bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of microRNA-96-5p is associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and low bone mass phenotype
Authors: Chen Huanxiong , Yang Kenneth Guangpu , Zhang Jiajun , Cheuk Ka-yee , Nepotchatykh Evguenia , Wang Yujia , Hung Alec Lik-hang , Lam Tsz-ping , Moreau Alain , Lee Wayne Yuk-wai
Published: June 2022

Bone densitometry revealed low bone mass in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and its prognostic potential to predict curve progression. Recent studies showed differential circulating miRNAs in AIS but their diagnostic potential and links to low bone mass have not been well-documented. The present study aimed to compare miRNA profiles in bone tissues collected from AIS and non-scoliotic subjects, and to explore if the selected miRNA candidates could be useful diagnostic biomarkers for AIS. Microarray analysis identified miR-96-5p being the most upregulated among the candidates. miR-96-5p level was measured in plasma samples from 100 AIS and 52 healthy girls. Our results showed significantly higher plasma levels of miR-96-5p in AIS girls with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.671 for diagnostic accuracy. A model that was composed of plasma miR-96-5p and patient-specific parameters (age, body weight and years since menarche) gave rise to an improved AUC of 0.752. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) indicated functional links between bone metabolic pathways and miR-96-5p. In conclusion, differentially expressed miRNAs in AIS bone and plasma samples represented a new source of disease biomarkers and players in AIS etiopathogenesis, which required further validation study involving AIS patients of both genders with long-term follow-up.
Real-world experience of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor on the glucose-lowering effect
Authors: Kim Heungjo , Park Gyunam , Hahn Jongsung , Oh Jaewon , Chang Min Jung
Published: June 2022

We investigated the effect of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) on glycemic control in Korean patients. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary hospital. We compared the HbA1c level reduction between the ARNI and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in chronic heart failure patients with diabetes. We also examined whether the target HbA1c level was reached and the time to start insulin between the two groups. Over the study period, ARNI did not significantly lower the HbA1c level after adjusting confounding factors compared to ACEIs or ARBs. However, as a result of a simple comparison using Mann–Whitney U test, ARNI group showed significant decrease in HbA1c at 6, 12, and 24 months compared to ACEIs or ARBs group (p = 0.003, 0.009, and 0.026, respectively). The initiation of insulin was delayed in the ARNI group, but this difference was not significant based on the result of hazard ratio, but cumulative incidence was significantly lower in the ARNI group. In the real world, the blood glucose-control effects of ARNI were not superior to those of ACEIs or ARBs. However, long-term studies are needed as ARNI use increases to obtain more statistically significant results.
The new X-ray/visible microscopy MAXWELL technique for fast three-dimensional nanoimaging with isotropic resolution
Authors: Kohmura Yoshiki , Yang Shun-Min , Chen Hsiang-Hsin , Takano Hidekazu , Chang Chia-Ju , Wang Ya-Sian , Lee Tsung-Tse , Chiu Ching-Yu , Yang Kai-En , Chien Yu-Ting , Hu Huan-Ming , Su Tzu-Ling , Petibois Cyril , Chen Yi-Yun , Hsu Cheng-Huan , Chen Peilin , Hueng Dueng-Yuan , Chen Shean-Jen , Yang Chi Lin , Chin An-Lun , Low Chian-Ming , Tan Francis Chee Kuan , Teo Alvin , Tok Eng Soon , Cai Xu Xiang , Lin Hong-Ming , Boeckl John , Stampfl Anton P. , Yamada Jumpei , Matsuyama Satoshi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Margaritondo Giorgio , Chiang Ann-Shyn , Hwu Yeukuang
Published: June 2022

Microscopy by Achromatic X-rays With Emission of Laminar Light (MAXWELL) is a new X-ray/visible technique with attractive characteristics including isotropic resolution in all directions, large-volume imaging and high throughput. An ultrathin, laminar X-ray beam produced by a Wolter type I mirror irradiates the sample stimulating the emission of visible light by scintillating nanoparticles, captured by an optical system. Three-dimensional (3D) images are obtained by scanning the specimen with respect to the laminar beam. We implemented and tested the technique with a high-brightness undulator at SPring-8, demonstrating its validity for a variety of specimens. This work was performed under the Synchrotrons for Neuroscience—an Asia–Pacific Strategic Enterprise (SYNAPSE) collaboration.
Effectiveness of interferential current therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Hung-Lun , Yang Fu-An , Lee Ting-Hsuan , Liou Tsan-Hon , Escorpizo Reuben , Chen Hung-Chou
Published: June 2022

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of interferential current therapy (IFC) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalKey, and Scopus for relevant studies from their date of launch to March 22, 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which IFC was applied to knee osteoarthritis patients and the outcomes of pain scores or functional scales were assessed. Ten RCTs with 493 patients met the inclusion criteria. Nine RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The IFC groups exhibited significant improvements relative to the control groups for short-term pain scores (SMD = − 0.64, 95% CI − 1.04 to − 0.25, P = 0.001), long-term pain scores (SMD = − 0.36, 95% CI − 0.60 to − 0.11, P = 0.005), and short-term Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores (SMD = − 0.39, 95% CI − 0.77 to − 0.02, P = 0.04). All included studies did not observe any obvious adverse effects of IFC. IFC can be recommended as a treatment for knee osteoarthritis because it improves short- and long-term pain and short-term function. However, large-scale and high-quality RCTs with longer follow-up are required to establish an appropriate standardized treatment.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel tetrahydropyridothienopyrimidin-ureas as cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic agents
Authors: Motahari Rasoul , Boshagh Mohammad Amin , Moghimi Setareh , Peytam Fariba , Hasanvand Zaman , Oghabi Bakhshaiesh Tayebeh , Foroumadi Roham , Bijanzadeh Hamidreza , Firoozpour Loghman , Khalaj Ali , Esmaeili Rezvan , Foroumadi Alireza
Published: June 2022

