bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and mass loads of N-nitrosamines discharged from different anthropogenic activities in Desheng River, South China
Authors: Xia Jingxuan , Chen Yingjie , Huang Huanfang , Li Haixiang , Huang Dabao , Liang Yanpeng , Zeng Honghu , Chen Wenwen
Published: January 2023

N-nitrosamines are widespread in various bodies of water, which is of great concern due to their carcinogenic risks and harmful mutagenic effects. Livestock rearing, domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastewaters are the main sources of N-nitrosamines in environmental water. However, information on the amount of N-nitrosamines these different wastewaters contribute to environmental water is scarce. Here, we investigated eight N-nitrosamines and assessed their mass loadings in the Desheng River to quantify the contributions discharged from different anthropogenic activities. NDMA (8.5 ± 5.2 ng/L), NMEA (0.1 ± 0.4 ng/L), NDEA (1.2 ± 1.0 ng/L), NPYR (1.6 ± 4.1 ng/L), NMOR (7.0 ± 7.1 ng/L), NPIP (0.3 ± 0.7 ng/L), and NDBA (7.8 ± 3.8 ng/L) were detected. NDMA and NDBA were the dominant compounds contributing 89% and 92% to the total N-nitrosamine concentrations. The mean cumulative concentrations of N-nitrosamines in the livestock rearing area (26 ± 11 ng/L) and industrial area (24 ± 4.8 ng/L) were higher than those in the residential area (16 ± 6.3 ng/L) and farmland area (15 ± 5.1 ng/L). The significant negative correlation between NDEA and dissolved oxygen indicated the light-screening effect. The mean concentration of N-nitrosamines in the tributaries (22 ng/L) was slightly higher than that in the mainstem (17 ng/L), probably due to the dilution effect of the mainstem. However, the mass loading assessment suggested the negligible mass emission of N-nitrosamines into the mainstem from tributaries, which could be due to the small water flow of tributaries. The average mass loads of N-nitrosamines discharged into the mainstem were ranked as the livestock rearing area (742.7 g/d), industrial area (558.6 g/d), farmland area (93.9 g/d), and residential areas (83.2 g/d). In the livestock rearing, residential, and industrial area, NDMA (60.9%, 53.6%, and 46.7%) and NDBA (34.6%, 33.3%, and 44.9%) contributed the most mass loads; NDMA (23.4%), NDEA (15.8%), NPYR (10.1%), NPIP (12.8%), and NDBA (37.8%) contributed almost all the mass loads in the farmland area. Photodegradation amounts of NDMA (0.65 ~ 5.25 µg/(m3·day)), NDEA (0.37 ~ 0.91 µg/(m3·day)), and NDBA (-0.06 ~ 0.66 µg/(m3·day)) were also calculated according to the mass loading. Quantifying the contribution of different anthropogenic activities to the river will provide important information for regional river water quality protection.
Magnetite nanoparticles modulate microbial nitrate reduction pathways: Implications for nitrogen cycle in ferruginous oceans
Authors: Wang Pengcong , Luo Genming , Papineau Dominic , Liu Deng , Wang Hongmei , Li Yi-Liang , Zhu Zongmin
Published: January 2023

Nitrogen (N) is an essential element for living organisms that limits the productivity of biospheres through time. It has been suggested that ferruginous anoxic waters could enhance the fraction of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) and conserve the biologically available N in the ecosystems. However, the role of mixed-valent iron [Fe(II)-Fe(III)] minerals (e.g., magnetite) in the microbially-mediated N cycle has been largely overlooked. Here we examine the microbial nitrate reduction in the presence/absence of magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) through a series of anaerobic bench experiments with a common denitrifying bacterium-Pseudogulbenkiania sp. strain 2002. Our results show that NH4+ yield is remarkably enhanced by the presence of magnetite NPs; otherwise the reduction products are mainly N2O/N2. Upon microbial nitrate reduction, magnetite NPs are partially oxidized to form a maghemite-magnetite solid solution. These findings demonstrate that magnetite NPs can partially modulate microbial nitrate reduction from denitrification to DNRA. This metabolic shift has significant implications for N retention in ferruginous water bodies that predominated the Precambrian oceans.
Purification of SARS-CoV-2 RBD in Affinity Chromatography Using a Novel Nanobody Ligand
Authors: DI ZHU , Lin Jing , Qiu Mei , Liu Jianghai , Zeng Xin , Li Xinlei
Published: January 2023

In the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) contains multiple dominant neutralizing epitopes and can be used as an antigen for developing COVID-19 vaccines and neutral antibodies. Affinity chromatography is one of the most extensively used methods for rapid one-step protein purification. However, there is a lack of commercially available affinity ligands for RBD purification. Here, we report the rapid isolation of a nanobody suitable for purifying RBD as an affinity ligand from immune phage display libraries. After bio-panning, the enriched clones were sequenced on next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and classified into four groups based on the CDRH3 amino acid sequence. The representative sequences with high nanomolar affinities to RBD were further categorized into two groups via epitope binning analysis. Finally, from the two epitope bins, we found that SS3 showed easy elution under a mild eluting condition and could be used as a functional affinity ligand to purify RBD. These results also indicate that categorizing the bio-panned sequences via high-throughput sequencing (HTS) techniques followed by epitope binning represents a fast workflow to select specific binders with desired properties.
Inhibition of proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma by knockdown of KIF3A via NF-κB signal pathway
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Dong Mingming , Zheng Guoxing , Zhu Jinhao , An Bang , Zhou Zibin , Bi Yonghao , Sun Meng , Zhang Chuzhao , Lian Junfeng , Tang Shijie , Wang Xinjia , Liu Wenjie
Published: January 2023

