bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Isotonic Drink containing Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) Processing Waste Collagen Hydrolysate for Prevention of Bone and Cartilage Disorders
Authors: Zarubin Nikita Yu. , Kharenko Elena N. , Bredikhina Olga V. , Lavrukhina Elizaveta V. , Zolotarev Konstantin V. , Mikhailov Anton N. , Nakhod Valeriya I. , Mikhailova Marina V.
Published: December 2022

Malnutrition is one of major factors of bone and cartilage disorders. Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) processing waste is a cheap and highly promising source of bioactive substances, including collagen-derived peptides and amino acids, for bone and cartilage structure stabilization. Addition of these substances to a functional drink is one of the ways to achieve their fast intestinal absorption. Collagen hydrolysate was obtained via enzymatic hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, freeze-drying, and grinding to powder. The lyophilized hydrolysate was a light gray powder with high protein content (>90%), including collagen (about 85% of total protein) and a complete set of essential and non-essential amino acids. The hydrolysate was applicable as a protein food supply or a structure-forming food component due to presence of collagen fiber fragments. An isotonic fitness drink (osmolality 298.1 ± 2.1 mOsm/L) containing the hydrolysate and vitamin C as a cofactor in collagen biosynthesis was prepared. Addition of the hydrolysate did not adversely affect its organoleptic parameters. Production of such functional foods and drinks is one of the beneficial ways of fish processing waste utilization.
Mathematical modeling of physical processes in electromagnetic water filters and heat exchangers
Authors: Kudryashova Tatiana Alekseevna , Karamzin Yuri Nikolaevich , Polyakov Sergey Vladimirovich , Tarasov Nikita Igorevich
Published: December 2022

The paper proposes a complex mathematical model designed to analyze the processes taking place in electromagnetic water filters and heat exchangers in terms of scale formation and removal. The formed mathematical model includes models of fluid flow taking into account thermal effects, the evolution of pollutant concentration with the reflection of convection-diffusion processes and electrostatic effects to take into account filtration effects. The software implementation of the computational algorithm for three-dimensional geometry is based on the finite volume grid method and parallel computing. The results of model calculations were obtained for the problem of electromagnetic water cleaning and the problem of scale contamination of the heat exchanger using the developed software package.
Uso de KDSM para la Gestión de Conocimiento en el Ámbito de la TEC
Authors: Pérez Campos Angélica , Jiménez Galina Alicia Margarita , Rodas Osollo Jorge , Olmos Sánchez Karla
Published: December 2022

Este artículo tiene como objetivo comunicar los resultados del uso de la metodología KDSM (Knowledge Management in Serial Measurements) para gestionar conocimiento proveniente de un estudio que emplea la Terapia Electro-Convulsiva (TEC) en 183 pacientes con diversos padecimientos psiquiátricos severos. La organización de la información de la TEC es singular, pues caracteriza cuantitativa y cualitativamente tanto al paciente como a la TEC misma, y además abarca medidas seriadas muy cortas y repetidas donde se ejerce un factor de bloque por parte del paciente y que representa el monitoreo de la evolución del mismo tras cada aplicación de un electrochoque (ES). La implementación de la metodología KDSM permite al especialista obtener conocimiento valioso que posibilita visualizar e interpretar la respuesta de los pacientes y la misma TEC y, a la postre, optimizar cada sesión de ES y consecuentemente minimizar los efectos secundarios, como lo es la pérdida de memoria.
Risk Factors Associated with Transition to Dementia in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Pak Daewoo , Lee Ga Ram , Yang Hojin
Published: December 2022

Objectives: This study assessed the effects of risk factors on the transition from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia using a cohort of patients with MCI. Methods: The data collected for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study include the cognitive assessments and clinical information of patients who were diagnosed with MCI at study entry. The distribution of the time from MCI to dementia and its association with patient genetic and demographic factors were estimated by using a parametric approach for left-truncated data with the uncertain disease onset. We considered the number of apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) alleles, age, sex, and education level as the risk factors. Results: Aging and the presence of at least one ApoE4 allele increased the risk for transition from MCI to dementia. The distribution of the time from MCI to dementia did not vary with sex and education level. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop strategies for early detection of MCI in carriers of the ApoE4 allele because they are more likely to develop dementia in a relatively short time, compared to non-carriers of the ApoE4 allele.
Factors Influencing the Anxiety of Nursing Students in Clinical Practice during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jang Gun Ja , Park Shin Jeong , Ko Sangjin
Published: December 2022

