bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactobacillus plantarum S9 alleviates lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation in high-fat diet-induced metabolic syndrome rats
Authors: Zhao Lei , Shen Yunjiao , Wang Yunlong , Wang Lei , Zhang Lin , Zhao Zijian , Li Shengyu
Published: April 2022

Probiotics are considered to be associated with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MS). This study aimed to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum S9 on MS in HFD-fed rats, and to explore the underlying role of probiotics in the treatment. Sprague-Dawley rats fed with HFD were treated with L. plantarum S9 for 6 weeks. The results showed that L. plantarum S9 significantly decreased the body weight gain, Lee’s index, and liver index. Additionally, L. plantarum S9 reduced the levels of serum lipids and insulin resistance. L. plantarum S9 also decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in liver. Moreover, the serum levels of MS-related inflammatory signaling molecules, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were significantly elevated. Western blot analysis showed that L. plantarum S9 inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, decreased the expression level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), suppressed the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, and reduced the expression levels of inflammatory factors in HFD-fed rats. Moreover, it further decreased the ratios of p-IκBα/IκBα, p-p65/NF-κB p65, and p-p38/p38. In summary, L. plantarum S9 can be used as a potential functional strain for the prevention and treatment of MS.
No “carry-over” effects of tracking devices on return rate and parameters determining reproductive success in single and repeatedly tagged common swifts (Apus apus) a long-distance migratory bird
Authors: Hase Mark Alexander , Wellbrock Arndt Horst Johann , Witte Klaudia
Published: April 2022

Background: To understand life-history strategies in migratory bird species, we should focus on migration behaviour and possible carry-over effects on both population and individual level. Tracking devices are useful tools to directly investigate migration behaviour. With increased use of tracking devices, questions arise towards animal welfare and possible negative effects of logger on birds. Several studies were conducted to address this question in single tagged birds but with mixed results. To detect individual-based decisions regarding migration strategy, we need to track the same individuals several times. So far, there are no data at all on effects of tagging on repeatedly tagged migratory birds.Methods: We used long-term data of 85 tagged common swifts (Apus apus), a long-distance migratory bird, of a breeding colony in Germany to test whether carrying a geolocator or GPS logger once or repeatedly during non-breeding season affected return rate and parameters determining breeding success. Additionally, we checked for individual differences in arrival date and breeding parameters when the same individuals were tagged and when they are not tagged in different years. Further, we calculated the individual repeatability in arrival at the breeding colony and date of egg laying in repeatedly tagged swifts.Results: Single and repeatedly tagged birds returned to the colony at a similar rate as non-logger birds and tend to arrive earlier than non-logger birds. We detected no differences in time lag to clutch initiation, date of clutch initiation, clutch size, number of chicks and fledglings between logger and non-logger birds. We found no effect of loggers on the arrival date and breeding parameter on individual-level. And arrival date and date of clutch initiation were moderately to highly repeatable within repeatedly tagged individuals.Conclusions: Our data indicated that carrying a logger once or repeatedly had no effect on return rate and breeding success in common swifts.
Characterization and genotoxic effects of green synthesis zinc oxide nanoparticles mediated by Punica granatum peel extract and its antimicrobial activity
Authors: Shaban Abdelghany S. , Owda M. E. , Basuoni Mostafa M. , Mousa M. A. , Radwan Ahmed A. , Saleh Ahmed K.
Published: April 2022

