bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPU based High-efficiency PSO Algorithm with Initialization strategy and Thread Slef-adaption
Authors: Liu Ye , Wu Jia , Ren Hui , Yang Shuopeng , Zhang Fuqiang , Cao Jie
Published: March 2023

Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is one of the most commonly heuristics-based methods that has been used to solve various optimization problems due to its simplicity and robustness. However, when comes to practical applications, it requires a huge computational cost. With the development of parallel computing and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) calculating, many researchers have tried taking these techniques to break down the obstacle of computational efficiency. It is a challenging problem for the long-term application of PSO. In this paper, we propose a HEPSO algorithm that focuses on the procedure optimization of PSO in GPU-based architecture. It optimizes the GPU computation process from two following aspects: 1) Migrate the data initialization procedure from CPUs to GPUs to reduce the huge IO loss caused by repeating migration while the computing process. 2) Employ a self-adaptive thread management strategy to improve the algorithm execution efficiency. Moreover, we use four benchmark optimization functions to test the efficiency of our HEPSO. The experiment results show that the time speedup ratio between HEPSO and GPU-PSO can exceed 6 times. Meanwhile, when we evaluate the performance of HEPSO with the time consumption for functions converge, HEPSO only needs 1/3 time of GPU-PSO in most cases.
Immune profiling, microbiome, metabolomics, and gut physiology of a 1-year controlled human hookworm infection
Authors: Vacca Francesco , Lavender Brittany , Noble Sophia-Louise , Cait Alissa , Maclean Kate , Mamum John , Yumnam Bibek , Kawa Tama Te , Mules Thomas , Ferrer-Font Laura , Tang Jeffry , Gasser Olivier , Gros Graham Le , Camberis Mali , Inns Stephen
Published: March 2023

The observation that experimental helminth infection can be associated with immunomodulation and suppression of inflammatory diseases at distal tissue sites, has been used as rationale for trialing helminths such as Necator americanus for the treatment of inflammatory disorders in humans. However, the lack of sufficient knowledge of the immunological interplay between human host and parasite in a controlled infection setting limits ongoing clinical intervention studies. In this one-year longitudinal study, healthy volunteers were recruited and infected with N. americanus. Changes in immune responses, microbiome, plasma metabolome and gut physiology were examined over the course of the one-year period. All participants were successfully infected as confirmed by detectable eggs in the feces and adult worms visualized in the intestine. In general, individual variation in immune cells, serum cytokines, fecal microbiome and plasma metabolites were greater than changes induced by the infection. Nevertheless, eosinophils, serum IL-5, and fecal eosinophil degranulation markers transiently increased in the acute phase of infection. In addition, while we observed stability in microbial community composition through the course of infection, we found a difference in the microbial community composition of participants with moderate gastrointestinal symptoms. No significant changes were observed in gut physiology measured using SmartpillTM, except for a decrease in small bowel pH. Untargeted plasma metabolomics analysis of participant plasma over the course of infection revealed enrichment in tryptophan metabolism following infection which was associated with increased CTLA-4 expression on regulatory T cells (TREGS), CRTH2+ T helper 2 cells (TH2) and CCR6+ T helper 9 cells (TH9). In conclusion, hookworm infection is well tolerated and represents an innovative platform for investigating immunomodulatory properties of hookworm infection in a therapeutic clinical setting.
Efficacy and safety of Sanzi-huangshi pill as an adjuvant therapy in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome: study protocol for a multi- center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Hao , Hu Qi , Tao Yuchen , Cai Shuyang , Wang Yanlu , Hu Kexin , Xue Tingting , Bao Jizhang , Lu Jiahui
Published: March 2023

Background: Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is characterized by the presence of dysplasia, low bone marrow blast percentage, low number and depth of cytopenia(s), and relatively good-risk karyotpic and molecular abnormalities. Lower-risk MDS patients have primarily received supportive care, immunomodulators, and immunosuppressants. New effective regimens or drugs are urgently needed for treatment of lower-risk MDS due to the unsatisfactory clinical efficacy. Sanzi-huangshi pill is an arsenic-containing Chinese medicine as a promising drug used for MDS for decades whose efficacy is not yet proven by high-quality clinical trial.
Methods: SPIRIT guidelines were followed in drafting this protocol for a randomized controlled multicenter trial. Ninety-two adults with lower-risk MDS are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to Sanzi-huangshi pill group or control group, and all participants are required to receive 6 months of intervention and 18 months of observation. The primary outcome is Overall Response Rate defined as the sum of complete remission, partial remission, cytogenetic complete remission and hematologic improvement accounting for the proportion of total evaluable cases.
Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of arsenic-containing Chinese medicine as an adjuvant therapy in lower-risk MDS with serum erythropoietin (sEPO) >500 IU/ml. The purpose of this study is to correctly evaluate the position of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment plan of MDS and to formulate an effective regimen of integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine to provide preliminary clinical evidence.
Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2200064230, Registered September 30, 2022.
Defect Inspection in Semiconductor Images Using FAST-MCD Method and Neural Network
Authors: Yu Jinkyu , Han Songhee , Lee Chang-Ock
Published: March 2023