The novel derivatives of tetrahydropyridothienopyrimidine-based compounds have been designed and efficiently synthesized with good yields through seven steps reaction. The anticancer activity of compounds 11a-y has been evaluated against MCF-7, PC-3, HEPG-2, SW-480, and HUVEC cell lines by MTT assay. The target compounds showed IC50 values between 2.81–29.6 μg/mL and were compared with sorafenib as a reference drug. Among them, compound 11n showed high cytotoxic activity against four out of five examined cell lines and was 14 times more selective against MRC5. The flow cytometric analysis confirmed the induction of apoptotic cell death by this compound against HUVEC and MCF-7 cells. In addition, 11n caused sub-G1 phase arrest in the cell cycle arrest. Besides, this compound induced anti-angiogenesis in CAM assay and increased the level of caspase-3 by 5.2 fold. The western-blot analysis of the most active compound, 11n, revealed the inhibition of VEGFR-2 phosphorylation. Molecular docking study also showed the important interactions for compound 11n.
Post pandemic fatigue: what are effective strategies?
Authors: Yuan Ziyue , Musa Salihu Sabiu , Hsu Shu-Chien , Cheung Clara Man , He Daihai
Published: June 2022

Recurrent updates in non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) aim to control successive waves of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but are often met with low adherence by the public. This study evaluated the effectiveness of gathering restrictions and quarantine policies based on a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Hospitalized-Recovered (SEIHR) model by incorporating cross-boundary travellers with or without quarantine to study the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 with data spanning a nine-month period during 2020 in Hong Kong. The asymptotic stability of equilibria reveals that the model exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation, which in this study is a co-existence between a stable disease-free equilibrium (DFE) and an endemic equilibrium (EE). Even if the basic reproduction number ($${\mathscr {R}}_{0}$$

R
0

) is less than unity, this disease cannot be eliminated. The effect of each parameter on the overall dynamics was assessed using Partial Rank Correlation Coefficients (PRCCs). Transmission rates (i.e., $$\beta _1$$

β
1

and $$\beta _2$$

β
2

), effective contact ratio $$a_6$$

a
6

between symptomatic individuals and quarantined people, and transfer rate $$\theta _3$$

θ
3

related to infection during quarantine were identified to be the most sensitive parameters. The effective contact ratios between the infectors and susceptible individuals in late July were found to be over twice as high as that in March of 2020, reflecting pandemic fatigue and the potential existence of infection during quarantine.
Vagus nerve stimulation does not improve recovery of forelimb motor or somatosensory function in a model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Adcock Katherine S. , Danaphongse Tanya , Jacob Sarah , Rallapalli Harshini , Torres Miranda , Haider Zainab , Seyedahmadi Armin , Morrison Robert A. , Rennaker Robert L. , Kilgard Michael P. , Hays Seth A.
Published: June 2022

Nerve injury affecting the upper limb is a leading cause of lifelong disability. Damage to the nerves in the arm often causes weakness and somatosensory dysfunction ranging from numbness to pain. Previous studies show that combining brief bursts of electrical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with motor or tactile rehabilitation can restore forelimb function after median and ulnar nerve injury, which causes hyposensitivity of the ventral forelimb. Here, we sought to determine whether this approach would be similarly effective in a model of radial nerve injury that produces allodynia in the ventral forelimb. To test this, rats underwent complete transection of the radial nerve proximal to the elbow followed by tubular repair. In the first experiment, beginning ten weeks after injury, rats received six weeks of tactile rehabilitation, consisting of mechanical stimulation of either the dorsal or ventral region of the forepaw in the injured limb, with or without concurrent VNS. In a second experiment, a separate cohort of rats underwent six weeks of forelimb motor rehabilitative training with or without paired VNS. Contrary to findings in previous models of hyposensitivity, VNS therapy fails to improve recovery of either somatosensory or motor function in the forelimb after radial nerve injury. These findings describe initial evidence that pain may limit the efficacy of VNS therapy and thus highlight a characteristic that should be considered in future studies that seek to develop this intervention.
Fibronectin containing alternatively spliced extra domain A interacts at the central and c-terminal domain of Toll-like receptor-4
Authors: Gupta Shubhangi , Ali Azeem , Pandey Saurabh , Khan Imran A. , Prakash Prem
Published: June 2022

