bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantified Pathway Mutations Associate Epithelial- Mesenchymal Transition and Immune Escape with Poor Prognosis and Immunotherapy Resistance of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yuhong , Liu Han , Liu Bo , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Danya , Xue Junyuan , Li Nan , Zhu Lei , Yang Liu , Xiao Jing , Liu Chao
Published: July 2023

Background
Pathway mutations have been calculated to predict the poor prognosis and immunotherapy resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). To uncover the unique markers predicting prognosis and immune therapy response, the accurately quantified pathway mutations are required to evaluate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune escape. Yet, there is a lack of score to accurately quantify pathway mutations.
Material and methods
Firstly, we proposed Individualized Weighted Hallmark Gene Set Mutation Burden (IWHMB, https://github.com/YuHongHuang-lab/IWHMB) which integrated pathway structure information and eliminated the interference of global Tumor Mutation Burden to accurately quantify pathway mutations. Subsequently, to further elucidate the association of IWHMB with EMT and immune escape, support vector machine regression model was used to identify IWHMB-related transcriptomic features (IRG), while Adversarially Regularized Graph Autoencoder (ARVGA) was used to further resolve IRG network features. Finally, Random walk with restart algorithm was used to identify biomarkers for predicting ICI response.
Results
We quantified the HNSCC pathway mutation signature and identified pathway mutation subtypes using IWHMB. The IWHMB-related transcriptomic features (IRG) identified by support vector machine regression were divided into 5 communities by ARVGA, among which the community 1 that enriched with malignant mesenchymal components promoted EMT dynamically and regulated immune patterns associated with ICI responses. Bridge Hub Gene (BHG) identified by random walk with restart was key to IWHMB in EMT and immune escape, thus, more predictive for ICI response than other 70 Public signatures.
Conclusion
In summary, the novel pathway mutation scoring-IWHMB suggested that the elevated malignancy mediated by pathway mutations is a major cause of poor prognosis and immunotherapy failure in HNSCC, and is capable of identifying novel biomarkers to predict immunotherapy response.
The explosive phonolitic volcanism of Petite-Terre (Mayotte, Western Indian Ocean)
Authors: LACOMBE Tristan , Gurioli Lucia , Muro Andrea Di , Médard Etienne , Berthod Carole , Bachèlery Patrick , Bernard Julien , Sadeski Ludivine , Besson Pascale , Komorowski Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2023

We describe four Quaternary volcanic phonolitic explosive edifices containing mantle xenoliths on Petite-Terre Island (Mayotte, Comoros Archipelago, Western Indian Ocean) to quantifying magma fragmentation processes and eruptive dynamics. Petite-Terre explosive volcanism is the westernmost subaerial expression of a 60 km volcanic chain, whose eastern submarine tip has been the site of the 2018–2021 sub-marine eruption which saw the birth of a new volcano, Fani Maoré. The scattered recent volcanic activity and the persistence of deep seismic activity along the volcanic chain requires to constrain the origin of past activity as a proxy of possible future volcanic activity on land. Through geomorphology, stratigraphy, grain size and componentry data we show that Petite-Terre tuff rings and tuff cones are likely formed by several closely spaced eruptions forming a monogenetic volcanic complex. The eruptive sequences are composed of few, relatively thin (cm-dm) coarse and lithic rich pumice fallout layers containing abundant ballistic clasts, and fine-ash rich deposits mostly emplaced by dilute pyroclastic density current (PDCs). All deposits are dominated by vesiculated, juvenile (pumice clasts, dense clasts, and obsidian) and non-juvenile clasts from older mafic scoria cones, coral reef and the volcanic shield of Mayotte as well as mantle xenoliths. We conclude that phonolitic magma ascended directly and rapidly from the mantle and first experienced a purely magmatic fragmentation at depth (≈ 1 km deep). The fragmented pyroclasts underwent a second shallower hydromagmatic, fragmentation where they interacted with liquid water, producing fine ash and building the tuff ring and tuff cone morphologies.
Real clinical outcomes of nivolumab plus ipilimumab for renal cell carcinoma in patients over 75 years old.
Authors: Kobayashi Mizuki , Numakura Kazuyuki , Hatakeyama Shingo , Ishida Toshiya , Koizumi Atsushi , Tadachi Kazuki , Igarashi Ryoma , Takayama Koichiro , Muto Yumina , Sekine Yuya , Sobu Ryuta , Sasagawa Hajime , Kashima Soki , Yamamoto Ryohei , Nara Taketoshi , Akashi Hideo , Saito Mitsuru , Narita Shintaro , Ohyama Chikara , Habuchi Tomonori
Published: July 2023