Objectives: Due to the prolonged COVID-19, the current society is experiencing increased anxiety and confusion about health care. In spite of this pandemic situation, nursing students are participated in practical training in the medical field to complete the curriculum. The purpose of this study was to determine the influencing factors of nursing students’ anxiety in participating in clinical practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 172 nursing students participated in the online self-questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent t-test, and multiple linear regression analysis using the SPSS software version 28.0.Results: There were significant differences in only anxiety according to gender (t=-4.42, p<0.001). Also, Anxiety showed a statistically significant negative correlation with attitude (r=-0.16, p=0.037) and preventive practice (r=-0.16, p=0.036). Results of regression analysis, gender (β=0.33, p<0.001) and attitude (β=0.18, p=0.026) were significant factors for the anxiety, and explanatory power was 16% (F=4.45, p<0.001).Conclusions: The results of this study can be used to develop nursing interventions that reduce anxiety and promote preventive practice for COVID-19 among nursing students.
Thermodynamic Approaches in Assessing Quality, Efficiency and Environmental Friendliness of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Zhang Qing , Romaniuk V. N. , Aliakseyeu Yu. G. , Hou Qiang
Published: December 2022

The experience of developed countries shows that the development of the road network and transport infrastructure determines the intensity of economic ties and is one of the most important conditions for the development of the state’s economy. Optimization of the composition and production technology of asphalt concrete mixture – the basis of paved roads, is of great importance, both from an economic and environmental point of view. The production of asphalt concrete mixture directly (during the production process at asphalt concrete plants) and indirectly (during delivery from the plant to the place of installation) determines the energy costs for the production of asphalt concrete. At asphalt-concrete plants the specific energy consumption per ton of hot asphalt concrete mixture varies from 0.3 to 0.7 GJ. The range in energy costs is large. This situation indicates the presence of a significant energy-saving potential of asphalt concrete mixture thermal technology. The exergy analysis of technical systems proposed in this paper, which are operated in the asphalt concrete mixture production processes, makes it possible to judge the efficiency of energy use in their thermal units. This approach is expedient not only in the primary production of asphalt concrete mixture, but also for more environmentally friendly, energy- and resource-saving production processes for the operation of equipment during the regeneration of road asphalt concrete.
Experimental assessment of the informativity of signs in the analysis of 2d images of bone objects in forensic examination.
Authors: Doudkin A. A. , Voronov A. A. , Ganchenko V. V. , Marushko E. E. , Podenok L. P. , Inyutin A. V.
Published: December 2022

This article describes the software implementation of the system for extracting and evaluating information features from 2D images of bone fractures and bone objects for classifying fractures and identifying the alleged instrument that caused the injury. As parameters, the textural characteristics of Haralick, local binary patterns of pixels for 2D images, Gabor filters, Laws energy texture characteristics for 2D images are considered. The analysis carried out on basis of information content estimation to select the features that are most suitable for solving the problem of bone fractures classification. The results will be used for development of methods for complex forensic examination of complex polygonal surfaces of solid objects for automated system for analyzing digital images.
Caracterización de residuos sólidos municipales del distrito de Magdalena del Mar, departamento de Lima, Perú
Authors:   , Huaman Casachagua Karen Jazmin
Published: December 2022

El aumento exponencial de la generación de residuos es un problema mundial. Por ello, la caracterización de Residuos Sólidos Municipales (RSM) permite dimensionar el almacenamiento, valorización, traslado y disposición final con el fin de diseñar y/u optimizar la gestión de residuos. Se caracterizaron los RSM de Magdalena del Mar durante ocho días el 2019, utilizando la metodología de la Guía para la Caracterización de Residuos Sólidos Municipales del Ministerio del Ambiente 2018. Para ello, se escogieron aleatoriamente 115 domicilios para el análisis de RSM domiciliarios; también, 110 comercios, 10 instituciones educativas (IE), 4 mercados y 10 muestras de barrido de calles para el análisis de RSM no domiciliarios; y 19 muestras de residuos especiales. El análisis reveló que Magdalena del Mar tiene una generación total de 69 381,19 kg/día y una generación percápita total de 1,113 kg/habitante/día. Aproximadamente, el 79,53% de los RSM son aprovechables, según el estudio, siendo los residuos orgánicos (51,31%) el mayor porcentaje. Para el análisis estadístico, se determinó la varianza, la desviación estándar y el coeficiente de variación de generación percápita, densidad y humedad. Además, se desarrollaron propuestas para el manejo de RSM, obteniendo que, si se implementa la segregación y comercialización, se alcanzaría una ganancia aproximada de S/ 880,05 mensuales y una disminución de 1 946,76 kg/mes de RSM, los cuales ya no serían colocados en camiones y dispuestos en rellenos sanitarios.
Satisfacción y calidad de vida en pacientes mastectomizadas por cáncer de mama según reconstrucción mamaria
Authors:   , Espinoza Valdivia Nadia Andrea , Mogrovejo Olivera Nancy Victoria
Published: December 2022