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) mediated fruit peel extract is gaining importance due to its cost-effectiveness and ecofriendly. Herein, ZnO-NPs were synthesized by pomegranate peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized using SEM, TEM-SAID, FT-IR, XRD and particle size analysis. The results revealed that the ZnO-NPs was agglomerated spherical and hexagonal shapes with an average diameter of 20 to 40 nm and crystallinity formed. For multiple applications of ZnO-NPs, the antimicrobial activity showed significant inhibition against the pathogenic microbes used with 62.5 and 31.25 µg/ml of MIC for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria respectively, 125 and 250 µg/ml of MIC for Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus, respectively. Also ZnO-NPs showed antioxidant activity with IC50 = 240 and 250 µg/ml by DPPH and ABTS respectively. All concentrations of ZnO-NPs showed greatly significance for improved germination of barley seed and shoot height with the optimum concentration reach to 2 and 12 ppm of ZnO-NPs for both seed germination (90%) and shoot height (6.5) respectively, while the greatest root extension (6 cm) was observed at 2 ppm of ZnO-NPs. The mitotic index increased at lower nanoparticle concentrations and exposure times but declined considerably as the nanoparticle dose and exposure duration increased, until most concentrations reached 100% suppression after 12 hours with a variety of chromosomal abnormalities. Using a green synthetic strategy, the researchers were able to create efficient, eco-friendly, and simple multifunctional ZnO NPs, and in the process, they gained a deeper understanding of the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of ZnO-NPs in plant cells.
Water absorption of industrial high-density polyethylene biocomposites reinforced with Washingtonia filifera fibers: optimization using Fick’s, RSM, and ANN models
Authors: Lekrine Abdelaziz , Belaadi Ahmed , Boumaaza Messaouda , Alshahrani Hassan , Bourchak Mostefa
Published: April 2022

The present study aims to investigate the phenomenon of water absorption scattering mechanisms and biocomposite kinetics by the immersion of different HDPE matrix reinforced with different amounts of Washingtonia filifera (WF) fibers (10, 20, and 30% by mass) in distilled water at room temperature. The response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) models were examined by considering WF fiber content and immersion time in the water absorption of HDPE/WF biocomposite. In this study, the central composite design (CCD) model of RSM was used to perform test design, modelling, and optimization. The process of water absorption was revealed to be tracking the diffusion mode of Fickian. The results obtained show that the addition of WF fibers to HDPE matrix reduced diffusivity. The results also reveal that ANN models were highly accurate in the prediction of water absorption with the training, validation, and test correlation coefficients of 0.9955, 0.9999, and 0.9915, respectively. The optimal conditions for maximum absorption were a fiber content of 29.88% and an immersion time of 752 hours. Moreover, a highly appropriate model to predict HDPE/WF biocomposites water absorption suitable for various industrial applications is proposed.
Dendritic polyethylene glycol-modified folate-nickel nanotubes as an efficient antitumor nano-metal medicine
Authors: Dong Zhipeng , Zhang Nanxia , Zhang Jiahao , Luo Jun , Xu Yisong , Tang Weifang , Ye Baofeng , Wang Yue
Published: April 2022

Metal-containing nanomaterials have attracted substantial research efforts due to their rich compositional and structural diversity as well as the broad possible applications. However, the most metal-containing nanomaterials are normally only used as new delivery vehicles in the field of biomedicine but do not possess biologically activity by itself. Herein, we modified dendritic polyethylene glycol on one folate-nickel nanotube to fabricate a new-type of metal-containing nanotube PEG-FA-Ni NTs. We found PEG-FA-Ni NTs have exhibited excellent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity comparable to the positive drugs doxorubicin and cisplatin. Meanwhile, this study indicates that the PEG-FA-Ni NTs may achieve more optimal anti-tumor effects by damaging DNA, blocking cell cycle and ultimately inducing apoptosis. All the results showed that PEG-FA-Ni NTs could be a potent nanomedicine for the further development and application on cancer therapy.
Multi-omics landscape and clinical significance of Siglec family genes: Implications for risk stratification and front line therapies in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Li Kezhu , Xu Nan
Published: April 2022

