bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) to Evaluate Melanoma Prediction Studies
Authors: Kaiser Isabelle , Mathes Sonja , Pfahlberg Annette B. , Uter Wolfgang , Berking Carola , Heppt Markus V. , Steeb Theresa , Diehl Katharina , Gefeller Olaf
Published: May 2022

Rising incidences of cutaneous melanoma have fueled the development of statistical models that predict the individual melanoma risk. Our aim was to assess the validity of published prediction models for incident cutaneous melanoma using a standardized procedure based on PROBAST (Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool). We included studies that were identified by a recent systematic review and updated the literature search to ensure that our PROBAST rating included all relevant studies. Six reviewers assessed the risk of bias (ROB) for each study using the published “PROBAST Assessment Form” that consists of four domains and an overall rating of ROB. We further examined a temporal effect regarding changes in overall and domain-specific ROB rating distributions. Altogether 42 studies were assessed, of which a vast majority (n=34; 81%) was rated as having high ROB. Only one study was judged as having low ROB. The main reasons for high ROB ratings were the use of hospital controls in case-control studies and the omission of any validation of prediction models. However, our results of the temporal analysis showed a significant reduction in the number of studies with high ROB for the domain analysis. Nevertheless, the evidence base of high-quality studies that can be used to draw conclusions on the prediction of incident cutaneous melanoma is currently much weaker than the high number of studies on this topic would suggest.
Particle-based Imaging Tools Revealing Water Flows in Maize Nodal Vascular Plexus
Authors: Zubairova Ulyana S. , Kravtsova Aleksandra Yu. , Romashchenko Aleksandr V. , Pushkareva Anastasiia A. , Doroshkov Alexey V.
Published: May 2022

In plants, water flows are the major driving force behind the growth and play a crucial role in the life cycle. To study hydrodynamics, methods based on tracking small particles inside water flows occupy a special place. Due to these tools, it is possible to get information about the dynamics of the spatial distribution of the fluxes characteristics. In this paper, using contrast-enhanced MRI, we have shown that gadolinium chelate, used as an MRI contrast agent, marks the structural characteristics of xylem bundles of maize stem nodes and internodes. Supplementing MRI data, a high-precision visualization of xylem vessels by laser scanning microscopy was used to reveal structural and dimensional characteristics of the stem vascular system. In addition, we proposed the concept of using the prototype "Y-type xylem vascular bundles" as a model of the elementary connection of vessels within the vascular system. A Reynolds number can match the microchannel model with the real xylem vessels.
Design of New Potent and Selective Thiophene-based KV1.3 Inhibitors and their Potential for Anticancer Activity
Authors: Gubič Špela , Hendrickx Louise Antonia , Shi Xiaoyi , Toplak Žan , Možina Štefan , Theemsche Kenny M. Van , Pinheiro-Junior Ernesto Lopes , Peigneur Steve , Labro Alain J. , Pardo Luis A. , Tytgat Jan , Tomašič Tihomir , Mašič Lucija Peterlin
Published: May 2022

The voltage-gated potassium channel KV1.3 has been recognized as a tumor marker and represents a promising new target for the discovery of new anticancer drugs. We designed a novel structural class of KV1.3 inhibitors through structural optimization of benzamide-based hit compounds and structure-activity relationship studies. The potency, and selectivity of the new KV1.3 inhibitors were investigated using whole-cell patch- and voltage-clamp experiments. 2D and 3D cell models were used to determine antiproliferative activity. Structural optimization resulted in the most potent and selective KV1.3 inhibitor 44 in the series with an IC50 value of 470 nM in oocytes and 950 nM in Ltk cells. Kv1.3 inhibitor 4 induced significant apoptosis in Colo-357 spheroids, while 14, 37, 43, and 44 significantly inhibited Panc-1 proliferation.
Integrated Microbial Fuel Cells with Chemical Coagulation Technique for Advanced Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Shabangu Khaya Pearlman , Bakare Babatunde Femi , Bwapwa Joseph Kapuku
Published: May 2022

This study develops into the application of a combined MFC unit with chemical coagulation for total treatment of inert contaminants in complex substrates. Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology converts chemical energy in the form of organic matter, into bioelectricity in an environmentally friendly and effi-cient manner, reducing carbon emissions and increasing bioenergy production. An evaluation of a la-boratory scale chemical coagulation using an aluminum and poly-based coagulant on how effective it can remove bulk impurities such as particulate COD and turbidity to obtain the purest and most cost-effectively treated wastewater using a jar test is being conducted in this current study. This study aims to find the most effective treatment technologies for wastewater recovery in breweries in order to achieve zero liquid effluent discharge (ZLED). The preliminary results showed that adding a modest amount of poly and a 50 % alum alone treatment improved COD, color, and turbidity reduction. The turbidity removal efficiency achieved after chemical coagulation treatment was 90.50 % and 59.36 % COD removal, demonstrating the benefits of adopting an alum/poly based technique. To determine ZLED, this study clearly advised a combined treatment technique, specifically the MFC-flocculator unit for efficient organics and inorganics removal.
IMMUNE RESPONSE ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF RECOMBINANT PROTEIN ANTIBODIES AG-38 KDA MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS AND RIFAMPICIN EX-VIVO.
Authors: Mardining Raras Tri Yudhani , Fahrinda, Almira , Yuliati Yuliati , Yuni Nurhidayati Dwi , Sujuti Hidayat , Reto Prawiro Sumarno
Published: May 2022

