bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristic clinical features and plasma cytokine profiles in patients infected with nontuberculous mycobacteria and Talaromyces marneffei due to anti–interferon-gamma autoantibodies
Authors: Lin Siran , Zhang Chubin , He Zhangyufan , Zhou Zhe , Zhang Wei , Zheng Jianming , Zhang Wenhong , Shao Lingyun
Published: July 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the characteristic clinical and laboratory findings in patients infected with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Talaromyces marneffei due to anti–interferon-gamma autoantibodies (anti–IFN-γ Abs).
Methods
A case-control study was conducted on 77 HIV-negative patients with NTM or T. marneffei infections. Anti–IFN-γ Abs were detected in these patients, and the expression levels of 45 cytokines in the plasma of patients with and without anti-IFN-γ Abs.
Results
Among the 77 patients enrolled, anti–IFN-γ Abs were detected in 32 (41.6%) patients. Patients with anti–IFN-γ Abs were more likely to exhibit fever, lymphadenopathy, and weight loss (all P < 0.001), and infections in the bones/joints and lymph nodes (P = 0.008, P = 0.006, respectively) were significantly more common. In addition, patients with anti–IFN-γ Abs showed higher levels of white blood cell counts (P < 0.001), neutrophil ratio (P = 0.035), platelet count (P < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.002), C-reactive protein (P = 0.009), and IgA (P = 0.004), and lower lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.007), hemoglobin (P = 0.047), CD4+ T lymphocyte ratio (P = 0.037), and serum albumin/globulin (P < 0.001). The autoantibody levels were found to be corelated with the IgG and serum globulin levels. Furthermore, the plasma levels of IL-8, IL-15, IL-10, IL-6, MCP-1, VEGF, TNF-α, MIP-3α, MIP-3β, and IL-1Ra significantly increased in patients with anti–IFN-γ Abs.
Conclusion
The characteristic clinical and laboratory findings will potentially help identify patients infected with NTM and T. marneffei due to anti–IFN-γ Abs.
Cancer incidence and mortality for 22 Arab countries in 2020: Profile of total and top major cancers
Authors: Khaled Hussein , Ibrahim Amal S , Khaled Rana H.
Published: July 2022

Introduction. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a significant economic, social, and health impact on humanity. The aim of this work was to explore epidemiologic cancer profile in the 22 Arab countries with special emphasis on the most common cancer subtypes. Material and Methods. Data estimates for the year 2020 were generated from the web site of cancer today. Incidence, mortality, and prevalence were gathered, analyzed, and tabulated in total then typed by age group, sex, geographic site, economic level, and specific cancer subtype. The five most common tumors, collectively and for each individual country were also emphasized.Results. Collectively in the 22 Arab countries, about 450 thousand new cases, 280 thousand deaths, and prevalence of over a million cases were estimated. Age standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for both sexes were 135.4 per 100,000 population, being 135.2 among males and 139.4 among females, while mortality rate was 86 per 100,000 population for both sexes, being 96.2 for males and 78 for females. The highest ASIR and ASMR occurred in Egypt (159.4 and 108.6/100,000, respectively) while the lowest ASIR were in Djibouti (91/100,000), and the lowest ASMR were in Saudi Arabia (51.3/100,000). Both ASMR and ASMR were higher for the 10 African (140.5 and 89.9) compared to the 12 Asian countries (120.3 and 74). The highest incidence (148.1) and mortality (93.4) rates occurred in low-middle-income countries compared to lowest incidence (97.6) and mortality (52.7) in the high-income countries. ASIR of cancer increased with age, but it was less than that observed for world and the USA adjusted incidence rate. On the contrary ASMR among Arab countries specially after the age of 59 years was lower than mortality rates of the world and the USA.Conclusion. Available data emphasize the value of developing and improving accurate national population-based cancer registries in the Arab world being the most important needed step for better cancer control.
Diagnostic efficacy of serum cystatin-c in association with ACE I/D and ACE G2350A gene as predictor of renal insufficiency in T2DM patients
Authors: MM Taha , Mahdy-Abdallah H , EM Shahy , MA Helmy , El-Leithy LS.
Published: July 2022

Background
Renal function assessment in T2DM individuals is very important, as diabetic nephropathy (DN) seems to be the major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that may finally lead to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in those patients. Clearly, DN pathogenesis is multifactorial and different proteins, genes and environmental factors can contribute to the onset of the disease. Therefore, we need to assess sensitive and specific biomarkers which can predict susceptibility of development of kidney disease in those patients.
Methodology:
The current study was performed on 108 T2DM patients and 85 normal controls (NC). Biochemical parameters as blood glucose, HbA1c and serum Cystatin-C were assessed. Genetic determination of both ACE I/D and ACE G2350A was done for all participants. Also, urinary hemeoxygenase (HO-1) was evaluated as a new biomarker of kidney disease.
Results
showed significant rise in serum cystatin-c and urinary hemeoxygenase levels in diabetic groups compared with (NC) group. In addition, GG genotype of ACE G2350A gene in diabetic group was associated with rise in serum cystatin-c and urinary heme oxygenase compared with (NC) group. Mutant AA genotype demonstrated increase in urinary HO-1. DD polymorphism was associated with rise in serum creatinine and Cyst-C in diabetic group. Positive correlation was seen between duration of diabetes and serum cystatin-c and between serum glucose and urinary (HO-1) in diabetic group.
Conclusion
Early detection of nephropathy in T2DM patients can enable adequate treatment and improve their outcomes. Our study indicated an association of GG genotype of ACE G2350A in conjugation with DD polymorphism of ACE I/D with serum cystatin-c as early predictor of tubular injury in T2DM diabetic.
Structural and functional changes following brain surgery in pediatric patients with intracranial space-occupying lesions
Authors: Guan Xueyi , Zheng Wenjian , Fan Kaiyu , Han Xu , Hu Bohan , Li Xiang , Yan Zihan , Lu Zheng , Gong Jian
Published: July 2022

