bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential Preventive Effect of Dietary Phytochemicals in Vivo
Authors: Saleh Mai , Darwish Zeinab , Nouaem Manal El , Fayed Nesrin , Mourad Ghada , Ramadan Omneya
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Chemoprevention refers to using specific substances during oncogenesis. Curcumin and catechins are both a polyphenol type of phytochemicals presents in curcuma longa and green tea. The effect of curcumin is synergistic with epigallocatechin gallate, the most abundant polyphenol in tea.
Aim: To evaluates and compares the chemopreventive effect of both green tea and curcumin (each individually and in combination) through induction of hamster buccal pouch carcinoma.
Materials and Methods: Squamous cell carcinoma was chemically induced in fifty Syrian golden hamsters divided into 5 groups (10 each).
Results: The cells of positive control group (B) resulted in 11.57% apoptosis. In the study groups, treatment of the cells with green tea (C), curcumin (D) and both of them (E) showed increase apoptosis. The fluorescent image in group B showed increase of the red fluorescence in the nucleus and cytoplasm of the squamous cell carcinoma cells while in group C, D and E showed decrease of the red fluorescence in the nuclei of the squamous cell carcinoma cells. The microvessel density was higher in the positive control group as compared to the treated groups.
Conclusions: The combination of green tea and curcumin has a significant chemopreventive effect against oral carcinogenesis.
A General Analytical Solution for Fluid Flow and Heat Convection Through Arbitrary-Shaped Triangular Ducts: A Variational Analysis
Authors: T. Amirhossein Hajiaghaei , Norouzi Mahmood , Kayhani Mohammad Hasan , Birjandi Amir Komeili , Emamian Amin , Kim Mirae , Kim Kyung Chun
Published: February 2023

In this paper, an analytical solution for fluid flow and heat transfer inside arbitrarily-shaped triangular ducts is presented for the first time. The former analytical solutions are limited to the special case of isosceles triangular ducts. The literature has no report about the analytical solution for the general case of arbitrarily-shaped triangular ducts. Here, the functionals of flow and heat transfer equations are derived and the resulted Euler–Lagrange equations are solved using the Ritz method. The effect of the duct geometry on the velocity profile and friction coefficient is studied in detail. In addition, effect of the Brinkman number on the temperature distribution and Nusselt number is investigated for both cooling and heating cases. Here, the problem is solved for the case of constant heat flux at walls by considering the viscous dissipation. The results reveal that the value of the Nusselt number decreases with increasing the Brinkman number both in the wall cooling and wall heating modes. Finally, the proposed technique is suggested to solve the flow and heat transfer problems in complicated geometries analytically.
A study of the relationship between vestibular loss and the risk of dementia using data from the south korea national insurance service survey from 2002 to 2019
Authors: Lim Sung Jin , Son Serhim , Chung Younghan , Kim Sang Yeop , Choi Hangseok , Choi June
Published: February 2023

This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed older adults (age 40–80 years) who were registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2002 to 2019 for investigating the association between vestibular loss and the risk of dementia, the population was divided into three groups (general, vestibular loss, and hearing loss). Hazard ratio of dementia in vestibular loss and hearing loss groups was calculated using the national population data. A total of 2,347,610 individuals were identified (general: 2,145,609, vestibular loss: 60,525, hearing loss: 141,476). Mean ages were 53.29 years, 58.26 years, and 58.52 years, respectively. Dementia occurred in 127,081 (IR = 4.91 per 1,000 person-years), 7,705 (IR = 10.79 per 1,000 person-years), and 16,116 (IR = 9.63 per 1,000 person-years) patients, respectively. The vestibular loss and hearing loss groups had hazard ratios for dementia of 1.078 (95% CI, 1.053–1.103) and 1.064 (95% CI, 1.047–1.082), respectively, when compared with the general group. The current study suggests that vestibular loss increases the risk of dementia. Similar to hearing loss, vestibular loss should be considered a risk factor for dementia, and treatment such as adequate vestibular rehabilitation may reduce this risk.
In vitro transcription of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles
Authors: Oh Chang Yong , Henderson Eric
Published: February 2023

Nucleic acid nanoparticles are playing an increasingly important role in biomolecular diagnostics and therapeutics as well as a variety of other areas. The unique attributes of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles provide a potentially valuable addition or alternative to the lipid-based nanoparticles that are currently used to ferry nucleic acids in living systems. To explore this possibility, we have assessed the ability of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles to be constructed from complete gene cassettes that are capable of gene expression in vitro. In the current report we describe the somewhat counter-intuitive result that despite extensive crossovers (the stereochemical analogs of Holliday junctions) and variations in architecture, these DNA nanoparticles are amenable to gene expression as evidenced by T7 RNA polymerase-driven transcription of a reporter gene in vitro. These findings, coupled with the vastly malleable architecture and chemistry of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles, warrant further investigation of their utility in biomedical genetics.
Health Accreditation through the Perspectives of Auditors
Authors: Karaca Latif , Ozer Kubilay
Published: February 2023