Introducción y Objetivos: El cáncer de mama es una neoplasia que requiere de un manejo multidisciplinario, la mastectomía y reconstrucción mamaria forman parte del manejo quirúrgico de esta patología. La reconstrucción mamaria es un procedimiento quirúrgico dirigido a quienes buscan una alternativa la cual les permitirá restaurar el volumen mamario. El cuestionario BREAST-Q, permite determinar de manera objetiva y numérica la calidad de vida y satisfacción de pacientes que han sido sometidas a cirugías de mama. Diversos estudios han evaluado las repercusiones positivas de la reconstrucción mamaria post mastectomía con resultados inconsistentes, así mismo no existen investigaciones similares en población peruana. El objetivo del estudio es determinar y comparar el nivel de satisfacción y calidad de vida en pacientes con cáncer de mama que se sometieron a mastectomía con y sin reconstrucción mamaria. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico de corte transversal realizado en pacientes mastectomizadas por cáncer de mama con y sin reconstrucción mamaria del Centro Oncológico Aliada, Lima-Perú. Se incluyeron a 46 pacientes operadas entre los años 2016-2021. La calidad de vida y satisfacción de las pacientes se evaluó mediante el cuestionario BREAST-Q. Resultados: Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en las escalas de satisfacción con el pecho y de bienestar sexual al comparar las pacientes mastectomizadas con y sin reconstrucción de mama, en donde el grupo con reconstrucción reflejó un mejor resultado en satisfacción y calidad de vida. No se obtuvieron resultados significativos en las escalas de atención del equipo médico, eventos adversos de la radiación y según el tipo de reconstrucción mamaria. Conclusiones: El instrumento BREAST-Q demostró que las pacientes sometidas a reconstrucción mamaria obtuvieron mejores resultados en las escalas de satisfacción y calidad de vida en comparación a las pacientes sin reconstrucción mamaria.
High Siglec-15 Expression in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Predicts Poor Prognosis
Authors: Fan Lei , Sui Xin-Yi , Yang Yun-Song , Liu Xi-Yu , Zhou Peng , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: December 2022

Introduction:
Normalization cancer immunotherapy is a new strategy to treat breast cancer. Sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin 15 (Siglec-15) is a new potential target for normalization cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the role of Siglec-15 in breast cancer and investigated the influence of Siglec-15 on the microenvironment of infiltrating immune cells in cancer.
Methods
We performed immunohistochemical staining to analyse Siglec-15 expression in primary invasive breast cancer tissue microarrays. The tissue specimens were from 90 patients. Furthermore, the relationship between Siglec-15 and clinicopathological features was analysed with logistic regression and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The association between clinical characteristics and overall survival in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) patients was assessed.
Results
Immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays showed that Siglec-15 had higher expression in breast cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. Breast cancer tissues had higher Siglec-15 expression than normal tissues did. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis suggested that triple-negative breast cancer with high Siglec-15 expression had poorer survival than those with lower Siglec-15 expression (p = 0.042). Furthermore, the high Siglec-15 expression group had low activated dendritic cells, follicular helper T cells, and M1 macrophages.
Conclusions
Siglec-15 had a high expression in breast cancer tissues. High Siglec-15 expression is associated with low activated dendritic cell, follicular helper T cell, and M1 macrophage proportions in breast cancer tissue and predicts poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer. Siglec-15 expression may be a potential prognostic molecular marker of poor survival in breast cancer.
Scale and landscape heterogeneity influence the predictive performance of habitat suitability models
Authors: Peters Anne , Hemmingmoore Heather , Ladle Andrew , Aronsson Malin , Persson Jens , Andrén Henrik
Published: December 2022

Resource selection functions (RSF) are used to predict habitat selection in a wide range of taxa for various conservation and management purposes. Although such predictions often cover large geographic areas, the limitations of extrapolating beyond the original study region are rarely addressed. Our first research objective was to demonstrate the implications of extrapolating RSF predictions across different habitats and at different spatial scales, with regard to varying landscape characteristics. For our second objective, we investigated the impact of individual variation in resource selection. We used a long-term dataset of GPS-collared lynx from two separate regions in Sweden. We built individual-level RSF models at two spatial scales for two different study regions to quantify individual and regional variation in habitat selection, and extrapolated the results from each region across the opposing study area. Individual lynx selected resources differently within and between study regions, and predictions were more accurate within home ranges than between home ranges. When extrapolating across variable landscapes, encountering resource values outside the fitted range of the models led to incorrect predictions. This case study highlights the importance of quantifying a variable’s value range in both the model and extrapolation area, taking into account variation in individual resource selection, and understanding the relationship with the order of selection to improve the reliability of habitat predictions. To increase the transferability of models, extrapolations should ideally be limited to areas with overlapping value ranges, to reduce the risk of misidentifying habitat suitability.
Pattern and determinants of contraceptive use among the Muslim women in Wajir and Lamu counties in Kenya: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdi Batula , Okal Jerry , Serour Gamal , Were Vincent , Temmerman Marleen , Gichangi Peter
Published: December 2022

