bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does capecitabine maintenance therapy versus active monitoring confer a survival benefit after first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fan Ling , Chen Bo , Ying Jie , Wu Tao , Yue Yumin , Chen Jian , Zheng Bobo
Published: November 2022

Background
The maintenance treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) after first-line treatment is still controversial. Meta analysis was used to analyze whether there was survival benefit after first-line treatment of mCRC from the effectiveness and safety of capecitabine maintenance treatment.
Methods
In April, 2022, the following biomedical electronic databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library, including capecitabine maintenance therapy versus active monitoring randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical trials (CT) of mCRC patients after first-line treatment. The primary outcome was progression free survival (PFS) of capecitabine maintenance therapy, and secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), toxicity, and BRAF and RAS gene mutation status. Extract the hazard ratio (HR) of 95% confidence interval (CI) or HR data that can calculate 95% confidence interval (CI). All data were analyzed by Revman5.4 software.
Results
Five eligible studies included 1672 patients. Meta analysis showed that capecitabine maintenance therapy had more significant benefits for PFS than active monitoring PFS (HR 0.59; 95%CI: 0.52–0.66; P < 0.00001); In addition, capecitabine maintenance therapy was also beneficial to OS (HR 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.95; p = 0.003). Subgroup analysis showed that BRAF/RAS wild-type patients were more likely to benefit from capecitabine maintenance, based on the significant interaction between BRAF/RAS status (P = 0.002). The most common adverse reaction was hand-foot skin reaction to capecitabine maintenance therapy compared with active monitoring (2.3% vs 0.4%; OR 5.53, 95%CI: 1.42–21.58, I2 = 0%, P = 0.01) was slightly increased.
Conclusion
This meta-analysis suggests that capecitabine was beneficial in PFS and OS compared with active monitoring. Adverse reactions are common but acceptable. Subgroup analysis showed that the differential effect of capecitabine maintenance treatment was beneficial to BARF/RAS wild-type patients. In specific cases, capecitabine monotherapy maintenance therapy can be considered, such as cumulative toxicity to fluoropyrimidine or patient rejection, especially for BRAF/RAS wild-type patients.
Universal and high efficient extraction of lithium for LIB recycling using mechanochemistry.
Authors: Dolotko Oleksandr , Gehrke Niclas , Malliaridou Triantafillia , Hunzinger Bettina , Knapp Michael , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: November 2022

The increasing lithium-ion battery production calls for profitable and ecologically benign technologies for recycling and recovering critical components, such as Li. Unfortunately, all currently used industrial ways of recycling are always associated with large energy consumption and utilization of corrosive reagents, which creates a risk to the environment. Herein we report a high efficient mechanochemically induced acid-free process for recycling Li from cathode materials of different and mainly used chemistries such as LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, Li(CoNiMn)O2, and LiFePO4. The introduced technology uses Al as a reducing agent in the mechanochemical reaction. Two different processes have been developed to regenerate lithium from cathode materials and to transform it to the pure Li2CO3. The mechanisms of mechanochemical transformation, aqueous leaching, and the lithium purification process were investigated. The presented technology achieves a recovery rate for Li of up to 70% without applying any corrosive leachates or utilizing high temperatures. The key innovation is that the regeneration of lithium was successfully performed for all relevant cathode chemistries, including their mixture. As a result, the engineered process can be declared universal and therefore be applied for lithium recovery from spent LIBs without the sorting step, thus improving the economic benefit of recycling.
Systematic Analysis of GT1 Family Genes and Their Regulation in Anthocyanin Metabolism in Red Maple
Authors: Xu Hao , Zhu Qing , Lu Xiaoyu
Published: November 2022

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) have a crucial role in the glycosylation of secondary metabolites, detoxification of endogenous or exogenous substances, body defense, and hormone regulation in plants. The GT1 family has the largest number of characterized enzymes in 111 GT families that are known for their excellent glycosylation capacities toward numerous valued small molecules. The colorful foliage of red maple is a vital agronomic trait, and studies have confirmed that massive anthocyanin accumulation led to the redness of leaves. In red maple, glycosylation is the essential step of anthocyanin biosynthesis and the prerequisite of further modifications, which usually enhances stability. Here, a genome-wide characterization analysis of the GT1 family in red maple was performed. A total of 560 GT genes were identified in the red maple genome; among them, 122 members belonged to the GT1 family. All these members were unevenly distributed across 19 chromosomes, with most located in the chloroplast. These GT1 genes had 1–16 exons. Most 122 GT1 proteins in red maple contained GT-GTB-type domain and GT1-Gtf-like domain. In total, 18 GT1 proteins might have played pivotal evolutionary roles in red maple. The network analysis revealed that the regulatory effect of GT1 family genes on anthocyanin in red maple leaves could be divided into direct and indirect regulation. The study results not only clarified the roles of the GT1 family in red maple but also laid a cornerstone for further functional analysis of this gene family in Acer plants.
SIRT6 is a key regulator of mitochondrial function in the brain
Authors: Smirnov Dmitrii , Eremenko Ekaterina , Stein Daniel , Kaluski Shai , Jasinska Weronika , Consentino Claudia , Martinez-Pastor Barbara , Brotman Yariv , Mostoslavsky Raul , Khrameeva Ekaterina , Toiber Debra
Published: November 2022

