bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association Between Contraception Use, Diabetes and Hypertension: Findings from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Khan Md Nuruzzaman , Islam M Mofizul , Islam Rakibul M
Published: January 2022

Background: The prevalence of chorionic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension is increasing among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh. Pregnancy in women with uncontrolled chronic conditions may increase the risks of adverse consequences, including maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Appropriate contraception use can help women to prevent pregnancy until women have controlled chronic conditions and reduce the risks of adverse maternal and child health consequences. We investigate the associations between diabetes and/or hypertension and contraception use among reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh.Methods: We analysed data of 3,947 women, extracted from the 2017/18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. Women’s contraception using patterns were our outcome variable, which was classified as (i) any contraception method use vs no use, (ii) modern methods vs traditional methods or no use, (iii) modern methods vs traditional methods use. The explanatory variables were diagnosis of diabetes only, hypertension only or both diabetes and hypertension. The multilevel Poisson regression with robust variance was used to explore the associations.Results The overall prevalence of contraception use was 68.0% (95% CI: 66.3-69.7), 69.4% (95% CI: 61.8-76.1) in women with diabetes only, 67.3% (95% CI: 63.5-70.9) with hypertension only, and 62.0% (95% CI: 52.8-70.4) in women having both diabetes and hypertension. The prevalence of modern methods of contraception use was lower (46.4%, 95% CI: 37.4-55.6) and traditional methods use higher (16.6%, 95% CI: 13.8-16.8) in women who had both diabetes and hypertension than women who did not have these conditions. The fully adjusted regression model showed that the prevalence of traditional method use was 31% (95% CI: 1.02-2.01) higher in women having both diabetes and hypertension compared with their counterparts who had none of these conditions. Conclusion: In Bangladesh, women with both diabetes and hypertension were more likely to use traditional contraception methods. These women are likely to experience increased risks of unwanted pregnancies and associated adverse maternal and child health outcomes.
Using Directional OCT To Analyze Photoreceptor Visibility Over AMD-Related Drusen
Authors: Marsh-Armstrong Brennan , Murrell Kelly S. , Valente Denise , Jonnal Ravi S.
Published: January 2022

Investigators have reported reduced visibility of the cone photoreceptors overlying drusen using adaptive optics (AO) imaging techniques. Two concordant hypotheses have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. Firstly, the disease-related deformation of the photoreceptor outer segment (OS) may reduce its ability to act as a wave guide, thus decreasing the cell’s familiar reflectance pattern. Alternatively, drusen could disorient the photoreceptors away from the eye’s pupil, reducing the amount of light reflected back out the pupil. In this work we use directional OCT (dOCT) images of drusen in AMD patients to measure the respective contributions of the above-mentioned deforming and disorienting factors.
A Software-Based Lifetime Prediction of Lithium Batteries Using Deep Learning for Wireless Networks
Authors: Hasanuzzaman Md. Sarkar
Published: January 2022

The operation of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) is constrained by a number of factors, one of the most important of which is available energy. Electrochemical batteries are commonly used to power sensor nodes. The operating temperature and discharge current values have a significant impact on the stored energy in battery devices. As a result, estimating their voltage/charge behavior over time, which are important factors for the implementation of energy-conscious policies, becomes challenging. To this end, this paper proposes a RUL prediction model based wireless networks that integrates the three internal states of battery capacity, impedance and temperature, and introduces a two-way long and short-term memory network to learn the time correlation of the three state data. The goal of this research is to develop a software-based method for estimating the state of charge and voltage of batteries in WSN nodes using a temperature-dependent analytical battery model. The equivalence between dropout technology and Bayesian variational inference technology is used to quantify the uncertainty of RUL prediction results, and the 95% confidence interval and probability density distribution of the prediction results are obtained, and the influence of different dropout rates on the prediction uncertainty is analyzed. Impact. The experiment shows that the comparison experiment of four different deep learning model frameworks and two internal state input schemes verifies the effectiveness of the learning method based on the two-way long and short-term memory network.
Modulation of The Infrared Optical Properties of VO 2 Thin Film Fabricated By Ultrafast Pulsed Laser Deposition For Applications In Thermochromic Smart Windows
Authors: Barimah Eric Kumi , Boontan Artitsupa , Steenson David P. , Jose Gin
Published: January 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Fast detection, a precise and sensitive diagnostic agent for breast cancer
Authors: Wu Qiong , Liu Ningzhi , Qian Jiayi , Shu Jing , Zeng Liang , Zhang Hao , Wang Xicheng , Mei Wenjie
Published: January 2022

Background

Breast cancer targeting diagnostic agent with effective imaging ability is important in guiding plan formulation, prediction, and curative effect evaluation of tumors in clinic. A tumor-targeting nanoprobe based on the functional and programmable Liquid-Liquid phase separation of AS1411 promoted by Ru(II) complex RuPEP may develop into a potential phosphorescence probe to detect breast cancer cells, where AS1411 act as a tumor-targeting guidance moiety to distinguish tumor cells from normal cells and RuPEP act as a light-emitting element to highlight breast cancer cells.
Methods