Extra domain A of cellular fibronectin (FN-EDA) is known to cause insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, tissue fibrosis, ischemic stroke and exaggerated myocardial reperfusion injury through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). However, the FN-EDA-TLR4 interacting site is not well established. Therefore, in-silico approaches have been used to study FN-EDA and TLR4 interactions at the interface. In the present study, molecular docking studies of FN-EDA with TLR4-myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD2) heterodimer have been performed to unravel the FN-EDA-TLR4 interacting sequence. Furthermore, the modulatory role of FN-EDA adjacent domains FNIII(11) and FNIII(12) on its interaction with TLR4-MD2 was investigated. The results show that FN-EDA interacting sequence “SPEDGIRELF” selectively interacts with TLR4 directly near its central and C-terminal domain region. The regulatory domains, FN type III 11 facilitate and 12 impede the FN-EDA-TLR4 interaction. Furthermore, the molecular dynamic simulation studies confirmed that FN-EDA forms a stable complex with TLR4-MD2 heterodimer. In conclusion, FN-EDA interacts and forms a stable complex through its “SPEDGIRELF” sequence at the central and C-terminal domain region of TLR4. The revelation of FN-EDA and TLR4 interacting sites may help design novel therapeutics for drug discovery research.
Curcumin and metformin synergistically modulate peripheral and central immune mechanisms of pain
Authors: Dasuni Wasana Peththa Wadu , Hasriadi  , Muangnoi Chawanphat , Vajragupta Opa , Rojsitthisak Pranee , Rojsitthisak Pornchai , Towiwat Pasarapa
Published: June 2022

Metformin is a well-tolerated antidiabetic drug and has recently been repurposed for numerous diseases, including pain. However, a higher dose of metformin is required for effective analgesia, which can potentiate its dose-dependent gastrointestinal side effects. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol and has beneficial therapeutic effects on pain. Curcumin has been used as an analgesic adjuvant with several analgesic drugs, allowing synergistic antinociceptive effects. Nevertheless, whether curcumin can exert synergistic analgesia with metformin is still unknown. In the present study, the nature of curcumin-metformin anti-inflammatory interaction was evaluated in in vitro using lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage and BV-2 microglia cells. In both macrophage and microglia, curcumin effectively potentiates the anti-inflammatory effects of metformin, indicating potential synergistic effects in both peripheral and central pathways of pain. The nature of the interaction between curcumin and metformin was further recapitulated using a mouse model of formalin-induced pain. Coadministration of curcumin and metformin at a 1:1 fixed ratio of their ED50 doses significantly reduced the dose required to produce a 50% effect compared to the theoretically required dose in phase II of the formalin test with a combination index value of 0.24. Besides, the synergistic interaction does not appear to involve severe CNS side effects indicated by no motor alterations, no alterations in short-term and long-term locomotive behaviors, and the general well-being of mice. Our findings suggest that curcumin exerts synergistic anti-inflammation with metformin with no potential CNS adverse effects.
Significance of pelvic lymph node dissection during radical prostatectomy in high-risk prostate cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy
Authors: Iwamura Hiromichi , Hatakeyama Shingo , Narita Takuma , Ozaki Yusuke , Konishi Sakae , Horiguchi Hirotaka , Kodama Hirotake , Kojima Yuta , Fujita Naoki , Okamoto Teppei , Tobisawa Yuki , Yoneyama Tohru , Yamamoto Hayato , Yoneyama Takahiro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Ohyama Chikara
Published: June 2022

We aimed to determine the survival and staging benefit of limited pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) during radical prostatectomy (RP) in high-risk prostate cancer (PC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy. We retrospectively analyzed 516 patients with high-risk localized PC (< cT4N0M0) who received neoadjuvant androgen-deprivation therapy plus estramustine phosphate followed by RP between January 2010 and March 2020. Since we stopped limited PLND for such patients in October 2015, we compared the surgical outcomes and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BCR-FS) between the limited-PLND group (before October 2015, n = 283) and the non-PLND group (after November 2015, n = 233). The rate of node metastases in the limited-PLND group were 0.8% (2/283). Operation time was significantly longer (176 vs. 162 min) and the rate of surgical complications were much higher (all grades; 19 vs. 6%, grade ≥ 3; 3 vs. 0%) in the limited-PLND group. The inverse probability of treatment weighting-Cox analysis revealed limited PLND had no significant impact on BCR-FS (hazard ratio, 1.44; P = 0.469). Limited PLND during RP after neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy showed quite low rate of positive nodes, higher rate of complications, and no significant impact on BCR-FS.
Highly efficient engineered waste eggshell-fly ash for cadmium removal from aqueous solution
Authors: Segneanu Adina-Elena , Marin Catalin Nicolae , Vlase Gabriela , Cepan Claudiu , Mihailescu Maria , Muntean Cornelia , Grozescu Ioan
Published: June 2022

