bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: MacDowall Anna , Löfgren Håkan , Edström Erik , Brisby Helena , Parai Catharina , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: June 2022

Background: Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM) is the predominant cause of spinal cord dysfunction in the elderly, hence, the patients are frail and susceptible to complications. Surgical options include anterior decompression and fusion, posterior stand-alone laminectomy, laminectomy and fusion and laminoplasty. Considering the risk of post-laminectomy kyphosis after stand-alone laminectomy or distal junction kyphosis, pseudarthrosis or implant failure after fusion surgery, the optimal surgical approach is a matter of controversy. The objective of this study is to compare stand-alone laminectomy with laminectomy and fusion to determine which treatment has the lowest frequency of reoperations.Methods: This is a multicenter randomized, controlled, parallel group non-inferiority trial. A total of 300 adult patients are allocated in a ratio of 1:1. The primary endpoint is reoperation for any reason at five years of follow-up. Sample size and power calculation were performed by estimating the reoperation rate after laminectomy to 3.4% and after laminectomy with fusion to 7.9% based on the data from the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) on patients with CSM. Secondary outcomes are the patient derived Japanese orthopaedic association (P-mJOA) score, Neck disability index (NDI), European quality of life five dimensions (EQ-5D), Numeric rating scale (NRS) for neck and arm pain, Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), development of kyphosis measured as the cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) and, death. Clinical and radiological follow-up is performed at 3, 12, 24 and 60 months after surgery. The main inclusion criterium is 1-4 levels of CSM in the subaxial spine, C3-C7. The REDcap software will be used for safe data management. Data will be analyzed according to the per protocol (PP) population, defined as randomized patients who are still alive without having emigrated or left the study after two and five years. Discussion: This will be the first randomized controlled trial comparing two of the most common surgical treatments for CSM; the posterior muscle-preserving selective laminectomy and posterior laminectomy with instrumented fusion. The results of the MyRanC study will provide surgical treatment recommendations for CSM. This may result in improvements in surgical treatment and clinical practice regarding CSM.Trial registration: Clinical trials.gov, identifier NCT04936074, 23rd of June 2021 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04936074?term=NCT04936074&draw=2&rank=1).
Comparisons of inverse dynamics formulations in a spatial redundantly actuated parallel mechanism constrained by two point-contact higher kinematic pairs
Authors: Cheng Chen
Published: June 2022

A spatial redundantly actuated parallel mechanism (RAPM) constrained by two point-contact higher kinematic pairs (HKPs) has been designed, arising from the inspiration of mastication of human beings. In this paper, firstly, the constrained motions of the mechanism are described in detail, thereafter five models are formulated by the well-known Newton-Euler’s law, the Lagrangian equations and the principle of virtual work, to explore its rigid-body inverse dynamics. The symbolic results show that the model structures based on these approaches are quite different: the model via the Newton-Euler’s law well reflects the nature of the mechanism in terms of the constraint forces from HKPs, and the existence of reaction forces at the spherical joints in it is tightly dependent on the number of kinematic chains. In comparison, the constraint forces and the reaction forces at spherical joints do not appear in the four models from the latter two methods, where the actuating torques can be minimised in a closed-form by virtue of the pseudo-inverse method. Meanwhile, the torques are smaller than those from the Newton-Euler’s law. Further, by using the dynamics model of the non-redundantly actuated counterpart as the core in both the second models from the energy and virtual work related methods, they outperform the first models significantly in computational speed, respectively, being minimally laborious and offering directly the simplest possible algorithms. Finally, the comparisons between the dynamics models of the RAPM and its counterpart clarify that the HKP constraints greatly alter the model structures and raise the technical difficulties.
Effects of ecological roofs in water quality: an experimental study over a humid tropical climate
Authors: Gomes Yan Ranny Machado , Santos Sylvana Melo dos , de Macedo Patrícia Martins Torres
Published: June 2022

Although ecological roofs (vegetated or non-vegetated) provide many benefits, it can also leach substances such as nutrients and metals that can affect downstream aquatic ecosystems. Recife has a legislation requiring the installation of green roofs under certain conditions. Therefore, this work aims to investigate the rainwater quality from ecological roofs in Recife using local species in a tropical and humid climate. Using four test cells of 1m² (one non-vegetated filled with expanded clay aggregate, two vegetated with cactus “Coroa-de-Frade” and grass “Grama Esmeralda”, and one control roof) we analyzed thirteen water quality variables regarding irrigation parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate, bicarbonate, carbonate, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, potassium, boron, sodium, and sodium adsorption ratio. We simulated rain events controlling its intensity and analyzed a sample of natural rainwater event. All roofs neutralized the pH. Control and clay roofs were source of bicarbonate and calcium, responsible for more alkaline effluents. Carbonate and ammonia were below the recommended limits for irrigation purposes for all roofs. Green roofs were source of NO3-, NH4 + and B-. All roofs were neither source or sink for sulphate and chloride for all analyzed samples. Regarding the natural rainwater experiment, only green roof with Coroa-de-Frade exceeded the recommend irrigation parameters for potassium and phosphate. A post-treatment is required for irrigation purposes being recommended a first-flush system followed by a filter with sand and activated carbon.
Detection and genetic characterization of feline retroviruses in domestic cats with clinical signs and hematological alterations associated with retroviral infection
Authors: Jiménez Gabriel Eduardo Acevedo , Sarmiento-Silva Rosa Elena , Alonso-Morales Rogelio Alejandro , Córdova-Ponce Rodolfo , Álvarez Hugo Ramírez
Published: June 2022