Background
Although nivolumab plus ipilimumab is the standard treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), its efficacy and safety in older patients remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of nivolumab plus ipilimumab for metastatic RCC in patients aged ≥ 75 years.
Methods
We enrolled 120 patients with metastatic RCC treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab from August 2015 to January 2023. Objective response rates (ORRs) were compared between patients aged < 75 and ≥ 75 years. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were compared between the groups. Adverse events were evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1.
Results
Among the patients, 57 and 63 were classified as intermediate and poor risk, respectively, and one could not be classified. The median follow-up duration after the initiation of treatment was 16 months. The patient characteristics between the groups, except for age, were not significantly different. Intergroup differences in ORR (42% vs. 40%; p = 0.818), PFS (HR: 0.820, 95% CI: 0.455–1.479; p = 0.510), and median OS (HR: 1.492, 95% CI: 0.737–3.020; p = 0.267) were not significant. The incidence of adverse events (50% vs. 67%; p = 0.111) and nivolumab plus ipilimumab discontinuation due to adverse events was not significantly different between the groups (14% vs. 13%; p = 0.877).
Conclusions
The effectiveness of nivolumab plus ipilimumab was comparable between patients with metastatic RCC aged < 75 and those ≥ 75 years with respect to their ORRs, PFS, OS, and adverse event rates.
Complete chloroplast genomes of 13 plants of sect. Tuberculata Chang (Camellia L.): Genomic features, comparative analysis, and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Ran Zhaohui , Xiao Xu , Li Zhi , An Mingtai , Yan Chao
Published: July 2023

Background
Sect. Tuberculata belongs to Camellia, and its members are characterized by a wrinkled pericarp and united filaments. All the plants in this group, which are endemic to China, are highly valuable for exploring the evolution of Camellia and have great potential to be used as a source of oil. However, due to the complex and diverse phenotypes of these species and the difficulty of investigating them in the field, their complex evolutionary history and interspecific definition are largely unclear.
Results
Therefore, we newly sequenced and annotated 12 chloroplast (cp) genomes and retrieved the published cp genome of Camellia anlungensis Chang in sect. Tuberculata. In this study, comparative analysis of the cp genomes of the thirteen sect. Tuberculata species have a typical quadripartite structure characterized by a total sequence length from 156,587 bp to 157,068 bp, including the LSC region (86,212 − 86,732 bp), the SSC region (51,986 − 52,130 bp), and two identical inverted repeat (IR) regions (18,276 − 18,339 bp). A total of 130 to 136 genes specific to the three types were obtained by annotation, including protein-coding genes (coding sequences (CDSs)), tRNA genes, and rRNA genes (87–91, 35–37, and 8, respectively). Simple sequence repeats and interspersed repeats were detected in 69–75 and 27–28, respectively. The total number of codons is 23,045 − 26,557. Comparative analyses revealed six hotspot regions (tRNA-Thr(GGT)-psbD, psbE-petL, ycf15-tRNA-Leu(CAA), ndhF-rpl32, ndhD, and trnL(CAA)-ycf15) in the cp genomes that could serve as potential molecular markers. In addition, the results of the phylogenetic tree constructed on the basis of the cp genomes showed that the thirteen Sect. Tuberculata species formed a monophyletic group and were divided into two evolutionarily independent clades, confirming the independence of the section.
Conclusions
In summary, we obtained the cp genomes of thirteen plants of sect. Tuberculata and performed the first comparative analysis of this group. These results will help us better identify the plants of this section, deepen our understanding of their genetic characteristics and phylogenetic relationships, and to lay the theoretical foundation for its accurate classification, evolutionary pattern changes, and rational development and utilization in the future.
Thioredoxin-1 decreases alpha-synuclein induced by MPTP through promoting autophagy-lysosome pathway
Authors: Bai Jie , Gu Rou , Bai Liping , Yan Fang , Zhang Se , Zhang Xianwen , Deng Ruhua , Sun Bo , Hu Xiaomei , Zeng Xiansi , Li Ye
Published: July 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by Lewy body. Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a major component of Lewy body. Autophagy eliminates damaged organelles and abnormal aggregated proteins. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is a redox regulating protein and plays roles in protecting neurons against neurotoxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). However, the relationship between Trx-1 and α-syn in PD is still unknown. The movement disorder and dopaminergic neurotoxicity in MPTP PD mice were improved by Trx-1 overexpression, whereas were aggravated by Trx-1 knockdown in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in mice. α-syn was increased in MPTP PD mice, which was inhibited by Trx-1 overexpression, whereas was exacerbated in Trx-1 knockdown mice. The autophagosomes were increased by MPTP, which were recovered in Trx-1 overexpressing mice, while were further increased in Trx-1 knockdown in the SNpc in mice under electron microscope. The expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, LC3 II and p62 were induced by MPTP, which were blocked in Trx-1 overexpressing mice, which were further increased in Trx-1 knockdown mice. Cathepsin D was decreased by MPTP, which was restored in Trx-1 overexpressing mice, while was further decreased in Trx-1 knockdown mice. The mRFP-GFP-LC3 green fluorescent dots were increased by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and more green fluorescent dots in Trx-1 siRNA transfection in PC 12 cells, but mRFP-GFP-LC3 red fluorescent dots were increased in Trx-1 overexpressing cells. These results indicate that Trx-1 may eliminate α-syn in PD mice through potentiating autophagy-lysosome pathway.
Detection of Monkeypox virus Using Helicase Dependent Amplification and Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Combined with Lateral Flow Test
Authors: Gulinaizhaer Abudushalamu , Yang Chuankun , Zou Mingyuan , Ma Shuo , Fan Xiaobo , Wu Guoqiu
Published: July 2023

The monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a zoonotic DNA virus that belongs to the poxvirus family. Conventional laboratory methods for detecting MPXV are complex and expensive, making them unsuitable for detecting the virus in regions with limited resources. In this study, we using the Helicase dependent amplification (HDA) method and the Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technique in combination with the lateral flow test (LFT), together with a self-designed qPCR technique for the detection of the monkeypox virus-specific conserved fragment F3L, to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the three assays. The assay results showed that the detection limits for HDA-LFT and RPA-LFT were ༜ 10 copies/µL and for qPCR ༜ 500 copies/µL. The three methods described above showed good specificity in the detection of monkeypox viruses among their congeners. The simple, highly sensitive, and specific MPXV assay developed in this study is anticipated to provide a solid foundation for future applications in the early screening, diagnosis, and evaluation of the efficacy of MPXV. This is the first time the HDA-LFT assay has been utilized to detect MPXV infection.
Is compensatory thickening of puborectalis associated with severity of uterine prolapse postpartum?
Authors: Zhu Shaojun , Liang Weiwei , Zheng Bo , Wu Maonian , Qian Cheng , Li Qiongshan
Published: July 2023

Background
Uterine prolapse comprises the descent of the uterus into the vaginal canal due to weakened or damaged muscles and connective tissues such as ligaments, dramatically impairing women's quality of life. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between uterine prolapse and relevant factors, specifically measurements data obtained from pelvis Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as well as parameters derived from surface electromyography (sEMG) of the pelvic floor muscle (PFM).
Methods
In this retrospective study, 264 patients were allocated into one of three cohorts, including the non uterine prolapse group (NP), the mild uterine prolapse group (MP), and the moderate to severe uterine prolapse group (MSP). MRI was performed on all patients, and their puborectalis thickness (PRT) and uterus-pubococcygeal line (U-PCL) were annotated. sEMG recordings were used to capture fast-twitch stage maximum (FM) and slow-twitch stage average (SA). The study compared PRT, myoelectric parameters of pelvic floor muscle (PFM), and modes of delivery across all three sample groups, followed by a correlation analysis.
Results
Statistically significant variations were found in the left and right PRT and the two myoelectric parameters among the three prolapse groups (p<0.01). There was a weak correlation between left and right PRT and U-PCL (rl=0.377, Npl<0.01, rr=0.336, pr<0.01), as well as between the two myoelectric parameters and U-PCL (rf =-0.169, pf<0.01, rs=-0.203, ps<0.01). Differences in prolapse conditions based on distinct modes of delivery were statistically significant (χ2=12.067, p = 0.017).
Conclusion
It has been commonly observed that as the severity of prolapse increases, myoelectric values tend to decrease while the thickness of the puborectalis muscle increases. Uterine prolapse may result in damage to the puborectalis muscle, leading to compensatory thickening as well as a decrease in myoelectric strength of the pelvic floor muscle. Women who underwent painless labor were more likely to experience uterine prolapse.
Features selection in a predictive model for cardiac surgery- associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Shen Jingjia , Li Qian , Chen Yuye , Zhou Chenghui , Shi Jia , Lv Hong
Published: July 2023

Background
Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is related to increased mobility and mortality. A large number of studies have explored the risk factors of AKI using traditional logistic regression (LR), which requires a generalized linear relationship between covariates and outcome. However, limited studies have explored the influence of different feature selection (FS) methods on the predictive performance of CSA-AKI. Therefore, we aimed to compare the impact of different FS methods for CSA-AKI.
Methods
CSA-AKI is defined according to the kidney disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Both traditional LR and machine learning methods were used to select the potential risk factors for CSA-AKI. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the performance of the models. In addition, the importance matrix plot by random forest was used to rank the features' importance.
Results
A total of 1977 patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Fuwai Hospital from December 2018 to April 2021 were enrolled. The incidence of CSA-AKI during the first postoperative week was 27.8%. We concluded that different enrolled numbers of features impact the final selected feature number. The more you input, the more likely its output with all FS methods. In terms of performance, all selected features by various FS methods demonstrated excellent AUCs. Meanwhile, the embedded method demonstrated the highest accuracy compared with the LR method, while the filter method showed the lowest accuracy. Furthermore, NT-proBNP was found to be strongly associated with AKI. Our results confirmed some features that previous studies have reported and found some novel clinical parameters.
Conclusions
In our study, FS was as suitable as LR for predicting CSA-AKI. For FS, the embedded method demonstrated better efficacy than the other methods. Furthermore, NT-proBNP was found to be strongly associated with AKI.
Technical and economic assessment of bio-syngas production from biomass and its application in natural gas pipelines
Authors: Zhang Zhihai , Rezazgui Olivier , Delcroix Benoit , Mangin Patrice
Published: July 2023