Background The up-regulation of KIF3A possibly predicts the dismal prognostic outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present work is focused on investigating KIF3A’s function in the growth and migration of HCC cells. Methods KIF3A expression and its role in predicting HCC prognosis were assessed using the TCGA and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. KIF3A detection conditions in HCC patients were studied using an immunohistochemical panel. siKIF3A was created and then transfected into HepG2 HCC cells. Cell proliferation was examined with the use of the EDU and CCK8. Using the scratch wound healing assays, cell migration was assessed. RT-PCR and Western-blot (WB) assays were adopted for evaluating the expression of genes and proteins. Results KIF3A expression increased in HCC tissues as compared to matched non-carcinoma samples, and it was tightly associated with poor survival and risk factors (Ps < 0.05). KIF3A knockdown hindered the proliferation and migration of HCC cells (Ps < 0.05). KIF3A silencing reduced RelA (NF-κBp65) expression, thus, affecting the activity of HCC cells (Ps < 0.05). Conclusion In this study, the oncogene of hepatocellular carcinoma is KIF3A. Silencing KIF3A inhibited HCC cell growth and migration by suppressing the NF-κB signal pathway. KIF3A was identified as a potential new anti-HCC therapeutic target.
Effect of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota composition of infants delivered by cesarean section: An exploratory, randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled trial
Authors: Gong Yujiao , Zhong Hui , Wang Jing , Wang Xianggeng , Huang Linsheng , Zou Yutong , Qin Huanlong , Yang Rong
Published: January 2023

Background: Infants born via caesarean section (CS) are at an increased risk of immune-related diseases later in life, potentially due to altered gut microbiota. Recent research has focused on the administration of probiotics in the prevention of gut microbiota dysbiosis in neonates delivered by CS. This study was performed to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota of CS-delivered infants.
Methods: Thirty full-term neonates delivered by CS were randomized into the intervention (supplemented orally with a probiotic containing Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis for 2 weeks) and control groups. Stool samples were collected at birth and 2 weeks and 42 days after birth. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing technology.
Results: The applied bacterial strains were abundant in the CS-delivered infants supplemented with probiotics. Probiotics increased the abundance of some beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Acinetobacter, Veillonella, and Faecalibacterium. Low colonization of Klebsiella, a potentially pathogenicbacterium, was observed in the intervention group.
Conclusions: Our results showed that probiotics supplemented immediately after CS enriched the gut microbiota composition and altered the pattern of early gut colonization.
Effect of optimizing the induction regimen of drugs in preventing cough reactions in patients undergoing general anesthesia: a single-center, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Wang Lei , Lu Xing , Cheng Yi , Zhang You-chuan , Zhao De-xiang , Zhu Yan-hong
Published: January 2023

Backgroud

During the induction of general anesthesia, opioids and endotracheal intubation may cause coughing. This study aimed to determine the safety and clinical effects of an optimized drug induction scheme for general anesthesia to prevent coughing in patients.

Methods

A total of 220 patients aged 18 to 65 years who underwent surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were randomly assigned to two groups with 110 cases each; one group was administered with a divided sufentanil bolus (group A) and the other with a single sufentanil bolus (group B). Anesthesia induction was performed according to the drug induction scheme of 0, 1, and 3 min. In group A, intravenous sufentanil was administered at 0.1 µg/kg for 2–3 s; intravenous propofol was administered at 1 min for 20–30 s, rocuronium bromide for 10–15 s, and the remaining sufentanil for 3–5 s after rocuronium bromide administration. In group B, sufentanil was administered intravenously after rocuronium bromide was administered once, and the doses and bolus injection rates of the remaining drugs were the same as those in group A. The primary outcome was a cough reaction caused by opioids. We also recorded the pain associated with drug injection, hemodynamics, and blood oxygen saturation during the induction of general anesthesia.

Results

All patients were included in the statistical analysis. There were 10 cases of sufentanil-induced choking reactions in group A and 0 cases in group B, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no choking reaction of tracheal intubation in the two groups (both P > 0.05). There was no severe pain due to propofol and rocuronium injection in the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) values were within the normal range at each time point during the induction period.

Conclusion

Following the concise general anesthesia induction scheme at 0, 1, and 3 min, an optimized general anesthesia induction regimen of rocuronium bromide that was rapidly administered, and a single final intravenous bolus of sufentanil, sufentanil-induced coughing reaction was completely eliminated.

