α siRNA PLGA-NPs on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of RPE cells were then evaluated. The effect on HIF-1α expression of RPE cells was analyzed by using quantitative polymerase chain reaction at the time point 24 h, 3 d and 7 d.RESULTS: The average diameter of PLGA-NPs loaded with HIF siRNA was 314.1nm and the zeta potential was﹣0.36 mV. The transfection efficiency of PLGA NPs was (67.3%±5.2%) into MSCs by using flow cytometry. Compared with the lentivirus group, the PLGA-NPs loaded with HIF-1α siRNA can effectively reduce the expression of HIF-1α mRNA up to 7 days in RPE (0.63±0.05 at 7d, P < 0.001). In the transwell co-culture system of MSCs and RPE, the abilities of proliferation(2.34±0.17 vs 2.40 ± 0.28 vs2.47±0.24 at 48h, F=0.23, P=0.80), apoptosis(14.83 ± 2.43% vs 12.94 ± 2.19% vs 12.39 ± 3.21%; F= 0.70, P=0.53) and migration(124.5± 7.78 vs 119.5± 5.32 vs 130±9.89, F =1.33, P=0.33) of the RPE cells had no differences between MSC-loaded HIF-1α siRNA PLGA-NPs group and other groups. The inhibition of PLGA on the HIF-1α mRNA expression in RPE cells could continue until the 7th day, the level of HIF-1α mRNA was lower than that of other groups (F=171.98, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: The delivery of PLGA-NPs loaded with HIF-1α siRNA carried by MSCs is found to be beneficial temporally for HIF-1α mRNA inhibition in RPE cells under hypoxia environment. The MSC-based bio-mimetic delivery of HIF-1α siRNA nanoparticles is a potential method for therapy against choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
Model for Moisture Infiltration in Vegetated Soil with Preferential Flow Oriented by Plant Roots
Authors: Mair Andrew , Dupuy Lionel , Ptashnyk Mariya 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: There is strong experimental evidence that root systems substantially change the hydraulic properties of soil. However, the mechanisms by which they do this remain largely unknown. In this work, we made the hypothesis that a preferential flow of soil moisture occurs in directions which follow the orientation and distribution of roots within the soil, and that this phenomenon alters groundwater flow patterns.
Methods: We modified Richards' equation to incorporate root-oriented preferential flow of soil moisture. Using the finite element method and Bayesian optimisation, we developed a pipeline to calibrate our model with respect to a given root system.
Results: When applied to simulated root distributions, our model produced pore-water pressure profiles which agreed with those derived from experimental saturated hydraulic conductivity values of soils vegetated with willow and grass. Agreement improved for simulated root distributions where root segments were oriented in a more realistic way, suggesting that the hydraulic characteristics of vegetated soils are a consequence of root-oriented preferential flow.
Conclusion: By incorporating root-oriented preferential flow, our model improves the ability to describe and analyse moisture infiltration through vegetated soil. This could help optimise irrigation, forecast flood events and plan landslide prevention strategies.
Fungicide Film Coating – a New Approach to Potato Tubers Health
Authors: Kiselev Evgeniy G. , Prudnikova Svetlana V. , Volova Tatiana G. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Pioneer results of seed-potato health improvement and the suppression of the infection development during the potato cultivation by the pre-sowing coating of the tubers with an azoxystrobin-loaded degradable polymer film coating are presented. Using the Krasnoyarskiy Ranniy potato variety as an example, we show the possibility of forming a film coating on the surface of tubers without damaging them and reducing sprouting, using a 1% solution of degradable polymer poly-3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB)] in dichloromethane. The half-life of the polymer coating in the field soil was 25 days. Its gradual destruction from planting potatoes to the beginning of the flowering phase ensured long-term delivery of the fungicide to plants. More active suppression of rhizospheric micromycetes, including pathogens (Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum), and the decrease in the frequency of occurrence of these pathogens on plants during the growing season were shown in comparison with pre-sowing spraying of tubers with a fungicidal preparation Quadris (comparison group). The healing benefit of the fungicide film coating had a positive effect on the formation of tubers and the quality of the potato crop. The percent of marketable tubers and the total yield in the experimental group were 58% and 24.0 ± 2.9 t/ha exceeding the comparison group indicators which were 50% and 18.4 ± 2.2 t/ha, respectively. The share of tubers with symptoms of Fusarium infection was 8.5% in the experimental group versus 12.1% in the comparison group. The fungicidal effect of a long-term degradable azoxystrobin-loaded polymeric film coating is more successful than the traditional treatment of tubers with a solution of this fungicide.