Improving access to family planning (FP) is associated with positive health benefits that includes averting nearly a third of all maternal deaths and 10% of childhood deaths. Kenya has made great strides in improving access to family planning services. However, amid this considerable progress, regional variation has been noted. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study that involved 663 Muslim women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from Wajir and Lamu counties in Kenya between March and October 2018. Eligible women were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire containing socio-demographic information and history of family planning use. Simple and multiple logistic regression were used to identify determinants of family planning use. The results were presented as Crude Odds Ratio crude (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) ratios at 95% confidence interval. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Of the 663 Muslim women of reproductive age consenting to participate in the study, 51.5%, n = 342 and 48.5%, n = 321 were from Lamu and Wajir County, respectively. The prevalence of women currently using contraceptive was 18.6 percent (n = 123). In Lamu, the prevalence was 32.8%, while in Wajir, it was 3.4 percent. The determinants of current contraceptive use in Lamu include; marital status, age at marriage employment status, discussion with a partner on FP, acceptability of FP in Culture, and willingness to obtain information on FP. While in Wajir, determinants of current contraceptive use were education, Family planning allowed in Islam. Conclusions Our study found moderately high use of contraceptives among Muslim women of reproductive age in Lamu county and very low contraceptive use among women in Wajir. There is need for family planning programs to address issues of male involvement in reproductive health given the patriarchal nature of the two communities. It is critical for the government to invest in women and girls education to enhance their ability to make informed decisions; particularly in Wajir where FP uptake is low with low education attainment. Further, our findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate messages and involvement of religious leaders to demystify the myths and misconception around family planning and Islam.
The Effects on Learning and Visualization of a Polyhedral Self-Organizing Map Using a Tetrahedral Approach
Authors: De Sousa Rômulo Magalhães , de Oliveira Roberto C. Limão
Published: December 2022

A spherical self-organizing map (SSOM) based on an icosahedral geodesic dome (ICOSOM) improves the ability to visualize interactions among clusters from the input space. The SSOM reveals more information about the clusters’ properties than the original two-dimensional SOM (2D SOM) data maps, where clusters can position themselves at the edges. However, to completely visualize the spherical map, an ICOSOM requires a cumbersome data map projection using a virtual environment or cartographic projection that complicates the analyses of labels in the data map. The SSOM based on a tetrahedral geodesic dome (4HSOM) is flexible for sizing a lattice and enables the use of a more straightforward projection to obtain a data map with a complete view of the entire surface of a spherical lattice and a better analysis of the labels, such as 2D SOM projection. Nonetheless, the 4HSOM irregular lattice can interfere with the learning process and impair the visualization of the input space topographic relations on the data map. This study proposes a polyhedral SOM (PSOM) based on a tessellated tetrahedron to preserve a three-dimensional continuous space as an SSOM. The experimental results verify the quantized approximation and topological preservation and demonstrate that the PSOM with a square lattice performs better than the 4HSOM, which provides additional information about nonlinear relationships among the input data vectors. This improvement stems from the symmetrical distance among the neurons and the neighborhood function’s better fit within the square lattice, as demonstrated by experiments. We also evaluate PSOM with a rectangular lattice, ICOSOM, and 2D SOM.
Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of mental health problems among adolescent students in eastern Ethiopia: A cross- sectional study
Authors: Hunduma Gari , Dessie Yadeta , Geda Biftu , Yadeta Tesfaye Assebe , Deyessa Negussie
Published: December 2022

Adolescence is a developmental stage that is marked by role uncertainty, a lot of stress, and emotional instability, all of which lead to harmful behavior and poor mental health. Adolescent mental health problems are a substantial burden on society and a serious public health concern, it has not been well assessed in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of mental health problems among in-school adolescents in the Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3227 in-school adolescents studying in private and public schools in the Harari region, eastern Ethiopia. Multistage sampling was used to select primary and secondary school students who participated in the study. Guided self-administered strength and difficulty questionnaire measured mental health problems. Data were double-entered, validated, and cleaned using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using STATA 17. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio between socio-demographic data and mental health problems. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. The magnitudes of mental health problems among in-school adolescents by subscale was 24.17% (95% CI: 22.72; 25.67) for internalizing and 11.93% (95% CI: 10.85; 13.09) for externalizing problems. A high level of internalizing problem score was more likely among rural residents (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.23; 2.15), married adolescents (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.10; 1.84), attending public schools (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.18; 1.78), and adolescents whose father’s occupation was a farmer (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.86). Likewise, the likelihood of high-level of externalizing problem score was high among rural (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.72; 3.46); married adolescents (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.02; 2.02); adolescents who live with eight and above family members (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01; 1.65); and adolescents whose fathers’ are not educated (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.08; 1.35). This study revealed that a significant proportion of in-school adolescents experienced either internalizing or externalizing mental problems. The findings highlight the urgent need for better detection, intervention, and prevention strategies for in-school adolescents, particularly focusing on boys, rural residents, public school students, and those whose fathers are farmers and uneducated to reduce mental health problems.
Neiella litorisoli sp. nov., an alginate lyase – producing bacterium from South China Sea
Authors: Sun Jing-ran , Mo Kun-lian , Li Xue , Hu Yong-hua , Liu Zhi-yuan , Huang Hui-qin
Published: December 2022