Most defect inspection methods used in semiconductor manufacturing require design layout or golden die images.Unlike methods that require such additional information, this paper presents a method for automatic inspection of defects in semiconductor images with a single image.First, we devise a method to classify images into four types: flat, linear, patterned, and complex using a cosine similarity.For linear and patterned images, we obtain defect-free images that retain the structure.Then, subtract defect-free image from input image to get a flat image.The FAST-MCD method then estimates the parameters of the inlier distribution of the flat image and uses them to detect defects.A segmentation neural network is used to detect defects in complex images.
Micro-consolidation occurs during implicit motor sequence learning, but is not influenced by HIIT exercise
Authors: Coxon James , Brooks Emily , Wallis Sarah , Hendrikse Joshua
Published: March 2023

We investigated if micro-consolidation, a phenomenon recently discovered during the brief rest periods between practice when learning an explicit motor sequence, generalises to implicit motor sequence learning. We demonstrate micro-consolidation occurs in the absence of explicit sequence awareness. We also investigated the effect of a preceding bout of high-intensity exercise, as exercise is known to augment the consolidation of new motor skills. Micro-consolidation was not modified by exercise.
Structural, optical and Electrochromic properties of rare earth material (CeO 2 )/ Transitional metal oxide (WO 3 ) thin film composite structure for Electrochromic applications
Authors: V Ashok Reddy G , Kumar K Naveen , Sattar Sheik Abdul , Prakash Nunna Guru , B Daruka Prasad , Dhananjaya Merum , Kumar G Ranjith , Yogananda H S , Hunagund Shirajahammad M
Published: March 2023

The present work developed a simple hydrothermal process for the growing of cerium oxide (CeO2) nanorods (NRs) on identical fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates, which does not require the use of a template. The sputter deposition was used to cover optimized tungsten oxide (WO3) films on the cerium oxide nanorod. The electrochromic device (ECD) was developed by depositing WO3 thin films at oxygen partial pressures (ppO2) of 8×10-4 mbar. The structural, morphological, optical, and Electrochromic (EC) properties of WO3 films on cerium oxide nanorods were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical transmittance studies, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements, respectively. The diameters of the grown cerium oxide NRs are 917 ±85 nm, 721 ±115 nm, 596 ±56 nm, and 611 ±76 nm, and lengths are 0.911 ±0.16 µm, 1.121 ±0.121 µm, 1.157 ±1.101 µm, and 1.321 ±1.253 µm, respectively, Cerium nitrate hexahydrate concentration was raised from 0.06 M to 0.09 M while keeping the urea content constant at 0.5 M. The optical transmittance was varied with respect to the concentration of CeO2. Additionally, with a diffusion coefficient of 8.07 ×10-14 cm2/s, the hybrid WO3/ CeO2 NRs films have shown good electrochemical properties than pure WO3. According to electrochromic studies, 0.06 M film had a colouration efficiency of 13.88 cm2/C. We hope that a better knowledge of the influence of CeO2 NRs on WO3 electrochemical performance will able to select the proper doping components and concentrations for power-saving optoelectronic devices.
The effect of different ferrule heights and crown-to-root ratios on fracture resistance of endodontically-treated mandibular premolars restored with different post-and-core systems: an in vitro study
Authors: Meng Qingfei , Chen Yuxin , Ni Ke , Li Yingmei , Li Xinran , Meng Jian , Chen Lijuan , Mei May Lei
Published: March 2023

Background
To investigate the effects of different ferrule heights and crown-to-root ratios on the fracture resistance of endodontically-treated premolars restored with two post-and-core systems.
Methods
Eighty extracted human mandibular first premolars with single root canal were treated endodontically and cut from 2.0 mm above the buccal cemento-enamel junction, to create horizontal residual roots. The roots were randomly divided into two groups. The roots in group FP were restored with a fiber post-and-core system, while the roots in group MP were restored with a cast metal post-and-core system. Each group was divided into five subgroups with different ferrule heights (0: no ferrule; 1: 1.0mm ferrule; 2: 2.0mm ferrule; 3: 3.0mm ferrule; 4: 4.0mm ferrule). All specimens were subsequently restored with metal crowns and embedded in acrylic resin blocks. The crown-to-root ratios of the specimens were controlled at approximately 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, 1.1, and 1.3 of the five subgroups, respectively. Fracture strengths and fracture modes of the specimens were tested and recorded by a universal mechanical machine.
Results
Mean fracture strengths (mean ± standard deviation (kN)) of FP/0 to FP/4 and MP/0 to MP/4 were: 0.54 ± 0.09, 1.03 ± 0.11, 1.06 ± 0.17, 0.85 ± 0.11; 0.57 ± 0.10, 0.55 ± 0.09, 0.88 ± 0.13, 1.08 ± 0.17, 1.05 ± 0.18 and 0.49 ± 0.09, respectively. Two-way ANOVA revealed significant effects of different ferrule heights and crown-to-root ratios on the fracture resistance (P < 0.001), but no difference in fracture resistance between two post-and-core systems (P = 0.973). The highest fracture strengths of the specimen were found with the ferrule length of 1.92 mm in group FP and 2.07 mm in group MP, the crown-to-root ratio of which in 0.90 and 0.92 respectively., there is a significant difference in fracture modes among the groups(P < 0.05).
Conclusions
When a certain height of ferrule is prepared and a cast metal or fiber post-and-core system is restored for the residual root, the clinical crown-to-root ratio of the tooth after restoration should be kept within 0.90 to 0.92, so as to improve the fracture resistance of endodontically-treated mandibular first premolars.
p.S45G mutation at a conserved phosphorylation site of αA-crystallin in juvenile cortical cataract
Authors: Patel Rashmi , Chandra Abhishek , Zenith Ravish Kumar , Ali Akhtar
Published: March 2023