Sustainable waste and water management are key components of the newest EU policy regarding the circular economy. Simple, performant and inexpensive water treatment methods based on reusing waste are prerequisites for human health, sustainable development and environmental remediation. The design of performant, cost-effective absorbents represents a topical issue in wastewater treatment. This study aimed to investigate the development of a newly engineered adsorbent by functionalizing two different types of waste (industrial and food) with magnetic nanoparticles as environmentally friendly, highly efficient, cheap material for cadmium removal from aqueous solutions. This nano-engineered adsorbent (EFM) derived from waste eggshell and fly ash was used to remove the cadmium from the aqueous solution. SEM analysis has demonstrated that magnetite nanoparticles were successfully loaded with each waste. In addition, was obtained a double functionalization of the eggshell particles with ash and magnetite particles. As a result of this, the EFM surface area substantially increased, as confirmed by BET. A comprehensive characterization(BET, FT-IR, SEM, XRD and TGA) was performed to study the properties of this newly engineered adsorbent. Batch experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of different reaction parameters: temperature, pH, contact time, dosage adsorbent, initial concentration. Results showed that cadmium adsorption reached equilibrium in 120 min., at pH 6.5, for 0.25 g of adsorbent. The maximum efficiency was 99.9%. The adsorption isotherms research displayed that the Cd2+adsorption fitted on the Freundlich model indicated a multi-molecular layer adsorption process. In addition, the thermodynamic study (ΔG < 0, ΔH > 0; ΔS > 0) shows that cadmium adsorption is a spontaneous and endothermic process. The adsorbent kinetic study was described with the pseudo-second-order model indicating a chemisorption mechanism. Desorption results showed that the nano-engineered adsorbent (EFM) can be reused. These data confirmed the possibility to enrich relevant theoretical knowledge in the field of waste recovery for obtaining newly designed adsorbents, performant and inexpensive for wastewater remediation.
A deep learning model to classify neoplastic state and tissue origin from transcriptomic data
Authors: Hong James , Hachem Laureen D. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: June 2022

Application of deep learning methods to transcriptomic data has the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of tissue classification and cell state identification. Herein, we developed a multitask deep learning model for tissue classification combining publicly available whole transcriptomic (RNA-seq) datasets of non-neoplastic, neoplastic and peri-neoplastic tissue to classify disease state, tissue origin and neoplastic subclass. RNA-seq data from a total of 10,116 patient samples processed through a common pipeline were used for model training and validation. The model achieved 99% accuracy for disease state classification (ROC-AUC of 0.98) and 97% accuracy for tissue origin (ROC-AUC of 0.99). Moreover, the model achieved an accuracy of 92% (ROC-AUC 0.95) for neoplastic subclassification. This is the first multitask deep learning algorithm developed for tissue classification employing a uniform pipeline analysis of transcriptomic data with multiple tissue classifiers. This model serves as a framework for incorporating large transcriptomic datasets across conditions to facilitate clinical diagnosis and cell-based treatment strategies.
Trichoderma atroviride seed dressing influenced the fungal community and pathogenic fungi in the wheat rhizosphere
Authors: Sui Lina , Li Junhui , Philp Joshua , Yang Kai , Wei Yanli , Li Hongmei , Li Jishun , Li Ling , Ryder Maarten , Toh Ruey , Zhou Yi , Denton Matthew D. , Hu Jindong , Wang Yan
Published: June 2022

Fusarium crown rot and wheat sharp eyespot are major soil-borne diseases of wheat, causing serious losses to wheat yield in China. We applied high-throughput sequencing combined with qPCR to determine the effect of winter wheat seed dressing, with either Trichoderma atroviride HB20111 spore suspension or a chemical fungicide consisting of 6% tebuconazole, on the fungal community composition and absolute content of pathogens Fusarium pseudograminearum and Rhizoctonia cerealis in the rhizosphere at 180 days after planting. The results showed that the Trichoderma and chemical fungicide significantly reduced the amount of F. pseudograminearum in the rhizosphere soil (p < 0.05), and also changed the composition and structure of the fungal community. In addition, field disease investigation and yield measurement showed that T. atroviride HB20111 treatment reduced the whiteheads with an average control effect of 60.1%, 14.9% higher than the chemical treatment; T. atroviride HB20111 increased yield by 7.7%, which was slightly more than the chemical treatment. Therefore, T. atroviride HB20111 was found to have the potential to replace chemical fungicides to control an extended range of soil-borne diseases of wheat and to improve wheat yield.
Multimorbidity patterns across race/ethnicity as stratified by age and obesity
Authors: Alshakhs Manal , Jackson Bianca , Ikponmwosa Davina , Reynolds Rebecca , Madlock-Brown Charisse
Published: June 2022

The objective of our study is to assess differences in prevalence of multimorbidity by race/ethnicity. We applied the FP-growth algorithm on middle-aged and elderly cohorts stratified by race/ethnicity, age, and obesity level. We used 2016–2017 data from the Cerner HealthFacts electronic health record data warehouse. We identified disease combinations that are shared by all races/ethnicities, those shared by some, and those that are unique to one group for each age/obesity level. Our findings demonstrate that even after stratifying by age and obesity, there are differences in multimorbidity prevalence across races/ethnicities. There are multimorbidity combinations distinct to some racial groups—many of which are understudied. Some multimorbidities are shared by some but not all races/ethnicities. African Americans presented with the most distinct multimorbidities at an earlier age. The identification of prevalent multimorbidity combinations amongst subpopulations provides information specific to their unique clinical needs.
Perceptual learning with dichoptic attention tasks improves attentional modulation in V1 and IPS and reduces interocular suppression in human amblyopia
Authors: Hou Chuan , Nicholas Spero C.
Published: June 2022

