bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposing the Gender Pay Gap in Colombia: Do Industry and Type of Worker Matter?
Authors: Lamprea-Barragan Tania Camila , Garcia-Suaza Andres
Published: March 2023

This article aims to quantify to which extent industry and worker characteristics explain the gender pay gap in Colombia. To quantify the role of these factors, we proposed a two-step specification of a counterfactual decomposition method. This specification allows splitting the total gap into the contribution of the employment gender share at the industry level, the demographic composition, and the characteristics’ pay premia. Using Colombian data for 2019 and exploiting the industry and worker type heterogeneity, our findings suggest that the three components are essential to shape the gender pay gap. Despite the pay effect, i.e. what is explained by factors different from socioeconomic characteristics, being the main driver of the gender gap, the labor market sorting is also relevant. The most feminized industries contribute more to enlarge the gender gap, mainly among self-employed workers who have a higher gap that combines wage discrimination and premium gaps and relates to temporal flexibility and unpaid work. Finally, using simulations we show that the proposed two-step decomposition method allows the identification of the relevant components and avoids biases that might result from traditional decomposition methods.
JEL code: J16, J31, J24.
IL-7 promotes CD19-directed CAR-T cells proliferation through miRNA-98-5p by targeting CDKN1A
Authors: Hou Zongliu , Yang Lirong , Li Lin , Meng Mingyao , Li Tiantian , Zhao Yiyi , Yang Songlin , Gao Hui , Tang Weiwei , Yang Yang , Yang Lili , Wang Wenju , Liao Liwei
Published: March 2023

CAR-T targeting CD19 have achieved significant effects in the treatment of B-line leukemia and lymphoma. However, the treated patients frequently relapsed and could not achieve complete remission. Therefore, improving the proliferation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells, reducing exhaustion and enhancing infiltration capacity are still issues to be solved. The IL-7 has been shown to enhance the memory characteristics of CAR-T cells, but the specific mechanism has yet to be elaborated. miRNAs play an important role in T cell activity. However, whether miRNA is involved in the activation of CAR-T cells by IL-7 has not yet been reported. Our previous study had established the 3rd generation CAR-T cells. The present study further found that IL-7 significantly increased the proliferation of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells, the ratio of CD4 + CAR + cells and the S phase of cell cycle. In vivo study showed that IL-7-stimulated CAR-T possessed stronger tumoricidal efficiency. Further we validated that IL-7 induced CAR-T cells had low expression of CDKN1A and high expression of miRNA-98-5p. Additionally, CDKN1A was associated with miRNA-98-5p. Our results, for the first time, suggested IL-7 could conspicuously enhance the proliferation of CAR-T cells through miRNA-98-5p targeting CDKN1A expression, which should be applied to CAR-T production.
Development of Optimal Sizing System for Tactical Gloves Applying Empirical Loss Coefficient Ratio
Authors: Hong Yujin , Choi Hee Eun
Published: March 2023

This study aims to improve soldiers' mission performance and protect them from safety accidents by establishing an optimal sizing system that considers the fit of the tactical gloves and the efficiency of production and supply. First, the wearing condition of tactical gloves was investigated through in-depth interviews and surveys. The optimal glove fit and loss coefficient ratio was then analyzed through a glove size selection experiment. Finally, the sizing system was optimized and verified by comparing the coverage rate to the current sizing system. Results indicated that the empirically derived loss coefficient ratio was 0.075 and the optimal sizing system for tactical gloves was S-hand length: 168, hand width: 81, M-hand length: 177, hand width: 83, L-hand length: 184, hand width: 86, XL-hand length: 191, hand width: 89, respectively. The coverage rate of the optimal sizing system proposed in this study was 86.4%, showing an improvement of approximately 21.1% compared to the current sizing system (65.3%). In conclusion, the optimal sizing system for tactical gloves proposed in this study can be a realistic solution, as it improved the coverage rate by 21.1% without incurring additional costs for production or hindering the efficiency of supply.
High sensitivity and wide response range artificial synapse based on polyimide with embedded graphene quantum dots
Authors: Kou Lijie , Ye Nan , Waheed Anjam , Auliya Rahmat Zaki , Wu Chaoxing , Ooi Poh Choon , Li Fushan
Published: March 2023

Artificial electronic synapses are commonly used to simulate biological synapses to realize various learning functions, which is regarded as one of the key technologies in the next generation of neurological computation. In this work, a simple solution spin coating technique prepared memristors based on the simple structure of polyimide (PI):graphene quantum dots(GQDs). The devices exhibit remarkably stable exponentially decaying postsynaptic suppression current over time, as interpreted in the spike-timing-dependent plasticity phenomenon. Furthermore, with the increase of the applied electrical signal over time, the conductance of the electrical synapse gradually changes, and the electronic synapse also shows plasticity dependence on the amplitude and frequency of the pulse applied. In particular, the devices with the structure of Ag/PI:GQDs/ITO prepared in this study can produce a stable response to the stimulation of electrical signals between millivolt to volt, not only showing high sensitivity but also a wide range of “feelings”, which makes the electronic synapses take a step forwards to emulate biological synapses. Meanwhile, the electronic conduction mechanisms of the device are also studied and expounded in detail. The findings in this work lay a foundation for developing brain-like neuromorphic modeling in artificial intelligence.
Quantification of soil organic carbon stocks in Nepal's forests
Authors: Khanal Shiva , Boer Matthias M. , Nolan Rachael H. , Medlyn Belinda E.
Published: March 2023

