bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VGAEDTI: Drug-Target Interaction prediction based on Variational inference and Graph Autoencoder
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Feng Yinfei , Wu Mengjie , Deng Zengqian , Wang Shudong
Published: April 2023

Motivation: Accurate identification of Drug-Target Interactions (DTIs) plays a crucial role in many stages of drug development and drug repurposing. Traditional experiment in biology methods not only cost a lot of time and money, but also do not consider the complex relationship between data sources and do not fully explore the potential association between drugs and targets.
Results: To solve the above problems, a novel prediction model named VGAEDTI is proposed in this paper. In order to obtain deeper features of drugs and targets, we use two different autoencoders. One is variational graph autoencoder (VGAE) which is used to infer feature representations from drug and target spaces. The second is graph autoencoder (GAE) propagating labels between known DTIs. The variational expected maximum algorithm is used to alternately train these two different autoencoders, VGAEDTI is enhanced to capture some important feature information from heterogeneous topologies, thereby improving the robustness and accuracy of predicting unknown DTIs. Experimental results on two public datasets show that the prediction accuracy of VGAEDTI is better than that of six DTIs prediction methods. These results indicate that model can predict new DTIs and provide an effective tool for accelerating drug development and repurposing.
Evaluation of the impacts of severe heatwaves on carbonate rock deterioration in Hangzhou, China: Implications for urban rock- hewn heritage conservation
Authors: WANG Yinghong , ZHANG Hui
Published: April 2023

A record-breaking heatwave affected southern parts of China in 2022 summer causing arid conditions in places. Hangzhou, the capital of the Zhejiang province, China, experienced two-month hot weather. Human beings were severely affected, and the abundant carbonate rock-hewn heritages in the city were challenged. An outdoor heatwave erosion test was carried out on the local carbonate rock samples to evaluate the heatwave's impact on these stone heritages. The nature of deterioration was determined using the water absorption coefficient, surface hardness, splitting tensile strength and pore structures. After the 15-day heatwave erosion test, the water uptake ability of the carbonate rock increases combining with growth in micropores. Meanwhile, the mechanical strength of the rock shows a distinct decline, indicating a breakdown interior of the stone. Therefore, the study results show that the heatwave can significantly damage the carbonate rock-hewn heritages and may become one of the critical threats to them due to China's relatively high warming rate.
How does the consecutive use of intraoral scanners affect musculoskeletal health?
Authors: Son KeunBaDa , Lee Ji-Min , Kim Jin-Wook , Jin Myoung-Uk , Lee Kyu-Bok
Published: April 2023

Objectives
This study aimed to simulate intraoral scanning tasks using wired and wireless intraoral scanners (IOSs) and assess muscle activation and fatigue for both types.
Materials and methods
Fourteen participants performed intraoral scanning tasks using wired and wireless IOSs (i700; MEDIT), with weights of 280 g and 328 g, respectively. The same computer system and software conditions were maintained for both groups (N = 14 per IOS group). Electrodes were placed on arm, neck, and shoulder muscles, and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured. Surface electromyography (EMG) was performed during the simulation, and EMG values were normalized using MVC. The root mean square EMG (%MVC) and muscle fatigue (%) values were calculated. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U and Friedman tests, with the Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons (α = 0.05).
Results
Arm (flexor digitorum superficialis) and neck muscles (left sternocleidomastoid and left splenius capitis) showed significantly higher EMG values with wireless IOS (P < 0.05). The neck (left sternocleidomastoid and right levator scapulae) and shoulder muscles (right trapezius descendens) demonstrated significantly higher muscle fatigue with wireless IOS (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
The consecutive use of heavier wireless IOS may increase the risk of muscle activation and fatigue in certain muscles, which may have clinical implications for dentists in terms of ergonomics and musculoskeletal health.
Clinical relevance
Minimizing muscle strain and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders associated with intraoral scanner usage require ergonomic awareness, device selection, and workplace adjustments in dental practice.
Effect of bagasse biochar on soil organic carbon fixation in manganese pollution sugarcane fields
Authors: Hu Lening , Yang Yu , Liu Xue Hui , Li SHuangli , Li Ke , Deng Hua
Published: April 2023