Background: Development a granuloma model resembling latent tuberculosis in vitro is needed with a fast and efficient time to be used as an effective therapy. This study aimed to form efficient granulomas, increase cellular immunity and humoral immunity, and evaluate growth on media using recombinant protein antibody Ag38kDa, Rifampicin, and a combination of both. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) in vitro is derived from a healthy individual separated from monocytes and lymphocytes. Materials and methods: Monocytes are matured into macrophages and then combined macrophages and lymphocytes to the Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium. Flow cytometry analysis was used to count the number of cells, and cytokine levels were measured using ELISA. The result from the treatment was planted on the Lowenstein-Jensen medium. Results: Granulomas-like aggregates was formed after one-day post-infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). A significant increase in immune response occurred in the number of macrophages, Th1, and Tregs in the combination group compared to the Mtb infection group. The number of Th2 and Th17 cells in the combination group was compared with the control but not significantly. TNF-α cytokine levels increased in the combination group compared to Mtb infection, while in IL-4, we found between all groups, there was no significant difference. Bacterial colonies on culture in the Lowenstein-Jensen medium were only seen in positive controls. Conclusion: Our study concluded that administration of a combination between Ag38kDa recombinant antibody and rifampicin could inhibit granuloma formation and enhance immune response.
Optimization of Well Layout for Gas Production from Hydrate Dissociation by Using Dual Horizontal Wells
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Bisheng , Zhang Zongfeng , Nie Yuanxun , Zhang Haitao , Wang Guangjin
Published: May 2022

Natural gas hydrate (NGH) has received increasing attention for being an abundant source of clean methane production and enhancing its productivity is one of the most important issues to be solved for commercialization exploitation. In this work, the commercial package HYDRATE V1.5 is used to simulate hydrate dissociation by depressurization method from an NGH reservoir by using dual horizontally parallel wells (DHPWs). The effect of a few factors, such as well layout and different well separations (WSs) on the production performance (i.e., rate and mass of the total gas released in the reservoir, gas and water production from the well, gas and hydrate saturations, and pressure distribution), is investigated. It is found that, compared to single-well case, the dual horizontal wells with vertical layout do not increase the hydrate dissociation rate and thus are not recommended for well layout. The arrival time for reaching the first and second peaks of the gas release rate in the reservoir is mainly related to the distance between the well and NGH layer boundary, dwb (i.e., the larger dwb, the larger arrival time). Compared to the single well, the dual wells with horizontal layout could increases the gas production by one time when the well works individually. In addition, the optimal WS exists for the dual wells with horizontal layout. If the WS is too small, the two wells work like a single well after some time in terms of working efficiency. Overall, the larger the WS, the larger the rate and mass of gas released in the reservoir. Among the cases studied in which the thickness of the NGH layer LH ranges from 22 to 120 m, horizontal layout with WS between 60 and 120 m is a potentially good option for dual-well production. This is due to the following two reasons. First, given the number of wells is fixed, when the WS is larger (say 120 m or above), the mass of gas released is larger than that in the case with smaller WS (say 60, 80, or 100 m), but the difference is very small. Second, for a given NGH reservoir with finite width, smaller WS means that more wells are allowed to be drilled, thus potentially enhancing the gas productivity.
Neuronal DSCAM regulates the peri-synaptic localization of GLAST in Bergmann Glia for the functional synapse formation
Authors: Dewa Kenichi , Arimura Nariko , Kakegawa Wataru , Itoh Masayuki , Miyashita Satoshi , Taya Shinichiro , Miyazaki Taisuke , Usui Chika , Tatsumoto Shoji , Tsuzuki Akiko , Uetake Hirotomo , Sakai Kazuhisa , Inoue Yukiko , Yamakawa Kazuhiro , Kawaguchi Yoshiya , Sone Masaki , Inoue Takayoshi , Go Yasuhiro , Ichinohe Noritaka , Kaibuchi Kozo , Watanabe Masahiko , Koizumi Schuichi , Yuzaki Michisuke , Hoshino Mikio
Published: May 2022

Synapse formation and functioning are vital for neural network development. Astrocytes ensheathing synapses enable appropriate synapse functioning through glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft; however, it remains unclear how astrocytic glutamate transporter proteins function at peri-synaptic contact. Here, we report that down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) in Purkinje cells controls climbing fiber (CF) synaptogenesis in the developing cerebellum. Dscam-mutant mice mimicked loss-of-function mutations in the astrocytic glutamate transporter GLAST expressed in Bergmann glia. These mice showed impaired glutamate clearance by the delocalization of GLAST, which complexed with the extracellular domain of DSCAM. Riluzole-induced reduction of free glutamate at the synaptic cleft rescued the impairment of CF synapse formation in Purkinje cell-selective Dscam-deficient mice. DSCAM was required for motor learning, but not gross motor coordination. In conclusion, the intercellular association of synaptic and astrocyte proteins in the tripartite synapse is critical for synapse formation and functioning in neural transmission.
Colonial waterbirds provide persistent subsides to swamp forests along an estuarine island food chain
Authors: Silva Felipe Caseiro , Faria Fernando Azevedo , Barreto Cindy Tavares , Fernandez Cínthia Negrine , Bugoni Leandro
Published: May 2022

