bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixing times of three-state quantum walks on cycles
Authors: Han Qi , Bai Ning , Wang Huan , Kou Yaxin
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we successfully obtain an explicit expression of the limit distribution [Formula: see text] of three-state quantum walks on cycles, the total variation distance between [Formula: see text] and the average probability [Formula: see text], and lower bound on the difference between two eigenvalues, among others. Based on the above conclusions, we finally get the mixing time [Formula: see text] of the quantum walk of Grover coin on the N-cycle. [Formula: see text] is the time required to characterize [Formula: see text] approaching [Formula: see text]. Our results show that the average probability of a three-state quantum walk on a cycle can approach its limit distribution faster than that of a two-state quantum walk, which might be of significance to quantum computation.
Magnetic nanofluid laminar flow within the container with MHD considering numerical approach
Authors: Almitani Khalid H.
Published: October 2022

To attain progression in the convective mode, the pure base fluid was mixed with nanopowders and two shapes (blade and cylindrical) have been exploited in this paper. The domain is porous and involving curved surfaces can improve the thermal behavior. The slip speed of nanoparticles was neglected which makes it possible to assess the feature of nanomaterials by incorporating a homogenous model formulation. With the involvement of a combination of conventional approaches, the solution of the problem has been achieved. Examination of correctness of code was presented by comparing the data against prior paper and this step proves the correctness. By considering higher [Formula: see text], Ra, adding a nanomaterial can cause Nu to intensify around 25.99 and 42.89 at [Formula: see text], 15, respectively. Imposing Ha causes Nu to decline around 25.75%. Nu elevates around 10.96% and 12.02% with a rising shape factor in the absence and appearance of MHD when [Formula: see text].
Light deflection angle by generalized Dymnikova black hole
Authors: Masmar K.
Published: October 2022

The gravitational lensing caused by a generalized Dymnikova black hole in weak field conditions is examined in this work. The optical geometry of such a black hole is first examined, and then the Gauss–Bonnet theorem is used to calculate the deflection angle in weak field limitations. Moreover, the effect of black hole mass, the parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on the deflection angle in leading order terms are probed. Otherwise, we explore the implication of the plasma medium on the weak deflection angle behavior.
WRIST WITH SYNOVIAL WHITE BLOOD CELLS: SEPTIC VERSUS SUSPECTED INFECTIOUS ARTHRITIS
Authors: Lee Sanglim , Jeon Suk Ha
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Accurate diagnosis of acute painful swollen wrists can be difficult. We aimed to identify the differentiating clinical and laboratory parameters for septic and suspected infectious arthritis of the wrist.

Methods: This retrospective study reviewed and compared the data of 49 patients (55 wrists) with synovial fluid white blood cell (WBC) counts ¿20,000/mm3. 25 patients with 29 septic wrists with positive staining or culture results, and 24 patients with 26 suspected infectious wrists.

Results: Patients with suspected infection underwent fewer operations (1.0 versus 2.1 times) and required shorter periods of hospitalization (34.0 versus 49.7 days) than those with septic wrists. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels before treatment, and postoperative day five for suspected infectious arthritis were lower than those for septic arthritis. Diabetes was more prevalent in patients with septic arthritis (13/25) than those with suspected infection (2/24). However, the average synovial WBC count and average highest temperature before treatment were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions: Patients with suspected infectious wrists had lower initial CRP levels and a lower prevalence of diabetes. However, the initial synovial WBC count and body temperature were similar, implying that the initial management of suspected arthritis should be similar to that of septic arthritis.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM AND SYNOVIAL FLUID CALPROTECTIN IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS. DOES IT HAVE ANY PREDICTIVE VALUE?
Authors: Gupta T P , Rai Sanjay , Kale Amit B , Khandelwal Nitish , Reddy Deepak C
Published: October 2022

Objective: Detection of the knee joint’s early osteoarthritis (OA) is important for its early management and prognosis; however, no reliable single biomarker is available for this purpose. This study aimed to determine the correlation between serum and synovial fluid calprotectin level in detecting early knee OA.

Method: In a case-control study, serum and synovial fluid were collected from 283 patients with primary early OA knee and 50 healthy controls. Serum and synovial levels of calprotectin levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The mean serum calprotectin level was 3141 ± 2634 ng/mL in patients with OA knee and 607.08 ± 163.79 ng/mL in the healthy control group ([Formula: see text] < 0.001). The mean synovial fluid calprotectin level was 626.1 ± 67.32 ng/mL in the study population and 424.98 ± 78.41 ng/mL in the control group ([Formula: see text] < 0.05). Calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the early stages of OA knee.

Conclusion: Serum calprotectin level correlates with the synovial fluid level. In the early OA knee, serum calprotectin level increases significantly and decreases afterward. However, the synovial fluid calprotectin level remains static or increases on the progression of the disease. Calprotectin may be used as a biochemical marker for early knee OA.
THE SPECTRUM OF PRESENTATION OF HOFFA’S DISEASE: A CASE SERIES
Authors: Singh Bhupendar , Saxena Medhavi , Jain Hemant , Bharwani Nandlal , Bhati Mahesh
Published: October 2022

Background: To study the functional outcome of surgical management in Hoffa’s disease.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics in a tertiary health care centre between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2021. A total of three patients (2 males and 1 female) with Hoffa’s disease were included in the study.