Comprehensive forest carbon accounting requires reliable estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. Despite being an important carbon pool, limited information is available on SOC stocks in global forests, particularly for forests in mountainous regions, such as the Central Himalayas. To address this knowledge gap, we implemented a comprehensive study to accurately estimate forest SOC stocks across Nepal. Our method involved modelling plot-based estimates of forest SOC using covariates related to climate, soil, and topographic position. Our quantile random forest model resulted in the most accurate prediction to date of Nepal's national forest SOC stock together with prediction uncertainties. Our findings were not only spatially explicit but also revealing high SOC levels in high-elevation forests and a significant underrepresentation of these stocks in global-scale assessments. Our results offer an improved baseline for monitoring of the distribution and changes of total carbon in the forests of the Central Himalayas. The benchmark maps of predicted forest SOC and associated errors, along with our estimate of 494 million tonnes (SE = 16) of total SOC in the topsoil (0-30 cm) of forested areas in Nepal, carry important implications for understanding the spatial variability of forest SOC in mountainous regions with complex terrains.
Effective natural inhibitors targeting LSD1 by computational study
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Lin Liangxin , Zhou Pengcheng , Yang Qifan , Jiang Ye , Yang Yilin , Zhu Dong
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study aimed to screen lead compounds and drug candidates with an inhibitory effect on the function of LSD1 from the ZINC database.
Methods: We used computer-aided virtual technology to screen some agents that inhibit the function of LSD1. Initially, LibDock screened out some optimal compounds for docking with LSD1. These candidate compounds were subjected to ADME analysis (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and toxicity metrics. Molecular docking can determine the binding affinity between LSD1 and the ligand, and lastly, we applied molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the docking of the ligand-receptor complex.
Results: Two natural compounds, ZINC000001651126 and ZINC000000001083, found in the ZINC database, are potent inhibitors of LSD1. When ZINC000001651126 and ZINC000000001083 bind to LSD1, they show high binding affinity. They are not hepatotoxic and have a high tolerance to cytochrome P4502D6. In addition, ZINC000001651126 and ZINC000000001083 have less developmental toxicity potential, rodent carcinogenicity, and Ames mutagenicity.
Conclusions: ZINC000001651126 and ZINC000000001083 can be considered safe and ideal drug candidates for LSD1 inhibitors. This study can provide new ideas for future research and the application of LSD1 inhibitors.
Relating community capacity to the adoption of an evidence-based prevention strategy: a community-level analysis
Authors: Birgel Vera , Walter Ulla , Röding Dominik
Published: March 2023

Background: In community-based prevention, adopting an evidence-based strategy is known to predict prevention success. Evidence-based prevention includes a theoretical framework, empirical assessment of prevention needs, use of tested and effective prevention programs, monitoring of community prevention efforts and outcomes, and integration of practice experiences. Also known is that adopting evidence-based prevention requires community capacity. However, it is unclear which domains of community capacity are most important for the adoption of evidence-based prevention. This study aims to examine the extent to which specific capacity domains explain variation in evidence-based prevention.
Methods: The present study is a secondary data analysis based on a survey of 182 key informants in 38 communities. To determine the validity of the measurement, structural validity, internal consistency, and inter-rater agreement were assessed. Associations between adoption of evidence-based prevention and ten domains of community capacity (participation, knowledge & skills, resources, leadership, community power, collaboration consisting of prevention collaboration and sectoral-collaboration, sense of community, critical awareness & problem solving, and community structure) were investigated at the community level using logistic regression models.
Results: Regarding the validation analyses, most findings indicate that the ten community capacity domains could be reliably measured using key informant reports. Results of logistic regression models indicate that adopting evidence-based prevention is related to increased sense of community (OR 6.62; 95 % CI 2.39-18.39), prevention collaboration (OR 26.05; 95 % CI 5.98-13.39), sectoral-collaboration (OR 10.49; 95 % CI 4.04-27.25), community power (19.29; 1.74-28.12), and community structure (OR 4.79; 95 % CI 1.85-12.43). Availability of leadership was predictive of higher chances of adopting evidence-based prevention (OR 5.21; 95 % CI 1.93-14.02).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that communities with higher community capacity have increased chances of adopting an evidence-based prevention strategy.
MSCT Analysis and Identification of Remarkable Anatomical Types of Segmental Bronchi in R ight Middle Lobe: Based on Extensive Data
Authors: Javed Saeed , Zhang Yi , Wan Dian , Mei Yixuan , Liu Hailan , Liu Cheng , Liu Shuwei
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the various branching patterns of segmental bronchi in the right middle lobe and to survey the anatomical diversity and sex-related differences of these branches in a large sample of the study population.
Materials and Methods: In this retrospective board-approved study with informed consent, 10,000 participants (5428 males, mean age 50+/-13.5 years[SD] years; age range: 3-91 years) who underwent multi-slice CT scans from September 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively included. The data were applied to generate 3D and virtual bronchoscopy (VB) simulations of a bronchial tree using the syngo.via post-processing workstation. The reconstructed images were then interpreted to locate and classify distinct bronchial patterns in right middle lobe. Cross-tabulation analysis and the Pearson chi-square test were used to calculate the constituent ratios of bronchial branch types and determine their significance between male and female groups.
Results: Our results revealed that the segmental bronchial ramifications of the right middle lobe were classified into two types mainly, i.e., bifurcation (B4, B5, 91.42%) and trifurcation (B4, B5, B*, 8.58%). There were no significant sex-related differences in the proportion of bronchial branches in RML (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The current study has confirmed the presence of segmental bronchial variations in the right middle lobe using 3D reconstruction and virtual bronchoscopy. These findings may have significant implications for the diagnosis of symptomatic patients and for carrying out specific procedures like bronchoscopy, endotracheal intubation, and lung resection.
Perillaldehyde mitigates ionizing radiation-induced intestinal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Tang Lin-Feng , Xie Li-Wei , Zhou Hao , Ma Xiaoming , Li Ming
Published: March 2023