We explored the structural and functional changes of the healthy hemisphere of the brain after surgery in children with intracranial space-occupying lesions. We enrolled 32 patients with unilateral intracranial space-occupying lesions for brain imaging and cognitive assessment. Voxel-based morphometry and surface-based morphometry analyses were used to investigate the structural images of the healthy hemisphere. Functional images were analyzed using regional homogeneity, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations, and fractional-amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations. Voxel-based morphometry and surface-based morphometry analysis used the statistical model built into the CAT12 toolbox. Paired t-tests were used for functional image and cognitive test scores. For structural image analysis, we used family-wise error correction of peak level (p < 0.05), and for functional image analysis, we use Gaussian random-field theory correction (voxel p < 0.001, cluster p < 0.05). We found an increase in gray matter volume in the healthy hemisphere within six months postoperatively, mainly in the frontal lobe. Regional homogeneity and fractional-amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations also showed greater functional activity in the frontal lobe. The results of cognitive tests showed that psychomotor speed and motor speed decreased significantly after surgery, and reasoning increased significantly after surgery. We concluded that in children with intracranial space-occupying lesions, the healthy hemisphere exhibits compensatory structural and functional effects within six months after surgery. This effect occurs mainly in the frontal lobe and is responsible for some higher cognitive compensation. This may provide some guidance for the rehabilitation of children after brain surgery.
Circularly Polarized Tunable Graphene-Patch over SiO 2 substrate for THz Applications
Authors: Narayaswamy Nagesh Kallollu , Bhosle Manju Ramrao , Penmatsa Krishna Kanth Varma , Dwivedi Ajay Kumar
Published: July 2022

In this communication, a graphene-based radiator is designed and analyzed at THz frequency. A tilted dumbbell-shaped aperture is loaded on a graphene patch for creating degenerated orthogonal mode with 900 phase shift, which in turn produces circularly polarized (CP) waves. Graphene patch is placed over SiO2 substrate. Slot loading in graphene patch shifts the frequency band due to a reduction in effective permittivity. Another important feature of the proposed antenna is to provide a tunable feature in the frequency response and axial ratio by changing the chemical potential. The proposed antenna operates from 5.85 THz to 6.05 THz. 3-dB axial ratio is obtained from 5.85 THz to 5.95 THz. Good value of gain, as well as left-handed circular polarization characteristics, makes the proposed THz antenna in biomedical applications
FDCGAN: Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network Algorithm Based on Improved Fisher's Criterion
Authors: Qi Guanglei , Zhang Hao , Hou Xiaogang , Zheng Kaimei
Published: July 2022

A deep convolutional generative adversarial network algorithm based on improved Fisher's criterion (FDCGAN, deep convolutional generative adversarial network algorithm based on improved Fisher's criterion) is proposed to address the problem that the quality of generated images decreases dramatically when the training sample size is insufficient or the number of iterations decreases. The method adds a linear layer to the discriminative model, which extracts the category information. Fisher's constraint criterion is used in back propagation to combine label and category information. The weights are adjusted iteratively to minimize the error while keeping the intra-class distance small and inter-class distance large so that the weights can approach the optimal value more quickly. By comparing the experiments with the latest six different network models, the FDCGAN model achieves better results in all the FID metrics. In addition, the experimental results all achieve better results by applying the method to the current advanced models for generalization tests.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate suppresses GLUT activity through PP2A and counteracts hyperglycemia in diabetic red blood cells
Authors: Thomas Nadine , Wollnitzke Philipp , Ghaderi Shahrooz , Lipinski Karin von Wnuck , Wille Annalena , Nowak Melissa , Schröder Nathalie , Deister-Jonas Jennifer , Vogt Jens , Gräler Markus , Dannenberg Lisa , Kelm Malte , Keul Petra , Weske Sarah , Polzin Amin , Levkau Bodo
Published: July 2022