Long-term and chronic visual suppression to the non-preferred eye in early childhood is a key factor in developing amblyopia, as well as a critical barrier to treat amblyopia. To explore the relationship between selective visual attention and amblyopic suppression and its role in the success of amblyopic training, we used EEG source-imaging to show that training human adults with strabismic and anisometropic amblyopia with dichoptic attention tasks improved attentional modulation of neural populations in the primary visual cortex (V1) and intraparietal sulcus (IPS). We also used psychophysics to show that training reduced interocular suppression along with visual acuity and stereoacuity improvements. Importantly, our results revealed that the reduction of interocular suppression by training was significantly correlated with the improvement of selective visual attention in both training-related and -unrelated tasks in the amblyopic eye, relative to the fellow eye. These findings suggest a relation between interocular suppression and selective visual attention bias between eyes in amblyopic vision, and that dichoptic training with high-attention demand tasks in the amblyopic eye might be an effective way to treat amblyopia.
Circulating nitrate-nitrite reduces oxygen uptake for improving resistance exercise performance after rest time in well-trained CrossFit athletes
Authors: Garnacho-Castaño Manuel Vicente , Sánchez-Nuño Sergio , Molina-Raya Lorena , Carbonell Teresa , Maté-Muñoz José Luis , Pleguezuelos-Cobo Eulogio , Serra-Payá Noemí
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to determine the effects of circulating nitrate plus nitrite (NOx) concentrations on resistance exercise performance, VO2and biomarkers of muscle damage. Eleven well-trained male CrossFit athletes (29.2 ± 3.7 years, 78.9 ± 5.4 kg, 175.1 ± 6.3 cm) carried out a resistance exercise test after drinking 140 mL of beetroot juice (BJ) or placebo. The test consisted of repeating the same resistance exercise routine twice: wall ball shots plus full back squat with 3-min rest (1st routine) or without rest (2nd routine) between the two exercises. Higher NOxplasma levels were verified after BJ than placebo in the pretest and post-test (p < 0.001). A higher number of repetitions was observed after BJ intake compared to placebo in the full back squat exercise during the first routine (p = 0.004). A significantly reduced VO2was detected after BJ intake compared to placebo during rest and full back squat execution in the first routine (p < 0.05). Plasma myoglobin concentrations were significantly increased with BJ compared to placebo (p = 0.036). These results showed that plasma NOx levels reduced VO2after BJ intake during rest time. These reduced VO2was a key factor for improving full back squat performance during the first routine.
Predicting hybrid rice performance using AIHIB model based on artificial intelligence
Authors: Sabouri Hossein , Sajadi Sayed Javad
Published: June 2022

Hybrid breeding is fast becoming a key instrument in plants' crop productivity. Grain yield performance of hybrids (F1) under different parental genetic features has consequently received considerable attention in the literature. The main objective of this study was to introduce a new method, known as AI_HIB under different parental genetic features using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. In so doing, the rice cultivars TAM, KHZ, SPD, GHB, IR28, AHM, SHP and their F1hybrid were used. Having recorded Grain Yield (GY), Unfertile Panicle Number (UFP), Plant Height (HE), Days to Flowering (DF), Panicle Exertion (PE), Panicle Length (PL), Filled Grain Number (FG), Primary Branches Number (PBN), Flag Leaf Length (FLL), Flag Leaf Width (FLW), Flag Leaf Area (FLA), and Plant Biomass (BI) in the field, we include these features in our proposed model. When using the GA and PSO algorithm to select the features, grain yield had the highest frequency at the input of the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) structure. The AI_HIB_ANN result revealed that the trained neural network with parental data enjoyed a good ability to predict the response of hybrid performance. Findings also reflected that the obtained MSE was low and R2value was greater than 96%. AI_HIB_SVM and AI_HIB_ANFIS showed that measuring attributes could predict number of primary branches, plant height, days to flowering and grain yield per plant with accuracies of 99%. These findings have significant implications as it presents a new promising prediction method for hybrid rice yield based on the characteristics of the parent lines by AI. These findings contribute to provide a basis for designing a smartphone application in terms of the AI_HIB_SVM and AI_HIB_ANFIS methods to easily predict hybrid performance with a high accuracy rate.
Mechanical loading of cranial joints minimizes the craniofacial phenotype in Crouzon syndrome
Authors: Moazen Mehran , Hejazi Mahbubeh , Savery Dawn , Jones Dominic , Marghoub Arsalan , Alazmani Ali , Pauws Erwin
Published: June 2022

Children with syndromic forms of craniosynostosis undergo a plethora of surgical interventions to resolve the clinical features caused by the premature fusion of cranial sutures. While surgical correction is reliable, the need for repeated rounds of invasive treatment puts a heavy burden on the child and their family. This study explores a non-surgical alternative using mechanical loading of the cranial joints to prevent or delay craniofacial phenotypes associated with Crouzon syndrome. We treated Crouzon syndrome mice before the onset of craniosynostosis by cyclical mechanical loading of cranial joints using a custom designed set-up. Cranial loading applied to the frontal bone partially restores normal skull morphology, significantly reducing the typical brachycephalic appearance. This is underpinned by the delayed closure of the coronal suture and of the intersphenoidal synchondrosis. This study provides a novel treatment alternative for syndromic craniosynostosis which has the potential to be an important step towards replacing, reducing or refining the surgical treatment of all craniosynostosis patients.
Controls on coastal flooding in the southern Baltic Sea revealed from the late Holocene sedimentary records
Authors: Leszczyńska Karolina , Stattegger Karl , Moskalewicz Damian , Jagodziński Robert , Kokociński Mikołaj , Niedzielski Przemysław , Szczuciński Witold
Published: June 2022

