bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triclosan Loaded pH-sensitive Vehicles Spray Facilitate Infected Wound Healing by Eliminating Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Biofilm
Authors: Wang Changrong , Huang Jinghua , Lin Yifei , Chen Xiangjun , Li Wenting , Zheng Shuna , Zhang Yumin , Li Keke , Hong Wei , Liu Jinjian
Published: September 2022

The use of conventional antibiotics has rapidly declined due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of novel vehicles to facilitate effective antibiotics delivery, especially for bacteria that form biofilm. Herein, we designed a library of pH-sensitive polymer vehicles with pKa values ranging from 6.2-5.0. We found that pKa values located into 5.3-5.7 displayed certain antibacterial effect and effective biofilm elimination. The antibacterial effect the copolymer vehicles is highly pKa dependent. Regardless of physical environment or pH 5.6 conditions, biofilm elimination improved silightly. Among the five vehicles, the copolymer (PEPB36/35) with pKa about 5.7 not only exhibited the best biosafety, but also significantly improved the biocompatibility of antibiotics triclosan (TCS). Moreover, PEPB36/35 nanoparticles (NPs) destroyed cell membranes and promoted cargos into cells under an acidic environment. The formed of PEPB36/35@TCS NPs spray was able to kill Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in biofilm and accelerate infected wound healing, which reduced inflammation and promoted angiogenesis. Collectively, these findings affirm that the designed pH-sensitive vehicles improve antibacterial efficacy of TCS in killing bacteria in biofilm.
Pyrolysis Characteristics and Kinetics of Prunus avium L. Leaves using a Thermogravimetric Analyser
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Jiang Yahua , Liu Yu , Li Quan
Published: September 2022

To investigate the differences in the pyrolysis characteristics of leaves of sweet cherry tree (Prunus avium L.) under rain-shelter cultivation (RS) or under open-field cultivation (CK), thermogravimetric (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curves were compared at three heating rates of 10, 20 and 30°C·min− 1. There were two obvious mass loss peaks at 280°C and 330°C, which were manifested by the slow pyrolysis of hemicellulose in the low temperature region and the rapid pyrolysis of cellulose in the high temperature region, respectively. The curve in the pyrolysis range after 440°C was stable, and the mass change corresponded to the pyrolysis of a small amount of macromolecular organic extracts and inorganic salts. When the temperature reached 600°C, approximately 69% and 73% of the CK and RS leaves were thermally destroyed, respectively. The Coats-Redfern method was used for kinetic calculations to obtain an activation energy of 29.75 ~ 36.14 kJ·mol− 1 in the first-order pyrolysis kinetics stage. The second-order pyrolysis kinetics stage can fit the pyrolysis process well. The pyrolysis characteristics and kinetic parameters of the leaves were related to the heating rate and the hemicellulose content, cellulose content and lignin ratio in each sample.
Changes in the anterior and posterior occlusal plane in nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with mini-implant anchorage
Authors: Wei Hui , Mo Shuixue , Zhang Wenzhong
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To analyse anterior and posterior occlusal plane (AOP and POP, respectively) canting changes in camouflage treatment of females growth completed with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion using mini-implant (MI) anchorage.
Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 50 nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion treated with extraction of the maxillary first premolars and mandibular second premolars. Participants were divided into the MI (n = 25) and control (without MIs, n = 25) groups. Cephalometric analyses of these patients were performed before (T1) and after (T2) treatment. Measurements were taken at each treatment stage and analysed within and between groups.
Results:Significant correlations were observed between AOP and POP canting and mandibular position (P < 0.05), and AOP canting had a greater impact on mandibular position. Moreover, compared with those of the control group, the AOP and POP canting, the vertical height of the maxillary first molar and incisor, and mandibular plane angle were significantly decreased.
Conclusions: During the camouflaging treatment of nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion using MI anchorage, reduction in POP and AOP canting and intrusion of the maxillary incisor and first molar made a difference in the mandibular counterclockwise rotation, which, in turn, improved the facial profile.
Clinical relevance: These findings can form the basis for evaluating the reduction in POP and AOP cantings and the intrusion of the maxillary incisor and first molar in the camouflaging treatment of nongrowing females with hyperdivergent skeletal Class II malocclusion using MI anchorage.
Choroidal thickness and vascularity index in Chinese children with high myopia
Authors: De-hai Zhu , Hui Wang , Ruo-shi Li , Jing Wen , Rui-ying Li , Jing-jing Zhao
Published: September 2022