Background
Melanoma is widely recognized as the most aggressive and fatal type of skin cancer; however, effective prognostic markers are lacking. The sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-type lectin (Siglec) gene family plays an important role in the development of tumors and immune escape, but its prognostic role in melanoma remains unknown.
Method
We downloaded simple nucleotide variations, transcriptome profiling, copy number variation data of cutaneous melanoma in TCGA, and transcriptome data of GSE91061 in GEO. 14 Siglecs genes, which were extracted for comprehensive analysis. We typed samples using consistent clustering and constructed risk score using LASSO to predict patient outcomes.
Results
Siglec genes have a high mutation frequency, with up to 8% in SIGLEC7. High expression levels of Siglecs in tumor bulk suggests a better prognosis. Siglecs also show a high degree of synergistic expression. We used unsupervised clustering to create a high expression of Siglec (HES) cluster and a low expression of Siglec (LES) cluster. The HES cluster correlated with high overall survival and increased expression levels of Siglec genes. The HES cluster also showed significant immune cell infiltration and activation of immune signaling pathways. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis to reduce the dimensionality of Siglec cluster-related genes and constructed a prognostic model composed of SRGN and GBP4, which can risk-stratify patients in both the training and test datasets.
Conclusion
We conducted a multi-omics analysis of the Siglec family genes in melanoma and found that Siglecs play an important role in the occurrence and development of melanoma. Typing constructed using Siglecs can show risk stratification and derived prognostic models can predict a patient's risk score. In summary, Siglec family genes are potential targets for melanoma treatment as well as prognostic markers that can direct individualized treatments and improve overall survival.
In situ formation of MnO 2 /Ni(OH) 2 @nickel foam with porous architecture for triggering persulfate-based advanced oxidation process
Authors: Zhu Fang , Xiao Qixing , Hu Zihao , Ma Jianfeng , Komarneni Sridhar , Mei Yu
Published: April 2022

MnO2/Ni(OH)2 was grown in situ on three-dimensional nickel foam (NF), which was then used to activate potassium persulfate (PS) for orange II (OII) degradation. The structure and morphology of the prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The removal efficiency of OII was 98.68% with MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF/PS system in 40 min. The three-dimensional hierarchical structure of mesoporous material promoted the efficient and fast electron transfer during catalytic activity. Based on classical quenching experiments and the electron spin resonance (ESR) experiments, ·OH and SO4•− were identified as the active species in MnO2/Ni(OH)2/NF/PS system for OII degradation and a degradation mechanism was proposed for this system. Compared with traditional micro-nano particle catalysts, 3D MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF has the advantages of convenient recovery and good stability. MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF catalyst could be recycled for at least three times, and the degradation rate was 89.06% after three cycles. This MnO2/Ni(OH)2@NF is expected to be used as a green heterogeneous catalyst.
Physiological and biochemical changes in Moroccan barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties submitted to drought stress
Authors: Ferioun Mohamed , Srhio Nassira , Bouhraoua Said , Elghachtouli Naima , Louahlia Said
Published: April 2022

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the second cereal consumed and cultivated by the Moroccan population. However, with climate change, it is predicted that frequent drought periods can cause serious plants growth problems. Thus, the selection of drought tolerant barley varieties becomes highly required to ensure the security of barley’s need. Here, we tested drought tolerance of nine barley Moroccan varieties (ADRAR, AMALOU, AMIRA, FIRDAWS, LAANACEUR, MASSINE, OUSSAMA, TAFFA, and TAMELLALT) based on physiological and biochemical parameters. Drought stress was applied by maintaining filed capacity of pots at 40% (90% for the control), and plants were randomly arranged in greenhouse, under 25°C and natural light conditions. Drought stress reduced relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll content (SPAD index). It also induced a significant increase of electrolytes leakage, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde (MDA), water soluble carbohydrates, and soluble proteins contents. Higher RWC and proline content levels were recorded in FIRDAWS, LAANACEUR, MASSINE, OUSSAMA and TAFFA, which can be interpreted by high drought tolerance. On the other hand, ADRAR, AMALOU, AMIRA, and TAMELLALT showed higher values of MDA and H2O2 contents, which can be linked with drought sensitivity. Physiological tolerance could be a good criterion for selecting barley drought tolerant varieties.
Cyclone “Amphan” evacuation dilemmas of coastal households amidst COVID-19 pandemic: A study of South-Western region of Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Shaharier , Chakraborty Torit , Hossain Md. Zakir , Rahaman Khan Rubayet
Published: April 2022