Biomass frequently constrains its widespread application due to its low economic efficiency. In this project, a new approach of biomass application was explored to reduce bio-syngas production cost. A model for the bio-syngas production from biomass gasification and bio-syngas purification (Selexol and water scrubbing) were studied. Based on the simulation results, we assessed the feasibility and viability of the project. Preliminary results showed that the bio-syngas production cost with Selexol (2.15 $/Nm3) is even higher than biomass used in power generation systems (equal to 1.58–2.21 $/Nm3). However, water scrubber was used as bio-syngas purification, the capital investment cost and bio-syngas production cost (1.34 $/Nm3) was significantly reduced. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on the bio-syngas price, which could be further reduced by various factors: biomass price, carbon taxes, and carbon credits. We assumed that bio-syngas was applied to natural gas pipeline, our analysis showed that the application of bio-syngas (2–10% content) to natural gas had little impact on natural gas properties: combustion value and price. The technology of water scrubber makes the applications of biomass-based fuels competitive.
Identification of potential blood biomarkers of coronary artery disease using a cuproptosis gene set
Authors: Li Jia , Xiang Bitao , Chen Yubin , Yin Yue , Fang Cheng , Lei Kaibo , Zhu Zhanwei , Tang Can-E , Luo Fanyan
Published: July 2023

Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a multifactorial cardiovascular disease that causes high mortality worldwide. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered method of programmed cell death, but it is unclear whether it is involved in the development of CAD.
Methods
GSE180081 was downloaded from the GEO database and genes that were differentially expressed in controls and patients with CAD were identified. These were clustered according to the cuproptosis gene set, to identify differentially expressed cuproptosis related genes. The intersection of the two sets of differentially expressed genes was used to identify genes relevant to the diagnosis of CAD using LASSO regression. A diagnostic model was created using the selected genes and logistic regression. Enriched immune genes were identified, the associated ceRNA network was characterized, and drugs that may target the identified genes were searched for.
Results
We identified 818 differentially expressed genes that were common to the CAD and cuproptosis gene sets, which principally represented the cell-substrate junction and the positive regulation of leukemia. Furthermore, HIST1H4E, IL6ST, RN7SKP45, LST1, and SNORD50B were found be potentially useful for the diagnosis of CAD using the diagnostic model. These genes were found to be closely associated with immune modification.
Conclusion
We have constructed a diagnostic prediction model based on a cuproptosis gene set using whole-blood transcriptome data. Using this, we have identified HIST1H4E, IL6ST, and LST1 as potential biomarkers of the risk of CAD. These findings provide a novel approach to the prediction, prevention, and individualized treatment of CAD.
Upgrading the performance of InP/Si based multi junction thin solar cell through Opto-electronics modeling and simulation
Authors: ROY ARIJIT BARDHAN , AKBAR SHAIK
Published: July 2023

Indium Phosphide (InP) and Silicon(Si) based multi junction thin solar cell is one of the most competent devices in PV community which have the potential to fulfill the energy demand of present era with minimum material consumption. Through this study we try to develop different types of designs and evaluate the efficiency of InP/Si based multi-junction solar cells through various opto-electronics simulation studies. During this investigation we achieved more than 18% efficiency of solar cell using optimized doping profile of both materials with 12 µm substrate thickness. Further the electrical model was validated by different optical studies and found its competency in that domain also.
The mediating role of coping style between nurses’ workplace bullying and professional quality of life
Authors: Jiao Rui , Li Jinping , Cheng Nan , Liu Xiangying , Tan Yizhou
Published: July 2023

Aims
This study aimed to explore the relationship between workplace bullying among nurses and their professional quality of life, as well as the mediating role of coping styles between the two factors.
Background
In China, the overall status of nurses' professional quality of life is not optimistic, and the problems of low compassion satisfaction and high empathy fatigue persist. Workplace bullying, which is a serious worldwide problem, can hurt the mental health and professional quality of nurses. However, it has still not attracted enough attention from managers.
Methods
The study used a cross-sectional research design and surveyed 297 clinical nurses from two tertiary grade A hospitals in Wuhan, China. Data were collected through an online questionnaire survey from March to May 2022. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, including Pearson correlation analysis and structural equation modeling.
Results
The score for nurses' workplace bullying was 38.72 ± 12.30. The scores for the three dimensions of professional quality of life were 27.56 ± 4.79 for compassion satisfaction, 30.51 ± 4.33 for burnout, and 28.47 ± 4.65 for secondary trauma stress. The scores for positive coping style and negative coping style were 34.59 ± 5.72 and 20.34 ± 5.08 points, respectively. Workplace bullying has negative and direct effects on compassion satisfaction, and positive and direct effects on burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Coping styles mediate the relationship between workplace bullying and compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress.
Conclusion
Workplace bullying hurts nurses' professional quality of life, while coping style plays an intermediary role between workplace bullying and professional quality of life. Nursing managers can improve nurses' professional quality of life by reducing workplace bullying and enhancing positive responses.
Implications for nursing management:
Nursing managers need to apply management wisdom and methods to promote nurses maintaining a positive work state, and to reduce the existence and harm of workplace bullying, in order to improve the professional quality of life for nurses.
Phenotypic Correlates of Structural and Functional Protein Impairments Resultant from ALDH5A1 Variants
Authors: Latzer Itay Tokatly , Roullet Jean-Baptiste , Cesaro Samuele , DiBacco Melissa L. , Arning Erland , Rotenberg Alexander , Lee Henry H C , Opladen Thomas , Jeltsch Kathrin , García-Cazorla Àngels , Juliá-Palacios Natalia , Gibson K. Michael , Bertoldi Mariarita , Pearl Phillip L.
Published: July 2023