Background
To evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT), topographical variation, and vascularity index in Chinese children with high myopia through enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).
Methods
A total of 93 eyes of children were enrolled:35 in the high myopia group and 58 in the normal group. The choroidal architectural parameters were determined using OCT. The 7 measurements of the macular CT were obtained at different spots, including right beneath the fovea or the subfoveal area (SFCT) spot, and temporal and nasal spots at a radius of 0.5-mm, 1.5-mm, and 3-mm. The total choroidal area (TCA), stromal area (SA), and luminal area (LA) was measured. The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was defined as the ratio of LA to TCA. The correlation between choroidal vascular parameters and other factors were analyzed.
Results
CTs were thinner in high myopic groups than the normal control group at all the locations (P for trend <0.01 for all locations). TCA, LA, and SA of the high myopia eyes were significantly smaller than that of the normal controls. TCA, LA, and SA of the high myopia eyes were significantly smaller than that of the normal controls. AL was negative correlated with SFCT, LA, SA, and TCA (P < 0.05, respectively), SE was positive correlated with SFCT, LA, SA, and TCA (P < 0.05, respectively).
Conclusion
The topographical variations of choroidal thickness with high myopia are the thickest temporal to the fovea. The myopic eyes had thinner CTs, TCA, LA and SA compared to normal controls, indicating its potential role to serve as the sensitive indicator for predicting myopic severity. The CVI does not change significantly in children high myopia, which may suggest choroid microstructure impairment is in the early stage, thus warranted further investigations in a follow-up study.
Ecological interactions disrupted by habitat alteration in the Neotropics
Authors: Toth Aniko , Allen Andrew , Lyons S. Kathleen , Alroy John
Published: September 2022

Ecological interactions help determine the distribution of species across landscapes and play crucial roles in ecosystem services such as pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control1. Human disturbances, particularly habitat alteration, have the potential to modify or erase ecological interactions2,3 and so jeopardise the processes they control. While examples of interactions becoming rewired under human influence have been recorded, studies of this process for speciose assemblages at regional to continental scales are uncommon4 and obstructed by logistical difficulties2. The consequences for ecological communities and people are therefore poorly understood. Here we show that human habitat alteration is associated with a decrease in the spatial aggregation of Neotropical bat pairs and bird pairs that share similar dietary requirements. We find that groups of species pairs with similar vs. different diets have positive spatial associations on average, but pairs within dietary guilds have stronger associations than pairs with disparate diets when habitats are relatively intact. Our results suggest that species with similar resource requirements typically coexist in relatively intact natural settings. By contrast, exclusion becomes more common (though not dominant) when habitats are altered. Altered habitats thus fail to support the coexistence of diverse competitive interactions, reversing patterns observed in the wild.
Quantitative, Phytomedicinal and Ethnobotanical Study of Plants in the Far-north Region of Cameroon: Case of Yagoua Sub- Division
Authors: Nnanga Jeanne Flore , Sassou Christian Bouba , Wouokoue Junior Taffo , Todou Gilbert , Tchobsala Daniel , Moksia Froumsia
Published: September 2022

Background
This study aimed to contribute to the valuation of medicinal plants used in the treatment of diseases affecting the populations of the district of Yagoua.
Methods
Ethnobotanical data was collected in 10 villages from June to August 2020 in Yagoua. A total of 300 informants (193 men and 107 women) were interviewed through semi-structured interviews, key informant interviews and guided field visits. All informants were local residents between the ages of 15 and 60, and key information holders were selected based on recommendations. The frequency of citation (FC) made it possible to appreciate the local phytotherapeutic importance of each species, the Degree of Fidelity (DF), identified the species most used in the treatment of a particular disease and the informant consensus factor (ICF) was used to determine the homogeneity of knowledge in the use of medicinal species.
Results
98 plant species were identified belonging to 85 genera and 47 families. The Caesalpiniaceae families dominate (9 species). 10 species have a high frequency of citation. A total of 31 diseases were recorded, 8 of which had a high frequency of occurrence. It was found that men have more knowledge about plants (64.33%); the age group 26–36 is interested in the use of plants. 150 recipes were identified, of which 78.67% were monospecific. 49.44% of the species used by the population are collected in the bush, 5 morphological types represented 68.36% of woody plants and 31.64% of herbaceous plants, sarcochores are the most represented diaspore types with 51.02%. Leaves and barks are the organs most frequently used for the preparation of recipes; decoction is the most commonly used method of preparation and the oral route is the most commonly used way of administering medicines. More than half of the species recorded have a level of fidelity equal to 100% and the informant consensus factor shows high values.
Conclusion
The study area is rich in important plant resources for which the populations must be aware and must also take into account their vulnerability by advocating reforestation, domestication and sustainable use.
Ilex paraguariensis as chimarrão, terere and mate-tea forms: a comparative study of the volatile fractions of the plant materials and their respective aqueous extracts using Headspace Solid-phase Microextraction by CG-MS
Authors: Mesquita Mariana , Bosso Fernando Henrique , Salvador Marcos José
Published: September 2022

Popularly known as "Yerba mate", Ilex paraguariensis St Hil. (Aquifoliaceae) is a South American plant extensively used to prepare many beverages, with "chimarrão", "terere" and "mate-tea" as three of the most consumed, and the preparations methods, from the plant material process to extraction mode, determines the type of the final beverage. With many health benefits and also cultural and economic relevance, in this work the volatile compounds composition of these three main beverages were analyzed through headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) used in combination with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Through this technique, 39 main volatile compounds were identified with spectral similarity above 90%. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Heatmap analysis, the volatile compounds composition was profiled for all the extracts and start material, and a good homogeneity among the replicates was observed, along with similarities between extracts and their start materials, as well as a notorious distinctive clustering of the different Ilex paraguariensis products, all good indications of the capability of the entire methodology used to analyze volatile compounds profiles. Limonene and n-hexanal were found as the main volatile compounds, and their abundances seem to be affected by the extraction modes, mainly due to water temperature and plant drying process. This work successfully compared the volatile profile of "chimarrão", "terere" and "mate-tea" beverages and their start materials using HS-SPME-GC-MS techniques, with the identification of the volatile compounds as well as the impact of the preparation modes in these ones.
The Cost Reduction Effects of Ending the U.S. Crude Oil Export Ban1
Authors: Kleit Andrew N. , Foreman R. Dean
Published: September 2022