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, designated HB171785T, was isolated from soil sample collected from Qishui Bay, Hainan, China. The strain grew optimally at pH 7–8, 40–45°C and with NaCl 3–4%. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was found to be Q-8 and the major fatty acids were C16:0, C16:1 ω7c / C16:1 ω6c, C18:1 ω7c / C18:1 ω6c and C12:0 3OH. The polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The size of the draft genome was 4.32 Mbp with G + C content 49.7%. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain HB171785T belonged to the order Alteromonadales, and the closest phylogenetically related species were Neiella marina j221T, “Neiella holothuriorum” 126 and Echinimonas agarilytica LMG2520T with the similarities of 98.2, 96.0 and 95.0%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA genes and phylogenomic tree based on core genomes showed that strain HB171785T clustered together with N. marina j221T, with the highest values of average nucleotide identity (82.9%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (25.4%). The combined phylogenetic relatedness, phenotypic and genotypic features supported the conclusion that strain HB171785T represents a novel species of the genus Neiella, for which the name Neiella litorisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HB171785T (= MCCC 1K04625T = KCTC 82319T).
The association between schizophrenia and white blood cells count: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Zibo , Li Biao , Guo Xinru , Bai Wei , Kou Changgui
Published: December 2022

Background.
Positive associations between the risk of schizophrenia and white blood cells (WBC) counts, have been suggested by observational studies. However, the causality of this association is still unclear.
Methods.
We used a group of bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to estimate the causal relationship between schizophrenia and WBC count traits (i.e., WBC count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, basophil count, eosinophil count, and monocyte count). In total, 81, 95, 85, 87, 76, 83 schizophrenia-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used as genetic instruments from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium for six WBC count traits, respectively. And in reverse MR analysis, 458, 206, 408, 468, 473, 390 variants extracted from six WBC count traits were utilized as genetic instruments, which were obtained from a recent large-scale Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS).
Results.
Genetically predicted schizophrenia was positively associated with the risk of WBC count [odds ratio (OR) 1.017, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.008–1.026; P = 7.53×10− 4], basophil count (OR 1.014, 95%CI 1.005–1.022; P = 0.002), eosinophil count (OR 1.021, 95%CI 1.011–1.031; P = 2.77×10− 4), monocyte count(OR 1.018, 95%CI 1.009–1.027; P = 4.60×10− 4), lymphocyte count(OR 1.021, 95%CI 1.012–1.030; P = 4.51×10− 5), and neutrophil count (OR 1.013, 95%CI 1.005–1.022; P = 0.004). WBC count traits are not associated with the risk of schizophrenia in our reverse MR results.
Conclusion.
Schizophrenia is associated with increased risk of WBC count (i.e., high WBC count, lymphocyte count, neutrophil count, basophil count, eosinophil count, and monocyte count).
Lipid from electronic cigarette smoke both with and without nicotine induced pro- inflammatory macrophage polarization and disrupted phagocytosis
Authors: Rahman Mizanur , Sompa Shanzina Iasmin , Introna Micol , Upadhyay Swapna , Ganguly Koustav , Palmberg Lena
Published: December 2022

Clinical cases and experimental evidence show that electronic cigarette (ECIG) induce serious adverse health effects but underlying mechanisms much remain to be uncovered. Based on recent exploratory evidence, investigating the effects of ECIG on macrophages can broadly define potential mechanisms by focusing on the effect of ECIG exposure with or without nicotine. Here we investigated the effect of ECIG-smoke exposure on macrophages (MQ) phenotype, inflammatory response, and function of macrophages. MQ were cultured at air liquid interface and exposed to ECIG smoke. Oxidative stress was determined by reactive oxygen species (ROS), heat shock protein 60 (HSP60), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and heme oxygenase1 (HMOX1). Lipid accumulation was ensured by lipid staining and lipid peroxidation was measured by level of malondialdehyde (MDA). MQ polarization was identified by surface expression markers CD86, CD11C and CD206 as well as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in gene and protein level. Phagocytosis ofE. coliby MQ were investigated by fluorescence-based phagocytosis assay. ECIG smoke exposure in presence or absence of nicotine induced oxidative stress as ROS, HSP60, GPx, GPx4 and HMOX1 was upregulated in MQ. ECIG exposure induced accumulation lipids and the lipid peroxidation product MDA in MQ. Pro-inflammatory MQ (M1) markers CD86 and CD11C but not anti-inflammatory MQ (M2) marker CD206 were upregulated in response to ECIG exposure. In addition, ECIG induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1beta and IL-8 in gene level and IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1beta in protein level whereas ECIG exposure downregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in protein level. Phagocytosis activity of MQ was downregulated by ECIG exposure. shRNA mediated lipid scavenger receptor CD36 silencing inhibited ECIG-induced pro-inflammatory MQ polarization and recovered phagocytic activity of MQ. ECIG exposure alter lung lipid homeostasis and thus induced inflammation by inducing M1 type MQ and impair phagocytic function, which could be a potential cause of ECIG-induced lung inflammation in healthy and inflammatory exacerbation in disease condition.
Dynamic analysis of rockfall impact on a protective structure via FEM-DEM coupling
Authors: Su Dong , Zhang Runqi , Xiong Hao , Zhao Debo
Published: December 2022