In order to study the mechanism of soil organic carbon transformation and fixation in manganese-contaminated farmland, 100-day indoor constant temperature incubation experiments were conducted to analyze the characteristics of soil physical and chemical properties, organic carbon mineralization, organic carbon components and enzyme activities by applying different proportions (0%, 0.5%, 2%, 5%) of biochar. The results showed that the cumulative CO2 emission decreased by 15.78~36.87% compared with the control when different proportions of biochar were applied in the manganese-contaminated soil. The cumulative CO2 emissions were reduced by 35.29~57.29% compared with the control when different proportions of biochar were applied to the uncontaminated sugarcane field soil. The microbial carbon content of uncontaminated sugarcane soil was 28.49 mg·kg-1(0.5%),37.92 mg·kg-1(2%) and 39.42 mg·kg-1(5%), respectively, which were higher than that of manganese contaminated sugarcane soil 12.72 mg·kg-1 (0.5%),13.71 mg·kg-1(2%) and 15.10 mg·kg-1 (5%). The catalase activities of manganese-contaminated sugarcane soil were 0.13 mg·g-1·min-1 (0.5%), 0.21 mg·g-1·min-1 (2%) and 0.27 mg·g-1·min-1 (5%), respectively, which were lower than those of uncontaminated sugarcane soil 9.41 mg·g-1·min-1 (0.5%), 10.01 mg·g-1·min-1 (2%), 10.91 mg·g-1·min-1(5%). The results showed that compared with uncontaminated sugarcane field soil, the application of biochar in manganese-contaminated sugarcane soil had little effect on microbial biomass carbon content and catalase activity. The application of exogenous biochar had an auxiliary effect on carbon sequestration in manganese-contaminated soil, and the application of 5% biochar had the best carbon sequestration effect.
Predictive value of serum amino acids as metabolite biomarkers in cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Ying , Wu Zhinian , Hu Yangyang , Qi Zeqiang , Guo Tingyu , Wang Yadong
Published: April 2023

IntroductionTo review existing studies and perform a meta-analysis to clarify the value of serum amino acid levels in patients with cirrhosis as a potential biomarker for predicting cirrhosis.MethodsLiterature retrieved from 8 databases up to 31 December 2022, and were screened according to inclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) was used to assess the risk of bias in the included literature. A random effects model for amino acid concentrations in meta-analysis was used to calculate mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). I2statistic was used to measure study heterogeneity. This study was registered with PROSPERO.ResultsA total of 1380 records were retrieved and 19 studies with 2073 individuals (831 in the cirrhosis group and 1242 in the healthy control group) were included after screening. The quality of the included studies was generally high. Qualitative analysis of 19 studies including 23 amino acids. Meta-analysis of 5 studies showed that 6 amino acids were significantly increased in the cirrhotic group: Tyr, Met, Orn, Thr, Cit, and Trp, and 2 amino acids were significantly decreased: Arg and Val. At subgroup analysis, the combined results of Arg in serum of patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis were not statistically heterogeneity, and the remaining results in subgroup were similar to the primary results.ConclusionsAlterations in serum amino acid profile were associated with cirrhosis. Some specific amino acids (Tyr, Met, Orn, Thr, Cit, Trp, Arg, and Val) may serve as biomarkers to predict cirrhosis.
A comprehensive medical Spanish curriculum model: the Vida Medical Spanish Curriculum
Authors: Chang Kyle E , Lewis Jennifer , Vera Alexandra Lopez
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The healthcare system in the United States has long struggled with racial and language disparities, which can result in inadequate treatment of minority patients. With the projected growth of the Hispanic population in the US, there is an urgent need for medical schools to incorporate high-quality medical Spanish and cultural competency content to address the increasing demand for Spanish-speaking and culturally sensitive physicians. A comprehensive medical Spanish curriculum, aligned with the preclinical curriculum, could offer a solution to these issues by ensuring that Hispanic patients receive care that is linguistically and culturally appropriate, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all.
Methods: The study used the Kirkpatrick Model to evaluate the medical Spanish curriculum's success. The evaluation process included a Spanish Objective Structured Clinical Examination and a survey with a 40-question Multiple-Choice Exam to evaluate the integration of Spanish language skills and cultural competency in clinical encounters. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize exam results, and mean exam results were compared between students of different proficiency levels using two-tailed t-tests.
Results and Discussion: The study found that students achieved a mean score of over 80% on all three components of the Spanish Objective Structured Clinical Examination and on the Multiple-Choice Exam, with advanced students scoring higher on some sections. Survey data suggest that students felt able to communicate in Spanish with patients after completing the course series. The study also provides a model for a medical Spanish curriculum that applies expert-recommended best practices to meet the needs of Hispanic patient populations.
Limitations and conclusions: Baseline data on student perceptions and Spanish competency are not sufficient for making comparisons.
Effects of Simulation with Problem-Based Learning (S-PBL) on nursing students’ clinical reasoning ability: based on Tanner’s Clinical Judgment Model
Authors: Son Hae Kyoung
Published: April 2023

Background Clinical reasoning ability, a complex cognitive and metacognitive process, is a crucial core competency required in nursing practice. Therefore, undergraduate nursing students should be provided with nursing education to strengthen their clinical reasoning ability based on real-life nursing scenarios.Methods Three sessions (lasting three hours each) of Simulation with Problem-Based Learning (S-PBL) using high-risk obstetrics-gynecology scenarios were provided to 71 third-year nursing students of a university. The sessions were conducted from September to December 2022, and they aimed to strengthen their clinical reasoning ability. For data collection, an online survey was conducted using Rubric for Clinical Reasoning and learning satisfaction evaluation tool. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS.Results The mean score of clinical reasoning ability significantly increased from 29.42 (standard deviation: 4.62) out of 40 points in the pre-test to 32.28 (4.36), 33.44 (5.35), and 33.80 (5.91) after the first, second, and third S-PBL sessions, respectively (F = 61.668, p < .001). The learning satisfaction score was as high as 107.04 (12.66) out of 120 points.Conclusion This S-PBL program is an effective nursing education strategy to strengthen nursing students’ clinical reasoning ability. Future studies must examine learner variables and standardize the S-PBL design and operation process by comparison to a traditional teaching approach and a higher range of clincal reasoning ability.
Multi-omics analysis reveals prognostic and immune characteristics of cuproptosis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Su Yongcheng , Wang Wenjun , Shen Qianwen , Lei Ziyu , Li Jiangquan , Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Fuxing , Xu Beibei , Hu Tianhui
Published: April 2023

