bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Isolation, screening and quantifying of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using FTIR analysis”
Authors: Baria Dhritiksha M. , Dodiya Kasim R. , Shaikh Junaid A. , Patel Jaydeep M. , Rana Jay R. , RAVAL VIKRAM HIREN
Published: June 2023

Microorganisms produce copious macromolecules, many of which harbor tremendous biotechnological potential. One such macromolecule is polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). It is a key substance formed as inclusion bodies by bacteria to accumulate, and reserve growth materials while confronting various stress conditions. PHA is chosen as an alternative for the production of biodegradable polymers due to their quick degradability under natural environmental conditions. The objectives of this study were to identify prospective PHA-producing bacteria and quantify the PHA production. Among 12 isolates that were isolated along the Tithal region, Gujarat; 4 PHA accumulating isolates were selected and evaluated their potential to accumulate PHB granules within the cells. TS-1, TW-4, TW-9, and TS-16 were able to accumulate 38.94%, 40.0%, 34.61%, and 59.19% PHAs respectively. The bacteria were screened using the Sudan Black B method while for confirmatory screening Nile Red method was carried out. PHA was extracted using the sodium hypochlorite method. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) confirmation results of the extracted and crude PHA identified its functional units as CH2, CH3, C-O, C = O, and alkyl halide groups. Research into the development of environmentally friendly biopolymer materials has been sparked by the global reliance on petroleum byproducts for the manufacture of plastics, the lack of disposal space, and growing environmental concerns over non-biodegradable synthetic plastics. In light of this, research has focused on the synthesis of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), one of the PHAs that has received the most attention.
First evidence of the Upper Jurassic deposis in the Middle Atlas (Marmoucha syncline, Morocco) and connections to the Tethyan Domain
Authors: Boumir Khadija , Ouarhache Driss , Feist Monique , Oussou Ahmed , Ech-charay Kawtar , Ouaskou Mustapha , Charrière André
Published: June 2023

The Marmoucha syncline is located in the eastern part of the Middle Atlas. In this syncline, the “Gypsum marls” (Bathonian-? Callovian) are covered by red detrital deposits which outcrop in Aït Bazza locality. The upper limit of these detrital deposits is below the transgressional unconformity of the Albian? - Cenomanian marine series. The present work introduces a synthesis of stratigraphical, sedimentological and micropalaeontological studies, which has led to new dating and to the identification of different depositional environments. These results have allowed us to define a new chrono-lithostratigraphic unit, the "Aït Bazza Formation", which comprises three superimposed members (AB1, 2 and 3 Mbs) separated by two sedimentary discontinuities. This formation, exceeding 300m in thickness, is formed by conglomerate, sandstone, sand and varicolored marls. Micropalaeontological bulk sampling in marly horizons revealed associations of charophytes and ostracods, particularly in member 2 (AB2 Mb). The charophytes are represented by oogonia of small Porocharaceae, Clavatoraceae such asGlobator rectispirale,Dictyoclavator ramalhoi, andNodosoclavator bradleyithat characterize the Tithonian. The ostracod microfauna is diverse, consisting of non-marine and lagoonal- shallow marine species at several horizons, associated with sea urchin spines and rare foraminifera, which indicating fluvio-deltaic sedimentary environments subjected to marine influences. This new age contraints of AB2 Mb to the Late Jurassic, and the discovery of marine influences in this eastern part of the folded Middle Atlas, consequently indicates the existence of palaeogeographical connections with the Tethyan domain located to the NE in the Rif foreland.
Risk factors and service gaps affecting a sustainable vocational integration: A qualitative multi-stakeholder analysis in the context of persons with acquired brain injury living in Switzerland
Authors: Karcz Katarzyna , Schiffmann Barbara , Schwegler Urban , Finger Monika E
Published: June 2023

Introduction:
Along with the social and economic challenges posed by an aging society, creating work conditions that allow persons to stay healthy and work into old age has become a major task of Western societies. Retaining employment after returning to work is particularly difficult for individuals with a disability, as evidenced by the high rate of premature labor market dropout. Individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) exemplify this challenge, as it often impairs cognitive, technical, and interpersonal abilities crucial in today's labor market. To effectively support these individuals, vocational integration practitioners require comprehensive knowledge of risk factors for premature labor market dropout and effective strategies for sustainable work.
Objective
This study aimed to identify perceived risk factors and related service gaps regarding sustainable work for people with ABI, as reported by affected individuals, employers, vocational integration professionals, and health professionals.
Methods
Secondary analysis of data from seven focus group discussions and two interviews with persons with ABI, 15 interviews with employers, and 13 interviews with vocational integration and health professionals. Data were re-examined using thematic analysis.
Results
Two major themes of risk factors were identified: (1) person-related factors (including the subthemes: post-ABI impairments; lack of understanding of post-ABI impairments; poor health management) and (2) environment-related factors (including the subthemes: challenges related to the service structure; insufficient knowledge and education of professionals; challenges at the workplace; difficulties in private life). While stakeholders noted the variety of the currently available services, they particularly pointed to the missing long-term monitoring and counseling services for persons with ABI following the initial return-to-work phase, reflecting a major challenge for sustainable work. An overarching gap related to the fragmentation of the service structure and the lack of case coordination along the working life.
Conclusions
Multiple stakeholders emphasized the importance of empowering individuals, ensuring easy access to professional support, and providing a suitable work environment to address key risk factors and facilitate sustainable work for individuals with ABI. Continuous coaching support, as well as long-term monitoring and counseling following the initial return to work, were identified as potential strategies to achieve these goals.
Bone turnover decreases and bone structure improves during treatment with weekly high-dose methylprednisolone for 12 weeks in Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Harsløf Torben , Hikmet Rawan , Ebbehøj Eva , Langdahl Bente
Published: June 2023