Purpose
To identify the potential genetic cause in a patient diagnosed with juvenile cortical cataract.
Observations:
A young patient diagnosed with cortical cataract by ophthalmologic examination was recruited for the current study. DNA isolation was done followed by resequencing of all exons and exon-intron boundaries of 3 genes CRYAA, CRYABandCRYBB1, using intron specific primers. A mutation in CRYAA gene in heterozygous conditiong.44589342A > G (p.S45G), was identified in the patient. This mutation was predicted to be disease causing by Mutation Taster and other prediction tools. In-silico study revealed that this position (S45) was evolutionary conserved and mutation altered phosphorylation pattern of αA-crystallin as serine is the site of phosphorylation. Furthermore, this variant was absent in 130 unrelated healthy controls from this population suggesting it to be a disease-causing mutation.
Conclusion and importance:
The αA-crystallin mutation (p.S45G) causes juvenile cortical cataract in the patient due to discrepancy in phosphorylation pattern. This mutation is first time reported in juvenile cataract and happened to be the second mutation identified in CRYAA gene responsible for juvenile cataract.
Hip-knee-ankle physiotherapy for the improvement of the biomechanical environment of the lower limb in knee disorders: a systematic review
Authors: liu yang , wu lianqing
Published: March 2023

Purpose
To analyse the research conducted in recent years on conservative treatment modalities for different diseases of the knee joint, to provide a correct orientation for hip-knee-ankle lower limb force line correction methods, and to provide a theoretical basis for the creation of a good mechanical environment for the knee joint, a reasonable joint space, and a neutral movement trajectory that allows for sustainable and safe treatment.
Methods
Information was retrieved from the electronic databases PubMed and cnki to select studies using physiotherapy as an intervention for knee related disorders between 2018–2022. Ultimately, 19 randomised controlled trial studies were included, involving a total of 1073 clinical studies.
Results
In the ankle area, the strength line of the lower limb can be improved by wearing custom-made insoles, gait correction training and functional and strength training of the ankle. In the knee joint, the strength and stretching of the quadriceps muscles can be strengthened and the line of force of the lower limb stabilised through different training modalities (centripetal and centrifugal training, electrical nerve stimulation, blood flow restriction training). At the hip joint the control of the lower limb can be increased by increasing the strength of the hip joint in external rotation and abduction and by improving the pain at the joint using acupuncture therapy and physiotherapy with tui na.
Conclusions
By physically adjusting the hip-knee-ankle joint, it is possible to treat knee-related disorders by progressively correcting the aberrant lower limb force lines and improving the knee-related disorders' symptoms.
Cyclin B1 is a novel prognostic biomarker and promotes proliferation, migration and invasion in Wilms Tumour
Authors: Xiang Bin , Tian Xiao-Mao , Chen Mei-Lin , Gao Zhi-Qiang , Mi Tao , Shi Qin-Lin , Dong Jun-Jun , Liu Feng , Wei Guang-Hui
Published: March 2023

Background
Wilms tumour (WT) is a mixed type of embryonal tumour that usually occurs in early childhood. However, our knowledge of the pathogenesis or progression mechanism of WT is inadequate, and there is a scarcity of beneficial therapeutic strategies.
Methods
High-throughput RNA sequencing was employed in this study to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in clinical tumor samples and matching normal tissues. The STRING database was utilized to build a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and the Cytohubba method was used to identify the top 10 highly related HUB genes. Then, the key genes were further screened by univariate COX survival analysis. Subsequently, the xCELL algorithm was used to evaluate the tumour immune infiltration. RT-PCR, WB, and IF were used to verify the expression level of key genes in clinical tissues and tumour cell lines. Finally, the function of the key gene was further verified by loss-of-function experiments.
Results
We initially screened 1612 DEGs, of which 1030 were up-regulated and 582 were down-regulated. The GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested these genes were associated with ‘cell cycle’, ‘DNA replication’. Subsequently, we identified 10 key HUB genes, among them CCNB1 was strongly related to WT patients' overall survival. Multiple survival analyses showed that CCNB1 was an independent indicator of WT prognosis. Thus, we constructed a nomogram of CCNB1 combined with other clinical indicators. Single gene GSEA and immune infiltration analysis revealed that CCNB1 was associated with the degree of infiltration or activation status of multiple immune cells. TIDE analysis indicated that this gene was correlated with multiple key immune checkpoint molecules and TIDE scores. Finally, we validated the differential expression level of CCNB1 in an external geneset, the pan-cancer, clinical samples, and cell lines. CCNB1 silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasive capabilities of WIT-49 cells, also, promoted apoptosis, and in turn induced G2 phase cell cycle arrest in loss-of-function assays.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that CCNB1 is closely related to WT progression and prognosis, and serves as a potential target.
Biodistribution of Lentiviral Transduced Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for “Ex-vivo” Regional Gene Therapy for Bone Repair
Authors: Bell Jennifer , Collon Kevin , Mayfield Cory , Gallo Matthew , Chang Stephanie , Sugiyama Osamu , Tang Amy , Hollis Roger , Chopra Shefali , Kohn Donald , Lieberman Jay
Published: March 2023