Feline leukemia (FeLV) and immunodeficiency (FIV) viruses are globally distributed retroviruses that infect domestic cats and cause various syndromes, which can lead to death. The aim of our study was to detect and genotyping feline retroviruses in Mexican domestic cats. We used PCR assays to identify proviral DNA and viral RNA in 50 domestic cats with different clinical signs and hematological alterations. Endogenous FeLV (enFeLV) was identified in the genomic DNA samples from all cats in the study, and we detected enFeLV transcripts of LTR region in 48 individuals. Exogenous FeLV (exFeLV) was found in 13 cats. Furthermore, we detected FIV proviral DNA in ten cats. The enFeLV sequences were shown to be the most variable, while the exFeLV sequences were highly conserved and related to previously described subgroup A sequences. Additionally, FIV gag gene sequences revealed the presence of subtype B in the infected cats.
Evaluation of robustness of optimization methods in breast intensity-modulated radiation therapy using TomoTherapy
Authors: Oki Yuya , Akasaka Hiroaki , Uehara Kazuyuki , Mizonobe Kazufusa , Sawada Masanobu , Nagata Junya , Harada Aya , Mayahara Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) has become a popular choice for breast cancer treatment. We aimed to evaluate and compare the robustness of each optimization method used for breast IMRT using TomoTherapy.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 10 patients with left breast cancer. For each optimization method (clipping, virtual bolus, and skin flash), a corresponding 50 Gy/25 fr plan was created in the helical and direct TomoTherapy modes. The dose-volume histogram parameters were compared after shifting the patients anteriorly and posteriorly. Results: In the helical mode, when the patient was not shifted, the median D1cc (minimum dose delivered to 1 cc of the organ volume) for breast skin for the clipping and virtual bolus plans were 52.2 (interquartile range: 51.9–52.6) and 50.4 (50.1–50.8) Gy, respectively. After an anterior shift, the D1cc of the breast skin for the clipping and virtual bolus plans was 56.0 (55.6–56.8) and 50.9 (50.5–51.3) Gy, respectively. When the direct mode was used without shifting the patient, the D1cc of the breast skin for the clipping, virtual bolus, and skin flash plans were 52.6 (51.9–53.1), 53.4 (52.6–53.9), and 52.3 (51.7–53.0) Gy, respectively. After shifting anteriorly, D1cc of the breast skin for the clipping, virtual bolus, and skin flash plans was 55.6 (54.1–56.4), 52.4 (52.0–53.0), and 53.6 (52.6–54.6) Gy, respectively. Conclusions: The clipping method is not sufficient for breast IMRT. The virtual bolus and skin flash methods were more effective optimization methods according to our analyses.
Ex situ reproduction and recruitment of scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis
Authors: Wei Fen , Cui Mengyao , Huang Wen , Wang Yonggang , Liu Xu , Zeng Xinru , Su Hongfei , Yu Kefu
Published: June 2022

Sexual reproduction plays an important role in the population and community structure maintenance in scleractinian corals, particularly in growth and development after larvae settlement. Despite this, only few studies have been conducted to monitor the post-settlement growth and development of scleractinian coral larvae. This study aimed to obtain this data by collecting adult Galaxea fascicularis colonies from Weizhou Island coast (21°00′–21°10′ N, 109°00′–109°15′ E) and recording their complete life cycle, from fertilization to recruitment, for one year ex situ. The results demonstrated that G. fascicularis could reproduce sexually when reared in a tank for 2 y. Their embryo produced a “prawn chip” that lacked a blastocoel, indicating that G. fascicularis is a complex coral. Larvae evidently showed association with zooxanthellae four days after settlement and completed metamorphosis after 1 month. The mean diameter of G. fascicularis recruits was 4.74 ± 1.12 mm, and the survival rate was only 5.60% in the first year, which may be attributed to their competition with algae. To increase their survival rate without the interference of algae, we suggest that the recruits of G. fascicularis be reared ex situ to complete metamorphosis (1 month) and then transferred to the field. This study improved our understanding of the early life cycle of scleractinian corals.
Chemical modification of nitrocellulose by grafting sodium carboxymethyl
Authors: Li Shiying , Li Yu , Ding Yajun , Yuan Ye , Xiao Zhongliang
Published: June 2022