Rockfall is one of the most catastrophic hazards among natural calamities. The issue involving rockfall protection responses of discrete-continuum interactions still remains unclear. This study innovatively couples the finite element method with the discrete element method (FEM-DEM) to realize rock block impact motion simulations and the corresponding impact loading transmitted from the gravel cushion to the concrete body. The FEM-DEM coupling algorithm is elucidated. The coupling approach is verified by a block free-fall experiment. The velocity and size effects on block impact behavior and gravel motion are investigated. Insights into interactions within the gravel cushion and the resulting concrete structure deformation are provided. Structural responses correlated with the block size and velocity effect are analyzed. The numerical results indicate that the block size and the impact velocity affect the variations in the rotational velocity and rotation-translation energy ratio of the block, respectively. Bulk material strengthening is observed at the bottom of the cushion layer. The coupling results reflect that the stress concentrations are mainly focused on the upper side of the retaining wall and the inner side of the pile root, and the structure's deformation meets the need.
Evaluation of symptomatic small bowel stricture in Crohn’s disease by double-balloon endoscopy
Authors: Hu Jing , Wu Juan , Zhang Peipei , Hu Naizhong , Mei Qiao , Wu Xingwang , Han Wei
Published: December 2022

Purpose
To assess the efficacy of double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) for the detection of small-bowel stricture in Crohn’s disease (CD).
Methods
This Tertiary-referral hospital cohort study was conducted between January 2018 and May 2022. CD patients with symptoms of small-bowel stricture were enrolled sequentially. All of the patients were subjected to both computed tomography enterography (CTE) and DBE, and their symptoms of stricture were assessed using the Crohn’s Disease Obstructive Score (CDOS). DBE diagnostic yield was compared to CTE, and the relationship between DBE findings and CDOS was investigated. The factors influencing DBE diagnosis were examined using Cox regression analysis.
Results
This study included 165 CD patients. CDOS scores were higher in 95 patients, while lower in 70. DBE detected 92.7% (153/165) and CTE detected 85.5% (141/165) of the strictures, respectively. DBE diagnostic yields were 94.7% (90/95) in high CDOS patients and 91.4% (64/70) in low CDOS patients (P = 0.13). Patients with a history of abdominal surgery and abscess had a lower diagnosis rate in the multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
DBE has been demonstrated to be an efficient diagnostic method for detecting small-bowel strictures in CD patients. Additionally, there is no difference in diagnostic yields between patients with low and high obstructive scores.
Reducing Emissions using Renewable Sources for Electricity Generation in Stewart Island
Authors: Nasab Navid Majdi , Kilby Jeff , Bakhtiaryfard Leila
Published: December 2022

This paper evaluates supply to coastal communities that are isolated from a main supply grid compared to current used diesel station. The case study is Stewart Island, where the electricity is provided by a distribution network powered by up to five diesel generators at a central diesel power station. Local residents believe that reducing the consumption of diesel and having a renewable source of electricity generation are two of the island’s highest priorities. Merging a tidal energy source (predictable) with wind (unpredictable) and diesel (back-up), through a microgrid, may be a way to increase reliability and decrease the amount of pollutants. Using two wind and four tidal turbines, plus one diesel generator for back-up, is the best design in terms of lower greenhouse gas emissions, higher renewable fraction, and reduced net present cost. This configuration is simulated and compared with diesel generators system using HOMER PROro software. The results enable to analyse the amount of emissions for both scenarios.
Novel hybrid Structured (Cu-BaTiO3 -BP-Graphene) SPR Biosensor for Enhanced Performance
Authors: Pandaram Maheswari , Veeran Ravi , Balasundaram Rajesh Karuppaiya , Jaroszewicz Zbigniew , Jha Rajan , Ebrahim Habibur Rahman Shiek Abdul Kadhar Mohamed
Published: December 2022

A Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) based biosensor utilizing copper and BaTiO3 with addition layer coating of graphene and Black Phosphorous(BP) structures in kretschmann configuration for the detection of biomolecules event is analysed and optimized numerically using transfer matrix method. The strategy consist of placing the sensing medium on the top of BP-graphene which enhance the sensitivity and reduced the FWHM. The proposed sensor exhibits a maximum sensitivity around 372deg/RIU, FWHM of reflectance spectrum as low as 3.05deg, high detection accuracy(0.327/deg) and quality factor(121.96/RIU). such an enhanced performance would make the design to have more application in the field of biosensor.
Antibiotic-impregnated bone cement coverage versus vacuum sealing drainage for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanlong , Tian Shuwei , Liu Meiyu , Zhai Wenfang , Zhou Yujie , Peng Aqin
Published: December 2022

