bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecotoxicity stress and bioaccumulation in Eisenia fetida earthworms exposed to vanadium pentoxide in soil
Authors: Zhao Shiqing , Ni Hong , Li Ji , Ai Shunhao , Wang Xiaonan , Gao Xiangyun , Xu Qianyun , Liu Zhengtao
Published: January 2022

As an important commercial form of vanadium, vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is widely used in various modern industries, and its environmental impacts and ecotoxicity have been extensively studied. In this research, the ecotoxicity of V2O5 to earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in soil was tested by exposure to V2O5 at a series of doses, and biochemical response indices, such as the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, were analysed to determine the mechanism by which antioxidant enzymes respond to V2O5 exposure. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of vanadium pentoxide in the earthworms and soil was also measured to explore the bioaccumulation process of V2O5 in the test period. The results showed that the acute and chronic lethal toxicity values of V2O5 towards E. fetida were 21.96 mg/kg (LC50, 14 days) and 6.28 mg/kg (LC10, 28 days), respectively. For the antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT were synchronously induced or inhibited within the time period, and the enzyme activity had a dose-effect relationship with the V2O5 concentration. MDA analysis indicated that lipid peroxidation in earthworms mainly occurred at the early stage and was eliminated slowly in the later stage during the test time. In addition, the BAFs were much less than 1, which indicated that V2O5 did not easily accumulate in earthworms, and the BAF was positively correlated with the exposure time and negatively linearly correlated with the V2O5 concentration in the soil. These results indicated that the bioconcentration and metabolic mechanism of V2O5 in earthworms differed with the different exposure concentrations, and bioaccumulation became balanced after 14-28 days in earthworms exposed to a relatively lower dose of V2O5. The analysis of the integrated biomarker response (IBR) index indicated that the trends of IBR values were positively related to the changing V2O5 concentration, and the IBR index could reflect the organism’s sensitivity to the external stimulus of V2O5. The toxicity of V2O5 is mainly caused by V5+, which is also an important factor in formulating guidelines regarding vanadium levels in soil, and the test earthworm species (Eisenia fetida) is a sensitive biological indicator for risk assessments of vanadium oxidation in the soil.
BM-MSCs ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via modifying the expression of miR-193, miR-146a, miR-155, miR-21 and miR-326
Authors: Haghmorad Dariush , Khaleghian Ali , Eslami Majid , Farrokhi Amir Salek , Moghadam Bijan Sedighi , Sadeghnejad Abdolvahid , Hemati Maral , Yousefi Bahman
Published: January 2022

Background: Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a demyelinating neurological illness having immunological, histological, and clinical parallels to MS (EAE). Cell-to-cell communication and exosomes are two mechanisms through which MSCs exert their effects. The purpose of this study was to see how effective BM-MSCs were at treating EAE patients.Materials and Procedures: Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG35-55) was used to induce EAE in C57BL/6 mice (n=32), and then BM-MSCs 1×106 cells were administered. Every day, clinical and weight examinations were performed. Histology will be used to assess inflammation and demyelination in mouse CNS parts. Using Real-time PCR, we investigated the expression of pro and anti-inflammatory genes, as well as miRNAs intricate in the differentiation and function of Th cells in the control and progression of EAE.Results: In the EAE, BM.MSCs significantly reduced clinical symptoms, inflammation, and demyelination of the brain. Our findings suggest that improved expression of miR-193 miR-146a and decreased expression of miR-155 and miR-21 miR-326 was followed by an increase in cytokine expression levels of IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-4; however, IFN-γ and IL-27 levels were reduced in treatment groups. Treatment groups were also associated with suppressing effects on Th1 and Th17 immune responses, induction of Treg cells, and immunoregulatory responses.Conclusions: These findings provide compelling evidence that MSC-derived exosomes modulate immune suppression and highlight the significance of BM.MSCs and miRNAs in affecting T cell differentiation and reducing CNS inflammation, demyelination, and local neurodegeneration.
Efficient Management of the Nitritation-Anammox Microbiome Through Intermittent Aeration: Absence of the NOB Guild and Expansion and Diversity of the NOx Reducing Guild Suggests A Highly Reticulated Nitrogen Cycle
Authors: Palomo Alejandro , Silva Bruna Daniela Azevedo , Touceda-Suárez María , Félez Carlos Domingo , Mutlu A. Gizem , Dechesne Arnaud , Wang Yulin , Zhang Tong , Smets Barth
Published: January 2022

Obtaining efficient autotrophic ammonia removal (aka partial nitritation-anammox, or PNA) requires a balanced microbiome with abundant aerobic and anaerobic ammonia oxidizing prokaryotes and scarce nitrite oxidizing bacteria. Here, we analyzed the microbiome of an efficient PNA process that was obtained by sequential feeding and periodic aeration. The genomes of the dominant community members were inferred from metagenomes obtained over a 6 month period. Three Brocadia spp. genomes and three Nitrosomonas spp. genomes dominated the autotrophic community; no NOB genomes were retrieved. Two of the Brocadia spp. genomes lacked the genomic potential for nitrite reduction. A diverse set of heterotrophic genomes was retrieved – each containing genomic potential for only a fraction of the denitrification pathway. A mutual dependency in amino acid and vitamin synthesis was noted between autotrophic and heterotrophic community members. Our analysis suggests a highly-reticulated nitrogen cycle in the examined PNA microbiome with nitric oxide (NO) exchange between the heterotrophs and the anammox guild.
Association of Kaiso and Partner Proteins in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Salam Hira , Ahmed Shaheen , Bari Furqan , Bukhari Uzma , Haider Ghulam , Mughal Nouman
Published: January 2022

