bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small airway dysfunction in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yin Chengsheng , Xie Huikang , He Xian , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Aihong , Li Huiping
Published: June 2022

The pathophysiology of IPF is generally considered to be impaired lung interstitium and alveoli but rare airway involvement. The objective of this study is to investigate the actual occurrence of IPF comorbid small airway dysfunction (SAD) and its impact on survival.Data from inpatients diagnosed with IPF at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital (Shanghai, China) from 2011 to 2021 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Lung function parameters were used to assess SAD. A total of 243 patients with IPF were included in this retrospective study, and 84 cases (84/243, 34.57%) were diagnosed with SAD. The lung histopathology showed that all 48 cases undergoing lung transplantation presented diversified degrees of airway lesions, of which 18 patients (18/48, 37.5%) diagnosed with SAD before lung transplantation had a higher proportion of airway distortion and obliteration. The possible risk factors associated with IPF comorbid SAD were smoking, male, younger age, and high CT fibrosis and emphysema scores. By univariate Fine-Grey regression, the hazard rate (HR) of IPF comorbid SAD was 1.725 (95% CI 1.071, 2.777, p<0.05). After adjusting the CTPF model and GAP model, the value of HR was 1.714 (95% CI 1.043, 2.816, p<0.05) and 1.731 (95% CI 1.074, 2.788, p <0.05), respectively. These findings suggested that IPF comorbid SAD was an independent risk factor for the mortality of IPF patients.
A Probabilistic Computational Framework for the Prediction of Corrosion-Induced Cracking in Large Structures
Authors: Qian Guofeng , Tantratian Karnpiwat , Chen Lei , Hu Zhen , Todd Michael D.
Published: June 2022

Corrosion can initiate cracking that leads to structural integrity reduction. Quantitative corrosion assessment is challenging, and the modeling of corrosion-induced crack initiation is essential for model-based corrosion reliability analysis of various structures. This paper proposes a probabilistic computational analysis framework for corrosion-to-crack transitions by integrating a phase-field model with machine learning and uncertainty quantification. An electro-chemo-mechanical phase-field model is developed to predict pitting corrosion evolution, in which stress is properly coupled into the electrode chemical potential. A crack initiation criterion based on morphology is proposed to quantify the pit-to-cracking transition. A spatio-temporal surrogate modeling method is developed to facilitate this, consisting of a Convolution Neural Network (CNN) to map corrosion morphology to latent spaces, and a Gaussian Process regression model with a nonlinear autoregressive exogenous model (NARX) architecture for prediction of corrosion dynamics in the latent space over time. It enables the real-time prediction of corrosion morphology and crack initiation behaviors (whether, when, and where the corrosion damage triggers the crack initiation), and thus makes it possible for probabilistic analysis, with uncertainty quantified. Examples at various stress and corrosion conditions are presented to demonstrate the proposed computational framework.
Looking for a magic island in the sea of agriculture: factors affecting forest patch attractiveness for wild boar in human-dominated landscape
Authors: Ferens Michał , Borkowski Jakub , Załuski Dariusz
Published: June 2022

Context Landscape fragmentation carries the risk of habitat loss for many animal species. This may include wild boars, which are one of the main culprits of conflicts with humans, while isolated patches of forest (forest islands) scattered in the agricultural landscape may affect its ecology and the pressure on the crops. Objectives This study aimed to understand the importance of small forest islands located in a human-dominated agricultural landscape in the ecology of wild boar. It explores what features, both of the interior and exterior of the islands, influence their use. Methods The study area covered approximately 220,000 ha of northern Poland, where wild boar use of 200 islands distributed across the agricultural landscape was investigated. For this purpose, the method of counting pellet groups was applied on transects of a total length of 51.6 km. In order to compare the use of islands with compact forest complexes, 84 km of transects were made in the latter, divided into developmental stages and forest type. Results Among the features of the interior of the islands, cover conditions and the main species of trees had a positive influence on the wild boar use. The utilization also depended on the presence of human settlements, other islands, and the type of agricultural crop around the island. When comparing island use to compact forest complexes, islands were used more often than forest regeneration sites and mature stands, but less often than pre-thickets. For the 25% most frequently used by wild boar, islands were more attractive than virtually all stand development stages in compact forest complexes. Conclusions Due to the cover conditions provided, the occurrence of islands in the agricultural space enables wild boars to use areas more distant from compact forest complexes. This may cause the spread of damage caused by wild boars in the fields, but on the other hand it may reduce the pressure on agricultural areas in the immediate vicinity of compact forest complexes. Intensification of hunting pressure in the vicinity of islands with specific characteristics (e.g. good cover conditions, considerable distance from human settlements) will increase the effectiveness of wild boar population control in the agricultural landscape and will have a limiting effect on the damage caused by this species in the fields.).
Analysis of the drainage effect of different incisions for high complex anal fistula based on FLUENT hydrodynamic simulation
Authors: Zhang Jiamin , Li Xiang , Ma Jiaze , Chen Peng , Ding Kang , Luo Qian
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The biomechanical characteristics of the trauma size and postoperative drainage of different incisions for high complex anal fistula surgery were compared by numerical simulation analysis to provide a theoretical basis for clinical selection of minimally invasive incisions for surgery.Methods: Using FLUENT finite element software, a typical incision finite element model was established to obtain incision areas, and the total mass outlet flow within 200 s was calculated to evaluate the drainage effect of each incision.Results: The incisions with the largest to smallest areas were the curved, spindle, and curved plus extended groove incision, indicating that the curved plus extended groove incision caused the least damage to the perianal skin muscles. Conversely, the incisions with the largest to smallest total outlet flow were as follows: curved plus extended groove, spindle, curved, and straight incision, suggesting that the curved plus extended groove model had the best diversion effect, and the curved incision had better diversion effect than that of the straight incision.Conclusion: The curved plus extended groove surgical incision had the smallest incision area, minimized damage to the perianal skin and muscle tissue, conformed to the concept of minimally invasive surgery, ensured adequate drainage of exudate, maintained the normal growth of granulation tissue on the wound surface, preserved the original form of the anus, and thus better protected the function of the anus. This improved the quality of life of patients requiring high complex anal fistulas.
DNMT1/PKR double knockdowned HepG2 (HepG2-DP) cells have high hepatic function and differentiation ability
Authors: Tanaka-Yachi Rieko , Aizawa Kazuko , Shimizu Kie , Akutsu Hidenori , Nakamura Kazuaki
Published: June 2022