Cuproptosis is a newly defined form of regulated cell death triggered by excess copper and is distinct from other known types of cell death. Currently, reliable prognostic signatures based on cuproptosis-related regulators are underdeveloped. Herein, we aimed to investigate the cuproptosis landscape in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We downloaded gene expression data and corresponding clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus. Cuproptosis subtypes were identified using unsupervised clustering based on the expression of 10 cuproptosis-related regulatory genes, including seven positively (FDX1, LIAS, LIPT1, DLAT, DLD, PDHA1, and PDHB) and three negatively (CDKN2A, GLS, and MTF1) correlated genes. CDKN2A expression was detected using immunohistochemistry tissue microarrays. Unsupervised clustering revealed two LUAD cuproptosis-related subtypes (A and B). Patients with subtype B had a higher survival rate and were significantly enriched in innate immune cells compared to those with subtype A. We built a cuproptosis-related risk model (CRM) to calculate a risk score for each patient; the score was positively correlated with patient prognosis. Chemotherapy drug sensitivity analysis suggested that patients with a low score were more sensitive to elesclomol and bortezomib but less sensitive to axitinib, sorafenib, AZD6244, and AZD6482 than those with a high score. Somatic mutation landscape analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between tumor mutational burden (TMB) and the CRM score. Patients with both a low CRM score and TMB had the worst prognosis. Immune landscape analysis revealed that patients with a high CRM score had a higher tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion score, suggesting a poorer immunotherapy response rate. Single-cell CRM score quantification revealed its correlation with the enrichment of different immune cell types in LUAD. Our findings pave the way to innovative and effective treatment strategies for LUAD.
SteatoSITE: an Integrated Gene-to-Outcome Data Commons for Precision Medicine Research in NAFLD
Authors: Fallowfield Jonathan , Kendall Timothy , Jimenez-Ramos Maria , Turner Frances , Ramachandran Prakash , Minnier Jessica , McColgan Michael , Ellis Harriet , Dunbar Donald , Kohnen Gabriele , Konanahalli Prakash , Oien Karin , Bandiera Lucia , Menolascina Filippo , Juncker-Jensen Anna , Alexander Douglas , Mayor Charlie , Guha Indra
Published: April 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and a growing healthcare burden. The pathobiology of NAFLD is complex, disease progression is variable and unpredictable, and there are no qualified prognostic biomarkers or licensed pharmacotherapies that can improve clinical outcomes; it represents an unmet precision medicine challenge. We established a retrospective multicentre national cohort of 940 patients, across the complete NAFLD spectrum, integrating quantitative digital pathology, hepatic RNA-sequencing and 5.67 million days of longitudinal electronic health record follow-up into a secure, searchable, open resource (SteatoSITE) to inform rational biomarker and drug development and facilitate personalised medicine approaches for NAFLD. A complementary web-based gene browser was also developed. Here, our initial analysis uncovers disease stage-specific gene expression signatures, pathogenic hepatic cell subpopulations and master regulator networks associated with disease progression in NAFLD. Additionally, we construct novel transcriptional risk prediction tools for the development of future hepatic decompensation events.
Spatial analysis and hazard assessment of Large-scale ancient landslides around the reservoir area of Wudongde Hydropower Station, China
Authors: Shao Xiaoyi , Xu Chong , Li Lei , Yang Zhiqiang , Yao Xianglong , Shao Bo , Liang Cheng , Xue Zhiwen , Xu Xiwei
Published: April 2023

The complex geological environment and strong tectonic movement have led to the development of a large number of ancient landslides along the Jinsha River. These landslides exhibit characteristics of large-scale, complex formation mechanisms, multiple sliding periods, and high potential hazards. In this study, we aim to construct an ancient landslide inventory and conduct potential landslide hazard assessment of the Wudongde hydropower station section and its surrounding areas, which is located in the downstream area of Jinsha River. We used the visual interpretation method to recognize large ancient landslides based on high-resolution remote sensing images on the GoogleEarth platform, and analyzed the correlations between the landslide abundance and different influencing factors. Our results show that there were 3126 ancient landslides in the study area, covering a total area of 502.64 km2. The statistical analysis indicated that the landslide occurrence is closely related to the slope gradient and topographic relief, and the landslide abundance index increases with the increase of above two influencing factors. In addition, the ancient landslides gradually decreases with the increase of the elevation, indicating that ancient landslides are more likely to occur in lower elevation areas, i.e., lower portion of the hillslopes. In addition, combining with machine learning method, the potential landslide hazard assessment of the study area was calculated by the hypothetical earthquake scenario of 10% exceedance probability in 50 years. The predicted result shows that the extremely high-hazard area of landslides appeared around the hydropower station, and the high-hazard area was mainly distributed within a 5-km range along both banks of the Jinsha River. This study provides basic data and important reference for the distribution characteristics and potential hazard assessment of ancient landslides in the reservoir area of Wudongde hydropower station.
Bioaccumulation, Bioindication and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Cape Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) and Slinger Seabream (Chrysoblephus puniceus) in the Durban Basin and Cape Vidal, South Africa
Authors: Ogola Henry , Sanjeev Debipersadh , Mearns Kevin , Selvarajan Ramganesh
Published: April 2023

The bioaccumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in marine fish is a growing global concern due to potential health risks. The study analysed HM in the muscle tissue, gills, and gut of cape horse mackerel and slinger seabream caught in the polluted Durban Basin and pristine Cape Vidal from April 2018 to February 2019. Results revealed interspecific, spatial, and organ-specific variability in HM levels. In the Durban basin, slinger seabream had bioaccumulation (in mg/kg) of As (2.3± 0.2), Cr (2.6±0.2), Ni (2.0±0.1), and Pb (4.1±0.3) while cape horse mackerel had Ni (1.6±0.2), Pb (4.7±0.6), and Zn (52±3.01) exceeding WHO regulatory limits. Metal pollution index (MPI) values were also higher in Durban Basin (>5.13) than Cape Vidal (<3.32) for both species muscles. Liver and gills of slinger seabream and gut of cape horse mackerel exhibited higher HM accumulation patterns proportionate to the environmental concentrations, indicating the bioindicative potential of HM pollution by the two species. Risk assessment indicated that both fish species had target hazard quotient (THQ) > 1 for Cr, and target cancer risk (TR) < 10-4 for Pb, implying significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with fish consumption from the Durban Basin. The study recommends daily consumption limits of 16 g/day for slinger seabream and 14 g/day for cape horse mackerel to ensure health safety. The findings contribute to the understanding of HM pollution in the Durban basin and provide important information for decision-makers and policymakers in developing effective strategies to mitigate and manage HM contamination in fish populations.
Goldene: Free-standing Single-atom-thick Sheets of Gold
Authors: Kashiwaya Shun , Shi Yuchen , Lu Jun , Sangiovanni Davide , Andersson Mike , Rosen Johanna , Hultman Lars
Published: April 2023

The quest to make free-standing monolayer gold has hitherto been limited to free-standing several-atoms-thick layers, or monolayers but confined on or inside another template. Examples are monolayers diffused into double hydroxides1, membranes framed in alloys under electron irradiation2, nano-ribbons suspended in graphene3, quantum dots on hexagonal BN4, monolayers in between SiC wafers and monolayer graphene5, and fragments produced via thermal dewetting on sapphire6. Here, we report the synthesis of free-standing single-atom-thick 2D gold (named goldene) by wet-chemically etching away Ti3C2 from Ti3AuC2, a nano-laminated MAX-phase ceramic initially formed by substituting Si in Ti3SiC2 with Au7. The free-standing goldene layers are revealed by scanning transmission electron microscopy. While ab initio molecular dynamics simulations show that 2D goldene is inherently stable, the experiments reveal a tendency for curling and agglomeration at edges. Prospects for preparing goldene from a series of non-van der Waals Au-intercalated MAX-phases, including developing etching schemes, are also presented.
A positive feedback cycle between the alarmin S100A8/A9 and NLRP3 inflammasome-GSDMD signalling reinforces the innate immune response in Candida albicans keratitis
Authors: Fang Xiaolong , Lian Huifang , Liu Shuang , Dong Jingcun , Hua Xia , Li Wenguang , Liao Chunyang , Yuan Xiaoyong
Published: April 2023

Background Fungal keratitis is a severe sight-threatening ocular infection, without effective treatment strategies available now. Calprotectin S100A8/A9 has recently attracted great attention as a critical alarmin modulating the innate immune response against microbial challenges. However, the unique role of S100A8/A9 in fungal keratitis is poorly understood.Methods Experimental fungal keratitis was established in wild-type and gene knockout mice by infecting mouse corneas with Candida albicans. The degree of mouse cornea injuries was evaluated by clinical scoring. To interrogate the molecular mechanism in vitro, macrophage RAW264.7 cell line was challenged with Candida albicans or recombinant S100A8/A9 protein. Label-free quantitative proteomics, quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were conducted in this research.Results Herein, we characterized the proteome of mouse corneas infected with Candida albicans and found that S100A8/A9 was robustly expressed at the early stage of the disease. S100A8/A9 significantly enhanced disease progression by promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Caspase-1 maturation, accompanied by increased accumulation of macrophages in infected corneas. In response to Candida albicans infection, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) sensed extracellular S100A8/A9 and acted as a bridge between S100A8/A9 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mouse corneas. Furthermore, the deletion of TLR4 resulted in noticeable improvement in fungal keratitis. Remarkably, NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated macrophage pyroptosis in turn facilitates S100A8/A9 secretion during Candida albicans keratitis, thus forming a positive feedback cycle that amplifies the proinflammatory response in corneas.Conclusions The present study is the first to reveal the critical roles of the alarmin S100A8/A9 in the immunopathology of Candida albicans keratitis, highlighting a promising approach for therapeutic intervention in the future.
Waveform Optimization for Improving Inkjet Printing Speed
Authors: Sui Chao , Zhou Wenchao
Published: April 2023