BackgroundE-cadherin loss liberates associated catenins, including p120 catenin, from adherens junctions. Liberated p120 binds a transcription factor, Kaiso, resulting in aberrant expression of the latter’s target genes, several of which are known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes; therefore, Kaiso plays a dynamic role in various malignancies; however, its role in oral cancer remains to be investigated.Objectives1. To identify the protein expression and intracellular localization of E-cadherin, p120 catenin, and Kaiso, in oral cancer tissues using Immunohistochemistry2. To study the protein expression of selected Kaiso targets (Cyclin D1 and c-Myc) and to correlate their expression with the expression and localization of Kaiso3. To correlate the expression of the aforementioned proteins with clinicopathological parametersMaterials and Methods:Histological grading was performed using Broder’s criteria. IHC staining was used to study the expression and localization of E-cadherin, p120-catenin, Kaiso, Cyclin D1, and c-Myc. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21. The chi-square test was used to measure the statistical significance of associations, keeping a p-value <0.05 as significant.Results:Out of 47 oral cancer cases, E-cad expression was low in 36%, p120-ctn expression was low in 34%, and Kaiso expression was low in 78% tumor specimens. P120ctn was delocalized from membrane in 80.8% cases. Kaiso was expressed in the cytoplasm of 87% of tumor tissues, whereas 29.7% of cases had negative nuclear Kaiso expression. Kaiso expression was significantly associated with the expression of Cyclin D1 but not with c-Myc.Conclusion:The present study identified a change in the subcellular localization of Kaiso in oral cancer tissues. The important implications of this aberrant localization on oral carcinogenesis and tumour prognosis need to be investigated with further studies using larger sample sizes and more sensitive molecular tools.
Multi-omics analysis reveals a non-canonical regulatory pattern of UPL3 on carbon metabolism related cell senescence
Authors: Lan Ying Miao Yu Zhang Chenxing Huang Haisen Lu Yuhao Qiu Shuai
Published: January 2022

The HECT domain-containing UPL3 ligase plays critical roles in plant development and stress protection, but its mechanism of action remains limited. To globally identify its targets in Arabidopsis thaliana, we conducted proteomic analyses of ubiquitinated proteins in upl3 mutants via label-free mass spectrometry. In 6-week-old plants, a landscape of UPL3-dependent ubiquitinated proteins is constructed based on correlated datasets of ubiquitome, proteome, and transcriptome. Preferential ubiquitination of proteins related to carbon fixation represented the largest set of proteins with increased ubiquitination in the upl3 plant, while a small set of proteins with reduced ubiquitination caused by the upl3 mutation were linked to cysteine/methionine synthesis and protein translation processes. Furthermore, the upl3 mutation led to an increase in ubiquitination of some of proteins including chromatin remodeling ATPase (BRM), histone proteins, and most of carbon metabolic enzymes, but decreased the ubiquitination of hexokinase 1 (HXK1), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase 2 (PPC2), ribosomal protein S5, and H1/H5 domain proteins. Notably, ubiquitin hydrolase 12 (UBP12), BRM, and PPC2 were identified as the UPL3-interacting partners by both GFP-nanotrap-Mass-Spectrometry analyses and yeast two-hybrid assay. Characterization of upl3, brm, and ubp12 mutant plants and transcriptome analysis suggested that UPL3 fine-tunes carbon metabolism mediating cellular senescence by interacting with UBP12, BRM, and PPC2 in the nucleus. Our results highlight an important function of UPL3 as a hub of regulator on proteolysis-independent regulation and proteolysis-dependent degradation.
Development of a Real-time Framework between MATLAB and PLC through OPC-UA: A case study of a microgrid energy management system
Authors: ZERK Abdallah EL , OUASSAID Mohammed , ZIDANI Youssef
Published: January 2022

Many research laboratories, which develop advanced algorithms for controlling Renewable Energy Systems (RES), lack specialized equipment to carry out research activities and perform experiments. Real-time simulation platforms are suitable for designing specific applications such as fast or real-time computation models. In addition, these platforms provide fast, accurate and reliable studies for RES control implementation. However, Real-time platforms are too expensive and not affordable for most laboratories. In this context, a cost-effective platform is designed to assist researchers in their activities. The hardware solution consists of using a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) to acquire data from the various sensors and control the system through actuators and PID controllers. From a software standpoint, a communication framework between MATLAB and the PLC is developed using the OPC-UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) technology. In this paper, the operation and efficiency of the platform have been tested using the Software in the Loop (SIL) technique. Hence, the operating model is designed using MATLAB/Simulink to simulate and analyze the appropriate control technique suitable for PLC implementation, whereas the control is executed through Siemens S7-1200 PLC using TIA PORTAL. A visualization interface is set up using WinCC-RT. Furthermore, this paper describes the design of the platform and discusses its utilization, providing examples of its usage through a case study. Indeed, a complex algorithm developed in MATLAB/Simulink can be automatically executed by any PLC using the designed framework.
Occurrence and levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in wild and farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from Lake Kariba, Zambia: possible impact on fish health
Authors: Simukoko Chalumba , Mwakalapa Eliezer , Muzandu Kaampwe , Mutoloki Stephen , Evensen Øystein , Ræder Erik , Müller Mette , Polder Anuschka , Lycke Jan Ludvig
Published: January 2022