HepG2 cells are widely used as a human hepatocytes model, but their functions, including drug metabolism, are inferior to primary hepatocytes. We previously reported that the hepatic gene expressions in HepG2 cells were upregulated by treatment with zebularine, which is an inhibitor of DNA methylation, through the inhibition of both DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR). In this study, we established a new HepG2 cell subline, HepG2-DP cells, by stable double knockdown of DNMT1 and PKR and evaluated its function. Albumin production, expression of CYP1A2 genes, and accumulation of lipid droplets were increased in HepG2-DP cells compared with the original HepG2 cells. Comprehensive gene expression analysis of transcription factors revealed that the expression of important genes for hepatic function, such as HNF4a, FOXA1, FOXA2, FOXA3, and various nuclear receptors, was upregulated in HepG2-DP cells. These results indicate that the newly established HepG2-DP cells are a highly functional hepatocyte cell line. In addition, we investigated whether HepG2-DP cells are able to mature by differentiation induction, since HepG2 cells are derived from hepatoblastoma. The gene expression of major CYPs and Phase II, III drug-metabolizing enzyme genes was significantly increased in HepG2-DP cells cultured in differentiation induction medium. These results suggest that HepG2-DP cells can be further matured by the induction of differentiation and could therefore be applied to studies of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.
Human γδ T cells induce CD8+ T cell antitumor responses via antigen-presenting effect through HSP90-MyD88-mediated activation of JNK
Authors: Wang Shengdong , Li Hengyuan , Chen Tao , Zhou Hao , Zhang Wenkan , Yu Xiaohua , Lou Yu , Li Binghao , Yinwang Eloy , Wang Zenan , Xue Yucheng , Qu Hao , Lin Peng , Sun Hangxiang , Teng Wangsiyuan , Mou Haochen , Chai Xupeng , Lin Nong , Cai Zhijian , Ye Zhaoming
Published: June 2022

Background
Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells have attracted considerable attention as novel alternative antigen-presenting cells (APCs) with the potential to replace dendritic cells in antitumor immunotherapy owing to their high proliferative capacity and low cost. We seek to evaluate the effect of antigen-presenting γδ T cells (γδ T-APCs) in priming tumor-specific immune responses and clarify the mechanism by which γδ T cells develop antigen-presenting features.
Methods
The effect of γδ T-APCs in inducing antitumor responses of CD8+ T cells against osteosarcoma cells were tested both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism by which γδ T cells develop APC features were further explored.
Results
Human γδ T cells stimulated by zoledronate markedly upregulated APC-related markers and effectively activated CD8+ T cells via cross-presentation of tumor antigen. γδ T-APCs were found to induce robust CD8+ T cell responses against osteosarcoma cells in vitro. In xenograft animal models, γδ T-APCs significantly suppressed osteosarcoma growth by priming CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, activated γδ T cells produced increased HSP90 and fed back to upregulate MyD88, followed by JNK activation and subsequent improved CCL5 secretion, leading to enhanced CD8+ T cell cross-priming.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the effect and mechanism of γδ T-APC-mediated cross-presentation in inducing the antitumor responses of CD8+ T cells. Our data suggest Vγ9Vδ2 T cells represent a promising alternative APC for the development of γδ T cell-based tumor immunotherapy.
Rheological and structural characterization of succinoglycan obtained by bioconversion of the agroindustrial residue deproteinized whey
Authors: Delani Tieles Carina de Oliveira , Sampaio Anderson Reginaldo , Palácios Raquel da Silva , Sato Francielle , Ruiz Suelen Pereira , Petkowicz Carmen Lúcia de Oliveira , Reichembach Luis Henrique , Miyoshi Juliana Harumi , Nascimento Marília Gimenez , Matioli Graciette
Published: June 2022