Trial registration:

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200062749 (registration date: 17/08/2022).
Non-catalytic role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in mesenchymal cell migration through non-canonical induction of p85β/AP-2-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Matsubayashi Hideaki , Mountain Jack , Yao Tony , Peterson Amy , Roy Abhijit Deb , Inoue Takanari
Published: January 2023

Class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) galvanizes fundamental cellular processes such as migration, proliferation, and differentiation. To enable multifaceted roles, the catalytic subunit p110 utilizes a multi-domain, regulatory subunit p85 through its inter SH2 domain (iSH2). In cell migration, their product PI(3,4,5)P3 generates locomotive activity. While non-catalytic roles are also implicated, underlying mechanisms and its relationship to PI(3,4,5)P3 signaling remain elusive. Here, we report that a disordered region of iSH2 contains previously uncharacterized AP-2 binding motifs which can trigger clathrin and dynamin-mediated endocytosis independent of PI3K catalytic activity. The AP-2 binding motif mutants of p85 aberrantly accumulate at focal adhesions and upregulate both velocity and persistency in fibroblast migration. We thus propose the dual functionality of PI3K in the control of cell motility, catalytic and non-catalytic, arising distinctly from juxtaposed regions within iSH2.
Early-Onset Anterior Endplate Fractures of Adjacent Vertebras in Balloon Kyphoplasty and Spinejack®
Authors: Chou KuanNien , Chung Ming-Hsuan , Wang Peng-Wei , Ju Da-Tong
Published: January 2023

Background: Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur most commonly on the thoracolumbar junction, which are the most vulnerable biomechanical regiments at the thoracolumbar junction between the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are currently the primary minimally invasive surgical treatments for thoracolumbar VCFs. The principal aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacies of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) and SpineJack® (SJ) techniques in the treatment of thoracolumbar VCFs by evaluating the risk factors for early-onset adjacent level fractures (ALFs) over a 6-month follow-up.
Methods: A total of 106 patients with thoracolumbar (T11-L2) VCFs, treated with kyphoplasty techniques (64 with BKP and 42 with SJ), were enrolled in this retrospective study. Patterns of preoperative, postoperative day 1, and postoperative 6-month thoracolumbar spine images and discrepancies of long-term kyphosis correction functions were compared using two different kyphoplasty procedures.
Results: A total of 19 new early-onset ALFs were found within one month postoperatively (9 in BKP and 10 in SJ groups), and all presented as anterior vertebral endplate fractures. The early-onset ALFs in the BKP group were anterior inferior endplate fractures at the superior vertebral levels mainly. The preoperative anterior-type and severe VCFs were the statistically significant risk factors for early-onset ALFs. The timing of kyphoplasty intervention for acute VCFs within 1 month and patients with advance age were also presented risk factors to developed early-onset ALFs in our study (p = 0.018; p < 0.001 ).
Conclusions: There was no superiority in the occurrence rate of early-onset ALFs and kyphosis correction effects of BKP or SJ techniques in the treatment of thoracolumbar VCFs. The factors, including pre-OP anterior-type and severe VCFs, patients with advance ages, and kyphoplasty timing within one month since the appearance of symptoms, are the primary risk factors for subsequent early-onset ALFs after kyphoplasty to thoracolumbar VCFs.
Comparison of sentinel lymph node distribution and lymphatic drainage pathway between high- and low-risk endometrial cancers
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Liaing Sichen , He Miao , Wang Zhiqi , Deng Hao , Zhang Guo , Yang Xin , Liang Xudong , Sun Xiuli , Zhou Rong , Li Xiaowei , Li Yi , Wang Jianliu
Published: January 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to compare the distribution and drainage pathway of sentinel lymph nodes between high- and low-risk endometrial cancers.
Methods
In total, 429 patients with endometrial cancer who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy in Peking University People’s Hospital from July 2015 to April 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. There were 148 patients in the high-risk group and 281 patients in the low-risk group.
Results
The unilateral and bilateral detection rates of sentinel lymph nodes were 86.5% and 55.9%, respectively. The highest detection rate was achieved in the subgroup with a combined use of Indocyanine green (ICG) and Carbon nanoparticles (CNP) (94.9% for unilateral detection and 66.7% for bilateral detection). The upper paracervical pathway (UPP) was detected in 93.3% of cases in the high-risk group and 96.0% of cases in the low-risk group (p = 0.261). The lower paracervical pathway (LPP) was detected in 10.0% of cases in the high-risk group and 17.9% of cases in the low-risk group (p = 0.048). Remarkably increased detection rates of SLN in the common iliac (7.5%) and para-aortic or precaval areas (2.9%) were observed in the high-risk group. In contrast, a markedly decreased detection rate of SLN in the internal iliac area (1.9%) was observed in the high-risk group.
Conclusion
The combined use of ICG and CNP improved the bilateral detection rate of SLN in the high-risk group. The detection of UPP is important for both high-risk and low-risk cases, while LPP detection plays a more important role in the low-risk group. Lymphadenectomy in the common iliac and para-aortic or precaval areas is essential for patients with high-risk EC. Removal of internal iliac lymph nodes is essential for patients with low-risk EC, in case of ineffective SLN mapping.
Stability of synchronisation manifold in coupled fractional order nonlinear oscillators: a master stability function approach
Authors: Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Jafari Sajad , Duraisamy Prakash , Boulaaras Salah Mahmoud , Karthikeyan Anitha
Published: January 2023