The gastrointestinal tract is a rapidly self-renewing system and is thus highly sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). Unfortunately, methods for preventing and treating IR-induced gastrointestinal syndrome are limited. Volatile monoterpenoid perillaldehyde (PAH) is the major component of the essential oil extracted from perilla plants and has been demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity, and antitumor effects. However, its role in preventing or alleviating radiation-induced injuries remains unknown. In this study, PAH prolonged the survival time and attenuated radiation-induced intestinal injury in whole abdominal lethally irradiated mice. PAH treatment also promoted the survival of crypt cells, attenuated radiation-induced DNA damage, and mitigated intestinal barrier damage in irradiated mice. The radioprotective effects of PAH in intestinal crypt organoids and human intestinal epithelial cell line (HIEC-6) were also identified. PAH-mediated radioprotection was associated with the upregulation of Nrf2, activation of the antioxidant pathway, and inhibition of ferroptosis. Notably, treatment with the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 abolished the protective effects of PAH, indicating that Nrf2 activation is essential for PAH activity. The findings of this study collectively suggest that PAH is a promising therapeutic strategy for IR-induced intestinal injury.
ERAS in Tonsil Adenoid Surgery in Children
Authors: Huang Zuofeng , Sun Ruifang , Liu Fei , Zhang Lue , Liang Junyi , Lu Hui , Zhao Zhimin
Published: March 2023

Backgroud: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) is more and more widely used in pediatric surgery.
Objective: ERAS is more and more widely used in pediatric surgery. Studies on the application of ERAS in tonsil adenoid surgery in children are still insufficient.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 314 pediatric patients who underwent simultaneous tonsillar and adenoid resection between January 2018 and March 2022 in our hospital. Results: 190 people (122 males and 68 females) were included in the ERAS group. 89 patients (59 males and 30 females) were included in the control group.
Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the basic data age, gender and height, and weight status. There was no statistical difference in anesthetic complications and postoperative complications between the two groups. The length of stay of 5.05 days in the ERAS group was significantly shortened compared with 6.37 days in the control group.
Conclusions: The appropriate time of fasting and drinking before the operation still needs to be further explored and optimized. Early postoperative food intake and nutritional supplementation are also important, especially in patients with eating disorders caused by pain and surgical site infection after pharyngeal surgery such as tonsil surgery.
The ER chaperone, BIP protects Microglial cells from ER stress-mediated Apoptosis in Hyperglycemia
Authors: James Antonisamy William , Bahader Ghaith A. , Albassan Mohammad , Shah Zahoor A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Binding of Immunoglobulin heavy chain protein(BIP) is a major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone facilitating the assembly of newly synthesized proteins in the ER. Microglial cells vigorously respond to brain injuries and eliminate the damaged neuronal and apoptotic cells through phagocytosis in the central nervous system. However, the mechanism of BIP-mediated microglial cell function is not clear in hyperglycemia. We explored the molecular mechanism of BIP in microglial function during hyperglycemia conditions.
Methods: Hyperglycemia was induced in C57BL/6J mice by two consecutive intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ 100/kg) and confirmed by measuring the blood glucose from day 2 to day 14. After 14 days of experimental condition, mice were sacrificed, brains were collected, and tissue lysate was prepared for ER chaperone studies. In-vitro hyperglycemia was induced by exposing HMC3 cells to 25mM glucose for 5 days and proteins involved in ER stress, apoptosis, and autophagy were analyzed. For the BIP induction, cells were treated with 25μM of BIX (BiP inducer-X) after 48 hr of hyperglycemia for 3 days.
Results: In hyperglycemia condition, the major ER chaperone BIP protein expression was dramatically reduced in HMC3 cells, which led to increased apoptosis through the activation of CHOP and mitochondrial pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bad, cleaved caspase-3). The flow cytometry results also indicate that hyperglycemia-induced the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Interestingly, the BIP inducer BIX restored the apoptosis in microglia cells through the derepression of BIP expression and inhibition of ER stress.
Conclusion: These results suggest that the ER chaperone BIP is required for the microglial function and protection from apoptosis in hyperglycemia. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism and role of BIP in microglia function may contribute to the development of novel therapies for microglia dysfunction-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Comparative population genetics of habitat-forming octocorals in two marine protected areas: eco-evolutionary and management implications
Authors: Horaud Mathilde , Arizmendi-Meija Rosana , Nebot-Colomer Elisabet , López-Sendino Paula , Antunes Agostinho , Dellicour Simon , Viard Frédérique , Leblois Raphael , Linares Cristina , Garrabou Joaquim , Ledoux Jean-Baptiste
Published: March 2023