Inkjet has been widely used in different industrial applications for its high resolution and capability to print with multiple materials, but its printing speed has limited its use for high volume production. This paper presents a new approach to improve the speed of piezo inkjet printing through waveform optimization. We previously developed a model that can predict the effects of driving signal parameters on printing speed, and in this paper, we use optimization techniques to find the optimal signal parameters for maximum speed. We then validate these optimal parameters using a custom-designed experimental setup with a high-speed camera capable of capturing the dynamics of droplet formation. Our results show that our optimized signal achieves successful jetting with a five-time increase in equivalent printing speed compared to a benchmark commercial printhead (Xaar 128/80W).
Systematic pan-cancer analysis reveals XCR1 as a Prognostic and Immunological Biomarker
Authors: Cui Likun , Chen Jie , Li Chunzhen , Yu Yizhi , Xu Sheng
Published: April 2023

Background Chemokines and their receptors play an important role in immune monitoring and immune defense during the tumor growth and metastasis. However, their prognostic roles in pan-cancer were not elucidated. In this work, we screened all chemokine receptors in pan-cancer and discovered XCR1 as a reliable immunological and prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer using bioinformation.Methods The TCGA database served as the foundation for the primary research database analysis in this work. The screening of tumor patients' overall survival yielded XCR1, which had a favorable predictive connection. Further investigation into the connection between XCR1 expression and tumor development stage in tumor patients was done using the clinicopathological stage. The regulatory mechanism of XCR1 regulating tumor formation and as a prognostic molecule has also been discovered using enrichment analysis of XCR1-related genes. The spatial localization of XCR1 in tumor tissues was discovered by using single-cell databases.Result XCR1 was downregulated in tumors. Patients with reduced XCR1 showed worse prognoses and a concomitant decrease in immune cell infiltration (DCs and CD8 + T cells). According to gene enrichment study, XCR1 enhanced immune system performance by promoting T cell infiltration through the CXCL9-CXCR3 axis. In addition, XCR1 is mainly expressed on infiltrated DCs and some malignant cells in tumor tissues.Conclusion Our data revealed the important role of XCR1 in remodeling of the tumor microenvironment and predicting the survival prognosis, which could also be used as sensitive biomarker for tumor immunotherapy.
Development of a method to discriminate salt sensitivity in hypertension by single-nephron blood flow (SNBF) index and new insights into the relationship between SNBF and hypertension.
Authors: Kunimi Motoei , Takizawa Toshikazu , Tamura Koichi
Published: April 2023

More than 95% of hypertensive patients have essential hypertension, which can be divided into salt-resistant hypertension (SRH) and salt-sensitive hypertension (SSH). They differ in several aspects. If they can be easily diagnosed, treatment, complications and prognosis can be improved. But there is no easy way to differentiate them. We focused on renal salt excretion process and renal blood flow (RBF). RBF of SRH decreases by increasing renal vascular resistance, and RBF of SSH increases by fluid accumulation for decreasing salt excretion efficiency. Since both can be distinguished by measuring RBF, we created a renal blood flow index using uric acid. Then, we divided RBF into 2 categories: whole renal blood flow (WRBF) and single-nephron blood flow (SNBF). We studied in 26 SRH and 16 SSH patients from 3/1/ to 30/11, 2018. SSH was higher than SRH in WRBF and SNBF, with no significant difference in WRBF (81.3 ± 29.8 vs 73.3 ± 32.4, p = 0.43), but significant difference in SNBF (1.94 ± 0.75 vs 1.04 ± 0.39, P < 0.01), suggesting that SNBF can distinguish SSH and SRH. Therefore, SNBF allows differentiation between SRH and SSH, and this study showed that essential hypertension is an abnormal condition in which SNBF is increased or decreased from the physiological range of SNBF.
Genome-wide differential expression profiling of long non-coding RNAs in FOXA2 knockout iPSC-derived pancreatic cells
Authors: Elsayed Ahmed K. , Alajez Nehad M. , Abdelalim Essam M.
Published: April 2023