SIRT6 is implicated in DNA repair, telomere maintenance, glucose and lipid metabolism and, importantly, it has critical roles in the brain ranging from its development to neurodegeneration. In this work, we combined transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches to characterize the functions of SIRT6 in mice brains. Our analysis revealed that SIRT6 is a critical regulator of mitochondrial activity in the brain. In its absence, there is a mitochondrial deficiency with a global downregulation of mitochondria-related genes and pronounced changes in metabolites content. We predict that SIRT6 can affect mitochondrial functions through its interaction with the transcription factor YY1 that, together, regulate mitochondrial gene expression. Moreover, SIRT6 target genes include SIRT3 and SIRT4, which are significantly downregulated in SIRT6-deficient brains. Our results demonstrate that the lack of SIRT6 leads to decreased mitochondrial gene expression and metabolomic changes of TCA cycle byproducts, including increased ROS production, reduced mitochondrial number, and impaired membrane potential that can be partially rescued by restoring SIRT3 and 4 levels. Importantly, the changes observed in SIRT6 deficient brains are observed in brains of aging people, but the overlapping is greater in patients with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease. Overall, our results suggest that reduced levels of SIRT6 in the aging brain and neurodegeneration could initiate mitochondrial dysfunction by altering gene expression, ROS production and mitochondrial decay.
NetBID2 provides comprehensive hidden driver analysis
Authors: Yu Jiyang , Dong Xinran , Ding Liang , Thrasher Andrew , Wang Xinge , Liu Jingjing , Pan Qingfei , Rash Jordan , Dhungana Yogesh , Yang Xu , Risch Isabel , Li Yuxin , Peng Junmin , Rusch Michael , McLeod Clay , Chi Hongbo , Zhang Jinghui
Published: November 2022

We present a comprehensive and versatile toolkit, NetBID2, for integrating multi-omics data and exposing hidden drivers that are not genetically altered or differentially expressed at the RNA/protein level by reverse-engineering context-specific interactomes and inferring protein activity. We deploy NetBID2 Viewer, Runner, and Cloud apps with 145 context-specific gene regulatory and signalling networks across normal tissues and paediatric and adult cancers to facilitate real-time interactive visualization, analysis, end-to-end use, and sharing.
Multivariate analysis of morphometric traits of Malaimadu cattle – Autochthonous draught cattle of south India
Authors: Selvan A. Sakthivel , Thangaraj S. , Dash Soumya , Karthikeyan A. , KARTHICKEYAN S.M.K
Published: November 2022

Malaimadu cattle is a less explored indigenous cattle germplasm reared in the Western Ghats area of Tamil Nadu, south India. This study aimed to analyse the morphological structure of the Malaimadu cattle using a multivariate approach that explains best represent body conformation. Sixteen body measurements were obtained from 156 adult female cattle from their native breeding tract. The Nearest Neighbor Method of Hierarchical Cluster analysis was used to group the morphometric traits into clusters. Pearson’s coefficients of correlation (r) were estimated to determine the phenotypic correlations between different body measurements. Traits were analysed using varimax rotated principal component analysis (PCA) with Kaiser normalization. Cluster analysis categorises morphometric traits into two distinct clusters with the first cluster formed by traits related to horns and face, while the second cluster denotes general body conformation. Out of 120 phenotypic correlations, 55 were significant of which 51 were positive correlations. The estimated correlation coefficient ranges between − 0.50 (body length and face width) to 0.85 (chest girth and body weight). PCA extracted six components representing 70.19% of total variance, while the first principal component comprises of chest girth (CG), body weight (BW), Height at wither (HW) and Paunch girth (PG) alone accounts for 23.70% thereby describing the general size and shape of the animal. The multivariate approach has proven to be effective in differentiating Malaimadu cattle from other indigenous breeds of south India with clear morphometric differences that helps in identifying the pure phenotype for future propagation and also for devising breeding strategies.
SLC1A5 Enhances Malignant Phenotypes Through Modulating Ferroptosis Status and Immune Microenvironment in Glioma
Authors: Han Liying , Zhou Jinpeng , Li Leiyang , Shi Yingwu , wu xun , Cui Wenxing , Zhang Shenghao , Hu Qing , Wang Jin , Bai Hao , Liu Haixiao , Cao Haiyan , Chao Min , hu yaqin , Mou Yueyang , Jiao Yang , Feng Dayun , Wang Liang , Qu Yan
Published: November 2022

Glioma is the most malignant and aggressive tumor in the central nervous system with limited treatment satisfaction. Finding new therapeutic targets has still remained a major challenge. Ferroptosis is a novel and distinct type of programmed cell death, playing a regulatory role in the progression of tumors. However, the role of ferroptosis or ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in glioma progression has not been extensively studied.
In our study, a novel ferroptosis-related prognostic model, including 7 genes, was established, in which patients were classified into the high-risk group had immuno-suppressive status and worse prognosis. Among these 7 genes, we screened SLC1A5, a FRG, as a possible new target for glioma treatment. Our results showed that the expression of SLC1A5 was significantly upregulated in glioblastoma (GBM) tissues compared with the low-grade gliomas. In addition, SLC1A5 knockdown could significantly inhibit glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and reduced the sensitivity of ferroptosis via GPX4-dependent pathway. Furthermore, SLC1A5 was found to be related to immune response and SLC1A5 knockdown decreased the infiltration and M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Pharmacological inhibition of SLC1A5 by V9302 was confirmed to promote the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy.
Overall, we developed a novel prognostic model for glioma based on the seven-FRGs signature, which could be applicable to glioma prognostic and immune status prediction. Besides, SLC1A5 in the model could regulate the proliferation, invasion, ferroptosis and immune state in glioma, and be applied as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for glioma.
Severe COVID-19 associated hyperglycaemia is caused by beta cell dysfunction: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Gojda Jan , Koudelková Kateřina , Ouřadová Anna , Lang Alexander , Krbcová Magdaléna , Gvozdeva Alexandra , Šebo Viktor , Slagmolen Lotte , Potočková Jana , Tůma Petr , Rossmeislová Lenka , anděl michal , Karpe Fredrik , Schlesinger Sabrina
Published: November 2022