Succinoglycan is a bacterial exopolysaccharide with thickening, gelling, stabilizing and emulsifying properties. In this study succinoglycan was produced from whey and its rheological and structural characteristics were elucidated. Four culture media were prepared with different ions for bioconversion of whey into succinoglycan. The formulation composed of deproteinized whey, monobasic potassium phosphate and magnesium sulfate allowed the production of 13.7 ± 0.43 g/L of succinoglycan. The rheological results showed that the apparent viscosity of the succinoglycan solutions was directly proportional to the concentration, and the solution showed pseudoplastic behavior. Dynamic frequency sweep tests identified that a concentration of 2.0% of succinoglycan is required for formation of the gel system. Temperature influenced the viscoelastic behavior of succinoglycan and revealed the melting point and reversibility of the gel. The apparent molar mass of succinoglycan was estimated to be 9.033 × 105 g/mol and the polydispersity index was 1.044, representing the homogeneity of the sample. The monosaccharide composition of glucose and galactose for the succinoglycan produced was 6.6:1.0. The 1H RMN analysis revealed the non-saccharide substituent content of 1.2%, 3.0% and 8.1% for acetyl, succinate and pyruvate, respectively. Whey was shown to be a promising carbon source for the production of succinoglycan with thickening potential and viscosity modifier.
Effects of Stem Cell Derived Exosome Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction: A meta-analysis of preclinical studies
Authors: Zhu Yunpei , Jiang Tiancheng , Yao Chi , Zhang Jiawei , Zhu Zepeng , Sun Chao , Chen Ming
Published: June 2022

Background: Exosome is considered a potential cell-free therapy for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), which was investigated in some preclinical studies. The therapeutic efficacy has not been comprehensively evaluated. Aim: To further study the therapeutic effects of exosomes derived from stem cells on ED in preclinical studies and investigate some possible factors that influence treatment efficacy. Methods: The literature research was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed and Embase to retrieve studies utilizing stem cell derived exosomes to treat ED. Revman 5.3 was used to perform subgroup analysis of intracavernosal pressure/mean artery pressure (ICP/MAP) and structural changes. Publication bias was assessed with Egger's test, funnel plot, and sensitivity analysis by Stata 15.0. Outcomes: The ICP/MAP and structural changes after stem cell treatment. Results: Of 146 studies retrieved, 11studies are eligible. Pooled analysis showed that stem cell derived exosomes ameliorates damaged ICP/MAP (WMD 3.68; 95% CI 2.64-4.72; P < .001) and structural changes, like the ratio of smooth muscle to collagen (SM/Collagen), alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), the cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and caspase-3 protein expression. Subgroup analysis indicated that exosome type and ED model type make no difference to curative effects. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests the efficacy of stem cell derived exosome therapy for ED and the possible mechanism in erection restoration and structure renovation.
An auditory responsive interneuron descending from the cricket brain – a new element in the auditory pathway
Authors: Rogers Stephen M. , Kostarakos Konstantinos , Hedwig Berthold
Published: June 2022

Crickets receive auditory information from their environment via ears located on the front legs. Ascending interneurons forward auditory activity to the brain, which houses a pattern recognition network for phonotaxis to conspecific calling songs and which controls negative phonotaxis to high frequency sound pulses. Descending brain neurons however, which are clearly involved in controlling these behaviours have not yet been identified. We describe a descending auditory-responsive brain neuron with an arborisation pattern that coincides with the ring-like auditory neuropil in the brain formed by the axonal arborisations of ascending and local interneurons, indicating its close link to auditory processing. Spiking activity of this interneuron occurs with a short latency to calling song patterns and the neuron copies the sound pulse pattern. The neuron preferentially responds to short sound pulses, but its activity appears to be independent of the calling song pattern recognition process. It also receives a weaker synaptic input in response to high frequency pulses, which may contribute to its short latency spiking responses. This interneuron could be a crucial part in the auditory-to-motor transformation of the nervous system and contribute to the motor control of cricket auditory behaviour.
A Novel Rough Numbers based Extended MACBETH Method Implementation in the Prioritization of the Connected Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Gokasar Ilgın , Pamucar Dragan , Deveci Muhammet , Ding Weiping
Published: June 2022

Digital transformation can help to make better use of existing transportation networks that are congested. One solution to the road congestion problem is real-time traffic management, which focuses on enhancing traffic flow conditions. The advantages of real-time traffic management systems have developed significantly as a result of connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) innovations. CAVs can act as enforcers for managing the traffic. This study aims to propose a novel rough numbers-based extended Measuring Attractiveness by a Categorical Based Evaluation Technique (MACBETH) method for prioritizing the real-time traffic management systems. Furthermore, a new approach for defining rough numbers is proposed, based on an improved methodology for defining rough numbers' lower and upper limits. This allows consideration of mutual relations between a set of objects and flexible representation of rough boundary interval depending on the dynamic environmental conditions. In this study, 3 main alternatives are defined for real-time traffic management systems: real-time traffic management, real-time traffic management integrated with CAVs, and real-time traffic management by using CAVs. For these alternatives, 5 main criteria and 18 sub-criteria are defined and then prioritized using the fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach. The proposed method's performance is validated through scenario analysis. The findings demonstrate that the proposed method is effective and applicable to real-world conditions.
Synergistic Effects of HIF-1α Inhibition, Toll-Like Receptor 7 Agonist, and Chemotherapy in Mice Model of Colon Cancer
Authors: Rostamizadeh Leila , Ramazani Mina , Monirinasab Hannaneh , Rostamizadeh Kobra , Molavi Ommoleila , Barbadian Behzad , Bahavarnia Seied Rafi , Ramazani Fatemeh
Published: June 2022