Purpose Weekly treatment with the intravenous glucocorticoid methylprednisolone for 12 weeks is mainstay in the treatment of Graves’ orbitopathy but may decrease bone mass and impair bone structure. We therefore investigated bone turnover, -mass and -structure during the treatment cause in these patients.Methods We included 32 patients with Graves’ orbitopathy scheduled for treatment with methylprednisolone. Bone turnover and thyroid function was measured at baseline and after 3, 9, 12, and 24 weeks, bone mineral density was measured using DXA at baseline and after 12 and 24 weeks, and bone structure was measured using HRpQCT at baseline and after 12 weeks.Results Bone turnover and T3 decreased throughout the study. Cortical vBMD at both the radius and tibia increased significantly by 0.98 ± 0.38% (p = 0.01) and 1.35 ± 0.50% (p = 0.01), respectively and cortical porosity at both the radius and tibia decreased significantly by -7.67 ± 3.13% (p = 0.04) and − 3.30 ± 2.17% (p = 0.04), respectively. Bone mineral density was stable during the first 12 weeks but increased significantly by 2.26 ± 3.61% at the femoral neck (p < 0.01) and by 2.24 ± 4.24% at the total hip towards week 24 (p = 0.02).Conclusion During a 12-week course of high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone bone turnover and cortical porosity decreased and during 24 weeks follow up bone mineral density increased. In terms of bone, methylprednisolone therefore is a safe treatment for Graves’ orbitopathy.
Securing and privacy preserving for electronic health records using two-phased scheme
Authors: B Arulmozhi , I Sheeba J. , S Pradeep Devaneyan
Published: June 2023

Patient medical data are stored as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in the cloud for decentralized clinical access. Information related to a patient’s health, diagnosis, and medication is vital for which individual privacy and security are vital considerations. This article introduces a Two-Phased Privacy Preserving Security Scheme (TP3SS) for EHR stored in clouds. The proposed scheme offers secure access control and attribute-based encryption for privacy-preserving and preventing data falsification. Secure access control is achieved by establishing mutual key-dependent smart contracts between the user, doctors and the EHR storage. The key authentication is provided using record-related attribute encryption that is valid within the contract period. The access and key validity are confined to the smart contract allocated interval by verifying the user identity. Here validity verification and access confinement are pursued using ledge-stored user information. The validation occurs for ensuring the EHR and user attributes are mapped together in the current and previous smart contract access sessions. In the record management process, Hyperledger fabric blockchain is used for preventing internal computation complexities. Similarly, the attribute that is inferred by the Hyperledger fabric blockchain in the current access session is alone used for a key generation; used for accessing and sharing the records. This process prevents the entry of adversary access and improves the security level under controlled complexity.
The Prevalence and Severity of Loneliness and Deficits in Perceived Social Support among people with “Complex Emotional Needs” (CEN): A Systematic Review
Authors: Ikhtabi Sarah , Pitman Alexandra , Maconick Lucy , Pearce Eiluned , Dale Oliver , Rowe Sarah , Johnson Sonia
Published: June 2023

Background
Loneliness and struggles with unmet social needs are a common experience among people with “Complex Emotional Needs” (CEN) who may be diagnosed with a ‘personality disorder’. Given the adverse effects of loneliness and poor perceived social support on physical and mental health, and the importance of a sense of belonging for recovery, a systematic review examining the prevalence/severity of loneliness and deficits in perceived social support among people with CEN is an essential step towards developing an intervention targeting the social needs of people with CEN.
Method
We conducted a systematic review synthesising quantitative data on the prevalence and severity of loneliness and deficits of perceived social support among people with CEN in comparison with other clinical groups and the general population. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Social Science, Google scholar and Ethos British Library from inception to December 2021. We conducted quality appraisals using the Joanna Briggs Critical appraisal tools and rated the certainty of evidence using the Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A narrative synthesis was used describing the direction and strength of associations prioritising high quality studies.
Findings
A final set of 70 studies are included in this review, most of which are cross-sectional studies (n=55), based in the United States (51%) and focused on community samples. Our review of evidence found that, across all types of ‘personality disorders’ (except ‘narcissistic personality’ traits), people with traits associated with ‘personality disorder’ or meeting criteria for a diagnosis of ‘personality disorder’, have higher levels of loneliness, low perceived relationship satisfaction, and poor social support compared to the general population and to other clinical samples such as people with depression or psychosis. The evidence also indicated that loneliness could play a role in exacerbating specific symptoms associated with CEN, such as self-harm, identity disturbances, and hallucinations.
Conclusion
The quality of evidence is judged as low quality. However, the adverse effects of loneliness on CEN symptoms and recovery suggests a need to co-develop psychosocial interventions targeting the social needs of people with CEN to improve quality of life and recovery outcomes.
A New Line tunneling SiGe/Si iTFET with Control gate for Leakage Suppression and Subthreshold Swing Improvement
Authors: Lin Jyi-Tsong , Weng Shao-Cheng
Published: June 2023