Background: Along with the quick developments in technology, expectations in health care services and attention to quality and accreditation has increased. Objectives: This study aims to explore the perspectives of Health Accreditation Auditors (HAAs) who work for Turkish Health Care Quality and Accreditation Institute (TUSKA) on health care accreditation. Design: In this study, case study method was used. Sample: There are 202 auditors within TUSKA who got their HAA title before 2021 and so far, 57 HAAs have been assigned for active duty in the audits. Materials and Methods: In this study, participants were chosen among the HAAs who attended audits actively via snowball sampling and 15 of them were interviewed. Obtained data were analyzed by MAXQDA. Results: For the purpose of obtaining the perspectives of the HAAs, a list of 17 codes and with the review of these codes, 5 inclusive themes were created. These themes are institutional contribution, institutional development, necessity, financial performance and practicality. Conclusions: The HAAs clearly stated that accreditation process contributed to health care institutions positively, accelerated institutional development, proved to be necessary, affected institutions’ financial performance positively, and can be implied to any health care institution easily. On the other hand, there were some dissidence among the HAAs on the effect of accreditation on patient potential, perspectives of the managers on accreditation, health care institutions’ acceptance of accreditation standards, financial burden of the standards and the cost of applications.
The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Organizational Commitment among Nurses Working in Governmental Hospitals in Jordan
Authors: Baker Tasneem Abu , Shosha Ghada Abu , Al-Oweidat Islam , Nashwan Abdulqadir J.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Nurses' emotions and feelings in response to their environment and their ability to manage their own emotions can have significant consequences on several aspects of their job. In Jordan, studies are still investigating whether emotional intelligence is significantly related to organizational commitment. Aim To investigate whether a significant relationship exists between emotional intelligence and organizational commitment among Jordanian nurses working in governmental hospitals in Jordan. Methods The study used a descriptive cross-sectional correlational design. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants working in governmental hospitals. A total of 200 nurses participated in the study. The Emotional Intelligence Scale and Organizational Commitment Scale were utilized for data collection. Results Participants had high levels of emotional intelligence and moderate levels of organizational commitment. Emotional intelligence had a significant, moderately strong, positive relationship with organizational commitment (r = 0.53,p < 0.01). Male nurses, widowed nurses, and nurses with higher postgraduate qualifications demonstrated significantly higher levels of emotional intelligence and organizational commitment than female nurses, single nurses, and nurses with undergraduate degrees (p < 0.05). Conclusion Nurses were highly emotionally intelligent and moderately committed to their organizations. Policies supporting the implementation of interventions to improve organizational commitment and maintain a high level of emotional intelligence should be developed and promoted by nurse managers and hospital administrators.
HPLC and thermal analysis, do they have a good correlation to quantify lycopene in mesoporous silica nanoparticles?
Authors: Carvalho Gabriela Corrêa , Nascimento André Luiz Carneiro Soares , Camargo Bruna Almeida Furquim , Marena Gabriel Davi , Sábio Rafael Miguel , Lourenço Felipe Rebello , Chorilli Marlus
Published: February 2023

Lycopene (LYC), a carotenoid extracted mainly from tomatoes has several biological properties, making its use desirable as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical active ingredient. However, LYC uses in therapy has limitations related to its solubility, making its association with nanocarriers (like mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)) a viable alternative to overcome its drawbacks. To know the exact amount of drug incorporated the incorporation final product needs to be analysed by techniques, such as HPLC and thermal analysis. So, this study objective was to validate an HPLC method for LYC quantification and evaluate its applicability in determine LYC encapsulation in MSNs, additionally, as a way of checking and comparing the thermal analysis technique was used. For the applicability, two types of MSNs were evaluated and several conditions were tested. The developed method was properly validated and regarding its applicability, the vast majority of the conditions evaluated proved to be compatible with the method used. As for the comparison, thermal analysis and HPLC analysis showed a good correlation. In conclusion, the HPLC method has been properly validated and proved to be adequate for LYC quantification from MSNs. Additionally, for the greater results reliability, the association between the two techniques used here proved to be desirable.
NT-proBNP Level as a Substitute for Myocardial Perfusion Scan in Preoperative Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Esmati Saeede , Tavoosi Anahita , Mehraban Saghar , Far Vahideh Laleh , Mehrakizadeh Ali , Shahi Shayan , Larti Farnoosh
Published: February 2023