Cyclone ‘Amphan’ battered the coastal communities in the south-western part of Bangladesh in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The coastal communities experienced the situation for the first time and were in dilemma whether to stay at home to embrace the cyclone alone or risking the Covid-19 contagion in the cyclone shelters by evacuating themselves. This article intended to explore cyclone Amphan evacuation dynamics among the coastal households amidst COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigated evacuation behaviors among households and explored the impacts of COVID-19 on the evacuation processes. We adopted household survey for collecting primary information and determined 378 samples for interviews at a precision level of 0.05 in fourteen villages. Results demonstrated that despite the utmost effort from the government, 96.6% people in the coastal area received an evacuation order before the landfall, and only 42% people respected the evacuation order. Majority households choose to stay at home because of fear due to Covid-19 in the crowded shelters. Although half of the evacuees were housed in the cyclone shelter, visible COVID-19 protecting facilities were unavailable. Thus, this study would assist future government policies and enhance disaster evacuation plans by incorporating the pandemic to reduce disaster risks in the global south.
Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Disability, and Depression as Serial Mediators Between Stress and Health-related Quality of Life Among Middle-aged Women
Authors: Oh Jihyun , Lee Myung Kyung
Published: April 2022

This study analyzed the mediating effects of shoulder pain, shoulder disability, and depression on the relationship between stress and health-related quality of life among middle-aged women using a serial mediation model. Data on stress, health-related quality of life, shoulder pain, shoulder disability, and depression were collected from women aged 35–64 years living in Seoul, South Korea, from May 13 to 23, 2021, using a self-reported, structured survey. SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 6) and serial mediation analysis were then used to analyze the relationship between stress and health-related quality of life among participants, with shoulder pain, shoulder disability, and depression as mediators. The results indicate that stress had a statistically direct impact on health-related quality of life. In the serial mediation analysis, shoulder pain, shoulder disability, and depression were found to be statistically significant, thus affecting the relationship between stress and health-related quality of life, with an explanatory power of 33%. Therefore, the relationship between stress and health-related quality of life was partially mediated by these variables. Thus, this study suggests the need for healthcare workers to develop methods, such as exercise intervention programs based on various degrees and types of physical activity, to improve health-related quality of life and reduce stress caused by shoulder pain, shoulder disability, and depression among middle-aged women.
Trends and age-period-cohort effect on mortality of cerebrovascular diseases from 2005 to 2019 in urban and rural areas of China
Authors: Zeng Qing , Wang Binbin , Lai Xinyan , Tian Jiangnan , Yang Yulong , Mao Danyi
Published: April 2022

Background:Cerebrovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in China, and the China is undergoing rapid change.However, trends in cerebrovascular disease mortality remains unclear in urban-rural China.Methods:Mortality of cerebrovascular disease (2005-2019) were collected for quinquennial age group stratified by area(urban/rural) from China Statistical Yearbook.The annual changes(APC) and the average annual percent changes(AAPC) of cerebrovascular disease mortality were analyzed by joinpoint regression analysis;age,period,cohort effects on mortality were estimated by age-period-cohort model.Results:Though 2005-2019,standardized mortality significantly rose in rural areas(AAPC=3.3%,95%CI:1%,5.6%) and moderately increased in urban areas(AAPC=1.5%,95%CI:0.6%,2.4%).The age-period-cohort model indicated that there was an obviously age effect and cohort effect..The trend of age effect showed an increase with advancing age.There is a favourable throughout in cohort effects with significantly decrease of both rural and urban areas in China.Conclusions:Both urban areas and rural areas of China,the trend of cerebrovascular disease mortality substantially increased with advance of age.Cerebrovascular disease mortality trend may continue to rise in China.Respectively intervention should be conducted, especially for rural areas.Moreover,paying attention to the physical and mental health of the elderly is also unavoidable.
Rice genotypes significantly affect nitrification inhibition activity in the rhizosphere
Authors: Chen Shending , He Mengqiu , Zhao Chang , Wang Wenjie , Zhu Qinying , Dan Xiaoqian , He Xiaoxiang , Meng Lei , Zhang Shunan , Cai Zucong , Zhang Jinbo , Müller Christoph
Published: April 2022