The current study was carried out to determine occurrence and levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in wild and farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Lake Kariba, Zambia, and possible implications for fish health. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyls (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in liver samples of tilapia. Concentrations of POPs in wild tilapia were in general higher than in farmed tilapia, however, concentrations of DDTs and PCBs in wild tilapia foraging near the fish farms were more in the range of the farmed fish. The highest median ∑DDTs (93 and 81 ng/g lw) were found in wild tilapia from sites 1 and 2, respectively 165 km and 100 km west of the farms. DDE/DDT ratios seem to indicate recent exposure to DDT. The highest median of ∑ 17 PCBs (3.2 ng/g lw) and ∑ 10 PBDEs (8.1 ng/g lw) were found in wild tilapia from site 1 and 2, respectively. The dominating PCB congeners were PCB-118, -138, -153 and -180 and for PBDEs, BDE-47, -154, and -209. Of PFASs, only PFOS, PFDA and PFNA were detected in wild fish with highest median PFOS levels in site 1 (0.66 ng/g ww). The PCB and BDE concentrations in wild and farmed fish were above EQS biota limits set by the EU. This may suggest a risk to the fish species and threaten biodiversity.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Control for Optimal ℒ2-gain Performance of Interconnected Large-scale Cyber Physical Systems Under FDIAs Environments
Authors: Zheng Bo-Chao , Lai Chen , Li Tao
Published: January 2022

Aiming at a class of large-scale cyber physical systems(LSCPSs) with multiple subsystems nonlinearly interconnected under false data injection attacks(FDIAs), the problems of ℒ2 -gain performance analysis and sliding mode control are studied. First, the quadratical stability criteria with ℒ2 -gain performance of the sliding dynamics of LSCPSs are derived by linear matrix inequalities(LMIs) technology. Then adaptive integral sliding mode controllers are designed, which include two parts: one part is designed for suppressing the influences of FDIAs on the systems, and the other part is used to deal with factors such as quantization errors, external interferences, nonlinear interconnections, and model uncertainties. Finally, the comparison results of simulation examples show the effectiveness and superiority of the established methods.
Biomechanical Analysis of a Novel 3D Printing Cervical Spine Prosthesis : A Finite Element Study
Authors: Lei Wei , Zhao Xiong , Wang Xin-li , Meng Bing , Li Tian-qing , Feng Ya-fei , Zhang Yang , Wu Zi-xiang
Published: January 2022

Background: Our group have developed a new 3D printing cervical composite joint system prosthesis. The corresponding biomechanical effect should be evaluated in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the prosthesis using a three-dimensional finite element model.Methods: CT data were extracted by mimics16.0 software to reconstruct the C3-C7 model of cervical spine. The model was divided into three groups: normal cervical spine group, prosthesis implantation group and ACCF group. The three groups of models in six different motion states (flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, left and right rotation) were simulated by three-dimensional finite element simulation. The RoM of lower cervical vertebra, RoM between each vertebrae, and the stress of intervertebral disc were compared and analyzed. Results: Compared with the normal cervical spine, the RoM of C3-7 in the prosthesis implantation group showed a downward trend in six different motion states, with a decrease range of 5.27%. RoM of each segment in the prosthesis implantation group was decreased, and the decrease range was less than 7.34%. In the six motion states, the stress of each intervertebral disc in the prosthesis implantation group and ACCF group was increased. Compared with the prosthesis implantation group, the stress increased significantly at at the C3-C4 level in ACCF group. Conclusion: The novel 3D printing cervical composite joint system prosthesis can not only retain the range of motion of the cervical spine, but also decrease the stress of the upper adjacent intervertebral disc.
Mechanism for particle fractionalization and universal edge physics in quantum Hall fluids
Authors: Bochniak Arkadiusz , Nussinov Zohar , Seidel Alexander , Ortiz Gerardo
Published: January 2022