Climate change and related sea-level rise pose significant threats to lowland coasts. However, the role of key controlling factors responsible for the frequency and landward extent of extreme storm surges is not yet fully understood. Here, we present a high-resolution sedimentary record of extreme storm surge flooding from the non-tidal southern Baltic Sea, spanning two periods: 3.6–2.9 ka BP and 0.7 ka BP until present. Sediments from coastal wetland, including sandy event layers, were analyzed by sedimentological (grain size, loss-on-ignition, micromorphology), geochronological (14C), geochemical (XRF), mineralogical (heavy minerals) and micropaleontological (diatoms) methods. The results show that both periods were characterized by high-frequency of storm surge flooding, in order of 1.3–4.2 events per century. These periods correlate with phases of enhanced storminess in northwest Europe and took place during both rising and fluctuating sea levels. The study shows that the frequency and landward extent of coastal inundation, largely depended on the development of natural barriers (e.g. beach ridges and aeolian foredunes). Thus, in the context of the future coastal storm-surge hazard, the protection of existing coastal barriers and their morphology is essential.
Rapid and sensitive magnetic field sensor based on photonic crystal fiber with magnetic fluid infiltrated nanoholes
Authors: Azad Saeed , Mishra Satyendra Kumar , Rezaei Ghasem , Izquierdo Ricardo , Ung Bora
Published: June 2022

A fast response time (0.1 s) magnetic field sensor has been demonstrated utilizing a photonic crystal fiber with nano-size air holes infiltrated with polyethylene glycol based magnetic fluid. The effect of magnetic nanoparticles concentration in the fluid on the magneto-optical sensor performance and its dependence under varying magnetic-field loads was investigated in detail. In particular, the sensor response was analytically modelled with a Langevin function with a good fit (R$$\ge $$
≥
0.996). A threshold sensing point as low as 20 gauss was recorded and a detection range of 0–350 gauss was demonstrated by means of optical transmission measurements. The experimental results were validated by theory using a waveguide light transmission model fed by finite-element method simulations of the principal guided modes in the infiltrated fiber sensor. The simple interrogation scheme, high sensitivity and quick response time makes the proposed hybrid fiber-optic magneto-fluidic probe a promising platform for novel biochemical sensing applications.
Temperature models of development for Necrodes littoralis L. (Coleoptera: Silphidae), a carrion beetle of forensic importance in the Palearctic region
Authors: Gruszka Joanna , Matuszewski Szymon
Published: June 2022

Analysis of insects can provide evidence in death cases, for example, by answering the question about the time of death. Apart from flies, beetles are the second most useful insect group in forensic entomology. To elucidate the time of death based on insect evidence, developmental models of a given species are necessary. In this study, we developed such models for Necrodes littoralis, a necrophagous beetle, which is common in the Palearctic region and has great potential in forensic entomology. We monitored the development at 10 constant temperatures (14–30 °C). Larvae were reared in aggregations. Thermal summation models, isomorphen and isomegalen diagrams and growth curves were derived using the data. Depending on the temperature, development lasted between about 23 and 89 days. Mortality was high at the extremes of the temperature range. The thermal summation constant for the total development was 434.7 ± 28.86 accumulated degree-days above a developmental threshold of 9.04 ± 0.55 °C. This is the first comprehensive dataset on the development of N. littoralis. Implications for its use in forensic casework are discussed.
Rings of light caused by gravitational waves
Authors: Batic Davide , Faraji Joud Mojahed , Nowakowski Marek , Baracaldo Nicolas Maldonaldo
Published: June 2022

We reconsider the case of the geodesic motion of a massive and massless beam of test particles in a gravitational wave. In particular, we use a direct Lagrangian approach which simplifies the calculation. Our findings differ partly from previously performed calculations The final result can be interpreted as rings of light seen by the observer. We give a new interpretation to this picture and show that over large distances the effect, albeit rare, could in principle be observable.
ITRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals that VPS35 promotes the expression of MCM2-7 genes in HeLa cells
Authors: Hong Xian , Wang Tao , Du Juan , Hong Yu , Yang Cai-Ping , Xiao Wei , Li Yang , Wang Ming , Sun He , Deng Zhi-Hui
Published: June 2022

Vacuolar protein sorting 35 (VPS35) is a major component of the retromer complex that regulates endosomal trafficking in eukaryotic cells. Recent studies have shown that VPS35 promotes tumor cell proliferation and affects the nuclear accumulation of its interacting partner. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based mass spectrometry were used to measure the changes in nuclear protein abundance in VPS35-depleted HeLa cells. A total of 47 differentially expressed proteins were identified, including 27 downregulated and 20 upregulated proteins. Gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the downregulated proteins included several minichromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins described as cell proliferation markers, and these proteins were present in the MCM2-7 complex, which is essential for DNA replication. Moreover, we validated that loss of VPS35 reduced the mRNA and protein expression of MCM2-7 genes. Notably, re-expression of VPS35 in VPS35 knockout HeLa cells rescued the expression of these genes. Functionally, we showed that VPS35 contributes to cell proliferation and maintenance of genomic stability of HeLa cells. Therefore, these findings reveal that VPS35 is involved in the regulation of MCM2-7 gene expression and establish a link between VPS35 and cell proliferation.
Leveraging electronic medical record functionality to capture adenoma detection rate
Authors: Jones Blake , Scott Frank I. , Espinoza Jeannine , Laborde Sydney , Chambers Micah , Wani Sachin , Edmundowicz Steven , Austin Gregory , Pell Jonathan , Patel Swati G.
Published: June 2022