Current efforts to halt the decline of biodiversity decline are based primarily on protecting species richness. This narrow focus overlooks key components of biological diversity, particularly the infra-species genetic diversity, which is critical to consider with respect to genetic adaptation in changing environments. While comparative population genetics is recognized as a relevant approach to improve biodiversity management, it is still barely considered in practice. Here, a comparative population genetics study was conducted on two key habitat-forming octocoral species, Corallium rubrum and Paramuricea clavata, to contribute to management of two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the northwestern Mediterranean. Contrasting patterns of genetic diversity and structure were observed in the two species, although they share many common biological features and live in similar habitats. Differential genetic drift effects induced by species-specific reproductive strategies and demographic histories most likely explain these differences. The translation of our results into management strategies supports the definition of four management units. We identified a coldspot of genetic diversity, with genetically isolated populations, and a hotspot of genetic diversity that has a central role in the system’s connectivity. Interestingly, they corresponded to the most recent and the oldest protected areas, respectively. This case study shows how moving from a“species pattern” perspective to an “eco-evolutionary processes” perspective can help assess and contribute to the effectiveness of biodiversity management plans.
Resolving the soluble-to-toxic transformation of amyloidogenic proteins: A method to assess intervention by small-molecules
Authors: Ahlawat Jyoti , Wilson Daisy L. , Carreon Ana , Narayan Mahesh
Published: March 2023

The soluble-to-toxic transformation of intrinsically disordered amyloidogenic proteins such as amyloid beta (Aβ), α-synuclein, mutant Huntingtin Protein (mHTT) and islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) among others is associated with disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), respectively. Conversely, the dissolution of mature fibrils and toxic amyloidogenic intermediates including oligomers remains the holy grail in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Yet, methods to effectively, and quantitatively, report on the interconversion between amyloid monomers, oligomers and mature fibrils fall short. For the first time, we describe the use of gel electrophoresis to address the transformation between soluble monomeric amyloid proteins and mature amyloid fibrils. The technique permits rapid, inexpensive and quantitative assessment of the fraction of amyloid monomers that form intermediates and mature fibrils. In addition, the method facilitates the screening of small molecules that disintegrate oligomers and fibrils into monomers or retain amyloid proteins in their monomeric forms. Importantly, our methodological advance diminishes major existing barriers associated with existing (alternative) techniques to evaluate fibril formation and intervention.
A short–term pretreatment with insulin and glucose efficiently protected the kidney against Ischemia-Reperfusion injury via the P-AKT-Bax-Caspase-3 signaling pathway in mice
Authors: Sun Liwei , Bing Hailong , Zhang Chengxi , Lin Lin , Lian Hongkai , Chu Qinjun , Jin Xiaogao
Published: March 2023

Objective
This study investigated whether pretreatment with insulin and glucose protects the kidney against ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI).
Methods
Kidney IRI was performed in C57BL/6 mice by clamping the renal vessels for 30 min, followed by re-perfusion for 24 h. A total subcutaneous 0.1 unit of insulin along with 10% glucose in drinking water was treated on the mice for 24 h before kidney IRI. The kidney function and injuries were investigated through the determination of BUN and Cr in blood plasma, as well as the apoptosis and the expression of P-AKT, BAX, and caspase-3 in the kidneys. The role of P-AKT in insulin-treated IRI kidneys was tested using an AKT inhibitor. The effects of the pretreatment duration of insulin and glucose on IRI kidneys were investigated by expanding the treatment duration to 1, 3, and 6 days.
Results
Pretreatment with insulin and glucose protected the kidney against IRI through a decrease in Cr and BUN concentration in plasma and a reduction of kidney injuries. The protection effect was related to the signaling pathway of P-AKT-BAX-caspase-3. An AKT inhibitor partially reversed the protective effects of insulin pretreatment. The pretreatment duration for 1, 3, and 6 days had no differences in improving kidney functions and pathology.
Conclusion
A short-term pretreatment with insulin and glucose protected the kidney from IRI through the activation of p-AKT and subsequent reduction of BAX-caspase-3-induced apoptosis. The short-term pretreatment provides a practicable strategy for protecting the kidney against predictable IRI, such as major operations with high hypotension incidence.
A non-invasive protocol for the treatment of gastro-mediastinal or gastro-pleural fistula after esophagogastrectomy
Authors: Bi Yonghua , Wang Yang , Ren Jianzhuang , Han Xinwei
Published: March 2023