Results: “Tegner-Lysholm score” was used for evaluation of function, and the mean Tegner–Lysholm score was 93. All the three patients had normal range of motion at 1 year follow-up.

Conclusion: Hoffa’s disease has low incidence, and hence diagnosing the condition correctly is of utmost importance for its proper management.
DUAL SOLUTION OF CONVECTIVE BIOMAGNETIC FLUID THROUGH PERMEABLE MOVING FLAT PLATE CONSIDERING WALL TRANSPIRATION AND MAGNETIZATION
Authors: JUMANA SADIA ANJUM , MURTAZA M. G. , TZIRTZLAKIS E. E. , FERDOWS M.
Published: October 2022

A two-dimensional (2D) steady boundary layer flow along with heat transfer of a self-similar biomagnetic fluid over a permeable moving flat plate has been taken into consideration in this work. The flow is contemplated to be embedded by a magnetic dipole of sufficient magnetic strength. Transpiration as well as movement along the wall is also regarded. By imposing the appropriate similarity technique, the governing equations are converted into a system of coupled nondimensional equations. An efficient numerical technique has been incorporated to solve these dimensionless coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The existence of dual solutions along with their stability has been established with the consideration of stability analysis. We discovered from our analysis that two solutions exist (one stable and another unstable) for the arbitrary values of transpiration, movement velocity and biomagnetic interaction parameters on flow and physical parameters. The attained results are demonstrated graphically and in tabular form. For the validity of our numerical scheme, we compared our findings with others previously published and found significant agreement.
CONNECTEDNESS BETWEEN CRUDE OIL AND US EQUITIES: THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: MAGHYEREH AKTHAM , ABDOH HUSSEIN
Published: October 2022

This paper contributes to the literature by employing a multifractal cross-correlation analysis (MFCCA) to study the effect of the global COVID-19 pandemic on cross-correlations between oil and US equity markets. First, we examine the detrended moving average cross-correlation coefficient between oil and S&P 500 returns before and during COVID-19 and find that US stock markets became more correlated with oil during the pandemic in the long term. Second, we find that the pandemic has caused an increase in the long-range cross-correlations over the small fluctuations. Third, the MF-DCCA method shows that the pandemic caused an increase in cross-correlations between the two markets. In sum, the pandemic caused a closer correlation between oil and US equities in the long range and a deeper dynamic connection between oil and US equity markets, as indicated by the multifractality tests. We also investigate the connectedness between oil and the S&P 500 using a dynamic procedure based on time-varying parameter vector autoregression. We find that oil is a net transmitter of shocks to the forecast error variance of the S&P 500 during March, April and May 2020, whereas the S&P 500 is a net transmitter of shocks to oil variance early in the pandemic (January and February 2020).
Recent Advances in Technologies for Resource Creation and Mobilization in Language Documentation
Authors: Berez-Kroeker Andrea L. , Gabber Shirley , Slayton Aliya
Published: October 2022

Language documentation as a subfield of linguistics has arisen over the past roughly two and a half decades more or less simultaneously with the widespread availability of inexpensive hardware and software for creating, storing, and sharing digital objects. Thus, in some ways the history of advancements within the discipline is also a history of how technological tools have been developed, tested, adopted, and eventually abandoned as newer technologies appear. In this article we examine some recent technologies used both for creating documentary resources, usually considered to include recorded language events in a variety of genres and settings and enough annotation to make them decipherable, and for then mobilizing those resources so that they can be used and shared in language learning, reclamation, revitalization, and analysis.
Review—Recent Advances in Polydopamine-based Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Bisht Neha , Dwivedi Neeraj , Khosla Ajit , Mondal D. P. , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Dhand Chetna
Published: October 2022

The biosensor is a rapidly expanding field of science owing to its wide variety of applications in healthcare, pharmacology, environmental control, food quality assessment, security and defense, and, most notably, diagnostics. Among biosensors, electrochemical biosensors are immensely popular because of their high sensitivity, low detection limit, automation capabilities, low testing cost, and the emergence of electrochemical disposable devices capable of dealing with extremely small sample volumes. Biomolecule immobilization is a crucial step in biosensor development that necessitates the functionalization of the transducer surface. In 2007, polydopamine (PDA) is introduced as a substrate-independent coating material rich in catechol, imine, and amine groups, which provides a perfect environment for dense biomolecule immobilization on the transducer surface. PDA brings the world of possibilities for attaching biomolecules, changing their bio-catalytic capabilities, transferring electrons rapidly, and offering a rapid interface to provide a range of electrochemical signals to design unique diagnostic tools. This review attempts to assemble existing research progressed on PDA-based electrochemical biosensors in terms of enzymatic biosensors (based on H2O2, glucose, alcohol, and laccase), genosensors (DNA sensing), immunosensors, and aptasensors. Further, literature on the detection of thrombin, tumour markers, amino acids, and other therapeutically significant analytes has been collated to provide a comprehensive assessment of PDA-based biosensors. Furthermore, the future potential of PDA-based biosensors for the construction of smart sensor systems leveraging artificial intelligence and Internet of things technologies was discussed in this article.
The Conventional Gas Diffusion Electrode May Not Be Resistant to Flooding during CO2/CO Reduction
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Li Zhengyuan , Lyu Xiang , Raj Jithu , Zhang Guangqi , Kim Hyunsik , Wang Xiangning , Chae Soryong , Lemen Lisa , Shanov Vesselin N. , Wu Jingjie
Published: October 2022