Ex-vivo gene therapy has been shown to be an effective method for treating bone defects in preclinical models. As gene therapy is explored as a potential treatment option in humans, an assessment of the safety profile becomes an important next step. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biodistribution of viral particles at the defect site and various internal organs in a rat femoral defect model after implantation of human ASCs transduced with lentivirus (LV) with two-step transcriptional activation (TSTA) of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (LV-TSTA-BMP-2). Animals were sacrificed at 4-, 14-, 56-, and 84-days post implantation. Treatment groups included 1) standard dose LV-TSTA-BMP-2 2) high dose LV-TSTA-BMP-2, 3) standard dose LV-TSTA-GFP 4) high dose LV-TSTA-GFP and 5) standard dose nontransduced cells. The viral load was assessed at each timepoint in the defect in ten organs and the defect site. Histology of all organs, ipsilateral tibia, and femur were evaluated at each timepoint. There were nearly undetectable levels of LV-TSTA-BMP-2 transduced cells at the defect site at 84 days and no pathologic changes in any organ at all timepoints. Humana ASCs transduced with LV-TSTA may be a safe and effective treatment option when adopted for us in patients.
Tuberculosis in Pregnancy after in Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
Authors: Zou Ju , Li Jie , Chen Chen , Chen Ruochan
Published: March 2023

Background: Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) remains an important cause of maternal mortality and morbidity, accounting for approximately one-third of annual deaths. Moreover, untimely TB treatment during pregnancy increases the risk of perinatal complications and poor fetal prognosis. Recently, there has been widespread use of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). However, its clinical characteristics and possible mechanisms of TB infection in pregnant women who conceive by IVF-ET remain unclear. Therefore, we report three cases of young pregnant women diagnosed with TB after IVF-ET and describe their diagnosis and treatment.
Case presentation: Three young women (age: 26–31 years) diagnosed with primary infertility underwent IVF-ET treatment. They lacked a history of TB or manifestations of activated TB before transplantation. After presenting with fever, cough, and headache at 5–12 weeks of pregnancy, they were diagnosed with miliary TB, disseminated TB, and tuberculous meningitis, respectively. Initially, the patients were on a daily fixed-dose combination of first-line anti-TB treatment (ATT), which comprised rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, followed by medication adjustment during treatment for 6–12 months. Although all fetuses were lost, the patients achieved optimal outcomes after timely ATT.
Conclusions: This report demonstrates the increased risk of TB in pregnant women who conceive by IVF-ET. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor these women even if they lack a history of or exposure to TB. Accordingly, prompt diagnosis and treatment of TB in these patients is necessary to optimize patient outcomes.
Monitoring of measurable residual disease and chimerism in patients with JAK2 V617F-positive myelofibrosis after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Lee Jong-Mi , Ahn Ari , Min Eun Jeong , Lee Sung-Eun , Kim Myungshin , Kim Yonggoo
Published: March 2023

A significant portion of patients with myelofibrosis suffer from relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Recognition of early relapse is key to guiding immunotherapeutic intervention, albeit particularly challenging due to complex disease dynamics. In practice, measurable residual disease (MRD) and chimerism are routinely assessed, but their clinical utilities are undefined. Here, we performed intensive molecular testing to measure JAK2-V617F burden (JAK2-MRD) and donor chimerism. Serially collected samples were obtained from 34 consecutive patients at +30, +100, +180 and +360 days after reduced-intensity allo-HCT. Approximately half of the patients harbored persistent JAK2-MRD during 1 year of monitoring. Overt relapse occurred in six patients at median 7.5 months after allo-HCT. Increased JAK2-MRD ratio (≥3-fold than day +30) at day +100 was the most sensitive and earliest indicator for overt relapse. Mixed chimerism (MC; donor chimerism ≤95%) was observed in 10 patients. Intermediate MC (77%–95%) frequently converted to full chimerism after early tapering of immunosuppressive therapy, but high-level MC (≤77%) at day +180 was only seen in relapsed patients. Cytogenetic changes presented in five patients and were mostly found at the time of relapse. Ultimately, comprehensive and longitudinal assessment of molecular monitoring is beneficial to manage myelofibrosis in allo-HSCT settings.
Identification of Key Autophagy-related Genes and Potential Mechanisms in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Zhu Ke , Liu Chen , Guo Xiaofang , Wei Maoyun , Zhang Xuting , Xie Songmiao , Qi Qing , Yang Bin
Published: March 2023