This article presents a new line tunneling dominating metal-semiconductor contact-induced SiGe-Si tunnel field-effect transistor with control gate (CG-Line iTFET). With a structure where two symmetrical control gates at the drain region are given a sufficient negative bias, the overlap of the energy bands at the drain in the OFF-state is effectively suppressed, thus reducing the tunneling probability and significantly decreasing leakage current. Additionally, the large overlap area between the source and gate improves the gate’s ability to control the tunneling interface effectively, improving the ON-state current and subthreshold swing characteristics. By using the Schottky contact characteristics of a metal-semiconductor contact with different work functions to form a PN junction, the need to control doping profiles or random doping fluctuations is avoided. Furthermore, as ion implantation is not required, issues related to subsequent annealing are also eliminated, which greatly reducing thermal budget. Due to the different material bandgap characteristics selected for the source and drain regions, the probability of overlap of the energy bands in the source region in the ON-state is increased and that in the drain region in the OFF-state is reduced. Based on the feasibility of the actual fabrication process and through rigorous 2D simulation studies, improvements in subthreshold swing and high on/off current ratio can be achieved simultaneously based on the proposed device structure. Additionally, the presence of the control gate structure effectively suppresses leakage current, further enhancing its potential for low power consumption applications.
Optimization of a therapeutic laser accelerated proton beam at 94.8 MeV for Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Omari Husam Y. Al , Yahia Mohamed E. , Almomani Ali M. , Metwally Walid A. , Al-Omari Balqees Y.
Published: June 2023

Recent advances in laser-accelerated proton technology have unveiled potential applications for Stereotactic Radiosurgery. In this study, we present a beamline simulation designed by TraceWin and SRIM codes to optimize the spectral and spatial properties of a laser-driven proton beam. The simulation incorporates four quadrupoles for beam focusing, an energy selection aperture aided by a cylindrical on-axis absorber, a scatterer, and an angular selection aperture for energy smoothing and collimation. By optimizing the beamline configuration, we have achieved a uniform beam with dose rates surpassing even those utilized in FLASH radiotherapy, allowing the delivery of high doses to millimeter-scale volumes within nanosecond timescales. To validate the efficacy of our beamline for therapeutic applications of radiosurgery, we conducted another comprehensive simulation study on the irradiation of a hypothetical tumor in a head phantom using Geant4 and FLUKA Monte Carlo-based codes. The results demonstrate that the downstream protons exhibit a narrow energy spread of 94.8 ± 3.9 MeV and a homogenized lateral profile with a possible proton dose of 0.022 J/kg at the center of the tumor. The study also included the Boron dose enhancement and secondary radiation environment. By leveraging laser-accelerated protons instead of cyclotrons, our unique platform offers a precise and relatively cost-effective infrastructure for a laser-accelerated proton beam Stereotactic Radiosurgery.
Unlocking the Green Solution: Synergistic Effects of Progesterone and Brassinosteroids in Enhancing Progesterone Phytoremediation and Antioxidant Capacity of Solanum nigrum L.
Authors: Pinto Ana , Silva Daniela Correia da , Cardoso Ana , Fernandes Fátima , Soares Cristiano , Valentão Patrícia , Fidalgo Fernanda , Teixeira Jorge
Published: June 2023

Aims
Progesterone (PROG) has been detected in various concentrations in the environment, with adverse effects on humans and wildlife. So, approaches for reducing the accumulation of this steroid in the environment must be studied. This work aimed at evaluating the phytoremediation potential of PROG by Solanum nigrum L. plants and to understand if 2,4 epibrassinolide (24-EBL) could enhance this species’ tolerance or remediation capacities.
Methods
Three treatments were assembled: 1) control; 2) plants grown in the presence of 0.8 µM PROG; and 3) plants that grew in the presence of 0.8 µM PROG were pre-treated with a foliar application of 10 µM 2,4-EBL (PROG/24 EBL). PROG levels in the nutrient solution, and several antioxidant-related biochemical and molecular endpoints in roots and shoots, were evaluated after 20 days of treatment.
Results
HPLC-DAD analysis showed that no PROG was detected in the nutrient solution after 20 days of treatment. Lipid peroxidation significantly decreased in response to PROG in shoots and roots and the pretreatment with 24 EBL was even more effective for both organs. Also, a decrease in H2O2 levels was observed in both treatments for shoots and roots. Plus, the exogenous application of both steroid hormones increased the plants’ antioxidant system both at the biochemical and gene expression levels.
Conclusions
These results show that S. nigrum can rapidly phytoremediate PROG per se with no negative effects to its growth and that the use of 24 EBL synergistically decreases oxidative damage and enhances the PROG removal ability of the plants.
Takayasu Arteritis and Hyperthyroidism ——A secondary hypertension case report
Authors: He Lian-Man , Liu Min , Dong Wen-yong , Sun Xiao-lin
Published: June 2023