Objective
To investigate the genotype-to-protein-to-phenotype correlations of succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD), an inherited metabolic disorder of γ-aminobutyric acid catabolism.
Methods
Bioinformatics and in silico mutagenesis analyses of ALDH5A1 variants were performed to evaluate their impact on protein stability, active site and co-factor binding domains, splicing, and homotetramer formation. Protein abnormalities were then correlated with a validated disease-specific clinical severity score and neurological, neuropsychological, biochemical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological metrics.
Results
A total of 58 individuals (1:1 male/female ratio) were affected by 32 ALDH5A1 pathogenic variants, eight of which were novel. Compared to individuals with single homotetrameric or multiple homo and heterotetrameric proteins, those predicted not to synthesize any functional enzyme protein had significantly lower expression of ALDH5A1 (p = 0.001), worse overall clinical outcomes (p = 0.008) and specifically more severe cognitive deficits (p = 0.01), epilepsy (p = 0.04) and psychiatric morbidity (p = 0.04). Compared to individuals with predictions of having no protein or a protein impaired in catalytic functions, subjects whose proteins were predicted to be impaired in stability, folding, or oligomerization had a better overall clinical outcome (p = 0.02) and adaptive skills (p = 0.04).
Conclusions
The quantity and type of enzyme proteins (no protein, single homotetramers, or multiple homo and heterotetramers), as well as their structural and functional impairments (catalytic or stability, folding, or oligomerization), contribute to phenotype severity in SSADHD. These findings are valuable for assessment of disease prognosis and management, including patient selection for gene replacement therapy. Furthermore, they provide a roadmap to determine genotype-to-protein-to-phenotype relationships in other autosomal recessive disorders.
Analysis of characteristic prediction of aluminized boron steel after the hot stamping process using an image color-based neural network
Authors: Yoon Seung Chae , Kong Je Youl , Park Jea Myoung , Park Kye Jeong , Hyun Joo Sik
Published: July 2023

Hot stamping is an innovative technology that enables the production of high-strength automotive body parts by heating the material to a high temperature and simultaneously forming and quenching it in-die. The process results in parts with excellent strength-to-weight ratios, which are essential for the automotive industry. The widely used 22MnB5 material is heated to temperatures above 900°C, and an Al-Si coating is applied to prevent the formation of oxide scale on the sheet surface. The distinctive color on the sheet surface after hot stamping is produced by the Al-Si coating. This phenomenon is attributed to the formation of Al2O3 on the surface of the Al-Si coating layer and the diffusion of Fe from the substrate into the Al-Si coating layer, both of which are significantly influenced by the heating time and temperature. In this study, the neural network was investigated to predict the hot stamping heating temperature and time conditions based on the color exhibited on the sheet surface after the process. Additionally, the neural network was combined with numerical models to predict the inter-diffusion layer thickness in the Al-Si coating layer, which affects the weldability of the vehicle part, and the amount of hydrogen uptake that directly influences hydrogen embrittlement.
Optimising the Mechanical Properties of Additive-Manufactured Recycled Polylactic Acid (rPLA) using Single and Multi-Response Analyses Methods.
Authors: Gebrehiwot Silas , Gebrehiwot Author Silas Z. , Espinosa-Leal Leonardo , Linderbäck Paula , Remes Heikki
Published: July 2023

Taguchi’s design of experiment (DoE) and the grey relational analysis are used to optimise fused deposition modelling (FDM) parameters for the tensile strength and Modulus of toughness (MoT) responses of a recycled Polylactic acid (Reform-rPLA) polymer. The influences of the infill geometry, infill density, infill orientation, nozzle temperature and infill speed on the mechanical properties of the material are studied using the \({L}_{18}\) orthogonal array which is based the \({2}^{1}\times {4}^{3}\) factor levels with 3 experimental repetitions. The output responses are first studied individually and combined as a multi-response optimisation using the grey relational analysis method. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the infill orientation parameter highly influences both the single and multi-response optimisations. In the strength optimisation, the infill orientation and infill density are statistically significant with P-values \(\alpha\) less than the 0.05 criterion. Similarly, the ANOVA for the (MoT) showed that infill orientation and infill geometry parameters are statistically significant. The infill orientation is statistically significant for the multi-response optimisation, followed by the infill density with \({\alpha }=0.08\). On the other hand, the response predictions indicated that the zigzag infill geometry, \(45\%\) infill density, \(90^\circ\) infill geometry and \(205℃\) nozzle temperature led to optimum tensile strength and MoT properties. Our confirmation tests are in good agreement with optimum response predictions. Based on rankings of the mean responses, the first three factors were used to develop linear regression models for the tensile strength and MoT of the material. The predictive models showed average errors of \(7.91\%\) for the tensile strength and \(8.6\%\) for the MoT.
2D phase contrast MRI reveals changes in uterine arterial blood flow in pregnant women administrated tadalafil for fetal growth restriction
Authors: Nii Masafumi , Enomoto Naosuke , Ishida Masaki , Magawa Shoichi , Takakura Sho , Maki Shintaro , Tanaka Kayo , Toriyabe Kuniaki , Tanaka Hiroaki , Kondo Eiji , Sakuma Hajime , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: July 2023