Introducing deterrents improves the thermal stability of nitrocellulose of propellant surface, but is accompanied with inevitable problems, such as migration, residue, smoke flame, and so on. In this paper, sodium carboxymethyl function groups were chemically grafted to nitrocellulose molecular chains by reaction of denitration and following etherification, which provide thermal stability, flame suppression ion without migration. Various structure characterizations were conducted and confirmed a sodium carboxymethyl-nitrocellulose (CMNC) was prepared successfully. The number of sodium carboxymethyl groups linked to nitrocellulose chains was affected by both denitration and etherification. The results showed that the thermal stability of CMNC improved with the increase of bearing sodium carboxymethyl groups and was better than that of original NC sample. Meanwhile, the thermal decomposition behaviors and decomposition products of CMNC are similar to that of NC at temperature of the first DTG peak T1 and that of CMC at temperatures of the second DTG peak T2. This work provided a way for designing gun propellant with progressive burning, anti-migration and flame suppression simultaneously.
Similarity Measurement of Fuzzy Entropies of Respiratory Sounds and Risk Measurement According to Credibility Distributions
Authors: Şanlıbaba İbrahim
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we have provided some definitions and theorems about fuzzy set, fuzzy set operations, the uncertainty theory used in fuzzy environments, and the credibility theory which exists on the base of the mathematical knowledge. Then, the definition and applications of fuzzy set operations, fuzzification, defuzzification, similarity, credibility distribution were included in diagnostic medicine. Sounds of respiratory patients were transferred to computer by recording and converted into numerical data. In particular, the entropies, similarities, credibility distributions, expected values of sounds were analyzed using fuzzification and defuzzification methods to analyze respiratory sound data via fuzzy operations and to make sense of uncertain sound data. As the uncertainty of respiratory sounds increased, changes in fuzzy entropy similarity measures and expected credibility values were observed. In addition, a model for uncertain respiratory sounds was created and numerical numbers supported the diagnosis of the physician. Sound data were analyzed and interpreted using fuzzy multipurpose decision methods. Respiratory sounds were shown to be an indicator in diagnosing with the created model.
Estimating Categorical Counterfactuals via Deep Twin Networks
Authors: Vlontzos Athanasios , Kainz Bernhard , Lee Ciarán
Published: June 2022

Counterfactual inference is a powerful tool, capable of solving challenging problems in high-profile sectors. To perform counterfactual inference, one requires knowledge of the underlying causal mechanisms. However, causal mechanisms cannot be uniquely determined from observations and interventions alone. This raises the question of how to choose the causal mechanisms so that resulting counterfactual inference is trustworthy in a given domain. This question has been addressed in causal models with binary variables, but the case of categorical variables remains unanswered. We address this challenge by introducing for causal models with categorical variables the notion of counterfactual ordering, a principle that posits desirable properties causal mechanisms should posses, and prove that it is equivalent to specific functional constraints on the causal mechanisms. To learn causal mechanisms satisfying these constraints, and perform counterfactual inference with them, we introduce deep twin networks. These are deep neural networks that, when trained, are capable of twin network counterfactual inference---an alternative to the abduction, action, & prediction method. We empirically test our approach on diverse real-world and semi-synthetic data from medicine, epidemiology, and finance, reporting accurate estimation of counterfactual probabilities while demonstrating the issues that arise with counterfactual reasoning when counterfactual ordering is not enforced.
Effect of energy fluctuation on reaction speed constant under microwave irradiation
Authors: Hirai Takashi , Sato Motoyasu , Nakatani Shin , Nagata Kazuhiro
Published: June 2022

There is a research field called a fluctuating system. In systems such as Brownian motion, the particles of interest exchange kinetic energy from white noise and perform a random walk. The Langevin equation handles these events and takes up fine particle friction and microwave irradiation to confirm the operation of the system. In this paper, we incorporate microwave irradiation into the Maxwell-Boltzman distribution and confirm that its non-thermal energy exhibits the so-called "microwave effect". Non-thermal energy from microwaves has the effect of accelerating the reaction speed of system phase transitions and chemical changes. Also, when observing one particle, the correlated noise is described as a function of time, and the change in kinetic energy is described. The effect of correlated noise is not seen when observing many particles, but it is important that it appears when observing one particle, and it has a wide range of applications such as phase transitions and chemical changes. A two-dimensional Ising model is proposed as a specific example of Monte Carlo simulation using noise. Results will vary depending on the strength of the noise-to-noise correlation. In this way, the noise-to-noise correlation has a strong effect on physical quantities.
Soil moisture-evaporation coupling shifts into new gears under increasing CO2
Authors: Hsu Hsin , Dirmeyer Paul
Published: June 2022

When soil moisture content (SM) falls within a transitional regime between dry and wet, it controls evaporation rates, affecting atmospheric heat and humidity. Accordingly, different SM regimes correspond to different gears of land-atmosphere coupling, affecting climate. Determining patterns of SM regimes and their future changes is imperative. Global distributions of shifts between SM regimes from eight climate models are examined. Under increasing CO2, the range of SM extends into unprecedented coupling regimes in many locations. SM in many arid regions migrates from the transitional toward the dry regime, while an opposite migration appears in semiarid regions. Transitional regimes also emerge in currently humid areas of the tropics and high latitudes. These changes imply that a larger fraction of the world will evolve to experience more than one gear of land-atmosphere coupling, with the strongly coupled transitional regime growing the most. Furthermore, the locally predominant gear may change under global warming.
Structural basis for the identification of short novel peptides as potential GLP1R agonists using in silico approaches
Authors: Ghosh ketan , Sobhia M. Elizabeth.
Published: June 2022