Here we designed and constructed a nanoprobe AS1411@RuPEP, and the physicochemical and biochemical properties were characterized by TEM, AFM and EDS. The breast cancer targeting diagnostic capacity was evaluated by normal/tumor cell co-culture assay, tumor cells targeting tracking in xenograft model and cancerous area selectively distinguishing in human patient tissue.
Results

Further studies indicated that the nanoprobe exhibits excellent tumor-targeting imaging ability in vitro and in vivo by effectively recognize the over-expressed nucleolin (NCL) on the breast cancer cells membrane. Intriguingly, we discovered that the selectively enrichment of nanoprobe particles in tumor cells is related to ATP-dependent NCL transport processes that rely on the AS1411 component of nanoprobe to recognize NCL. Furthermore, preferential accumulation of nanoprobe is clearly differentiating the human breast cancer tissue surrounding non-cancerous tissue in histological analysis.
Conclusion

This study produce a potent nanoprobe can be used as a convenient tool to highlight and distinguish tumor cells in vivo, and indicate the tumorous grading and staging in human breast cancer patient pathological section, which provides an effective way for breast cancer diagnostic imaging by targeting recognize NCL.
Coupled fibromodulin and SOX2 signaling as a critical regulator of distant metastasis initiation in melanoma
Authors: oria victor oginga , Zhang Hongyi , Zito Christopher R. , Rane Chetan K. , Ma Xian-Yong , Tran Thuy T. , Adeniran Adebowale , Kluger Yuval , Sznol Mario , Bosenberg Marcus W. , Kluger Harriet M. , Jilaveanu Lucia B.
Published: January 2022

We aimed to study mechanisms controlling the transition from dormant to clinically relevant brain metastases, a critical process responsible for the majority of melanoma deaths. To this end, we developed in vivo models that accurately mimic this switch and identified novel molecular events that can be ascribed to their distinct phenotypes, latent or highly metastatic. Induction of a proliferative state at distant sites was associated with high levels of the stem-like/progenitor marker, SOX2, and required upregulation of FMOD, an extracellular matrix component, which modulates tumor-stroma interactions. Functional studies revealed a possible link between FMOD and SOX2; dual FMOD and SOX2 silencing nearly abolished brain metastasis and had a similar effect on distant metastasis to other sites. Our in vitro data suggests that FMOD and SOX2 cooperation plays an important role in tumor vasculogenic mimicry. Furthermore, we found that FMOD and SOX2 functional roles might converge at the activation of transcriptional co-factors YAP and TAZ, possibly via crosstalk with the tumor suppressor Hippo pathway. Finally, high expression of both genes in patient specimens predicted early development of brain metastasis. Thus, our study identifies FMOD and SOX2 cooperation as a novel regulatory mechanism that might be linked functionally to melanoma metastatic competence.
Effect of Pleasantness and Unpleasantness of Music on the Acceptable Noise Level
Authors: Nekoutabar Raha , Jalilvand Hamid , Mahdavi Mohammad Ebrahim , Ashayeri Hassan , Tabatabaee Mahdi
Published: January 2022

IntroductionMusic plays a major role in life—it can be a favorite, annoying, or even a distracting noise. Previous research has suggested that the processing of brain hemispheres is affected by the pleasantness/unpleasantness of music, which could be utilized as a signal or noise in auditory neuroscience. By using the acceptable noise level (ANL) test, which is the quantification of noise tolerance while listening to a running speech, we investigated whether pleasantness/unpleasantness of music affects the ANL results under monotic-listening and dichotic-listening conditions.DesignBased on the subjective scale scores, pleasant and unpleasant music (10 songs, three genres of classic, pop, and rock music) were selected as alternatives to babble noise or running speech for testing 50 subjects for seven monotic and dichotic listening conditions.ResultsWhile pleasant music changed the ANL significantly under monotic listening conditions, the higher level of babble noise was tolerated, and both characteristics of music pleasantness and unpleasantness changed ANL significantly for various dichotic conditions. The range of the ANL for dichotic conditions is wider than that for monotic conditions.ConclusionMusic can affect the ANL results in terms of pleasantness and unpleasantness for both monotic and dichotic listening conditions, with a greater effect on dichotic conditions, indicating the role of hemispheric specification in emotional music processing.
Elevated Circulating Levels of Phenylacetylglutamine in Stroke Patients With T2D Are Linked to Specific Gut Microbiota
Authors: Xia Jian , Wei Minping , Huang Qin , Yu Fang , Ying Yuanlin , Luo Yunfang , Feng Xianjing , Liao Di , Zhao Tingting , Huang Qing , Feng Jie
Published: January 2022