We aimed to examine the effect of uterine arterial (UtA) blood flow changes after tadalafil treatment for fetal growth restriction (FGR) using two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). We recruited 14 pregnant women with FGR who were aged 20–44 years, at ≥ 20 weeks’ gestation, between May 2019 and July 2020. They underwent 2D PC-MRI for UtA blood flow measurement 3 days (interquartile range: 2–4) after diagnosis. This group (FGR group) was compared with 14 gestational age (GA)-matched healthy pregnant women (control group). Six patients in the FGR group received treatment with tadalafil administered at 20 mg twice daily after the first MRI until delivery. They underwent a second MRI 1 week later. The median total UtA blood/body surface area was 420 mL/min/m2 (290–494) in the FGR group and 547 mL/min/m2 (433–681) in the control group (p = 0.01). Percent increase of blood flow in the FGR and control groups were significantly different at 68.8% (51–75) and 18.8% (16.0–57), respectively (p < 0.01). UtA blood flow in pregnant women with FGR was significantly lower than that in healthy pregnant women. Tadalafil is expected to improve UtA blood flow, thereby improving placental function in pregnant patients with FGR.
Usefulness of a questionnaire for assessing the relationship between eating behavior and fatty liver disease among Japanese male young adults
Authors: Miwa Takao , Tajirika Satoko , Hanai Tatsunori , Imamura Nanako , Adachi Miho , Horita Ryo , Fukao Taku , Shimizu Masahito , Yamamoto Mayumi
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to reveal the relationship between eating behavior and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in young adults and suggest a questionnaire for eating behavior assessment. We included 330 male graduate students at Gifu University in April 2022. Diagnoses of NAFLD and MAFLD were based on the presence of hepatic steatosis on ultrasonography. Eating behavior was assessed using the eating behavior questionnaire (EBQ) recommended by the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity. We assessed the eating behaviors associated with NAFLD and MAFLD using logistic regression, decision tree, and random forest analyses. The median age of the participants was 22 years, and 10% and 16% had NAFLD and MAFLD, respectively. The total EBQ score was significantly higher in participants with MAFLD than in those without MAFLD (102 vs. 91 points, P = 0.003) and in those with NAFLD than in those without NAFLD (97 vs. 91 points, P = 0.010). Among eating behavior categories, the decision tree and random forest analyses revealed that “perception of constitution and weight” was the strongest contributor for NAFLD/MAFLD. Our study revealed that eating behavior assessed with EBQ is robustly associated with NAFLD and MAFLD in young male adults.
Causal Associations Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and 36 Common Mental Disorders: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wang Jiachen , Yang Mingyi , Xu Ke , Luo Pan , Feng Ruoyang , Wan Xianjie , Xie Jiale , Yu Hui , Xu Peng
Published: July 2023

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) onset is often accompanied by psychiatric symptoms. In this study, two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to explore the genetic associations between AS and mental disorders. In this study, AS was regarded as exposure, and 36 mental disorders were regarded as outcomes. All the data were from the 7th version of the FinnGen GWAS summary data. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR‒Egger regression, weight median, simple mode, and weight mode methods were used to determine the genetic associations. The Cochrane Q test, Egger-intercept test, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, and leave-one-out tests were performed for sensitivity tests. The IVW results showed that AS was positively associated with autism, insomnia, depression, bipolar disorder, delirium, anankastic personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxious personality disorder, and mental and behavioral disorders due to opioids, hallucinogens, sedatives or hypnotics; AS was inversely associated with schizophrenia, persistent delusional disorder, and sexual dysfunction. The sensitivity tests showed these results were stable and robust. This study provides a theoretical basis for the early diagnosis of common mental disorders in patients with AS. It also provides evidence for the impact of inflammation on the central nervous system.
Sex, health and habitat alter the community composition and assembly processes of symbiotic bacteria in captive frogs
Authors: Liu Senlin , Imad Sewar , Hussain Sarfraz , Xiao Shuiqing , Cao Hui
Published: July 2023

