bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Subsector of agriculture and economic Growth on CO2 emission in Pakistan; An evidence from Environmental Kuznets Cure (EKC)
Authors: Shakoor Abdul , Ahmed Roohi , Ahmed Zubair , Khan Uroosa
Published: April 2022

Modernization is not the only cause for producing Carbon dioxide Emission, to achieve a sustainable agriculture growth by introducing the concept of renewable energy into agriculture sector, through this process reduced the CO2 emission in country. Secondly to measure the EKC in order to examine the association among variables in Pakistan. The main objective of this research is to check the EKC hypothesis with CO2 emission and economic development, Renewable energy and agriculture sub-sector like, fisheries and crops Production in Pakistan. This study covers the time period 1984 to 2020. We have applied Autoregressive distribution lag (ARDL) bound test. The results indicate existence of long run association among all variable in the model. The result of co-integration in the short run shows negative relationship between CO2 emission and Crops production in current time period and it shows a positive correlation with the first lag of CO2 emission which means that current Crops production reduce the Corbin Dioxide emission by 32% during a year, while in lag period it will increased in the short run. In the long run one percent increase in Crops production will reduced the CO2 emission by 86%. Renewable energy shows negative relation with CO2 emission in short run, one percent increase in renewable energy will reduced the CO2 by 0.017%. Our results supports the existence of EKC hypothesis for Pakistan.
Association between iron deficiency and telogen effluvium: a systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Kang Xiaojing , Zhang Jingzhan , Guan Mengmeng , Ding Yuan , Ma Yunxia , Li Tingting , Dai Li
Published: April 2022

Iron deficiency has been associated with telogen effluvium, but currently, the data regarding their association are conflicting. To derive a more precise estimation of this association, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate serum ferritin level, serum iron level, and prevalence of ferritin deficiency in all published studies. Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Offshore Vessel Inspection Database, and Cochrane Library, were systematically searched. The association was assessed using standardized mean differences, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager version 5.4.1. A total of 20 studies were identified. The results showed that in patients with telogen effluvium, including those with acute and chronic telogen effluvium, serum iron and serum ferritin levels were lower than those in the normal population. There was no significant difference in serum ferritin and iron levels between patients with acute and chronic telogen effluvium. In patients with chronic telogen effluvium, the prevalence of ferritin deficiency was higher than that in the general population when ferritin levels were 20 ng/dl and 30 ng/dl as the threshold for the diagnosis of iron deficiency. This meta-analysis revealed that iron deficiency is associated with telogen effluvium and clarified the critical serum ferritin level for defining iron deficiency in patients with telogen effluvium.
Impact of an Educational Program and Decision Tool on Choice of Maternity Hospital: The Delivery Decisions Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: MEHROTRA Ateev , WOLFBERG Adam , SHAH Neel , Plough Avery , WEISETH Amber , BLAINE Arianna , Noddin Katie , Nakamoto Carter , Richard Jessica , BRADLEY Dani
Published: April 2022

Background: Reducing cesarean rates is a public health priority. To help pregnant people select hospitals with lower cesarean rates, numerous organizations publish hospital cesarean rate data. Few pregnant people use these data when deciding where to deliver. We sought to determine whether making cesarean rate data more accessible and understandable increases the likelihood of pregnant people selecting low-cesarean rate hospitals. Methods: We conducted a 1:1 randomized controlled trial in 2019-2021 among users of a fertility and pregnancy mobile application. Eligible participants were trying to conceive for fewer than five months or were 28-104 days into their pregnancies. Of 189,456 participants approached and enrolled, 120,621 participants met entry criteria and were included in analyses. The intervention group was offered an educational program explaining the importance of hospital cesarean rates and an interactive tool presenting hospital cesarean rates as 1-to-5-star ratings. Control group users were offered an educational program about hospital choice and a hospital choice tool without star ratings. The primary outcome was the star rating of the hospital selected by each patient during pregnancy. Secondary outcomes were the importance of cesarean rates in choosing a hospital and delivery method (post-hoc secondary outcome). Results: Of 120,621 participants (mean [SD] age, 27.8 [7.9]), 12,284 (10.2%) reported their choice of hospital during pregnancy with similar reporting rates in the intervention and control groups. Intervention group participants selected hospitals with higher ratings (2.52 vs 2.16; difference, 0.37 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.43] p<0.001), were more likely to believe that the hospital they chose would impact their chances of having a cesarean delivery (38.5% vs 33.1%, p<0.001), but did not assign higher priority to cesarean delivery rates when choosing their hospital (76.2% vs 74.3%, p=0.05). There was no difference in self-reported cesarean rates between the intervention and control groups (31.4% vs 31.4%, p=0.98). Conclusion: People offered an educational program and interactive tool to compare hospital cesarean rates were more likely to use cesarean data in selecting a hospital and selected hospitals with lower cesarean rates but were not less likely to have a cesarean.Clinical Trial Registration: Registered December 9, 2016 at clinicaltrials.gov, ID NCT02987803.
Middle Mesial Canals in mandibular molars: prevalence and correlation to anatomical aspects based on CBCT imaging
Authors: Barros-Costa Matheus , Ferreira Matheus Diniz , Costa Felipe Ferreira , Freitas Deborah Queiroz
Published: April 2022