Membrane phospholipids affect GLUT function in RBC but the role of their large intercellular S1P pool is unknown. We show that altering S1P content by intervening in its precursor uptake, synthesis and efflux had major impacts on RBC glucose uptake and glycolysis. We identified the mechanism as direct activation of PP2A by S1P leading to cell-surface GLUT reduction. This mechanism was highly dynamic as it responded to metabolic cues from the environment by regulating intracellular S1P and thereby glucose uptake, hence counteracting pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes. Accordingly, RBC from hyperglycemic mice and humans with diabetes had higher S1P, Sphk1 and PP2A activities, and lower cell-surface GLUTs. Proof of concept is provided by the resistance of RBC lacking the main S1P exporter MFSD2B to pathological HbA1c increases in hyperglycemia. This mechanism may also be functional in other insulin-independent tissues and could be pharmacologically exploited by existing S1P homeostasis-modifying drugs.
Validation of in-situ ionospheric density using FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 IVM and ICON IVM
Authors: Choi Jong-Min , Lin Charles , Rajesh P. K. , Park Jaeheung , Kwak Young-Sil , Chen Shih-Ping , Lin Jia-Ting
Published: July 2022

We investigate the validation of in-situ ion density measurements by the ion velocity meter (IVM) onboard F7/C2 and ICON, respectively, during the solar minimum condition of December 2019 to November 2020. The diurnal variation in ion density measured by F7/C2 IVM is consistent with that of ICON IVM except for different magnitude in the December solstice. The distribution of the equatorial ion density from both satellites agrees with those observed by C/NOFS IVM satellite during the low solar activity period in 2008–2009 (Coley et al, 2010). The diurnal variation in the equatorial region did not show any effect by PRE during 2019–2020, except for observations taken at the ICON altitude during equinoxes. The plasma distributions at the low latitude depend on the season. The simultaneous observations from F7/C2 IVM and ICON IVM provide opportunities to study the spatial configuration and time evolution of ionospheric irregularity in the equatorial region and low latitude. The F7/C2 and ICON simultaneously observed the equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) occurring around Taiwan on 18 October 2020, and the observations are consistent with each other. The EPBs were also observed by an all-sky imager located in Taiwan for validation of the satellite observations.
Analysis of intermunicipal journeys for cardiac surgery in Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS): an approach based on network theory
Authors: Sousa Ludmilla Monfort Oliveira , Pereira Hernane Borges de Barros , de Araújo Edna Maria , Miranda José Garcia Vivas
Published: July 2022

Introduction: The transformation of data into information is important to support decision making and, thus, to induce improvements in healthcare services. The regionalized organization of healthcare systems is necessary to ensure the integrity of citizen care. From this perspective, the creation of mechanisms to guide and assess the behavior of a healthcare services network becomes necessary. However, these mechanisms must consider the interaction between different municipalities. The objective of this study is to apply network analysis as a supporting tool in the Brazilian Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) management.Methods: the stages of the proposed method are described and applied in a real situation, analyzing the intermunicipal interaction network for cardiovascular surgery in the municipality of Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil, from 2008 to 2020. The metrics analyzed were journeys indices, flow of patients and distance of the journeys, considering the journeys from and to the municipality in focus. Result: there was an increase of the incoming flow and in-degree indices combined with a decrease in outgoing flow, showing the growing importance of this municipality as a provider of these services. Conclusion: the method used in the study has potential to be adopted as a management tool to assess the behavior of the interactions network of the selected service, aiding the regionalized organization of the healthcare system.
Secondary Budd-Chiari syndrome occurred after adjuvant radiotherapy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Miura Yuya , Ashida Ryo , Saiga Atsushi , Sugiura Teiichi , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Yamada Mihoko , Otsuka Shimpei , Aramaki Takeshi , Sato Rui , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: July 2022

Background: Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare vascular disorder of the liver, and acute and secondary BCS is even rarer. Case presentation: A 62-year-old man with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma of Bismuth type IIIa underwent right hemi-hepatectomy with caudate lobectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was performed due to a positive hepatic ductal margin. Subsequently, the disease passed without recurrence. The patient visited for acute onset abdominal pain at the 32nd postoperative month. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) showed stenosis of the left hepatic vein (LHV) root, which was the irradiated field, and thrombotic occlusion of the LHV. The patient was diagnosed with acute BCS caused by adjuvant radiotherapy. Although anticoagulation therapy was performed, the patient complained of sudden upper abdominal pain again. MDCT showed an enlarged LHV thrombus and hepatomegaly. The patient was diagnosed with exacerbated acute BCS, and stenting for the stenotic LHV root was performed with a bare stent. Although stenting for the LHV root was very effective, restenosis occurred twice due to thrombus in the existing stent, so re-stenting was performed twice. The subsequent clinical course was acceptable without recurrence or restenosis of the LHV root as of six months after the last stenting using a stent graft.Conclusion: Although no case of BCS caused by radiotherapy has yet been reported, the present case showed that late side effect of radiotherapy can cause hepatic vein stenosis and secondary BCS.
Discovery of Molecular Properties of a Quinoline Derivative via Benchmarking DFT Methods with Respect to Functional and Basis Set
Authors: Sertbakan Tevfik Raci , Muz İskender , Kurban Mustafa
Published: July 2022