In reaction to the oil crisis of the mid-1970s, the U.S. government imposed a ban on crude oil exports. This ban was largely symbolic until the “shale revolution” essentially doubled U.S. production of crude oil after 2010. However, this new U.S. light crude oil production growth was not well matched with the existing capacities of domestic refineries, many of which were configured to process heavier crude oil streams. Once the crude oil export ban was lifted at the end of 2015, U.S. light crude oil could be processed by non-U.S. refineries, and in turn this better enabled U.S. refineries to optimize their operations using a diverse crude mix. Examining the attributes of “crack spreads”, which are a proxy for the amount that refiners receive to refine crude oil into finished petroleum products, we analyze the impacts of ending the ban on both light and heavy crude oil value chains. We find that the end of the export ban reduced the crack spread on light crude oil by nearly $8.00 per barrel, while also reducing the crack spread on heavy crude oil by nearly $9.00 per barrel. Together these generated average annual savings of nearly $50 billion per year between 2016 and 2021. Notably, the results are consistent with the hypothesis that ending the crude oil export ban reduced refinery costs, rather than, as several authors suggested, creating a more competitive market that lowered refining margins.
FGM Medical Education at a United Kingdom Medical School: students’ perspectives (FGMed Study)
Authors: Raju Kiran , Dixit Anushka , Ramgopal Ananya , Gorham Emily , Hallett Nutmeg , Bradbury-Jones Caroline
Published: September 2022

Background
Over 200 million girls from over 30 countries worldwide have been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Globalisation has led to a rising prevalence of FGM in western countries such as the United Kingdom (UK). FGM has varied implications, including physical and mental health complications and legal consequences. It is therefore vital for medical students as future healthcare professionals to receive training on a clinical approach to FGM.
Methods
A single centre online survey was distributed amongst medical students in years 3-5 (clinical years) at a large UK medical school. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected. The aim was to assess perception of their knowledge and confidence with regard to FGM and to gauge opinions on the current FGM medical curriculum.
Results
The results demonstrate a lack of confidence despite some theoretical knowledge. For example, 43% of respondents rated themselves as having a ‘reasonable’, ‘good’, or ‘extensive’ knowledge of the risk factors for FGM, but 25% felt they were ‘not at all’ confidence in recognising these in a clinical setting. Regarding the quantity of teaching, respondents reported a mean of 1.6 hours and a heavily lecture-based current medical curriculum. Free text responses highlighted a need for more small group tutorials about FGM with a focus on developing a clinical approach.
Conclusion
The FGMed study identified gaps in the current FGM medical curriculum in terms of content and type of teaching in a UK medical school. This study has generated a list of specific suggestions such as increasing the number of clinically oriented small group teaching sessions, and increasing the number of teaching hours in clinical years. Overall, these results and recommendations may be transferable to other countries and contexts given the global significance of FGM.
Associations of Time-Weighted Individual Exposure to Ambient Particulate Matter with Carotid Atherosclerosis in Beijing, China
Authors: Han Ze , Zhao Xiaoyu , Xu Zongkai , Wang Jinqi , Jin Rui , Liu Yueruijing , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhang Jie , Li Xia , Guo Xiuhua , Tao Lixin
Published: September 2022

Background
Time-location information, including time spent indoors and outdoors around residential and work places and on commuting, physical activity, infiltrated ambient pollution and traffic transportations, was less considered estimating individual exposure to ambient pollution. Studies investigating the association between individual exposure to particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10) and <2.5 μm (PM2.5) and carotid atherosclerosis obtained inconsistent results. Moreover, combined effect of mixed pollutants on carotid atherosclerosis was not fully explored because of high collinearity. We aimed to investigate the association between long-term individual time-weighted exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 and the risk of carotid atherosclerosis, and further explore the overall effects of multiple pollutants on carotid atherosclerosis.
Methods
Daily concentration of ambient pollutants was estimated by land-use regression model at both residential and work addresses, and 1-5 years’ time-weighted individual exposure was calculated by further considering personal activity pattern and infiltrated ambient pollution. We explored the association of PM2.5and PM10 with carotid atherosclerosis and pooled the overall effect of multiple pollutants by quantile g-computation.
Results
The significant association between time-weighted exposure to PM2.5 and PM10and carotid atherosclerosis was observed. Per interquartile range increase in 2-year exposure to PM2.5 (Hazard ratio (HR): 1.322, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.219-1.434) and PM10 (HR:1.213, 95% CI: 1.116-1.319) showed the strongest association with carotid atherosclerosis, respectively. Individuals in higher quartiles of pollutants were at higher risk for carotid atherosclerosis. The linear and nonlinear relationships interpreted the upward trend of the risk for carotid atherosclerosis with increasing level of pollutant concentrations. Moreover, the overall adverse effects of multiple pollutants were further demonstrated.
Conclusions
Individual time-weighted exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and mixed pollutants was associated with carotid atherosclerosis. It is necessary to reduce individual pollutant exposure to inhibit the risk of carotid atherosclerosis and subsequently alleviate disease burdens of atherosclerotic diseases.
Formal design methodology for transforming ladder diagram to Petri nets: Scope of the LDPN.
Authors: Quezada José Carlos , Flores Ernesto , Baños Esperanza , Quezada Víctor
Published: September 2022