Background: Renovascular disease and hyperthyroidism are secondary hypertension. Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic, progressive, non-specific great vasculitis involving the aorta and its major branches. It is one of the causes of renal artery stenosis. Hyperthyroidismis an endocrine disease caused by improper continuous synthesis and secretion of excessive thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. Both diseases can raise blood pressure.
Case presentation: we present a case of 18-year-old. Female, After exercise, fatigue palpitations. The maximum blood pressure(BP) was 190/87 mmHg, ankle-brachial index (ABI )was less than 0.9. C-reactive protein (CRP)and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)were elevated. Imaging revealed Multiple vascular stenosis. T3,T4, FT3,FT4,TPO-Ab and TR-Ab were elevated. TSH reduced. she was diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis and hyperthyroidism. After treatment, the blood pressure was normal, the thyroid function gradually returned to normal, and the symptoms improved.
Conclusion: It is suggested that the blood pressure of both upper limbs should be measured in newly diagnostic hypertension, Few cases of Takayasu arteritis complicated with hyperthyroidism have been reported. Both diseases are related to the immune system, whether there is any correlation between the two diseases, further research is needed. Early diagnosis, early treatment, the earlier intervention, the better prognosis.
High-speed circulation microflow synthesis facilitating practical large-scale heterogeneous photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Chenguang , Song Lei , Liu Qiong , Chen Weihao , Wang Mu , Zhang Yanbin , Tan Ting Wei , Xu Jinhui , Lei Zhexuan , Cheng Lei , Khan Saif , Wu Jie
Published: June 2023

Although continuous-flow synthesis using microtubing reactors has provided a wealth of opportunities for photochemical synthesis and has proven particularly beneficial in scaling up processes, handling solids and slow reactions remains major hurdles that have hampered its broad application. Here, we present a solution to these issues by changing the continuous-flow mode to a high-speed circulation-flow mode. The high flow rate set in a circulation microflow reactor overcomes solid sedimentation to prevent clogging and improve mixing efficiency. We successfully conducted 100 g-scale C-N and C-S cross-couplings using a heterogeneous photocatalyst and a nickel catalyst in the microflow reactor that significantly outperformed conventional batch reactors. The photocatalyst was recycled and reused 10 times to achieve kg-scale synthesis without obvious deactivation. Even though the reaction occurred in batch mode, semi-continuous production was achieved via automated feeding and collection, and a photo-promoted gas/liquid/solid three-phase trifluoromethylation reaction was employed to produce the drug trifluridine on a kg scale. Our study suggests that a circulation flow reactor with high flow speed will become a crucial tool in the synthetic chemist’s toolbox, owing to its simple infrastructure, ease of operation and automation, significant efficiency improvement compared to conventional batch reactors, scalability, improved safety and tolerance of solids.
Analysis of Adipose Tissue Cytokine Profile in a Chronic Kidney Disease Model with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Li Delun , Chen Bixia , Yuan Siyu , Zhang Min , Wang Xu , Liu Ran , Zhang Li , Chen Xiangmei
Published: June 2023

Background
To analyze and compare the cytokine profiles in the adipose of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) model via cytokine antibody chip technology.
Methods
Established CKD and DN models with insulin resistance (IR), and analyzed and compared the different cytokines via cytokine antibody chip technology.
Results
The CKD model with IR (CKDIR) and DN model with IR are accompanied by pathological changes respectively. Thirty differentially expressed proteins were found in the adipocytes of mice in the CKDIR group. The main proteins of action were inflammatory factors. Thirty-four differentially expressed factors were found in tissues of DN mice. The main proteins of action were the lipopolysaccharide response, inflammatory response and other biological processes.
Conclusions
Both CKD and DN models were associated with IR. Adipose differential factors between CKD-IR and DN suggest different molecular pathogenesis of IR associated with CKD and DN.
Bimodal distribution of inter-individual distance in free-ranging narrow-ridged finless porpoises—Potential use of visual and auditory cues
Authors: Terada Tomoyoshi , Morisaka Tadamichi , Yagi Genfu , Kanda Ikuko , Ogawa Kiyohiro , Yoshioka Motoi
Published: June 2023

Animals must adjust their inter-individual distances (IIDs) by using several cues from other individuals; therefore, IIDs are expected to be restricted by the transmissive distances of such cues. In this study, the IIDs of free-ranging narrow-ridged finless porpoises (NRFPs) (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis) are shown to have two distributions that may correspond to the transmissive ranges or active spaces of visual and auditory cues. IIDs were measured using 2.8-h drone video data (DJI Air 2S) at a high altitude (ca. 400 m) for 12 d in two study areas in Ise Bay, Japan. The distribution of IIDs was divided into three categories based on the results of the Bayesian Information Criterion in both areas. The first (6.5 and 5.7 m, in Areas 2 and 1 on average, respectively) and second distribution (102.1 and 80.6 m in Areas 2 and 1 on average, respectively) were significantly shorter than the null model predicted by drone angle of view, whereas the third distribution (248.2 m in Area 2 and 203.2 m in Area 1 in average) did not significantly differ from the null model (Kolmogorov–Smirnov test; p < 0.01 and p = 0.48, respectively). The first distribution of IIDs corresponded to the visible range (water clarity in Ise Bay: approximately 5 m), and the second distribution corresponded to the audible range (active space of echolocation clicks in Ise Bay: median 72.15 m). Free-ranging NRFPs, which have a simple social system, may adjust their IIDs using visible and audible cues from other individuals.
Does Tranexamic acid diminish hemorrhage and pain in open elbow arthrolysis? a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nejat Mohammad Hadi , Khayami Amirhosein , Daliri Mahla , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad-H , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Moradi Ali
Published: June 2023