Master stability function (MSF) plays a substantial role in understanding the synchronisation behaviour of coupled nonlinear oscillators. Recent attention in the fractional calculus and its applications in nonlinear dynamics has expanded to investigate the network dynamics of them. Hence, we derive the MSF for couped fractional order nonlinear oscillators and investigate their relation with coupling strength and fractional order. To make the comparison between integer and fractional order MSF, we have used well known nonlinear oscillators for investigation. Similar to the integer order, the fractional order coupled nonlinear oscillators too exhibit MSFs which are analysed for existence of negative with in the finite interval of normalized coupling parameter value. We have used the same classifications of integer order MSFs to define different classes for fractional order MSF’s. By using numerical simulations, we could show that majority of fractional order coupled oscillators exhibit higher classes of MSF confirming better synchronisation compared to their integer order counterparts.
Effects of Variants of Concern Mutations on the Force-Stability of the SARS-CoV-2:ACE2 Interface and Virus Transmissibility
Authors: Bauer Magnus , Gruber Sophia , Hausch Adina , Melo Marcelo Cardoso dos Reis , Gomes Priscila , Nicolaus Thomas , Milles Lukas , Gaub Hermann , Bernardi Rafael , Lipfert Jan
Published: January 2023

Viruses mutate under a variety of selection pressures, allowing them to continuously adapt to their hosts. Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 have shown effective evasion of population immunity and increased affinity to host factors, in particular to the cellular receptor ACE2. However, in the dynamic environment of the respiratory tract forces act on the binding partners, which raises the question whether not only affinity, but also force-stability of the SARS-CoV-2:ACE2 bond, might be a selection factor for mutations. Here, we use magnetic tweezers (MT) to study the effect of amino acid substitutions in variants of concern (VOCs) on RBD:ACE2 bond kinetics with and without external load. We find higher affinity for all VOCs compared to wt, in good agreement with previous affinity measurements in bulk. In contrast, Alpha is the only VOC that shows significantly higher force stability compared to wt. Investigating the RBD:ACE2 interactions with molecular dynamics simulations, we are able to rationalize the mechanistic molecular origins of this increase in force-stability. Our study emphasizes the diversity of contributions to the assertiveness of variants and establishes force-stability as one of several factors for fitness. Understanding fitness-advantages opens the possibility for prediction of likely mutations allowing rapid adjustment of therapeutics, vaccination, and intervention measures.
Sharing of best practices from an emergency medical team deployment in Papua New Guinea: Piloting a community engagement workshop targeting COVID-19 vaccine uptake
Authors: Maddah Diana , Vadi Ramnath , Marmont Lizzi , Holden Jane , Pyanyo Fredah , Hallit Souheil
Published: January 2023

Objectives
COVID-19 tremendously affected Papua New Guinea in late 2021, which accompanied by a low vaccination rate (< 4%), lead to an International Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Request for Assistance. The study's aim was to assess the knowledge, skills and attitude of health-care workers (HCWs) before and after a workshop conducted by the UK EMT in developing best practices related to Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) integration within a COVID-19 emergency response.
Methods
A participatory workshop was piloted in Western Highland Province among 71 HCWs. Training of trainers’ approach was adopted to build the capacity of health workers in advocating for vaccines uptake. A perception survey was used at the baseline and at the end of the workshop to assess the knowledge, skills, and attitude of the participants towards COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.
Results
The healthcare professionals were not well equipped with accurate, scientific, and up-to-date information related to COVID-19 vaccines, which led to concern and fear among them. HCWs reported being a source of information for community members about COVID-19 vaccines. The paired t-test showed a significant increase in the knowledge, skills, and attitude of the participants toward COVID-19 vaccines after the workshop. Participants described being ready to engage community influencers and cascade training to further reach out to community groups
Discussion
Integrating RCCE within EMT deployments plays a crucial role in leveraging healthcare capabilities to influence community members and advocate for COVID-19 vaccines uptake; which will ultimately decrease morbidity and mortality.
A multicomponent intranasal adjuvant drives durable humoral, cellular, and mucosal immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in young and aged mice.
Authors: Jangra Sonia , Landers Jeffrey , Laghlali Gabriel , Rathnasinghe Raveen , O'Konek Jessica , Janczak Katarzyna , Garcia-Sastre Adolfo , Baker James , Schotsaert Michael , Wong Pamela
Published: January 2023