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) aggravates the injury of ischemic stroke (IS). The gut microbiota-related metabolite phenylacetylglutamine (PAGln) has been shown to elevate in plasma of patients with T2D and promote thrombosis. However, the alterations of gut microbiota and PAGln levels in stroke patients with T2D remain unclear. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the differences in gut microbiota and its metabolite PAGln between IS patients with and without T2D.Methods In our study, 35 IS with T2D (IS-T2D group), 50 IS patients without T2D (IS group), and 29 healthy controls (HC group) were recruited from December 2019 to December 2020. Fecal samples were collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA high throughput sequencing, and plasma samples were subjected to targeted metabolomics to detect metabolite PAGln. Plasma PAGln levels of rats with transplantation of fecal microbes from patients were assessed. Results Our results showed that compared with the IS group, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobiota, Enterobacteriaceae, and Klebsiella were enriched in the IS-T2D group. The plasma PAGln levels in IS-T2D patients were significantly higher than those in IS patients. Correlation analysis showed that plasma PAGln levels were significantly correlated with Enterobacteriaceae, Verrucomicrobiota, and Klebsiella, which were enriched in IS-T2D patients. Further studies demonstrated that plasma PAGln levels were positively correlated with the concentration of NETs, and NETs levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner according to PAGln levels. In addition, the rats transplanted with fecal microbes from IS-T2D patients developed more severe brain injury and higher plasma PAGln levels compared to the rats transplanted with fecal microbes from IS patients. Moreover, a prediction model based on the differential relative abundances of microbiota, plasma PAGln levels, and NETs levels was constructed to discriminate IS-T2D from stroke patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that the gut microbiota is imbalanced and its metabolite PAGln levels are increased in stroke patients with T2D, and T2D potentially aggravates stroke injury via an inflammatory response, which is associated with gut microbiota and its metabolite PAGln modulation.
The Effect of Long-Haul COVID-19 Towards Domains of The Health Related Quality of Life Among Recovered Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Trihandini Indang , Muhtar Manendra , Sakti Dea Allan Karunia , Erlianti Chintya Putri
Published: January 2022

Background: People with long-haul COVID-19 could experience various health problems, from mild to more severe ones. This research aimed to identify the effect of long-haul COVID-19, specifically on the Quality of Life domains, experienced by COVID-19 patients who have been discharged. Method: Data collection was carried out online, using data from DKI Jakarta hospitalized patients who have been confirmed with and recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infections. We selected patients who have a minimum of 28 days after being hospitalized for COVID-19 positive. Logistic regression technique was used to analyze the data. The questionnaire used in this research contained questions regarding long-haul COVID 19 symptoms and domains of Quality of Life, which were measured by WHOQOL-BREF. Prior to the data collection, we tested the questionnaire with 30 recovered patients who were hospitalized outside DKI Jakarta. Result: In total of 172 recovered inpatients who filled out the questionnaire correctly and aged 18 years and above, were selected by random sampling. Almost one-third (30.2%) of the recovered inpatients had long-haul COVID 19, with 23.8% experiencing one long-haul symptom and 6.4% experiencing more than one symptom. This research also showed that the long-haul effects of COVID-19 affected almost all domains of Quality of Life except the environmental one. Age, gender, and marital status were covariates for the association between long-haul COVID 19 and The Quality of Life. Conclusion: Continuing health services after the patient is discharged from the hospital, is an important program for COVID-19 survivors because it can prevent a decline in the Quality of Life among patients due to the long-haul COVID 19.
The burden of COPD in China and its provinces: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Yin Peng , Wu Jiayuan , Wang Lijun , Luo Chaole , Liu Jiangmei , Liu Yunning , Qi Jinlei , zheng Weilin , Zhou Maigeng , Lai Tianwen
Published: January 2022

Background In China, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was accounted for a quarter of the global COPD population and has become a large economic burden. However, the comprehensive picture of the COPD burden, which could inform health policy, is not readily available for all of the provinces of China. Here, we aimed to describe the burden of COPD in China, providing an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis at the national and provincial levels, and time trends from 1990 to 2019.Methods Following the methodology framework and general analytical strategies used in the GBD 2019, we analyzed the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to COPD across China and the corresponding time trends from 1990 to 2019, stratified by age and province. We also presented the contribution of risk factors (e.g., smoking, ambient particulate matter, and occupational risks) to COPD-related mortality and DALYs. The association between COPD burden and socio-demographic index (SDI) were also evaluated. Results From 1990 to 2019, the incidence and prevalence of COPD increased by 61.2% and 67.8%, respectively, whereas the number of deaths and DALYs owing to COPD decreased. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) of COPD burden continuously decreased from 1990 to 2019. The crude rates of COPD burden dramatically increased with age and reached a peak in the older than 95 years age group. In 2019, the leading risk factor for COPD mortality and DALYs was tobacco use in the whole population, but ambient particulate matter pollution was the most significant risk factor in females. At the provincial level, the ASRs of COPD burden was significantly associated with the SDIs, with the highest ASRs in the western provinces with low SDIs. ConclusionsAlthough the ASRs of COPD burden in China substantially decreased at the national and provincial levels from 1990 to 2019, absolute numbers of COPD incidence and prevalence are still rising, indicating that COPD remains an important public health problem in China. Geographically targeted considerations should be developed to enhance COPD health and reduce the COPD burden throughout China and in specific provinces.
Free-filed soil response to bidirectional horizontal non-uniform ground motion from multi-point shaking table tests
Authors: Han Junyan , Guo Zhike , Zhong Zilan , Naggar M. Hesham El , Miao Huiquan , Du Xiuli
Published: January 2022