Recently, combination therapies have become a promising option with hopeful therapeutic outcomes due to their strong antitumor effects. Among them, despite the great success of cancer chemoimmunotherapy, it has not been able to improve the outcome of patients. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) has been recognized as the main barrier to immunotherapy. So, it has been assumed that targeting HIF-1α as a reshaping of TME combined with chemoimmunotherapy can capably enhance the antitumor response of therapy. Herein, we have studied the therapeutic effects of HIF-1α inhibition combined with chemoimmunotherapy. We established CT26 mouse models to assess the synergistic effect of genetic silencing of HIF-1α combined with oxaliplatin (OXA) and imiquimod (IMQ) on tumor growth and TME. We showed that in comparison with dual combination therapy, mice treated with triple combination therapy exhibited a significant delay in tumor growth, which was correlated with high levels of cellular immune-related cytokines. Besides, mice without HIF-1α siRNA treatment exhibited high tumor growth and high levels of immunosuppressive factors, indicating an immunosuppressive phenotype. Briefly, we found that HIF-1α inhibition could synergize with OXA and IMQ to inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Our data suggest that targeting HIF-1α represents a promising strategy to enhance the antitumor response of chemoimmunotherapy.
Finite element modeling shows that epimuscular myofascial loads manipulate the effects of active state titin on mechanics of muscle integrated with its surroundings
Authors: Cankaya Alican O. , Yucesoy Can A.
Published: June 2022

Shorter sarcomere effect was shown in recent modeling of truly isolated muscle as the characteristic mechanism determining active state titin’s contribution to muscular mechanics via manipulation of muscle fiber direction strains. For muscle with extra- and epimuscular connections to surrounding tissues, epimuscular myofascial force transmission (EMFT) leads to myofascial loads, which affects mechanical equilibrium that determines local strains. Consequently, compared to truly isolated muscle, we hypothesized that for such integrated muscle active state titin’s effects on muscular mechanics are manipulated by EMFT. The aim was to test this. Isolated vs. integrated rat extensor digitorum longus muscles were modeled at long muscle lengths (λm = 28.7-32.7mm) and three cases were studied: passive state titin (no change in titin constitutive equation in the active state), active state titin-I (constitutive equation involves a higher stiffness in the active state) and active state titin-II (constitutive equation also involves a strain shift coefficient accounting for titin’s reduced free spring length). For isolated muscle, shorter sarcomere effect i.e., limited lengthening locally along the muscle fiber direction and force enhancement (maximally 77.4%) was consistent. However, for integrated muscles, variable fiber direction strains showed even longer or shortened sarcomeres locally and consequently, force enhancement was inconsistent being even diminished (7.8%) or elevated (96.8%) at different lengths. Shift of muscle’s optimum length to a longer length in isolated muscle (λm = 29.6mm) increased (λm = 29.9mm) or vanished (λm = 28.7mm) for extra- or epimuscularly connected muscles, respectively. In conclusion, in the integrated muscle context, effects of active state titin on muscular mechanics are manipulated by EMFT.
Effects of stocking density and rearing factors on aggressive behaviour and cannibalism in the Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis (Temminck & Schlegel) larvae
Authors: Takeda Takashi , Okada Tokihiko , Ishibashi Yasunori
Published: June 2022