Background/ObjectiveEffective hemostasis has the potential to reduce inflammation and pain, leading to potential benefits in the early rehabilitation of patients who undergo elbow arthrolysis. In the present study, we aim to assesse the effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) on elbow arthrolysis postoperative blood loss, patients' pain perception according to the visual analog scale (VAS), elbow range of motion (ROM), and complications.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library for studies comparing blood loss between intravenous (IV) TXA and placebo/no treatment. One randomized clinical trial, and three non-randomized clinical trial studies met eligibility criteria.ResultsThe meta-analysis determined that tranexamic acid application reduced drain output 34mm on average (WMD: -34.00 (95% CI: -49.45, -18.55). There was a discrepancy among included articles in terms of intra-operative blood loss; although the study with the largest sample size (291 and 296 patients in the case and control groups, respectively) reported reduced intra-operative blood loss in patients who received TXA. Results for pain intensity, ROM, and complications such as hematoma and ulnar nerve palsy were inconsistent.ConclusionTXA may be beneficial to reduce elbow arthrolysis bleeding volume. However, it dose not seem to affect final elbow ROM and patients’ pain score. Further high-quality clinical trials are needed to draw a robust conclusion on this topic.Level of evidence:level I (systematic review and meta analysis)
Impacts of different medicinal herbs blends as feed additives on the performance, carcass characteristics, immune traits and some blood constituents of Japanese Quail
Authors: Metwally Moustafa M.
Published: June 2023

Objective:The effects of six blends of medicinal herbs on performance, carcass characteristics, blood constituents and immunological parameters of Japanese Quail were studied.
Material and Methods: A total of 180 (one hundred eighty), one-day-old unsexed quail chicks were allocated into six dietary treatments including basal diet with no supplement as control group (T1), basal diet plus 15 g/kg of herbal blends including; cinnamon and thyme powder (T2), rosemary and anise seed powder (T3), caraway and coriander powder (T4), Fenugreek and cumin seed powder (T5) and parsley and watercress powder (T6).
Results:The results showed that live body weight (BW) was significantly (P<0.05) increased in birds fed blends of fenugreek and cumin containing diet at 7 days of age as compared to control. Body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) improved in birds fed blends of parsley and watercress containing diet in 28, 35 and 42 days of age as compared to control. Liver percentage achieved significantly (P<0.05) the highest percentage in chicks fed blends of rosemary and anise seeds powder compared to the other treatments. While, heart percentage achieved the highest percentage in chicks fed blends of caraway and coriander powder compared to the other treatments. Carcass percentage achieved the highest value in chicks fed the control diet. No significant (P>0.05) differences due to the herbs blends supplementation on dressed percentage. Significant (P<0.05) differences due to medicinal herbs supplementation on albumin, glucose, phosphorus, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase. No significant differences on total protein, calcium, cholesterol, GOT and GPT. There were significant (P<0.05) effects of medicinal plants herbs supplementation on all immunological parameters (IgM, IgG, IgA) and Bursa of Fabricius and spleen percentages.
In conclusion, blend T6 that contained parsley and watercress powder may be a proper candidate to fulfill the demand of poultry industry in search for safe and efficient growth enhancers.
Mach number dependence of Spectral Character of Unsteady Pressure field on Axisymmetric Backward Facing Step: Transonic Flows
Authors: Vikramaditya N S , Viji M
Published: June 2023

The unsteady pressure field over an axisymmetric backward-facing step was investigated experimentally at transonic Mach numbers of 1.05, 1.2, and 1.4. The study was aimed at examining the influence of transonic Mach numbers on the spatio-temporal character of the unsteady pressure field and on the dominant modes/mechanisms driving it. Surface flow visualization, Schlieren, and unsteady pressure measurements were carried out as a part of the experimental investigation. From oil flow visualization and schlieren, the reattachment region was identified, and consequently, the mean reattachment length was estimated. The mean reattachment length shows an increase with the increase in Mach number. The coefficient of mean pressure along the rearbody imitates a classical backward-facing step flow profile and can be divided into three distinct regions. The peak values of the coefficient of mean pressure and the coefficient of rms are seen to decrease with an increase in the freestream Mach number. Conventional spectral analysis reveals that as the Mach number increases, the dominant peak in the spectra shifts to lower frequencies. From the spectra, three dominant fluid dynamic mechanisms depending on the Mach number have been identified. Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) analysis shows that 79–84% of the total energy contribution comes from the first six modes. The temporal dynamics of the POD modes indicate three prominent mechanisms are responsible for the unsteady pressure field. Spectral analysis of POD modes indicates that the spectra are primarily driven by the first three POD modes for M∞=1.05 and the first two modes for M∞=1.2 and 1.4. Moreover, it reveals the presence of three dominant modes, and the freestream Mach number strongly dictates the dominant mode that is driving the pressure field.
Synergistic effect of polymyxin B with baicalein against mcr-1 postive Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Longbo , Sun Feifei , Gao Yiming , Ji Qianyu , Fu Linran , Liu Zhihai , Qu Shaoqi , Li Lin
Published: June 2023