Background
Preoperative cardiovascular risk assessment is one of the main principles before noncardiac surgeries. Cardiac stress imaging, such as myocardial perfusion scan (MPI), is one of the proposed cardiac risk evaluation methods according to the latest guidelines. Yet, its efficacy, along with the cost-effectiveness of the method, has been questioned in previous studies. Our study aims to evaluate the utility of NT-proBNP level measurement in predicting postoperative cardiovascular complications in candidates who have undergone an MPI scan before surgery and compare the results.
Methods
A cohort of 78 patients with an RCRI score of one or more who were scheduled for high to moderate-risk noncardiac surgeries and met the criteria to undergo an MPI scan for risk assessment were included in the study. All patients underwent an MPI scan one week before surgery. Their preoperative NT-proBNP, troponin levels, and ECGs were obtained one day before surgery. The predictive efficacy of NT-proBNP levels and MPI scans were compared.
Results
Seventy-eight patients underwent surgery, of which three patients exhibited a rise in troponin level, six showed ECG changes, and pulmonary edema was detected in one patient three days after surgery. There was no mortality. The sensitivity and specificity of the MPI scan for predicting postoperative adverse cardiovascular outcomes were 100% and 66%, respectively. MPI scan also had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 20% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. A 332.5 pg/ml cut-off value for NT-proBNP level yielded a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 79.2%, PPV of 40%, and NPV of 100%.
Conclusions
This study reveals the incremental prognostic value of NT-proBNP level measurement in preoperative cardiac risk evaluation compared to an MPI scan. Given the low feasibility, high costs, and disappointing predictive value of MPI scans, preoperative NT-proBNP level assessment can be substituted. This method can assist anesthesiologists and surgeons with detecting at-risk patients resulting in taking proper measures to reduce morbidity and mortality in the preoperative period.
Subaqueous 3D stem cell spheroid levitation culture using anti-gravity bioreactor based on sound wave superposition
Authors: Park Jung Hwan , Lee Ju-Ro , Park Sungkwon , Kim Yu-Jin , Yoon Jeong-Kee , Joung Yoon Ki , Lee Tae Il , Bhang Suk Ho
Published: February 2023

Background
Recently, various studies have revealed that 3D cell spheroids have several advantages over 2D cells in stem cell culture. However, conventional 3D spheroid culture methods have some disadvantages and limitations such as time required for spheroid formation and complexity of the experimental process. Here, we used acoustic levitation as cell culture platform to overcome the limitation of conventional 3D culture methods.
Methods
In our anti-gravity bioreactor, continuous standing sonic waves created pressure field for 3D culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). hMSCs were trapped and aggerated in pressure field and consequently formed spheroids. We injected hMSC spheroids fabricated by anti-gravity bioreactor into the mouse hindlimb ischemia model.
Results
The acoustic levitation in anti-gravity bioreactor made spheroids faster and more compact compared to the conventional hanging drop method, which resulted in the upregulation of angiogenic paracrine factors of hMSCs. Injected hMSCs spheroids cultured in anti-gravity bioreactor exhibited improved therapeutic efficacy for mouse hindlimb ischemia model compared to spheroids formed by the conventional hanging drop method.
Conclusion
Our stem cell culture system using acoustic levitation will be proposed as a new platform for the future 3D cell culture system.
Clinical outcomes of arch expansion with Invisalign: a systematic review
Authors: MA SONGYANG MA , WANG YUNJI WANG
Published: February 2023

Objective: To assess the scientific evidence related to the clinical outcomes of Invisalign therapy in controlling orthodontic tooth movement.
Materials and Methods: An electronic search was conducted in Pubmed，Cochrane Library，Web of Science，Embase，and Scopus from November 2015 to November 2022 to identify all articles. Methodological shortcomings were highlighted and the quality of the studies was ranked using the Cochrane Tool for Risk of Bias Assessment.
Results: Three prospective, and twelve retrospective studies were included. Besides, the risk of bias was moderate for thirteen studies and unclear for the others. There’s statistically significant difference between the prettreatment and posttreatment arches. The average expansion was significantly different from that predicted for each type of tooth in both the maxilla and mandible. Furthermore, the efficiency decreased from the anterior area to the posterior area in the upper arch.
Conclusion: Despite the fact that arch expansion with Invisalign® is not ideally predictable, clear treatment is considerable option to resolve dentition crowding. The efficacy of expansion performs greatest in the premolar area. More researches focusing on the treatment outcome with different materials of aligners should be conducted in the future. Overcorrection should be considered when planning arch expansion with Invisalign. In maxilla, the expansion rate decreases from anterior to posterior. In maxilla, presetting sufficient buccal root torque of posterior teeth may result in better efficiency of expansion.
Screening for potential biological markers of chronic kidney disease based on WGCNA and machine learning
Authors: Zhang Chengyu , Feng Sujuan , Li Han , Wang Shixiang
Published: February 2023

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as persistent urinary tract abnormalities, structural abnormalities, or impaired excretory function of the kidneys, which is the 16th leading cause of years of life lost worldwide and places an enormous burden on medical care. However, the mechanisms for the progression of CKD are still poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the genes responsible for CKD and to establish a genetic diagnosis model.
Results: By combining the differentially expressed genes with the Weighted correlation network analysis, a total of 264 differentially expressed genes, most associated with CKD were identified. According to the results of GO enrichment analysis, we confirmed the molecular functions were most closely related to haptoglobin binding and oxygen carrier. In the biological process, the term most related to oxygen transport, and in cellular components was hemoglobin complexes. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were related to pancreatic secretion, protein digestion, and absorption. Subsequently, ZCCHC7, ZNF396, and EIF4E3 were identified as three potential biological markers in the kidney of patients with CKD by using Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and machine learning algorithms. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) furtherly demonstrated that three genes respectively involved in lipid (ZCCHC7), glucose (ZNF396), and metabolism (EIF4E3).A diagnostic model was also constructed based on these three genes, and the ROC curve showed that the 3-gene diagnostic model has a good fit. Finally, the three potential biological markers of
CKD and their model were validated by using GSE175759, and the results further indicated the diagnostic value of these three potential biological markers.
Conclusions: We successfully identified and validated that ZCCHC7, ZNF396, and EIF4E3 are potential biological markers in CKD patients, which may influence the progression of CKD via the metabolism of fat, sugar, and steroid hormones. Our findings offered a potential diagnostic biomarker for CKD.
“Herbal medicine use during pregnancy and child birth may prevent its related complications”: Perceptions of women living in Lilongwe rural, Malawi – A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Makombe Dziwenji , Thombozi Enalla , Chilemba Winnie , Mboma Alexander , Banda Kondwani Joseph , Mwakilama Elias
Published: February 2023