The energetic, reactivity and spectroscopic characteristics of 2-choloro-6,8-dimethylquinoline-3-carboxaldehyde (2C68DMQCALD) molecule have been performed using experimental and theoretical methodologies. The discovery of molecular properties of the molecule has been tested via benchmarking the performance of density functional theory with regard to various functionals and basis sets. For DFT calculations, optimized parameters are proposed for B3LYP, BVP86, B3PW91, PBEPBE and BLYP functionals and STO–3G, DGDZVP, 6–311G, 6–311 + G(2d) and 6–311 + G(d, p) basis sets. The performance of the different DFT methods is compared to experimental data to determine the best and worst combinations. The study demonstrates that B3LYP/6–311 + G(2d) performs better than the other combinations. The calculated parameters such as the bond lengths, total energies, binding energies, energy gaps, harmonic vibrational frequencies of the normal modes, FT-IR spectra, thermodynamic and reactivity properties are discussed for each functional and basis set. Finally, it can be concluded that the choice of appropriate functional and basis set is important to obtain highly accurate results when compared to experimental data.
Contrastive analysis of temperature and stress field distribution in cladding layer by Gaussian and Hollow-Ring laser modes
Authors: Zhu Gangxian , Li Guangqi , Wang Lifang , Shi Shihong
Published: July 2022

The Gaussian laser mode can be converted into a hollow-ring laser mode through beam conversion system, realizing the conversion of circular and solid spot into a hollow-ring spot, which changes the energy distribution form of the laser spot. In order to study effects of the Gaussian and hollow-ring laser modes on temperature and stress fields in cladding layers, the numerical simulation and experimental investigation were performed. The results showed that molten pool experienced once temperature peak and generated sharp temperature change under the Gaussian laser, while the molten pool experienced twice temperature peaks and temperature changed relatively gentle when used the hollow-ring laser. Comparing with the Gaussian laser, the maximum temperature gradient along the depth of cladding layer decreased by 72.3% from 1.79×106℃/m to 4.95×105℃/m and the maximum residual stress decreased from 272MPa to 251MPa under hollow-ring laser. Meanwhile, the simulation results were validated by experiments with the same process. Further more, the sample microstructure were studied from the experiment. The microstructure was finer and more uniform using hollow-ring laser. This paper can provide guidance and advantage for laser cladding and direct metal deposition based on the hollow-ring mode, and broad the application of laser field.
Multi-institutional Assessment of Pathologist scoring HER2 Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Robbins Charles , Fernandez Aileen , Han Gan , Wong Serena , Harigopal Malini , Podoll Mirna , Singh Kamaljeet , Ly Amy , Kuba Maria , Wen Hannah , Sanders Mary Ann , Brock Jane , Wei Shi , Fadare Oluwole , Hanley Krisztina , Jorns Julie , Snir Olivia , Yoon Esther , Rabe Kim , Soong T. , Reisenbichler Emily , Rimm David
Published: July 2022

The HercepTest was approved 20 + years ago as the companion diagnostic test for trastuzumab in HER2 amplified/overexpressing breast cancers. Subsequent HER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays followed, including the now most common Ventana 4B5 assay. While this IHC assay has become the clinical standard, its reliability, reproducibility, and accuracy have largely been approved and accepted based on concordance between small numbers of pathologists without validation in a real-world setting. In this study, we evaluate the concordance and inter-rater reliability of scoring HER2 IHC in 170 breast cancer biopsies by 18 breast cancer-specialized pathologists from 15 institutions. We used the ONEST (Observers Needed to Evaluate Subjective Tests) method to determine the plateau of concordance and the minimum number of pathologists needed to estimate inter-rater agreement values for large numbers of raters, as seen in the real-world setting. We report substantial discordance within the intermediate categories (< 1% agreement for 1 + and 3.6% agreement for 2+) in the four-category HER2 IHC scoring system. The discordance within the IHC 0 cases is also substantial with an overall percent agreement (OPA) of only 25% and poor inter-rater reliability metrics (0.49 Fleiss’ kappa, 0.55 intraclass correlation coefficient). This discordance can be partially reduced by using a three-category system (28.8% vs. 46.5% OPA for four and three-category scoring systems respectively). ONEST plots suggest that the OPA for the task of determining a HER2 IHC score 0 from not 0 plateaus statistically around 59.4% at 10 raters. Conversely, at the task of scoring HER2 IHC as 3 + or not 3 + pathologists’ concordance was much higher with an OPA that plateaus at 87.1% with 6 raters. This suggests that legacy HER2 IHC remains valuable for finding HER2 gene amplified patients, but unacceptably discordant in assigning HER2-low or negative status for emerging HER2-low therapies.
ID-RDRL: A Deep Reinforcement Learning-based Feature Selection Intrusion Detection Model
Authors: Ren Kezhou , Zeng Yifan , Cao Zhiqin , Zhang Yingchao
Published: July 2022