The electrochemical CO2 or CO reduction to chemicals and fuels using renewable energy is a promising way to reduce anthropogenic carbon emissions. The gas diffusion electrode (GDE) design enables low-carbon manufacturing of target products at a current density (e.g., 500 mA cm−2) relevant to industrial requirements. However, the long-term stability of the GDE is restricted by poor water management and flooding, resulting in a significant hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) within almost an hour. The optimization of water management in the GDE demands a thorough understanding of the role of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) and the catalyst layer (CL) distinctively. Herein, the hydrophobicity of the GDL and CL is independently adjusted to investigate their influence on gas transport efficiency and water management. The gas transport efficiency is more enhanced with the increase in hydrophobicity of the GDL than the CL. Direct visualization of water distribution by optical microscope and micro-computed tomography demonstrates that the water flow pattern transfers from the stable displacement to capillary fingering as GDL hydrophobicity increases. Unfortunately, only increasing the hydrophobicity is not sufficient to prevent flooding. A revolutionary change in the design of the GDE structure is essential to maintain the long-term stability of CO2/CO reduction.
Simultaneous Electrochemical Determination of Catechol and Hydroquinone Using a Flower-Like Ni-Al Layered Double Hydroxide/Carbon Black Nanocomposite-Modified Electrode
Authors: Liu Zhenhua , Liu Qiangbing , Liao Dan , Yu Jingang , Jiang Xinyu
Published: October 2022

We have developed a Ni-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) and carbon black (CB) composite for the selective electrochemical detection of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CT). LDH exhibits multiple active sites and high adsorption capacity for phenolic substances. CB demonstrates high conductivity and electrocatalytic capacity. The crystal structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction, establishing the successful synthesis of flower-like LDH, and the successful combination of LDH and CB. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the LDH surface contained sufficient hydroxyl groups to adsorb CT and HQ. The morphology of LDH/CB was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, and the composition and valence confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The LDH/CB sensor delivered excellent performance in terms of sensing HQ and CT, with a wide detection range (0.1–150 μM) and detection limits of 0.011 and 0.0091 μM (DL = 3.3σ/S), respectively. The excellent performance of this sensor makes it a reliable choice for detecting HQ and CT in water.
Modeling affective touch pleasantness across skin types at the individual level reveals a reliable and stable basic function
Authors: Crucianelli Laura , Chancel Marie , Ehrsson H. Henrik
Published: October 2022

Touch is perceived as most pleasant when delivered at slow, caress-like velocities, known to activate C-tactile afferents. At the group level, tactile pleasantness and velocity of touch show a reliable pattern of relationship on hairy skin. Here, we found that the perception of tactile pleasantness follows a consistent pattern also at the individual level, across skin types and testing sessions. However, individual differences in interoceptive abilities and self-reported depression do play a role.
Visuo-tactile heading perception
Authors: Rosenblum Lisa , Kreß Alexander , Schwenk Jakob C. B. , Bremmer Frank
Published: October 2022

We investigated heading perception from visual-only (optic flow), tactile-only (tactile flow), or bimodal self-motion stimuli in different conditions varying in head and eye position. Overall, heading perception was body or world centered and non-Bayes optimal and revealed a centripetal bias. Although being visually dominated, tactile flow revealed a significant influence during bimodal heading perception.
Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Lactate Dehydrogenase Predict the Prognosis of Metastatic Cervical Cancer Treated with Combination Immunotherapy
Authors: Cheng Mingxia , Li Guiling , Liu Zhongan , Yang Qin , Jiang Yao
Published: October 2022

Background. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have considerably changed the treatment paradigm for metastatic cervical cancer; nonetheless, only a proportion of patients achieve a durable response. Therefore, exploring the predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy response is of crucial importance. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive and prognostic value of hematological parameters in patients with metastatic cervical cancer treated with combination immunotherapy. Methods. Clinical data of patients with metastatic cervical cancer treated with combination immunotherapy between June 2019 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the cut-off values of continuous variables, and binary logistic analysis was conducted to compare the treatment response between groups. The Kaplan–Meier method was applied for survival analysis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS). Results. Seventy patients were included in this study. The cut-off values for the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were 5.33 and 195.00 U/L, respectively. High pretreatment NLR (≥5.33) was correlated with decreased objective response rate (53.19% vs. 78.26%,