Due to their high mobility, large vertebrates are efficient carriers of allochthonous matter and energy. Waterbirds congregate in breeding colonies, while feed in surrounding aquatic and terrestrial areas, promoting nutritional pulses to nutrient-poor environments. In southern Brazil, a swamp forest on an estuarine island is used by waterbirds for breeding. Aiming to investigate the potential effects of transport of matter between symmetrically rich environments, soil, plants, invertebrates, and terrestrial bird blood were collected and stable isotopes compared to similar organisms in a control area. Generalized linear models indicated that δ 15 N and δ 13 C values show positive effects when compared to the control area (spatial effect). The enrichment provided during the active colony period persists, well after the breeding period, especially for δ 15 N which was higher in all compartments (temporal effect). Moreover, the enrichment of δ 15 N occurred along the entire trophic chain (vertical effect) in the colony environment, including different guilds of invertebrates and land birds. For δ 13 C, the enrichment seems to lose strength, and factors such as trophic guild are shown to have greater explicability on values than site, especially in birds. Bayesian mixture models with terrestrial vs. estuarine endpoints demonstrated that all organisms from both colony and control environments had assimilated estuarine matter. Detritivorous invertebrates showed greater assimilation when compared to other guilds. This study demonstrates that symetrically nutrient-rich environments, such as palustrine forests and estuaries, benefit from nearby allochtonous subsidies, and are nutritionally enriched in several dimensions.
Middle Mesial Canals Prevalence percentage and Its Configuration type Among Some Egyptian Population by CBCT
Authors: Rokaya Mohammed E. , Kamel Wael Hussein , Hassan Khalid S
Published: May 2022

Background: An untreated root canal is one of the main causes of failure in endodontics. The aims of this study were to detect the middle mesial canals (MMCs) prevalence in mandibular 1st molars, its configuration type, and its percentage of incidence with age by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) analysis.Methods: CBCT scan of 1650 patients were observed between January 2021 to February 2022 were collected using the CBCT imaging system from the database of the department of oral radiology, faculty of dental medicine, Al-Azhar university - Assiut branch. CBCT scan images were analyzed by Sidexis software. CBCT images were examined to detect the following: (1) The percentage of incidence frequency of the MMCs, (2) MMCs classification, and (3) Frequency of occurrence of MMCs according to age. Results: The incidence frequency percentage of the presence of MMCs among the Egyptian population was 10.79 % (208/1926) with no statistically significant due to gender, While MMCs configuration types showed 77% (160/208) confluent anatomy merging with either the mesio buccal or mesio lingual canals, 16.3% (34/208) fin anatomy and only 6.7% (14/208) showed independent MMCs with separate orifices and apical foramen. lastly the incidence frequency percentage of the presence of MMCs decreases with age. Conclusions: The MMCs prevalence in mandibular 1st molars among some Egyptian population was 10.79 %, and CBCT scan is helpful way to detect the presence of MMCs.
Positive lymph nodes predict distant metastasis of salivary duct carcinoma after postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Yan Wenbin , Ou Xiaomin , shen chunying , Hu Chaosu
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a high-grade subtype of salivary gland malignancy. Distant metastasis was the common pattern of failure for patients receiving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. We are aimed to analyze the prognostic value of positive lymph nodes for distant metastasis in the SDC following postoperative radiotherapy. Patients and Methods: We reviewed the data of patients with SDC receiving surgical resection and radiotherapy. The univariate analysis was conducted using Log-rank method for the clinicopathological features with distant-metastasis-free survival (DMFS). The multivariable analysis was performed by Cox regression hazards method. A risk stratification model was established by the score calculated with the variables qualified by multivariate P<0.05. Results: 91 patients were enrolled, and the median age at diagnosis was 58.5 years. 53.8%(n=49) of the patients appeared with the involvement of neck lymph nodes after surgery. The advanced T stage (95% CI 1.325-5.38; P=0.006), number of positive lymph nodes (PLN≥8) (95% CI 1.241-6.58; P =0.013), and peripheral invasion (PNI) (95% CI 1.059-4.65; P=0.034) were significantly associated with DMFS for the SDC in the multivariate analysis. Patients were divided into two subgroups based on the risk factors, while significant differences of DMFS and OS were observed between the risk cohorts (5-year DMFS:35% vs.64.4%, P=0.0001; 5-year OS:53.6% vs.70.4%; P=0.048). Conclusion: Higher number of positive lymph nodes was associated with worse DMFS in SDC following PORT. The patients at high risk appeared with significantly poor DMFS and survival, and clinical trials on adjuvant therapy are warranted for this subgroup.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori enrichment in adenoma on clinical and pathological features of colorectal adenoma
Authors: Zhuang Zhaomeng , Bingwu Yu , Yiguang Zhang , Lv Bin
Published: May 2022