Network assaults pose significant security concerns to network services; hence, new technical solutions must be used to enhance the efficacy of intrusion detection systems. Existing approaches pay insufficient attention to data preparation and inadequately identify unknown network threats. This paper presents a network intrusion detection model (ID-RDRL) based on RFE feature extraction and reinforcement learning. ID-RDRL filters the optimum subset of features using the RFE feature selection technique, feeds them into a neural network to extract feature information and then trains a classifier using DRL to recognize network intrusions. We utilized CSE-CIC-IDS2018 as a dataset and conducted tests to evaluate the model's performance, which is comprised of a comprehensive collection of actual network traffic. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ID-RDRL model can select the optimal subset of features, remove approximately 80 percent of redundant features, and learn the selected features through DRL to enhance the IDS performance for network attack identification. In a complicated network environment, it has promising application potential in IDS.
Risk of Iatrogenic Pneumothorax based on Location of Transbronchial Biopsy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ishak Mina , Chakraborty Debarati , Kassirian Shayan , Dhaliwal Inderdeep , Mitchell Michael A.
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE: Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBB) is a commonly performed procedure to obtain parenchymal lung tissue during bronchoscopy. Pneumothorax is among the most common serious complications of TBB. The objective of this study was to assess whether location of TBB correlated with development of post-procedural pneumothorax. We also sought to identify additional risk factors associated with pneumothorax development.This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study. All TBB performed between 2010 to 2020 underwent subsequent chart review. The primary outcome was radiologist reported pneumothorax on post-procedure chest x-ray. Multivariable logistic regression model was created with included variables chosen a priori based on clinical significance.RESULTS: There were a total of 222 TBB performed that met inclusion criteria. Radiographic evidence of pneumothorax was reported in 38 patients (15.4%). Ten patients (4.1%) required a chest tube. In the multivariable analysis, risk of pneumothorax was significantly higher for biopsies obtained from the left upper lobe (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.3 –9.1). There was an increased risk of pneumothorax following TBB when obtained from the left upper lobe. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk and should consider alternative locations in patients with diffuse lung disease.
Effects of Subchronic aluminum exposure on learning, memory and neurotrophic factors in rats
Authors: Liu Wei , Liu Jiaxi , Gao Jie , Duan Xiaoxu , Zhang Lifeng
Published: July 2022

Aluminum (Al) is a neurotoxin that gradually accumulates in the brain in human life, resulting in oxidative brain injury related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other diseases. In this study, the learning and memory of rats exposed to different aluminum concentrations ( 0.0 g/L, 2.0 g/L, 4.0 g/L and 8.0 g/L) were studied, and the learning and memory of rats were observed by shuttle box experiment. With HE staining, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR, the morphology of nerve cells in the hippocampus of rat brain were observed, and the levels of activator protein-1 (AP-1) gene and protein, nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3(NT3), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene and protein level, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein level, etc. The experimental results showed that subchronic aluminum exposure damaged learning and memory in rats. The cognitive function damage in rats was more evident after increasing the aluminum intake dose. The more aluminum intake, the more pronounced the histological changes in the hippocampus will be. The expression level and protein content of neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus of rats showed a negative correlation with aluminum intake. In this experiment, we explored the mechanism of aluminum exposure in learning and memory disorders, and provided some data reference for further elucidation of the damage mechanism of aluminum on the nervous system and subsequent preventive measures.
Latifolin enhances both survival and cardiomyocyte differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on rat myocardial infarction model
Authors: Zhang Ni , Lai Xiaoxiao , Chen Lanying , Li Wenhong , Luo Yingying , Li An , Liu Ronghua , Meng Xiaowei
Published: July 2022

Background: Myocardial infarction caused abundant loss of cardiomyocytes and myocardium limited self-repair ability. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were a promising option for cardiomyocyte regeneration therapies. However, low cardiomyocyte differentiation efficiency and poor cell survival limit application in myocardial infarction. Here, our study aimed to promote the survival and cardiomyocyte differentiation of BM-MSCs by latifolin from Dalbergiae Odoriferae. Methods: In vitro, cell survival was measured by MTT and apoptosis assays. BM-MSCs morphological differentiation was observed under microscope and TEM. Cardiac-specific genes and proteins were measured by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining. In vivo, cardiac function was assessed by LDH and CK-MB and echocardiography. The gross morphology and TTC were used to assess the LV infarct size. Masson’s trichrome was used to detect the extent of fibrosis. Histopathological changes were observed by HE staining. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the survival and cardiomyocyte differentiation of BM-MSCs. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect macrophage CD68 and neutrophils MPO expression. The protein expression of IL-6, p-NF-κB, β-catenin and HIF-1αwere detected by Western Blot. Results: In vitro, latifolin increased BM-MSCs viability and decreased apoptosis. Both atrial particles and myofilaments were precisely observed in the cytoplasm under TEM. Latifolin increased the cardiac-specific mRNA and proteins. In vivo, latifolin promoted BM-MSCs to reduce myocardial enzyme and improve cardiac function. Moreover, latifolin promoted BM-MSCs to reduces myocardial infarction size, myocardial fibrosis size, histopathological changes and macrophage infiltration in myocardial tissue. At the same time, latifolin promoted survival and cardiomyocyte differentiation of BM-MSCs. Latifolin up-regulated the protein expression of β-catenin and down-regulated the protein expression of IL-6, p-NF-κB, HIF-1α. Conclusion: Latifolin enhanced the effect of BM-MSCs to cure MI by promoting survival and cardiomyocyte differentiation after transplant in myocardial tissue though HIF-1α/NF-κB/IL-6 pathway and HIF-1α/β-catenin pathway. Such pro-differentiation and pro-survival might be a potential strategy to increase their regenerative efficacy.
System Dynamics based Carbon Footprint Assessment of Industrial Water and Energy Use
Authors: Karamouz Mohammad , Zare Mohammadreza , Ebrahimi Elham
Published: July 2022