Advancing a microscopic field-theoretic framework that rigorously unveils the underlying topological hallmarks of fractional quantum Hall (FQH) fluids is a prerequisite for making progress in the classification of strongly-coupled topological matter. Here we advance such a framework that helps reveal an exact fusion mechanism for particle fractionalization in FQH fluids, and uncover the fundamental structure behind the condensation of non-local operators characterizing topological order in the lowest-Landau-level (LLL). We show the first exact analytic computation of the quasielectron Berry connection and perform Monte Carlo simulations that numerically confirm the fusion mechanism for quasiparticles. Thus, two quasiholes plus one electron leads to an exact quasielectron state of fractional charge e/3 in a nu=1/3 Laughlin fluid. We express, in a compact manner, the sequence of (both bosonic and fermionic) Laughlin second-quantized states in a manner that highlights the lack of local condensation. Furthermore, we present a rigorous constructive subspace bosonization dictionary for the bulk fluid and establish the universal long-distance behavior of edge excitations by formulating a conjecture based on the DNA, or root state, of the FQH fluid.
The visceral fat area to skeletal muscle mass ratio (VSR) is significantly associated with the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in a young and middle-aged Chinese natural population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Shi , Huang Yaping , Li Jing , Zhang Minyin , Wang Xiaohe , Wang Xincheng , Zhang Yanju , Du Meiyang , Li Chunjun , Lin Jingna
Published: January 2022

Background: Growing evidence has revealed that using BMI for assessment of obesity and cardiometabolic risk has some limitations. Visceral adiposity and skeletal muscle loss may be both correlated with cardiometabolic outcomes. This study aimed to explore the associations between the visceral fat area to skeletal muscle mass ratio (VSR) and the risk of several cardiometabolic diseases including metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia in a young and middle-aged Chinese natural population and further elucidate the differences of these associations between male and female. Methods: A total of 5158 participants were included in this study. Body composition, anthropometrical and biochemical measurements were performed. The associations between VSR and cardiometabolic diseases were analyzed. Results: Both in male and female, VSR was positively associated with the five cardiometabolic diseases and with the increase of VSR by one quartile, the ORs increased significantly for all the five cardiometabolic diseases (P trend<0.001). With regard to the highest versus the lowest quartile of VSR, the ORs for MAFLD, hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperuricemia were 17.23 (95% CI, 12.52-23.71), 15.47 (95% CI, 7.1-33.72), 5.12 (95% CI, 3.88-6.76), 3.16 (95% CI, 2.33-4.28) and 1.89 (95% CI, 1.42-2.51) in male, respectively. In female, the corresponding ORs were 41.15 (95% CI, 25.80-65.63), 21.62 (95% CI, 7.87-59.36), 9.64 (95% CI, 6.88-13.53), 9.34 (95% CI, 6.63-13.14) and 6.58 (95% CI, 3.45-12.56). The results of restricted cubic splines showed there were significant positive non-linear relationships between VSR and the risk of MAFLD, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension in both genders (P for non-linearity <0.05). The risk was relatively flat until when VSR reached 3.078 cm2/kg in men and 4.750 cm2/kg in women and started to increase rapidly afterwards. In men, however, the risk slowed down after VSR value got to around 4 cm2/kg and the curve became flat and even tended to decline. Conclusions: VSR was positively associated with cardiometabolic diseases regardless of gender. As VSR increased, the risk of cardiometabolic diseases was significantly higher in women than in men. Women should be more alert to the risk of cardiometabolic diseases caused by the increase of VSR.
Close contact management mode and epidemiological characteristics analysis of COVID-19 in Chengdu, China
Authors: Yang Kai , Deng Jiali , Yue Yong , Fan Shuangfeng , Liu Hui , Liu Zhijian , Zhang Shuang , Wang Lingyi , Dai Rong , Zhao Yao , Tuo Xiaoli
Published: January 2022

As a potential source of infection, the risk of close contacts has gradually increased. Close contact management mode and epidemiological characteristics for 20,254 close contacts from January 22, 2020 to April 1, 2021 in Chengdu, China were analyzed. The relationship with index cases was mainly co-passengers (73.52%) and relatives (13.64%), and the frequency of contact was mainly occasional contact (68.31%). 277 (1.37%) close contacts who were converted into cases were mainly found in the first and second nucleic acid tests (58.27%), and the contact mode was mainly by sharing transportation (37.55%). In terms of close contact management time, both the supposed ((13.00±3.23) vs. (12.84 ±6.91)) and actual ((14.13±24.02) vs. (14.00±12.98)) isolation time in Chengdu were longer than that of outer cities (P<0.001). Tracing and management of close contacts is a two-way management measure, which requires the cooperation among departments. Enhancing existing monitoring and response capabilities can control the spread of the epidemic to a certain extent.
Demographic and Social Factors associated with HIV discordance among HIV- infected couples in Kaduna State Nigeria.
Authors: Danboyi Daniel Abba
Published: January 2022