Control algorithms for programmable logic controllers are still developed based on the experience of those responsible for control in the industry. The IEC-61131-3 standard considers five programming languages: Ladder Diagram, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Instruction List, and Sequential Function Diagram, which use different function blocks to develop control algorithms. Within the control algorithms for discrete event systems there are two types of blocks: those with discrete inputs and outputs, and those with discrete and analog inputs and discrete output. Of the latter, the present research shows the analysis and formal model of the blocks including the problems of accumulation of tokens and the restoration of the coils. Expanding the scope of the Ladder Discrete Petri Net proposal and therefore the analysis and simulation of control algorithms with a greater degree of complexity.
Genetic structure of the dominant tropical seagrasses Cymodocea rotundata and Enhalus acoroides in southern Philippines for conservation management
Authors: Arriesgado Dan , Arriesgado Elgen Moywela , Kurokochi Hiroyuki , Eballe Rustan Cornelio , Gonzales Ruby Castrence , Lian Chunlan
Published: September 2022

Large-scale genetic population study of the two dominant tropical species of seagrass is conducted in Mindanao, southern Philippines. The goal of the study was to understand population genetic status of the dominant tropical seagrass species, Cymodocea rotundata and Enhalus acoroides for appropriate management. Population genetics structure for the 15 sites was performed by using polymorphic microsatellite markers. The results showed that the clonal richness was high in E. acoroides than C. rotundata. The largest genet found in the study was at Rizal, northern Mindanao wherein throughout the sampling area (i.e. 300 x 40 m) only one genet was identified for C. rotundata. The mean FIS (coefficient of local inbreeding) values was positive (heterozygous deficit) with some sites deviated from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Isolation by distance (IBD) was detected in C. rotundata (P < 0.05) but not in E. acoroides (P = 0.253), with the Mindanao ocean currents influenced genetic connectivity and structure. Genetic differentiation did not show any relationship between the geographical location and distance exhibiting high FST values for E. acoroides (0.183) and C. rotundata (0.205). The floating, buoyant fruits of E. acoroides may play a role in their long-distance dispersal; however, such dispersal is not frequent. Almost all of the seeds and fruits of C. rotundata are derived from self-recruitment in the natal meadow. This study suggests that C. rotundata and E. acoroides populations possess a weak genetic connectivity, and that the persistence of the meadow is threatened due to the low genetic diversity and high degree of population isolation.
Possible frequent multiple mitochondrial DNA copies in a single nucleoid
Authors: Pavluch Vojtěch , Špaček Tomáš , Engstová Hana , Dlasková Andrea , Jezek Petr
Published: September 2022

Background
Previously, ~ 1.4 of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecules in a single nucleoid was reported. Such a minimum number would reflect a minimum nucloid division.
Results
We applied 3D-double-color direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM), i.e. nanoscopy with ~ 25 nm x,y-resolution, together with our novel method of Delaunay tessellation for the identification of unbiased 3D-overlaps. Noncoding D-loops were recognized in HeLa cells by mtDNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (mtFISH) 7S-DNA 250-bp probe, containing biotin, visualized by anti-biotin/Cy3B-conjugated antibodies. Other mtFISH probes with biotin or Alexa Fluor 647 (A647) against ATP6-COX3 gene overlaps (1,100 bp) were also used. Nucleoids were imaged by anti-DNA/(A647-)-Cy3B-conjugated antibodies. Resulting histograms counting mtFISH-loci/nucleoid overlaps demonstrated that 45–70% of visualized nucleoids contained two or more D-loops or ATP6-COX3-loci, indicating two or more mtDNA molecules per nucleoid. With increasing number of mtDNA per nucleoid, diameters were larger and their distribution histograms peaked at ~ 300 nm. A wide nucleoid diameter distribution was obtained also using 2D-STED for their imaging by anti-DNA/A647. At unchanged mtDNA copy number in osteosarcoma 143B cells, TFAM expression increased nucleoid spatial density 1.67-fold, indicating expansion of existing mtDNA and its redistribution into more nucleoids upon the higher TFAM/mtDNA stoichiometry. Validation of nucleoid imaging was also done with two TFAM mutants unable to bend or dimerize, respectively, which reduced both copy number and nucleoid spatial density by 20%.
Conclusions
We conclude that frequently more than one mtDNA molecule exists within a single nucleoid and that mitochondrial nucleoids do exist in a non-uniform size range.
Fabrication of graphene and graphene derivatives based thermoplastic nanocomposite films for high barrier antibacterial packaging, EMI shielding and thermal management applications
Authors: Ghosh Suman Kumar , Nath Krishnendu , Ganguly Soumya Sarathi , Das Tushar Kanti , Paul Sangit , Ghosh Trisita , Das Amit Kumar , Das Narayan Ch.
Published: September 2022