Biological nitrification inhibitor (BNI) can play an important role in inhibiting nitrification and enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in agriculture. However, most of current BNI studies have been conducted under hydroponics. Variations in genotype-mediated inhibition of soil nitrification are still unknown. In this study, two rice genotypes, i.e. Wuyujing 3 (WYJ3) and Wuyunjing 7 (WYJ7), which were reported to have weak and strong BNI capacity under hydroponics, respectively, and four soils with different pH (i.e. JX (pH 5.09), FJ (pH 6.00), SC1 (pH 7.96) and SC2 (pH 7.94)) were selected. N uptake rates (esp. NH4+ uptake, UNH4), soil N transformation rates and NUE were quantified by 15N tracing experiment to assess the effects of rice genotypes on nitrification inhibition activity. Results showed that rice genotypes with high BNI exudation (i.e. WYJ7) had lower autotrophic nitrification rate (ONH4) and higher UNH4 in rhizosphere compared to WYJ3. ONH4 in WYJ7 reduced by 0.05, 0.42, 1.14, and 0.48 mg N kg− 1 d− 1 compared with WYJ3 for JX, FJ, SC1 and SC2, respectively. Abundance of AOB in soils planted WYJ7 was lower than WYJ3, which was the key factor affecting ONH4. NUE of WYJ7 was higher than WYJ3, although difference between genotypes was not significant. NUE was negatively correlated with ONH4 (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that some rice genotypes can optimize their N acquisition by regulating soil N transformations (particularly nitrification). Developing rice genotype with strong BNI exudation capacity could be a suitable management practice to increase NUE and yield.
The relationship between Job Stress and Work-Related Quality of Life among Emergency Medical Technicians: A cross-sectional Study
Authors: Shima Hashemi , Mohammed Merzah , Mehdi Rezaei , Peyman Astaraki , Mehdi Birjandi , Firoozeh Ghazanfari
Published: April 2022

Background and objectives: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between job stress and WRQoL among emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Lorestan Province, Western Iran. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using census method among 430 emergency medical technicians who had been engaged in their respective units for more than six months from all emergency facilities in Lorestan Province. Data were collected from April to July 2019 using two standard questionnaires: Job Stress (HSE) and Work-Related Quality of Life (WRQoL). The odd ratio with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to declare the statistical association (p ≤ 0.05).Results: All participants were exclusively males, with a mean age of 32±6.87 years. The overall average score of job stress using the HSE scale was 2.69±0.43; while the overall quality of working life score was 2.48±1.01.The type of working shift was found to have a significant impact on the HSE-average score, (F (3,417) = 5.26, P = 0.01); and on the WRQoL-average score, (F (3,417) = 6.89, P< 0.01).Conclusion: Two-thirds of EMTs working in governmental hospitals had job stress and a low quality of work-related life. Work shift was statistically significant associated with EMTs’ job stress and WRQoL. To improve the WRQoL among EMTs, we suggest the urgent need for organizational intermissions that aim to diminish work-related stress. Furthermore, rescheduling should be explored as a strategy for reducing stress caused by shift work.
GIS-Based Asset Mapping, Utilities Infrastructure Mapping, Consumer Mapping& Studying Feasibility Parameters for Water Supply System
Authors: Dhumal shantanu , Sharma kalpeshkumar , Tambde Ashish , Chikane Sakshi , Dhage Sakshi
Published: April 2022