Multiple FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 vaccines provide excellent protection against severe disease. Despite this, immunity can wane relatively fast, particularly in the elderly and novel viral variants capable of evading infection- and vaccination-induced immunity continue to emerge. Intranasal (IN) vaccination more effectively induces mucosal immune responses than parenteral vaccines, which would improve protection and reduce viral transmission. Here, we developed a rationally designed IN adjuvant consisting of a combined nanoemulsion (NE)-based adjuvant and an RNA-based RIG-I agonist (IVT DI) to drive more robust, broadly protective antibody and T cell responses. We previously demonstrated this combination adjuvant (NE/IVT) potently induces protective immunity through synergistic activation of an array of innate receptors. We now demonstrate that NE/IVT with the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD), induces robust and durable humoral, mucosal, and cellular immune responses of equivalent magnitude and quality in young and aged mice. This contrasted with the MF59-like intramuscular adjuvant, Addavax, which showed a marked decrease in immunogenicity with age. Robust antigen-specific IFNγ/IL-2/TNF-α was induced in both young and aged NE/IVT-immunized animals, which is significant as their reduced production is associated with suboptimal protective immunity in the elderly. These findings highlight the potential of adjuvanted mucosal vaccines for improving protection against COVID-19.
Effects of restructuring tilth layers on the occurrence of Verticillium wilt and the soil microbial community in a continuous rotary tillage cotton field
Authors: Dong Ming , Wang Yan , Wang Shulin , Feng Guoyi , Zhang Qian , Lin Yongzeng , Liang Qinglong , Wang Yongqiang , Qi Hong
Published: January 2023

Background
Restructuring tilth layers (RTL) is a tillage method that exchanges the 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm soil layers that can be applied during cotton cultivation to inhibit Verticillium wilt. This inhibitory effect may be related to changes in the soil microbial community after RTL. Therefore, we investigated the distribution of microbial communities after rotary tillage (CK) and RTL treatments to identify the reasons for reduction of Verticillium wilt in cotton fields subjected to RTL.
Results
Illumina high-throughput sequencing was used to sequence the bacterial 16S rRNA (V3–V4) and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) genes at soil depths of 0–20 and 20–40 cm. The incidence rate and incidence index of Verticillium wilt decreased by 28.57% and 42.64%, respectively, after RTL practice relative to CK. Moreover, RTL significantly enhanced the richness and evenness of bacteria at 20–40 cm and narrowed the difference in fungal evenness and richness between soil depths of 0–20 and 20–40 cm. The number of Verticillium dahlia decreased, while the relative abundance of biocontrol bacteria such as Bacillus and Pseudoxanthomonas increased significantly.
Conclusion
RTL improved bacterial diversity, decreased the number of Verticillium dahliae and increased the relative abundance of biocontrol bacteria, which may have suppressed the occurrence of Verticillium wilt in cotton fields.
Nomogram for predicting survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with PD-1 inhibitors: incorporating pre-treatment and post- treatment clinical parameters
Authors: Jia Guhe , Qiu Lupeng , Zheng Hongye , Qin Boyu , Sun Zhuoya , Shao Yangyang , Yang Zizhong , Shao Jiakang , Zhou Yuxin , Jiao Shunchang
Published: January 2023

Background: Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment patterns for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) in recent years. Therefore, the identification of predictive biomarkers has important clinical implications.
Methods: We collected medical records from 117 aHCC patients treated with anti-PD-1 antibody. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to evaluate the association between peripheral blood biomarkers and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Finally, the prognostic nomogram was constructed.
Results: The mPFS and mOS were 7.0 months and 18.7 months, respectively. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis, we regarded the treatment regimen (p = 0.020), Hb at 6-week (p= 0.042), NLR at 6-week (p < 0.001), SII at 6-week (p = 0.125) as predictors of PFS, and AFP (p = 0.035), PLR (p = 0.012), Hb at 6-week (p = 0.010) and NLR at 6-week (p = 0.020) as predictors of OS. Furthermore, the results suggest that the OS and PFS nomogram model were in agreement with actual observations.
Conclusion: Biomarkers in peripheral blood can predict the prognosis of patients with aHCC treated with anti-PD-1 antibody. The development of nomogram models can help us to screen potential patients who can benefit from immunotherapy.
Measuring and simulating the biophysical basis of the acoustic contrast factor of biological cells
Authors: Harshbarger Cooper Lars , Pavlic Alen , Bernardoni Davide , Viol Amelie , Snedeker Jess Gerrit , Dual Jürg , Silvan Unai
Published: January 2023

The acoustic contrast factor (ACF) is calculated from the relative density and compressibility differences between a fluid and an object in the fluid. To name but one application, knowing the ACF of a biological cell represents a crucial step in the design of acoustophoretic systems, for instance to isolate cancer cells from a liquid biopsy such as blood without labels or physical contact. For biological cells the static compressibility is different from the high frequency counterpart relevant for the ACF. In this study, we started by characterizing the ACF of low vs. high metastatic cell lines with known associated differences in phenotypic static E-modulus. The change in the static E-modulus, however, was not reflected in a change of the ACF, prompting a more in depth analysis of the influences on the ACF. We demonstrate that static E-modulus increased biological cells through formaldehyde fixation have an increased ACF. Furthermore, the static E-modulus decreased biological cells treated with actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin D have a decreased ACF. Complementing these mechanical tests, a numerical COMSOL model was implemented and used to parametrically explore the effects of cell density, cell density ratios, dynamic compressibility and therefore the dynamic bulk modulus. Collectively the combined laboratory and numerical experiments reveal that a change in the static E-modulus alone might, but does not automatically lead to a change of the dynamic ACF for biological cells. This highlights the need for a multiparametic view of the biophysical basis of the cellular ACF, as well as the challenges in harnessing acoustophoretic systems to isolate circulating cells based on their mechanical properties alone.
Trend of clinical trials of new drugs for rare diseases in China in recent 10 years
Authors: Peng Ai , Fan Xue , Zou Linling , Chen Huan , Xiang Jin
Published: January 2023