Objective To observe the enrichment of Helicobacter pylori in adenoma tissues of patients with colorectal adenoma and analyze its effect on the clinical and pathological features of colorectal adenoma. Methods The data of 1622 cases of gastrointestinal endoscopy in the Endoscopy Center of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively collected. The general data, gastric Hp infection, clinical and pathological features of colorectal adenoma, special staining of Hp methylblue in adenoma, and immunohistochemical staining of Hp in adenoma were compared between colorectal adenoma group (743 cases) and control group (879 cases). Results There were 361 cases (48.59%) of gastric Hp positive in colorectal adenoma group and 331 cases (37.66%) of gastric Hp positive in control group. The difference was significant (P < 0.001). Found that gastric Hp infection significantly increased the risk of Hp enrichment in colorectal adenoma tissues (OR: 28.449; 95% CI: 18.188 – 44.500; P < 0.001). Hp enrichment in colorectal adenomas was also found to be a contributing factor for positive events in terms of adenoma diameter, adenoma pathological type, and adenoma malignancy (OR: 3.536; 3.652; 2.833; P < 0.001 for all). Conclusion There is a positive correlation between gastric Hp infection and intestinal Hp enrichment. Intestinal Hp enrichment has a statistically significant effect on the clinical and pathological features of colorectal adenoma.
Foot orthoses for flexible flatfeet in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of patient-reported outcome measures
Authors: Oerlemans Leonoor N.T. , Peeters Charles M.M. , Munnik-Hagewoud Roelina , Nijholt Ingrid M. , Witlox Adhiambo M. , Verheyen Cees C.P.M.
Published: May 2022

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides an overview of the effectiveness of orthoses for flexible flatfeet in terms of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in children and adults. Methods: Electronic databases were searched for studies comparing PROMs at baseline and follow-up in an orthoses versus control group. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed and a meta-analysis was performed if there were multiple studies with the same PROM.Results: Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in children (N=353) and four RCTs and one prospective study in adults (N=268) were included. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies. A meta-analysis demonstrated that pain reduction between baseline and follow-up was significantly larger in the orthoses (N=167) than in the control groups in adults (N=157; p=0.05). Conclusion: Due to heterogeneity in study designs we cannot conclude that foot orthoses are useful for flexible flatfoot in children and adults. However, based on the meta-analysis orthoses might be useful in decreasing pain in adults.
Age-specific risk factors for the prediction of obesity using a machine learning approach
Authors: Jeon Junhwi , Lee Sunmi , Oh Chunyoung
Published: May 2022

Machine Learning is a powerful tool to discover hidden features in various data driven research fields. Obesity involves extremely complex factors, such as biological, physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. A machine learning framework can provide a successful approach to revealing essential risk factors of the complex obesity phenomenon. Over the last two decades, the obesity population (BMI of above 23) in Korea has been rapidly growing. In this work, we assess obesity prediction by utilizing eight Machine Learning algorithms, and identify risk factors of obesity based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data 2016-2019. We explore age-specific and gender-specific risk factors of obesity for adults (19-79 years old). Our findings show that the risk factors for obesity are sensitive to age and gender under different Machine Learning algorithms. Both male and female 19-39 age groups show the highest performance of over 70% accuracy and ROC while the 60-79 group shows around 65% accuracy and ROC. Both male and female 40-59 age groups achieved the highest performance of over 70% in ROC, but the female achieved lower 70% in accuracy. Our results highlight that the top four significant features in all age gender groups for prediciting obesity are Triglyceride, ALT(SGPT), Glycated hemoglobin, and urine acid. For the accuracy ratio of the classifiers and age groups, there is no big difference in accuracy when the number of features is more than six, except the accuracy ratio decreased in the female 19-39 age group.
Lattice O–O ligands triggered Fe activation for superior oxygen-evolving electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Liming , Shi Guoshuai , Li Jili , Yang Chunlei , Gu Huoliang , Tong Haonan , Zhao Siwen , Zhu Chenyuan , Shen Yuluo , Wu Jing , Li Jiong , Zhang Shuo , Shi Jueli , Zhang Kelvin H.L. , Li Yefei , Liu Zhipan
Published: May 2022

Understanding the structural dynamics of ligands and its interplay with the turnover rate of catalytic centers under reaction conditions are challenging but crucial regarding catalyst design. Here, an in-situ phase conversion of Ni-Fe hydroxide to a stable superoxo-hydroxide, with the formation of lattice O–O (Olatt–Olatt) ligands, was unveiled via operando 18O-labeling spectroelectrochemistry and machine-learning global optimization. By correlating the intrinsic activity of Fe with the ability of Olatt–Olatt formation in a series of Fe-incorporated transition-metal oxides/hydroxides, we disclose an Olatt–Olatt triggered Fe activation for oxygen-evolving electrocatalysis, which is further proved by first-principles calculations. The oxygen production follows an adsorbate evolution mechanism and the fast kinetics is attributed to diminished Fe–OH bonds in the presence of Olatt–Olatt. This work guides the rational design of high-performance Fe-incorporated electrocatalysts, and highlights the paramount role of ligands dynamic restructuring in awakening catalytic centers.
Synthesis of Mesoscale Ordered Two-dimensional Hydrogen-Bond Organic Framework with the Observation of Flat Band
Authors: Pan Minghu , Zhang Xin , Zhou Yinong , Wang Pengdong , Bian Qi , Liu Hang , Wang Xingyue , Li Xiaoyin , Chen Aixi , Lei Xiaoxu , Li Shaojian , Cheng Zhengwang , Shao Zhibin , Ding Haoquan , Gao Jianzhi , Li Fangsen , Liu Feng
Published: May 2022