Background
Hyperglycaemia was shown to be among the features of severe acute COVID-19 infection both in the acute and convalescence period. Mechanisms contributing to its development and/or maintenance in a post-COVID phase are still unclear.
Materials and Methods
Survivors of severe COVID-19 but without a known history of diabetes were examined at baseline (T0) and after 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months: indirect calorimetry and OGTT. Insulin response and sensitivity (IS) were expressed as insulinogenic (IGI), disposition (DI), and Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (ISI), respectively. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was calculated using the Weir and Harris-Benedict equation and substrate preference using the respiratory quotient (RQ) and nitrogen losses.
Results
Thirty-two patients (12 women) were available for the analyses at T0 and 26 at T6. Baseline examination was within 21±6.5 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients were hypermetabolic at baseline (30.7 ± 4.3 kcal/kg lean mass/day, ~120% predicted values) but REE declined over the 6 months (ΔT6-T0 mean difference (95% CI): -5.4 (-6.8, -4.1) kcal/kg lean mass/day, p<0.0001). 20 patients at T0 and 13 patients at T6 had hyperglycemia. None of the patients had positive islet autoantibodies. Insulin sensitivity at T0 was comparable between hyperglycaemic (H) vs. normoglycaemic (N) patients (T0 ISIH=3.07 ± 1.18, ISIN=3.23 ± 1.72, p=0.66), whereas insulin response was lower in the H group only (DIH=3.19 ± 2.16 vs DIN=8.78 ± 6.37, p=0.005). Over the 6 months, IS improved in the H group (ΔT6-T0 mean difference for ISI (95% CI): 1.84 (0.45, 3.24), p=0.01)), whereas IGI and DI did not improve in either group.
Conclusions
Severe COVID-19 infection was associated with hypermetabolism that did not persist over the follow-up. Patients were insulin resistant in the acute phase, but only those with insufficient insulin response developed hyperglycaemia. Insufficient beta cell response was a possible mechanism leading to hyperglycaemia.
Application of four-dimensional cone beam computed tomography in lung cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Abulimiti Muyasha , Yang Xu , Li Minghui , Huan Fukui , Zhang Yanxin , Liang Jun
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study explored the application of four-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (4D CBCT) in lung cancer patients, seeking to improve the accuracy of radiotherapy and to establish a uniform protocol for the application of 4D CBCT in radiotherapy for lung cancer.
Methods: 4D CBCT was applied to evaluate tumor volume response (TVR), motion, and center coordinates during radiotherapy in 67 eligible individuals with lung cancer diagnoses. The differences between 4D CBCT and 3D CBCT in different registration methods were compared.
Results: TVR was observed during treatment in 41% of patients (28/67), with a mean volume reduction of 41.7% and a median time to TVR of 19 days. Tumor motion was obvious in 16 patients, with a mean value of 0.52 cm (0.22 to 1.34 cm), and in 3 of 6 tumors close to the diaphragm (0.28 to 0.66 cm). Gray value registration based on mean density projection could still achieve close results to the 4D gray value registration. However, when the registration was based on bone alone, partial off-targeting occurred in the treatment in 41.8% of cases. The off-target rate was 19.0% when the tumor motion was ≤0.5 cm and 52.2% when the motion was >0.5 cm.
Conclusion: Tumor volume and motion of intrapulmonary lesions in individuals diagnosed with lung cancer varied significantly in the third week of radiotherapy. 4D CBCT may be more advantageous for isolated lesions without reference to relative anatomical structures or those near the diaphragm. Grayscale registration based on mean density projection is feasible.
Fe 3 O 4 @MCM-41-Hydroxyapatite-Teriparatide nanocomposite: as a highly efficient drug delivery system for bone tissue
Authors: Hosseini Hamid Reza , Abdouss Majid , Golshekan Mostafa
Published: November 2022

Objectives: A novel nanocomposite for targeted delivery of Teriparatide as an efficient inject dosage to improve drug-induced side effects, precautionary limitations, and frequent injection challenges.
Methods: Core-shell structure (Fe3O4@MCM-41) by the co-precipitation process and loading of Hydroxyapatite-Teriparatide on its surface were synthesized successfully. The HPLC analysis at in-vitro and in-vivo tests with and without an external magnetic field and MTT assay were performed.
Results: MNPs had a roughly 10 nm-sized particle and a spherical-like shape. The hydrodynamic size range was 360–440 nm, and the zeta potential ranged from -15–70 mV. The drug concentration reached 505 μg within 30 minutes of exposure to the magnetic field, and the coexistence of Teriparatide, HAP, and, Fe3O4-MNPs increased the proliferation of bone tissue stem cells.
Conclusion: Efficient biocompatible nanocomposite (Fe3O4@MCM-41/HAP-Terip) and magnetic field can improve the therapeutic effect of osteogenesis, and rebate drug limitations.
Two aspartic proteases, BnaAP36s and BnaAP39s, regulate pollen tube guidance in Brassica napus
Authors: Wang Lulin , Liang Xiaomei , Dou Shengwei , Yi Bin , Fu Tingdong , Ma Chaozhi , Dai Cheng
Published: November 2022