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Middle Mesial Canal (MMC) in a Brazilian subpopulation, verify whether its presence is related to anatomical characteristics of the tooth, and propose a classification using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Material and methods: CBCT scans of 284 patients were evaluated by two radiologists to determine the presence of the MMC in mandibular first and second molars. Subsequently, the mesio-distal and buccal-lingual measurements of the mesial roots were obtained; the measurements between the root canals, and from MMC to the mesiobuccal canal and to the mesiolingual canal were also obtained. The MMC was classified according to its relationship with mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals. The data were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher's exact test, Multiple Logistic Regression analysis, Student's t-test, Kappa and Intraclass correlation coefficient (p<0.05).Results: The intra-examiner agreements for the presence of the MMC and the measurements were considered almost perfect (0.953 and 0.999, respectively). Of 216 mandibular first molars, 11.1% had the MMC, and of 228 mandibular second molars, only 1.75% had the MMC. The presence was significant higher in the mandibular first molar (p<0.0001). The buccal-lingual measurement and the measurement between mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals were higher in teeth with MMC (p=0.024 and p=0.005, respectively). It was possible to classify the configuration of MCC into four types: Independent (60.7%) Confluent (14.3%), Mesiolingual confluent (14.3%), and Mesiobuccal confluent (10.7%).Conclusions: The prevalence of MMC is more pronounced in mandibular first molars and anatomical measurements, such as greater measurement between mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals, may alert clinicians to its presence. It was found 4 types of configurations of MMC.Clinical relevance: The knowledge of the prevalence of anatomical variations is important to alert clinicians about the possibility of finding them in the clinical routine.
RNA editing, RNA modifications, and transcriptional units in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Duru Ilhan Cem , Ylinen Anne , Grigore-Gurgu Leontina , Riedel Christian U. , Paulin Lars , Auvinen Petri
Published: April 2022

Background: The Gram-positive foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can resist several stress conditions, and therefore, food processing facilities employ methods with high energy demand, such as high pressure processing (HPP), to eliminate L. monocytogenes. Detection of novel genomic and transcriptomic functions may enable food processing methods to better target pathogens. In this study, we aimed to reveal organization of the transcriptional units of barotolerant L. monocytogenes strain RO15 using novel sequencing methods such as Cappable-seq and direct RNA sequencing. The identified transcriptional units allowed prediction of transcription terminator, promoter, and operon structures. Moreover, RNA modification of the whole transcriptome by direct RNA-seq in L. monocytogenes strain RO15 and ScottA revealed post-transcriptional mechanisms in L. monocytogenes. RNA editing was investigated in both strain RO15 and ScottA to elucidate functions of RNA editing during HPP.Results: We observed 1641 transcription start sites (TSSs) in L. monocytogenes strain RO15 based on Cappable-seq. Comparison of HPP-treated and control samples indicated that some prophage genes might alter their TSSs used under different conditions. Short Illumina RNA-seq reads indicate that RNA editing (A to I) occurs in L. monocytogenes on several genes. Some of the target genes, such as hpf, RNA editing happened only after HPP, indicating that RNA editing might be an important mechanism in L. monocytogenes when recovering óf the HPP injury. TACG was the most common motif of RNA editing in both strains (RO15 and ScottA). We observed that RNA editing sites cannot be identified by long Nanopore direct RNA-seq reads with the current methodologies. The whole transcriptome RNA modification analysis showed that thousands of bases were modified in both strains. Motif analysis of the RNA modification sites detected via direct RNA sequencing indicated that a GATGA-like motif is used in L. monocytogenes during RNA modification. Lastly, we were able to construct the whole transcriptome annotation using the long reads, which revealed operon structures in both L. monocytogenes RO15 and ScottA.Conclusion: Here, we employed two novel sequencing methods, Cappable-seq and direct RNA sequencing, for L. monocytogenes. The results enhanced our understanding of transcriptional units of L. monocytogenes. We revealed that RNA editing is used in L. monocytogenes during HPP recovery, which brings a new perspective to developing novel methods to eliminate L. monocytogenes during food processes. Whole transcriptome RNA modification analysis was performed for the first time in bacteria, potentially providing a new basis for studying novel post-transcriptional functionalities in bacteria.
Expression and clinical significance of VEGF and markers of EMT in gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Yue , Wang Yanyan , Zhao Menglin , Mi Jiaqi , Li Xinwei , Li Huiyuan , Tang Mingyue , Geng Zhijun , Zuo Lugen , Song Xue , Wang Zishu , Wang Qiang , Su Fang
Published: April 2022