We studied the effects of stocking density and multiple factors on the aggression and cannibalism of Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientails (Temminck & Schlegel) larvae. In feeding experiment, if the appropriate food was abundant and the fish a uniform size, the frequency of aggressive behaviour was unaffected by the increase in stocking density from low-(0.1 fish/L) to high-density (0.5 fish/L). However, high-density conditions significantly increased aggressive behaviour when food was scarce. Aggressive behaviour increased only slightly due to fish size differences, and there was no increase due to high-density conditions. However, when fish of different size were present under a restricted feeding regime, aggressive behaviour significantly increased compared to the case of restricted feeding alone and was further amplified at high-density. Cannibalistic mortality was more likely for small-size fish, which was significantly increased by high-densities. In particular, when fish size differences and feeding shortages overlapped, cannibalism increased sharply as does aggressive behaviour. Even if the fish are reared at high-density, if the shortage of appropriate food and the spread of fish size difference are prevented, the aggressive behaviour is suppressed, as the result, it is possible to rear at least 0.5 fish/L with thorough food management.
Integrated Analysis Identifies MEOX2 as a Malignant Driver and Prognostic Biomarker in Brain Glioma
Authors: Li Tengfei , Sun Kaijun , Yang Wanchun , Li Junhong , Chen Siliang , Zuo Mingrong , Yuan Qiuyun , Yuan Yunbo , Wang Zhihao , Liu Yanhui , Chen Mina
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Glioma is a common type of malignant tumor in the brain, of which glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal form. Despite current progress in the clinical treatment, the prognosis of GBM is still not satisfied, mainly due to the genomic alternations and complicated gene regulatory network. MEOX2 was originally identified as a homeobox transcriptional factor, that was reported to play a role in several types of cancers. However, the expression pattern and biological functions of MEOX2 in glioma are not well elucidated. This study aims to clarify the role of MEOX2 in glioma.Methods: Bioinformatic analysis from TCGA and CGGA databases was used to investigate the correlation of MEOX2 with glioma malignancy and clinical prognosis. The expression of MEOX2 was confirmed from clinical samples by qPCR and western blot. Lentivirus-mediated MEOX2 overexpression and knockdown were employed to investigate the biological functions of MEOX2 in glioma malignant behaviors. RNA-seq and signaling investigations were performed to reveal the molecular mechanisms.Results: Bioinformatic data from public databases and our cohort showed that MEOX2 expression was highly associated with glioma malignancy and could predict the poor prognosis. MEOX2 positively regulates glioma cell proliferation, migration/invasion and chemoresistance to temozolomide. Mechanistically, MEOX2 regulates gene profiles related to PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathways and thus promotes glioma malignancy.Conclusion: Our work identifies the novel function of MEOX2 in gliomas, and provides a potential target for glioma prognosis and clinical interventions.
Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening in nasopharyngeal carcinoma for radiosensitive and radioresistant genes
Authors: Zhou Ziyan , Chen Gang , Shen Mingjun , Li Jixi , Liu Kang , Liu Ming , Shi Shuo , Yang Dong , Chen Wei , Chen Sixia , Yin Yuanxiu , Qin Yating , Su Xuejing , Chen Weimin , Kang Min
Published: June 2022

Genome-scale CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening may provide new insights into the mechanism underlying clinical radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which is remain largely unknown. Our objective was to screen the functional genes associated with radiosensitivity and radioresistance in NPC, laying a foundation for further research on its functional mechanismand. CRISPR/Cas9 library lentivirus screening in radiation-treated NPC cells was combined with second-generation sequencing technology to identify functional genes, which has been further validated in radioresistant NPC cells and patient tissues. Eleven radiosensitive and radioresistant genes were screened. Among these genes, the expression of FBLN5, FAM3C, MUS81, and DNAJC17 were significantly lower and TOMM20, CDKN2AIP, SNX22, and SP1 were higher in the radioresistant NPC cells (C666-1R, 5-8FR) (p<0.05). CALD1 was highly expressed in C666-1R, but has no difference in 5-8FR. Furthermore, we found knockout of FBLN5, FAM3C, MUS81 and DNAJC17 promoted the proliferation of NPC cells, while CDKN2AIP and SP1 had the opposed results (p<0.05). This result was verified in NPC patient tissues. Meanwhile, KEGG analysis showed that the Fanconi anemia pathway and the TGF-beta signaling pathway possibly contributed to radiosensitivity or radioresistance in NPC. Nine genes involved in the radiosensitivity or radioresistance of NPC: four genes for radiosensitivity (FBLN5, FAM3C, MUS81, and DNAJC17), two genes for radioresistance (CDKN2AIP, SP1), two potential radioresistant genes (TOMM20, SNX22), and a potential radiosensitive gene (CALD1).
Typology and hydrogeochemistry of karst springs in the southern coast of Albania
Authors: Eftimi Romeo , Liso Isabella Serena , Parise Mario
Published: June 2022

The southern Albania coast, about 147 km-long, represents one of the most developing areas of the country for tourism and local economy. There are, however, serious problems as concerns water supply. Due to the karst nature of the territory, groundwater is the only remaining promising resource. The aim of this research is to describe the main characteristics and influencing factors on karst groundwater quantity and quality and the drainage type in the study area. In general, the area is very rich on groundwater resources; the estimated total renewable karst water resources are about 21.5 m3/s. Based upon the different geological-structural conditions and the development of karst processes, their drainage occurs in different ways. Five main types of drainage can be distinguished along the Southern Albanian coast: a) overflowing springs, b) descending springs, c) coastal springs, d) submarine spring, and e) diffuse drainage. As regards water quality, only the overflowing springs have a good quality, due to the presence of impervious rocks isolating freshwater from the sea water. Good-quality springs represent 28% of the total discharge of karst water resources drained to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In addition, the situation become more difficult because about 83% of fresh quality karst water resources drain along a 1.5 km-long coastal strip located in the northernmost sector of the studied area. Beside this, the strong increase in population, particularly during the summer due to tourism activities, as well as construction of new urban areas, are the main sources of likely pollution for some of the good-quality springs. The high anthropic pressure on groundwater resources increases the seawater intrusion phenomena, reducing the available freshwater resource and, at specific areas, contributing to spring salinization.
A smoothness indicators free third-order weighted ENO scheme for gas-dynamic Euler equations
Authors: Tang Shujiang
Published: June 2022