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are effective anti-diabetic drugs that improve energy balance by increasing glucose-dependent insulin production. Currently numerous GLP-1 peptides are marketed and few small molecular agonists are in clinical trial stage. GLP-1 is a 31 amino acid peptide and the marketed peptides are even larger or of similar length residue peptides. This prompted our research group to identify novel short peptides mimicking the N-terminus portion of native GLP-1 peptide as this portion residues have proven role in stabilizing the active conformation to trigger intracellular signalling of GLP-1 receptor. In this work, all the nine residues starting from His7 to Asp15 has been selected as the template and single point mutation of the nine amino acid peptide has been done and a total of 181 peptides are designed. Protein peptide docking analysis of these designed peptides gave us thirty-seven potential peptides with good binding affinity followed by hydration site analysis eventually leading us to seven promising peptides that can be further optimized to mimic the long 31 residue GLP-1 peptide. In fact, a hybrid peptide “WGYLQRNDD” was designed taking all the vital residues from each position from 7 to 15. Also, the hydration site map analysis suggested the role of hydration sites in designing the GLP-1receptor peptide agonists. This work highlights a strategy of peptide designing followed by screening coupled with chemical exploration of residues along with crystal water molecules that could be used to generate novel agonists for other receptors with peptide ligands.
Pervasive hydrous carbonatitic liquids mediate transfer of carbon
from the slab to the subarc mantle
Authors: Chen Wei , zhang guoliang , Keshav Shantanu , Li Yuan
Published: June 2022

Carbonatitic liquids, as a medium to transfer carbon from the slab to the mantle at subarc depths, are thought to be restricted to the hottest conditions, or hydrous melting of calcium-rich lithologies (i.e. carbonated gabbro and limestone rocks) in subduction zones. Here, high-pressure experiments on carbonated, hydrous pelites, however, demonstrate that whilst silicate melts are produced at 2.5-4 GPa, hydrous carbonatitic liquids clearly dominates at 5–6 GPa. The stability of Ca-rich carbonate is strongly depressed by water at pressures exceeding ~ 4 GPa, which promotes formation of hydrous carbonatitic liquids at temperatures as low as ~ 850–900℃, corresponding to intermediate thermal regimes at depths of 150–180 km. Hence, carbonatite production beneath arcs is more pervasive than previously thought, and the carbon cycle is most likely confined to depths of less than 200 km for many subduction zones.
Under the chest pain center mechanism, whether the nursing handover affects the nursing efficiency and the outcomes of patients with STEMI in the emergency department? A retrospective study
Authors: luo zhenyu , Liu Sihui , Li Yunying , Zhong Shuyan
Published: June 2022

Background:
The period of nursing handover is still considered the high incidence period of adverse events because of distractibility of nurses’ attention, potential interruption, and unclear responsibilities, although the introduction of chest pain centers (CPC) in China has achieved great success in shortening the duration of nursing operations to significantly improve the treatment and outcomes of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, under the CPC mechanism, the nursing efficiency and patients’ outcome whether affected by the nursing handover is still a knowledge gap in research. This is also the aim of this study.
Methods:
This retrospective study was conducted with data of STEMI patients from a tertiary hospital in the north of Sichuan Province in the Chinese Mainland from January 2018 to December 2019 through the Chinese CPC database. This hospital is also the largest chest pain center in the region which has 1,200 beds, including 80 emergency beds, and treats over 10,000 emergency patients annually. Then dived data into two groups based on patients’ arrival times. According to the nursing handover schedule of the participating emergency department, patients with STEMI who visited Emergency Department (ED) during the nursing handover were selected in the handover period group (n = 40), and STEMI patients in other periods were included in the non-handover period group (n = 191). Then items were selected for comparison according to relative studies and guidelines.
Results:
A total of 231 cases were enrolled, of which 40 cases (17.3%) were divided into the handover period group and 191 cases (82.6%) belonged to the non-handover period group. The results showed that the handover period group took significantly longer on items including FMC2BS (P < 0.001), BS2CBR (P = 0.004), CBR2FAD (P < 0.001), and D2W (P = 0.001) compared to the non-handover group, but there were no significant differences in D2FMC and FMC2FE as well as the outcomes of patients.
Conclusion:
Compared with the non-handover group, the handover group showed a significant delay in important nursing operations in the emergency department. Hospitals should reform relevant regulations for the nursing handover of CPCs to improve the nursing efficiency of patients with STEMI, ensuring better functioning of CPCs.
The effects of salt preconditioning on physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of Casuarina glauca seedlings grown under salt stress
Authors: Laamari Ines , Marques Isabel , Ribeiro-Barros Ana I. , Béjaoui Zoubeir , Abassi Mejda
Published: June 2022