Flat bands (FBs), presenting a strongly interacting quantum system have drawn increasing interest recently, as partly reflected by its discovery in twisted bilayer graphene in association with superconductivity. However, experimental realization of topological FBs has been hampered by lacking FB materials, and especially remained elusive in the ideal platform of monolayer materials where they arise from destructive quantum interference as predicted in 2D lattice models. Here, we report experimental synthesis of mesoscale ordered self-assembled monolayer of 2D hydrogen-bond (H-bond) organic frameworks (HOFs) of 1,3,5-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzene (THPB) on Au(111) surface and the observation of related topological FB. Its formation, atomic and electronic structures have been characterized with a suite of experimental and theoretical techniques in excellent agreement. High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) shows mesoscale, highly-ordered and uniform THPB-HOF domains, while angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) highlights a FB over the whole Brillouin zone (BZ). Density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations and analyses reveal that the observed topological FB arises from a hidden electronic breathing-Kagome lattice without atomically breathing bonds. Our findings demonstrate that self-assembly of HOFs provides a viable approach for synthesis of 2D organic topological materials, paving the way to explore many-body quantum states of topological FBs.
Nitrate and/or oils supplementation to diets with different roughage: concentrate ratios on in vitro some rumen parameters and protozoa population
Authors: OLOMONCHI Euloge O.A. , GARIPOGLU Ali V.
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of nitrate and/or oils supplementation alone or in combination to diets with different roughage: concentrate ratios on in vitro methane (CH4) production, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and ammonia (NH3) concentrations, pH, and protozoa population. The experimental treatments comprised iso-nitrogenous total mixed rations based on forage with roughage to concentrate ratio of 40R:60C (High concentrate) or 60R:40C (High roughage) supplemented with 2 sources of nitrogen (sodium nitrate (NO3-: 45.94 g/kg DM) or urea (16.45 g/kg DM for control group) and 3 oil sources ((feed-derived oil (FDO: with no oil addition), hazelnut oil (HO: 36.58 g/kg DM) or soybean oil (SO: 36.58 g/kg DM)). For this purpose, 2 x 2 x 3 factorial design in 12 groups were used. The treatments were as follows: 40R:60C + Urea (Control) + FDO, 40R:60C + NO3- + FDO, 40R:60C + Urea (Control) + HO, 40R:60C + Urea (Control) + SO, 40R:60C + NO3- + HO, 40R:60C + NO3- + SO, 60R:40C + Urea (Control) + FDO, 60R:40C + NO3- + FDO, 60R:40C + Urea (Control) + HO, 60R:40C + Urea (Control) + SO, 60R:40C + NO3- + HO, 60R:60C + NO3- + SO. Then, the effect of nitrate, oils (O), roughage:concentrate ratio, and the combined effect of nitrate and oil associated with roughage:concentrate on in vitro methane production, VFA and NH3 concentrations, pH, and protozoa population were evaluated. In this study, while NO3-, O, 40R:60C x NO3-, 40R:60C x O, 40R:60C x NO3- x O, 60R:40C x NO3- 60R:40C x O, 60R:40C x NO3- x O (p<0.01) decreased in vitro CH4, protozoa population, ammonia (NH3) concentration, acetic acid, total VFA, acetic acid: propionic acid ratio and pH, they increased butyric acid and propionic acid concentrations. Furthermore, in vitro CH4 production (12.44 vs 9.09 ml), NH3 (8.23 vs 7.37 mmol/l), propionic acid (19.14 vs 17.93 mmol/l), butyric acid (15.50 vs 14.50 mmol/l), total VFA (86.46 vs 85.66 mmol/l), protozoa population (32.16 vs 26.96 x104 ml.) were high in the 40R:60C treatment (high concentrate). Although, 40R:60C x NO3- x SO, 60R:40C x NO3- x SO, and SO decreased more acetic acid concentration, protozoa population, and thus in vitro CH4 production than other groups.
In‐silico calibration of intracranial aneurysm thrombosis models based on clinical data
Authors: Liu Qiongyao , Foroushani Ali Sarrami , Wang Yongxing , Macraild Michael , Kelly Christopher , Ravikumar Nishant , Taylor Zeike A. , Patankar Tufail , Lassila Toni , Frangi Alejandro F.
Published: May 2022

How common is spontaneous thrombosis (ST) formation in intracranial aneurysms (IAs); and how ST differs in normo- and hypertensive conditions? We address the former question by a thorough analysis of published datasets to identify the incidence of ST across different patients and demographics. Based on the statistical ST incidence in large and giant (LG) aneurysms (>10 mm), we perform an in-silico observational study in 89 virtual patients to calibrate two trigger thresholds, residence time (RT) and shear rate (SR). We then address the second question by using a calibrated thrombosis model to study the effects of hypertension on thrombus formation. According to our statistical analysis, the clinical ST (partial or complete) incidence for LG IAs is 40.67% (85/290) ±5.59%, with 90% confidence. The accuracy of our calibrated model in predicting ST is 75.8% by comparison with 62 documented clinical cases. Our model predicts a lower ST incidence in hypertensive patients due to the smaller maximum RT in the aneurysm sac caused by hypertension. This study not only collates ST literature and improves our clotting model by providing more accurate threshold parameters, but also reveals that ST may be less common in hypertensive patients.
Gully erosion susceptibility assessment using machine learning techniques, Shazand watershed, Iran
Authors: Mohammady Majid , Davudirad Aliakbar
Published: May 2022