Background: The study was conducted to assess the demographic and social factors associated with HIV discordance among HIV- infected couples. Discordance has always been a bane in the efforts to stop the spread of HIV within the population as it creates a gap through which re- infection occurs. Knowing the demographics associated with discordance will help in the fight against HIV by opening a window of effective disruption of the HIV transmission chain.Methods: A total of 158 couples and 317 individuals were recruited for the survey using a stratified sampling technique. These respondents accessed treatment at 9 HIV treatment centers in 9 Local Government Areas of the 23 Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. A detailed closed- ended questionnaire was administered to them to collect their demographic and social information. Blood test was also carried out to confirm their HIV status.Discussion: The results obtained in the study showed that majority 161(50.8%) of the respondents had secondary education while the least 29(9.1%) of them had tertiary education. Most of them 135(42.6%) knew their HIV status by voluntary testing, and most respondents 255(71%) were Christians while only 92(29%) were Muslims. The results also showed that more women 105(66.04%) were HIV positive, and the HIV discordance prevalence for Kaduna State was 0.2%. Social factors such as religion, education, employment, unprotected sex, extramarital affairs, body marks/tattoo, surgery/operation, tribal marks and blood transfusion had no effect on HIV discordance, with p- value ˃ 0.05. Other social factors such as remarriage, use of Antiretroviral therapy (ART), pre- marital sex, male/female circumcision and polygamy were found to have effect on HIV discordance, with p- value ˂ 0.05. There is need to draw the attention of HIV- infected couples to these facts to enable us succeed in the global war against the spread of HIV AIDS.
Algebraic action on Diminished chords
Authors: J Jackson
Published: January 2022

Diminished chords are always ignored by musicians when they learn music theroy. Musicians and music theorists always study the properties and relations of Major and Minor chords or Consonant chords. In Neo-Riemannian theory of TI and PLR groups, he suggest a way of applying Dihedral group,$D_{12}$ to study the relation of Consonant chords. In this paper we will introduce some concepts of group theory to understand the algebraic relationship between the Diminished chords
Prevalence and Correlates of burnout among Lebanese Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abboud Edmond , Abou-Abbas Linda , Hassan Hamad , Youssef Janet
Published: January 2022

Background

Since the COVID-19 pandemic has harshly burdened the healthcare systems, health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of infection and confronted several stressors leading them to experience burnout. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout among Lebanese health HCWs and to identify its associated factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between the first of November and the end of December 2020 among Lebanese HCWs working in all active hospitals distributed across the country. Using a snowball sampling technique, data was collected using an Arabic, anonymous, self-reported questionnaire comprising three sections: socio-demographic characteristics, COVID-19 exposure variables, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and the threat perception scale. CBI subscale cut-off score of 50 was used to assess the prevalence of burnout among HCWs. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the factors associated with the different aspects of burnout.

Results

Out of the 1751 respondents, personal burnout (PB) was detected in its moderate and high-level aspects among 86.3% of Lebanese HCWs. Work-related burnout (WB), and client-related burnout (CB) in their moderate and high levels hit 79.2% and 83.3% of HCWs respectively. HCWs who were females, married, physicians, those who have a poor health status, and those who had specific living conditions (dependent child, elderly at home, family member with comorbidities, and a low income) were more likely to exhibit a high level of PB compared to no/low burnout. Additionally, frontline HCWs, those infected or having a colleague infected by COVID-19, and those who had a high perception of COVID-19 threat were more prone to experience a high-level PB compared to no/low burnout as well. Working in a public hospital, extensive working hours, and insufficient sleeping hours were positively associated with high PB. However, older age and altruism were negatively associated with high PB compared to no/low PB. Similar factors were found either positively or negatively associated with a high level of WB excepting health status and living conditions factors (dependent child or family member). As for CB, older age of HCW (>30 years) and altruism were negatively associated with high CB compared to no/low burnout. However, working in the frontline, high threat perception, extensive working hours, insufficient sleeping hours, and low income were positively associated with high CB compared to no/low burnout.

Conclusion

The prevalence of burnout among Lebanese HCWs was high and alarming. Enacting and implementing preventive policies and effective interventions are highly required to cultivate wellness among HCWs.
The associated factors of suicide attempt in French sexual minority adolescents
Authors: Wang Xavier , ZHANG Zidong , COSQUER Mireille , GAN Quan , JOUSELLME Catherine , CORRUBLE Emmanuelle , FALISSARD Bruno , GRESSIER Florence
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Sexual minority adolescents have greater risk for suicide attempt than heterosexual youth. However, research on risk and protective factors is lacking in sexual minority youth. In this study, we aimed to identify novel risk and protective factors for suicide attempt using machine learning decision tree method. METHODS: The French cross-sectional study “Portraits adolescents” included 14 265 school-age adolescents. Decision tree algorithm was used to predict SA and to compare the different risk and protective factors between sexual minority youth and heterosexual peers. RESULTS: Twenty predictive factors were identified among the 70 survey fields output from the predictive modeling for SA. Substance consumptions were among the top risk factors for SA. Parental support was an important protective factor among all adolescents regardless of sexual orientation. Interestingly, through the decision tree, real-life friend support was found protective in heterosexual youth, online friend support was a protective factor in homosexual adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Using the decision tree-based algorithm, we not only verified those important protective factors that were demonstrated in existing studies, but also discovered novel protective and attributive factors, such as real-life and online friend support. We urge that social networks should be optimize to provide safety and support for the sexual minority adolescents.
Role of Bioinformatics in Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Valand Jainam H. , Twine Davis , Kyomukamaa Moreen , Atino Rebecca , Buteme Grace Manana , Muhahiria Samson , Nalwoga Racheal , Omary Iddy , Nabwami Anita Grace , Otim Emmanuel , Kabasa David , Luyima Adam
Published: January 2022