To explore the association of the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and markers of epithelial − mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cancer with histopathological features and long-term prognosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to quantitatively assess the expression of VEGF in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues and to detect the expression level of EMT markers in gastric cancer tissues. Here we show that VEGF and EMT markers expression were significantly correlated with depth of tumor invasion and gastric cancer stage (P < 0.05), degree of differentiation and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001). We found that the rate of VEGF positivity in gastric cancer tissues was 52.05%, which was significantly higher than that in adjacent cancer tissues (16.84%). In gastric cancer, the association between VEGF and E-cadherin was negative (r=-0.188, P < 0.05), whereas VEGF and N-cadherin were positively correlated (r = 0.214, P < 0.05). Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox regression model were used to analyze the effect of VEGF and EMT marker expression on the survival of the patients. We found that the overall survival of gastric cancer patients was correlated with VEGF (P < 0.001), N-cadherin (P < 0.001), E-cadherin (P = 0.002) expression and parts of histopathological features. VEGF and EMT markers exist side by side and play a part together in the development of gastric cancer, which provides new ideas for evaluating the prognosis of gastric cancer and researching targeted drugs.
Colostomy delays cell loss in the brain and improves juvenile survival in a neonatal rat model of Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Xie Dan , Du Yitong , Wang Yutao , Croaker Geoffrey David Hain , Wei Zheng Zachory , Song Zan-Min
Published: April 2022

Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR) is a congenital malformation characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia in the distal intestine and gut obstruction. Our previous study indicates the brain pathology during the disease progression. A subpopulation of HSCR patients is also associated with anomalies of the central nervous system. Little is known about the cellular changes in the brains of HSCR patients due to the lack of human tissues. In the investigation, we studied a rat model of HSCR, known as spotting lethal (sl/sl) ETB-/- rats, which carries a spontaneous deletion in endothelin receptor B (human gene name: EDNRB) and manifests a similar phenotype as humans with HSCR. Homozygous mutant sl/sl rats were rescued from premature death by colostomy and they survived to juvenile age. By measuring the body weight, the body growth was not revealed to be significantly different between ETB-/- and wildtype ETB+/+ or heterozygous (+/sl) ETB+/- groups that all underwent the same colostomy. Cell loss was investigated in several brain regions by using terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay (TUNEL) in ETB+/+, ETB-/-, and ETB+/- rats. Number of TUNEL positive cells in the cerebellum and the hippocamps of ETB-/- rats was still increased compared with that in the ETB+/+ and ETB+/- rats. TUNEL positive cells were observed in the molecular layer and granular cell layers of the cerebellum. In contrast, no significant difference in the density of TUNEL positive cells was revealed in the cerebral cortex. These results suggest that either endothelin receptor B sl mutation or colostomy has predominant lasting effects on the cell survival/loss in the cerebellum and hippocampus of adult ETB-/- rats. Our findings provide the information on cellular changes in the brains of patients with HSCR due to congenital EDNRB mutation as well as clinically relevant interventions.
Heterologous expression and functional characterization of Drosophila suzukii OR69a transcript variants unveiled response to kairomones and to a candidate pheromone
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto Maria , Witzgall Peter , Kwadha Charles A. , Becher Paul G. , III William B. Walker
Published: April 2022

Background
Drosophila suzukii is among the main pests of berries, and to which control, primarily through application of insecticides is challenging and urges alternative strategies. Methods based on targeting chemical sensing and interfering with the behavior of this pest insect are promising, and are facilitated by the isolation and functional characterization of chemosensory receptors aimed to identify behaviorally active ligands. In our previous investigations, we functionally characterized subunits of the OR69a locus of Drosophila melanogaster as being capable to bind both pheromones and kairomones. OR69a is well conserved within the genus Drosophila, and represents a candidate target for a broad behavioral interference based on chemosensory communication towards the design of novel control strategies.
Results
By means of heterologous expression in empty ab3A neurons of D. melanogaster together with Single Sensillum Recording (SSR), we screened three OR69a-subunits we have identified in D. suzukii (DsuzOR69aA, DsuzOR69aB, DsuzOR69aC) with a panel of 48 ligands. We deorphanized these subunits to several compounds, including two possible kairomones (3-octanol and R-carvone) and (Z)-4-nonenal, a possible fly-emitted volatile compound, although with different pharmacological qualities. By coupling Gas Chromatography to Single Sensillum Recording (GC-SSR), we demonstrated these three ligands enhance ab3A-spiking at nanogram aliquots in a complementary fashion among the different OR69a variants, and we identified another possible kairomone, methyl salicylate, as the most active and specific ligand for the sole subunit DsuzOR69aB. In testing headspaces collected from D. suzukii female and from the fly-associated yeast Hanseniaspora uvarum by GC-SSR we did not observe activation from female headspaces but activation from headspaces collected from yeast. In situ hybridization analysis conducted on D. suzukii antennae suggested unique expression of OR69a-subunits into specific neurons as well as their possible co-expression within the same neurons.
Conclusions
The OR69a-subunits of D. suzukii constitute cation channels, which binding suggests kairomone specificity, even if effects may coexist for binding the possible fly-emitted volatile compound (Z)-4-nonenal in a complementary fashion. Among the possible kairomones, methyl salicylate is the most active ligand and it demonstrated to be specific to the sole DsuzOR69aB subunit, inspiring future investigation to validate potentials of this compound for D. suzukii pest control strategies.
The Transmembrane and Cytosolic Domains of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 Glycoprotein D Determine Golgi Retention by Regulating Vesicle Formation
Authors: Wang Shimin , Ren Xin-Rong , Duan Qi-Ying , Chen Lin-Hui
Published: April 2022