Background: Rare disease is a general term for a disease that affects a small number of people but be recognized as a global public health priority. Governments worldwide are paying more and more attention to the academical research and drug investment of rare diseases. The conduct of rare disease clinical trials is still difficult, despite the promotion of government policies and the awakening of social consciousness. In this article, we outlined the characteristics and obstacles of clinical trials of rare diseases in China and expected to provide reference for subsequent clinical trials in this field.
Results: In the recent years, China has made some progress in clinical trials of rare diseases in the past 10 years. There are a total of 481 clinical trials on rare diseases, covering more than 10 rare diseases with high incidence. Clinical trial applications on rare diseases for a total of 481 were submitted and with an average annual growth rate of 28.2% from 2013 to 2022. The number of clinical trial application for rare diseases in 2016 dramatically increased by 80% compared to 2015 due to the policy document issued by China for clinical research in rare diseases in 2015. Besides, about 70% of applications registering for clinical trials could recruit subjects as expected. Despite this, the number of clinical trials of rare diseases in China is smaller than that of the United States, Europe and Japan, and the types of infant drugs are limited to biological products and chemical drugs lacking other new treatments.
Conclusions: Efforts have been made in recent years to develop clinical research on rare diseases in China. The number of clinical trials for rare diseases in China is growing steadily every year, which is inseparable from the support of the country, society and rare disease patients. Still, there is a large gap between China and other developed countries in this field and this merit further investigation.
Site Suitability Assessment for the Development of Wind Power Plant in Wolaita area, Southern Ethiopia: An AHP-GIS Model
Authors: Benti Natei Ermias , Alemu Yewubdar Berhanu , Chaka Mesfin Diro , Semie Addisu Gezahegn , Mekonnen Yedilfana
Published: January 2023

The engine behind any economy's growth is energy. The majority of energy sources are derived from fossil fuels, and the demand for energy produced using fossil fuels has increased since the Industrial Revolution. It is now obvious that the energy generated by these fossil fuels led to significant levels of toxic gases, which harmed the environment. Moreover, Ethiopia still lacks electricity despite having a vast amount of renewable energy resources. As a result, resources must be assigned to using renewable energy sources, like wind energy, as an alternative to the country's current power grid. This study aimed to conduct a site suitability assessment for the potential location of a wind power plant in the Wolaita area using geospatial methods. Many factors and criteria are considered in the process of selecting a suitable site. Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed to develop a multi-criteria approach for determining the most suitable locations for wind power plants. In this study, seven criteria were used. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to evaluate these criteria, and all of these criteria were assigned a weighted score. These criteria were also given weights using pairwise comparison. The result or suitability map is scored in four categories, ranging from most suitable to unsuitable. According to the findings, 0.628% of the total area (28.00 km2) is deemed highly suitable for establishing wind farms. From a total area of 2433.96 km2, 54.61% of the land is considered to be moderately suitable. The remaining 0.85% (37.85 km2) of the total area is deemed least suitable for wind turbines, leaving 43.91% (1956.94 km2) not suitable. It has been identified that the study area's central, northwestern, and southern regions are superb locations for the establishment of wind farms. The results of this investigation will assist the Ethiopian government or any other organization working on the development of sustainable and renewable energy to speed up the investment process in renewable energy and increase the certainty of resource development. The results of this study could be used as a benchmark for the sector of wind energy.
Noval in nano-edible films applications in the production of high- quality dates Al Hulwah and Soukari for export
Authors: anean hosam el din aboul , Khafar Eman.A. Abdel , Al-Jahani Ghena M. Al-Jahani , alhajji Hajji Ali
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to improve the quality of Al Hulwah" and Soukari dates by using edible coatings and films that have a high potential to carry active ingredients such as nano materials. The substances used in this experiment were: control: without treatment, T1: AgNO3 and ZnONPs at 0.5% (0.015%) and 0.03 wt% of chitosan and gelatin, T2: 0.5% (0.015%)/(0.03) wt% chitosan/gelatin chitosan/gelatin combined with phenolic compound active Luria leaves extract LLE (0.15%). T3: AgNO3/ZnONPs 0.5% (0.015%)/0.03 wt% chitosan/gelatin combined with active phenolic compound Thyme Leaves Extract TLE (0.15%). T4: AgNO3/ZnONPs 0.5% (0.015%) or (0.03) chitosan/gelatin weight percent combined with phenolic compound active Green Coffee Extract GCE, 5% (0.15%). The effect of edible coating on fruit quality attributes, including alhulwuh and soukari dates, was investigated during storage at 2–4°C and 70–75% relative humidity. The rheological properties of edible solutions and suspensions were studied. Mechanical properties, particle size distribution, zeta potential emulsions, and scanning electron microscopy films were also measured. The results observed that the best samples were edible coatings with nanosuspensions (T2), followed by samples (T3 and T4 as nano materials on quality of Al Hulwah" and Soukari dates. The substances used in this experiment were: control: without treatment, T1: AgNO3 and ZnONPs at 0.5% (0.015%) and 0.03 wt% of chitosan and gelatin, T2: AgNO3/ZnONPs at 0.5% (0.015%)/(0.03) wt% of chitosan/gelatin combined with phenolic compound active Luria leaves extract LLE (0.15%). T3: AgNO3/ZnONPs 0.5% (0.015%)/0.03 wt% of chitosan/gelatin combined with phenolic compound active Thyme Leaves Extract TLE (0.15%) T4: AgNO3/ZnONPs 0.5% (0.015%) or (0.03) weight percent of chitosan/gelatin combined with phenolic compound active Green Coffee Extract GCE, 5% (0.15%). The effect of edible coating on quality attributes of fruits, including alhulwuh and soukari dates, was studied during storage at 2–4°C and relative humidity 70–75%. The rheological properties of edible solutions and suspensions were studied. Also measured were mechanical properties, particle size distribution, zeta potential emulsions, and scanning electron microscopy films. The results observed that the best samples were edible coatings with nanosuspensions (T2), followed by samples (T3 and T4), as compared with nanocoatings (control and T1) samples. Different analyses were determined on coated dates, such as weight loss, total soluble solids, total acidity, microbiological testing, and sensory evaluation tests. In contrast, the nanocoated Al Hulwah and Soukari dates were found to be of high quality when compared to the control and T1. Al Hulwah" and Soukari dates dipped in (T2, T3, and T4) solutions reduced weight loss percentage and fruit quality for 6 weeks of storage.
A dynamically coherent pattern of rhythms that matches between distant species across the evolutionary scale
Authors: Kembro J. M. , Flesia A. G. , Nieto P.S. , Caliva J.M. , Lloyd D. , Cortassa S. , Aon M.A.
Published: January 2023