Objective:To compare antibiotic-impregnated bone cement coverage (bone cement surface technique; BCS-T) versus vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect.
Method: This retrospective analysis compared the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing BCS-T group (n=16) versus VSD group (n=15) for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from March 2014 to August 2019. For BCS-T, osseous cavity was filled with autograft bone graft after debridement, and then the wound was covered with a 3-mm layer of bone cement impregnated with vancomycin and gentamycin. The dressing was changed every day in the first week, and every 2~3 days in the second week. For VSD, a negative pressure of -150 ~ -350 mmHg was maintained, and the dressing was changed every 5-7 days. All patients received antibiotics treatment based on bacterial culture results for 2 weeks.
Results: The 2 groups did not differ in age, sex and key baseline characteristics, including type of Gustilo-Anderson classification, size of the bone and soft tissue defect, the percentage of primary debridement, bone transport, and the time from injury to bone grafting.The median follow-up was 18.9 months (range:12-40). The time to complete coverage of bone graft by granulation tissue was 21.2 (15.0-44.0) and 20.3 (15.0-24.0) days in the BCS-T and VSD groups, respectively (p=0.412). The 2 groups also did not differ in wound healing time (3.3 (1.5-5.5) versus 3.2(1.5-6.5) months; p=0.229) and bone defect healing time (5.4(3.0-9.6) versus 5.9(3.2-11.5) months; p=0.402). However, the cost of covering material was significantly reduced in the BCS-T group (2071±134 versus 5542±905 yuan; p=0.026). Paleyfunctional classification at 12 months did not differ between the 2 groups (excellent in 87.5% versus 93.3%in the 2 groups; p=0.306).
Conclusion: BCS-T could achieve clinical outcomes similar to VSD in patients receiving bone graft for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect, but material cost was significantly reduced. Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify our finding.
Spectrum-sliced wavelength division multiplexing based free space optical communication employing differential quadrature phase-shift keying
Authors: Yarra Naga Subrahmanya Vamsi Mohan , A Sivanantha Raja
Published: December 2022

A spectrum-sliced (SS) Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) based Free-space optical (FSO) communication system at a data rate of 2.5 Gbps per channel is proposed in this research article. Utilizing the broadening of the spectrum by means of supercontinuum generation in a highly non linear Fiber (HNLF), an SS-WDM based FSO system is designed. The narrow spectrum of laser light source is broadened by means of self phase modulation (SPM). The proposed work reveals that the DQPSK based SS-WDM FSO system has higher performance compared to intensity modulation formats as well as differential phase modulation formats. Considering various values of FSO link distances, antenna diameters of transmitter and receiver, beam divergence and thus, determining the values of performance metrics such as Q-factor and BER, differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) based SS-WDM FSO system is simulated.
Model Test Study on Wave-induced Erosion on Gravelly Soil Bank
Authors: Wang Li , Li Quanlong , Chen Yong , Wang Shimei , Li Xiaowei , Fan Zhihong , Chen Yushan
Published: December 2022

Wave erosion on soil bank slopes has become severe with the long-term operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir; however, the progression of soil bank slope erosion varies in different regions. The influence of the physical parameters of the soil mass on the wave erosion bank slope was investigated using a self-designed and manufactured wave erosion bank slope model test device. Physical model tests were conducted on wave erosion bank slopes comprising six groups with different dry densities and gravel contents to obtain the erosion process of the bank slope under wave action. The results show that the higher the dry density of the soil, the stronger the erosion resistance of the bank slope, and the longer the time required for the bank slope to reach a final steady state; the higher the gravel content, the stronger the erosion resistance of the bank slope. Owing to the protective effect of gravel, the time required for bank slope erosion stability was also shortened. Increasing the dry density or gravel content increased the stable slope angle after bank slope erosion. The wave erosion rate of the bank slope was high at the early stage of the test, and the bank slope erosion of each group was effectively completed within 240 min of the start of the test. The erosion rate of each bank slope under wave action decreased exponentially. Based on this, an empirical equation between the wave frequency and bank slope erosion rate was derived, which can be used to determine the erosion process of a bank slope. This research provides technical support for the prevention and control of erosion on soil bank slopes in the Three Gorges Reservoir area.
Developing a vaccine against velogenic sub-genotype seven of Newcastle disease virus based on Virus-like Particles
Authors: Firouzamandi Masoumeh , Helan Javad Ashrafi , Moeini Hassan , Soleimanian Alireza , Khatemeh Saeed , Hosseini Seyed Davoud
Published: December 2022

In the present study, for the first time, we released and assembled the particles of three major structural proteins of velogenic NDV (M, HN, and F glycoproteins) as a NDV-VLPs. The ElISA result of the cytokines of splenocyte suspension cells showed that IL2, IL10, TNF-α, and IFN- ˠ titers were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in mice that were immunized only with NDV-VLPs three times with a 10-day interval, in comparison to those that were immunized with NDV-VLPs twice in a 10-day interval and received a B1 live vaccine boost on the third interval. Flow cytometry results showed that CD8 + titers in the group that only received NDV-VLP was higher than other group. However, serum ELISA results did not show a significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher NDV antibody titer in NDV-VLPs immunized mice compared to the boosted group. Besides, HI results of SPF chickens vaccinated with NDV-VLPs and boosted with B1 live vaccine were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than those that only received NDV-VLPs. Interestingly, after challenging with NDV sub-genotype VII, all the chickens that were solely vaccinated with NDV-VLPs remained alive (six out of six), whereas two out of six chickens that were vaccinated with NDV-VLPs and also received the B1 live vaccine boost died. In conclusion, our results strongly indicated that the T-cell immune response in an NDV host is more important than the B-cell response. Also, the results of the present study revealed that to completely protect chickens against velogenic NDV strains, a vaccine comprising specific epitopes of velogenic strain is needed.
New Method for Calculating the Windward Area of Irregular Fragments
Authors: Xingyu Liu , OUYANG Di-hua , WANG Jia-ying , GUO Zhi-yong , YANG Chun-hai
Published: December 2022