Accumulating evidence suggests that envelope proteins play an important role in viral secondary envelopment; however, the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. To clarify these mechanisms, we studied the localization of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) envelope proteins and found that glycoprotein D of EHV-1 (gDEHV−1) was mostly retained in the Golgi complex, unlike that of HSV-1 and PRV. We used a gene truncation and replacement strategy to investigate the determinant sequence responsible for the Golgi retention phenotype and found that Golgi retention signals exhibit multi-domain features. The extracellular domain of gDEHV−1 (ECDEHV−1) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident domain. The transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail (TM-CT) of gDEHV−1 was found to help the protein reside in the Golgi complex. Once each of the dual domains was deleted or replaced, the mutant gD remained in the ER. (TM-CT)EHV−1 preferentially binds to the endomembrane and induces a large number of vesicles that may originate from the Golgi complex or ER-Golgi intermediate compartment. Membrane fusion was hardly observed between the cell membrane and the induced vesicles. These findings provide further insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the Golgi retention of gDEHV−1, enhancing our understanding of viral secondary envelopment.
Three-year outcomes between early and delayed invasive strategies in older adults with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving new- generation drug-eluting stents
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Rha Seung-Woon , Choi Cheol Ung , choi Byoung Geol , Kim Ji Bak , Park Soohyung , Kang Dong Oh , Park Ji Young , Park Sang-Ho , Jeong Myung Ho
Published: April 2022

We evaluated the 3-year clinical outcomes following early invasive (EI) and delayed invasive (DI) strategies in older adults with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) undergoing successful new-generation drug-eluting stents (DESs) implantation to reflect current real-world practice. Overall, 4513 patients with NSTEMI were recruited from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health. They were divided into two groups according to their ages: group A (age ≥65 years, n = 2,253) and group B (age <65 years, n = 2,260). These two groups of patients were further divided into two subgroups: group EI (A1 or B1) and DI (A2 or B2). The primary clinical outcome was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), defined by all-cause death, recurrent MI (re-MI), and any repeat coronary revascularization. The secondary clinical outcome was stent thrombosis (ST). In both, group A and B, after multivariable-adjusted and propensity score-adjusted analyses, the primary and secondary clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the EI and DI groups. Even after the analysis was confined to those having complex lesions, these major clinical outcomes were similar between these two groups. The EI and DI strategies in older adults with NSTEMI receiving new-generation DES showed comparable results.Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/en/; Unique identifier: KCT0000863.
Efficient electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to ethane over nitrogen-doped Fe2O3
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhang Pei , Kang Xinchen , Zheng Lirong , Mo Guang , Wu Ruizhi , Tai Jing , Han Buxing
Published: April 2022

Non-copper catalysts are seldom reported to generate C2+ products, and the efficient over these catalysts were low. In this work, we reported an iron-based catalyst centered in nitrogen doped γ-Fe2O3 (xFe2O3-N), which yielded C2H6 as major product in H-cell. At –2.0 V vs Ag/Ag+, the Faradaic efficiency (FE) for ethane reaches 42% with current densities of 32 mA cm−2. This is the first report about selective CO2 reduction to ethane (C2H6) over iron-based catalyst. Results showed that catalyst possessing FeO1.5-nNn sites enriched with oxygen vacancies was beneficial for the stabilization of *COOH intermediate. The exposure of two adjacent surfaces of Fe atoms was conducive to lower the energy barrier for C−C coupling over FeO1.5-nNn sites, facilitating the generation of C2H6. This work provides a strategy for design of novel iron-based catalyst with tunable local coordination and electronic structures for converting CO2 into C2 products in CO2RR.
Developing Novel Feeds for Cattle from Food Waste and Crop Residue Biomass to Strengthen the Regenerative Capacity of Agri-Food Systems
Authors: Dou Zhengxia , Toth John D. , Pitta Dipti W. , Bender Joseph S. Joseph S. , Hennessy Meagan L. , Vecchiarelli Bonnie , Indugu Nagaraju , Chen Ting , Li Yunyun , Sherman Rachel , Deutsch Jonathan , Hu Bo , Shurson Gerald C. , Parsons Brianna , Baker Linda D.
Published: April 2022

Modern agri-food systems generate large amounts of crop-based biomass that are unfit for direct human consumption but potentially eligible for upcycling via livestock feeding for production of meats, milk, and eggs. This study aims to develop novel feeds for cattle from some of those biomass materials through the natural microbial-driven processes of ensiling. Fruit and vegetables resembling supermarket discards were ensiled alone or co-ensiled with corn crop residues, mushroom wastes, etc. via laboratory experiments. Longitudinal sample analyses showed that (co-)ensiling was successful, with pH and fermentation acids falling within desirable ranges (pH < 4.5, the acids 5–13% DM with lactic acid dominating). The (co-)ensiled products had key nutritional parameters comparable to those of good quality forages commonly used on dairy farms. Additionally, in vitro incubation results indicated that the ensiled products could substitute certain conventional feeds while maintaining diet digestibility. Our findings provide a proof of principle for generating quality novel feeds for cattle from food discards and under-utilized crop residues. Future scale-up studies and animal feeding trials to demonstrate the utility of this approach can help societies begin re-purposing and more effectively utilizing otherwise-untapped feedstock resources, strengthening the regenerative capacity of agri-food systems towards a more sustainable food future.
Abnormal functional connectivity of the intrinsic networks in adolescent bipolar I versus bipolar II disorder
Authors: Xiao Qian , Zhang Gui , Zhong Yuan
Published: April 2022