Background: Use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour is often associated with obstetric complications including uterine rupture and fetal distress, but little is known about its advantages. Particularly, in-depth information on the perceptions of rural women in Malawi about the use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour is underreported. Knoweldge of women’s views and perceptions on use of herbal medicine would help determine potential inclusion of the suitable herbal medicine in women and reproductive health services.
Aims: To explore the perceptions of women on potential use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour in rural Malawi.
Methods: We employed a crossesctional survey on study participants (women), purposively identified (parity≥2) from four villages (Kagona, Champsinja, Mthupi and Manja) of Traditional Authority Malili, in Lilongwe rural district, Malawi. Qualtitative data was collected through four Focus Groups of 6-8 women in each group that were conducted in each village. Data analysis was performed using content analysis inductive approach.
Results: A total of 28 women of reproductive age 20 and above; 20-24 (32.14%), married (75%), average of 3 deliveries (57.14%), primary school education (75.0%), and Christians (92.86%) were recruited and interviewed. Two main themes emerged from the narratives: (1) herbal medicine is beneficial: (i) hastens labour, (ii) prevents pregnancy complications and illnesses, and (2) herbal medicine is risky: (i) leads to caesarean delivery, (ii) leads to ruptured uterus and death, (iv) leads to birth asphyxia, and still births.
Conclusion: Perceptions among rural women on use of herbal medicine during pregnancy and labour are deep routed on cultural and personal experiences. Health education on health related dangers associated with use of herbal medicine among rural women in Malawi can help prevent associated pregnancy and labour complications and improve maternity care. Further research is warranted to explore accessibility and community pathway systems for herbal medicine use during pregnancy and labour among the pregnant women.
Effect of mulching on soil properties, microbial diversity and activities, and crop yield
Authors: Jacquiod Samuel , Bouchard Elodie , Roure Frédéric , Cheviron Nathalie , Mougin Christian , Coffin Arnaud , Blouin Manuel , Martin-Laurent Fabrice
Published: February 2023

Aims - Plastic films are used to mulch soils to control weeds, especially in organic farming. Their application leaves persistent plastic fragments in soils, with poorly understood environmental and health consequences. Plant fiber textiles (bio-canvas) are promising alternatives since they are more persistent than straw mulching and are entirely biodegradable. Hemp fibers are particularly interesting materials due to their renowned resistance, allelopathic and trophic properties for soil life. However, their effects on soil microbiota and yield remain unclear. Methods - In a greenhouse experiment, we assessed the effect of soil mulching (bare soil control, plastic mulch, hemp straw mulching, hemp-canvas) on lettuce growth, soil climatic conditions, enzymatic activities and microbial communities (bacteria and fungi). Our experiment allowed to distinguish effects associated to mulching, being i) the homogeneity of soil covering (plastic mulch and hemp canvas) or not (control, hemp mulch), ii) the biodegradability (hemp mulch, hemp canvas) or not (control, plastic mulch), and iii) their interaction. Results - An interaction occurred between cover homogeneity and biodegradability when using the hemp canvas, leading to higher soil relative water content, stable soil temperature, higher laccase and arylamidase activities, and different soil microbial community structures and fungal diversity, with comparable lettuce yields to that obtained with plastic mulch. Plastic cover induced higher soil temperatures, lower enzymatic activities, and different soil microbial community structures. Conclusions - We conclude that hemp canvas secures lettuce yields, but through different mechanisms compared to plastic mulch, notably via a biostimulating effect on soil microbial diversity and functioning.
Plasmodium ARK2-EB1 axis drives the unconventional spindle dynamics, scaffold formation and chromosome segregation of sexual transmission stages
Authors: Zeeshan Mohammad , Rea Edward , Abel Steven , Vukusic Kruno , Markus Robert , Brady Declan , Eze Anthonius , Rashpa Ravish , Balestra Aurélia , Bottrill Andrew , Brochet Mathieu , Guttery David , Tolić Iva , Holder Anthony , Roch Karine Le , Tromer Eelco , Tewari Rita
Published: February 2023