To improve the shock-capturing capability of the third-order WENO scheme and enhance its computational efficiency, in this paper, we designed a new WENO scheme independent of the local smooth factor, WENO-SIF. The weight functions of the WENO-SIF scheme are segmentation functions of the sub-stencils, which can guarantee it achieves the desired accuracy at the high-order critical points. During the calculation, WENO-SIF need not calculate the smoothing factor, which can effectively reduce the computational consumption. The new WENO-SIF is compared with WENO-JS and other WENO schemes for numerical experiments at one-and two-dimensional benchmark problems with a suitable choice of λ = 0.13. The results show the WENO scheme can further improve the resolution of WENO-JS, achieve the optimal accuracy at high-order critical points, and significantly reduce computational consumption.
Frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in the gynecologic patients of tertiary hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Kurtay Sabri , Yusuf Khadija , Hussein Ahmed Issak
Published: June 2022

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer worldwide and is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in 23 countries and the most common cause of death in 36 countries, mostly from Sub-Saharan African countries. Vaccination availability is increasing day by day, with more than 65% of girls vaccinated in 2019 were living in low- and middle-income countries. Cervical screening is a key element to reduce the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. Cancer screening is low in Sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The pathology results of cervicovaginal smear samples obtained from patients aged 25-65 years who applied to the gynecology outpatient clinic between October 5 and December 5, 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. SPSS 22.0 was used for statistical analysis of the data.Results: Among the 497 results, 63 premalignant lesions were detected. The rate of premalignant lesions (63/497) was found to be 12,3%. Most common premalign lesion was ASC-US.Conclusions: In this study, the frequency of cervical premalignant lesions in Somalia was found to be higher than in the literature. Vaccination, screening and early diagnosis are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer. Access to vaccination, screening and early diagnosis, which are the most important components in the fight against cervical cancer for Somalia, will be possible with the cooperation of the national health system and international organizations.
Case Report: Presacral Epidermoid Cyst in a Young Girl with Sacrococcygeal Scoliosis and Anal Sinus
Authors: Ji Zhouxin , Yan Song , Gao Xucan , Lin Lifen , Li Qiang , Yao Qi , Wang Dong
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Perirectal epidermoid cyst is a rare mass arising from the ectodermal germ cell layer of the hind gut, which is most often found in middle-aged women. It is difficult for us to make an accurate diagnosis and distinguish from other developmental cysts. Case Presentation: Here, we report a 19-year-old girl who had suffered from sacrococcygeal falls and burns on the left buttocks in the growth experience. There was a scar on the left buttocks, and a soft mass with sacral deformity was seen in the sacrococcygeal region. According to the results of the sacrococcygeal CT and pelvic MRI, the preoperative diagnosis included presacral epidermoid cyst, anal sinus and sacrococcygeal scoliosis. Finally, the cyst was completely resected posteriorly through sacrococcygeal approach. Pathology was verified as an epidermoid cyst. The patient stayed recurrence-free after six months of follow up.Conclusion: Perirectal epidermoid cyst is a rare mass that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pararectal cysts. It is of significant for the approach of surgery and prognosis.
Persistent bacteremia caused by Ralstonia pickettii and Microbacterium: A case report
Authors: Wang Jin-wen , Song Yu , Liu Si-qin , Jiang Xu-dong , Zhang Li-na
Published: June 2022

Ralstonia pickettii is a low virulent, gram-negative bacillus that is rarely associated with human infections and may cause bacteremia. Microbacterium species are gram-positive coryneforms that are generally considered as a contaminant in Gram staining of blood cultures, especially when the time to positivity is longer than 48 h. Both these bacterial species are emerging opportunistic pathogens that may occasionally cause serious infections and even life-threatening health conditions. Here, we report the case of a patient with bacteremia caused by both R. pickettii and Microbacterium.
Meningioma typing model construction using radiomics-based multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Han Tao , Xu Zhendong , Geng Yayuan , Long Changyou , Zhang Bin , Deng Lingna , Lin Xiaoqiang , Jing Mengyuan , Zhou Junlin
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the value of a cli-radiomics model based on multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in differentiating fibroblastic meningiomas from non-fibroblastic meningiomas.Methods: Clinical, imaging, and postoperative pathological data of 423 patients (128 fibroblastic meningiomas and 295 non-fibroblastic meningiomas) were randomly categorized into training (n=296) and validation (n=127) groups at a 7:3 ratio. The Selectpercentile and LASSO were used to selected the highly correlated features from 3376 radiomics features. Different classifiers were used to train and verify the model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, ACC, SEN, and SPE were drawn to evaluate the performance. The optimal radiomics model was selected, calibration curves and decision curve analysis were used to verify the clinical utility and consistency of the nomogram constructed from the radiomics features and clinical factors.Results: There were thirteen radiomic features selected from T1C and T2WI after dimensionality reduction. The prediction performance of RF radiomics model is slightly lower than that of the cli-radiomics model. The area under the curve (AUC), SEN, SPE, and ACC of the cli-radiomics model training set are 0.836 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.795-0.878), 0.922, 0.583, and 0.686; the AUC, SEN, SPE, and ACC of the validation set were 0.756 (95% CI, 0.660-0.846), 0.816, 0.596, and 0.661, respectively.Conclusion: The diagnostic efficacy of the cli-radiomics model of fibroblastic meningioma and non-fibroblastic meningioma was better than that of the radiomics prediction model alone, and can be used as a potential tool for clinical surgical planning and evaluation of patient prognosis.
Projecting Podocarpaceae response to climate change: we are not out of the woods yet
Authors: Twala Thando C. , Fisher Jolene T. , Glennon Kelsey L.
Published: June 2022