Background: The symptoms of pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD)-I and PBD-II differ, but accurate identification at an early stage is difficult and may prevent effective treatment of this disorder. Therefore, it is urgent to elucidate a biological marker based on objective imaging indicators to help distinguish the two. Therefore, this research aims to compare the functional connectivity between PBD-I patient and PBD-II patient in different brain networks. Methods: Our study enrolled 31 PBD-I and 23 PBD-II patients from 12 to 17 years of age. They were analyzed by resting state-functional connectivity through Independent component analysis（ICA）. Results: We found differences between PBD-I and PBD-II in functional connectivity of the default network, frontoparietal network, salience network and limbic system. In addition, the clinical features, cognitive functions are associated with the functional connectivity of the intrinsic networks in PBD-I and PBD-II separately. Conclusion: This research is the first to find differences in functional connectivity between PBD-I and PBD-II, suggesting that abnormality of the functional connectivity within large networks may be biomarkers that help differentiate PBD-I from PBD-II in the future.
Study on Speed Transfer Characteristics of Double-deck ball bearing Based on Generalized Four-terminal Parameter Method
Authors: Zhang Xinming , Hu Jing , Zhang Bangcheng
Published: April 2022

The speed transfer ratio is one of the most important parameters of the double-deck ball bearing. For the calculation of speed ratio, most of the theoretical estimation formulas related to the structure are used, but under some measured working conditions, the speed ratio is not only related to structural parameters. To explore the speed transmission mechanism of double-deck ball bearing, a new method for calculating the speed transmission characteristics of double-deck ball bearing is proposed in this paper. The generalized four-terminal parameter method is applied to the speed analysis of double-deck ball bearing for the first time. The speed transmission analysis model of double-deck ball bearing is established by combining the three theories of quasi statics theory, elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory, and generalized four-terminal parameter theory. A variety of factors are taken into account to solve the research status of rotational speed transfer ratio only considering a single factor. The speed transmission characteristics of the double-deck ball bearing after the system are accelerated to the steady-state are studied, and the correctness of the results is verified by experiments, which provides a new idea for the analysis of the speed transmission characteristics of the double-deck ball bearing, and provides a theoretical basis for the exploration and design of the potential application value of the double-deck ball bearing.
Interpretable classification using occlusion sensitivity on multilayer segmented OCT from patients with Multiple Sclerosis and healthy controls
Authors: Khodabandeh Zahra , Rabbani Hossein , Ashtari Fereshteh , Zimmermann Hanna G. , Motamedi Seyedamirhosein , Brandt Alexander U. , Paul Friedemann , Kafieh Rahele
Published: April 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory diseases caused by demyelination and axonal damage in the central nervous system. Structural retinal imaging via optical coherence tomography (OCT) shows promise as a biomarker for monitoring of MS. There are successful reports regarding application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in analysis of cross-sectional OCTs in ophthalmologic diseases. However, the alteration of sub-retinal thicknesses in MS are noticeably subtle compared to other ophthalmologic diseases. Therefore, raw cross-sectional OCTs are replaced with multilayer segmented OCTs for discrimination of MS and heathy controls (HCs). To conform to the principles of trustworthy AI, interpretability is provided by visualizing regional layer contribution to classification performance with proposed occlusion sensitivity approach. The robustness of the classification is also guaranteed by showing the effectiveness of the algorithm while being tested on the new independent (but similar) dataset. The most discriminative features from different topologies of the multilayer segmented OCTs are selected by dimension reduction methods. Support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and artificial neural network (ANN) are used for classification. Patient-wise cross-validation (CV) is utilized to evaluate the performance of the algorithm, where the training and test folds contain records from different subjects. The most discriminative topology is determined to be squares with side of 40 pixels and the most influential sub-retinal layers are ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and inner nuclear layer (INL). Linear SVM resulted in 88% Accuracy, 78% precision and 63% recall in discrimination of MS and HCs using macular multilayer segmented OCTs.
Application of GCB-Net based on Defect Detection Algorithm for Steel Plates
Authors: Fan BeiBei , Li Weixin
Published: April 2022

In recent years, deep learning convolutional networks have been gradually applied to metal surface inspection. Steel plate defect detection helps improve the efficiency of steel plate production by locating and classifying surface defects on steel plates. The related methods are challenging to balance the accuracy of localization and classification. There are scenarios in the industrial inspection field where the data set is relatively small, and the distribution of defects is significantly irregular; this paper extends the traditional image detection network by introducing an attention mechanism. At the same time, to meet the requirement of higher real-time performance in industrial inspection, the lightweight Ghost network is introduced to replace the original backbone network CSPDarknet53 in YOLOV4 to improve the detection speed of the network. This paper constructs the high accuracy and low latency defect detection algorithm Ghost-CBAM-YOLOV4 Network (GCB-Net). The GCB-Net model is based on the improved YOLOV4 target detection network. The CBAM module and Ghost lightweight network are introduced to complete the prediction of defect categories without reducing the classification and detection accuracy. The desired experimental results are achieved, which is essential for detecting defects in steel plates and improving product quality.
In Vitro Effects of Annona Senegalensis Root Bark, Musa Sapientum L and Malus Pumila Peel Extracts on Xanthine Oxidase
Authors: Mlozen Madalitso , Bonya Elias , Nyanda Adam M , Mkwanda Charity , Kululanga Alinafe , Majamanda Jonathan , Taika Wilfred , Linje Linly , Kalumbi Martin , Chagwa Patrick , Chinyama Robert , Katuah Zefaniah , Kamwendo Chikondi , Katiniche Blessings , Siyano Exton
Published: April 2022