Mechanisms of cell division are remarkably diverse, suggesting the underlying molecular networks among eukaryotes differ extensively. The Aurora family of kinases orchestrates the process of chromosome segregation and cytokinesis during cell division through precise spatiotemporal regulation of their catalytic activities by distinct scaffolds. Plasmodium spp., the causative agents of malaria, are unicellular eukaryotes that have three divergent aurora-related kinases (ARKs) and lack most canonical scaffolds/activators. The parasite uses unconventional modes of chromosome segregation during endomitosis and meiosis in sexual transmission stages within mosquito host. This includes a rapid threefold genome replication from 1N to 8N with successive cycles of closed mitosis, spindle formation and chromosome segregation within eight minutes (termed male gametogony). Kinome studies had previously suggested likely essential functions for all three Plasmodium ARKs during asexual mitotic cycles; however, little is known about their location, function, or their scaffolding molecules during unconventional sexual proliferative stages. Using a combination of super-resolution microscopy, mass spectrometry, omics and live-cell fluorescence imaging, we set out to investigate the contribution of the atypical Aurora paralog ARK2 to proliferative sexual stages using rodent malaria model Plasmodium berghei. We find that ARK2 primarily localises to the spindle apparatus associated with kinetochores during both mitosis and meiosis. Interactomics and co-localisation studies reveal a unique ARK2 scaffold at the spindle including the microtubule plus end-binding protein EB1 and lacking some other conserved molecules. Gene function studies indicate complementary functions of ARK2 and EB1 in driving endomitotic divisions and thereby parasite transmission. Our discovery of a novel Aurora spindle scaffold underlines the emerging flexibility of molecular networks to rewire and drive unconventional mechanisms of chromosome segregation in the malaria parasite Plasmodium.
Effects of fear of falling and step length on the future risk of falls in non-demented older adults
Authors: Park Ji Sun , Lee Hyang Jun , Cho Sang Hyeon , Han Ji Won , Kim Ki Woong
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of fear of falling (FOF) and not long normalized step length (NL-NSL) on the future risk of falls in older adults. We enrolled 306 community-dwelling non-demented older adults aged 60 years or older. We evaluated the FOF using a 4-point Likert scale. We obtained step length using a triaxial accelerometer and normalized it using height. We defined the lowest and middle tertiles of the normalized step length as NL-NSL. FOF tripled (OR [odds ratio] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–7.3) and NL-NSL more than doubled (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.1–5.6) the risk of falls during the 2-year follow-up period. When the participants without a previous history of falls were analyzed separately, only NL-NSL increased the risk of falls (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.1–12.1). Older adults at risk of falls can be identified using a simple question on FOF and step length obtained from a wearable triaxial accelerometer, even if there is no accurate information on past fall experience.
Energy Saving Achieved by Conservation Voltage Reduction: Application to Induction Motor Loads
Authors: Boharb Ali , Markhi Hassane El , ALLOUHI Amine , Kotb Hossam , AboRas Kareem M.
Published: February 2023

Conservation voltage reduction (CVR) can be used to achieve power savings and improve energy efficiency. In recent years, many studies and research have focused on the effect of reducing electrical voltage to loads. By analyzing these studies, one can notice contradictions on the fact that the CVR technique gives energy savings or not. But in most studies, the heights are based on the input power draw reduction without analyzing the output power and efficiency of the studied device, and this does not always give reliable results. In this article, we propose an energy saving measurement method applied to electric motors which are widely used in the majority of electrical appliances. This article presents a theoretical and experimental study and a detailed analysis on the influence of voltage reduction on electric induction motors.
Experimental study on strength and failure characteristics of mortar specimens with prefabricated cracks under uniaxial and triaxial stress
Authors: Pan Xuwei , Wan Li , Jiang Tong , Jia Yanchang , Zhang Shuo , Wang Shaokai , He Zixin
Published: February 2023

Cracks in rock mass have adverse effects on its mechanical characteristics and the stability of rock mass engineering. In this paper, cement mortar is used to make specimens with prefabricated cracks with different dip angles, and uniaxial compression, true triaxial compression and true triaxial unloading tests are carried out. The stress-strain curves under uniaxial compression and true triaxial compression have 4 and 5 stages, respectively. The strength of the specimen is the lowest as the dip angle of the crack is 45 °. Under uniaxial compression, the failure mode is mainly tensile failure, accompanied by a few shear cracks. With the increase of the crack dip angle of the specimen, the types of cracks generated at the tip of the prefabricated crack increase and change from shear crack to tensile crack. The distance between the crack tip and the loading end affects the failure degree of the specimen. Under true triaxial compression, the confining pressure significantly improves the strength and deformation characteristics of the specimen, and weakens the influence of the crack dip angle on the strength. The failure mode as a crack dip angle of 15 ° is mainly tensile, accompanied by tensile-shear composite and shear. The failure mode as crack dip angles of 45 ° and 75 ° is mainly tensile-shear composite, accompanied by tensile failure and shear failure. With the increase of the crack dip angle, the surface spalling of the specimen is more obvious, and the damage degree of the specimen is more severe. Under the triaxial unloading confining, the failure mode is mainly shear, accompanied by tensile and tensile-shear composite, more than two shear cracks through the top and bottom of the specimen lead to the failure. Compared with uniaxial compression, the damage degree of specimen is more severe under true triaxial compression and true triaxial unloading.
FMISO-PET and immunohistochemistry verified tumor oxygenation, stemness, and immunosupportive microenvironment after preoperative neoadjuvant bevacizumab for newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Suzuki Tomoya , Takei Jun , Fukasawa Nei , Suzuki Kenta , Ogawa Daisuke , Yamamoto Yohei , Akasaki Yasuharu , Murayama Yuichi , Shimoda Masayuki , Miyake Keisuke , Tanaka Toshihide
Published: February 2023