Under the changing climate, the persistence of Afrotemperate taxa may be threatened as suitable habitat availability decreases. The unique disjunct ranges of podocarps in southern Africa raise questions about the persistence of these species under climate change. Here, we identified likely environmental drivers of these distributions, characterised the current and future (2070) environmental niches, and projected distributions of four podocarp species in South Africa. Species distribution models were conducted using species locality data for A. falcatus, P. latifolius, P. elongatus and P. henkelii and both historical climate data (1970 – 2000) and future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5, 2061 – 2080) to estimate the current and future distributions. We also used this opportunity to identify the most important climatic variables that likely governed each species’ distribution. Using niche overlap estimates, a similarity test, and indices of niche expansion, stability and unfilling, we explored how niches changed under different climate scenarios. The distribution of the study species was governed by max temperature of the warmest month, temperature annual range, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, and precipitation of the wettest, driest, and warmest quarters. The current distribution of A. falcatus was predicted to expand to higher elevations under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Podocarpus henkelii was predicted to lose most of its suitable habitat under RCP 4.5 and expand under RCP 8.5, however this was the opposite for P. elongatus and P. latifolius. Interestingly, P. elongatus, which had the smallest geographic distribution, showed the most vulnerability to climate change in comparison to the other podocarps. Mapping the distribution of podocarps and understanding the differences in their current and future climate niches provides insight into potential climate drivers of podocarp persistence and the potential for adaptation of these species. Overall, these results suggest that P. elongatus and P. henkelii may expand to novel environmental niches.
Transient downregulation of miR-671-5p promotes IL-10 mRNA increase in porcine moDCs stimulated with the probiotic BB12
Authors: Bravo-Parra Marlene , Barcenas-Preciado Valeria , Resendiz-Sandoval Monica Guadalupe , Hernandez Jesus , Mata-Haro Veronica
Published: June 2022

Background: Previous work showed that the microRNA (miRNA) miR-671-5p was upregulated in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) stimulated with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12 (BB12) with no increase in IL-10 after six hours of stimulation. In this work, we performed an in silico prediction of genes targeted by miR-671-5p and which are the terms and pathways involved with it. Also, miR-671-5p was transiently downregulated to assess its effect on IL-10 regulation.Methods and Results: First, we performed a Gene Ontology enrichment analysis to predict immune response terms and pathways involved with miR-671-5p. Some of the terms and pathways found were related to the immune response promoted by the probiotic, as the terms "negative regulation of the inflammatory response to an antigenic stimulus" and "cancer" were highlighted. Then, to assess the role of miR-671-5p in IL-10 regulation, moDCs were derived from porcine peripheral blood and later transfected with miR-671-5p antisense oligonucleotide (ASO). Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the transfection efficiency. Then, the moDCs were stimulated with BB12, and the expression of IL-10 was assessed by RT–qPCR and ELISA. An increase in IL-10 transcript in miR-671-5p-ASO-transfected moDCs stimulated with BB12 was observed compared with moDCs stimulated with BB12 but not transfected. These results suggest the participation of miR-671-5p as a negative regulator of IL-10.Conclusion: These findings suggest that miR-671-5p participates in the downregulation of IL-10, as previously predicted in silico by our work group. miR-671-5p could play an essential role in the immunomodulation promoted by the probiotic BB12.
Serum and Saliva Sirtuin 6, Lipoxin A4, Caspase8 Levels in Correlation with Periodontal Status in Severe Periodontitis
Authors: Cekici Ali , Sahinkaya Selin , Donmez M. Fatih , Turkmen Emrah , Balci Nur , Toygar Hilal
Published: June 2022