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by fibroblast activation and vascular and immune cell dysfunction. Autophagy-related genes are speculated to be involved in the development of SSc. However, the involvement of autophagy-related genes in SSc remains unexplored. This study aimed to explore the explicit mechanism of autophagy in SSc using bioinformatics analysis.
Methods: GSE76885 and GSE95065 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and human autophagy genes were acquired from GeneCards. Following this, 12 autophagy-related differentially expressed genes (autophagy-related DEGs) were obtained using the Venn package of R software. The Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichments and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were performed to annotate the biological function of autophagy-related DEGs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to explore the diagnostic value of Autophagy-related DEGs in SSc. Finally, regulatory network analysis and single-sample Gene-set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) were performed.
Results: A total of 12 autophagy-related DEGs were identified related to the pathogenesis of SSc. Enrichment analysis identified that metabolism-related pathways were remarkably enriched along with classical PI3K/AKT signaling. ROC curve analysis showed that CD93 (AUC = 0.904, P < 0.001) and SFRP4 (AUC = 0.944, P < 0.001) could serve as reliable biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of SSc. Regulatory networks analysis identified 126 transcription factors, 93 miRNA molecules and 106 drugs or molecular compounds related to Autophagy-related DEGs. Finally, ssGSEA demonstrated that Autophagy-related DEGs were mainly associated with CCR, macrophages, Treg cells and Type I IFN Response.
Conclusion: We identified CD93 and SFRP4 as valuable diagnosis biomarkers for SSc. Moreover, autophagy-related DEGs could affect the development of SSc through autophagy-related pathways, metabolic processes and immune cell infiltration.
Burden, pattern, associated factors and impact on quality of life of dermatological disorders among the elderly in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam
Authors: Muki¹ Uwesu , Shayo¹ Grace , Minja Eliaichi , Bakari¹ Muhammad , Kazema Ashura
Published: March 2023

Background The global population of people aged 60years or older (elderly) is increasing. Skin disorders are reported to be common in this population. In view of limited data available, this study determined the burden, pattern and impact on quality of life (QoL) of thedisorders among the elderly in Tanzania. Methods This was a community-basedcross-sectional study conducted from August to November 2021in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam. Participants were obtained throughsimple random sampling in multiple stages.Diagnoses were made through clinical assessment initially performed by the Principal Investigator and a dedicated Dermato-venereology Officer, and then confirmed by a Dermatologist using digital photographs. Quality of Life was assessed using a validated Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) with scores ranging from 1 to 30. The wealth index was graded from class 1 (poor) to class 5 (rich).Data were analyzed through Chi-squared test, Poisson Logistic regression, and analysis of variance. Results A total of 694 elderlies were enrolled. The overall prevalence of dermatological disorders was 593 (85.45%). The commonest disorders were skin infections and infestations (36.1%); eczemas (34.7%);papulosquamouseruptions(6.5%), and keratinization disorders (2.6%). Autoimmune disorders comprised 1.4%, while vascular disorders and tumors were less prominent, comprising of 1.2% of all cases. A small proportion (1.7%) of the elderlies had ≥ 2 skin disorders. In multivariate analysis the wealth index was found to be associated with the presence of thedisorders. There was 61% impairment in QoL due to the dermatological disorders. Conclusion Dermatological disorders among the elderly were common and were associated with the wealth index. They had a significant impact on quality of life. Appropriate control measures to address dermatological disorders among the elderly areneeded.
Preparation of high-quality silicon with silicon cutting waste by a carbothermal reduction method
Authors: Wei Donghui , Kong Jian , Zhang Zhaoyang , Zhuang Yanxin , Xing Pengfei
Published: March 2023

Silicon cutting waste (SCW) is mainly consisted of Si (80 ~ 85 wt%), SiO2 (13 ~ 16 wt%) and other impurities (2 ~ 4 wt%). Nowadays, the Si is commercially recycled to produce Si ingots by a slag refining method, but the SiO2 is melted into silicon slag and discarded as waste. In this paper, a carbothermal reduction method has been proposed for recycling Si resources from Si and SiO2 in SCW to prepare high-quality silicon in submerged arc furnace. Petroleum coke was selected as the carbonaceous reducing agent. Firstly, the effects of carbon content on the equilibrium compositions of Si-SiO2-C system were simulated. Secondly, SCW was mixed with petroleum coke under the guidance of thermodynamic analysis results. Finally, the mixtures were charged into and smelted in the furnace. Thermodynamic equilibrium analysis results showed that the value of n(SiO2):n(C):n(SiO2) should be controlled as 2.62:0.22:0.44 theoretically. Experimental results revealed that the recovery ratio of SCW was 50% and the purity of Si products was 99.40%. This proposed method provides an effective and industrialized applicable approach for recycling SCW.
Foreign-born Status on the risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Subsequent Complications: The Effect of Acculturation
Authors: Noah Akaninyene , Perez-Patron Maria , Gongalla Megha , Hill Ashley , Taylor Brandie
Published: March 2023

To explore the effect of acculturation among foreign-born women on the risk of gestational diabetes (GDM) and subsequent GDM-associated adverse birth outcomes, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of 35,180 women. A modified poisson regression model was used to determine the association between acculturative level and, both GDM and subsequent adverse birth outcomes. Foreign-born women were divided into three groups by time in US: 0 – 5, 6 – 10, and 11+ years, while US-born women were used as the reference group. Compared to US-born women, foreign-born women with 0 – 5 years in US had a higher risk of GDM (RR 1.30, 95%CI 1.17-1.46). Risks were further elevated at 6 – 10 (RR 1.92, 95%CI 1.72 – 2.16) and 11 + years (RR 1.89, 95%CI 1.72-2.07). This trend remained constant after stratifying by race/ethnicity. Following a GDM diagnosis, foreign-born women with 0 – 5 (RR 0.70, 95%CI 0.52-0.94) and 6 - 10 years in US (RR 0.72, 95%CI 0.53-0.96) had lower risk of gestational hypertension, while the 11+ group showed no association. This pattern was observed for superimposed preeclampsia and medically-indicated preterm-birth. In conclusion, acculturation appeared to increase GDM risk, and foreign-born women at lower acculturative levels were less likely to develop adverse birth outcomes.
Genic-SSR-based genetic diversity and population structure analysis in a global germplasm collection highlights the African origin of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.)
Authors: Tribhuvan Kishor U. , Mishra Twinkle , Dilip Samptirao , Panday Avinash , Kumar Sudhir , Mahto Jay Lal , Raigar Hanuman Lal , Pattanayak A. , Singh Binay Kumar
Published: March 2023