Background
Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and T2-weighted imaging/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging are used to determine the efficacy of bevacizumab (Bev) against glioblastoma (GBM). Positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) reflects hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This study compared FMISO-PET findings for alterations in tumor oxygenation in the TME of GBM during Bev treatment.
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data from 7 patients with newly diagnosed IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase)-wildtype GBM who underwent FMISO-PET during follow-up. Three patients received preoperative neoadjuvant Bev (neo-Bev) followed by radiation therapy and temozolomide, and subsequently underwent surgical resection. Re-operation was performed for recurrence. FMISO-PET was performed at each time point. Four patients who underwent tumor resection after FMISO-PET without any preoperative interventions were also included as a Control group. Surgically obtained tumor tissues were analyzed for expression of a marker of hypoxia (carbonic anhydrase; CA9), stem cell markers (nestin, FOXM1), and immunoregulatory molecules (CD163, FOXP3, PD-1, PD-L1) by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Results
All 3 patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy showed reduced FMISO accumulation (maximum tumor-to-blood ratio and hypoxic volume) and decreases in CA9 and FOXM1 compared with Controls. Two cases in the preoperative neo-Bev group showed recurrence with increasing FMISO accumulation. IHC showed increased CA9- and FOXM1-positive cells at recurrence in both cases. A trend toward fewer CA9-positive cells was seen in patients with low FMISO accumulation both with and without neo-Bev (r = 0.90, p = 0.006). Expressions of immunoregulatory molecules tended to be lower after neo-Bev compared with the Control group and increased at recurrence, but these differences were not significant.
Conclusion
FMISO-PET effectively visualized improvements in TME oxygenation after preoperative chemoradiotherapy including Bev. Increased FMISO accumulation at the time of recurrence, even under Bev treatment, suggests that FMISO-PET might be useful for monitoring the duration of Bev efficacy by reflecting tumor oxygenation.
QSAR modelling, ADMET prediction, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies of novel 2-amino thiazole derivatives as Aurora kinase inhibitors
Authors: Bathula Siva Kumar , Sankaranarayanan Murugesan , Ilango Kaliappan
Published: February 2023

The Aurora kinase is implicated in tumor growth and several small medicines that target the Aurora kinase have been found to have strong anti-cancer effects. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies on 2-amino thiazole compounds for Aurora kinase inhibitory action targeting breast cancer were conducted out by QSARINS in this study. With statistical values R2 = 0.6102, CCCtr = 0.7580, Q2 LOO = 0.6875, Q2LMO = 0.6624, CCCcv = 0.6535, R2ext = 0.7735 and CCCext = 0.8383. Best top two models created comprise five variables: Estate VSA5, PSA, MoRSEP3, MATSp5 and RDFC24. Atomic charges, atomic volume and Sanderson's electronegativity all play a part in the design and optimization of the lead. In silico docking study was performed AutoDock v4.2.6. There are eight novel compounds have been designed, the residues from the active site region, which contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, interacted with the best active site pockets of 1MQ4, predicted active molecules 1a, 2a, 3e, 4d, 5d and 6d. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic stable contacts were seen in the active site of compound 1a in Desmond's molecular dynamics simulation investigations lasting 100 ns. The stable binding of compound 1a with the 1MQ4 structure was verified by RMSD, RMSF, RoG, H-bond and SASA analyses. We suggest that the proposed compound 1a can be used as the best theoretical lead for further experimental investigation of selective inhibition. Furthermore, newly designed compounds exhibited good ADMET properties. The study will result in the development of new breast cancer inhibitors.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 Induces Downregulation of Pentraxin 3 Expression in Human Granulosa Cells through the SMAD-Dependent Signaling Pathway in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Xin Xin , Chang Hsun-Ming , Leung Peter C.K. , Dong Li , Li Jiaxi , Lian Fang , Wu Haicui
Published: February 2023