Salinity is one of the most harmful abiotic stresses with negative impacts on crop growth and development. Monitoring land salinization is, therefore, a major global issue. One of the suggested solutions to support rehabilitation programs is the use of fast-growing salt-tolerant woody species, like the tropical trees belonging to the Casuarinaceae family. Although salt preconditioning is a simple and practical method, its role in improving plant tolerance to salinity has still been scarcely applied. Thus, this study investigated the effect of salt preconditioning on different physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms in Casuarina glauca seedlings grown in saline conditions. Preconditioned (PrS) and non-preconditioned (NPrS) seedlings were subjected to salt stress for 12 months. Gas exchange, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll content, chlorophyll fluorescence, water relations parameters derived from pressure–volume curves, primary and secondary metabolism, and gene expression were assessed at the end of the experiment. Preconditioned plants promoted stronger tolerance to salt stress and improved gas exchange parameters, intrinsic water-use efficiency, and chlorophyll content compared to non-preconditioned plants. Also, membrane integrity was maintained in preconditioned plants but increased significantly in the absence of preconditioning. Salinity had no significant effect on the photochemical efficiency of PSII and resulted in a slight decrease in the initial fluorescence (Fo) in either treatment when compared to control. The results indicate an increase in secondary metabolism as shown by the enhancement of phenolic content as well as an increase in the expression of salt tolerance-related genes (GPX1, SOD1, SHD, APX, and GAPHD). Our findings also showed a considerable accumulation of soluble sugar and proline under salt stress, with a higher accumulation in preconditioned plants, confirming their salt tolerance and performance under saline conditions. Overall, these results indicate that C. glauca is highly suitable to be used on salinity-affected soils and can develop a higher tolerance to salt stress after preconditioning treatments.
Prevalence of Non-suicidal Self-injury (NSSI) in Chinese Psychiatric Patients diagnosed according to DSM-5: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study
Authors: Wang Chun , Zhang Pei , Ouyang Lichen
Published: June 2022

Background: NSSI is a common behavior among psychiatric patients that is easily overlooked and often brings serious consequences. The current literature is limited to certain groups of people and uses different diagnostic criteria, so the prevalence of this behavior is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of NSSI in patients with mental disorders in China using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

Methods: A two-week multi-center cross-sectional survey was conducted in 15 specialized psychiatric hospitals or general hospitals (including outpatients and inpatients) from 14 cities in 8 provinces of China. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were used to investigate the presence of NSSI behavior in all patients with mental disorders who came to their psychiatry departments.

Findings: A total of 3,298 patients with mental disorders were included in the study. The prevalence of NSSI was 6.8% in outpatients and 6.5% in inpatients. There were significant differences in the prevalence of NSSI among different age groups (χ2=187.461, p<0.000). The highest prevalence of NSSI behavior was found in adolescents aged 10-19 years (14.3%), followed by young adults aged 20-29 years (7.0%). The prevalence of NSSI behavior in females was significantly higher than in males (P=16.9 %, χ2=31.322, p<0.000) (P=19.6 %, χ2=11.723, p=0.001) (P=5.9 %, χ2=6.094, p=0.014) ((P=7.7 %, χ2=14.472, p<0.000). The prevalence of NSSI behavior in patients with Personality disorders was significantly higher than in any other diagnostic group (P=46.7%, χ2=195.239, p<0.000).

Interpretation: The prevalence of NSSI in patients with mental disorders is high, especially in adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to inform patients and medical workers how to effectively treat and manage NSSI in order to reduce its occurrence.
Divergent roles of herbivory in eutrophying forests
Authors: Segar Josiane , Pereira Henrique , Baeten Lander , Bernhardt-Römermann Markus , De Frenne Pieter , Fernández Néstor , Gilliam Frank , Lenoir Jonathan , Ortmann-Ajkai Adrienne , Verheyen Kris , Waller Donald , Teleki Balázs , Berki Imre , Brunet Jörg , Chudomelová Markéta , Decocq Guillaume , Dirnböck Thomas , Hédl Radim , Heinken Thilo , Jaroszewicz Bogdan , Kopecký Martin , Macek Martin , Máliš František , Naaf Tobias , Orczewska Anna , Reczyńska Kamila , Schmidt Wolfgang , Šebesta Jan , Stachurska-Swakoń Alina , Standovár Tibor , Świerkosz Krzysztof , Vild Ondřej , Wulf Monika , Staude Ingmar
Published: June 2022

Ungulate herbivore populations are increasing across Europe with important implications for forest plant communities. Concurrently, atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition continues to eutrophy forests, threatening many rare plant species. These pressures may critically interact to shape biodiversity as in grassland and tundra systems, yet any potential interactions in forests remain poorly understood. Here we combined vegetation resurveys from 52 sites in 13 European countries to test how changes in ungulate herbivory and eutrophication drive long-term changes in forest understorey communities. Changes in herbivory increased temporal species turnover, however, identities of winner and loser species depended strongly on N levels. Under low level N-deposition, herbivory favored threatened and small-ranged species, while reducing non-native and nutrient-demanding species. Yet all these trends were reversed under high levels of N-deposition. Herbivores also reduced shrub cover, likely exacerbating N effects by increasing light levels in the understorey. Eutrophication levels may therefore determine whether herbivory acts as a global change catalyst for the “N time bomb”, or as a conservation tool in forests.
Sandwich-like CoMoP2 /MoP heterostructures coupling N, P co-doped carbon nanosheets as advanced anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Liu Liyuan , Zhao Lanling , Hou Chuanxin , Huang Meina , Algadi Hassan , Li Deyuan , Xia Qing , Wang Jun , Zhou Zhaorui , Han Xue , Long Yuxin , Li Yebing , Zhang Zidong , Liu Yao
Published: June 2022