Soil, as a valuable natural resource, provides a large number of services and plays an important role in the environment and world economy. Soil degradation and erosion reduce the quality and quantity the soil and are important natural and anthropogenic processes that affect many countries. Water erosion is the most common type of soil degradation in the world and Asia has about fifty percent of the total water erosion area of the world. Gullies are a typical erosion type and gully formation is an important process of soil erosion and degradation in semi-arid and arid areas, especially areas impacted by human activities and land uses. Because of arid and semi-arid climate, piping and gully erosion is an active phenomenon in the agricultural lands, bare land and rangeland areas of the Shazand watershed, Markazi Province, central Iran. The goal of this research was to identify the priority conditioning factors of gully erosion, map the susceptibility of the Shazand watershed to gully erosion and compare some of the applied machine learning techniques based on their accuracy. Prioritization of conditioning factors using a random forest (RF) algorithm demonstrated that distance from the roads, altitude, and rainfall have the greatest impact on gully occurrence in the Shazand watershed. The RF, boosted regression tree (BRT), functional discriminant analysis (FDA), generalized linear model (GLM), and mixture discriminant analysis (MDA) algorithms were applied to create gully erosion susceptibility maps in the study area. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) performance metrics were used to validate susceptibility maps. The AUC values of 0.850, 0.831, 0.760, 0.751, and 0.758 were achieved for the RF, BRT, FDA, GLM, and MDA algorithms, respectively. Due to the negative and destructive effects of gully erosion, its management and control is a critical component in the management of natural resources and land uses. The susceptibility maps of gully erosion prepared in this study are a substantial information resource for decision makers, planners, and engineers concerned with human impacts on natural resources and land uses. The areas identified with high and very high erosion susceptibility in the Shazand watershed need more care to mitigate the consequences of gully erosion and soil degradation.
Development of mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes for shattering tolerance and correlation analysis with biochemical and morphological factors governing Pre harvest sprouting
Authors: Mogali Suma , Patil N. K. Biradar , H Ranjita , Balol Gurupad
Published: May 2022

Development of pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) tolerant varieties is imperative to minimize yield losses due to viviparous germination. F2 seeds derived from the crosses DGGV-2 x Pant Moong-1 were irradiated with 60 kR gamma rays for the creation of desirable variability. In F2M2 generation, segregants with small pod beak and angle, thick pod wall, hard seededness and higher epicuticular wax and lignin content were isolated. Desirable mutants conferring tolerance to PHS were selected from 206 progenies consisting of 4812 plants. During the subsequent selfing generations the desirable plants with less than five percent PHS were stringently characterized by morphological and biochemical indicators. Due to incessant heavy rain fall (462.2mm) during pod development and maturity coupled with high humidity weather was conducive for viviparous germination, resulting in higher PHS. Correlation analysis between pre harvest sprouting and biochemical and morphological parameters revealed that negative correlation of PHS was observed for epicuticular wax (r = -0.983), phenol (r = -0.892), lignin content (r = -0.981) and hard seed percentage (r = -0.942). Significant negative correlation was observed for pod wall thickness (r = -0.570). Pod beak length recorded highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.911) to PHS. Genotypes with inherent tolerance to seed shattering hold a promise to minimize yield losses due to viviparous germination.
Dog domestication strongly relied on translation regulation according to differential gene expression analysis
Authors: Jónás Dávid , Tátrai Kitti , Sándor Sára , Egyed Balázs , Kubinyi Enikő
Published: May 2022

The domestication of dogs from their shared ancestors with wolves occurred around 25,000 years ago and affected many characteristics of the species, including its appearance and behavior. Comparative RNA sequencing experiments can help shed light on the delicate details of gene expression regulation responsible for the variance in complex traits between dogs and wolves. Previously, Yang et al. identified the differentially expressed genes in the blood transcriptome of two Asian dogs and three wolves. We extended this study by adding ten European dog blood RNA-seq samples. The additional European samples made the analyzed dog cohort significantly more heterogenous, helping us avoid the detection of false positives. 40-120 million reads were aligned to the CanFam v3.1 reference genome per sample, ensuring high confidence in our results and conclusions. We detected approximately 14,000 expressed genes in the samples. Analyzing the sequence data, we found that the sample origin (Europe or Asia) had a significant effect on blood gene expression levels. Consequently, this was corrected for in the differential gene expression analysis model. We identified 1,807 differentially expressed genes between the two species and identified several significantly overrepresented gene ontology terms, such as rRNA binding, ribosomal large subunit biogenesis, and translation. Our functional gene ontology analysis implies that gene expression and regulation had a significant role in dog domestication. The findings suggest that further comparative studies between wolves and dogs should rely on a more diverse sample, including individuals from different breeds and geographical origins, to enhance the specificity of detecting differentially expressed transcripts between wolves and dogs.
Targeted analysis of HSP70 isoforms in human spermatozoa in the context of capacitation and motility
Authors: Grassi Sarah , Bisconti Marie , Martinet Baptiste , Arcolia Vanessa , Simon Jean-François , Wattiez Ruddy , Leroy Baptiste , Hennebert Elise
Published: May 2022