Background
Frogs are critical economic animals essential to agricultural ecosystem equilibrium. Frog symbiotic microbes possess functions like elemental cycling and immune regulation, but little is known about how frog sex and health impact gut microbes. The relationship between frog habitat and soil microbes is unclear. We aimed to determine how frog sex, health and habitat influence symbiotic microbes and community assembly. To provide guidance for sustainable frog farming and conservation. We studied gut contents and symbiotic soils of frogs from a farm with Meningitis-like infectious diseases (MID).
Results
We used 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze gut microbes among frog sex and health. We also compared symbiotic microbes in frog aggregation soils, native soils, and soybean soils on the farm. Frog sex and health strongly impacted gut microbe β-diversity and taxonomy. Healthy frogs had better gut microbial metabolism. Symbiotic network analysis showed healthy female frogs were more complex than males, but diseased males were more complex than females. Male frog gut microbe assembly was primarily deterministic, but female assembly was stochastic. Stochastic dispersal limitation predominated gut microbe assembly in frogs of different health. Deterministic processes most strongly influenced soybean soil symbionts. Pathogens, nitrogen respiration/fixation were enriched in soybean soil. Sulfur respiration and hydrocarbon degradation were highest in aggregation soil.
Conclusion
Frog gut symbionts showed major differences in network structure and assembly based on sex and health. Disease reduced gut symbiont metabolic function. Diverse symbiotic soils, especially soybean soils, could benefit frog farming. Our findings provide insight into the negative impacts of disease and other factors on frog symbiotic microbes. This could aid development of sustainable frog farming practices.
Quantitative study of LUV-GUV interaction using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Bruun Kristina , Löhmannsröben Hans-Gerd , Hille Carsten
Published: July 2023

Drug delivery systems are frequently used for targeted transport of pharmaceuticals and their controlled release at a destined target site. One of the most commonly used drug carriers are liposomes. Additionally, such drug-liposome system is used as model system for studying interaction processes at cellular or even molecular level. The aim of our work was to improve the understanding of drug carrier uptake mechanisms by applying fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), both combined with two-photon (2P) excitation. We prepared giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) representing a simplified model system for cell membrane, labelled with the amphiphilic fluorescent dye 3,3'-dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine (DiOC18(3)). Furthermore, large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) were used as a drug carrier system, containing the spectrally different fluorescent sulforhodamine 101 (SRh101) as drug imitate. Herein, we present results of the varying interaction between GUVs and LUVs depending on the used charged lipids. The exchange kinetics and structural changes of the liposome carriers during the fusion process were investigated. We also observed that the internalisation efficiency was mainly influenced by the vesicle´s lipid composition. We ultimately demonstrated that 2P-FLIM and FCS provide a unique methodological approach to study liposome interactions and use them as a versatile model system.
Prediction of glass chemical composition and type identification based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Chen Ziwei , Xu Yang , Zhang Chao , Tang Min
Published: July 2023

Glass was a significant symbol of early trade exchanges on the Silk Road. However, the glass artifacts were susceptible to environmental influences when buried underground, leading to weathering and changes in their chemical composition. Analyzing the chemical composition of ancient glass was conducive to evaluate weathering status and propose the measures to reduce glass weathering. The objective of this study was to explore the optimal machine learning algorithm for glass type classification based on chemical composition. A set of glass artifact data including color, emblazonry, weathering, and chemical composition was employed and various methods including logistic regression and machine learnings were used. Results indicated a significant correlation (p < 0.05) was only observed between surface weathering and the glass types (high-potassium and lead-barium). Based on the random forest and logistic regression, the primary chemical components that signifying glass types and weathering status were determined by PbO, K2O, BaO, SiO2, Al2O3, and P2O5. The random forest model presented superior capability for identifying glass types and weathering status, with a global accuracy of 96.3%. This study demonstrates great potential of machine learning for glass chemical component estimation and glass type and weathering status identification providing technical guidance for the appraisal of ancient glass artifacts.
Intraspecific divergence of sexual size dimorphism and reproductive strategies in a polytypic poison frog
Authors: Justicia Lia Schlippe , Mayer Martin , Lorioux-Chevalier Ugo , Dittrich Carolin , Rojas Bibiana , Chouteau Mathieu
Published: July 2023

Intraspecific variation in body size, both among populations and between sexes, is an important factor influencing life-history strategies. This variation might be the response to different environmental conditions, as well as natural and sexual selection, and can result in differences in behavior and reproductive strategies among populations. Here, we use the dyeing poison frog (Dendrobates tinctorius) as a model to investigate how interpopulation variation in body size and sexual size dimorphism affects reproductive strategies. As body size increased, sexual size dimorphism also increased, i.e., females were larger than males, and more so in populations with overall larger frogs. This indicates that there is a stronger selection for body size in females than in males, likely as a response to divergent reproductive investment between the sexes. Females from larger-bodied populations produced larger clutches, but the overall number of froglets produced per clutch did not differ among populations. We discuss potential causes and mechanisms that might be responsible for the observed divergence in body size, sexual size dimorphism, and reproductive strategies among populations that likely represent local adaptations, which might affect future population divergence and ultimately speciation. Our findings demonstrate the importance of cross-population studies, cautioning against drawing general conclusions about a species' ecology without accounting for intraspecific variation.
WITHDRAWN: Preliminary study on seasonal diversity of root endophytic fungi and bacteria associated with sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) in South Africa
Authors: Slabbert Marcell S. , Rashidifard Milad , Ashrafi Samad , Claassens Sarina
Published: July 2023