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality around the world accounting for about 10 million deaths in 2020 according to the World Health Organization. The cancer types that claim the most lives around the world include breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, colon, and rectum cancer. There are a variety of risk factors that can lead to cancers ranging from the type of diet to the type of virus infection. The number of lives claimed by cancer every year can however be reduced through early detection of cancer during which there is a very high chance that the cancer can be cured if appropriate treatment is provided. Today, due to the development of microarray technology, large amounts of data on differentially expressed genes can be obtained from cancerous cells. This vast amount of data, therefore, requires the use of computational tools and databases to store, process, and extract valuable information from the collected data for example discovering new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. This, therefore, calls for the application of bioinformatics resources to perform this task. The research article, therefore, focuses on how the different bioinformatics tools and databases have been used to improve cancer diagnosis through a systematic literature search on PubMed. From the literature search, it was seen that bioinformatics tools and databases have been used to detect different diagnostic biomarkers that were associated with the different cancer types such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer. The biomarkers detected thus help to improve early cancer detection and hence reduce cancer-related mortality. From the literature studied, it was also seen that some of the biomarkers detected for one type of cancer were also common to other cancer types. Bioinformatics, therefore, plays a vital role in the improvement of cancer diagnosis by detecting biomarkers that can be used to diagnose cancer. Bioinformatics also helps in identifying common biomarkers and differentially expressed genes in different cancer types which further improves the process of cancer diagnosis.
Gene delivery of a single,structurally engineered Coronavirus vaccine antigen elicits SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and pan-Sarbecovirus neutralisation
Authors: Heeney Jonathan , Vishwanath Sneha , Carnell George , Ferrari Matteo , Asbach Benedikt , Billmeier Martina , George Charlotte , Sans Maria Suau , Neckermann Patrick , Peterhoff David , Cantoni Diego , Wells David , Temperton Nigel , Frost Simon
Published: January 2022

Of the coronaviruses that have caused zoonotic spill overs in past two decades, the diverse group of beta-coronaviruses (β-CoVs) represent the greatest threats. Towards achieving broad vaccine protection from these viruses, vaccines composed of multiple antigens, each capable of eliciting broad neutralising responses across a subgroup will be required. Utilising a novel platform for selecting immune optimized, structurally engineered antigens capable of eliciting protective responses across a group of related viruses, we demonstrate proof-concept against the greater sarbecoviruses sub-genus with a single antigen structure. From an array of phylogenetically informed antigen structures displaying different broad neutralising epitopes, synthetic genes expressing these were selected based on broad immune responses in BALB/C mice. Improved protection against the Delta variant was further observed in K18-hACE2 mice on boosting with the lead designs of mice primed by an approved COVID-19 vaccine. Immunogenicity of the lead vaccine antigen and breadth of neutralisation against the SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, WIV16, and RaTG13 was confirmed in guinea pigs using needleless intradermal immunisation. Immunogenicity was further confirmed in rabbits with GMP manufactured DNA immunogen. Notably, given the increasing number of mutations acquired by SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), the rabbit sera were tested for the capacity to neutralise VOCs - Beta, Gamma, Delta, as well as the most diverse Omicron variant. The consistent neutralising ability of the vaccine sera against the emerging VOCs validate broad specificity of the vaccine design. Here, we demonstrate proof-of-concept of this Digitally Immune Optimised, Selected vaccine (DIOSvax) antigen pipeline for the in vivo selection of single nucleic acid-based immunogens. Such gene-based antigens can be readily delivered alone or in combination, and seamlessly scaled with vaccine delivery modalities such as viral vector or mRNA-based vaccines.
An evolutionary system of mineralogy, Part VI: Earth’s earliest Hadean crust (>4370 Ma)
Authors: Morrison Shaunna M. , Prabhu Anirudh , Hazen Robert M.
Published: January 2022

Part VI of the evolutionary system of mineralogy catalogs 262 kinds of minerals, formed by 18 different processes, that we suggest represent the earliest solid phases in Earth’s crust. All of these minerals likely formed during the first tens of millions of years following the global-scale disruption of the Moon-forming impact prior to ~4.4 Ga, though no samples of terrestrial minerals older than ~4.37 Ga are known to have survived on Earth today. Our catalog of the earliest Hadean species includes 80 primary phases associated with ultramafic and mafic igneous rocks, as well as more than 80 minerals deposited from immiscible S-rich fluids and late-stage Si-rich residual melts. Earth’s earliest crustal minerals also included more than 200 secondary phases of these primary minerals that were generated by thermal metamorphism, aqueous alteration, impacts, and other processes. In particular, secondary mineralization related to pervasive near-surface aqueous fluids may have included serpentinization of mafic and ultramafic rocks, hot springs and submarine volcanic vent mineralization, hydrothermal sulfide deposits, zeolite and associated mineral formation in basaltic cavities, marine authigenesis, and hydration of subaerial lithologies. Additional Hadean minerals may have formed by thermal metamorphism of lava xenoliths, sublimation at volcanic fumaroles, impact processes, and volcanic lightning. These minerals would have occurred along with more than 180 additional phases found in the variety of meteorites that continuously fell to Earth’s surface during the early Hadean Eon.
Process control synergetics for metal-cutting machines
Authors: Zakovorotny L. Vilor , Gvindjiliya E. Valery
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, the design trajectories of the executive elements CNC-machines are successfully controlled by computer simulation. But the quality and efficiency of the cutting process cannot be achieved by ensuring the accuracy of movement trajectories of the executive elements. Experimental experience of the rational process modes, tools, cooling and lubricating liquids and etc. was laid in the basis for designing the CNC-program to ensure the equivalent quality of processing. This experience reflects some averaging over a variety of machines, tools and processing conditions. In this case, the changes in the cutting system properties along the motion paths are not taken into account. These changes can be set a priori as changes occurred as a result of the energy released in the cutting zone and then supplied to the machine systems. The article deals with the synergetic alignment of the external (CNC-program) and internal control (dynamic of the cutting process). This paper presents a new approach to the mathematical simulation of a controlled dynamic cutting system, which properties change due to the a priori established laws of parameter changes of interacting subsystems, as well as due to the result of cutting forces acting in the interface of the tool and machining zone. It is revealed that the CNC program with the changing process properties matches regularly that makes it possible to increase the economic efficiency of processing while ensuring the required quality of the batch production of parts.
Integrated design of the torsion beam electric driving axle
Authors: Shi Peicheng , Liu Kangji , Shi Kehang
Published: January 2022