HSP70s constitute a family of chaperones, some isoforms of which appear to play a role in sperm function. Notably, global proteomic studies analysing proteins deregulated in asthenozoospermia, a main cause of male infertility characterized by low sperm motility, showed the deregulation of some HSP70 isoforms. However, to date, no clear trend has been established since the variations in the abundance of HSP70 isoforms differed between studies. The HSPA2 isoform has been reported to play a key role for fertilization, but its deregulation and possible relocation during capacitation, a maturation process making the spermatozoon capable to fertilize an oocyte, is debated in the literature. The aim of the present study was to investigate the fate of all sperm HSP70 isoforms during capacitation and in relation to sperm motility. Using Multiple-Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry, we showed that the relative abundance of all detected isoforms was stable between non-capacitated and capacitated spermatozoa. Immunofluorescence using two different antibodies also demonstrated the stability of HSP70 isoform localization during capacitation. We also investigated spermatozoa purified from 20 sperm samples displaying various levels of total and progressive sperm motility. We showed that the abundance of HSP70 isoforms is not correlated to sperm total or progressive motility and does not vary significantly between astheno-teratozoospermic, normozoospermic, and teratozoospermic samples.
Cancer-related correlates of Traditional and Complementary Medicine use among Norwegian cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nakandi Kiwumulo , Stub Trine , Kristoffersen Agnete Egilsdatter
Published: May 2022

Background
Cancer survivors are a diverse group with varying needs that are patient-, disease-, and/or treatment-specific. Cancer survivors have reported supplementing conventional anti-cancer treatment with Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) to combat the effects of the disease, as well as the adverse effects of conventional anti-cancer treatments, at different phases of their diagnosis. We aimed to study disease- and treatment-related correlates of T&CM use among Norwegian cancer survivors.
Methods
Data was collected from the seventh survey of the Tromsø Study, Tromsø 7, conducted in 2015-16 among residents of the Tromsø municipality aged 40 and above. Of the 32 591 inhabitants invited, 21 083 accepted the invitation leading to a response rate of 64.7%. The Tromsø study consists of a three-part questionnaire and a thorough clinical examination. In addition to data from the Tromsø study, data on cancer diagnosis and conventional anti-cancer treatment were collected from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Pearson chi-square test, Fisher’s exact tests and independent sample t-test were used to compare T&CM users with non-users. Statistical significance was set at the p-value of < 0.05. All statistical analyses were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 for Windows.
Results
T&CM was used by 31.2% of the participants with natural remedies as the most reported modality of T&CM (18.2%, n = 238), followed by self-help practices of meditation, yoga, qigong, or tai chi, which was reported by 8.7% (n = 114). Provider-based T&CM were reported by 10.0%, where each (acupuncturists; traditional healers; and other CM providers) were reported by 4% of the participants, respectively. Users of T&CM were significantly younger and more likely to be female (p < .001) than the non-users, with higher use of T&CM among females with poor self-reported health, distant metastasis, and being 1–5 years post-diagnosis. Lower use was found among women who received a combination of surgery and hormonal therapy. Similar trends were seen in males, but not at a significant level. For both males and female, T&CM was most frequently used by those with only one cancer diagnosis (p = .046).
Conclusion
The findings suggest that there is a difference in clinical predictors for T&CM between female and male cancer survivors, with more clinical predictors among females.
The instantaneous phase difference between two cables with different parameters under parametric excitation: characteristics and originations
Authors: SUN Ceshi , Lin Junqiang , Deng Zhengke , Jiao Dewang
Published: May 2022

The response phase of a nonlinear vibrating cable under fixed excitation frequency is commonly believed to be a constant value in the linear solution, while the higher-order terms (HOTs) effect is omitted. However, as the variation of cable parameters, the HOTs would have a significant contribution to the response and thus changes the phase instantaneously. In order to ascertain the instantaneous phase difference between cables with the consideration of the HOTs, the instantaneous phase-frequency characteristics of two suspended cables with different parameters are investigated. The dimensionless dynamic equations of a two-cable system were derived, and the discrete ordinary differential equations were obtained using the Galerkin method and then solved by the Method of Multiple Scales (MSM). The MSM solution was verified simultaneously using the Runge-Kutta method (R-K) and the Finite Element Method (FEM). The numerical analysis shows that the HOTs’ influence on the instantaneous phase cannot be ignored in some frequency range. The origination of the instantaneous phase difference between the two cables with different parameters comes from two aspects: (i) the difference in the phase shift values (PSVs) in the linear term; and (ii) the difference in the proportion of the drift terms (DTs) in the HOTs.
Κ-Carrageenan Oligosaccharides Postpone the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease by Inhibiting Neuronal Damage Caused by Microglial Overactivation
Authors: Yao Zi-ang , Xu Ling , Jin Li-ming , Li Jiang-zhou , Wang Tian-sheng , Wang Yong , Lu Rong-hao , Bai Ying , Wu Hai-ge
Published: May 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual decline of cognitive function, which is also one of the main causes of cognitive and memory impairment in the elderly. The delicate balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties of microglia determines its role in the occurrence and development of AD. Κ-carrageenan oligosaccharide (KOS) was obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of carrageenan from Marine red algae, which can inhibit the over activation of microglia. In this study, APP/PS1 transgenic mice were used to study the effect of KOS on the symptoms of AD mice by detecting the ability of learning and memory, the activation of microglia cells, the expression of related proteins in the brain, and the deposition of APP and Aβ1−42. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related proteins in microglia cells were detected in vitro, and the effects of KOS on over activation of microglia cells were determined. In addition, microglia and nerve cells were cultured in transwell co-culture system to study the effect of microglia cells treated with KOS on the activity of nerve cells. The results showed that KOS could inhibit clinical symptoms and inflammatory responses by microglia of AD mice. The apoptosis of nerve cells caused by the inflammatory response of microglia was also decreased. KOS could improve the spatial learning and memory ability of AD mice and inhibit over activation of microglia, which has a promising application in the prevention and treatment of AD.
Studies of synthesis of Zeolite/TiO 2 composite based dye-sensitized solar cell application
Authors: Dandolia Ramkumar Singh , Tomar S. S. , Dandotia Arvind , Tiwari R. K.
Published: May 2022