The pollen tube (PTs) guidance to micropyle growth is the key to successful double fertilization. However, the regulatory mechanism leading to pollen tube orientation is still unclear in Brassica napus. In this study, two aspartate proteases, BnaAP36s and BnaAP39s, were identified in B. napus. BnaAP36s and BnaAP39s were localized on the plasma membrane. The homologs of BnaAP36 and BnaAP39 were highly expressed in flower organs, which were induced by pollination. Then, the mutants of sextuple and double mutants of BnaAP36 and BnaAP39 were generated by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, respectively. Compared to WT, the seed set of cr-bnaap36 and cr-bnaap39 mutants was reduced by approximately 50% and 60%, respectively. Like WT, the pollen grain of cr-bnaap36 and cr-bnaap39 could germinate and the relative PTs could elongate. The reciprocal crosses results showed that the reduction of seed set was due to the defects of stigma. Interestingly, 36% and 33% cr-bnaap36 and cr-bnaap39 PTs failed to grow towards the micropyle, indicating BnaAP36s and BnaAP39s were essential for PTs guided growth. Further, Alexander's staining showed that 10% pollen abortion was observed in BnaAP39 mutants, but not in BnaAP36 mutants, suggesting BnaAP39s might also affect the microspore development. These results suggested that BnaAP36s and BnaAP39s play critical roles in PTs guidance growth in B. napus.
Transglutaminase-2 regulates mucin-1 expression and androgen independency in prostate cancer cell lines via an alternative truncated isoform
Authors: Atobatele Adeola , Tonoli Elisa , Vadakekolathu Jayakumar , Savoca Maria Pia , Barr Melissa , Kataria Yukti , Rossanese Marta , Burhan Izhar , McArdle Stephanie , Caccamo Daniela , Verderio Elisabetta
Published: November 2022

Androgen independency is associated with poor prostate cancer (PCa) survival. Here we report that silencing of transglutaminase-2 (TG2) expression by CRISPR-Cas9 is associated with upregulation of androgen receptor (AR) transcription in prostate cancer cell lines. Knockout of TG2 reversed the migratory potential and anchorage independency of PC3 and DU145 cells and revealed a reduced level of MUC1 RNA transcript through unbiased multi-omics profiling, which was restored by selective add back of the truncated TG2 isoform (TGM2_v2). Silencing of AR resulted into increased MUC1 in TG2KO PC3 cells showing that TG2 affects transcriptional regulation of MUC1 via repressing AR expression. Treatment of PC3 WT cell line with TG2 inhibitor ZDON led to a significant increase in AR expression and decrease in MUC1. ZDON also blocked the formation of MUC1-multimers labelled with TG amine-donor substrates in reducing conditions, revealing for the first time a role for TG2, which we show to be externalised via extracellular vesicles, in MUC1 stabilisation via calcium-dependent transamidation. A specific antibody towards TGM2_v2 revealed its restricted nuclear location compared to the canonical long form of TG2 (TGM2_v1), which is predominantly cytosolic, suggesting that this form contributes to the previously suggested TG2-mediated NF-κB activation and AR transcriptional repression. As TGM2_v2 transcription was increased in biopsies of early-stage prostate cancer patients compared to subjects presenting inflammatory prostatitis, the role of TG2 truncated form as a prostate malignancy marker is suggested. In conclusion, this investigation has provided the first unbiased discovery of a novel pathway mediated by an aberrant form of TG2 via MUC1, which is shown to contribute to androgen insensitivity and malignancy of PCa cells and be upregulated in prostate cancer biopsies, with potential relevance to cancer immune evasion.
Synthesis and characterization of N-doped porous carbon from chicken feathers for 3D printed electrode applications
Authors: Mohammed Zaheeruddin , Jeelani Shaik , Korivi Naga S. , Rangari Vijaya
Published: November 2022

In this study sustainable chicken feather waste was used as a precursor material to synthesize nitrogen doped porous carbon using a unique two step high temperature/pressure pyrolysis reaction. The synthesized carbon was further activated using potassium hydroxide. The activated carbon showed a surface area of 515.896 m2/g and pore volume of 0.607 cc/g. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the activated carbon consisted of highly amorphous porous carbon compared to non-activated carbon. Raman spectroscopy revealed that the carbon consisted of highly disordered/defected sp3 hybridized carbon with an ID/IG ratio of 1.39. Nanoindentation results revealed that the biochar carbon had hardness and modulus of 0.153 GPa and 3.8 GPa respectively. Preliminary observations suggested feasibility in applying the carbon as a potential electrode material in a solid state supercapacitor application.
Expectation and acceptance of clinical decision support systems: A survey study among nephrologist end-users
Authors: Kotsis Fruzsina , Bächle Helena , Altenbuchinger Michael , Dönitz Jürgen , Nsangou Yacoub Abelard Njipouombe , Meiselbach Heike , Kosch Robin , Salloch Sabine , Bratan Tanja , Zacharias Helena U. , Schultheiss Ulla T.
Published: November 2022