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.) is an underutilized legume of the family Fabaceae. We assembled 58,811 unigenes from the publicly available winged bean RNAseq data sets and discovered 4,107 perfect SSRs. Seventy-eight of the 166 SSRs amplified into a single band, of which 22 were polymorphic, in 79 germplasm accessions of winged bean constituting eight populations from India, Thailand, Nigeria, Indonesia, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. We found 60 alleles at the 22 polymorphic SSR loci, with a mean value of 2.73 per locus. With a mean of 0.36, the PIC values for the SSR loci ranged from 0.11 to 0.64. We recorded the maximum genetic diversity in advanced breeding lines (I = 0.67, He = 0.41) and the minimum genetic diversity in the germplasm accessions collected from Manipur (I = 0.44, He = 0.28), a north-eastern Indian state. The AMOVA analysis indicated that within-population variation was significantly higher (85%) than between-population variation (15%). The pairwise Nm values between the populations ranged between 0.69–3.41, indicating the varying level of gene flow between them. The analysis of the population structure based on the Bayesian model-based clustering algorithm revealed two distinct groups among the eight populations with different levels of introgression. The fuzzy clustering based on the Manhattan method also identified a similar number of groups, with 72% similarity between the two clustering methods. However, the Neighbour-Joining (NJ)-based clustering grouped all the accessions into four clusters. Nevertheless, all three clustering methods unanimously indicated that most African accessions tended to group, and their leftover members were spread across the hypothetical geographical populations, indirectly supporting the African origin of the winged bean.
Joining of cemented carbides WC-Co and tool steel X153CrMoV12 with capacitor discharge welding process
Authors: Stocks Nicolas , Kolarikova Marie , Chotěborský Rostislav , Vronka Marek , Kolařík Ladislav
Published: March 2023

Welding a combination of hard-to-weld materials such as cemented carbides WC-Co and tool steel X153CrMoV12 is a big challenge due to the different properties of the materials being joined. The solution can be the method of multicapacitor discharge welding, which allows high temperatures to be reached for very short times. The weld was formed continuously around the entire circumference. It has been proven that, during welding, both materials melt and mix in the joining zone. A melting zone depleted of chromium is formed.
Cluster of variations involving vertebral, renal, and obturator arteries in a single human body- a cadaveric case report.
Authors: G Sankaranarayanan , SSSN Rajasekhar , K Kalaivani
Published: March 2023

We describe a unique triad of arterial variations that include vertebral, renal, and obturator arteries in a single cadaver. A combination of arterial variations was observed in a 60-year male; formalin embalmed cadaver during the routine dissection while teaching undergraduate students. The origin, course, branching pattern, and termination of the vertebral, renal, and obturator arterial systems were noted, along with the vessels' diameter close to their origin. The following variations were observed: a) Hypoplastic V4 segment of the right vertebral artery; Right Posterior Inferior Cerebellar artery had a relatively proximal origin from the V4 segment of vertebral artery and coursed in an inverted ‘U’ shaped manner cranially, which resembled duplicated V4 segment of the right vertebral artery, b) Right accessory renal artery originated from abdominal aorta distal to the right renal artery and the right gonadal artery originated from the right accessory renal artery, c) Right obturator artery originated from the posterior division of the right internal iliac artery, and the left obturator artery originated from the trunk of the left external iliac artery. Such a combination of variations in the anatomy of vertebral, renal, and obturator arteries was not reported previously. This case report will interest neurosurgeons and radiologists because of the possibility of concomitant arterial variations.
Eye movement defects in KO zebrafish reveals SRPK3 as a causative gene for an X-linked intellectual disability
Authors: Kim Cheol-Hee , Lee Yu-Ri , Thomas Mervyn , Roychaudhury Arkaprava , Skinner Cindy , Maconachie Gail , Crosier Moira , Horak Holli , Constantinescu Cris , Choi Tae-Ik , Kyung Jae-Jun , Wang Tao , Ku Bonsu , Chodirker Bernard , Hammer Michael , Gottlob Irene , Norton William , Chudley Albert , Schwartz Charles
Published: March 2023

Intellectual disability (ID) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significantly impaired intellectual and adaptive functioning. X-linked ID (XLID) disorders, caused by defects in genes on the X chromosome, affect 1.7 out of 1,000 males. Employing exome sequencing, we identified three missense mutations (c.475C > G; p.H159D, c.1373C > A; p.T458N, and c.1585G > A; p.E529K) in the SRPK3 gene in seven XLID patients from three independent families. Clinical features common to the patients are intellectual disability, agenesis of the corpus callosum, abnormal smooth pursuit eye movement, and ataxia. SRPK proteins are known to be involved in mRNA processing and, recently, synaptic vesicle and neurotransmitter release. In order to validate SRPK3 as a novel XLID gene, we established a knockout (KO) model of the SRPK3 orthologue in zebrafish. In day 5 of larval stage, KO zebrafish showed significant defects in spontaneous eye movement and swim bladder inflation. In adult KO zebrafish, we found agenesis of cerebellar structures and impairments in social interaction. These results suggest an important role of SRPK3 in eye movements, which might reflect learning problems, intellectual disability, and other psychiatric disorders.
The Effect of Wobbling on the Welding Characteristics in Al/Cu Fiber Laser Welded Joints
Authors: Yoon HyeSeul , Bang Hee Seon
Published: March 2023