Background: We aimed to study the safety and efficacy of three tubes with or without covered esophageal stent placement for the management of gastro-mediastinal or gastro-pleural fistula.
Methods: We retrospectively assessed the clinical data of 31 consecutive patients with gastro-mediastinal or gastro-pleural fistula treated by using a non-invasive protocol. Patients received three tubes (jejunal feeding tube, gastrointestinal drainage tube and abscess drainage tube) with or without esophageal covered stent placement. All patients received continue abscess drainage and nutritional support after procedure. The tubes and/or esophageal covered stents were removed after fistula healing.
Results: All patients received three tubes placement and 11 patients with lumenal narrowing received esophageal covered stent placement. Technically success was found in all patients, with no perioperative death, esophageal rupture or massive hemorrhage. Abscess cavity disappeared in 22 patients, with a clinical success rate of 71.0%. All patients received esophageal stent placement were cured and stents were removed, for the median duration of 1.6 months (IQR 1.4, 3.7). Three patients showed clinical improved, with markedly decreased abscess cavity and markedly shrunk fistula. The median survival was 30.8 months. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 71.1%, 46.1% and 39.5%, respectively.
Conclusions: A non-invasive protocol of three tubes with or without covered esophageal stent placement is safe and effective for gastro-mediastinal or gastro-pleural fistula after esophagogastrectomy.
High Side-Mode Suppression Ratio with a Vernier effect Single-mode Laser Using Triple Coupled Microrings
Authors: Jahangiri Milad , Moradiani Fatemeh , Parsanasab Gholam-Mohammad , Mirmohammadi Mohsen
Published: March 2023

The development of single-mode lasers with a high side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) is challenging but highly desirable for integrated photonics devices and long-distance communications due to its high spectral purity and stability. Here, we demonstrate a single-mode laser with a high side-mode suppression ratio based on size-mismatched triple coupled microrings. With the exact engineering of several key parameters of the structure like air gap and radii of microrings for controlling the free spectral range (FSR), a predominant mode is selected to lase in amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of the gain material and all side and high order modes are suppressed by Vernier effect. In this work, we show that a single-mode operation is efficiently generated with an improved side-mode suppression ratio of over 20 dB in a three-ring-coupled microcavity laser. The single frequency output persists for a wide power range. The theoretical calculations and numerical simulations’ results confirm the validity of the experimental results. Our structural engineering creates new opportunities in a variety of frontier applications in single-mode lasers and high quality sensors.
Copper oxide wire particles alone or associated with closantel: increase in the immune and antioxidant response in lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus
Authors:   1 Andressa Salvadori Schafer,   2 Cássia Bagolin Silva,   3 Raqueli Teresinha França,   4 Juliana Sorraila Oliveira,   5 Guilherme Lopes Dornelles,   6 Camila Benaduce Emanuelli Mello,   7 Luana Pereira Magni,   8 Rafael Francisco Santos,   9 Erico Marlon Moraes Flores,   10 Antônio Francisco Igor Magalhães de Matos Igor Magalhães de Matos,   11 Lucas Trevisam Gressler,   12 Eduarda Maria Trentin Santi,   13 Thiago Duarte,   14 Marta Maria Medeiros Frescura Duarte,   15 Matheus Dellaméa Baldissera,   16 Marta Lizandra Do Rego Leal,   17 Silvia Gonzalez Monteiro,   18 Cinthia Melazzo Andrade
Published: March 2023

The aims of this study were to measure oxidative stress, immunological responses, parasite counts and copper concentrations in plasma and livers of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and treated with copper oxide wire particles (COWP), either isolated or associated with the anthelmintic agent closantel. We randomly divided 30 Corriedale lambs were into five groups (six animals each): uninfected animals (Control); animals infected with H. contortus (HC); infected and treated with closantel (HC + CL); infected and treated with COWP (HC + Cu); and infected and treated with closantel plus COWP (HC + CL + Cu). All animals in the experimental groups were infected orally with H. contortus (5,000 larvae - L3). On day 14 post-infection, the treatments were initiated. The animals infected with H. contortus showed reductions in levels of non-protein thiols and glutathione as well as lower catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in serum and tissues compared to the control group. The COWP treatment reversed these alterations and significantly increased antioxidant parameters. Treatments reduced levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in serum and tissues. The lambs supplemented with COWP had higher levels of IgG and IgE than did the other groups, suggesting an immune response to the infection. Copper concentrations in plasma accorded with the physiological values and the animals did not present any laboratory alterations related to copper intoxication. All treatments showed anthelmintic effects manifested as lower parasite counts in infected and treated animals. These findings suggest that COWP supplementation stimulated antioxidant effects and increased immune responses in lambs with haemonchosis. COWP associated with closantel may effective for lambs infected with H. contortus, considering reasonable synergism of the commercial product with the mineral, resulting in a reduction of 100% in parasite counts.
Removal of Cobalt and Strontium in Aqueous Solution by Adsorption using Brewer’s Spent Grain
Authors: Lee Hyung-Wook , Jeon Han-Gyeol , Kim Kyoung-Woong
Published: March 2023