Background:Pentraxin 3 contributes to the formation of cumulus-oophorus complex,its level is considered to indicate the quality and potential of oocytes. Bone morphogenetic protein 6 is a key regulator of ovary follicular development and regulates female reproduction. It is unclear whether Pentraxin 3 is differentially expressed in granulosa cells derived from Polycystic ovary syndrome and whether Bone morphogenetic protein 6 affects Pentraxin 3 in human granulosa-lutein cells.To evaluate whether Pentraxin 3 is differentially expressed in the granulosa cells derived from women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and whether granulosa cell-derived Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 can regulate the expression of Pentraxin 3 in hGL cells.
Materials and methods:The expression levels of BMP6 and PTX3 in granulosa cells were evaluated by RT-qPCR. The correlation between the expression levels of BMP6 and PTX3 and oocyte quality indexes were analyzed using clinical samples. The cells were incubated with BMP6 at different concentrations and times to check the expression of PTX3. TGF-β type 1 inhibitors and small interfering RNA targeting ALK2/3/6,SMAD1/5/8 and SMAD4 were used to study the involvement of SMAD dependent pathways.
Results:The levels of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 in hGL cells were negatively correlated with the corresponding oocyte maturation rate and high-quality embryo rate, whereas the levels of Pentraxin 3 were positively correlated with the corresponding oocyte maturation rate in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Additionally, the in vitro cell cultured results showed Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 significantly inhibited the expression of Pentraxin 3 in KGN cells. Furthermore, using a dual inhibition approach (kinase inhibitors and small interfering RNAs), we identified the ALK2/ALK3 type I receptors and BMPR2/ACVR2A type II receptors and the downstream SMAD1/SMAD5-SMAD4 signaling pathway were responsible for the BMP6-induced cellular activities in hGL cells.
Conclusions:The suppressive effect of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 6 on Pentraxin 3 expression was mediated by ALK2/ALK3 type 1 receptors and BMPR2/ACVR2A type 2 receptors in granulosa cells through the SMAD1/5-SMAD4 dependent signaling pathway in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.Our findings provides new insights into the understanding of the pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-related ovulatory disorders.
How much does mobility matter for value-added tax revenue? Cross-country evidence around COVID-19
Authors: Wagner Rodrigo , Lucas Rosso
Published: February 2023

Countries need to evaluate both costs and benefits when mandating mobility restrictions for their population. This paper studies one edge of this debate. Namely, to what extent mobility reductions and confinement measures impact Value Added Tax (VAT) collection, which is an increasingly important type of fiscal revenue. Using evidence across twenty nations and over time, we measure these effects around the COVID-19 Pandemic. For that, we benefit from the novel IDB-CIAT monthly dataset on aggregate VAT revenues (2019-2020), combining it with both mobility-restriction policies and mobility outcomes. On average, monthly VAT revenues fell up to 30% around the event of largest drop in mobility for each country. We also estimate mobility elasticities of VAT revenue. Mobility-restriction policies rising by 10% were associated with drops in VAT of 1.4%; while a 10% rise in actual mobility decreased VAT revenues by 3%. Furthermore, we show both elasticities were significantly smaller in the last quarter of 2020. Beyond the pandemic, results matter as a benchmark for macroeconomic variables under large disruptions.
JEL Classification: H20, H84, E62.
Mechanical properties of the antlion larva Euroleon nostras (Neuroptera, Myrmeleontidae) jaws correlate with the amount of inorganic content
Authors: Krings Wencke , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: February 2023

The diversity of insects can be explained by their ability to establish various ecological niches, which includes the foraging from diverse sources. The cuticle-based feeding structures interact with the food and show adaptations in shape, material composition and mechanical properties to it. Some predatory species are extremely specialised to a very narrow spectrum of prey. In this study, we focus on the mouthparts of a very prominent ambush predator, the antlion larvae ofEuroleon nostras. By nanoindentation, we tested the hardness and the Young’s modulus of the mouthparts, which are significantly harder and stiffer than other insect cuticle structures. To gain insight into the origins of the high values, we studied the degree of tanning using confocal laser scanning microscopy and determined the content of inorganic elements by energy dispersive spectroscopy. We could correlate the proportions of the transition metals and alkaline earth metals with the mechanical property values. We also conducted experiments on the breaking stress, the puncturing and biomechanical behaviour of the jaws, which highlighted their extraordinary strength. These findings are not only valuable for biologists, but also for material scientists, as they contribute to our understanding of the origins of mechanical property heterogeneities in insect cuticle.
Hydrochemical and Geological Investigations of Some Gully Erosion- Prone Areas in Parts of Awka- Orlu Cuesta, Nigeria
Authors: Chibuzor Stella Nwaife , Egboka Boniface Chukwukadebia. E. , Anakwuba Emma Kenechukwu , Onuigbo Evagenline Njideka , Odokuma-Alonge Ovie , Ben-Owope Ogechukwu Anastasia , Orji Akudo Ernest
Published: February 2023

Gullies of the Awka-Orlu escarpment within Anambra State, Nigeria, were studied using hydrochemical and geological properties for understanding the geo-environmental problems which underlies the gully-prone areas. This was achieved by conducting fieldwork which includes mapping, hydrogeological surveys and samples collection, followed by laboratory analyses of soil and water samples. The soil samples were subjected to particle size analysis, compaction. Water samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and titrimetric methods. The results of surface water and groundwater revealed pH average values of 5.99 and 6.3, indicating slightly acidic. Such slightly-acidic water facilitates decomposition of the cementing material in the soil. The chemical composition of surface water revealed average concentrations of magnesium (1.57 mg/l), calcium (3.40 mg/l), sodium (2.27 mg/l), chloride (22.28 mg/l), iron (0.38 mg/l), bicarbonates (37.85 mg/l), nitrate (4.73 mg/l), sulphate (3.81 mg/l), for groundwater magnesium (2.57 mg/l), calcium (3.50 mg/l), sodium (2.26 mg/l), chloride (15.09 mg/l), iron (0.23 mg/l), bicarbonates (25.46 mg/l), nitrate (11.61mg/l), sulphate (8.49mg/l) and total dissolved solid (TDS) average values of 63.16mg/ and 50.90mg/l. Using the cations and anions values to plot the piper trilinear diagram sodium bicarbonate (Na-HCO-3). This is attributed to geochemical reactions of ion-exchange and oxidation-reduction in the soil. These reactions contribute to soil disaggregation, erosion and destruction of engineering structures build to control gully erosion. water type was identified. The soil is permeable with good infiltration capacity. The investigations showed the vulnerability of the soil to gullying. These findings are important for any planned, well-designed and executed gully erosion control programmes.
Sociodemographic Profile Associated with Congenital Heart Disease among Infants Less than 1 Year Old
Authors: Tran Michelle , Miner Anna , Merkel Carlin , Sakurai Kenton , Woon Jessica , Ayala John , Nguyen Jennifer , Lopez Jeraldine , Votava-Smith Jodie K. , Tran Nhu N.
Published: February 2023