Background
Xanthine Oxidase activity may increase plasma urates, superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide leading to gout, arthritis and cancer. Allopurinol, a known Xanthine Oxidase inhibitor, is noted to have various adverse effects. Many laboratories are in research projects to find alternative inhibitors of XO including plant sources. Plants are known to contain therapeutically effective agents. A. senegalensis and M. sapientum L are reported to contain phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and enzyme inhibitory activities.
Methods
Aqueous extracts of Root bark of A. senegalensis, peels of M. sapientum L and M. pumila were assayed for their inhibitory effects on Xanthine oxidase in vitro
Results
All aqueous extracts exhibited the presence of flavonoids. A. senegalensis root bark and M sapientum L and M pumila peels were investigated for their effects on Xanthine Oxidase activity. A. senegalensis root bark, M. sapientum L and M. Pumila peel extracts inhibited Xanthine Oxidase activity by 83%, 90% and 61% respectively as which are significantly different (p < 0.05) from that of the positive control, allopurinol (65%)
Conclusions
The results obtained in this study suggest that the flavonoids found in A. senegalensis root bark and M. sapientum L and M. pumila peel extracts could be potential Xanthine Oxidase activity inhibitors.
Ageing of long-term allogeneic hematopoietic cells recipients compared to their donors
Authors: Czarnogórski Michał , Sakowska Justyna , Maziewski Mateusz , Zieliński Maciej , Piekarska Agnieszka , Obuchowski Igor , Młyński Mikołaj , Dutka Magdalena , Sadowska-Klasa Alicja , Zarzycka Ewa , Bieniaszewska Maria , Trzonkowski Piotr , Witkowski Jacek , Hellmann Andrzej , Zaucha Jan Maciej
Published: April 2022

Background: Ageing is a complex phenomenon that leads to decreased proliferative activity, loss of function of the cells, and cellular senescence. Senescence of the immune system exacerbates individual’s immune response, both humoral and cellular but increases the frequency of infections. We hypothesized that physiological ageing of adaptive immune system occurs in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cells transplant (allo-HCT) at faster rate when compared to their respective donors since the small number of donor cells undergo immense proliferative stress restoring recipients hematopoiesis. We compared molecular characterizations of ageing between recipients and donors of allo-HCT: telomeric length, proinflammatory cytokines concentration, and immunophenotypic changes in main lymphocyte subsets – CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, CD56+.Results: Median telomeric length (TL) of CD8+ lymphocytes was significantly longer in donors compared to recipients (on average 2,1kb and 1,7kb respectively, p = 0,02). Similar trends were observed for CD4+ and CD19+ although the results did not reach statistical significance. We have also found trends in the immunophenotype between recipients and donors in the subpopulations of CD4+ (naïve and effector memory), CD8+ Eomes+ and B-lymphocytes (B1 and B2). When grouped according to the history of infections, there were differences between recipients in the TNF-a and Il-4 concentrations. They were higher in the recipients with lower infection number p=0,05 and p=0,003 respectively. Lower infection risk recipients had also significantly greater percentage of NK cells (22,3%) than high-risk patients (9,3%) p=0,04.Conclusions: Our results support the hypothesis of accelerated ageing of the recipients lymphocytes observed mainly in CD8 subset compared to their respective donors. Quantitative changes in recipients immunophenotype in some lymphocyte subsets resemble physiological ageing-associated changes. No difference in cytokine concentrations suggests that inflammageing does not increase in allo-HCT recipients, however a lower infection numbers in HCT recipients seems to be associated with increased concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and increased percentage of NK cells. The GVHD does not affect the rate of ageing. Therefore, the differences between recipients and donors cells may result from the proliferative stress in the early period after allo-HCT and the difference between hosts and recipients microenvironments, the only other variable that may influence the identical cells originating from donor hematopoiesis.
Piezoelectric energy extraction from a cylinder undergoing vortex-induced vibration using internal resonance
Authors: Ghoshal Ritwik , Joy Annette , Joshi Vaibhav , Narendran Kumar
Published: April 2022