Background: Our recent studies have demonstrated the crucial involvement of FOXA2 in the development of human pancreas. Reduction of FOXA2 expression during the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into pancreatic islets has been found to reduce α-and β-cell masses. However, the extent to which such changes are linked to alterations in the expression profile of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) remains unraveled.
Methods: Here, we employed our recently established FOXA2-deficient iPSCs (FOXA2-/- iPSCs) to investigate changes in lncRNA profiles and their correlation with dysregulated mRNAs during the pancreatic progenitor (PP) and pancreatic islet stages. Furthermore, we constructed co-expression networks linking significantly downregulated lncRNAs with differentially expressed pancreatic mRNAs.
Results: Our results showed that 442 lncRNAs were downregulated, and 114 lncRNAs were upregulated in PPs lacking FOXA2 compared to controls. Similarly, 177 lncRNAs were downregulated, and 59 lncRNAs were upregulated in islet cells lacking FOXA2 compared to controls. At both stages, we observed a strong correlation between lncRNAs and several crucial pancreatic genes and TFs during pancreatic differentiation. Correlation analysis revealed 12 DE-lncRNAs that strongly correlated with key downregulated pancreatic genes in both PPs and islet cell stages. Selected DE-lncRNAs were validated using RT-qPCR.
Conclusions: Our data indicate that the observed defects in pancreatic islet development due to the FOXA2 loss is associated with significant alterations in the expression profile of lncRNAs. Therefore, our findings provide novel insights into the role of lncRNA and mRNA networks in regulating pancreatic islet development, which warrants further investigations.
Manufacturing Process and Clinical Application of Personalized 3D Printed Occlusal Guides for Maxillofacial Fractures
Authors: Wang Honghao , Chi Yifan , Hu Yukun , Huang Hanxiao , Hou Jun
Published: April 2023

Restoration of the occlusal relationship is critical in the treatment of maxillofacial fractures. Poor restoration of the occlusal relationship has a serious impact on the patient's oral function and physical and mental health. This study is based on computer-aided design and manufacturing and aimed to use computed tomography (CT) data to establish a maxillofacial bone model and perform virtual reduction of such fractures. The upper and lower dentition models were established and reconstructed via 3D printing. After the occlusal relationship was determined by the prosthodontist using the model, the occlusal relationship was obtained through an oral three-dimensional scanner. Based on the reconstructed occlusal relationship, an occlusal reduction guide plate was designed and manufactured to precisely reduce the occlusal relationship in patients with maxillofacial fractures. This study proposes a design process for occlusal guides for maxillofacial fractures that optimizes the traditional surgical processes and enhances surgical convenience. This study presents new ideas for the design of personalized surgical guides for maxillofacial fractures.
No intromission is involved in the mating of Eptesicus serotinus, a novel copulatory pattern in mammals.
Authors: Fasel Nicolas , Jeucken Jan , Kravchenko Kseniia , Fritze Marcus , Ruczynski Ireneusz , Komar Ewa , Moiseienko Marharyta , Shulenko Alona , Vlaschenko Anton , Christe Philippe , Glaizot Olivier , Holtze Susanne
Published: April 2023

Copulatory behaviours stand as cornerstones of sexual selection, yet they remain mysterious in many species, especially in bats. An extremely large penile erection with a heart-shape terminal swelling has been observed in the serotine bat (Eptesicus serotinus). The engorgement of the erectile tissues could take place after penetration to generate a copulatory lock. Alternatively, the erected penis, long and mobile, could be used to pass by the protective tail membrane to reach the vulva. In the latter scenario, the penis may however not be able to penetrate the vagina. In order to find out which of the two scenarios occurs, we investigated the morphology of female and male genitalia of E. serotinus. We found that the vagina is more than seven times shorter than the erected penis, supporting that the penis is used as a copulatory arm rather than an intromittent organ. We could confirm our hypothesis with direct observations of copulations. During mating, the male grasps the female in a dorsoventral position. The male probes the female’s ventral part with its erected penis until the penis is tightly pushed against the vulva. Afterward, the pair stops moving and can hold the position for several hours. In addition, the timing of copulations, which exhibits a peak in October, implies that visits to swarming sites throughout the year may serve other functions besides mating. This research reveals a novel copulatory behaviour that has not been previously documented in mammals and sheds light on the poorly understood area of bat reproduction.
The Changing Cholera-Climate Relationship in the Bengal Delta over the Past Century
Authors: Shackleton Debbie , Memon Fayyaz , Chen Albert , Dutta Shanta , Kanungo Suman , Deb Alok
Published: April 2023

Background: In the Bengal Delta, research has shown that climate and cholera are linked. One demonstration of this is the relationship between interannual ocean-atmospheric oscillations such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). What remains unclear in the present literature is how and if this relationship has changed over time.
Results: In this study, we analyse the changing relationship between climate and cholera over a recent (1999-2019) and historical (1897-1941) time interval using wavelet analysis to measure signal coherence. Significant and non-stationary coherence levels with cholera were observed in both time intervals for both climate oscillations. While a notable weakening of the relationship with ENSO over time was evident, the relationship with IOD remained strong. Our results suggest that temperature, and not rainfall or SST, is the mediating factor behind the association between cholera and both climate oscillations.
Conclusions: Despite consistent improvements to WASH infrastructure, the link between cholera and climate remains strong. Climate-change induced warming and strengthening of the IOD are likely to increase vulnerability to cholera in the region in the future.
The Impact of Vaccinations and Chronic Disease on COVID Death Rates
Authors: Doti James L.
Published: April 2023