The frequent emergence of multi-drug resistance Escherichia coli (E. coli) in both poultry and human health has facilitated the demand of seeking a novel therapeutic alternative. Traditional Chinese medicine has become a recent hotspot in drug development due to its efficacious assistance with existing antibiotics against drug-resistant pathogens. Herein, we estimated the synergistic effect of polymyxin B and baicalein (the major integrant of a Chinese herb, Scutellaria baicalensis) against mcr-1 positive E. coli HP144 through checkerboard assays accompanying the time-killing curve, and found that baicalein significantly amplified antimicrobial activity of polymyxin B. E. coli treated with polymyxin B and baicalein also showed an obviously enhanced destruction of bacterial outer membranes through scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, transcriptome and metabolome analysis were implemented to reveal the molecular mechanism. Various differentially expressed genes were identified between polymyxin B and the drug combined group, especially lipopolysaccharide (LPS) core synthesis genes (rfaQ, rfbB and rfaP) and efflux pump correlative genes (evgA, arcA and mgrB). Metabolome results also illustrated significant alterations of multiple metabolites, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and D-Alanyl-Dalanine dipeptide, which are closely associated with bacterial invasion and outer membrane integrity. Subsequently, mice infection models were utilized to discuss the efficacy of synergistic therapy in vivo. After the co-treatment of polymyxin B and baicalein, bacteria loads in mice abdomens were significantly diminished and the survival rate was remarkably increased by ameliorating inflammatory reactions in mice. In conclusion, by increasing the antibiotic permeability of outer membranes, baicalein could efficiently improve the bactericidal effects of polymyxin B in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating its promising potential as a polymyxin B adjuvant and antibiotic alternative.
Genetic risk assessment based on association andprediction studies
Authors: Astrologo Nicole Cathlene , Gaudillo Joverlyn , Albia Jason , Roxas-Villanueva Ranzivelle Marianne
Published: June 2023

The genetic basis of phenotypic emergence provides valuable information for assessing individual risk. While associationstudies have been pivotal in identifying genetic risk factors within a population, complementing it with insights derived frompredictions studies that assess individual-level risk offers a more comprehensive approach to understanding phenotypicexpression. In this study, we established personalized risk assessment models using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)data from 200 Korean patients, of which 100 experienced hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and 100 patientsdemonstrated high levels of HBsAg. The risk assessment models determined the predictive power of the following: (1)genome-wide association study (GWAS)-identified candidate biomarkers considered significant in a reference study and(2) machine learning (ML)-identified candidate biomarkers with the highest feature importance scores obtained by usingrandom forest (RF). While utilizing all features yielded 64% model accuracy, using relevant biomarkers achieved higher modelaccuracies: 82% for 52 GWAS-identified candidate biomarkers, 71% for three GWAS-identified biomarkers, and 80% for 150ML-identified candidate biomarkers. Findings highlight that the joint contributions of relevant biomarkers significantly influencephenotypic emergence. On the other hand, combining ML-identified candidate biomarkers into the pool of GWAS-identifiedcandidate biomarkers resulted in the improved predictive accuracy of 90%, demonstrating the capability of ML as an auxiliaryanalysis to GWAS. Furthermore, some of the ML-identified candidate biomarkers were found to be linked with hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC), reinforcing previous claims that HCC can still occur despite the absence of HBsAg.
HIF-1α through NLRP3/GSDMD pathway regulates the mechanism of acute ischemic stroke microglia scorching mechanism
Authors: Ma Xin , He Jinjuan , Aikeranmu Shateer , Xiu Fangjie , Geng Renjie , Tang Lihong , Yuan Jing , Ayipare Abuduhailili
Published: June 2023