Measuring the adenoma detection rate (ADR) is critical to providing quality care, however it is also challenging. We aimed to develop a tool using pre-existing electronic health record (EHR) functions to accurately and easily measure total ADR and to provide real-time feedback for endoscopists. We utilized the Epic EHR. With the help of an Epic analyst, using existing tools, we developed a method by which endoscopy staff could mark whether an adenoma was detected for a given colonoscopy. Using these responses and all colonoscopies performed by the endoscopist recorded in the EHR, ADR was calculated in a report and displayed to endoscopists within the EHR. One endoscopist piloted the tool, and results of the tool were validated against a manual chart review. Over the pilot period the endoscopist performed 145 colonoscopies, of which 78 had adenomas. The tool correctly identified 76/78 colonoscopies with an adenoma and 67/67 of colonoscopies with no adenomas (97.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 98% accuracy). There was no difference in ADR as determined by the tool compared to manual review (53.1% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.912). We successfully developed and pilot tested a tool to measure ADR using existing EHR functionality.
Repeatable detection of Ag+ ions using a DNA aptamer-linked hydrogel biochemical sensor integrated with microfluidic heating system
Authors: Yoshida Koki , Hayashi Tomoki , Takinoue Masahiro , Onoe Hiroaki
Published: June 2022

This paper describes repeatable detection of Ag+ ions using a DNA aptamer-linked hydrogel biochemical sensor integrated with a microfluidic heating system. Biochemical sensors that respond to chemical compounds and produce detectable signals have a critical role in many aspects of modern society. In particular, the repeatable measurement of environmental information such as toxic substances including Ag+ ions could be expected to improve the environment. The DNA aptamer is an attractive candidate because of the stability and the selectivity of binding to chemicals. However, previous DNA aptamer biochemical sensors could not measure repeatedly because those sensors did not have initializing functions. To overcome this challenge, we proposed a DNA aptamer-linked hydrogel biochemical sensor integrated with the microfluidic heating system enabling repeatable detection of Ag+ ions. The binding Ag+ ions are dissociated by heating and flushing through the integrated microfluidic heating device. The DNA aptamer-linked hydrogel had the capability to detect a wide range of Ag+ ion concentrations (10−5–10 mM) including a toxic range for various aquatic organisms. Finally, we demonstrated the repeatable detection of the Ag+ ions. These results indicated that our proposed biochemical sensor is expected to use for long-term monitoring with high stability in ambient temperature and low power consumption.
Constitutive androstane receptor and pregnane X receptor genotype influence efavirenz plasma concentration and CYP2B6 enzyme activity
Authors: Petros Zelalem , Habtewold Abiy , Makonnen Eyasu , Aklillu Eleni
Published: June 2022

Efavirenz is metabolized by CYP2B6, an inducible enzyme whose expression is regulated by the constitutive androstane receptor and pregnane X receptor nuclear receptors. CAR and PXR are encoded by genetically polymorphic NR1I2 and NR1I3, respectively. We examined the impact of NR1I2 and NR1I3 genotype on plasma EFV concentration and CYP2B6 enzyme activity among TB-HIV co-infected patients in Ethiopia. Treatment-naïve HIV patients with TB co-infection (n = 80) were enrolled and received first-line EFV-based antiretroviral and rifampicin-based anti-TB therapy. Plasma EFV and 8-hydroxy-EFV concentrations at the 4th and 16th week of EFV treatment were determined using LC/MS/MS. EFV/8-hydroxy-EFVmetabolic ratio was used as CYP2B6 metabolic activity index. In multivariate regression analysis, NR1I3 rs3003596C or NR1I2 rs2472677T variant allele carriers had significantly lower plasma EFV concentrations than non-carriers. Patients with NR1I2 rs3814057C/C genotype or NR1I3 rs3003596C allele carriers had significantly lower mean log EFV MR. Among CYP2B6*6 allele carriers, patients with NR1I3 rs2502815T/T or NR1I2 rs3814057C/C genotype had significantly lower mean log EFV MR. In conclusion, genetic variants in NR1I2 and NR1I3 genes influence plasma EFV exposure and CYP2B6 enzyme activity in TB-HIV co-infected patients on drug treatment.
Antibody–nanobody combination increases their neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 and nanobody H11-H4 is effective against Alpha, Kappa and Delta variants
Authors: Nguyen Hung , Li Mai Suan
Published: June 2022