This paper assesses the dynamic nonlinear free-field soil response under bidirectional horizontal non-uniform excitation through a series of multi-point 1g shaking table tests. The soil bed was enclosed in an innovative soil box supported by an array of three shake tables and was subjected to uniform and non-uniform ground motions in one and two horizontal directions. The soil response to bidirectional and unidirectional excitations, both uniform and non-uniform, were compared and discussed in terms of acceleration time history and Fourier spectra, acceleration amplification factor and soil settlement, as well as shear stress-shear strain behavior. The comparison of soil responses to bidirectional and unidirectional shakings demonstrated that the trends of peak acceleration amplification factors are similar along soil depth, but the response to bidirectional shaking is increasingly higher along the soil profile towards the ground surface, especially for uniform excitation. The variations of soil settlement, shear stress-strain and damping curves under bidirectional excitation were similar to that under the longitudinal excitation; however, they were much different than those observed under the transverse excitation. The soil damping in Y-direction under non-uniform excitation was larger than that under uniform excitation. These different site response characteristics under bidirectional non-uniform excitation should be properly considered in the seismic design of extended infrastructure.
The mitochondria-associated membrane protein PACS2 promotes mitophagy and energy metabolism to maintain right cardiac function in hypobaric hypoxia exposure
Authors: Yang Jie , Sun Mengjia , Chen Renzheng , Liu Chuan , Zhang Jihang , Gao Xubin , Yang Yuanqi , Ding Xiaohan , Cheng Ran , He Chunyan , Bian Shizhu , Yuanfang Zhengyuan , Ye Xiaowei , Wu Boji , Huang Lan
Published: January 2022

Hypobaric hypoxia (HH) is the primary challenge at high altitude. Prolonged HH exposure impairs right cardiac function. Mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) plays a principal role in regulating mitochondrial function under hypoxic conditions, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, proteomics analysis identified that PACS2, a key protein in MAM, and mitophagy were down-regulated in HH conditions. Metabolomics analysis indicated suppression of aerobic oxidation of glucose and fatty acids. Cardiomyocyte Pacs2 deficiency disrupted MAM formation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria calcium flux further inhibiting mitophagy and mitochondrial energy metabolism during HH exposure. Overexpression of Pacs2 reversed these effects. Cardiac-specific knockout of Pacs2 exacerbated mitophagy inhibition, cardiomyocyte injury and right cardiac dysfunction induced by HH. Knock-in of Pacs2 recovered HH-induced RV structural and functional impairment. Thus, PACS2 is essential for protecting cardiomyocytes through mechanisms of ER-mitochondria calcium flux, mitophagy, and mitochondrial energy metabolism, thereby maintaining right cardiac function at high altitude.
Logistics Distribution for Path Optimization Using Artificial Neural Network and Decision Support System
Authors: Yu Xu
Published: January 2022

Deep learning techniques are developing rapidly and are promising solutions for various problems. The rapidity of society has led to a common problem faced by companies in the logistics market: real-time logistics and distribution path optimization. This paper establishes a model for the logistics distribution path optimization problem, which aims to improve the traditional algorithm's optimization capability under complex urban road conditions. A detailed introduction is made to each part of the model, introducing weight updates to the ant algorithm for optimization, solving the unreasonable problem of the ant algorithm's setting of road parameters, and proposing the DBNTFPO algorithm. Relevant applications of deep learning technology are analysed to explore the relationship between deep learning technology and the real-time distribution of vehicle paths as an optimization problem. Finally, the challenges issued by the real-time logistics distribution path optimization problem to deep learning are drawn out using a decision support system. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of this paper's algorithm in practical logistics distribution are demonstrated through example analysis.
The Noninvasive Positive Airway Pressure Ventilation Therapy System: Modeling and MATLAB-based Investigating
Authors: Yuan YueYang , XIE Lixin , ZHOU Li , HU Xingshuo , LIU Wei , DAI Zheng
Published: January 2022

Background: The noninvasive positive airway pressure ventilation (NPPV) has been widely applied in therapy for the respiratory patient in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. Objective: In order to help clinician to investigate the technologies and measures of NPPV, a therapy system model included the respirator, breathing circuit and patient was designed. Methods: Consequently, the mathematical sub-models of respirator, breathing circuit and mask, and respiratory airway were developed. With these sub-models, the ventilation system model of NPPV was prepared. The MATLAB-Based simulation experimental platform of NPPV system was set up to conduct the simulation experiments. In addition, by using the active servo lung ASL5000, a physical experiment platform was designed for comparative tests. Both of simulated experiments and physical experiments were operated with the simulated patient in ARDS, COPD and patient without spontaneous breathing. Results: The simulated experimental outputs are coincident with the physical experimental outputs (P ≥ 0.31 with TTEST, R ≥ 0.92 with CORREL). Conclusions: The experimental results substantiated that the therapy system model of NPPV is operational and workable. With this system model, it will benefit clinicians and researchers to conveniently promote the development of NPPV.
Construction of Potential miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in AMI Plasma by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Yang Fuyu , Gao Shihao , Meng Guoxin , Zhang Wei , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2022