Detection of Kinase Domain Mutations in BCR-ABL1 Leukemia by Ultra-deep Sequencing of Genomic DNA
Authors: Sánchez Ricardo , Dorado Sara , Ruíz-Heredia Yanira , Martin Alejandro , Rosa-Rosa Juan Manuel , Ribera Jordi , García Olga , Jimenez-Ubieto Ana , Carreño-Tarragona Gonzalo , Linares María , Rufián Laura , Juárez Alexandra , Carrillo Jaime , Espino María José , Cáceres Mercedes , Expósito Sara , Cuevas Beatriz , Vanegas Raúl , Casado Luis Felipe , Torrent Anna , Zamora Lurdes , Mercadal Santiago , Coll Rosa , Cervera Marta , Morgades Mireia , Hernández-Rivas José Ángel , Bravo Pilar , Serí Cristina , Anguita Eduardo , Barragán Eva , Sargas Claudia , Ferrer Francisca , Sánchez-Calero Jorge , Sevilla Julián , Ruíz Elena , Villalón Lucía , Herráez María Mar , Riaza Rosalía , Magro Elena , Steegman Juan Luis , Wang Chongwu , de Toledo Paula , García-Gutiérrez Valentín , Ayala Rosa , Ribera Josep Maria , Barrio Santiago , Martínez-López Joaquín 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The screening of the BCR-ABL1 kinase domain (KD) mutation has become a routine analysis in case of warning/failure for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) Philadelphia (Ph)-positive patients. In this study, we present a novel DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodology for KD ABL1 mutation detection and monitoring with a 10 − 4 sensitivity. This approach was validated with a well-stablished RNA-based nested NGS method. The correlation of both techniques for the quantification of ABL1 mutations was high (Pearson r = 0.858, p < 0.001), offering DNA-DeepNGS a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 82%. The clinical impact was studied in a cohort of 129 patients (n = 67 for CML and n = 62 for B-ALL patients). A total of 162 samples (n = 86 CML and n = 76 B-ALL) were studied. Of them, 27 out of 86 harbored mutations (6 in warning and 21 in failure) for CML, and 13 out of 76 (2 diagnostic and 11 relapse samples) did in B-ALL patients. In addition, in four cases were detected mutation despite BCR-ABL1IS < 1%. In conclusion, we were able to detect KD ABL1 mutations with a 10− 4 sensitivity by NGS using DNA as starting material even in patients with low levels of disease.
In vitro germination and development of “Canelita” (Lycaste aromatica (Graham) Lindl.) in gravity immersion bioreactors
Authors: Solís-Zanotelli Flor Y. , Baltazar-Bernal Obdulia , Cruz-Huerta Nicacio , Hidalgo-Contreras Juan V. , Pérez-Sato Juan A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The orchid Lycaste aromatica (Graham) Lindl. is known for its outstanding cinnamon aroma, which has caused its illegal extraction from its natural habitat. For this reason, procedures were developed for the asymbiotic seeds germination and seedlings development in a gravity immersion bioreactor (GIB) system. Four culture media were tested for in vitro germination: ½ Murashige and Skoog (MS), MS, ½ Knudson C 15 g L− 1 sucrose, Knudson C. The efficiency of the in vitro culture protocol using the semi-solid medium was compared and with four immersion frequencies of the GIB system in a liquid medium, using 30 mL of ½ MS medium per seedling. Germination began at eight weeks and lasted for six weeks. The best treatment was ½ MS with 161 germinated seeds. In 90 days, the cultures in bioreactors reached significant differences in the number of leaves (10 leaves), number of roots (4.7 roots), and seedling height (5.4 cm). However, the seedlings developed in the semi-solid medium reported a higher number of shoots (1.6 shoots) and root length (2 cm); furthermore, the bioreactor culture showed the highest photosynthesis rate (0.74 µmol CO2 g− 1 s− 1). The culture system in bioreactors is an excellent alternative to develop this species because it increases photosynthesis and the size of the seedlings, which favor their acclimatization.