Introduction: HIF-1 α is an oxygen concentration-sensitive protein that regulates the emergency response to hypoxia. Microglial pyroptosis is closely related to cerebral ischemic injury. In this study, through in vitro cell modeling in order to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of HIF-1 α on microglial pyroptosis and inflammation in the acute phase of the cerebral ischemia and hypoxia.
Methods: In vitro experiments with microglia, the acute phase oxyoxygenation model (oxygen-glucose deprivation / reoxygenation, OGD/R) was established, and the optimal time of intervention was determined by measuring the survival rate with CCK-8. Overexpression and suppressed expression of HIF-1α factors, and the experiment were divided into blank group (Group A), OGD/R model group (Group B), OGD/R model + FG-4592 intervention group (Group C),model + siRNA negative control group (Group D), and model + HIF-1 α -siRNA group (Group E). Cell proliferation and cell supernatant LDH concentration were measured in different groups. IL-1β and IL-18 levels in cell supernatants were determined by ELISA. Western blot The protein expression levels of HIF-1α, GSDMD-D, GSDMD-N, cle-Caspase-1, and NLRP3 were determined by the same method.
Results: Finally, hypoxia for 6 h reoxygenation for 12 h was the optimal intervention time. Compared with groups B and D, group C increased cell proliferation and decrease in LDH, IL-1β and IL-18 was statistically significant (P<0.05), while group Edecreased cell proliferation and increase in LDH, IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with groups B and D, GSDMD-D, GSDMD-N, clean-Caspase-1, and NLRP 3 proteins were significantly lower in group C but significantly increased in group E cells (P <0.05).
Conclusion: BV2 cells in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia and hypoxia, found that upregulated HIF-1α expression would reduce microglial pyroptosis and modulation of inflammatory responses. Furthermore, we found that HIF-1α inhibited microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/GSDMD pathway, and this conclusion provides a potential target for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke in the acute phase.
The central dogma of biological homochirality: How does chiral information propagate in a prebiotic network?
Authors: Ozturk S. Furkan , Sasselov Dimitar D. , Sutherland John D.
Published: June 2023

Biological systems are homochiral, raising the question of how a racemic mixture of prebiotically synthesized biomolecules could attain a homochiral state at the network level. Based on our recent results, we aim to address a related question of how chiral information might have flowed in a prebiotic network. Utilizing the crystallization properties of the central RNA precursor known as ribose-aminooxazoline (RAO), we showed that its homochiral crystals can be obtained from its fully racemic solution on a magnetic mineral surface, due to the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect. Moreover, we uncovered a mechanism facilitated by the CISS effect through which chiral molecules, like RAO, can uniformly magnetize such surfaces in a variety of planetary environments in a persistent manner. All this is very tantalizing, because recent experiments with tRNA analogs demonstrate high stereoselectivity in the attachment of L-amino acids to D-ribonucleotides, enabling the transfer of homochirality from RNA to peptides. Therefore the biological homochirality problem may be reduced to ensuring that a single common RNA precursor (e.g. RAO) can be made homochiral. The emergence of homochirality at RAO then allows for the chiral information to propagate through RNA, then to peptides, and ultimately, through enantioselective catalysis, to metabolites. This directionality of the chiral information flow parallels that of the central dogma of molecular biology--the unidirectional transfer of genetic information from nucleic acids to proteins.
Relationship between three reproductive factors and lung cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Yifan , Zhu Xingyu , Jing Wangwei , Wang Xiaohong , He Zhengfu
Published: June 2023

Background There is increasing evidence that sex hormones are involved in the development of lung cancer, but the correlation between reproductive behavior that changes sex hormone levels and lung cancer is not clear. Therefore, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential relationship between age at first sexual intercourse (AFS), menarche, menopause and lung cancer.Methods We performed MR analysis of the data from genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry to evaluate the independent effects of three reproductive behaviors on lung cancer over all (LUCA), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), squamous cell lung cancer (LUSC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We mainly used inverse variance weighting (IVW) method for MR analysis. Sensitivity was determined by MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) analysis, weighted median analysis, MR-Egger analysis, and Leave-one-out analysis.Results We found that older AFS had a causal relationship with LUCA [odds ratio (OR) = 0.6283, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.4959 ~ 0.7961, P = 0.0001], LUAD (OR = 0.7042, 95% CI = 0.4967 ~ 0.9984, P = 0.049) and LUSC (OR = 0.6231, 95% CI = 0.4386 ~ 0.8853, P = 0.0083) by MR analysis.Conclusion Our results observed a causal relationship between older AFS and lower lung cancer risk. It emphasizes the importance of providing sex education since early sexual intercourse may have undesirable effects. In addition, early psychological treatment is also essential.
A suitable model to investigate acute neurological consequences of coronavirus infection
Authors: Pimenta Jordane , Oliveira Bruna Silva , Lima Anna Luiza Diniz , Machado Caroline Amaral , Lacerda Larisse de Souza Barbosa , Rossi Leonardo , Queiroz-Junior Celso Martins , Souza-Costa Luiz Pedro , Andrade Ana Claudia dos Santos Pereira , Gonçalves Matheus Rodrigues , Mota Bárbara , Marim Fernanda Martins , Aguiar Renato Santana , Guimarães Pedro Pires Goulart , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio , Vieira Luciene Bruno , Guatimosim Cristina , Teixeira Mauro Martins , Miranda Aline Silva , Costa Vivian Vasconcelos
Published: June 2023