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a major public health problem with differing disease etiologies, leads to complications, comorbidities, polypharmacy, and mortality. Monitoring disease progression and personalized treatment efforts are crucial for long-term patient outcomes. Physicians need to integrate different data levels, e.g., clinical parameters, biomarkers, and drug information, with medical knowledge. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) can tackle these issues and improve patient management. Knowledge about the awareness and implementation of CDSS in Germany within the field of nephrology is scarce.
Purpose: Nephrologists’ attitude towards any CDSS and potential CDSS features of interest, like adverse event prediction algorithms, is important for a successful implementation. This survey investigates nephrologists’ experiences with and expectations towards a useful CDSS for daily medical routine.
Methods: The 38-item questionnaire survey was conducted either by telephone or as a do-it-yourself online interview amongst nephrologists across all of Germany. Answers were collected using the Electronic Data Capture System REDCap. The survey consisted of four modules: experiences with CDSS (M1), expectations towards a helpful CDSS (M2), evaluation of adverse event prediction algorithms (M3), and ethical aspects of CDSS (M4). Descriptive statistical analyses of all questions were conducted.
Results: The study population comprised 54 physicians, with a response rate of ~80-100% per question. Most participants were aged between 51-60 years (45.1%), 64% were male, and most participants had been working in nephrology out-patient clinics for a median of 10.5 years. Overall, CDSS use was poor (81.2%), often due to lack of knowledge about existing CDSS. Most participants (79%) believed CDSS to be helpful in the management of CKD patients with a high willingness to try out a CDSS. Of all adverse event prediction algorithms, prediction of CKD progression (97.8%) and in-silico simulations of disease progression when changing, e. g., lifestyle or medication (97.7%) were rated most important. The spectrum of answers on ethical aspects of CDSS was diverse.
Conclusion: This survey provides insights into experience with and expectations of out-patient nephrologists on CDSS. Despite the current lack of knowledge on CDSS, the willingness to integrate CDSS into daily patient care, and the need for adverse event prediction algorithms was high.
The Application of A Crossed Rod Configuration in Posterior Occipitocervical and Atlantoaxial Fixation: A Retrospective Study of 21 Cases
Authors: Zou Xiaobao , Qiu Feng , Ouyang Beiping , Yang Haozhi , Chen Yuyue , Deng Chenfu , Xia Hong , Ma Xiangyang
Published: November 2022

Background.
The crossed rod configuration is a novel connection type for posterior occipitocervical and atlantoaxial fixation, which has been reported to have better biomechanical stability than existing configurations. However, the clinical application of this technique has yet to be studied.
Objective.
To evaluate the clinical outcome of the crossed rod configuration applied in posterior occipitocervical and atlantoaxial fixation.
Methods.
From January 2011 to December 2014, 21 patients with craniocervical junction disorders were treated surgically, and stability was reconstructed by posterior occipitocervical or atlantoaxial fixation with a crossed rod configuration. The patients’ clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Internal fixation, neurological status, clinical symptoms, bone fusion, and complications were evaluated.
Results.
All surgeries were successful with no neurovascular injury in any of the patients. Clinical symptoms were relieved in all 21 patients (100%). Satisfactory internal fixation was found on postoperative images. Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and occipitocervical visual analog scale ratings were significantly improved after operation (P < 0.05). The average follow-up duration was 22.7 ± 7.5 months (range 12–36 months). All patients achieved bone fusion without complications during the follow-up.
Conclusions.
The application of a crossed rod configuration in posterior occipitocervical and atlantoaxial fixation provides reliable stabilization and may be a viable alternative to current configuration methods for clinical use.
Optimization of Fem Models for Welding Residual Stress Analysis Using the Modal Method
Authors: Arruda Marcio Vital , Correa Edmilson Otoni , Macanhan Vanessa Bawden de Paula
Published: November 2022

Welding processes may cause undesirable residual stresses and their detection is possible using different methods. Some residual stress detection methods are destructive or semi-destructive, therefore not always applicable. Some methods are non-destructive, but complex and high cost. One possible non-destructive method to detect welding residual stresses, lower cost than the current techniques, is being studied by some researchers. This method is based in the phenomenon which a structure natural frequencies vary when welding residual stress is applied. It consists in measuring the structure natural frequencies after welding, and comparing them to natural frequency values considered ideal values obtained from finite element method simulation. However, the welding process simulation is not trivial; it implies at least four finite element analyses which can be executed in different manners. The aim of this study is to analyze which parameters can improve FE model performance for obtaining simulation results closer to experiments. In this study, five models were developed. It was observed that models using 2D shell elements generate better results than models using 3D solid elements. In addition, it was observed that the symmetry technique which can be used in plate simulations leads to significant lower computational times, but affect modal results and, in addition, do not generate natural frequency values for all vibrational modes; therefore, the symmetry technique should be avoided in this type of analysis. The birth and death technique, which simulates filler metal deposition, was also analyzed. Finally, this work proposes to use interpolation technique for the natural frequency values to evaluate the modal results variation due to welding residual stresses.
Effects of (In)Congruency in Fertility Motivation on Fertility Desire and Intention Among Couples Living with HIV: A Dyadic Approach
Authors: Guo Yingwu , Liu Jun , Du Yingrong , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi
Published: November 2022