A novel concept of utilizing the kinetic energy from ocean currents/wind by means of internal resonance is proposed to address the increasing global energy demand and generate clean and sustainable power. In this work, a non-linear rotative gravity pendulum is employed to autoparametrically excite the elastically mounted cylinder for a wide range of flow velocities. This concept is adopted to increase the oscillation amplitude of the cylinder due to vortex-induced vibration (VIV) in the de-synchronized region for energy harvesting. In this regard, a VIV-based energy harvesting device is proposed that consists of a cylinder with an attached pendulum, and energy is harvested with bottom-mounted piezoelectric transducers. The cylinder undergoes VIV when it is subjected to fluid flow and this excites the coupled fluid-multibody cylinder-pendulum system autoparametrically. In the de-synchronized region, when the vortex shedding frequency becomes two times the natural frequency of the pendulum, an internal resonance occurs. This helps in achieving a higher oscillation amplitude of the cylinder which does not happen otherwise. This study is focused on one degree-of-freedom (1-DoF) system where the cylinder is free to oscillate in the transverse direction of the fluid flow. The objective of this work is to numerically investigate the effect of a non-linear rotative gravity pendulum (NRGP) on the VIV characteristics and piezoelectric efficiency of the system. The numerical model is based on the wake-oscillator model coupled with the piezoelectric constitutive equation. The influence of the frequency ratio, mass ratio, torsional damping ratio and ratio of cylinder diameter to pendulum length of the NRGP device on response characteristics due to VIV is also investigated. A detailed comparative analysis in terms of electric tension and efficiency are performed numerically for flows with wide range of reduced velocities for the cylinder with and without NRGP. A comprehensive study on the implications of internal resonance between the pendulum and cylinder on generated electric tension is also reported.
Extracellular vesicles from oviductal and uterine fluids supplementation in sequential in vitro culture improves bovine embryo quality
Authors: Leal Cláudia Lima Verde , Cañón-Beltrán Karina , Cajas Yulia N , Hamdi Meriem , Yaryes Aracelli , Blanca María Gemma Millán de la , Beltrán-Breña Paula , Mazzarella Rosane , Silveira Juliano Coelho da , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso , González Encina , Rizos Dimitrios
Published: April 2022

Background: In vitro production of bovine embryos is a well-established technology, but the in vitro culture (IVC) system still warrants improvements, especially regarding embryo quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from oviductal (OF) and uterine fluid (UF) in sequential IVC on the development and quality of bovine embryos. Zygotes were cultured in SOF supplemented with either BSA or EVs-depleted fetal calf serum (dFCS) in the presence (BSA-EV and dFCS-EV) or absence of EVs from OF (D1 to D4) and UF (D5 to D8), mimicking in vivo conditions. EVs from oviducts (early luteal phase) and uterine horns (mid-luteal phase) from slaughtered heifers were isolated by Size Exclusion Chromatography. Blastocyst rate was recorded on Days 7-8 and their quality was assessed based on lipid contents, mitochondrial activity and total cell numbers, as well as survival rate after vitrification. Relative mRNA abundance for lipid metabolism related transcripts and levels of active hormone-sensitive lipase (pHSL) proteins were also determined. Additionally, the expression levels of 383 miRNA in OF- and UF-EVs were assessed by pRT-PCR. Results: Blastocyst yield was lower (p<0.05) in BSA groups compared to dFCS groups. Survival rates after vitrification/warming were improved in dFCS-EVs compared to dFCS (p<0.05). EVs increased (p<0.05) blastocysts total cell number in dFCS-EV and BSA-EV compared to dFCS and BSA groups, while lipid content was decreased and mitochondrial activity increased in dFCS-EV (p<0.05). Lipid metabolism transcripts were affected by EVs ( PPARGC1B and ACACA , p<0.05) and protein source in the medium ( CD36, PLIN2 and ATGL , p<0.05). Levels of pHSL were lower in dFCS (p<0.05). Twenty miRNA were differentially expressed between OF- and UF-EVs and only bta-miR-148b was increased in OF-EVs (p<0.05). Conclusions: Mimicking physiological conditions using EVs from OF and UF in sequential IVC does not affect embryo development but improves blastocyst quality regarding survival rate after vitrification/warming, total cell number, lipid content, mitochondrial activity and relative changes in expression of lipid metabolism transcripts and lipase activation. Besides, EVs miRNA contents may contribute to the observed effects.
Effects of traditional Chinese medicine on treatment outcomes of severe COVID-19 patients: A single-centre study.
Authors: Xiao Kun , Xiao Yongjiu , Li Binbin , Liu Chang , Huang Xiuyu , Ma Ling , Qian Zhi Rong , Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhang Qian , Li Dunqing , Cai Xiaoqing , Yan Xiangyong , Luo Shuping , Xiang Dawei
Published: April 2022