We address the temporal organization of circadian and ultradian rhythms (URs), crucial for understanding biological timekeeping in behavior, physiology, metabolism, and alignment with geophysical time. Using a newly developed five-step wavelet-based approach to analyze high-resolution time series of metabolism in yeast cultures and spontaneous movement, metabolism, and feeding behavior in mice, rats, and quails, we describe a dynamically coherent pattern of rhythms spanning over a broad range of temporal scales (hours to minutes). The dynamic pattern found shares key features among the four, evolutionary distant, species analyzed. Specifically, a branching appearance given by splitting periods from 24h into 12h, 8h and below in mammalian and avian species, or from 14 h down to 0.07h in yeast. Scale-free fluctuations with long-range correlations prevail below ~4 h. Synthetic time series modeling support a scenario of coexisting behavioral rhythms, with circadian and URs at the center of the emergent pattern observed.
Studies on intensity distribution of point spread function of Hanning, Gaussian and Co-sinusoidal amplitude filters with complex pupil function
Authors: Anitha P. , Rani S. Vidya , Sabitha N. , Sagar D. Karuna
Published: January 2023

A novel procedure for shaping the lateral and axial component of the point spread function of the optical imaging system. It is possible to develop an apodized point spread function of an optical system with Hanning, Gaussian and Co-sinusoidal amplitude filters and phase filters [2], Complex pupil filters are introduced to improve the resolving power of an optical imaging system of three zone aperture [3]. Three zone aperture shading with amplitude and phase with all possible combinations in each zone have been tested for better results The optical system achieves super-resolver state with Hanning amplitude complex pupil function in the last zone of defocusing with (-π/4) and (π/3) phase filter condition. The lateral resolution of the central maxima is enhanced and the suppression of side lobes by the highest level of amplitude and phase apodization.
Combining VAE with GTCN for Pan-cancer Prediction and Biomarker Identification using Multi-omics Data
Authors: Chen Xin , Tie Yun , Liu Fenghui , Zhang Dalong , Qi Lin
Published: January 2023

Objective: To overcome the phenomenon of “dimensionality curse” and class imbalance existing in biomolecule data and take full advantage of it to realize pan-cancer prediction and biomarker identification.
Methods: We collected a total of 6133 samples with 33 types of tumor from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA), which had been classified and labeled for training,validation and testing, composed of multi-omics data, including DNA methylation,RNA expression and reverse phase protein array (RPPA). Then, we integrate variational autoencoder (VAE) and graph convolution neural networks (GTCN) as an entity capable of projecting high-dimensional features to low latent space, generating samples similar to input data, fulfilling pan-cancer prediction and vital biomarkers associated with specific tumor types. The suggested model’s performance was tested following 10-fold cross validation and then compared to main-flow relevant models.
Results: The average accuracy of the proposed model reached 93.90±1.01% after 10-fold cross validation in pan-cancer prediction task. Additional relevant evaluation metrics F1 score, precision and recall were 92.03±0.3%, 90.05±1.02% and 91.08±1.0%, respectively. For the prediction performance of single type of cancer,such as LGG and BRCA datasets, the proposed model achieved 83.46±0.19% and 84.02±0.25% prediction accuracy, separately. Furthermore, the model also identified a few essential biomarkers which were proved by the survival curve analysis.
Conclusion: We developed a pan-cancer prediction and biomarker identificationsystem based on joining VAE and GTCN using multi-omics data. This approach indicates multi-omics data have close relationship with cancer and is conducive to understanding of the mechanism of cancer formation. The predictive results canbe consulted by doctors. Keywords: Multi-omics data; Variational auto-encoder; Graph tree convolutionnetwork; Pan-cancer prediction; Biomarker identification
Does the indication for revision associate with the outcomes of revision total knee arthroplasty? A retrospective analysis with a minimum ten-year follow-up
Authors: Lin Yu-Chih , Chang Chih-Hsiang , Hu Chih-Chien , Chang Yuhan , Lee Sheng-Hsun , Lin Sheng-Hsuan
Published: January 2023