The IR laser welding of aluminum and copper materials for lithium-ion battery cells has limitation due to unsatisfactory joints strength caused by their low absorptivity and high reflectivity. To overcome these problems, this study has applied beam oscillation to increase the joint area of welded joints. A 1000 series aluminum alloy and oxygen-free copper sheets with a thickness of 0.5 mm were lap joints welded through 2.5 kW fiber laser welding. The effect of the welding parameters of amplitudes (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mm) on weldability in welded joints has been investigated. The result confirmed that as the amplitude increases, the width at the interface increases, and penetration depth decreases. Furthermore, the maximum width at the interface could be obtained at approximately 1.23 mm under a travel speed of 100 mm/sec and amplitude of 0.6 mm. In addition, the tensile-shear load increased with higher amplitudes, and the maximum tensile-shear load was 1.1 kN in the amplitude of 0.6 mm with a travel speed of 400 mm/sec.
Evaluating Compliance and Applicability of Postpartum Pessary Use for Preventing and Treating Pelvic floor Dysfunction: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Kiefner Brenda , Schwab Frank , Kuppinger Madeleine , Nacke Anna , Kelkenberg Ute , Schütze Sabine , Berger Franziska , Lindner Anna , Hellmeyer Lars , Janni Wolfgang , Metz Melanie , Deniz Miriam
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Pelvic floor disorders are common and associated with pregnancy and childbirth. For restitution of pelvic floor connective tissue and thereby therapy of postpartum pelvic organ prolapse and stress-urinary incontinence the Restifem® pessary is approved. It supports the anterior vaginal wall behind the symphysis, the lateral sulci and the sacrouterinum ligaments and stabilises the connective tissue. We evaluated the compliance and applicability of Restifem® use in women postpartum in a preventive and therapeutic approach.
Methods: Restifem® pessary was handed out to 857 women. 6 weeks after birth they started the pessary use. After 8 weeks, 3- and 6-months postpartum women received a questionnaire via online survey for evaluation of pessary applicability and efficacy.
Results: After 8 weeks 209 women answered the questionnaire. 119 women used the pessary. Common problems were discomfort, pain and the pessary use was to circuitous. Vaginal infections were rare. After 3 months 85 women and after 6 months 38 women still used the pessary. 3 months postpartum 94 % of women with POP, 72 % of women with UI and 66 % of women with OAB stated to have an improvement of their symptoms by using the pessary. 88 % women without any disorder felt an improvement of stability.
Conclusions: Use of the Restifem® pessary in the postpartum period is feasible and accompanied with less complications. It reduces POP and UI and leads to an increased sense of stability. So, Restifem® pessary can be offered to women postpartum to improve pelvic floor dysfunction.
ThGM-CSF cells contribute to the protective immune response against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Cheng Hongyan , Cheng Dalei , Li Zhihua , Zhao Xiyu , Zhu Yuanbo , Zhang Hui , Yan Fenglian , Jing Lina , Zhang Xin , Wang Lin , Wang Changying , Xiong Huabao
Published: March 2023

Aim To investigate the functions of ThGM-CSF cells in the host defense against L. monocytogenes infection.
Material 168 Wild-type (WT, C57BL/6J) mice and 18 GM-CSF deficient (Csf2−/−) mice were used in this study. In vitro bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and ThGM-CSF cells were respectively derived from bone marrow and spleen.
Methods A protective immune mouse model was established with L. monocytogenes. Flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of related immune cells and proteins at cellular, protein and mRNA levels. Plate counts and immunofluorescence were used to determine bacterial colonization.
Results ThGM-CSF cells contribute to the protective immune response against L. monocytogenes infection. The induction of GM-CSF is significantly increased in both primary and secondary infection. Csf2−/− mice are more susceptible to L. monocytogenes infection and transfer of ThGM-CSF cells enhanced the clearance of L. monocytogenes. Anti-GM-CSF neutralizing antibody impaired the elimination of L. monocytogenes and the generation of protective immune response. Depletion of macrophages and neutrophils decreased ThGM-CSF cells development. GM-CSF promotes phagocytosis of macrophages and neutrophils to clear L. monocytogenes.
Conclusion The results suggest that ThGM-CSF cells are significantly involved in the generation of protective immune responses against bacterial infection.
RETRACTED: Investigation of color removal mechanisms of raw and calcinated eggshells and their photocatalytic properties for selected dyes
Authors: Canbaz Yazgı , Özdemir Abdil , Gülfen Mustafa , Keskin Can Serkan
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Characterization of heavy metal-resistant rhizobia and non-rhizobia isolated from root nodules of Trifolium sp. in a lead and zinc mining area
Authors: rahal sarah , Menaa Belkis , Chekireb Djamel
Published: March 2023