Multifunctional polymer/graphene nanocomposite based lightweight and flexible films are increasingly being utilized in the packaging, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries together. Herein, three different types of graphene derivatives have been incorporated into linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) thermoplastic matrix via melt compounding method. As an anisotropic filler that is extensively employed, graphene possesses the ability to not only impose electrical conductivity, but also increase their barrier properties and reinforcement to a larger extent. The microscopic analyses showed that, because of polarity, graphene nanoplatelets are the most significant and accepted filler for homogeneous mixing in the LLDPE matrix. But in order to fabricate a versatile sub-millimeter packaging film, noble metal has been deposited onto the graphene sheets (G-Ag) via wet chemical synthesis method followed by melt mixing with LLDPE matrix. This modification affected the electrical conductivity, barrier properties (both oxygen and water vapor permeability), and UV-transmittance. With 5 wt% of G-Ag, reduced graphene oxide (RGO), and graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) loading, the thermal conductivity of these three nanocomposite films was enhanced by an average of 82%, 77%, and 96%, respectively. Moreover, the film has been tested against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria to ensure its bactericidal activity. The prepared graphene derivatives reinforced thin films were also showing EMI shielding values (-21 dB, -17 dB, and -19 dB) more than the commercial cut-offs. Therefore, it is possible to deduce graphene-based thermoplastic nanocomposite, which might be an excellent choice for bacteria-resistant and barrier-capable packaging and efficient thermal management EMI shields in wearable and flexible electronics.
Spatio-temporal trend of malaria incidence from 2011 to 2017 and environmental predictors of malaria transmission in Myanmar
Authors: Zhao Yan , Aung Pyae Linn , Ruan Shishao , Win Kyawt Mon , Wu Zifang , Soe Than Naing , Soe Myat Thu , Cao Yaming , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Kyaw Myat Phone , Cui Liwang , Menezes Lynette , Parker Daniel M.
Published: September 2022

Background: Myanmar bears the heaviest malaria burden in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This study assessed the spatio-temporal dynamics and environmental predictors ofPlasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax malaria in Myanmar.
Methods: Monthly reports of malaria cases at primary health centers during 2011–2017 were analyzed to describe malaria distribution across Myanmar at the township and state/region levels by spatial autocorrelation (Moran index) and spatio-temporal clustering. Negative binomial generalized additive models identified environmental predictors for falciparum and vivax malaria, respectively.
Results: From 2011 to 2017, there was an apparent reduction in malaria incidence in Myanmar. Malaria incidence peaked in June each year. There were significant spatial autocorrelation and clustering with extreme spatial heterogeneity in malaria cases and test positivity across the nation. Areas with higher malaria incidence were concentrated along international borders. Primary clusters of P. falciparum persisted in western townships, while clusters of P. vivaxshifted geographically over the study period. The primary cluster was detected from January 2011 to December 2013 and covered two states (Sagaing and Kachin). Annual malaria incidence was highest in townships with a mean elevation of 500-600 meters and a high variance in elevation (states with both high and low elevation). There was an apparent linear relationship between the mean normalized difference vegetative index and annual P. falciparum incidence.
Conclusion: The decreasing trends reflect the significant achievement of malaria control efforts in Myanmar. Prioritizing the allocation of resources to high-risk areas identified in this study can achieve effective disease control.
Identification of hub genes and potential molecular mechanisms in medulloblastoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yuan Zhengbo , Su Wenjing , Li Chenglong , Li Zefu
Published: September 2022

Background: Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most prevalent malignant brain cancer in children. Alterations in genes are critical in the molecular pathogenesis of medulloblastoma. Herein, we propose to explore the potential biomarkers for medulloblastoma and further elucidate their possible molecular mechanism.
Methods: Medulloblastoma data sets were abstracted from the GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) data resource and merged with DEGs (differentially expressed genes) from individual microarrays. Then, GO (Gene Ontology) along with KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analyses were employed to analyze the data set.
Results: We selected 3 GEO data sets of 15 normal cerebellum tissues and 66 medulloblastoma tissues. Overall, 47 DEGs were identified. Of these, 26 were upregulated, whereas 21 were downregulated DEGs. Based on the GO analysis, the primary biological focus of DEGs consisted of “Positive regulation of neuron “differentiation,” “Intracellular,” as well as “Calcium ion binding.” The most remarkable cascade based on the KEGG analysis was the “P53 signaling cascade”. The PPI network demonstrated DTL, MELK, CDK1, KIF11, NDC80, PBK, NUSAP1, TOP2A, TTK, and RRM2 as the most remarkable hub genes.
Conclusion:
Identification of the most remarkable hub genes and significant cascades in medulloblastoma provides critical information on the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma. In addition, this information can be used to identify diagnostic biomarkers.
Comparison of hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitor alone or together with programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitorsComparison of hepatitis B virus reactivation in hepatocellular carcinoma patients who received tyrosine kinase inhibitor alone or together with programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitors
Authors: Lei Jin , Yan Tao , Zhang Linzhi , Chen Bowen , Cheng Jiamin , Gao Xiaoqiang , Liu zherui , Li Yinyin , Zuo Shi , Lu Yinying
Published: September 2022