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has become the main cause of incidence rate and mortality worldwide. More and more evidences indicate that abnormally expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of AMI. However, comprehensive studies on miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in AMI plasma are still lacking.Results: In the above three datasets, a total of 5 DEMs with downregulated expression were screened. Sp1 and EGR1 may regulate most down regulated DEM. 1074 downstream target genes were predicted. The predicted target genes of DEM were mainly enriched in PI3K/Akt signal pathway, mTOR signal pathway, Hippo signal pathway, AMPK signal pathway and HIF-1 signal pathway. By constructing DEM-hub gene network, it was found that most hub genes may be regulated by miR-142-3p, miR-375 and miR-190b. Among the top 10 hub genes, the expression of STAT3 and PTEN was consistent with that in GSE66360 dataset.Conclusion: This study constructed a potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in the blood of AMI for the first time, which provides a new perspective for the Pathogenesis and treatment of AMI.
Correlation between anxiety symptoms and perception of quality of life in women with more than 24 months after undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Kikuchi Jeane Lorena Dias , Carvalhal Manuela Maria de Lima , Costa Ana Paula da Silva , Brígida Jairisson Augusto Santa , Paracampo Carla Cristina Paiva , Gomes Daniela Lopes
Published: January 2022

Purpose
To analyze the correlation between anxiety symptoms and perceived quality of life in women with more than 24 months after undergoing bariatric surgery.
Methods
Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study, carried out with women who underwent bariatric surgery after at least 24 months. To assess the level of anxiety symptoms, the Beck Inventory was used and to assess the perception of quality of life, the Item Short Form Healthy Survey was applied.
Results
Of the 50 participants, 36.0% had reports indicative of moderate symptoms and 64.0% had severe symptoms of anxiety. The domains of quality of life with better perception were in the aspect of functional capacity and limitation due to physical aspects (p<0.000). In linear regression, a significant inverse correlation was found between the general emotional component of quality of life and anxiety score (β = -0.546; CI -1.419; -0.559; p=0.000) and between the general physical component of quality of life and anxiety score (β = -0.339; CI -0.899; -0.131; p= 0.010), both independent of weight regain and surgery time.
Conclusion
It was observed that moderate to severe anxiety symptoms seem to interfere with the perception of quality of life, regardless of weight regain and surgery time.
Micro-CT Imaging of Low-density Plant Stems
Authors: Heel Bonita Van , Heuschele Deborah Jo , He Yiting , Fok Alex
Published: January 2022

Background
Micro-CT (X-ray computed tomographic) allows for 3D visualization of an entire structure, both internally and externally. The different materials are identified based on the differences in their ability to attenuate X-ray, with the differences being converted into a range of grey values. Low-density plant tissues with limited differences in grey values create a challenge in differentiating the cellular structures. In addition, internal movements due to autolysis, degradation, and shrinkage during dehydration of the tissues during scanning give rise to blurry images.
Results
In this study, oats and wheat were scanned using micro-CT to optimize the use of micro-CT in low-density plants. With the assistance of chemical fixing, phosphotunstate and a chemical drying agent, we were able to visualize microstructures of cereal stems. These preparation steps allow us to create 3D micrographs of low-density stem nodes suggesting key structural differences that are correlated with lodging resistance.
Conclusion
Micro-CT is a valuable tool to create 3D structural images of low-density material. Multiple steps to prepare the samples to stop autolysis, increase the contrast during scanning and eliminate internal movement are described in this paper. This process allowed for visualization of the stem nodal region suggesting morphology related to lodging resistance.
Experimental investigation on the performance variations of three different work piece materials in EDM with variation of thermo-physical properties
Authors: Sethy Sunita , Behera Rajesh Kumar , Rana Jaydev , Muduli Kamalakanta
Published: January 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A hybrid explicit-implicit staggered-grid finite-difference scheme for the first-order acoustic wave-equation modeling
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Cao Jingjie , Liang Wenquan
Published: January 2022

Implicit staggered-grid finite-difference (ISGFD) methods are widely used for the first-order acoustic wave-equation modeling. The identical ISGFD operator is commonly used for all of the first-order spatial derivatives in the first-order acoustic wave-equation. In this paper, we propose a hybrid explicit-implicit SGFD (HEI-SGFD) scheme which could simultaneously preserve the wave-equation simulation accuracy and increase the wave-equation simulation speed. We use a second-order explicit SGFD (ESGFD) operator for half of the first-order spatial derivatives in the first-order acoustic wave-equation. At the same time, we use the ISGFD operator with added points in the diagonal direction for the other first-order spatial derivatives in the first-order acoustic wave-equation. The proposed HEI-SGFD scheme nearly doubles the wave-equation simulation speed compared to the ISGFD schemes. In essence, the proposed HEI-SGFD scheme is equivalent to the second-order FD scheme with ordinary grid format. We then determine the HEI-SGFD coefficients in the time-space domain by minimizing the phase velocity error using the least-squares method. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by a dispersion analysis and numerical simulations.
Microstructure evolution of Al-Si hypoeutectic alloys prepared by controlled diffusion solidification
Authors: Khalaf Abbas
Published: January 2022