Fertility decision-making plays a negligible role in completing fertility goals among couples living with HIV. Furthermore, being commonly matched concerning fertility motivation also seems essential for fertility desire/intention. However, there is a lack of previous studies that report on intra-couple similarities or dissimilarities on the sequence of motivation-desire-intention on fertility. We aimed to document the effects of (in)congruency in fertility motivation linked to intention via desire among couples living with HIV. The actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) and Dyadic Response Surface Analysis were the analytical tools used in this research. Couples living with HIV were selected from the antiretroviral therapy center clinic in Kunming, China between October and December 2020. A total of 314 couples were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Only significant actor effects of fertility motivation on intention, which was partly mediated by desire based on the APIM, was observed in the wives. Husbands tended to dominate the fertility motivation. Furthermore, congruency was observed in the level of significance of the models between fertility desire and intention and between those of wife and husband. To complete the fertility goal, counseling should simultaneously assist the husband and wife to attain stronger positive fertility intention through a desire by targeting similar fertility motivations in both partners.
poly(acrylamide-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate: Biocompatible ZnO nanocomposites based electrooptic devices for photonic applications
Authors: Soylu Murat
Published: November 2022

poly(AAm-co-HEMA)-ZnO is synthesised by hydrothermal method. poly(AAm-co-HEMA)-ZnO nanocomposite is coated by the drop casting technique on p-Si substrate. The current-voltage (I–V) measurements of Al/poly(AAm-co-HEMA)-ZnO/p-Si heterojunction diodes with (a) 1%, (b) 3% and (c) 5% ZnO are carried out in the dark and illumination intensities of 20–100 mW/cm2 with 20 mW/cm2 steps. It is seen that the optimized or high rectification ratio is possible to obtain in metal/p-Si contacts by suitably choosing ZnO rate in poly(AAm-co-HEMA)-ZnO nanocomposite. The I-V characteristics show exactly the characteristic feature of a photodiode. It is seen that the detectivity (D) and photosensitivity (PS) are more efficient than that of the structure formed without any of the components of nanocomposite. The interface state density (Dit) varies depending on the amount of ZnO in poly(AAm-co-HEMA). Results show that poly(AAm-co-HEMA)-ZnO can be employed in the design of optoelectronic devices, as well as biomedical applications as biomaterial.
Hospital cost analysis of Chinese patients with diabetes, 2015-2019
Authors: Fang Ziwei , Chang Ruimin , Zhang Lijun , Cao Wenjun , Li Shaoxia , Wang Yujiang , Zheng Yuyu , Zheng Jianzhong
Published: November 2022