Increasing Trend of Type 1 Diabetes Incidence in the Pediatric Population of the Calabria Region in 2019-2021
Authors: Passanisi Stefano , Salzano Giuseppina , Aloe Monica , Bombaci Bruno , Citriniti Felice , De Berardinis Fiorella , De Marco Rosaria , Lazzaro Nicola , Lia Maria C. , Lia Rosanna , Mammì Francesco , Stamati Filomena A. , Toscano Rosanna MR , Ventrici Claudia , Iafusco Dario , Lombardo Fortunato 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background.
Although type 1 diabetes (T1D) represents one of the most common chronic diseases in pediatric age, few studies on the epidemiology of T1D exist globally and the exact prevalence and incidence rates of the disease are unknown. In many countries, including Italy, national registries are missing.
Methods.
This study aims to assess T1D incidence in the pediatric population of the Calabria region (southern Italy) in the period 2019–2021. The secondary objective was to describe the main demographical, clinical and immunological features of incident cases. Case ascertainment and all clinical data were assessed by retrospectively reviewing the electronic medical records of children and adolescents diagnosed with diabetes at any Pediatric Diabetes Center belonging to the Rete Diabetologica Calabrese (Calabria Region Diabetes Network), from January 2019 to December 2021. The incidence of T1D was estimated for the entire region and was stratified according to age group (0–4 years, 5–9 years, and 10–14 years) and gender. Standardized incidence ratios for each province in the region were also calculated.
Results.
The crude incidence of T1D was 20.6/100,000 person/years. Incidence rates were higher among females and children aged 5–9 years. The crude incidence of T1D was higher in the province of Reggio Calabria (26.5/100,000 person-years). The provinces of Crotone, Catanzaro, and Vibo Valentia showed significantly lower standardized incidence ratios. The annual incidence in the region progressively increased by 43% during the study period.
Conclusions.
Our study revealed a relatively high incidence in the Calabria region. The marked increasing incidence trend over the past two years could be related to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but further long-scale population-based studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Assessment of Mutations on RBD in the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Delta and Omicron Variants
Authors: Costa Clauber Henrique Souza , Freitas Camila Auad Beltrão , Alves Cláudio Nahum , Lameira Jerônimo 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) variant Omicron spread more rapid than the other variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Mutations on the spike (S) protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) are critical for the antibody resistance and infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this study, we have used accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations and free energy calculations to present a systematic analysis of the affinity and conformational dynamics along with the interactions that drive the binding between Spike protein RBD and ACE2 receptor. We evaluate the impacts of the key mutation that occur in the RBDs Omicron and other variants in the binding with the human ACE2 receptor. The results shows that S protein Omicron have stronger binding to the ACE2 than other variants. The evaluation of the decomposition energy per residue shows the mutations N440K, T478K, Q493R and Q498R observed in Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 provided a stabilization effect for the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2. Overall, the results demonstrate that faster spreading of SARS-CoV-2 omicron may be correlated with binding affinity of S protein RBD to ACE2 and mutations of uncharged residues to positively charged residues such as Lys and Arg in key positions in the RBD.
Effects of analgesic and antiemetic treatment for postoperative nocturnal sleep deprivation in patients with hemifacial spasm: A prospective preliminary study
Authors: Shen Yuan , Lu Wei , Qu Pei , Wang Ruizhi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Poor sleep combined with the stress of surgery negatively influences postoperative recovery. Thus far, information is quite limited regarding the sleep quality of patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS) after microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and causal factors of postoperative nocturnal sleep deprivation (PONSD) in patients with HFS after MVD surgery, and to assess the therapeutic effect of interventions targeted to the main causal factors. Thirty patients with HFS (control group) were interviewed. Data were collected on the self-reported night sleep quality and main causal factors of PONSD after MVD surgery. A separate intervention group of 18 patients with HFS received treatment after MVD surgery that was targeted to these causal factors, and the therapeutic effects were assessed. The main causes of PONSD for patients in the control group were pain, nausea, and emesis. An analgesic and antiemetic treatment reduced fragmented sleep, but also reduced effective sleep. For patients with HFS, the main causes of nocturnal sleep deprivation after MVD surgery were pain, nausea, and emesis, related to the effects of surgery. Analgesic and antiemetic treatment did not satisfactorily improve the quality of sleep for these patient.