p
=
0.048

). The survival analysis revealed that high pretreatment NLR (hazard ratio

HR

=
2.401

, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.151–5.009,

p
=
0.020

) and LDH level (

HR
=
1.987

, 95% CI: 1.029–3.835,

p
=
0.041

) were independent prognostic factors associated with short PFS. Conclusions. Our study suggested that high pretreatment NLR and LDH values were independently correlated with poor survival in patients with metastatic cervical cancer treated with combination immunotherapy. Pretreatment NLR and LDH values could serve as potential biomarkers that may aid in the selection of patients who would benefit from combination immunotherapy. Further prospective studies investigating the prognostic value of NLR and LDH are warranted. Trial registration number: UHCT22008.
Effectiveness of Tai Chi on Blood Pressure, Stress, Fatigue, and Sleep Quality among Chinese Women with Episodic Migraine: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Shuting , Tian Longben , Ma Tongyu , Wong Yuen Ting , Yan Lin Jia , Gao Yang , Zhang Dexing , Hui Stanley Sai-Chuen , Xie Yao Jie
Published: October 2022

The beneficial effects of Tai Chi on the cardiovascular risk profile and the migraine trigger factors among female migraineurs remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week Tai Chi training on blood pressure (BP) and migraine-related trigger factors, including stress, fatigue, and sleep quality among Chinese women with episodic migraine. In this study, eligible Hong Kong Chinese women aged 18–65 years were randomly assigned to the Tai Chi group adopting a modified 33-short form of Yang style Tai Chi training for 12 weeks, followed by additional 12 weeks of self-practice or the waiting list control group that maintained the usual lifestyle for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the changes in BP from the baseline to 12 and 24 weeks. The secondary outcomes included the stress level, fatigue, and sleep quality measured by the perceived stress scale (PSS), the numeric rating scale-fatigue (NRS-fatigue), and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), respectively. Significant between-group differences were found in systolic BP (−6.8 mmHg at 24 weeks,

P
=
0.02

), and a decreasing trend was significant across baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks between groups (

P
<
0.05

). The 12-week Tai Chi training significantly reduced the BP level and moderately improved stress level, fatigue status, and sleep quality among Chinese women with episodic migraine. Therefore, Tai Chi could be considered a promising mind-body exercise with good feasibility for migraineurs in the future. This trial is registered with registration number NCT03015753.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion‐Diffusion‐Weighted MRI for Investigation of Delayed Graft Function Immediately after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Chang Yung-Chieh , Tsai Yi-Hsin , Chung Mu-Chih , Pan Kuan-Jung , Ho Hao-Chung , Chen Hsian-Min , Ouyang Yen-Chien , Shu Kuo-Hsiung , Chen Jeon-Hor , Chai Jyh-Wen
Published: October 2022

Purpose. A non‐invasive way of assessing post‐transplant renal graft function has been needed. This study aimed to assess the micro‐structural and micro‐functional status of graft kidneys by using intravoxel incoherent motion‐ (IVIM‐) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to investigate delayed graft function (DGF) immediately after transplantation. Method. A prospective study was conducted on 37 patients, 14 with early graft function (EGF) and 23 with DGF (9 with complication, 14 without) who underwent IVIM‐DWI, most often within 1‐7 days after kidney transplantation. A total of 37 cases were collected and all the participants have been well‐informed and signed their consents. In addition, the study conducted in this paper was approved by the Ethics Committee of Clinical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital (IRB number: CE14065). Using biexponential analysis of slow diffusion coefficient (Dslow), fast diffusion coefficient (Dfast), and perfusion fraction was performed. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was calculated by use of a monoexponential model. All parameters were measured from three different regions‐of‐interest (ROI), covering the entire renal parenchyma, cortex, and medulla. Results. Dslow, perfusion fraction, and ADC were significantly higher in patients with EGF than DGF (all p values values <0.001). Especially, ADC measured from ROI covering the entire kidney parenchyma had the best cut‐off value (1.93μm2/msec) with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC 0.943) in differentiating EGF from DGF. For analysis of pair‐wise differences, only the perfusion fraction values, measured from the ROI covering the renal cortex, were significantly higher in 14 DGF patients with no complications than in the 9 DGF patients with complications, with the best cut‐off value of 12.3% and the AUC of 0.844. Conclusion. Noninvasive IVIM‐DWI reliably differentiates DGF from EGF after kidney transplantation, and it may aid in identifying posttransplant complications and indications for renal biopsy.
A Prospective Evaluation of Grip Strength Comparing a Low-Tech Method to Dynanometry in Preoperative Surgical Patients and Weak Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Shea Mark J. , Weightman Anika , Wibrow Bradley , Anstey Matthew H.
Published: October 2022