The possibility of changing the dendritic microstructure associated with the conventional casting processes of hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys to non-dendritic microstructure by using the controlled diffusion solidification process (CDS) has been investigated. The successful CDS process depends on mixing two precursor alloys heated at a superheat condition near their respective liquidus temperature. Experimental work and simulation work using Ansys software was carried out in the present study by employing Al-Si and Al-Cu systems. This study investigates the effect of the content of the two precursor alloys, the mass ratio changing from 2.6 to 8.3, and the superheat of the first precursor alloy on changing the microstructure. The experimental results show that the pure aluminum used as the first precursor alloy needs more undercooling and agitation during the mixing to form the non-dendritic microstructure compared with hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys. Further, mixing pure aluminum with hypereutectic alloy can change the microstructure of hypoeutectic alloys leading to extending the possibility to choose the second precursor alloy. The results also show that a higher mass ratio is preferred when mixing pure aluminum with hypoeutectic alloy. Furthermore, the microstructure of the alloy Al- 6.45Si- 4Cu- 0.5Mg- 0.66Fe- 0.66 wt%Zn was successfully changed via the CDS process by mixing Al- 7.75Si- 0.79Fe- 0.78Zn- 0.6 wt%Mg at 2°C superheat into Al-24 wt%Cu at around 5°C superheat. The simulation results show that lower air bubbles and better distribution of the two precursor alloys happen during the mixing step when using the Al-Cu system.
Trends in Co-mention of Stimulants and Opioids: A Natural Language Processing Driven Analysis of Reddit Forums
Authors: Sarker Abeed , Al-Garadi Mohammed Ali , Ge Yao , Nataraj Nisha , Jones Christopher M , Sumner Steven A
Published: January 2022

BackgroundDespite recent increasing focus on fatal overdoses involving multiple substances, there is a paucity of knowledge about stimulant co-use patterns among people who use opioids (PWUO) or people being treated with medication for opioid use disorder (PTMOUD). This study examines stimulant co-mention trends among PWUO/PTMOUD on social media.MethodsWe collected publicly-available data from 14 prescription and illicit opioid and MOUD-related forums on Reddit (subreddits) between 2011-2020 and timelines comprising past posts from a sample of Reddit users (Redditors) on these forums. We applied natural language processing to detect mentions of opioids, opioid-related medications, and stimulants and described trends and patterns in co-mentions. ResultsPosts collected for 13,812 Redditors indicated 12,306 (89.1%) mentioned ≥1 opioid, opioid-related medication or stimulant. Analyses showed the number and proportion of Redditors mentioning both opioids and/or opioid-related medications and stimulants steadily increased over time. Relative rates of co-mentions of heroin and methamphetamine, substances most commonly co-mentioned, decreased in recent years while those of fentanyl and MOUD with methamphetamine increased. ConclusionData from Reddit reflect increasing mentions of stimulants, particularly methamphetamine, among PWUO/PTMOUD and closely resemble the growth in overdose deaths involving both opioids and stimulants. These findings are consistent with recent reports suggesting increasing stimulant use among people receiving treatment for opioid use disorder. These data offer insights on emerging trends in the overdose epidemic and underscore the importance of scaling efforts to address co-occurring opioid and stimulant use including harm reduction and comprehensive healthcare access spanning mental-health services and substance use disorder treatment.
Identification of hub genes for adult patients with sepsis via construction of a microRNA-mRNA-PPI network
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hu yingchun , Wei Peiyao , Shi Liu , Shi Lei , Li Jianzhou , Zhao Yalei , Chen yunru , Zhang Xi , Ye Feng , Liu Xiaojing , Lin Shumei
Published: January 2022

Objective: To screen out potential prognostic hub genes for adult patients with sepsis via construction of a microRNA-mRNA-PPI network, and investigate the localization of these core genes in peripheral blood monocytes.Methods: The peripheral bloods of 33 subjects were performed microRNA and mRNA sequencing using high-throughput sequencing, differentially expressed genes and microRNAs were identified by bioinformatics. 10×single-cell transcriptome sequencing was conducted further.Results: Of which 23 adult septic patients and 10 healthy individuals, a relative levels of transcription of 20391 genes, and 1633 microRNAs were detected by RNA sequencing. A total of 1114 differentially expressed genes and 76 differentially expressed microRNAs were obtained using DESeq2, 454 differential expression genes (DEGs) were distinguished ultimately. The microRNA-mRNA-PPI network was constructed based on DEGs and the top 20 differentially expressed microRNAs, which included 10 up-regulated and 10 down-regulated microRNAs. Furthermore, hub genes TLR5, FCGR1A, ELANE, GNLY, IL2RB and TGFBR3 which may be association with the prognosis of sepsis and their negative correlation microRNAs were recognized. Genes TLR5, FCGR1A and ELANE were mainly expressed in macrophages, genes GNLY, IL2RB and TGFBR3 were expressed specifically in T cells and nature kill cells.Conclusions: The parallel analysis of mRNA and microRNA in patients with sepsis using RNA-seq was feasible. Potential hub genes and microRNAs which are possibly related to sepsis prognosis were identified, it provides new prospects for sepsis. However, further experiments need to be required.
Impact of Preoperative Body Mass Index and Weight Loss on Morbidity and Mortality Following Colorectal Cancer – a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Axt Steffen , Wilhelm Peter , Spahlinger Ricarda , Rolinger Jens , Johannink Jonas , Kirschniak Andreas , Falch Claudius
Published: January 2022