Objective and design:
The present study aimed to investigate the neurochemical and behavioral effects of the acute consequences after coronavirus infection through a murine model.
Material:
Wild type C57 BL/6 mice were infected intranasally (i.n) with the murine coronavirus 3 (MHV-3).
Methods:
Mice were submitted to behavioral tests. Euthanasia was performed on the fifth day after infection (5 dpi), and the brain tissue was subjected to plaque assays for viral titration, synaptosome, ELISA, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis.
Results:
Increased viral titers associated with mild histological changes, including signs of neuronal degeneration, were observed in the cerebral cortex of infected mice. Importantly, MHV-3 infection induced an increase in cortical levels of glutamate and calcium, as well as increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ) and reduced levels of neuroprotective mediators (BDNF and CX3CL1) in the mice brain, which is suggestive of excitotoxicity. Finally, behavioral analysis showed impaired motor, anhedonic and anxiety-like behaviors in animals infected with MHV-3.
Conclusions:
Overall, the data presented emulate many aspects of the acute neurological outcomes seen in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, this model may provide a preclinical platform to study acute neurological sequelae induced by coronavirus infection and test possible therapies.
Undergraduate Medical Students’ Clinical Supervision at The Primary Health Care Services: A Cross-Sectional Survey Among General Practitioners in Morocco
Authors: Essoli Samira , Houdali Ghita , Mansoury Ouassim , Mansouri Adil , Adarmouch Latifa , Amine Mohamed , Sebbani Majda
Published: June 2023

Clinical supervision is crucial for medical students. The general practitioners do not receive any clinical supervision training in Morocco. We aim to describe the general practitioners pedagogical practices, motivations, barriers and needs at the primary health care services. This is a cross-sectional study among general practitioners in Morocco using a volunteer sampling. Data were collected using an online survey, which has included demographics, pedagogical practices, motivations, barriers and needs of the general practitioners. In addition to descriptive statistics, a bivariate analysis was performed using SPSS to identify the associated factors to interest in clinical supervision. The degree of significance is fixed at 5%. 223 general practitioners have participated. The mean age was 43.0 ± 12.8 years with a sex-ratio female/male of 1.52. More than a half of the general practitioners (56.5%) had been working in the public sector. A majority of general practitioners were interested by clinical supervision (82%). The associated factors with the interest in clinical supervision were the exercise in team (p = 0.02) and low job seniority (p = 0.03), general practitioners motivations and needs. Observation (82.4%), direct supervision (82.6%) and explicative discussion around a case (94.6%) were the main pedagogical practices. The principles barriers for the general practitioners were the lack or absence of training on clinical supervision (75.3%) and, understanding of rotations objectives (67.3%). The general practitioners in Morocco were interested in clinical supervision. The majority of general practitioners were interested in CS (82%). The general practitioners motivations and needs have to be reinforced in order to enhance their interest.
Risk factors affecting the severity of radiation pneumonitis after intensity-modulated radiation therapy
Authors: Li Shuting , Zheng Qixian , Hu Cong , Xue Dan , Yang Sheng , Chen Xiangqi
Published: June 2023

Purpose:Radiation pneumonitis (RP) is a prevalent complication of thoracic tumor radiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between clinical and dosimetric factors and the severity of acute radiation pneumonitis (ARP).Methods:We retroactively analyzed the clinical data of 90 patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) from 2017 to 2019 who developed RP. The CTCAE v4.03 criteria were utilized to grade the severity of pneumonitis. To identify potential predictive factors and their association with the severity of RP, both univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. For the univariate analysis, Kruskal-Wallis rank sums tests were used to compare clinical and dosimetric data of patients with different severity grades of RP. Whenever applicable, p-values were Bonferroni-adjusted.Results:The study's sample consisted of 90 patients diagnosed with RP, with an average age of 57.4 ± 11.1 years (range: 31-85). Univariate analysis revealed a significant association between the severity of ARP and age, sex, ECOG performance status, smoking history, tumor type, treatment mode, and radiation dose (p< 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, ECOG performance status showed a significant association with the severity of ARP (odds ratio (OR) = 5.501, confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.312～3.098,P= 0.016) .Conclusion:The severity of RP following thoracic radiotherapy is associated with several patient-related and dosimetric factors, including age, sex, ECOG performance status, smoking history, tumor type, treatment mode, and radiation dose. Therefore, comprehensive evaluation of these risk factors before radiotherapy are crucial to enhance treatment outcomes and patient prognosis.
An Estimation of Regional Climate Sensitivity Using Annual Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide and Land Use Changes over Iraq
Authors: Tawfeek Yasmin Q. , Al-Saadi Luma M. , Al-Jiboori Monim H. , Mahmood Dalia A.
Published: June 2023

Climate sensitivity is the measurement of rising average surface air temperature resulting from doubling the atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and changes in land cover caused by human activities. Based on annual CO2 concentrations (2003–2016), built-up areas, and average surface air temperature, (1971–2022), this sensitivity is estimated in terms of transient climate response (TCR) and equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) and changes in built-up areas for three cities of Iraq: Basra, Baghdad, and Mosul as well as in the whole Iraq. The results show that the values of TCR and ECS in Baghdad are 6.2 and 9.2°C respectively, which are higher than the recommended range by IPCC 5th assessment report, thus the increase in CO2 concentrations will exacerbate regional warming effect, while their values (2.8 and 4.2°C) were found to be within this range for overall Iraq. Also, the results show that built-up area changes have been contributed to increase average air temperature in Basra and Baghdad, while they are not in Mosul, which seems to be affected more by global warming.