Background & Aims: Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) has dramatically improved survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation from these antitumor medications remains unclear.
Methods: Patients receiving TIK monotherapy (TKI group) or TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors (combination group) were included. The primary endpoint was HBV reactivation as defined by an increase in HBV DNA titer by at least 1 log(10-fold) from baseline. The secondary endpoints included tumor progression, overall survival.
Results: A total of 499 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 296 patients in the TKI group and 203 patients in the combination group. The 3-month, 6-month and 12-month cumulative incidence rates of HBV reactivation in the TKI group vs combination group were 7.8%, 12.8% and 21.3% vs 9.9%,19.2% and 30.0%, respectively (P=0.02). The Cox proportional hazard model indicated that combination therapy (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.00-1.99, P=0.05), ALT > 40 U/L (HR 1.50, 95% CI, 1.05-2.16, P=0.03), and tumor size > 5 cm (HR 1.58, 95% CI, 1.10-2.28, P=0.01) were independent risk factors for HBV reactivation. Compared with the HBV reactivation group, the progression-free survival and overall survival of patients in the HBV non-reactivation group were significantly prolonged (P<0.001 and P=0.001).
Conclusions: Patients who received TKI combined with PD-1 inhibitors had a greater risk for HBV reactivation, and those with HBV reactivation had a higher rate of tumor progression and shorter survival time, than those receiving TKI alone.
Risk factors for posterior mandible lingual plate perforation during immediate implant placement: A virtual implant placement study using CBCT
Authors: Sun Yingjia , Hu Sai , Xie Zhijian , Zhou Yiqun
Published: September 2022

Objectives
This study aimed to explore the influence of lingual concavity(LC) and morphological parameters at the mandibular molar sites on lingual plate perforation(LPP) during immediate implant placement(IIP).
Materials and Methods
On the CBCT images and along with the natural crown’s long axis, 181 implants were virtually placed in the mandibular molar sites. The implant diameter is set in the specification of 4.1mm or 4.8mm. Each cross-section of the implantation site is divided into the U/P/C type according to its upper and lower width and the shape of the labiolingual bone plate. Morphologically relevant parameters were also measured on the cross-sections. Besides, the distance between the end of the virtual implant and the lingual bone plate of the cross-section (DIL) was calculated, which indicates the risk of LPP. The relationship between all the morphologically relevant parameters and the DIL was further analyzed.
Results
A total of 77 (42.5%) cross-sections in molar regions were classified as U-type with LC, which was the most common type, accounting for 63% of the second molar region. All LPP cases (100.0%) and most of the nearly LPP (87.9%) cases occurred at the U-type cross-sections. For all the U-type cross-sections, the relationship between the DIL in virtual implants with different diameters and the morphological parameters can be respectively expressed by a multivariate linear equation: DIL(⌀=4.1mm)=-0.998LCD + 0.204Wc-0.063∠ β or DIL (⌀=4.8mm)= -0.985 LCD + 0.204Wc-0.061∠ β.
Conclusions
The occurrence rate of U-type cross-sections in the second molar region is very high, and the risk of LPP should be considered during the immediate implantation process. Except for the U-type, significant depth of the LC, small lower width of the cross-section, and large ∠ β will be considered as the main risk factors. CBCT and multivariate linear equations can help to assess the LPP risk and provide a reference for adjusting the diameter and orientation of the implant pre-surgery.
How the Dice Fall: Investigating the Final State Probabilities of Bevelled Versus Non-bevelled Dice
Authors: Loria Davie Nicole
Published: September 2022

Many of the household board games people play use bevelled dice, with rounded corners, and are one of the most common examples of chance. However, casinos are not allowed to use them due to their supposed unbalanced and imperfect rolls. They are required to use non-bevelled dice with sharp corners and flush sides. When asked, it is safe to assume that the average person would say that each face of any dice have a 1/6 chance of turning up when rolled. So why is there a difference between bevelled and non-bevelled in casinos? There is a huge gap in the research of probability and fairness of different types of dice. This lack of research was our motivation. Many people have looked into the true randomness of dice and there is no lack of research there; the lack of research comes with comparing the difference between bevelled and non-bevelled dice. Our research will investigate whether bevelled or non-bevelled dice are more random or fair and attempt to create a mathematical model. By rolling a large sample size of both types of dice under the same conditions and recording the final-state-the side that was facing up when the dice settled during each of our many rolls-we will be able to show the differences between the two types and determine an explanation. This research will explore our findings and their implications in a practical setting, specifically casinos.
Pan-cancer analysis reveals potential for synergy between SERPINA1 molecular targeting and macrophage-related immunotherapy
Authors: Fu Chen , Miao Yuxi , Jiao Xue , Fu Jia , Liu Chaoyue , Yu Zhaojin , Wei Minjie
Published: September 2022