One byproduct of brewing beer is Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), which is reused in animal feed. However, BSG has valuable potential for other products such as biochar because of its high protein and fiber content. Radioactive waste is one of the biggest concerns in Korea because of the permanent shutdown of the Gori nuclear power plant. In this study, we aimed to used BSG-850, a biochar originating from BSG after pyrolysis, for the adsorption of cobalt (Co) and strontium (Sr), which are two radionuclides that contribute to radioactive waste. At 298 K, BSG-850 exhibited adsorption capacities of 3.304 and 1.462 mg/g for Co and Sr, respectively. At 308 K, BSG-850 exhibited adsorption capacities of 4.659 and 2.54 mg/g for Co and Sr, respectively. At 318 K, BSG-850 exhibited adsorption capacities of 5.516 and 3.036 mg/g for Co and Sr, respectively. The reusability of BSG-850 capacity was 75.3, 47.8, 43.6, and 36.2% for Co after 1, 2, 3, and 4 cycles, respectively. For Sr adsorption, the capacity was 93.6, 84.2, 57.2, and 32.7% after 1, 2, 3, and 4 cycles, respectively. In the presence of other competitive ions, the adsorption capacity decreased. Through this research, the adsorption capacity and adsorption properties of BSG-origin biochar for Co and Sr were confirmed. Thus, BSG may be a desirable option for solving radioactive waste problems.
Coexistent Sarcoidosis Mimics Metastasis in a Patient with Early-stage Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: a Case Report
Authors: 赵 湘 , 程 元 , 王 魏
Published: March 2023

Background: Granulomatous disease is difficult to differential from metastasis cancer, Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease, bone involve is rarely reported.
Case presentation: We report a patient who suspected advanced lung cancer with metastasis mediastinal lymph node and bilateral ilium. However, ilium biopsy showed sarcoidosis involvement. Bronchoscopy and EBUSrevealed adenocarcinoma in right upper lobe lung, with negative mediastinal lymph node. A pathologic analysis of the resected lung tissues led to the correct staging of lung cancer.
Conclusions: coexistent sarcoidosis may mimic metastasis lung cancer, a multidisciplinary team and sequential diagnostic biopsies may avoid unnecessary surgery or insufficient treatments.
Tail Parameter Estimation using Non-Linear Regression on Tail Model Plots
Authors: Beirlant Jan , Bladt Martin
Published: March 2023

The identification of an appropriate statistical model is a critical first step in many statistical analyses, including the estimation of extreme values. Probability and quantile plotting is often used to visualize the data and identify patterns that suggest an appropriate model. In extreme value estimation, some estimators of tail parameters can conveniently be interpreted as slope estimators in case of linear plots. One popular estimator for tail parameters is the Hill estimator, which can be viewed as an estimator of the slope in a log-log plot near the largest observations when a linear pattern appears in that area. This paper proposes a novel approach that generalizes the existing linear regression approach to non-linear regression, enabling the identification of appropriate tail models for basic distributions such as Pareto, log-normal, and Weibull models. Specifically, the proposed methodology uses the slope and non-linearity parameters to determine an appropriate tail model and support the estimation of important tail characteristics, such as extreme quantiles and return periods of extreme events.
Prevalence and Practices of Self-medication With Antibiotics Among Nursing Students at a Training Institution in Western Uganda
Authors: Nankya Shanitah , Musinguzi Puis , Arishaba Adella , Najjuma¹ Josephine Nambi
Published: March 2023

Background: Self-medication is one of the leading causes of inappropriate antibiotic use practices. This leads to antimicrobial resistance which results into anti-microbial related deaths. The aim of the study was to determine the self-medication practices and their prevalence among nursing students at certificate and diploma level at a health training institution in south western Uganda.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires among certificate and diploma nursing students. A total of 358 nursing students participated in the study.
Results: More than half of the nursing students, 85.7% (307) reported to have practiced self-medication. It was also noted that 91.5 % (237) and 69.5% (66) of certificate nursing students diploma nursing students respectively practiced self-medication. Most students, 50.8% (182) based their choice of the antibiotic to use on own experience with the antibiotic used before. Also 39.9% (143) students reported to have been getting their antibiotics mainly from the community pharmacist and 31.4% (112) from drug shop. The most commonly used antibiotics for self-medication included amoxyl and metronidazole. Change of dosage during course of treatment and switching of antibiotics during course of treatment were some of the self-medication was reported.
Conclusion: Self-medication practices are very common among nursing students. It is a major public health problem as it is associated with inappropriate antibiotic use practices, antimicrobial resistance and related deaths.
RAD51AP1 as an immune-related prognostic biomarker and therapeutic response predictor in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lan Chenlu , Wei Yongguang , Wang Xiangkun , Zhou Xin , Liao Xiwen , Huang Huangsheng , Wei Zhongliu , Li Tianman , Peng Tao , Zhu Guangzhi
Published: March 2023