Investigating links between water, energy, and carbon emissions require more attention on the path towards economic prosperity. This study aims to develop a framework for modeling water-energy-carbon interdependencies by considering the nonlinear relationships in their dynamic feedback processes. The main contribution of this research is the quantification of industrial water use carbon footprint through the development of an Industrial Water-Energy-Carbon (I-WEC) nexus model. The I-WEC model has a scenario-driven approach. The GDP as a representative of economic growth is assessed. The proposed methodology is tested on the Netherlands' industrial sector as a pilot due to the relatively good data structure. The results, based on policy-based complementary scenarios, show a 3% increase in total water use by 2030. The energy use and carbon emissions will fall as much as 10% and 25% in that year, respectively. The industrial GDP share could be maintained with a 0.76% loss that is close to the 0.5% loss that was projected by authorities. This study presents a unique approach that can be used in the other regions.
Development and validation of a brief measure of pathological dissociation: Laddis/Kira Pathological Dissociation Scale: Initial Psychometrics
Authors: Kira Ibrahim A. , Laddis Andreas , Kate Mary-Anne
Published: July 2022

The study developed the Laddis/Kira screening nine-item measure for pathological dissociation on a longitudinal sample of 228. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis found a one-factor structure. The measure had a large correlation with another measure of dissociation establishing its convergent validity, and a negative correlation with the will to exist, live, and survive establishing its divergent validity. It has a large correlation with complex PTSD (CPTSD) and executive function deficits establishing its predictive and criterion validity. It had good reliability and test-retest stability. The measure associated significantly higher with CPTSD compared with the comparable measure of DES-B. The study provided initial evidence of the measure's robust psychometrics.
Inhibition of K63 ubiquitination by G-Protein pathway suppressor 2 (GPS2) regulates mitochondria-associated translation
Authors: Gao Yuan , Kwan Julian , Orofino Joseph , English Justin , Hekman Ryan , Lyons Shawn M. , Emili Andrew , Cardamone Maria Dafne , Perissi Valentina
Published: July 2022

G-Protein Pathway Suppressor 2 (GPS2) is an inhibitor of non-proteolytic K63 ubiquitination mediated by the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc13. Previous studies have associated GPS2-mediated restriction of ubiquitination with the regulation of insulin signaling, inflammatory responses and mitochondria-nuclear communication across different tissues and cell types. However, a detailed understanding of the targets of GPS2/Ubc13 activity is lacking. Here, we have dissected the GPS2-regulated K63 ubiquitome in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human breast cancer cells, unexpectedly finding an enrichment for proteins involved in RNA binding and translation on the outer mitochondrial membrane. Characterization of the RNA-binding protein PABPC1 as a target of GPS2-regulated ubiquitination within the mitochondrial compartment revealed a strategy for regulating the mitochondrial proteome via MUL1-mediated ubiquitination. Removal of GPS2-mediated inhibition, either via genetic deletion or stress-induced nuclear translocation, promotes the mitochondria-associated translation of selected mRNAs leading to increased expression of an adaptive antioxidant program. In light of GPS2 role in nuclear-mitochondria communication, these findings reveal an exquisite regulatory network for modulating mitochondrial gene expression through spatially coordinated transcription and translation.
Realization of optical logic gates using on-chip diffractive optical neural networks
Authors: ZAREI SANAZ , KHAVASI AMIN
Published: July 2022

Optical computing is highly desired as a potential strategy for circumventing the performance limitations of semiconductor-based electronic devices and circuits. Optical logic gates are considered as fundamental building blocks for optical computation and they enable logic functions to be performed extremely quickly without the generation of heat and crosstalk. Here, we discuss the design of a multi-functional optical logic gate based on an on-chip diffractive optical neural network that can perform AND, NOT and OR logic operations at the wavelength of 1.55µm. The wavelength-independent operation of the multi-functional logic gate at seven wavelengths (over a bandwidth of 60nm) is also studied which paves the way for wavelength division multiplexed parallel computation. This simple, highly-integrable, low-loss, energy-efficient and broadband optical logic gate provides a path for the development of high-speed on-chip nanophotonic processors for future optical computing applications.
Effects of short-term and perioperative antiviral therapy on prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mu Fan , Zhao Zhen , Xu Kun , Hu Liangshuo , Guo Kun , Shi Jianhua , Yu Liang , Lv Yi , Wang Bo
Published: July 2022