Background:Body weight and preoperative weight loss are controversially discussed as risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality in colorectal cancer surgery. The objective of this study is to determine whether body mass index (BMI) nor weight loss are associated with a higher postoperative complication rate. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study data analysis of 1241 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery at Tübingen University Hospital in an 11-year period was performed. Main outcome measures were wound infections, anastomotic leakages and in-house mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test (n>60) / the Pearson Chi2-test (n<60) or the Mann-Whitney ranksum test. Illustration of the relationship between metric and nominal values was compiled with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and the Youden Index was determined. Also, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: 697 (56%) patients with colon and 544 (44%) with rectum carcinoma underwent surgery. The rate of wound infection for each location increased with rising BMI. Threshold value was 28.8 kg/m2. Obese patients developed significantly more wound infections than normal-weight patients did following rectal resection (18.0% vs. 8.2%, p=0.018). Patients with preoperative weight loss developed significantly more anastomotic leaks following colon resections than did patients without preoperative weight loss (6.2% vs. 2.5%, p=0.046). In-house mortality was significantly higher in obese patients following colon resections than in overweight patients (4.3% vs. 0.4%, p=0.012). Regression analysis with reference to postoperative in-house mortality revealed neither increased BMI nor weight loss as an independent risk factor. Conclusions: Increased preoperative BMI is associated with a higher wound infection rate. Anastomotic leakage rate after colon resection was significantly higher in patients showing preoperative weight loss. Preoperative BMI and weight loss are therefore risk factors for postoperative morbidity in this study. Nevertheless, this has to be further clarified by means of prospective studies. Trial registration:Registration in German clinical trials register was performed retrospectively (DRKS00025359).
UGT2B7 372A>G Polymorphism Is Related To a Therapeutic Response to Lamotrigine Augmentation Therapy in Depressed Patients Who Did Not Respond to Adequate Treatment: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kagawa Shoko , Mihara Kazuo , Suzuki Takeshi , Nagai Goyo , Nakamura Akifumi , Nemoto Kenji , Kondo Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Lamotrigine is mainly metabolized by UGT1A4 and UGT2B7, both of which are expressed in the blood–brain barrier. Polymorphisms of said UGTs that affect enzyme activities have been reported. This study investigated the relationship between these polymorphisms and its therapeutic effect in 55 depressed patients who did not respond to adequate treatment during an 8-week treatment of lamotrigine augmentation using an open-study design.Patients and Methods: The subjects were 55 depressed patients who had already shown insufficient response to at least 3 psychotropics including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and atypical antipsychotics. The diagnoses were major depressive disorder (n=22), bipolar I disorder (n=9), and bipolar II disorder (n=24). The final doses of lamotrigine were 100 mg/d for 33 subjects who were not taking valproate and 75 mg/d for 22 subjects taking valproate, respectively. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale before and after the 8-week treatment. Blood sampling was performed at week 8. The genotypes of these polymorphisms were identified by PCR. Results: Percentage improvements at week 8 were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the patients with A/A genotype of UGT2B7 372A>G (48.8 ± 29.8%) than in those with A/G or G/G genotype (31.5 ± 27.6%). There was no significant relationship between the percent improvements and the UGT 1A4 142T>G or UGT2B7 -161C>T polymorphism. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the UGT2B7 372A>G polymorphism may be partially related to a therapeutic response to lamotrigine augmentation therapy in depressed patients who did not respond to adequate treatment.
SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: on its way to becoming an endemic disease?
Authors: Mattiuzzi Camilla , Henry Brandon M. , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

We analysed the impact of Alpha, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 lineages throughout the three sequential waves of these variants in the UK. In summary, the cumulative vaccination rate increased by over 12-fold throughout the study period, while the odds of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related hospitalizations declined by 78% and 83% from Alpha to Delta and Alpha to Omicron periods. Likewise, COVID-19 related deaths declined by 93% and 95% from Alpha to Delta and Alpha to Omicron periods. Widespread vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 mutation seem thus to have combined to modify the scenario, with early signs of endemicity.
Random mutagenesis of a Pseudomonas putida strain capable of acclimating to high-concentration formaldehyde via atmospheric and room temperature plasma(ARTP)
Authors: Kong Fang
Published: January 2022