Objective. Grip strength testing offers a mechanism to identify patients in whom frailty might be present, discriminate between robust elderly and vulnerable younger patients, and can be used as a tool to track changes in muscle bulk over the course of an inpatient stay. We compared gold-standard quantitative grip strength measurement to a low-tech alternative, a manual bedside sphygmomanometer. Design. Under supervision, subjects performed hand-grip strength testing with each instrument. A mean score is calculated from three measurements on the dominant and nondominant hand. Setting. Testing was performed in a tertiary centre in Perth, Western Australia, in both outpatient clinics and intensive care units. Participants. 51 adult pre-operative surgical outpatients were assessed, alongside 20 intensive care inpatients identified as being weak. Main outcome measures. A statistical correlation between the two measures was evaluated. Feasibility, safety, and convenience were also assessed in outpatient and bedside settings. Results. Highly correlated results in both tertiary surgical outpatients (rs = 0.895,

p
≤
0.001

, N = 102; r (100) = 0.899,

p
≤
0.001

) and weak intensive care patients (rs = 0.933,

p
≤
0.001

, N = 39 r (37) = 0.935,

p
≤
0.001

) Conclusions. Modifying a manual bedside sphygmomanometer to measure grip strength is feasible and correlates well with a formal dynamometer in preadmission surgical patients and weak patients in the intensive care unit. The use of an existing, safe, and available device removes barriers to the measurement of weakness in patients and may encourage uptake of objective measurement in multiple settings.
Research on the Method of Detecting the Spreading Rate of the Simultaneous Crushed Stone Sealing Layer Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Rong Xin , Liu Honghai , Gao Xinmin , Bian Qinghua
Published: October 2022

Synchronous chip seal is an advanced road constructing technology, and the gravel coverage rate is an important indicator of the construction quality. The traditional method to measure the gravel coverage rate usually depends on observation by human eyes, which is rough and inefficient. In this paper, a detection method of gravel coverage based on improved wavelet algorithm is proposed. By decomposing the image with two‐dimensional discrete wavelet, the high‐frequency and low‐frequency coefficients are extracted. The noise of the high‐frequency coefficients in the image is removed by improving the threshold function, and the contrast of the gravel target in the low‐frequency coefficients is improved by the multiscale Retinex algorithm, and then two‐dimensional wavelet reconstruction is carried out. Finally, the gravel target is segmented by the block threshold method, and the pixel ratio of the gravel is calculated to complete the detection of the gravel coverage. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively segment the gravel target and reduce the influence of environmental factors on the detection accuracy. The detection accuracy error is within ±2%, which can meet the detection requirements. The improved wavelet algorithm improves the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the denoised image, reduces the mean square error, and achieves a relatively good denoising effect.
Benefits of Virgin Coconut Oil in Diet to Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)
Authors: do Couto Márcia Valéria Silva , da Costa Sousa Natalino , Abe Higo Andrade , Dias Joel Artur Rodrigues , Cordeiro Carlos Alberto Martins , Paixão Peterson Emmanuel Guimarães , Santos Thays Brito Reis , dos Santos Cunha Fernanda , Meneses Juliana Oliveira , Filho Ricardo Marques Nogueira , Bomfim Carol Nunes Costa , Honorato Cláucia Aparecida , Cardoso Bruno Trindade , Fujimoto Rodrigo Yudi
Published: October 2022

This study investigated the effects of different dietary levels of virgin coconut oil on growth, body composition, bacterial resistance, and hematology parameters in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). Six isolipidic (12% crude lipid) and isonitrogenous (33% CP) diets were formulated adding virgin coconut oil (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) as lipid source, replacing the soybean oil. A positive control diet also prepared containing 15% lauric acid (main fatty acid in virgin coconut oil). Triplicate groups of 20 fish were fed twice daily throughout 90 days. Monthly, we evaluated the tambaqui growth performance, weight and biomass gain, specific growth ratio, apparent feeding conversion, relative condition factor, fish weight uniformity, and final survival. At end of experiment, the fish were subjected to bacterial challenge and blood analysis (glucose, lactate, plasmatic protein, and red cell blood). Fish fed 0%, 100% of VCO and lauric acid presented lower growth than fish fed 50% of virgin coconut oil (VCO) which presents the highest biomass (

929.8
±
80.6

a) and weight gain (

15.4
±
4.3

a) (

p
<
0.05

). Furthermore, the fish fed 50% and 75% VCO had an increase on body protein (50 and 58%, respectively) without increase body fat content. The values of triglycerides and cholesterol decreased (

242.4
±
39.1

c and

181.5
±
14.6

bc) in fish fed 50% VCO and lauric acid, respectively. After bacterial challenge, a hemolytic anemia occurred in fish submitted to diets containing 100% of soybean oil and 100% of VCO, causing 41.67% and 100% of mortality, respectively. However, fish fed with 25 and 50% of VCO not presented any clinical signs of disease or mortality. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 50% virgin coconut in substitution to soybean oil as a lipid source in diets for C. macropomum is recommended to improve the growth performance, body protein, and resistance against pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila.
Downregulation of FXYD2 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Increased Regulatory T Cell Infiltration in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zedan , Tang Yanlin , Li Lei , Yang Wuping , Xu Yawei , Zhou Jingcheng , Ma Kaifang , Zhang Kenan , Zhuang Hongkai , Gong Yanqing , Gong Kan
Published: October 2022