RAD51 associated protein 1 (RAD51AP1) has been showed that regulated cell proliferation and cancer progression. However, the immune infiltrating correlation and therapeutics guidance of RAD51AP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still need further investigation. In this study, differential expression, clinicopathologic correlation, prognostic value, and function enrichment analysis of RAD51AP1 were performed in TCGA, GSE14520, GSE76427 and ICGC datasets and were validated using Guangxi cohort. We explored the predictive value of RAD51AP1 to therapeutics response comprehensively and probed the correlation between RAD51AP1 and HCC immunoinfiltration by CIBERSORT and ssGSEA. RAD51AP1 with a high diagnostic accuracy was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues. The shorter survival time and poorer clinical features were showed when RAD51AP1 upregulated. A nomogram featuring RAD51AP1 and clinicopathologic factors was established to predict OS of HCCs. RAD51AP1 might be engaged in the carcinogenic and celluar cycle processes. In CIBERSORT analysis, higher T cells follicular helper but lower T cells CD4 + memory resting infiltrations were exhibited when RAD51AP1 upregulated. T demonstrated that High-RAD51AP1 expression subgroup had higher macrophages, Th2 and Treg cells infiltration, but lower type Ⅱ IFN response function in ssGSEA analysis, exhibited the upregulated immune-related checkpoint expression levels, lower IPS and TIDE scores, suggesting a better immunotherapy response, and may be more susceptible to Bexarotene, Doxorubicin, Gemcitabine and Tipifarnib. Taken together, RAD51AP1 mediating the immunosuppressive microenvironment is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and could be underlying HCC treatment strategy.
Testicular Rosai-Dorfman disease clonally related to CMML – case report and literature review
Authors: Fiegl August , Dirnhofer Stefan , Juskevicius Darius , Zagrapan Branislav , Dertinger Susanne , Bösl Andreas , Milos Stella , Brunner Jürgen , Bertolini Franz , Offner Felix A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), a rare form of non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with heterogenous clinical features, arises from precursor cells that give rise to cells of the histiocytic and monocytic lineages. An association with hematological neoplasms has been reported. Testicular RDD is rarely described, with only 9 reported cases in the literature. Genetic data to assess clonal relationships between RDD and other hematological neoplasms remain scarce. We describe an instance of testicular RDD against a background of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML), with genetic studies in both neoplasms.
Case presentation: A 72-year-old patient with a history of CMML sought evaluation of growing bilateral testicular nodules. Solitary testicular lymphoma was suspected; orchidectomy was performed. The diagnosis of testicular RDD was established morphologically and confirmed immunohistochemically. Molecular analysis of testicular lesions and of archived patient bone marrow revealed the KRAS variant c.35G>A / p.G12D in both, suggesting a clonal relationship.
Conclusion: These observations support classifying RDD as a neoplasm that can be clonally related to myeloid neoplasms.
Comprehensive characterization and detection of nut allergens in bakery foods using Q–TOF mass spectrometry and bioinformatics
Authors: Xu Daokun , Huang Haolun , Liu Zhen , Wang Yumei , Liu Qinan , Jiang Xing , Ling Rui
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Authors: Mahcar Fatiha Imane , Durak Selen , Arslan Tülin Vural
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Influence of CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 genetic variants on the biological effect of malaria treatment with primaquine in G6PD- deficient and G6PD-normal patients
Authors: Macêdo Marielle Machado , Almeida Anne Cristine Gomes , Barbosa Laila Rowena , Laco Ana Carolina Shuan , Melo Gisely Cardoso , Silva Gabrielly S
Published: March 2023