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects thousands of newborns each year in the United States (US). Infants born with CHD have an increased risk of adverse health outcomes compared to healthy infants. These outcomes include, but are not limited to, neurodevelopmental, surgical, and mortality-related outcomes. Previous US-based research has explored how sociodemographic factors may impact these health outcomes in infants with CHD; however, their impact on the risk of CHD is unclear. This study aims to explore the sociodemographic profile related to CHD to help address health disparities that arise from race and social determinants of health. Defining the sociodemographic factors associated with CHD will encourage policy change and the implementation of preventative measures.
Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of longitudinally collected data. We compared infants with CHD and healthy controls. We used a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data. Pearson’s chi-square test/Fisher’s exact tests analyzed the associations among different sociodemographic factors between infants with CHD and healthy controls.
Results: We obtained sociodemographic factors from 30 healthy control infants and 39 infants with CHD. We found a statistically significant difference in maternal education between our 2 groups of infants (p=0.004).
Conclusion: Maternal education is associated with CHD. Future studies are needed to further characterize sociodemographic factors that may predict and impact the risk of CHD and to determine possible interventions that may help decrease health disparities regarding the risk of CHD.
Transcription elongation factors OsSPT4 and OsSPT5 are essential for rice growth and development and act with APO2
Authors: Liu Jiajun , Jie Wanrong , Shi Xi’an , Ding Yanfeng , Ding Chengqiang
Published: February 2023

The SPT4/SPT5 complex is a transcription elongation factor that regulates the processivity of transcription elongation. However, our understanding of the role of SPT4/SPT5 complex in developmental regulation remains limited. Here, we identified three SPT4/SPT5 genes (OsSPT4, OsSPT5-1, and OsSPT5-2) in rice, and investigated their roles in vegetative and reproductive growth. These genes are highly conserved with their orthologs in other species. OsSPT4 and OsSPT5-1 are widely expressed in various tissues. By contrast, OsSPT5-2 is expressed at a relatively low level, which could cause osspt5-2 null mutants have no phenotypes. Loss-of-function mutants of OsSPT4 and OsSPT5-1 could not be obtained; their heterozygotes showed severe reproductive growth defects. An incomplete mutant line (osspt5-1#12) displayed gibberellin-related dwarfed defects and a weak root system at an early vegetative phase, and a short life cycle in different planting environments. Furthermore, OsSPT5-1 interacts with the transcription factor ABERRANT PANICLE ORGANIZATION 2 (APO2) and plays a similar role in regulating the growth of rice shoots. RNA sequencing analysis verified that OsSPT5-1 is involved in multiple phytohormone pathways, including gibberellin, auxin, and cytokinin. Therefore, the SPT4/SPT5 complex is essential for both vegetative and reproductive growth in rice.
Effects of ecological restoration patterns on runoff and sediment in abandoned coal mine of southern China
Authors: Hao Li , Wenbo Chen
Published: February 2023

Evaluating the ecological economical benefits of different ecological restoration patterns in abandoned mines is important in ecological restoration study. Taking the abandoned coal mines in Luoshi Township of Fengcheng county, Jiangxi province as case, this study conducted 4 different ecological restoration patterns (Pattern I- grapefruit with grass vegetation, Pattern II - pine with grass vegetation, Pattern III - only grapefruit, Pattern IV - bare slope) to study the runoff and sediment yield under natural rainfall condition. The results showed that the ecological restoration patterns and rainfall intensity significantly affect runoff and sediment yield. The runoff and sediment yield increased as rainfall intensity increased: Pattern IV > Pattern III > Pattern II > Pattern I. At the optimal ecological restoration Pattern I, the average runoff and sediment reduction was 59.01% and 77.1%, respectively, in all rainfall intensities. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that runoff and sediment were significantly affected by ecological restoration patterns and rainfall intensity (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis of runoff and sediment yields indicated that the reduction effect on sediment yield increased with the decrease in runoff, and the relationships between runoff and sediment at different ecological restoration patterns could be fitted with a linear function. Moreover, the vegetation configuration that combines fruit farming with grass can be not only beneficial to control soil and water conservation but produce considerable economic benefits and good ecological benefits.