Background. FXYD2, a gene coding for the γ subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase, was demonstrated to involve in carcinogenesis recently. However, the specific role of FXYD2 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unknown. The current study was conducted to investigate the expression, biological function, and potentially immune-related mechanisms of FXYD2 in ccRCC. Materials and methods. The data from TCGA-KIRC, ICGC, GEO, Oncomine, ArrayExpress, TIMER, HPA datasets, and our clinical samples were used to determine and validate the expression level, prognostic roles, and potentially immune-related mechanisms in ccRCC. Cell function assays were performed to investigate the biological role of FXYD2 in vitro. Results. FXYD2 was identified to be downregulated in ccRCC tissue compared to normal tissue, which was confirmed by our RT-PCR, WB, and IHC analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis suggested that downregulated FXYD2 could independently predict poor survival of ccRCC patients. Through the ESTIMATE algorithm, ssGSEA algorithm, CIBERSORT algorithm, TIMER database, and our laboratory experiment, FXYD2 was found to correlate with the immune landscape, especially regulatory T cells (Treg), in ccRCC. Gain-of-function experiment revealed that FXYD2 could restrain cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Functional enrichment analysis illustrated that TGF-β-SMAD2/3, Notch, and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathways may be potential signaling pathways of FXYD2 in ccRCC. Conclusions. Downregulation of FXYD2 is associated with ccRCC tumorigenesis, poor prognosis, and increased Treg infiltration in ccRCC, which may be related to TGF-β-SMAD2/3, Notch, and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathways. This will probably provide a novel prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.
Novel and Facile Synthesis of Biodegradable Plastic Films from Cornmeal by Using the Microwave Polymerization Technique
Authors: Imran Din Muhammad , Ahmed Mahmood , Ahmad Muhammad , Ghaffar Tayabba , Hussain Zaib , Khalid Rida , Samad Abdul
Published: October 2022

Millions of tons of plastic are produced annually, but a major portion of plastic waste remains unrecycled. The uncycled plastic ultimately becomes a major source of solid trash and releases a variety of chemicals into our environment which can adversely affect the human health and marine life. In this study, a novel approach has been opted to synthesize a biodegradable plastic by using the microwave polymerization technique. In this novel approach, raw material (cornmeal), plasticizer (glycerin), and additive (vinegar) have been combined together to fabricate biodegradable plastic films from the microwave polymerization method. A number of rheological properties such as shear stress (Pa), shear rate (1/s), strain, and viscosity (Pa.s) of newly synthesized plastic were studied. These properties confirmed the presence of a shear thinning effect in the biodegradable plastic films on the basis of flow behavior of cornmeal. In order to check the water uptake ability and biodegradability of the cornmeal-based plastic films, water uptake and biodegradation tests were carried out. The fabricated films were neat, thin, and chewable and demonstrate promising characteristics. Therefore, these synthesized films can potentially become a suitable candidate in the packaging industry.
LINC02389/miR-7-5p Regulated Cisplatin Resistance of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer via Promoting Oxidative Stress
Authors: Ma Peng , Han Wen , Meng Cunying , Tan Xiaohong , Liu Pengfei , Dong Lei
Published: October 2022

Background. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and cisplatin-based chemotherapy is the main treatment for NSCLC. However, cisplatin resistance of NSCLC cells is a major challenge for NSCLC treatment. Materials and Methods. qRT-PCR and Western blot were performed to detect the expression of LINC02389 and miR-7-5p in NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry assay were applied to exam cell proliferation and apoptosis rate of NSCLC cells. The interaction between LINC02389 and miR-7-5p was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull-down assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Additionally, cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells were generated to assess the biological function of LINC02389 and miR-7-5p in cisplatin resistance of NSCLC. Results. LINC02389 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and was correlated with poor prognosis of NSCLC patients. Knockdown of LINC02389 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis of NSCLC, whereas miR-7-5p knockdown exerted the opposite effects. Moreover, LINC02389 negatively regulated the expression of miR-7-5p. In addition, LINC02389 was overexpressed, yet miR-7-5p was downregulated in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells compared with their parental cells. Moreover, oxidative stress biomarkers were overexpressed in cisplatin-resistant cells and were regulated by LINC02389. Besides, LINC02389 could reverse the inhibitory effect of cisplatin on NSCLC cells, which was partially reversed by attenuating the expression of miR-7-5p. Conclusion. Our research firstly demonstrated that lncRNA LINC02389 acted as an oncogene to promote progression, oxidative stress, and cisplatin resistance through sponging miR-7-5p and may provide therapeutic targets for NSCLC.
A Full Computerized Workflow for Planning Surgically Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion and Orthognathic Surgery in a Skeletal Class III Patient
Authors: Bennici Orazio , Malgioglio Alessia , Moschitto Serena , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Lucchina Alberta Greco , Ronsivalle Vincenzo , Isola Gaetano , Giudice Antonino Lo
Published: October 2022