Background
The long-term outcome of revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) remains variable. We aimed to determine whether the indication for revision affects rTKA outcomes and assess the risk factors for rTKA failure.
Methods
We reviewed all patients who underwent their first rTKA at our institution between January 2003 and December 2011. Patients were grouped based on the indication for revision. All patients with septic indications underwent staged exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Demographic and perioperative variables were compared to analyze the survivorships and the risk factors for treatment failure and implant failure between septic and aseptic indications.
Results
Two-hundred-and-thirty patients (septic indication, 116 patients; aseptic indication, 114 patients) were included. The minimum follow-up duration was 10.3 years (mean: 12.3 years; range: 10.3–19.1 years). The overall treatment success rate of rTKA was 88.3% (203/230). The septic group had a significantly higher failure rate (18.10% vs. 5.26%, p < 0.05) and required earlier re-operation after index revision (14.6 vs. 23.0 months, p < 0.05) than the aseptic group. The identified risk factor in septic group for treatment failure and implant failure is “higher CRP level (> 100 mg/dl) during the first PJI episode before index revision” and “debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention procedure (DAIR) after index rTKA”, respectively. Severe osteoporosis with a history of periprosthetic fracture is the only independent risk factor for implant failure in aseptic group.
Conclusions
One-third of patients with septic indication for rTKA underwent re-operation, mostly for PJI. Identified risk factors for different indications could associate with unfavorable survivorships.
Evaluation of the Validity of Endoscopic Transpapillary Gallbladder Drainage for Acute Cholecystitis Based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018
Authors: Suzuki Keiichi , Naito Hirofumi , Naito Eri , Sasaki Taketo , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Omagari Kenshi , Yoshitake Naoto , Koike Takero , Hashimoto Takeo , Tamura Akihiko
Published: January 2023

Background The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 recommend early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (Lap-C) for patients with acute cholecystitis (AC). We evaluated the validity of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) as a bridging therapy prior to elective Lap-C.
Methods We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using data from our hospital records from 2018 to 2021. In total, 71 ETGBD procedures were performed in 61 patients with AC.
Results The technical success rate was 85.9%. Patients in the failure group had more complicated branching of the cystic duct. The length of time until feeding was started, length of time until the white blood cell count normalized, and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the success group. The median waiting period for surgery was 39 days in the ETGBD success group. The median operating time, amount of bleeding, and length of postoperative hospital stay were 134 min, 83.2 g, and 4 days, respectively. In patients who underwent Lap-C, the waiting period for surgery and the operating time were similar between the ETGBD success and failure groups. However, the temporary discharge period after drainage and the length of postoperative hospital stay were significantly longer in the ETGBD failure group. Patients who did not undergo Lap-C tended to have a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification and Charlson comorbidity index score.
ConclusionsETGBD has equivalent efficacy prior to elective Lap-C despite some challenges that lower its success rate. Perioperative ETGBD can improve patients’ quality of life by eliminating the need for a drainage tube.
A novel TRP channel-related prognostic model of glioma based on transcriptomics and single cell sequencing analysis
Authors: Niu Xiaochen , Liu Xuanchen , Zhao Xiaohu , Ji Hongming , Wang Chunhong
Published: January 2023

Background
Glioma is the most malignant intracranial tumor. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family has been found to be involved in malignant progression of many tumors. However, the relationship between TRP channel-related genes (TCRGs) and glioma remains unclear.
Methods
The TCGA-glioma, CGGA_325, GSE108474 and GSE16011 glioma cohorts were downloaded from the public database. Differential analysis, univariate Cox regression analysis and consistent clustering were performed for 120 TCRGs, and differences in immune microenvironment were analyzed. Lasso Cox regression analysis was used to construct a prognostic model, and the patients were divided into high- and low- risk groups.
Results
Thirty differentially expressed prognostic TCRGs were identified and patients were divided into three subtypes. Lasso Cox regression analysis showed that 10 genes were included in the prognostic model (TRPM6, TRPV3, BDKRB1, HTR2A, P2RY2, PLA2G4D, CAMK2G, MAPK13, ADCY5 and PRKCB). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients of the high-risk group had lower survival. Finally, we analyzed five single-cell sequencing data sets (GSE103224, GSE131928, GSE138794, GSE148842 and GSE162631). MAPK13, CAMK2G and PRKCB were significantly expressed in exhausted CD8 + T cells, suggesting that they were closely related to anti-tumor immunity.
Conclusion
Based on the expression of TCRGs, we conducted the new subtype classification and a prognostic model for glioma, and is expected to provide theoretical basis for the development of new targets.