In view of the problems in the use of wheel side drive system, torsion beam type electric driving axle is proposed for the solution. First, with the vehicle parameters of a certain electric vehicle as a sample, the torsion beam driving axle is matched and designed and the three-dimensional model was drawn with the help of CATIA; secondly, the stiffness and strength of the driving axle are analyzed with the help of ANSYS software under five working conditions; finally, the modal analysis of the driving axle structure is carried out. It is verified from the three aspects of stress, deformation and inherent mode that the designed driving axle can meet the limit requirements of China's national standards for vehicle driving axles, which proves the rationality and effectiveness of the design scheme.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of multi-physical coupled environment during electromagnetic propulsion
Authors: Yang Yuxin , Liu Peng , Li Haojie , Zhang He
Published: January 2022

Electromagnetic propulsion technology is a new propulsion technology which uses electromagnetic force to push objects into high or ultra-high speed. However, during propulsion, the armature and launch load are affected by harsh multi-physics environment. The coupled effect was often ignored or over idealized in previous numerical simulations, which leads to large errors between simulation and experiment. In this paper, a three-dimensional multi-physics coupling environment simulation model is established. The distribution of electromagnetic field, structure field and temperature field in armature from static to high speed are effectively calculated. Moreover, the coupled effect between physical fields and the influence of key parameters on the simulation results are revealed. In conclusion, this model can reproduce the physical field distribution of armature and rail during electromagnetic propulsion. The time-varying resistance and inductance and the velocity skin effect (VSE) are the key parameters affecting armature movement. This method reveals a feasible path for the simplification of multi-physical model and the mitigation of extreme environment.
Wolność człowieka w perspektywie teologicznej oraz w teologii filozoficznej (Georg W. F. Hegel, Friedrich W. J. Schelling)
Authors: Łagosz Marek
Published: January 2022

Wolność człowieka w materialnym świecie stanowi jedną z największych zagadek filozoficznych (ontologicznych): czy można ją pogodzić z deterministycznym charakterem natury ? Ponieważ zakładam (co staram się w tym artykule także uzasadnić), że odpowiedź na powyższe pytanie jest negatywna, uwagę swą kieruję ku teologicznemu uzasadnieniu wolności – włączając w tę perspektywę nie tylko teologię klasyczną, lecz także teologię filozoficzną Friedricha W. J. Schellinga oraz Georga W. F. Hegla. Dochodzę do wniosku, że teologiczny punkt widzenia nie tylko pozwala wytłumaczyć obecność wolności w deterministycznym świecie, lecz także – określić, na  czym polega najwyższy jej stopień.
“Ama ut intelligas": Fé, razão e amor no De Trinitate de Santo Agostinho
Authors: Chacon Daniel
Published: January 2022

e aim of this paper is to perform an introductory investigation into the problem of God from the anagogical way proposed in the work De Trinitate, by Saint Augustine. In fact, the intelligence of faith that works in love leads the human being to a memory of the presence of love itself, which is God. Thus in this scenario there is a glimpse of a vestige of the Trinitatis mysterium The method that is proposed in this work will be a literature review. However, the considerations developed in this research are settled in the perspective that the Augustinian synthesis between faith and reason transposes a simple intellectual adequacy of reason to faith, but it requires a living in love.
SNAP participation and food-at-home expenditures through the Great Recession: United States and the New York Area
Authors: Brodersen Donka Mirtcheva , Boily Lisa K. , Paulin Geoffrey D. , Gillham Cynthia
Published: January 2022