Transition-metal phosphides as ideal anodes have been attracted a large number of interests due to their excellent performance for lithium-ion batteries. Nevertheless, CoMoP2 materials were rarely reported as lithium-ion battery anode materials. Thereupon, to excavate their ability in LIBs, a sandwich-like architecture was employed as anode material, in which heterostructured CoMoP2 and MoP nanoparticles were coated on N, P co-doped carbon matrix. Notably, doped carbon micro-lamellated sheets could not only allow boosted lithium-ion and electron transport, but also alleviate the volume changes of active material to sustain anode integrity during the discharge/charge processes. More importantly, the combination of CoMoP2 and MoP nanoparticles could synergically strengthen the electrochemical activities of the anodes, and their built-in heterojunction facilitated the reaction kinetics on their interfaces. This research may offer a rational design on both heterostructure and doping engineering of future anodes for lithium-ion batteries.
Recast layer removal of WEDMed surface by wire electrochemical finishing
Authors: Pan Hongwei , Liu Zhidong , Chen Xinsong , Yin Xiyuan
Published: June 2022

To eliminate the recast layer on the surface machined by multi-pass wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), hence improving the surface integrity, the present paper proposed and investigated a new combined machining process of performing wire electrochemical machining (WECM) after multi-pass WEDM on the same machine tool by utilizing the slight conductivity of the compound working fluid. A theoretical model based on the electric double layer and Faraday’s law of electrolysis was established to calculate the wire feed rate for WECM finishing. Due to the exclusive film protection of the compound working fluid, the theoretical model was modified according to the experimental results under different electrolyte concentrations. Afterward, the optimized model was applied to guide the experiments of the combined process. An electrolyte concentration of 1:5 was used to facilitate the electrochemical reaction. The experimental results showed that the remaining recast layer after multi-pass WEDM could be completely removed at a wire feed rate of 10 µm/s, and a fine surface finish could be obtained. In addition, the surface roughness of the machined part was improved from 1.458 µm Ra to 0.683 µm Ra.
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals miR-98-5p as a potential Inhibitor of Tumor cell proliferation and metastasis in Colorectal Cancer by targeting the FZD3 receptor of the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Kenneth Mutebi John , Haque Fahim Kabir Monjurul
Published: June 2022

Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) report of 2020 indicated that Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is ranked the third most common cancer type and the second cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. However, the existing treatment, as well as prognosis strategies, need to be improved to increase the survival of CRC patients. Targeted therapies of CRC as opposed to ordinary therapies; target key biological features and pathways of cancerous cells hence minimizing the subsequent damage to normal cells. MicroRNAs have been reported to play a crucial role in inhibiting and/or suppressing major pathways in various cancer types by targeting transcripts of key genes in such pathways.
Methods
This study aimed at in silico inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting a key gene – Frizzled receptor 3 (FZD3) in a major pathway of CRC called Wnt signaling; using microRNAs. The in silico analysis revealed that miR-98-5p is a direct target of FZD3, using 5 microarray datasets containing tumorous and control samples.
Results
Further analysis indicated that miR-98-5p inhibits FZD3 through binding directly to the 3’UTR of its mRNA hence exerting a suppressor role of colorectal tumors through the Wnt pathway. However, these results need to be validated in the future through basic research experiments using CRC cells in vivo and in vitro.
Conclusion
The study reveals miR-98-5p as a novel target of FZD3 and an inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway hence being a potential candidate for developing targeted therapies against CRC.
Influence of socioeconomic factors on PM 2.5 pattern in China’s megacities between 2013 and 2019
Authors: Rajasekar Adharsh , Ayugi Brian , Nyasulu Matthew , Babaousmail Hassen , Zhao Cailin , Gul Chaman , Wang Bangguo
Published: June 2022

In the last decade, Chinese megacities have undergone rapid and massive urbanisation that resulted in rising PM2.5 levels in megacities, which forced the government to implement stricter air quality guidelines to combat it. This study investigates the effectiveness of the five-year (2013–2017) air combat plan in reducing PM2.5 in these megacities since they have achieved a certain level of urbanisation. The findings show that annual concentrations of PM2.5 exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value, and eight out of ten cities exceeded the national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS) guideline value. Although, on an annual level, a consistent downward trend was observed for PM2.5 values among all cities starting from 2013, indicating positive policy feedback from guidelines. The cumulative rate of change in PM2.5 concentrations from 2013 to 2019 indicated that the highest magnitude of the decrease occurred in Beijing and Chengdu (-59%). The Environmental Kuznets curve was observed for PM2.5 with GDP and Industrial SO2 emission. A negative relationship was observed between PM2.5 and secondary industry share, while the contrary was observed between PM2.5 and Industrial NO2 emissions. Our data indicated that stricter sanctions and emission policies are needed to lower the PM2.5 values in most of these megacities.
Secondary Psychiatric Care Patients’ Experiences of Internet CBT for Insomnia – a Qualitative Study
Authors: Sidén Frej Nicolaisen , Spak Fredrik
Published: June 2022