Background: Although the benefits of antiviral therapy against hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been proven, researchers have not confirmed the difference in outcomes among patients who receive short-term (at least 24 weeks) or perioperative antiviral therapy after liver hepatectomy for HBV-related HCC. Methods: A retrospective study of patients who underwent hepatectomy for HBV-related HCC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2016 to June 2019 was conducted. Considering the history of antiviral therapy, patients were divided into perioperative (control group, n=108) and short-term antiviral therapy groups (n=108). Results: Baseline clinical and laboratory tests and tumor characteristics were compared between the two groups. The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant difference in overall survival (P<0.0001) and disease-free survival (P=0.035) between the two groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that short-term antiviral treatment was independently related to enhanced survival outcome in OS (hazard ratio =0.27; 95% confidence interval= 0.08–0.88, P=0.030). Conclusions: In patients with HBV-related HCC, receiving short-term antiviral therapy for at least 24 weeks resulted in enhanced outcomes.
Mediterranean heat waves and wildfires of July-August 2021 in the southern part of Turkey
Authors: Acar Zahide , Gonencgil Barbaros , Halis Onur
Published: July 2022

Extreme weather events are experienced more frequently across the earth due to the effects of climate change. The high frequency of extreme weather events increases vulnerability in sensitive areas. In the Mediterranean Basin, which is one of the most sensitive areas, many countries have experienced wildfires in recent years. Turkey is one of the countries where forest fires occur frequently in the Mediterranean basin. Although the causes of the fire vary over the years, the problems caused by forest fires draw attention every year. Since 1990, there have been many forest fires across the country and the most areal losses caused by the Fires occurred in 1994, 2000 and 2008. The largest forest fires after these dates occurred in the summer of 2021.The area where Turkey is most sensitive to fire is the Mediterranean climate region. Most of the fires, especially in this area, occur in an unnatural way such as negligence-accident, unsolved and intentional. The control mechanism in the spatial expansion of fires mostly depends on atmospheric conditions. Within the scope of the study, it was aimed to draw attention to the atmospheric conditions during the period of wildfires in many parts of Turkey in the summer of 2021 for various reasons. According to the calculations, the air temperatures before the start of the fire in the provinces of Antalya and Muğla are above the long-term averages of the stations here. In addition, the effects of the heat wave were observed at many stations before the fire.
Substrate Effects on Spin Relaxation in Two-Dimensional Dirac Materials with Strong Spin-Orbit Coupling
Authors: Ping Yuan , Xu Junqing
Published: July 2022

Understanding substrate effects on spin dynamics and relaxation in two-dimensional (2D) materials
is of key importance for spintronics and quantum information applications. However, the key
factors that determine the substrate effect on spin relaxation, in particular for materials with strong
spin-orbit coupling, have not been well understood. Here we performed first-principles real-time
density-matrix dynamics simulations with spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and quantum descriptions of
electron-phonon and electron-impurity scattering for the spin lifetimes of supported/free-standing
germanene, a prototypical strong SOC 2D Dirac material. We show that the effects of different
substrates on spin lifetime can surprisingly differ by two orders of magnitude. We find that such
huge difference seems to be mostly caused by substrate-induced modifications of spin-flip scattering
matrix elements, in sharp contrast to the substrate effects on weak SOC materials like graphene.
Liver fibrosis indices predict length of hospitalization and mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients
Authors: Crudele Lucilla , Novielli Fabio , Petruzzelli Stefano , Battaglia Stefano , Giuliano Antonio , Melodia Rosa , Morano Chiara , Dell'Aquila Paola , Moretti Renata , Castorani Luigi , Salvia Roberto , Inglese Gianfranco , Susca Nicola , dell'Olio Lucrezia , Falcone Francesca , Castaldo Mariapaola , De Matteis Carlo , Moschetta Antonio
Published: July 2022

Background: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has challenged health systems under multiple aspects. The deep understanding of risk and prognostic factors for this disease may help not only in reducing severity and mortality but also in targeting therapies considering patients’ individual features. Liver Fibrosis is considered a complication in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), being a feature of steatohepatitis (NASH), and it had already been related to an increased risk for a wide range of diseases. Methods: Here, we analysed a sample of 271 patients with moderate-to-severe SARS-CoV-2-related respiratory failure, hospitalized in a sub-intensive care Unit, with the aim of unveiling if any condition may predict their prognosis and mortality. Results: We found that non-invasive scores of liver fibrosis such as AAR, FIB-4 and mFIB-4, Forns, and AARPRI strongly predict not only in-hospital mortality but also the length of hospitalization and the eventual admission to intensive care units. Conclusions: Thus, pre-existing liver metabolic disease is a net predictor of poor prognosis in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients admitted to Sub-Intensive Care Unit.
The proposal of boundary setting for the posterior to level V region and the theoretical feasibility of prophylactic irradiation dose reduction of level Va in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective study in a single-center
Authors: Jiang Chaoyang , Li Xiaokai , Zhang Ling , Gong Baolin , Gao Hui , Li Zhihui , Zhang Tao , Wang Juan
Published: July 2022