Formaldehyde has strong cytotoxicity to organisms and may cause nasopharyngeal cancer and probably leukemia. This study is intended to investigate a highly formaldehyde-resistant utilizer, the Pseudomonas putida W1 strain. Bacterial strain W1 isolated from untreated activated sludge samples collected from heavily formaldehyde- and aniline-contaminated areas was identified using morphological characteristics and molecular techniques. The formaldehyde concentration in the medium decreased with the growth of strain W1. The degradation of formaldehyde concentration depends on the cell number of strain W1. The W1 strain completely consumed 0.5 g L-1 of nearly 98% formaldehyde within 48 h. Atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) was applied to improve the tolerance to formaldehyde and the genetic stability of P. putida. The protocol for rapid mutation was established by different intervals with a fatality rate reaching 99% and then compared with the dual gradient plate screening method. Growth of the isolated mutant WMZ120-5 strain on formaldehyde was possible up to at least 3 g L-1, and survival at up to a concentration of 20 g L-1 was possible after stepwise acclimatization. At such high concentrations of formaldehyde, the mutant WMZ120-5 exhibited approximately seven-fold higher expression than the original strain W1. The characteristics of the mutant after mutagenesis showed good genetic stability after the 10th subculture. Our study demonstrated that strain WMZ120-5 has great potential to utilize formaldehyde at high concentrations in the environment.
The Importance of Anatomic Configuration and Cystic Changes in Macular Hole: Predicting Surgical Success with a Different Approach
Authors: Ozturk Yücel , Ağın Abdullah , Kockar Nadir , Ay Nevzat , Imamoglu Serhat , Kose Alev Ozcelik , Kugu Süleyman
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to define novel metrics for the area of the macular hole (MH) and the cysts placed around the hole using an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device.
Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted with 58 eyes of 56 patients. The patients were divided into two groups according to anatomic closure after surgery. The novel metrics including macular hole index (MHI), tractional hole index (THI), and (hole forming factor) HFF, macular hole area (HA), the cystoid space areas in the inner retinal layers (CA), and the cyst hole area index (CHAI) were calculated. Correlation of the CA, the HA, and the CHAI with other indexes was assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and cut-off values were derived for indexes predicting type 1 or type 2 closures.
Results

The CA positively correlated with the base MH size and the maximum MH height (p <0.001, p <0.001, respectively). The HA showed a positive correlation with basal MH size, minimum MH size, and maximum MH height (p <0.001, p <0.001, p <0.001, respectively). CHAI was positively correlated with minimum MH size. (p = 0.02). CHAI and HA were negatively correlated with postoperative BCVA (p= 0.003, p=0.006, respectively). ROC curve analysis showed that MHI, THI, and HFF predicted type 1 closure; on the other hand, CHAI and HA predicted type 2 closures.
Conclusions

Our novel index CHAI, which can be calculated without any additional software, could successfully predict type 2 closures.
Pulmonary Embolism Caused by Tourniquets in the Lower Extremities Treated with ECMO.A case report
Authors: Liao Xiaozu
Published: January 2022

Background: Using tourniquets in the lower extremities can increase the incidence of deep vein thrombosis(DVT). Acute large-area pulmonary embolism(APE) occurs in severe cases, and it is fatal to most patients. Acute large-area pulmonary embolism causes haemodynamic instability, right heart failure and circulatory failure.Case presentation:A 47-year-old female patient was subjected to spinal anaesthesia for comminuted fracture of the tibia and fibula of the left lower limb. After the tourniquet was released during the operation, she had sudden hypotension and lost consciousness. Thus, ECMO was used to support patient circulation. With ECMO-assisted CT examination, he was diagnosed to have pulmonary embolism. On the next day, she was subjected to a bilateral pulmonary embolisation and embolectomy. Lastly, she was transferred to the general ward and discharged smoothly. Conclusions:Patients undergoing fracture surgery should be wary of APE caused by the loss of DVT after the release of tourniquets. ECMO, as a rapid and effective temporary life support intervention, provides effective cardiopulmonary support and new treatment plans. It also saves time for further treatment of patients with high-risk APE.
Dense Packing of Xenon in an Ultra-Microporous Metal−Organic Framework for Benchmark Xenon Capture and Separation
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wen Hui-Min , Gong Youjin , Pei Jiyan , Liu Boyu , Xiong Shunshun , Li Bin , Wang Xiaolin
Published: January 2022

For adsorptive separation of xenon/krypton mixture, it still remains a daunting challenge to target both high Xe adsorption and selectivity in a single adsorbent because of their close size and inert nature. Herein, we report an ultra-microporous alkyl Cu-based MOF (MOF-11) with suitable pore architecture for benchmark Xe capture and separation. MOF-11 features small pore channels (4.4 Å) close to the kinetic diameter of Xe atom, in which a large number of oppositely adjacent open Cu-metal sites and alkyl cavities are densely arranged along the pore channels in staggered mode. Such unique pore system can not only introduce strong binding affinity with Xe, but also enable the dense packing of Xe inside the pores. This material thus shows the highest Xe storage density of 2826 g L-1 at ambient conditions, record-high Xe uptake of 4.0 mmol g-1 (at 0.2 bar and 298 K) and one of the highest Xe/Kr selectivity (19.1), significantly higher than most top-performing materials reported so far. The Xe molecules trapped within MOF-11 were visually identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiment, which unveils the dense packing mechanism of Xe within the pores accountable for the record Xe capture capacity. The breakthrough experiments confirm that MOF-11 exhibits the exceptional separation performance for 20/80 Xe/Kr mixture with both record-high Xe uptake capacity (3.46 mmol g-1) and Kr productivity (350 cm3 g-1).