No specific effective therapeutic drugs have been identified for COVID-19. Critically ill COVID-19 36 patients in the ICU experience high mortality. This project aims to study the effects of traditional 37 Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment on deadly outcomes caused by COVID-19. A total of 123 critically 38 ill COVID-19 patients who received close monitoring at the ICU of Vulcan Hill Hospital between 39 ICU patients received supportive management. Eighty-one patients were given additional TCM 41 treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period (up to 39 days) and the clinical outcome 42 of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. We observed that patients treated with TCM had 43 lower mortality than the non-TCM treatment group (16 of 81 vs. 31 of 42; 0.3 person/month vs. 2.9 44 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with 45 improved survival [multivariate HR, 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06–0.24; P < 0.001]. 46 Furthermore, we found that TCM treatment could partially improve the inflammation status by 47 reducing the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and recovering multiple organic functions. TCM 48 treatment may decrease inflammation status by reducing the level of proinflammatory cytokines and 49 allowing the recovery of multiple organic functions, which could improve the survival rate of critically 50 ill COVID-19 patients.
Silencing Itch in human PBMCs promotes differentiation of monocytes into osteoclasts
Authors: Read Oliver , Harrison David James
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Two clinical case reports of humans with mutations in Itch share distinct morphological defects such as stunted growth, macrocephaly, and dysmorphic features indicating a role for Itch in bone remodelling. Studies in mice have found that the encoded E3 ubiquitin ligase acts as a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis, however no studies thus far have investigated whether this is translatable to a human model. Experimental Procedures: Human whole blood samples were separated to isolate and culture peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) in M-CSF containing media. Media was later supplemented with RANKL to promote osteoclast differentiation. Transient siRNA-mediated Itch knockdown (si-Itch) in monocytes was verified by qPCR and western blot to confirm reduction in both Itch mRNA and protein respectively. PBMCs were aliquoted onto 96-well plates where confluence and osteoclast formation were analysed using automated cytometry analysis before and after staining for tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity (TRAP). Cells were also stained with Hoechst33342 to look for multinucleate cells. Results Cells treated with si-Itch showed an 80% knockdown in Itch mRNA and >75% reduction in protein. Following the 7-day differentiation period, si-Itch caused a 17% increase in numbers of large cellular bodies as well as a 47% increase in multinucleate bodies, indicating an overall increase in mature osteoclast formation. Itch knockdown had little effect cellular toxicity compared to scrambled conditions. Conclusions: Our data shows silencing Itch expression increases the potential of primary human PBMCs to differentiate into mature osteoclasts in-vitro and confirms that Itch has clinical significance in human bone remodelling.
Effect of Hydroxyapatite Coating in combination with physical modifications on Micro-shear Bond Strength of Zirconia to Resin Cement
Authors: Atri Faezeh , Rasaie Vania , Jamnani Sakineh Nikzad , Mohammadi Saba
Published: April 2022

BackgroundZirconia has been used as a reliable core material in dental restorations for years, however, its bonding to resin cement is a matter of challenge. Physical, chemical, and a combination of these techniques have been investigated to boost the properties of zirconia surface bonding. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of hydroxyapatite coating as a chemical therapy in combination with physical modifications on micro-shear bond strength of the resin cement over zirconia.MethodsIn the present research, 60 sintered zirconia blocks (4×4×4 mm) were randomized into four groups of 15, including Al2O3 particle abrasion (group 1), HA coating (group 2), Al2O3 particle abrasion + HA coating (group 3), and Er, Cr:YSGG laser irradiation + HA coating (group 4). The micro-shear bond strength was determined by bonding the blocks to the resin cement. ResultsBond strength (mean ±standard deviation) of modified zirconia surfaces were 16.93±4.94 MPa, 16.14±5.4 MPa, 19.4±5.27 MPa and 16.21±3.7 MPa in the group 1 to 4, respectively. ANOVA tests results clarified no significant difference regarding bond strength values of zirconia surfaces to the resin cement between studied preparation modalities. (P>0.05) ConclusionObservations of the present study showed that HA coating can be as effective as airborne-particle abrasion technique in the improvement of bond strength to zirconia surface. Moreover, sandblasting by aluminum oxide or Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation prior to HA coating of zirconia showed no significant effect on the reinforcement of bond strength values when comparing with HA coating alone.
Protective effect of morphine-baclofen co-administration on oxidative stress in the dorsal hippocampus in an experimental model of morphine-induced polycystic ovary in rats
Authors: Jamshidi Zahra , Karami Manizheh , Khalili Mohsen , Roghani Mehrdad
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of baclofen, a GABAB agonist, against oxidative stress in the dorsal hippocampus (dH) of rats modeled as polycystic ovary (PCO) by morphine. Sixty-six female Wistar rats in the diestrus phase were randomly divided into 11 groups (n=6): the control group received only saline (1 mL/kg), the next two groups were treated with morphine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) once or twice, respectively. Six groups were treated with baclofen alone (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) or baclofen dose as before morphine injection. The other two groups received morphine in two different ways: one was injected morphine (0.4 μg/rat), intra-VMH, and the last group that underwent gonadectomy received morphine (5 mg/kg) i.p. after recovery. Twenty-four h after treatment, blood samples were taken from rats’ hearts under deep anesthesia for serological studies. Hippocampal specimens were then isolated on ice for histological, immunohistochemical as well as oxidative stress factors (GPX, MDA, SOD, and CAT) evaluations. Estrogen and glucocorticoid receptor levels expressed in dH tissue were also examined. The ovaries and uterus were also biometrically examined. The results were analyzed using analysis of variance (α=0.05). Ovarian follicular cysts were more common in the morphine-receiving groups than in the control group. But the gonads improved with baclofen pretreatment. Oxidative factors showed high levels in the hippocampus of morphine-treated groups that correlated with low estrogen receptors at dH. Morphine causes both PCO and oxidative stress at dH, but the use of baclofen with morphine may protect them all.