Background: Insomnia is very common, especially among psychiatric patients in secondary care. It is experienced as a 24h problem affecting several domains of life. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is widely regarded as the first-line treatment and often improves comorbid disorders. Despite this, many patients are not offered CBT-I. Internet based CBT for insomnia (iCBT-I) is just as good as face-to-face treatments and could considerably increase availability. However, it is unclear whether iCBT-I is suitable for patients with more severe and comorbid psychiatric illnesses in secondary care.Methods: Eleven Swedish participants (24-68 years old) in outpatient secondary psychiatric care who underwent iCBT-I treatment were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews were analysed using content analysis. The purpose was to map their experiences, motivation and suggestions for improvement.Results: Prior to the treatment, most participants were highly motivated to take the opportunity to address their insomnia. The treatment was perceived as well-structured and interesting. The most difficult aspect was counteracting the fatigue. It was also hard to continue the treatment when faced with major life events. During this phase, contact with the therapist motivated them to continue the treatment. Several desired more face-to-face meetings. It was also motivating to gain insights into and a sense of control over sleep. Several described better sleep, improved daily routines, a more predictable everyday life and increased energy. Daytime well-being was improved in some, partly because they had more energy but also because they filled their days with more activities.Conclusions: The treatment has the potential to be very useful in secondary psychiatric care where insomnia is common and affects comorbid disorders. Psychiatric patients might have more difficulties continuing with iCBT-I treatment, but those who manage to complete the program have a good chance of obtaining benefit. Additional social support and other adjustments may enhance treatment outcomes. Participants' stories are particularly valuable, as therapists and treatment developers receive less feedback from patients in internet-based treatments compared to face-to-face treatments.
Senescence Induced by Nox4 Expressed Aberrantly in Osteoclast Precursors Accelerates Ostoeclastogenesis to Promote Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yu Bin , shen Ke , Qin Hanjun , Liu Xiaonan , Wang Lei , He Siying , Zhao Xingqi , Yang Jun , Wang Shengnan
Published: June 2022

Abnormal bone remodeling of subchondral bone is associated with osteoclast formation during early osteoarthritis (OA) while senescent phenotypes are detected during osteoclast differentiation. However, the associations between cellular senescence and osteoclastogenesis remain unclear in early OA. The present study found that Nox4 positively regulated the senescence of OCPs to promote multinucleated osteoclastogenesis. Overexpression of Nox4 induced overproduction of ROS, thereby promoting senescence of OCPs. Senescent OCPs secreted SASP factors to spread the senescence in OCPs clusters, over-activating the TRAF6/MAPK/c-Fos/NFATc1 axis to accelerate the fusion and osteoclast differentiation. Interestingly, the senescence of OCPs mediated by Nox4/ROS may be an essential step in initiating osteoclast differentiation. Compared to WT mice, subchondral bone loss was reduced in early OA and cartilage degeneration alleviated throughout the course of OA in Nox4-deficient mice. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of Nox4 significantly delayed OA development. In conclusion, we have identified Nox4-induced cellular senescence as an important regulator of osteoclast differentiation, suggesting that it might be a potential target to retard or prevent OA.
Identification of the unique subtype of macrophages in aneurysm lesions at the growth phase
Authors: Okada Akihiro , Koseki Hirokazu , Ono Isao , Kayahara Tomomichi , Kurita Hiroki , Miyamoto Susumu , Kataoka Hiroharu , Aoki Tomohiro
Published: June 2022

Background
Considered with the devastating outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of intracranial aneurysm (IA), a novel therapeutic strategy based on the pathogenesis of IAs should be established. Recent experimental studies have defined IAs as a macrophage-mediated chronic inflammatory disease affecting intracranial arteries. Although there are various subtypes in macrophages, what type of macrophages is present in lesions during the disease development or contributes to the pathogenesis remains to be elucidated.
Methods
The previously-established aneurysm model of rats were used. Macrophages were labeled with the fluorescent protein, DiI, and labelled cells were isolated by a laser-microdissection method. The comprehensive gene expression profile analyses and gene ontology analyses was then done to identify a macrophage subtype present in lesions at the growth phase. The gene expression profile data from in vitro-differentiated bone marrow derived macrophages was acquired from the database and used as a reference data. The histopathological examinations to validate the results were also done.
Results
The gene expression profile data of total 52 macrophages infiltrating into the lesions was acquired. The principal component analysis failed to form multiple cluster, suggesting that macrophages infiltrating in the lesions were monotonous. By comparing the profile of the macrophage subtype identified with one from in vitro-differentiated M0 or M1 macrophages, the macrophages in the lesions were found to be belonged to the simple and unique subtype. Because the perception of signaling from nervous system was highlighted as terms up-represented compared with terms in M0 or M1 macrophages through gene ontology analyses, the macrophage subtype in the aneurysm lesions at the growth phase might be differentiated under the influence of nervous system in the microenvironment of the disease. The histopathological examinations clarified the presence of nerves in the adventitia of intracranial artery bifurcation, supporting the above notion.
Conclusions
The findings from the present study have provided the useful insights about the macrophage subtype in aneurysm lesions at the growth phase and also proposed this subtype or genes specifically expressed in this subtype as a therapeutic target.
The apical sealing effect of various on root canal fillings on isolated teeth: a systematic review
Authors: Yin Jinping , Liu Zhenglong , Liu Kehua
Published: June 2022