Background: The lymph node involvement in the posterior to level V (PLV) region is mainly observed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Recently, we have reported the distribution of metastatic lymph nodes in the PLV region and there are correlations between the neck node levels (NNL) of NPC, but what is the boundary of the PLV region and how to delineate it remains unclear, and we further to elaborate whether the bilateral level Va should be covered as intermediate-risk clinical target volumes (CTVn2, about 60 Gy equivalent) for all T and N categories based on these correlations.Methods: A total of 1021 consecutive NPC patients with N1-3 stage from January 2012 to December 2020 were reviewed. The lymph node metastasis level of each patient was evaluated according to the updated guidelines proposed in 2013. According to the distribution pattern of lymph node metastasis and the anatomical structure in the PLV region, the boundaries of PLV region was delineated, and whether it is appropriate to cover the bilateral level Va as CTVn2 for all the NPC patients was further discussed.Results: The cranial boundary of PLV region is the caudal border of cricoid cartilage, the caudal boundary is the plane serratus anterior muscle begins to appear, the anterior boundary is the anterior border of trapezius, and the posterior boundary is the convergence of levator scapulae and trapezius. Laterally, the PLV region is limited by the medial edge of trapezius and medially by the lateral surface of levator scapulae. The nodal spread in level Va is based on the lymph node metastasis of level IIb in NPC.Conclusions: The PLV region is a missing NNL of head and neck tumors, especially in NPC. The proposed boundaries of the PLV region can provide a preliminary proposal for the further revision of NNL in head and neck tumors. It is theoretically feasible to reduce the prophylactic irradiation dose of the bilateral level Va in patients with N0 stage or with isolated metastases in level VIIa.
A novel regulatory loop FBXW7/MAP4 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression via ERK phosphorylation
Authors: Pan Yunzhi , Yu Jing , Guo Yuqing , Gao Yingyin , Wang Changxing , Liang Zhipan , Wu Meiying , Li Yinyan , Shen Jingyi , Lu Chenchen , Ma Sai
Published: July 2022

Background:
Increasing evidence suggests that FBXW7 has a high frequency of mutations in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the function of FBXW7, especially the mutations, is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the functional significance of FBXW7 loss of function and underlying mechanism in ESCC.
Methods:
Immunofluorescence was applied to clarify the localization and main isoform of FBXW7 in ESCC cells. Sanger sequencing were performed to explore the mutation of FBXW7 in ESCC tissues. Proliferation, colony and invasion assay were performed to examine the functional roles of FBXW7 in ESCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Real-time RT-PCR, immunoblotting, GST-pulldown, LC-MS/MS and co-immunoprecipitation assay were used to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the actions of FBXW7 functional inactivation in ESCC cells. Immunohistochemical staining were used to explore the expression of FBXW7 and MAP4 in ESCC tissues.
Results:
The main FBXW7 isoform in ESCC cells was the β transcript in the cytoplasm. Functional inactivation of FBXW7 led to activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and upregulation of the downstream MMP3 and VEGFA, which enhanced tumor proliferation and cell invasion. Among the five mutation forms screened, S327X (X means truncated mutation) had an effect similar to the FBXW7 deficiency and led to the inactivation of FBXW7 in ESCC cells. Three other point mutations, S382F, D400N and R425C, attenuated but did not eliminate FBXW7 function. The other truncating mutation, S598X, which is located outside of the WD40 domain, did not reveal the function of FBXW7. Notably, MAP4 was identified as a potential target of FBXW7. The No. 521 tyrosine residue of MPA4, which was phosphorylated by CHEK1, played a key role in the FBXW7-related degradation system. MAP4 also inhibited the protein level of FBXW7 by enhancing the expression of phosphorylated ERK. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that FBXW7 loss of function was associated with tumor stage and shorter survival of patients with ESCC. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses showed that high FBXW7 and low MAP4 was an independent prognostic indicator and prospective longer survival. Moreover, a combination regimen that included MK-8353 to inhibit the phosphorylation of ERK and bevacizumab to inhibit VEGFA produced potent inhibitory effects on the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo.
Conclusions:
This study provided evidence that FBXW7 loss of function promoted ESCC via MAP4 overexpression and ERK phosphorylation, and this novel FBXW7/MAP4/ERK axis may be an efficient target for ESCC treatment.
Roll stamped Ni/MWCNT composites for highly reliable cellulose paper-based strain sensor
Authors: Qi Xue , Matteini Paolo , Hwang Byungil , Lim Sooman
Published: July 2022

Printing technology for electronic devices has received significant attention owing to its fast and massive productivity under ambient conditions. In this study, a facile approach was proposed for manufacturing cellulose paper-based strain sensors with Ni/ multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) composites using roll stamping technology. This process enables fabrication of stable sensing structures owing to the formation of stable Ni core enveloping structures in the MWCNT interlacing network. In particular, the rheological properties of the composites revealed shear thinning and thixotropic behaviors, which resulted in fine printing of the sensing electrodes. Furthermore, the shape of the printed patterns, impacted by the pattern morphology, significantly influenced the strain-sensing performance. In particular, the Ni/MWCNT composite-based strain sensor exhibited higher gauge factor of 13.9 with high sensing recovery of 90.4% and stability for 23,500 bending cycles test.