This study presents a theoretical and empirical regression model to measure the efficacy of vaccinations in reducing COVID death rates across states over the 3/10/21 to 12/28/22 period. During that period, it was estimated that the availability of vaccinations resulted in a reduction of 427,000 COVID deaths in the nation. To arrive at that estimate, other covariants were held constant. In particular, it was found that chronic disease should be included as an explanatory variable to arrive at unbiased measures of the efficacy of vaccinations in reducing deaths. In addition, the percentage of people over the age of 65 was found to be highly significant. The only ethnic/racial characteristic that was significant in explaining COVID deaths was the percentage of American Indians/Alaska Natives residing in a state. Other ethnic/racial characteristics, as well as variables representing population, density, governmental stringency, and income, were not significant over the period tested. Finally, cumulative prior death and case rates tested were not significant in influencing COVID death rates during the period tested in this study.
A Systematic Literature Review: Determinants of Sustainability Competitive Advantage
Authors: Satar Abdul
Published: April 2023

This study aims to find out how the development of research related to sustainability competitive advantage that has been carried out so far and to find research research gaps that can be used in the future related to the field of sustainability competitive advantage.This research is expected to provide information in the form of factors that can influence Sustainability Competitive Advantage using the systematic literature review method and with the help of VOSViewer and Bibliometrics software. From the data obtained, research on the topic of Sustainability Competitive Advantage tends to experience significant growth in its publications. The determinant factors of Sustainable Competitive Advantage, namely Sustainability, Sustainable Development, Competition, Innovation, and Competitive Advantage, are expected to be examined in further research.
A Novel Honey Badger Algorithm with Multilayer Perceptron for Forecasting COVID-19 Time Series Data
Authors: Qasem Sultan Noman
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was affected the health, economy, and all aspects of human lives around the world. Accurate prediction of the new daily cases of COVID-19 is critical for precise programming and needed measures to prevent the outbreak of it. Hence, in the present paper, we implement a new hybrid intelligent model, namely the artificial neural network (ANN) hybridized with the Honey Badger Algorithm (HBA-ANN) for accurately daily new cases COVID-19 prediction in Brazil, India, Russia, and the USA. The performance of the hybrid model was compared with the stand-alone ANN and Gene Expression Programming (GEP) model using statistical (R2, RMSE, SI, and NSE) and graphical (Taylor and scatter diagrams and box plot) criteria. Results showed that the HBA-ANN model with the high value of R2, law value of RMSE, and the least distance from actual values outperformed the ANN and GEP models in each country. Hence, it is recommended to implement the HBA algorithm to increase the prediction accuracy of the models in medicine field.
Design and Dynamical behavior of a fourth order family of iterative methods for solving nonlinear equations
Authors: Cordero Alicia , Ledesma Arleen , Maimó Javier G. , Torregrosa Juan R.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we propose a weight function to construct a fourth order family of iterative schemes for solving nonlinear equations. This class is parameter-dependent and its numerical performance depends on the value of this free parameter. We analyze the rational function resulting from the fixed point operator applied to a nonlinear polynomial. The dynamics of this rational function allows us to better understand the performance of the iterative methods of the class. In addition, we calculate the critical points and present the parameter spaces dynamical planes, in order to determine the regions with stable and unstable behavior. Finally, parameter values within and outside the stability region are chosen and, with them, numerical tests that confirm the scheme's theoretical convergence and stability are performed, as well as comparisons with other existing methods of the same order of convergence.
Monitoring and Removal of Fake Product Review Using Machine Learning (Ml)
Authors: Bhattacharya Swarnajit
Published: April 2023

The employment of Natural Language Processing (NLP) as a means for identifying and eliminating counterfeit products from a dataset is a significant endeavor. The current project employs a Machine Learning (ML) Algorithm to discern fraudulent customer reviews within a given dataset. The algorithm leverages predictive modeling techniques to estimate the authenticity of such reviews, and subsequently assess their validity. The prominence of product reviews as a critical determinant of consumer purchasing behavior in the realm of electronic commerce has led to a concerning escalation in the frequency of counterfeit reviews on websites and applications. It is imperative for the prominent E-commerce firms to confront the issue of counterfeit product reviews, prior to engaging in the procurement of commodities from established entities. The utilization of this particular approach facilitates the rectification process concerning counterfeit product evaluations, thereby eliminating the prevalence of spammers. This proactive measure works to ensure that there is no potential compromise of trust among users of E-commerce platforms. Through implementation of this initiative, the enterprise's administration can identify spurious evaluations and subsequently implement appropriate measures directed towards their resolution. The present model has been constructed employing the Naïve Bayes Algorithmic approach. By implementing the algorithm, it is possible to discern spam reviews from those that are legitimate, on websites or applications. To tally the individuals who engage in fraudulent online practices, a dataset is necessary. In our study, the "Amazon Academic Dataset" serves as the fitting reference point to prepare the model and can potentially increase the precision and adaptability of the results.
Proposition of a methodology for the evaluation of adhesiveness (pull-off test) of aggregate-geopolymer binder interfaces
Authors: PENAGOS Jonathan , DE SOUZA Madson , HOLANDA Ligia , ARAÚJO Lucas , BABADOPULOS Lucas , BASTOS Juceline
Published: April 2023