Background
In the Amazon, Plasmodium vivax is the prevalent malaria parasite, and the standard treatment is chloroquine combined with primaquine. However, this regimen is limited because of the risk of acute hemolytic anemia (AHA) in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficient individuals (G6PDd). CYP2D6 is a key enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of a large number of drugs. Primaquine is a prodrug that requires conversion by the CYP2D6 enzyme in order to be effective against malaria. Furthermore, interaction with cytochrome P450 (CYP) liver enzymes of some pharmacogenes, such as CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 associated with PQ metabolism, may enhance, or reduce its biotransformation.
Methods
A series of cases were followed-up at an infectious diseases reference hospital in the Western Brazilian Amazon. The inclusion criteria were patients of either sex, > 6 months of age, diagnosed with vivax malaria, treated with PQ and presence of hemolysis after treatment. The STANDARD G6PD (SD Biosensor®) assay was used to test G6PD status, and real-time PCR was used to genotype G6PD, CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4.
Results
Eighteen patients were included, of which 55.6% had the African A- variant (G202A/A376G), 11.1% the African A + variant (A376G), 5.6% the Mediterranean variant (C563T) and 27.8% were the wild type. CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 genotyping showed no statistically significant differences in the frequency of star alleles between the groups (p > 0.05). Elevated levels of liver and kidney markers in the G6PDd patients were observed in gNM, gRM and gUM of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
These findings reinforce the importance of studies on the mapping of G6PD deficiency and CYP2C19, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 genetic variations. This mapping will allow us to validate the prevalence of CYPs and determining their influence on the hemolytic process in vivax malaria patients, and will aid in decisions regarding the appropriate treatment regimen, thereby avoiding complications caused by the breakdown of PQ by CYP.
Prognostic Significance of Circulating Basophil Counts in Patients Who Underwent Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Maruyama Suguru , Okamura Akihiko , Kanie Yasukazu , Kuriyama Kengo , Sakamoto Kei , Kanamori Jun , Imamura Yu , Watanabe Masayuki
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Recent reports have suggested that basophils influence allergic reactions and tumor immunity. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the association between preoperative circulating basophil (CB) counts and the outcomes of patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
Methods: A total of 783 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were eligible. The clinicopathological factors and prognoses were compared between the groups stratified by the preoperative counts of CB.
Results: There were more advanced clinical T and N stages in the low CB group than in the high CB group (P = 0.01 and = 0.04, respectively). The incidences of postoperative complications were comparable between the groups. The low CB count was associated with unfavorable overall and recurrence-free survivals (P = 0.04 and 0.01, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, low CB count was one of the independent prognostic factors for poor recurrence-free survival (HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.02–1.66; P = 0.04). In addition, hematogenous recurrence occurred more frequently in the low CB group than in the high CB group (57.6% vs. 41.4%, P = 0.04).
Conclusion: A preoperative low CB count was an unfavorable prognosticator in patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
A Low-Cost Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Tool Using a Smartphone and Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Rahman Mujeeb , Ahmed Khawla , Mohd Tala , Walli Amina
Published: March 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The conjunction of uncommon diagnoses: a case report of concomitant lymphomatoid granulomatosis and pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Giachetti Nicolas , Bellal Sarah , Schwarz Marianne , Paillassa Jérôme , Clavert Aline , Hunault-Berger Mathilde , Safa Firas
Published: March 2023

Background:
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is a rare and atypical EBV induced B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. Clinical manifestations are mainly respiratory, with nodular infiltrates, varying in number and size being responsible for respiratory distress. Cutaneous, hepatic, or neurological involvement is also possible with the disease. Lymphatic involvement is uncommon. Although pathogenesis is not clearly elucidated, quantitative or qualitative cellular immunodepression is thought to be a main factor. Here, we report a case of concomitant LYG and pulmonary tuberculosis in an elderly woman.
Case presentation:
An 80-year-old woman presented to the emergency unit for steadily increasing dyspnea, with a workup revealing bilateral nodules and mediastinal lymph node enlargement on chest imaging, associated with a mildly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). She had no relevant prior medical history and no known immunodepression. Empiric antibiotic therapy was initially started with amoxicillin-clavulanate, which was later combined to azithromycin following respiratory deterioration. A CT-guided lung biopsy showed grade I lymphomatoid granulomatosis. Treatment with corticosteroids and weekly rituximab was initiated, leading to a rapid improvement of respiratory symptoms. After the second dose of rituximab, initially collected sputum cultures were found positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Rituximab was suspended and antituberculous treatment was initiated. Rituximab was restarted once tuberculosis was controlled. Follow-up imaging later showed adequate control of both infectious and hematological diseases with at least a partial remission of the lymphomatoid granulomatosis.
Conclusions:
This case report highlights both diagnosis and therapeutic challenges in a rare but plausible situation. Lymph-node involvement in lymphomatoid granulomatosis should always be questioned in LYG as it is seldom seen in the disease. Finally, pathologic confirmation for LYG should not eliminate the need for a comprehensive workup to eliminate other differential diagnoses with management-changing potential.
Energy Efficient Real-time Tasks Scheduling on High Performance Edge- Computing Systems using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Hussain Hameed , Qureshi Muhammad Shuaib , Khan Ayaz Ali , Ahmed Aftab , Rahman Shahid , Rahman Afzal , Zakarya Muhammad , Qureshi Muhammad Bilal
Published: March 2023

With increase in number of processing cores or systems, the high-performance edge-computing system’s power and computation speed will increase essentially. However, this comes at the expense of high-energy utilization. One notable solution to reduce the energy consumption of these system is to execute these systems at the slowest feasible speed so that the job’s deadline times are met. Unfortunately, this method is at the expense of more response time and performance loss. To resolve this issue, in this paper we propose a GA-FiFeS approach that associates genetic algorithm with the first feasible speed (FiFeS) approach. This does not jeopardize real-time task deadlines. The GA-FiFeS proposes an energy-efficient schedule while still ensuring high response times. The results of the proposed approach, using plausible assumptions, are compared with currently in practice approaches i.e. FiFeS and LeFeS. As far as energy usage and response times are concerned, the GA-FiFeSS approach surpasses the FiFeS and LeFeS strategies, respectively.