Average windward area is an important index for calculating the trajectory, velocity attenuation and terminal effect of explosive fragments. In order to solve the problems that existing theoretical method cannot calculate windward area of irregular fragment and experiment method is not convenient for automatic calculation and has low accuracy, a Monte Carlo subdivision projection simulation algorithm is proposed. The average windward area of arbitrary shaped fragments can be obtained with coordinate translation, random rotation, plane projection, convex-hull triangulation, concave boundary searching and sorting with maximum edge length constraint, subdivision area calculation, and averaging by thousands of cycles. Results show that projection area obtained by the subdivision projection algorithm is basically the same as that obtained by software method of computer aided design. Moreover, the maximum calculation error of the algorithm is less than 7%, and its accuracy is much higher than that of the equivalent ellipsoid method. The average windward area calculated by the Monte Carlo subdivision projection simulation algorithm is consistent with theoretical formula for prefabricated fragments, and the error is less than 3%. The convergence and accuracy of the Monte Carlo subdivision projection algorithm are better than those of the icosahedral uniform orientation method.
Comprehensive analysis prediction prognosis and immune therapy value of angiogenesis-associated genes in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Aimudula Ainiwaer , Maimaitiming Abulaiti , Zhang Jichi , Dong Xiaoyan , zhang Yuefen , Zhang Ruili
Published: December 2022

Background:Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a highly vascularized and immunogenic tumor that has a high percentage of recurrence and a poor prognosis. Anti-angiogenesis therapies and immunotherapy are critical options to treat KIRC. However, the role of angiogenesis-associated genes (AAGs) in renal cell carcinoma tumorigenesis, prognosis prediction, the influence of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the response to immunotherapy remains unknown. Identifying potential prognostic markers based on AAGs of KIRC may provide information for the early detection of recurrence and treatment.
Methods: We investigated the expression profiles of 36 AAGs in 536 KIRC patients, including 536 tumors and 72 adjacent nontumor tissues downloaded fromThe Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We determined two different clusters based on AAG expression patterns and comprehensively identified the correlation between angiogenesis and patient risk, overall survival, and immune cell proportion in the TME. Next, we assessed the AAG score in different AAG clusters and confirmed the predictive ability in KIRC patients by a risk score model. Finally, we evaluatedthe IC50 of 12 chemotherapy and targeted drugs in different AAG score groups.
Results: We explored the expression levels, CNVs, and mutations of 36 AAGs in KIRC and observed that fifteen differentially expressed genes and VEGFA, TIMP1, VCAN and POSTN were hub genes. Different AAG clusters were divided by theexpression profiles of AAGs, and the survival analysis indicated that the low AAG score and low-risk group demonstrated superior overall survival (OS). We analyzed the correlation between angiogenesis and the TME and found that TME scores in the high AAG score group were higher than those in the low AAG score group. The two clusters had an abundance of metabolic-associated pathways. Next, the clinical viability and OS prediction ability of the AAG score in KIRC patients wereconfirmed by a highly reliable nomogram. Furthermore, different TMB subgroups combined with the AAG_score showed that the low-TMB+low-risk group had greater OS. Additionally, the AAG_score was markedly correlated with chemotherapy and target drug susceptibility.
Conclusion: Our results reveal that as a clinical prognostic signature, AAGs play a significant predictive role in KIRC. The relationship between AAGs and the TME should provide more potent combination therapy options for KIRC patients.
Single particle thermometry in bimetallic plasmonic nanostuctures
Authors: Gargiulo Julian , Herran Matias , Violi Ianina , Sousa-Castillo Ana , Martinez Luciana , Ezendam Simone , Barella Mariano , Giesler Helene , Grzeschik Roland , Schluecker Sebastian , Maier Stefan , Stefani Fernando , Cortes Emiliano
Published: December 2022

Localized surface plasmons are lossy and generate heat. However, accurate measurement of the temperature of metallic nanoparticles under illumination remains an open challenge, creating difficulties in the interpretation of results across plasmonic applications. Particularly, there is a quest for understanding the role of temperature in plasmon-assisted catalysis. Bimetallic nanoparticles combining plasmonic with catalytic metals are raising increasing interest in artificial photosynthesis and the production of solar fuels. Here, we perform single-particle nanothermometry measurements to investigate the link between morphology and thermal performance of colloidal Au/Pd nanoparticles with two different configurations: Au core – Pd shell and Au core- Pd satellites. It is observed that the inclusion of Pd as a shell strongly reduces the photothermal response in comparison to the bare cores, while the inclusion of Pd as satellites keeps photothermal properties almost unaffected. These results contribute to a better understanding of energy conversion processes in plasmon-assisted catalysis.