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), is a beneficial forage legume, which is adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions. It has the potential to be an exceptionally useful forage crop due to its high digestibility and palatability, anthelmintic properties, endophytes, and abundance of nectar and pollen for honey production. We report here the first attempts to study the diversity of endophytic fungi and bacteria associated with sainfoin in South African agricultural lands during dry and wet season.. This was achieved by isolating, cultivating, purifying, and molecular characterising the fungi and bacteria from the roots of sainfoin obtained from an established agricultural field during both the wet and dry seasons. During the dry season, 15 fungal isolates and 10 bacterial isolates were obtained from sainfoin roots, which consisted of 9 fungal genera and 4 bacterial genera, respectively. While, during the wet season 28 fungal isolates and 24 bacterial isolates, representing 12 fungal genera and 12 bacterial genera were successfully isolated. A comprehensive literature-based discussion on the potential plant growth-promoting effects of the obtained fungal and bacterial isolates was also conducted to preliminary identify those with potential for agricultural application. The study showed that sainfoin roots could interact with a diverse group of endophytes, which is greatly influenced by seasonality, with a higher diversity and isolation rate during the wet season in South Africa.
Fractal nature of benzene stacking interactions
Authors: Jovanović Nenad , Etinski Mihajlo , Stanković Ivana M.
Published: July 2023

We have performed a fractal analysis on patterns of electron density and electrostatic potential for two benzenes in stacking interaction.The calculated fractal dimension follows the trend of the calculated interaction energy with DFT, in the region of maximum interaction energy.
Host-derived growth factors drive ERK phosphorylation and MCL1 expression to promote osteosarcoma cell survival during metastatic lung colonization
Authors: McAloney Camille A , Makkawi Rawan , Budhathoki Yogesh , Cannon Matthew V , Franz Emily M , Gross Amy C , Cam Maren , Vetter Tatyana A , Duhen Rebekka , Davies Alexander E , Roberts Ryan D
Published: July 2023

Purpose For patients with osteosarcoma, disease-related mortality most often results from lung metastasis—a phenomenon shared with many solid tumors. While established metastatic lesions behave aggressively, very few of the tumor cells that reach the lung will survive. By identifying mechanisms that facilitate survival of disseminated tumor cells, we can develop therapeutic strategies that prevent and treat metastasis. Methods We analyzed single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) data from murine metastasis-bearing lungs to interrogate changes in both host and tumor cells during colonization. We used these data to elucidate pathways that become activated in cells that survive dissemination and identify candidate host-derived signals that drive activation. We validated these findings through live cell reporter systems, immunocytochemistry, and fluorescent immunohistochemistry. We then validated the functional relevance of key candidates using pharmacologic inhibition in models of metastatic osteosarcoma. Results Expression patterns suggest that the MAPK pathway is significantly elevated in early and (to a lesser degree) established metastases. MAPK activity correlates with expression of anti-apoptotic genes, especially MCL1. Niche cells produce growth factors that increase ERK phosphorylation and MCL1 expression in tumor cells. Both early and established metastases are vulnerable to MCL1 inhibition, but not MEK inhibitionin vivo. Combining MCL1 inhibition with chemotherapy both prevented colonization and eliminated established metastases in murine models of osteosarcoma. Conclusion Niche-derived growth factors drive MAPK activity and MCL1 expression in osteosarcoma, promoting metastatic colonization. Although later metastases produce less MCL1, they remain dependent on it. MCL1 is a promising target for clinical trials in both human and canine patients.
Efficient turn-on Zr based metal organic framework fluorescent sensor for ultrafast detection of danofloxacin in milk samples
Authors: Verma Rajpal , Dhingra Gaurav , Singh Gurdeep , Singh Jaswinder , Dureja Nidhi , Malik Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2023

Metal organic framework, UiO-67 was synthesized by coordinating Zr(IV) with 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (BPDC) ligand. Morphology and crystallinity of MOF was confirmed with FE-SEM and PXRD procedure. Danofloxacin (DANO), a veterinary antibiotic, was detected in milk by employing UiO-67 as “turn-on” fluorescent sensor. Original photoluminescent (PL) efficiency of UiO-67 sensor was enhanced on its electronic interaction with DANO molecule. Significant PL efficiency enhancement, lower detection limit 0.49 ng/mL (1.37 nM), swift detection (< 1 min), and excellent linear correlation (R2 = 0.9988) indicated extraordinary sensitivity of developed MOF sensor for DANO. Selectivity and performance of sensor was unaltered in presence of interfering species and detection results were obtained under permissible variation limits. Method applied successfully for ultra-trace detection of DANO residues in milk samples.