The global spread of COVID-19 is devastating health systems and economies worldwide. While the use of vaccines has yielded encouraging results, the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2 shows that combating COVID-19 remains a big challenge. One of the most promising treatments is the use of not only antibodies, but also nanobodies. Recent experimental studies revealed that the combination of antibody and nanobody can significantly improve their neutralizing ability through binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this observation remain largely unknown. In this work, we investigated the binding affinity of the CR3022 antibody and H11-H4 nanobody to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) using molecular modeling. Both all-atom steered molecular dynamics simulations and coarse-grained umbrella sampling showed that, consistent with the experiment, CR3022 associates with RBD more strongly than H11-H4. We predict that the combination of CR3022 and H11-H4 considerably increases their binding affinity to the spike protein. The electrostatic interaction was found to control the association strength of CR3022, but the van der Waals interaction dominates in the case of H11-H4. However, our study for a larger set of nanobodies and antibodies showed that the relative role of these interactions depends on the specific complex. Importantly, we showed Beta, Gamma, Lambda, and Mu variants reduce the H11-H4 activity while Alpha, Kappa and Delta variants increase its neutralizing ability, which is in line with experiment reporting that the nanobody elicited from the llama is very promising for fighting against the Delta variant.
Multiplexed spatially-focused localization of light in adipose biological tissues
Authors: Bykov Alexander , Tuchin Valery , Meglinski Igor
Published: June 2022

Last decades the effects of localization and focusing of light in turbid randomly inhomogeneous tissue-like scattering medium have been attracting a particular attention. Weak localization of light in disordered and weakly ordered biological tissue, polarization memory effect, correlations in transmission matrices, focusing light by wavefronts shaping have been widely exploited. Here, we represent an experimentally observed and theoretically confirmed new type of spatial localization of light within biological tissues. General description of the observed phenomenon based on Monte Carlo ray tracing model is provided. We find that innate body arrangements of individual adipocytes can act as a cascade of quasi-ordered microscale lenses confining propagation of light within adipose tissues similar to lens lightguides. The observed spatially-resolved longitudinal multi-focusing of light within disordered adipose biological tissues can naturally lead greater spatial control and enhance light-tissue interactions.
C–H chlorination of (hetero)anilines via photo/organo co-catalysis
Authors: Xie Wuchen , Wang Meng , Yang Siyu , Chen Yadong , Feng Jie , Huang Yatian
Published: June 2022

This work aimed to achieve mono/poly and ortho/para selective aniline chlorination and late-stage modification of aniline bearing drug molecules.
Make waste profitable: repurposing SAPO-34 coke from the methanol-to-olefin reaction for luminescent CDs@zeolite composites
Authors: Ma Wenyan , Zhou Yida , Zhang Jiani , Zong Siyu , Wang Bolun , Li Jiyang
Published: June 2022

An ecologically beneficial concept is offered to repurpose SAPO-34 coke from the methanol-to-olefin reaction into CDs@zeolite composites with multiple luminosities by a simple calcination.
Unusual high-temperature host–guest inclusion compound-based ferroelectrics with nonlinear optical switching and large spontaneous polarization behaviours
Authors: Li Yu-Kong , Tan Yu-Hui , Tang Yun-Zhi , Fan Xiao-Wei , Wang Su-Fen , Ying Ting-Ting , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2022

Host–guest inclusion compound-based ferroelectrics [Hcta-(18-crown-6)]+[BF4]− (1) and [Hcta-(18-crown-6)]+[ClO4]− (2) with a high Curie temperature (Tc = 403/394 K) and large spontaneous polarization (Ps = 5.7/4.7 μC cm−2) are reported.
Towards the practical application of Zn metal anodes for mild aqueous rechargeable Zn batteries
Authors: Dong Ning , Zhang Fenglin , Pan Huilin
Published: June 2022

This perspective article focuses on discussing several “less-developed” but important topics for Zn anodes and try to present readers a practical angle to look at the development of aqueous Zn batteries.
Sparse regularization method combining SVA for feature enhancement of SAR images
Authors: Xu Zhongqiu , Zhou Guoru , Zhang Bingchen , Zhang Zhe , Wu Yirong
Published: June 2022

Sparse signal processing has been widely used in synthetic aperture radar imaging and feature enhancement of images in the recent decade. Sparse regularization ℓ1 can reduce the imaging noise level and suppress sidelobes. However, the suppression of sidelobes by sparse regularization often pays the price of losing information of weak targets. Therefore, the sparse regularization method combining spatially variant apodization is proposed in this paper, which can suppress noise, sidelobes and retain detail information. The performance of the proposed method is verified using simulated and real data.
Real‐time traffic cone detection for autonomous driving based on YOLOv4
Authors: Su Qinghua , Wang Haodong , Xie Min , Song Yue , Ma Shaobo , Li Boxiong , Yang Ying , Wang Liyong
Published: June 2022

A temporary road composed of traffic cones is an indispensable practical scene for the realization of automatic driving technology. However, the detection of traffic cones is a challenging issue because of their small volume and unfixed position. This work proposes a novel method that fuses colour and depth image information for traffic cone detection. Traffic cones are captured by a special machine vision system consisting of two monochrome cameras for cone distance perception and two colour cameras for cone colour acquisition. Via the YOLOv4 algorithm based on the Darknet platform and a detection result matching algorithm, the position of the traffic cone can be obtained and path planning can be performed. The results of experiments show that the proposed method can recognize red, blue, and yellow traffic cones in colour images with an average detection time of 35.46 ms and respective accuracies of 97.51%, 98.63%, and 97.29%. Compared with the previous traffic cone detection research, the proposed algorithm was found to exhibit advantages in small target sensitivity and overall detection accuracy in both static and dynamic experiments.