Background
The immune response can be modulated by autophagy to alter tumor growth. SERPINA1 is not only an autophagy-related protein but also a serine protease inhibitor with the potential for immunotherapy and targeted drug therapy.
Methods
Based on the latest multi-omic databases, we evaluated SERPINA1 mRNA and protein expression levels, prognostic value, methylation and mutation, signaling pathway, and gene ontology analysis and explored their relevance. The relationship between SERPINA1 expression and immune and drug sensitivity was also analyzed. Single-cell sequencing was used to validate the function and immunity in different cancers.
Results
Many tumors are associated with abnormal SERPINA1 expression and a poor prognosis. According to our study, DNA methylation, gene mutations, and post-translational modifications of SERPINA1 were significantly and positively correlated with its expression levels in breast cancer as a diagnostic marker. In addition, we observed that SERPINA1 positively correlates with macrophages and was able to stimulate M2 macrophage polarization, It was found that SERPINA1 was associated with macrophages in glioma immune microenvironments.
Conclusions
Considering that SERPINA1 plays a role in cancer progression, SERPINA1 may be a new promising target for immunotherapy and drug target therapy.
Adolescent Perceptions of Substance Use Problem Resolution and Recovery
Authors: Smith Douglas C. , Evans Jennifer M. , Reinhart Crystal A. , Taylor Shaneil E. , Begum Shahana , Jenkins Karen V.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND
While there is some research on adult recovery from substance use, particularly regarding its definition and correlates, there appears to be little work on defining recovery for adolescents. Definitional research on adolescent recovery, including adolescents’ perceptions of recovery, will create opportunities to enhance adolescent recovery-oriented systems of care.
METHODS
Data for this study were collected through Qualtrics, an online survey platform. The survey gathered different behavioral and social indicators, including whether adolescents resolved a problem with substances or considered themselves to be in recovery. Youth also responded to a list of statements, indicating whether the item was consistent with their definition of problem resolution or recovery. The final analytic sample included 63 (16.3%) adolescents in recovery and 323 who were not. We analyzed descriptive statistics for both groups and assessed whether perceptions on problem resolution or recovery definitions differed by recovery status using chi-square tests.
RESULTS
Among all statements presented to youth in reference to problem resolution, the most commonly endorsed was “stop completely” (59.8%), followed by “not hanging out with friends who use a lot” (47.7%) and “getting counseling for alcohol/drug use” (46.1%). Youth in recovery were significantly less likely than those not in recovery to endorse “stop completely” as being associated with problem resolution (p < .05). Similarly, “no use of any drug or alcohol” was the most highly endorsed statement that participants felt was closely aligned with their personal definition of recovery (68.1%) across all participants. However, those in recovery (58.7%) were significantly less likely to include “no use of any drug or alcohol” in their personal definition of recovery than those not in recovery (70%) (p < .05).
CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 40% of youth in recovery did not select abstinence as a key component of recovery. Additional research on recovery identity among adolescents is needed to clarify this finding.
To predict the left ventricular endocardial Scar tissue pattern using Radon descriptor-based machine learning
Authors: Singh Yashbir , Mansoor Wathiq , Atalla Shadi , Paul Rahul , Deepa Deepa
Published: September 2022

Objective: Scar tissue is an identified cause for the development of malignant ventricular arrhythmias in patients of myocardial infarction, which ultimately leads to cardiac death, a fatal outcome. We aim to evaluate the left ventricular endocardial Scar tissue pattern using Radon descriptor-based machine learning.
We performed automated LV segmentation to find the LV endocardial wall, performed morphological operations, and marked the region of the scar tissue on the endocardial wall of LV. Motivated by a Radon descriptor-based machine learning approach; the patches of 17 patients from CT images of the heart were used and categorized into “endocardial Scar tissue” and “normal tissue” groups. The ten feature vectors are extracted from patches using Radon descriptors and fed into a traditional machine learning model.
Results: The decision tree has shown the best performance with 98.07% accuracy. This study is the first attempt to provide a Radon transform-based machine learning method to distinguish patterns between “endocardial Scar tissue” and “normal tissue” groups. Our proposed research method could be potentially used in advanced interventions.
Integration of the landscape of fear concept in terrain management – an experimental study on deer in Bardia National Park, Nepal.
Authors: Thapa Shyam Kumar , de Jong Joost F. , Hof Anouschka R. , Subedi Naresh , Liefting Yorick , Prins Herbert H.T.
Published: September 2022