Background
To examine the length of stay, hospitalization cost, and cost influencing factors among the Chinese inpatient with diabetes mellitus (DM).
Methods
This is a retrospective study that collected data from the Hospital Information System of a tertiary A general hospital in China, we analyzed 9186 cases of diabetes (type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes) during 2015–2019.
Results
The number of inpatients had increased but the per capita hospitalization costs had decreased in the study period. The mean (SD) length of hospital stay among the participants was (15.13 ± 5.66) days. The average per capita hospital cost of 9186 hospitalized patients with diabetes was ¥8689.98. The factors affecting the hospitalization costs of diabetic patients according to the degree of influence from large to small were length of stay, number of complications, age, severe illness, type of diabetes, surgical treatment, consistent admission and discharge, department, route of admission, and payment method.
Conclusions
The length of hospital stay was the main influencing factor of hospitalization costs of diabetic patients. The medical security system and other measures should be further improved to minimize the hospitalization costs of diabetic patients.
Identification of key genes in hepatitis B and Pan-Cancer Analysis of RHOB
Authors: Huang Zhongquan , Chen Zhuoni , Wang Runyi , Li Yuqing
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study aimed to identify the key genes involved in the pathological process of HBV(Hepatitis B Virus).
Method and materials:GSE83148 in GEO was selected to identify the key modules of HBV by WGCNA, and the key genes of HBV were identified by LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithm. The reliability of screening genes was evaluated by Nomogram. In addition, We conducted pan-cancer analysis on RHOB and comprehensively evaluated its expression pattern and immunological effect.
Results: Four modules (AntiqueWhite-4, Green, MidnightBlue, and Mediummorchid) were identified as significantly associated with HBV. Through the LASSO algorithm and SVM-RFE algorithm, 6 key genes were found to be significantly correlated with HBV. Based on the pan-cancer analysis, RHOB was closely associated with the prognosis of various tumor patients, the degree of immune cell infiltration, and TMB and MSI., indicating that RHOB may be a potential target for intervention of human diseases including HBV and tumor.
Conclusions: We identified six genes as key genes of HBV. We note that viral response and inflammatory processes may be closely related to HBV. This study provides a new perspective for understanding the key pathways and genes of HBV, and the results provide potential therapeutic targets and clues for HBV. Further analysis of pan-cancer targets revealed that RHOB was the best candidate for intervention in HBV and neoplasms, which may provide recommendations for the treatment of human immune-related diseases and even cancer.
Zinc fertilizers for Citrus production: assessing nutrient supply via fertigation or foliar application
Authors: Boaretto Rodrigo , Hippler Franz Walter Rieger , Teixeira Luiz Antônio Junqueira , Fornari Raíssa Cagnolato , Quaggio Jose Antonio , de Mattos Dirceu
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims
Citrus trees are severely affected by zinc (Zn) deficiency, which impairs plant growth and fruit yield. Zn fertilization is usually recommended in field orchards, and application strategies toward nutrient use efficiency are key for successful crop management.
Methods
Field studies were carried out with sweet orange trees for four growing seasons, testing Zn (nitrate, sulfate or EDTA) applied either via fertigation or foliar spray compared to a control without Zn.
Results
The Zn concentrations in the soil increased with nutrient supply by both application methods. Zn-EDTA via fertigation increased soil nutrient availability compared to the control. Likewise, Zn-nitrate via foliar application also increased soil Zn levels. Regarding the plant, Zn-EDTA via fertigation increased leaf nutrient levels only after the third year of fertilization, whereas Zn-nitrate via foliar spray increased leaf levels in the short term, up to 120 mg kg− 1. To a lesser extent, Zn-EDTA or sulfate also increased leaf Zn compared to the control. Accumulated fruit yield was ~ 20% higher in trees with Zn-EDTA via fertigation and ~ 20% higher in trees with Zn-nitrate or sulfate via foliar application compared to the control, with these latter exerting greater responses. Trees supplied with Zn exhibited lower H2O2 and higher CAT activity compared to the control, which correlated with a fruit yield increase.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zn-EDTA via fertigation or nitrate or sulfate via foliar application improved the horticultural performance of trees, supporting the establishment of best nutrient management practices in fruit production.
Psychological and emotional responses to climate change among young people worldwide: Differences associated with gender, age, and country
Authors: Clayton Susan , Pihkala Panu , Wray Britt , Marks Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Recently published research (Hickman et al., 2021) described concern and anxiety about climate change among young people aged 16-25 in ten countries around the world. Using the same dataset, this paper examines differences associated with gender and age. There were small but consistent gender differences, with female respondents expressing greater levels of concern and negative emotions, while male respondents were more optimistic and expressed greater faith in government. Within this narrow age group, there was some evidence that concern and negative emotions about climate change were higher among older respondents compared to those who were younger. There were complex differences among countries; in general, respondents in the Philippines, India, and Nigeria report a stronger psychological impact of climate change than respondents in the United States and Finland. These results help to describe the extent and patterns of climate anxiety worldwide in an age range that is relatively understudied.
Modeling of consumption of Gasoline (MS) and Diesel (HSD) in India using SARIMA and Neural Network
Authors: Murthy Ramesh
Published: November 2022

Petroleum products fuel the economic engine of a country. It is vital that accurate demand forecasting is done for these products. Various forecasting methods from simple methods like moving average to complex fuzzy logic have been used to forecast the demand for Petroleum products with varying degree of accuracy. This study compares the forecasting accuracy of two machine learning forecasting models namely Seasonal Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Neural Network to forecast the consumption of Gasoline (MS) and Diesel (HSD) in India and conclude which model is able to better predict the demand. To compare the forecast accuracy of models, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) is used. The model with the lowest Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) is considered as the better forecasting model. The study concludes SARIMA and Neural Network are able to predict the consumption of Gasoline (MS) with almost equal accuracy while SARIMA is able to predict the consumption of Diesel (HSD) significantly better then Neural Network.
Strain distribution during the heat treatment of wood with digital image correlation, material characterization, and deformation analysis under mechanical stress of heat- treated wood
Authors: Aydemir Deniz , Aksu Oğuz , Bardak Timucin , Yaman Barbaros , Sozen Eser , Yalçın Ömer Ümit , Gündüz Gökhan
Published: November 2022

This paper was to investigate the strain distribution with digital image correlation (DIC) during the heat treatment of Beech and Uludag Fir woods at 170, 190, and 210°C for 4 h and the effects of the heat treatment process on the deformation behavior during mechanical testing of heat-treated wood, and the physical, mechanical, morphological, thermal, chemical properties of the heat-treated woods. According to the mechanical test, the heat treatment parameters can be optimized by using the DIC methods during the treatment, and therefore, it can be said that the DIC method can provide important data in the design of structurally heat-treated wood materials. Although heat treatment can provide improved physical and thermal properties, it caused micro-crack formations and collapses in the wood cells in morphological structure and so, it negatively affected the mechanical properties. FTIR showed that different peaks weren’t detected in the spectra of untreated and heat-treated woods, but it was seen to be slight shifts in the intensity of some peaks of the heat-treated woods. The x-ray diffraction results showed a slight difference in the XRD patterns of the heat-treated woods and while the thermal treatment was raised, the crystallinity generally increased more.
Astaxanthin-Mediated Returning the Aquaporin-1 to Basal Level May Be an Alternative Treatment Approach in Radiotherapy-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Akın Süleyman Emre , Erzurumlu Yalcin , Camas Hasan Ekrem , Buyukbayram Halil Ibrahim , Asci Halil , Hasseyid Nursel , Ozmen Ozlem
Published: November 2022