Background: Root canal filling materials that are commonly used include AH-Plus, GuttaFlow, and Resilon/Epiphany. In clinical practice, the apical closure performance of three root canal fillers is still debatable. The goal of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of AH Plus, GuttaFlow, and Resilon/Epiphany on apical sealing in order to provide references for their clinical application.Methods: Between January 1, 2000 and June 1, 2022, the computer database was searched for randomized controlled trials on the effects of AH Plus (AH group), GuttaFlow (GF group), and Resilon/Epiphany (RE Group) root canal filling materials on apical sealing. Two evaluators independently assessed the studies' quality and extracted the data. Review 5.4 software was used to conduct a meta-analysis of the included studies.Results: A total of 10 literatures containing 452 isolated teeth were included. The meta-analysis results revealed a significant difference in apical microleakage between the RE group and the AH group [SMD = 1.45, 95% CI (1.20, 1.69), P＜0.00001] and the GF group [SMD = 1.37, 95% CI (0.80, 1.95), P＜0.00001]. There is no significant difference in apical microleakage between the AH and GF groups [SMD = 0.09, 95% CI (-0.21, 0.40), P = 0.55].Conclusions: Based on existing research findings, Resilon/Epiphany has the best apical sealing effect in the short term (≤ 1 week) when compared to AH plus and GuttaFlow.
Subjective wellbeing in developing countries: The case of rural Ethiopia
Authors: Tekleselassie Tsegay Gebrekidan
Published: June 2022

This study focuses on the impact of religiosity, general and political trust, local participation, and welfare metrics on wellbeing in rural areas using the Ethiopian Rural Household Survey. Ordered probit methods that account for Heteroscedasticity reveal distinctive determinants of overall life satisfaction and momentary happiness. Broader socio-economic factors such as religiosity and political governance strongly predict life satisfaction, while largely welfare metrics drive momentary happiness.
Relationship between Helicobacter pylori and idiopathic non-granulomatous anterior uveitis
Authors: Pérez-Cano Héctor Javier , Ceja-Martínez Jimena , Tellezgiron-Lara Vanessa , Voorduin-Ramos Stephanie , Morales-López Oscar , Somilleda-Ventura Selma Alin
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The relationship of Helicobacter pylori infection with ocular diseases, including anterior uveitis, has been reported. The objective of this study was to determine the presence of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies in patients with idiopathic non-granulomatous anterior uveitis and compare the results with a control group. Methods: A prospective, comparative and cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with idiopathic granulomatous anterior uveitis and a group of control subjects were included. The presence of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies was determined. Chi square test was performed for comparative analysis with GraphPad Prism V5.0 software Results: 30 patients with idiopathic non-granulomatous anterior uveitis and 35 control subjects were included. In the determination of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies, 24 (80%) patients and 19 (54%) control subjects were positive. A significant difference (p = 0.0263) was found between the groups and a odds ratio (OR) of 3.37. Conclusions: A direct relationship was found between the presence of anti H. pylori IgG antibodies and idiopathic non-granulomatous anterior uveitis. An association can be established between idiopathic non-granulomatous anterior uveitis and H. pylori infection, without this being a causal or physiopathogenic relationship.
DNA methylomes derived from alveolar macrophages and alveolar T cells display distinct patterns in tuberculosis – a future precision tool for TB status determination?
Authors: Pehrson Isabelle , Sayyab Shumaila , Das Jyotirmoy , Idh Nina , Paues Jakob , Méndez-Aranda Melissa , Ugarte-Gil César , Lerm Maria
Published: June 2022

BackgroundHost innate immune cells have been identified as key players in the early eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and in the maintenance of an anti-mycobacterial immune memory, which we and others have shown are induced through epigenetic reprogramming. Studies on human tuberculosis immunity are dominated by those using peripheral blood as surrogate markers for immunity. We aimed to investigate DNA methylation patterns in immune cells of the lung compartment by obtaining induced sputum from patients with tuberculosis and subjects exposed to M. tuberculosis. Alveolar macrophages and alveolar T cells were isolated from the collected sputum and DNA methylome analyses performed (Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450k). ResultsMultidimensional scaling analysis revealed that DNA methylomes of cells from the patients with tuberculosis, the exposed subjects and controls appeared as separate clusters. The numerous genes that were differentially methylated between the three groups were functionally connected and overlapped with previous findings of trained immunity and tuberculosis. In addition, analysis of the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) status of the subjects demonstrated that the IGRA status was reflected in the DNA methylome by a unique signature. Conclusions M. tuberculosis induces epigenetic reprogramming in immune cells, reflected as a specific DNA methylation pattern of immune cells in the lung compartment upon exposure to tuberculosis. The data of this pilot study suggests that DNA methylation-based biosignatures could be considered for further development towards a clinically useful tool for determining tuberculosis infection status and the level of tuberculosis exposure.