In this study, we evaluated the ability of rhizobacteria isolated from Trifolium sp. nodules growing on a Pb/Zn mine site to produce plant growth-promoting substances, such as siderophores, extracellular enzymes, antifungal substances, their capacity to solubilize phosphate, and also their tolerance to heavy metals and salinity. Overall, the results demonstrated that bacterial isolates showed an ability to produce multiple important plant growth-promoting traits, with remarkable ability to grow up to 20% salt concentration and resist to high levels of heavy metals up to 1300 mg/L Pb++, 1200 mg/L Zn++, 1000 mg/L Ni++, 1000 mg/L Cd++, 500 mg/L Cu++, 400 mg/L Co++, and 50 mg/L CrVI+. The order of resistance of isolates to heavy metals was reduced as follows: Pb++ > Zn++ > Ni++ > Cd++ > Cu++ > Co++ > CrVI+. All isolates had multiple metal-resistant abilities; however, the existence of the pbrA, czcD, and nccA genes responsible for resistance to Pb++, Zn++, Cd++, Co++, and Ni++, respectively, was determined by PCR and were detected only on Cupriavidus paucula RSCup01. Our results also showed that the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria strains screened in the present study could be used as a potential inoculant for the improvement of phytoremediation in heavy metal-polluted soils.
Sequential Mergers and Delayed Monopolization in Triopoly
Authors: LAUSSEL DIDIER
Published: March 2023

Under triopoly and Cournot competition, we study an infinite horizon Markov Perfect Equilibrium merger game in which in each period one of the firms (”the Buyer”) selects a bid price and then the two sellers accept or reject this offer with some probability. The possibility of a ”war of attrition” equilibrium in which the seller who outlasts the other one is then able to sell in the following period at a greater price, is a distinct feature of the model. Delayed monopolization is all the more likely as the discount factor is small and the ratio duopoly/ triopoly profits.is important. Two other equilibria are shown to be possible: an unmerged one and an immediate monopolization one. Each equilibrium is shown to correspond to a different set of parameter values. The two special cases of linear and constant price elastic demand functions are fully characterized.
JEL: C73, D43, L12
Group intervention for family members of people with borderline personality disorder based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Implementation of the Family Connections® program in France and Switzerland
Authors: Cohen Satchel , Salamin Virginie , Perroud Nader , Dieben Karen , Ducasse Deborah , Durpoix Amaury , Guenot Florence , Tissot Hervé , Kramer Uëli , Speranza Mario
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND Families and close relationships of people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) show increased levels of psychological distress. Family Connections®, a 12-week group intervention based on the principles of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, has been designed to provide families with both information about the disorder and emotional regulation skills. It has been progressively implemented in French-speaking European countries.
METHODS We conducted an observational, multicenter study in France and Switzerland. 149 participants to the Family Connections program were included among 5 centers. Burden, depression, coping, and emotional regulation were assessed before and after intervention.
RESULTS T-tests showed that burden significantly decreased after intervention (p<0.0001, d=-0.48), as did depressive symptoms (p<0.001, d=-0.36). Emotional regulation (p<0.0001, d=0.32) and coping (p<0.0001, d=0.53) improved. Two-way mixed ANOVA showed that burden reduction was stronger among women participants compared to men participants (p=0.048, η²=0.027). Before intervention, burden was higher for women participants (p=0.001) than for men. A first linear regression showed that reduction of burden was associated with decrease in resignation of participants (β=0.19, p=0.047). A second linear regression showed that reduction of burden was associated with intensity of the loved one’s symptoms and improvement of emotional clarity of participants (β=0.25, p=0.008).
CONCLUSION This Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Based psychoeducational intervention is an appropriate way to support French-speaking European families of people with BPD.
Functional expression of the ATP-gated P2X7 receptor in human iPSC-derived astrocytes
Authors: Kesavan Jaideep , Watters Orla , Diego-Garcia Laura , Mendez Aida Menendez , Alves Mariana , Dinkel Klaus , Hamacher Michael , Prehn Jochen H. M. , Henshall David C. , Engel Tobias
Published: March 2023

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a cation-permeable ionotropic receptor activated by extracellular adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) which has been implicated in numerous diseases of the CNS, including epilepsy. Activation of the P2X7R can trigger diverse responses including the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulation of neurotransmission, cell proliferation or cell death. There have been conflicting reports on the cellular identity of P2X7R-expressing cells in the brain. Expression of P2X7Rs is well documented on microglia and oligodendrocytes but the presence of P2X7Rs on astrocytes remains debated. Furthermore, most functional studies on P2X7R responses have used cells from rodents or immortalised cell lines expressing human P2X7Rs. To assess the endogenous and functional expression of P2X7Rs in human astrocytes, we differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into GFAP and S100 β-expressing astrocytes. Immunostaining revealed prominent punctate P2X7R staining on hiPSC-derived astrocytes and P2X7R protein expression was also confirmed by Western blot analysis. Importantly, stimulation with the potent nonselective P2X7R agonist BzATP or endogenous agonist ATP induced robust calcium rises in hiPSC-derived astrocytes which were blocked by the selective P2X7R antagonists AFC-5128 or JNJ-47965567. Our findings provide evidence for the functional expression of P2X7Rs in hiPSC-derived astrocytes and support their in vitro utility in investigating the role of the P2X7R and drug screening in disorders of the CNS.