This paper focuses on the performance of introducing zeolite nanocomposite into photoanodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Mesoporous titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zeolite nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal technique. TiO2/ zeolite composites were prepared by sol-gel techniques. The Synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by various techniques like X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–Vis’s spectrophotometer. XRD analysis showed the highly crystalline zeolite, Titanium oxide and their composite is showing polycrystalline nature. SEM results elucidated that the incorporation of Titanium oxide into the zeolite changed the surface morphology from rectangular to spherical. UV-Vis’s spectroscopy shows that the bandgap of zeolite, titanium oxide, and its composite is 2.96, 3.4, and 3.24 eV, respectively. I-V results confirmed the formation of p-n heterojunction was formed between p– and n-type materials indicating that this is the behavior of solar cell devices.
Parameter estimation and tracking algorithm for resolvable group targets based on GLMB filter and RLS algorithm
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Zhao Zhi , Liu Qiliang , Peng Zhangming
Published: May 2022

The current resolvable group target tracking algorithms can only track a small number of group targets and assume that the standard deviation vectors(SDVs) are known. Based on the RFS framework, this paper first proposes a group target tracking algorithm based on serial GLMB, in order to save the computational cost of filter tracking large-batch and multi-structure group target when the SDVs are known. Then the least squares and the k-means algorithms are used to jointly estimate the SDVs and the group target states. The experimental simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Bioinformatics screening of biomarkers related to glioma
Authors: Yang Xitong
Published: May 2022

To screen target genes analyze the expression and mechanism of target genes in glioma. Glioma data were downloaded from TCGA database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by differential expression screening, protein-protein interaction (PPI) and enrichment analysis, and then the differentially immune related genes were obtained by analyzing DEGs and immune genes. The abundance of 22 leukocyte subtypes was calculated by CIBERSORT algorithm. The Hub gene constructed by PPI and the gene of prognosis model were analyzed to screen the glioma target gene. The correlation between target gene and glioma prognosis and clinical characteristics of glioma were analyzed. After immunotherapy, the survival of high TMB group was significantly longer than that low TMB group, and the scores of TMB group were correlated with the age of patients. PPI indicates that AURKA, BUB1, AURKB, CDC20, BIRC5, TTK, CCNB2, CDCA8 and CENPE are the hub genes of glioma. The expression level of BIRC5 in glioma tumor tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues. BIRC5 might participate in the occurrence and development of glioma through P53 pathway. BIRC5 can be used as glioma target gene, and its high expression in glioma indicates poor prognosis, provides a new direction for immunotherapy of glioma.
Radiation and Convection Heat Transfer Optimization with MHD Analysis of a Hybrid Nanofluid within a Wavy Porous Star-Like Enclosure
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Kh. , Moghaddam M. A. Erfani , Nateghi SeyedKeivan , Shafii Mohammad Behshad , Ganji D. D.
Published: May 2022

Thermal performance maximization is a necessity in various systems that are dealing with any scale of heat flux. This requirement has been intensified due to introduction of more complex and highly crammed products, making heat dissipation a daunting task. Addressing this challenge, a curved porous star-shaped enclosure with a rounded cavity and occupied by hybrid nanoparticles of Fe3O4-Al2O3scattered uniformly in 1-Hexanol has been simulated by Galerkin finite element method. The temperature difference between inner cavity and outer wavy surface stirred the heat flux within the bounded domain. The determinants of thermal evolution are classified by porosity alteration, radiation intensity, magnetic field and natural convection strength in the form of corresponding dimensionless numbers namely epsilon, Rd, Ha and Ra. The streamlines and isotherms contours accompanied by local Nu plots for each parameter are presented. The revealed that external magnetic field deteriorates Nu and by implication convection while higher values of Ra translated to better performance. Regarding the porosity, the best output was recognized at lower porosities, with radiation having no sizeable impact on the Nu and flow field. Due to contradictory influence of the studies factors, an optimization by RSM and Taguchi incorporation led to the detection of optimum Nu and introduction of an expression for average Nu based on the investigated determinants.