Portland cement concrete is the most used material in civil construction, but it is a source for emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, its Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) is a point of weakness, which limits its performance and application, generating pathological manifestations throughout its service life, decreasing mechanical and durability properties. In this context, geopolymer concretes, which are a sustainable building material with a much reduced and dense ITZ when compared to ordinary cement Portland materials, arise. However, there is a lack of methodology to evaluate the aggregate-geopolymer interface and objectively evaluate compatibility between such new binder and aggregate particles. In other materials, adhesion tests are performed to obtain parameters related to adhesiveness. Provided that context, this work aims to propose a methodology to evaluate the adhesiveness of aggregates and geopolymer binders. For this, a pull-off test based on AASHTO TP 361 (2022) is proposed, with particular adaptation in specimens preparation. The proposed changes such as: the application of the binder and the use of epoxy glue aimed to guarantee the bonding of pull-off elements (dollies) to a geopolymer binder film adhered to the aggregate and to make the test and its results possible for evaluations. For validation, it was performed for an interface a geopolymer binder based on fly ash and steel slag glued onto two granitic rocks (biotite). For the test according to AASHTO TP 361 (2022), the adhesion between the geopolymer binder and the equipment proved to be insufficient. Then, with the adapted methodology the results were more consistent, in which the specimens showed suitable adhesion for the test. This contributes to an empirical characterization of adhesiveness for these materials, enabling adequate analyses regarding the durability, in order to avoid future pathologies resulting from a weak ITZ and evaluations without huge costs in time and resources.
Application of VR eye movement cognitive assessment in the early screening of cognitive impairment
Authors: Yuan Qing , Zhang Xu , Xu Ying , Zhang Chi , Pan Baobao
Published: April 2023

Background: Dementia is a rapid growing global health challenge, and early screening in the preclinical stage is necessary. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a transitional stage preceding dementia, and current diagnostic markers for AD are limited by cost and invasiveness. Neuropsychological tests (such as MMSE, MoCA) are valid but neither simple nor efficient enough to serve as large-scale dementia screening tools. Eye-tracking data can be encoded as cognitive activity and states, which provides quantitative and multi-dimensional attributes of cognitive function. Its application to cognitive assessment has shown promise in identifying patients with MCI or dementia. Immersive environments of virtual reality technology guarantee the integrity of eye-tracking data and the portability of VR headset enables efficient large-scale early screening of cognitive impairment in communities.
Objective: Develop a 5-minute dementia screening tool — VR Eye Movement Cognitive Assessment to help physicians detect cognitive impairment as an alternative approach of traditional paper-based instruments.
Methods: 201 subjects from Shenzhen Baoan Chronic Hospital were administered MoCA and VR eye movement cognitive assessments. Raw gaze data was captured by eye tracker of the VR headset and filtered as eye movements which would be encoded as features. Machine learning models were established as the predictor of MoCA score and the classifier of cognitive impairment of three education-based groups within which optimal cut-off score was given.
Results: Support vector regression was proposed as the VR-AI model and achieved high correlation of 0.9 with MoCA score, greater than baseline model of 0.58. Optimal cut-off scores (less than 6 years of education: 14/15; 6 to 9 years of education: 18/19; more than 9 years of education: 23/24) can well distinguish normal and cognitively impaired subjects — with overall sensitivity of 88.5% and specificity of 83%.
Conclusion: VR eye movement cognitive assessment is a portable, efficient, and quantitative dementia screening tool, which can be used for early screening of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Architects of Buddhist Leisure
Authors: McDaniel Justin Thomas
Published: April 2023

Buddhism, usually described as an austere religion which condemns desire, promotes denial, and idealizes the monastic and contemplative life, actually has a thriving leisure culture. Creative religious improvisations designed by Buddhists across Asia have worked to build a leisure culture both within and outside of monasteries. The author looks at the growth of Buddhist leisure culture through a study of architects who helped design tourist sites, memorial gardens, monuments, museums, and even amusement parks in Nepal, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Macau, Hong Kong, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. In conversation with theorists of material and visual culture and anthropologists of art, this book argues that these sites show the importance of public, leisure and spectacle culture from a Buddhist cultural perspective. They show that the “secular” and “religious” and the “public” and “private” are in many ways false binaries. Moreover, many of these sites reflect a growing Buddhist ecumenism being built through repetitive affective encounters instead of didactic sermons, institutional campaigns, and sectarian developments. These sites present different Buddhist traditions, images, and aesthetic expressions as united but not uniform, collected but not concise—a gathering not a movement. Finally, despite the creativity of lay and ordained visionaries, the building of these sites often faces problems along the way. Parks, monuments, temples, and museums are complex adaptive systems changed and influenced by visitors, budgets, materials, local and global economic conditions. No matter what the architect intends, buildings develop lives of their own.