Despite the popularity of the ‘landscape of fear’ concept, the potential for integration of this idea into terrain management for wildlife conservation has remained largely unexplored. We carried out a multi-year experimental study in the tiger-dense Bardia National Park, Nepal. Using plots of varying mowing frequency (0–4 times), size (small: 49 m2; to large: 3600 m2), and artificial fertilisation type (none, phosphorus, nitrogen), we assessed to what extent ‘fear’ affects the use of managed terrain by three cervids (chital -Axis axis, swamp deer -Rucervus duvauceli, and hog deer -Axis porcinus). We show that these deer respond to the probable predation risk when using the terrain. The medium-sized deer strongly favoured large plots (mean = 0.1 pellet groups.m− 2in 3600 m2plots, vs. 0.07 in 400 m2, and 0.05 in 49 m2plots), wherein they tend to use edge areas less (mean = 0.13 pellet groups.m− 2at the edge vs. 0.21 at the centre). The smaller, hog deer did not show any reaction to the treatments. We posit that for medium-sized deer ‘feeling safe’ may be the principal determinant for using the managed terrain in subtropical monsoon grasslands. Our findings give important insights into the applicability of the landscape of fear dynamics in terrain management for wild ungulates and carnivores worldwide.
The performance of EuroSCORE II in CABG patients in relation to sex, age, and surgical risk: a nationwide study in 14118 patients
Authors: Silverborn Martin , Nielsen Susanne , Karlsson Martin
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND
To determine the discriminative accuracy and calibration of EuroSCORE II in relation to age, sex, and surgical risk in a large nationwide coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) cohort.
METHODS
All 14118 patients undergoing isolated CABG in Sweden during 2012–2017 were included. Individual patient data were taken from the SWEDEHEART registry. Patients were divided by age (<60, 60–69, 70–79, ≥80 years), sex, and surgical risk (low: EuroSCORE <4%, intermediate: 4–8%, high: >8%). Discriminative accuracy was determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration by the observed/estimated (O/E) mortality ratio at 30 days.
RESULTS
AUC and O/E ratio were 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79–0.85) and 0.58 (0.50–0.66) overall, 0.82 (0.79–0.86) and 0.57 (0.48–0.66) in men, and 0.79 (0.73–0.85) and 0.60 (0.47–0.75) in women. Regarding age, discriminative accuracy was highest in patients aged 60–69 years (AUC: 0.86 [0.80–0.93]) but was satisfactory in all groups (AUC: 0.74–0.80). O/E ratio varied from 0.26 for patients >60 years to 0.90 for patients >80 years. Regarding surgical risk, AUC and O/E ratio were 0.63 (0.44–0.83) and 0.18 (0.09–0.30) in low-risk patients, 0.60 (0.55–0.66) and 0.57 (0.46–0.68) in intermediate-risk patients, and 0.78 (0.73–0.83) and 0.78 (0.64–0.92) in high-risk patients.
CONCLUSIONS
EuroSCORE II had good discriminative accuracy independently of sex and age, but markedly overestimated mortality risk, especially in younger patients. Accuracy and calibration were better in high-risk patients than in low-risk and intermediate-risk patients.
Hepatic vein-oriented double cone-unit laparoscopic hepatic resection
Authors: Yasuda Jungo , Furukawa Kenei , Yanagaki Mitsuru , Igarashi Yousuke , Tanji Yoshiaki , Haruki Koichiro , Onda Shinji , Ikegami Toru
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To achieve a negative margin when removing tumors adjacent to the hepatic vein, it is important to resect the two tertiary Glissonean pedicles that straddle the hepatic vein. The smallest unit that achieves anatomical resection of small tumors adjacent to the vein is a double cone unit (DCU).
Patients and methods:
We here report four patients who underwent laparoscopic DCU resection of hepatic tumors among 127 who had undergone laparoscopic hepatectomy at the Jikei Medical University Hospital from 2020 through 2021. DCU resection was considered when computed tomography imaging showed the hepatic vein was near the tumor and the tumor was relatively small (< 50 mm). After reaching the target Glissonean pedicles, bulldog clamps were used to clamp the hepatic vein, after which indocyanine green was injected via peripheral veins. A few minutes later, the tumor-bearing portal territory could be identified as regions lacking fluorescence under near-infrared imaging. The target hepatic vein, which runs between these two territories, was dissected where it crosses from the first to the second territory.
Results
The median operative time in these four patients was 308 minutes, and the median blood loss 302 g. The average tumor size was 31.3 mm and the average surgical margin 0.6 mm.
Conclusion
The smallest unit for achieving anatomical hepatectomy of small tumors adjacent to the hepatic vein may be DCU resection.
Identification of bile biomarkers of Occult pancreaticobiliary reflux through a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabolomic method
Authors: Da# Xuanbo , Xiang# Yukai , Hu Hai , Kong Xiangyu , Qiu Chen , Zhao Gang , Cai Jingli , Huang Anhua , Zhang Cheng , He Chuanqi , Lv Beining , Zhang Honglei , Yang Yulong
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Occult pancreaticobiliary reflux (OPBR) causes chronic inflammation of the gallbladder and associated mucosal malignant changes, but its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear.
Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the pathogenic mechanism in OPBR through untargeted metabolomic analysis of bile collected during surgery.
Methods
Patients undergoing surgery for gallstones between December 2020 and May 2021 were eligible for inclusion. There were 30 OPBR patients and 338 non-OPBR patients, and 30 non-OPBR patients were randomly selected as normal controls. Metabolomics analysis was performed based on bile samples from patients in the OPBR group.
Results
The principal component analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that 30 metabolites were significantly different between patients with OPBR compared to controls. Among these characteristic metabolites, palmitic acid and arachidonic acid are known to be involved in gallstone formation, methionine and lysophosphatidylcholine are known to be associated with carcinogenesis.
Conclusions
The present study suggested that an LC/MS-based metabolomic studies provide an efficient and promising method for identifying potential biomarkers of OPBR. The identified characteristic metabolites in the OPBR group were significantly different to the control group.