Objectives: It has been stated that Sirtuin-6 (SIRT6) play a important role in regulation of inflammation, energy metabolism, homeostasis and apoptosis, and SIRT6 may be assosiciated with many diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate saliva and serum SIRT6, Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and Caspase-8 (CASP8) levels in correlation with periodontal clinical status in patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: 20 patients with Stage III Grade B periodontitis (P) and 20 periodontally healthy individuals (control;C) were included in this study. Clinical periodontal parameters were measured. Saliva and serum levels of SIRT6, LXA4 and CASP8 were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Serum SIRT6 and saliva LXA4 levels were significantly lower in the periodontitis group than in the control group (respectively; p=0.010, p= p:0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the periodontitis and control groups for saliva SIRT6, serum LXA4, serum and saliva CASP8 levels (p>0.05). Significant negative correlations were found between all periodontal clinical parameters (PI, BOP, PPD, CAL) and saliva LXA4 level (p<0.05), and between PPD, CAL, and serum SIRT6 level (respectively; r=-0.465 and r=-0.473, p<0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that significantly lower levels of serum SIRT6 and saliva LXA4 in periodontitis patients and their correlation with periodontal status. Detection of SIRT6 and saliva LXA4 might have a potential role for predicting periodontal status in the future with more precise sampling protocols and with better specifity in testing methods. Clinical Relevance: Serum SIRT6 and saliva LXA4 might be promising biomarkers for monitoring the susceptibility to periodontitis and predicting periodontal status.
What can scatterplots teach us about doing data science better?
Authors: Goh Wilson Wen Bin , Foo Reuben , Wong Limsoon
Published: June 2022

A scatterplot is often the graph of choice for displaying the relationship between two variables. Scatterplots are useful for exploratory analysis, but can do much more than just identifying correlations. As datasets get larger and more complex, relying solely on “eye power” alone may cause us to miss interesting associations, or worse, make wrong interpretations. We show that by combining scatterplots with statistical and logical reasoning (the sliding window and two-axis median bisection), we may identify interesting associations in a case study of GRE admission vs graduation outcomes, and whether low detectability of proteins in a biological sample are truly associated with low-abundance. Due to subjective visual interpretability, we recommend graphing the data using a multitude of visual variables and graph types before concluding the absence of an association. Finally, even if associations are demonstrable, developing causal models that could explain the observed fuzziness and lack of apparent correlations in the scatterplot are helpful for better decision making and interpretation.
stabiliser: Variable Selection using a Permutation-based Objective Stability Threshold (POST)
Authors: Hyde Robert , O'Grady Luke , Green Martin
Published: June 2022

Identification of variables truly associated with an outcome, whilst minimising false positives,is critical to any data analysis. This is particularly challenging in wider datasets, where the proportionof false positives tends to increase as the number of variables increases. Whilst stability selection hasbeen demonstrated to improve model performance, arbitrary stability thresholds mean performanceimprovements are model and dataset dependent. We propose a novel permutation-based objectivestability threshold (POST) to enhance the stability selection procedure. The performance of POSTis evaluated through simulation analysis, and performance benefits of POST are demonstrated incomparison with conventional approaches. Furthermore, the advantages of statistical triangulation,the use of multiple models simultaneously, alongside POST are highlighted. To facilitate the implementationof these methods, we present the R package stabiliser, which is designed to improve inferentialmodel performance regardless of model type or dataset structure.
A novel fractional-order accumulation GMP(1,1) model and its application
Authors: Yang Honglin , Gao Mingyun , Xiao Qinzi
Published: June 2022

Considering the effective service life characteristics of products in the background of product sales, this study first designs a generalized fractional-order accumulation generation matrix covering the effective accumulation percentage, replaces this matrix with the first-order accumulation generation operation in classical GMP(1,1), and establishes the definition equation of fractional-order accumulation GMP(1,1) [abbreviated as GFAGMP(1,1,D)] model. Second, the study derives the level ratio of the model via two other forms of the model [GFAGMP(1,1,M) and GFAGMP(1,1,H)] using integral and power function transformation, which is combined with the power function transformation and the relationship between the GFAGMP(1,1) model and the generalized the GM(1,1) model. The optimization model of accumulation generation matrix order $r$, effective accumulation percentage index $p$. and power exponent $m$ . is established, and the parameter optimization of the model is completed through particle swarm optimization. Finally, the simulation results of different grey models are compared with the actual sales data of Chinese refrigerators. This comparison demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the GFAGMP(1,1) model in forecasting the home-appliance supply chain demand in China.
From financial performance to sustainable development: A great evolution and an endless debate
Authors: Lahouirich Mohamed Wadie , Oulfarsi Salah , Eddine Abdelhak Sahib , Sakalli Hanaa El Bayed , Boutti Rachid
Published: June 2022

The concept of ‘Performance’ is one of the most used words, both in the academic and professional spheres, due to its importance in all fields. In addition to its very high frequency of use, its definition is polysemous. This paper aims to focus on the surrounding of the performance, by listing several definitions and tracing its evolution over time. This paper also proposes the treatment of performance in all its facets, from the financial one to the global and sustainable one, and by highlighting the complementary aspect of the different approaches of treatment of this concept. To do this, we were interested in articles and books referenced in the Scopus, Cairn, Electre and Google Scholar databases, and we selected the scientific production between 1960 and 2020, which deals with either the definition or the link between the concepts ‘Performance’, ‘CSR’, ‘CSP’ and ‘Sustainable Development’, to synthesize them in this article following a chronological and logical order. This article is intended as a synthetic guide for any researcher or professional interested in the concept of performance, since it traces its evolution and its ramifications through the highlighting of the complementarity and the relevant use of this concept.