In the present case report, we present and discuss the digital workflow involved in the orthodontic/orthognathic combined treatment of a skeletal malocclusion correction in a 17-year-old male patient affected by a skeletal class III, facial asymmetry, sagittal and transversal deficiency of the medium third of the skull, dental crowding, and bilateral cross-bite. The first stage of the treatment involved surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion and occlusal decompensation, using fixed self-ligating appliance. An orthodontic software package (i.e., Dolphin 3D Surgery module) was used to perform virtual treatment objective evaluation by integrating data from cone beam computer tomography acquisition, intraoral scan, and extraoral photographs. The software allowed a comprehensive evaluation of skeletal, dento-alveolar, and soft-tissue disharmonies, qualitative and quantitative simulation of surgical procedure according to skeletal and aesthetic objectives, and, consequently, the treatment of the malocclusion. Using a specific function of the software, the surgical splint was designed according to the pre-programmed skeletal movements, and subsequently, the physical splint was generated with a three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. Once a proper occlusal decompensation was reached, a Le Fort I osteotomy of the maxilla and a bilateral sagittal surgical osteotomy of the mandible were executed to restore proper skeletal relations. The whole treatment time was 8 months. The orthodontic/orthognathic combined treatment allowed to correct the skeletal and the dental imbalance, as well as the improvement of facial aesthetics. Accordingly, the treatment objectives planned in the virtual environment were achieved. Virtual planning offers new possibilities for visualizing the relationship between dental arches and surrounding bone and soft structures in a single virtual 3D model, allowing the specialists to simulate different surgical and orthodontic procedures to achieve the best possible result for the patient and providing an accurate and predictable outcome in the treatment of challenging malocclusions.
Anomalous Trajectory Detection Using Masked Autoregressive Flow Considering Route Choice Probability
Authors: Cao Pengqian , Zhong Renxin , Huang Wei
Published: October 2022

Taxis play a critical role in public traffic systems, and they deliver myriad travelers with convenient service due to temporal-spatial availability. However, anomalous trajectories such as trip fraud often occur due to greedy drivers. In this study, we propose an anomalous trajectory detection method that incorporates Route Choice analysis into Masked Autoregressive Flow, named MAFRC-ATD. The MAFRC-ATD integrates data-driven and model-based methods. First, we divide the urban traffic network into small grids and represent subtrajectories with a sequence of grids. Second, based on the subtrajectories, we employ the MAFRC-ATD model to calculate the anomaly score of each trajectory. Third, according to the anomaly score, we can identify the anomalous trajectories and distinguish between intentionally and unintentionally anomalous. Finally, we evaluate our method with a real-world dataset in Porto, Portugal. The experiment demonstrates that the MAFRC-ATD can effectively discover anomalous trajectories and can identify the unintentional detours due to traffic congestion.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Physalis alkekengi L. Extracts In Vitro and In Vivo: Potential Application for Skin Care
Authors: He Bing-Wei , Wang Fei-Fei , Qu Li-Ping
Published: October 2022

Objective. Inflammatory skin disorders are becoming major issues threatening public health with increasing prevalence. This study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antisenescent activities of traditional folk medicinal plant, Physalis alkekengi L. extracts to alleviate skin inflammation and its possible mechanisms. Methods. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-treated murine macrophages RAW264.7 and human skin keratinocytes HaCaT were incubated with the plant extracts, respectively. The production of nitric oxide (NO) was tested by using Griess reagents. The activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was detected through a fluorescence microplate reader. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis were quantified by flow cytometry. The proinflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA and qRT-PCR. Human skin fibroblasts (HFF-1) were coincubated with D-galactose (D-gal) and the plant extracts. The senescence associated-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) was stained to evaluate cellular senescence. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), IL-1β, was measured through ELISA. The mRNA of IL-1α in SLS-stimulated and PGE2 in UV-radiated 3D skin models were detected by qRT-PCR. In vivo ROS production and neutrophil recruitment in CuSO4-treated zebrafish models were observed by fluorescence microscopy. Inflammation-related factors were measured by qRT-PCR. Results. In vitro, Physalis alkekengi L. significantly reduced NO production, NOS activity, cell apoptosis, transcription of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and ROS production. These plant extracts markedly attenuated SA-β-gal and IL-1β and downregulated the production of IL-1α and PGE2. In vivo, the plant extracts dramatically dampened ROS production, the number of neutrophils, and proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusions. Cumulatively, this work systematically demonstrated the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antisenescent properties of Physalis alkekengi L. and proposed the possible roles of Physalis alkekengi L. in inflammatory signaling pathways, providing an effective natural product for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.
A Case of Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Presenting with Severe Dyserythropoeisis in a Patient with Autoimmune Hemolysis
Authors: Rogers Kai J. , Bhagavathi Sharathkumar
Published: October 2022

The diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) requires that several clinical criteria are met, and often relies on the identification of rare hemophagocytic cells in the bone marrow. Given the challenge in making the diagnosis, additional signs of immune dysregulation in the bone marrow would have practical clinical use in cases where overt hemophagocytosis is not seen. We present here a case of secondary HLH in a patient with autoimmune hemolysis ultimately diagnosed as Evans syndrome that initially presented with profound dyserythropoeisis in both the peripheral blood and bone marrow. We also explore an association between dyserythropoeisis and HLH in a series of cases previously seen at our institution.
Identification of TIMP2 as a Prognostic Biomarker and Its Correlation with Tumor Immune Microenvironment: A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: Wang Dan-Dan , Xu Wen-Xiu , Chen Wen-Quan , Li Lei , Yang Su-Jin , Zhang Jian , Tang Jin-Hai
Published: October 2022

Background. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2), an endogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases, has been disclosed to participate in the development and carcinogenesis of multiple malignancies. However, the prognosis of TIMP2 in different cancers and its correlation with tumor microenvironment and immunity have not been clarified. Methods. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to evaluate the prognostic and therapeutic value of TIMP2 in cancer patients by utilizing a series of databases, including Oncomine, GEPIA, cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, Metascape, and Sangerbox online tool. The expression of TIMP2 in different cancers was analyzed by Oncomine, TCGA, and GTEx databases, and mutation status of TIMP2 in cancers was then verified using the cBioPortal database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the TIMP family was exhibited by GeneMANIA. The prognosis of TIMP2 in cancers was performed though the GEPIA database and Cox regression. Additionally, the correlations between TIMP2 expression and immunity (immune cells, gene markers of immune cells, TMB, MSI, and neoantigen) were explored using Sangerbox online tool. Results. The transcriptional level of TIMP2 in most cancerous tissues was significantly elevated. Survival analysis revealed that an elevated expression of TIMP2 is associated with unfavorable survival outcome in multiple cancers. Enrichment analysis demonstrated the possible mechanisms of TIMPs and their associated genes mainly involved in pathways including extracellular matrix (ECM) regulators, degradation of ECM and ECM disassembly, and several other signaling pathways. Conclusions. Our findings systematically dissected that TIMP2 is a potential prognostic maker in various cancers and use the inhibitor of TIMP2, which may be an effective strategy for cancer therapy to improve the poor cancer survival and prognostic accuracy, but concrete mechanisms need to be validated by subsequent experiments.
A Multiagent Cooperative Decision-Making Method for Adaptive Intersection Complexity Based on Hierarchical RL
Authors: Wei Xiaojuan , Jia Meng , Geng Mengke
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we propose a multiagent collaboration decision-making method for adaptive intersection complexity based on hierarchical reinforcement learning—H-CommNet, which uses a two-level structure for collaboration: the upper-level policy network fuses information from all agents and learns how to set a subtask for each agent, and the lower-level policy network relies on the local observation of the agent to control the action targets of the agents from each subtask in the upper layer. H-CommNet allows multiagents to complete collaboration on different time scales, and the scale is controllable. It also uses the computational intelligence of invehicle intelligence and edge nodes to achieve joint optimization of computing resources and communication resources. Through the simulation experiments in the intersection environment without traffic lights, the experimental results show that H-CommNet can achieve better results than baseline in different complexity scenarios when using as few resources as possible, and the scalability, flexibility, and control effects have been improved.
Hospital-Based Study of Risk Factors Associated with Development of Myopic Macular Neovascularization in Highly Myopic Eyes
Authors: Du Ran , Xie Shiqi , Lu Hongshuang , Chen Changyu , Xiong Jianping , Uramoto Kengo , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Onishi Yuka , Kamoi Koju , Nakao Noriko , Fang Yuxin , Ohno-Matsui Kyoko
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Myopic macular neovascularization (MNV) is the most common cause of a reduction of central vision in eyes with pathologic myopia, and it can progress to macular atrophy in the long term. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with the development of MNVs. Methods: There were 17,198 follow-up records from 5,409 eyes of 2,784 highly myopic patients that were reviewed. The general information and ophthalmic information in the records were studied. The significance of the correlations of factors associated with the development and predicting the development of myopic MNV were determined. Results: Being a woman (odds ratio [OR] = 0.727, p < 0.001), having a longer axial length (OR = 0.948, p < 0.001), having a poorer baseline best-correct visual acuity (BCVA, OR = 2.098, p < 0.001), having severe myopic maculopathy (overall: p < 0.001), prior myopic MNV in the fellow eye (OR = 4.105, p < 0.001), presence of patchy atrophy (overall p < 0.001), lacquer cracks (OR = 1.718, p < 0.001), prior foveal retinal detachment (RD, OR = 3.269, p < 0.001), prior macular hole (MH, OR = 0.641, p < 0.001), prior macular retinoschisis (OR = 1.533, p < 0.001), and prior macular edema (OR = 1.508, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with the development of myopic MNV. Eyes with MNV and patchy atrophy would require an intensive follow-up examination for myopic patients as the fellow eye would have a risk of >70% for the development of myopic MNV in 3 years and nearly 80% in 5 years. Conclusions: Clinicians need to pay special attention to eyes with severe grades of myopic maculopathy, prior myopic MNV in the fellow eye, presence of patchy atrophy, and prior foveal retinal detachment to determine the onset of myopic MNV.