As a result of economic stressors experienced by vulnerable populations during the Great Recession of 2007–09, participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—the nation’s largest food assistance program—nearly doubled from 2006 to a postrecession peak in 2013. Drawing on data from the 2006 to 2015 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Diary Survey, this article compares SNAP-recipient households to non-SNAP recipient households in the New York area and the United States as a whole for the period before, during, and after the recession. Among the major findings, this study shows substantial differences in characteristics between SNAP and non-SNAP households, including rates of renting, percentage of bachelor’s degree holders, and levels of weekly food-at-home expenditures. The regression analysis shows that food-at-home expenditures remain stable over the business cycle. SNAP participation is positively associated with the probability of making weekly food shopping trips and with an increase in the amount spent per trip nationwide, whereas in the local area, the differences are not significant. Further analysis shows that an income increase from SNAP benefits or other sources results in relatively small increases in food-at-home expenditures.
Acetonitrile Combustion over Copper-Based Nanocatalysts: A Structure-Performance Relationship Study
Authors:   Federal University of São João del Rei, Campus Alto Paraopeba, highway MG 443, Km 5, Ouro Branco–MG 36420-000, Brazil, Ponciano Jéssica A. P. , Batista Marcelo S. ,   Federal University of São João del Rei, Campus Alto Paraopeba, highway MG 443, Km 5, Ouro Branco–MG 36420-000, Brazil
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the relationship between activity and structure of Cu2+ in different chemical environments of Cu-BETA, La2CuO4, and CuO nanocatalysts was systematically investigated for acetonitrile combustion. The study revealed that exchanged and octahedral species of Cu2+ coexist in Cu-BETA, while octahedral species are dominant in CuO and La2CuO4. All nanocatalysts achieved high conversion rates of acetonitrile, which rapidly increased with temperature. CuO and La2CuO4 led to the formation of undesired products such as N2O and NO. On the other hand, Cu-BETA showed high acetonitrile conversion along with a high N2 yield. The excellent performance of Cu-BETA can be attributed to the easy reducibility of the highly dispersed Cu-species and the small crystallite size. Cu-BETA also exhibited exceptional stability. Therefore, the high conversion rate and the high N2 yield make Cu-BETA a promising catalyst for acetonitrile combustion.
Evaluación del efecto de la concentración de dos emulsionantes-estabilizantes comerciales sobre los parámetros de calidad de un helado de vainilla
Authors: Rubiano-Vargas Aixa Gisset , Rengifo-Velásquez Cindy Johanna , Ramírez-Navas Juan Sebastián
Published: January 2022

El uso de emulsionantes-estabilizante (EE) en la industria heladera mejora la dispersión de la grasa, facilita la incorporación de aire, mejora las propiedades de derretido, entre otras funciones. Sin embargo, si no se utilizan en una proporción adecuada, los EE pueden ocasionar cambios físicos, funcionales y sensoriales indeseados en el producto final. En el presente trabajo se evaluó el efecto de tres concentraciones de dos EE comerciales sobre las características fisicoquímicas y sensoriales de un helado de vainilla. Se elaboraron lotes de helado de 1 L variando el tipo y concentración de EE. Se midió el esfuerzo de corte y la velocidad de deformación, el color y el punto de congelación de la mezcla del helado madurada por 24 h; también se evaluó el porcentaje de derretimiento, el tiempo de caída de primera gota y el overrun del helado final. Por último, se realizó un análisis sensorial con ayuda de un panel de diez panelistas semientrenados. Al incrementar el porcentaje de adición de cualquiera de los EE, se encontró que tanto la viscosidad y la saturación del color blanco-amarillo de la mezcla como el tiempo de caída de primera gota del helado incrementaron, mientras que el porcentaje de derretimiento disminuyó. Sin embargo, a medida que se incrementó la concentración de los EE utilizados en la formulación se deteriora el sabor del helado.
Residuos de la industria alimentaria (snacks) como alimento en una lechería en el trópico alto colombiano
Authors: Angulo-Arizala Joaquín , Nemocón-Cobos Ana , Barragán-Hernández Wilson Andrés , Gallo-Marín Jorge , Mahecha Ledesma Liliana
Published: January 2022

El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la inclusión de subproductos de la industria de snacks en la alimentación de vacas lecheras. En el norte de Antioquia (Colombia) se seleccionaron 10 vacas holstein y se sometieron a dos tratamientos: balanceado formulado con subproductos de snacks (SN) y balanceado convencional con base en maíz (CO), con cinco animales en cada tratamiento. El experimento se llevó a cabo con base en un diseño de sobrecambio de secuencia AB/BA. Se registró información de producción y calidad de leche, consumo de forraje (CF), concentrado (CC) y materia seca total (CMT), así como también costos de producción. Los datos fueron analizados con base en modelos mixtos. El tratamiento no afectó (p > 0,05) el CF ni el CMT, pero influyó (p < 0,05) en el CC, a favor del tratamiento SN. La inclusión de subproductos de snacks produjo similar (p > 0,05) volumen y calidad de leche, comparado con el tratamiento CO, aunque a menor costo de producción para el tratamiento SN. El análisis económico mostró un margen de utilidad neta diferencial por vaca/día de $635,91 a favor del SN. Estos resultados sugieren que la inclusión de subproductos de snacks en la dieta de vacas lecheras no afectó la producción ni la calidad de la leche, pero permitió reducir el costo de producción, aspecto importante para la competitividad de los sistemas de lechería especializados.