Background: Radiotherapy (12-RAD), which has an important place in cancer treatment, destroys cancer cells, but also negatively affects healthy tissues in that area. Astaxanthin (ATX) is known to have powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of ATX on lung injury after radiotherapy.
Methods and Results: 32 rats were divided into 4 groups as control, 12-RAD (a single dose of 10 Gy x-ray was given at a rate of 0.62 Gy/min), 12-RAD+ATX, + ATX (10mg/kg ATX was administered by oral gavage for 7 days). Twenty-four hours after the last ATX application, the lung tissues of the rats were taken for biochemical, genetic, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. 12-RAD increased the oxidative stress markers TOS, OSI levels, the expression of VCAM-1, VEGF-A, which increases in inflammation, and the apoptotic marker, caspase-3. It also significantly reduced Aquaporin-1 and TAS levels. On the other hand, ATX has returned all these parameters.
Conclusion: All evidence suggests that the use of ATX may be a potential therapeutic agent against radiotherapy-induced lung injury.
Association between Gut Microbiota and Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Neonates
Authors: Qiu Jun , Xiang Shiting , Ma Ye , Xiao Aiqing , Li Guinan , Gao Xirong , Huang Ruiwen , Peng Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

Background: The risk of neurodevelopmental disorders remains high in high-risk newborns. Cumulativeevidence reveals that gut microbiota plays an important role in neurodevelopment through the gut-brain axis. However, the composition of the neonatal gut microbiota and its association with neurodevelopment remain unclear.
Methods: Neonates were recruited at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Hunan Children's Hospital from August 2018 to October 2019. Fecal samples within 3 months after birth, as well as neurodevelopmental outcomes using Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) were collected. 16S rDNA gene sequencing was used to identify and quantify bacterial taxa, and estimated microbial composition in different groups.
Results: A total of 94 newborns were enrolled and divided into four groups based on gestational age and neurodevelopmental outcome. We found that α diversity was not significant among groups. At the genus level, higher relative abundance of Streptococcus, and lower relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Veillonella were associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants, while there was no difference in the gut microbial composition of full-term infants.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that alterations in the gut microbial community may be associated with a risk of neurodysplasia in preterm neonates. These findings may help understand the effects of gut microbiota on poor neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Akkermansia muciniphila improve anti-PD-1 therapy against hepatocellular carcinoma by increasing host TUDCA synthesis
Authors: Lan Xiucai , Ma Jiaming , Huang Zhipeng , Chen Ningxin , Jin Xian , Weng Yurong , Xu Yuzhen , Hu Yaomin
Published: November 2022

The immune checkpoint inhibitor PD-1mAb have shown excellent treatment in a variety of cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), However, the patients' response rates are still low and many initial responders might become resistant to the therapy. Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK) is reported to be associated with multiple human diseases. More abundance of AKK was detected in patients who respond well to PD-1mAb, yet the underlying mechanism is not clear. In our study, we found that AKK could enhance the efficacy of PD-1mAb against HCC in a tumor bearing mice model. It can promote HCC tumor cells into apoptosis process and diminish ki-67 expression. It raised the CD8+T proportion in the tumor microenvironment and promoted IFN-γ secretion. Furthermore, it down-regulate PD-L1 expression on tumor cells. Metabonomics analysis demonstrated that AKK altered the host bile acid metabolism and significantly raised the serum TUDCA level. Since FXR is the major receptor for bile acid and both TUDCA and FXR were reported to exert immunosuppresive roles in HCC development. In addition, FXR could negatively regulate PD-L1 expression on tumor surface. Based on these findings, we speculate that AKK might reinforce the immunotherapy of PD-1mAb against HCC through a TUDCA-FXR-PD-L1 pathway. Trial registration: We confirm that the study has been approved by the Institute Ethics Committee at Renji Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Biomechanical evaluation of reconstruction of the posterior complex in restorative laminoplasty with miniplates
Authors: Chen Jianmin , Liu Guoyin , Bao Tianyi , Xu Yuansheng , Luo Hu , Wu Yu , Cai Dawei , Qin Feng , Zhao Jianning
Published: November 2022

Objective
To evaluatethe biomechanical effects of different miniplates on restorative laminoplasty.
Methods
Assembled restorative laminoplasty models were developed based on 3D printed L4 lamina. Three miniplates models (two-hole, L-shaped and H-shaped miniplates) were constructed. Static and dynamic compression tests were analyzed to investigate the biomechanical effects of different instruments in restorative laminoplasty.
Results
The “door close” phenomenon and the collapse of lamina occurred in L-shaped and two-hole miniplates, while plate break occurred in the L-shaped miniplates. However, these phenomenons were absent in H-shaped miniplates. The sustainable yield load of H-shaped miniplates was greater than that of L-shaped and two-hole miniplates. No significant difference in yielding-displacement was found between H-shaped and L-shaped miniplates, while both were much less than that of two-hole miniplates. Moreover, the compressive stiffness and the axial displacement under the same mechanical load were arranged as follows: H-shaped > L-shaped > two-hole miniplates. The results of dynamic compression test revealed that the peak load of H-shaped miniplates reached 873 N and was 95% of the average yield load of the static compression, and was better than that in two-hole and L-shaped miniplates. Besides, the dynamic compression results also showed that the ultimate load of H-shaped miniplates was more than twice that of two-hole miniplates or L-shaped miniplates.
Conclusions
The mechanical strength of H-shaped miniplates was superior to L-shaped and two-hole miniplates in maintaining spinal canal enlargement and spinal stability, and was more excellent in fatigue stability and ultimate load.