To use the application of geographical information system for data collection for augmentation and feasibility study of the existing water supply system. The use of GIS (geographical information system) in this project is to prepare a schematic map and identify water demand, which is done by several relevant parameters. Mapping of the MIDC area can be done by geo sensing or by capturing drone images. Then these images are transferred to arc GIS Where the digitization of images is done and attribute tables are filled with data such as consumers’ water demand, consumers’ water meter readings. As the available drawings and data were around 30-year-old, all the drawings are prepared on AutoCAD with the latest information. Along with satellite images and drone images of the MIDC area DGPS (Differential global positioning system) survey is also done to generate topographical data. Application\improvements: this study concludes what parameters are required for a feasibility study of the water supply system and application of GIS for carrying out the project and its application in the mapping of utilities of industrial areas in MIDC. GIS is used over another method because of its high accuracy and its capability to show all the utilities which also include underground utilities, structures, and any other such assets in the real world. With all these advantages GIS has an edge over any other method of surveying and data collection which then allows theda decisions decide on planning and execution also with the data collected augmentation can be done if required.
A Novel Lambert W Representation of PSP MOS Model for Circuit Simulators
Authors: afifi ahmed Abdel Monem
Published: April 2022

A new Lambert w representation for the surface potential from the PSP MOS model point of view is proposed. The resultant of this methodology is to benefit from merging of PSP model accuracy as a compact model and iterative simplicity of the Lambert W function. This increases the speed and accuracy of the circuit simulators specially for both cases of weak as well as moderate inversion. The suggested approach leans on reformatting the implicit equation of the surface potential in the form of Lambert W representation via a proper mathematical curve fitting. The fitting parameters has been tolerated for wide temperature range of about 350C for each range. This is done through making use of the dominant dependency of the normalized body effect coefficient. The proposed algorithm is validated for a typical 0.18um technology by means of MATLAB 2016 and proves an accuracy of ± 5% to the original PSP model for a temperature range of [-18 o C, 100 o C].
Functional and pasting properties of cassava starch in Ethiopian varieties: Potentiality of industrial utilization
Authors: Raya Shimeles Shumi , Kume Desta Geta , Kuffi Kumsa D.
Published: April 2022

Starch extracted from different sources and varieties show various functional, pasting, and physicochemical properties which affect its industrial applications. In view of, this research work was conducted to study functional and pasting properties of starches extracted from Qulle (Q) and Kello (K) cassava varieties to assess their potential industrial utilization. The starch was extracted by a standard wet extraction method. The proximate analysis showed that (K) starch has a moisture content (11.4%), ash content (1.1%), crude fat content (0.11%), protein content (0.52%), crude fiber content (0.01%) and total carbohydrate (86.85%). Whereas (Q) starch possesses moisture content (10.6%), ash content (0.13%), crude fat content (0.13%), protein content (0.35%), crude fiber content (0.09%) and total carbohydrate (88.7%). Except fat and crude fiber contents, the rest proximate parameters showed significance different between Q and K’s starch at p < 0.05. Furthermore, the amylose content of each variety of starch were calculated and found to be 26.29% (Q) while, 19.16% (K) with a significance different among them at p < 0.05. These variations directly affect the water solubility, swelling power and water absorption properties of the starch. Moreover, the pasting properties were examined and observed that the peak and breakdown viscosities were found to be high for (K) starch due to low amylose content. Indicating that the relatively high final viscosity and peak temperature nature of (Q’s) starch affect its end use applications. The functional and pasting parameters of starch showed that there is a significance different between Q and K’s starch properties at p < 0.05. Overall, the functional and pasting properties of casava varieties’ (Q and K) starch influenced by the amylose content and proximate composition which potentially impact the industrial utilization.
Mechanical acupuncture stimulation of HT7 attenuates alcohol intake in alcohol self- administration rats via the medial prefrontal cortex-habenula-ventral tegmental area pathway
Authors: Seo SU Yeon , Bang Se Kyun , Kang Suk-Yun , Cho Seong Jin , Choi Kwang-Ho , Ryu Yeonhee
Published: April 2022

Shenmen (HT7) acupuncture point stimulation is effective in alleviating alcoholism. Our study confirmed the effect of HT7 stimulation on reducing alcohol consumption via the up- and downregulation of habenula (Hb) microglial activity. To investigate the role of the Hb in mediating acupuncture effects, we evaluated the role of Hb, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) after acupuncture stimulation in the rat brain after alcohol intake. The number of active lever presses in alcohol (10% v/v) intake rats was significantly reduced following HT7 stimulation. HT7 stimulation not only attenuated the increased microglial activity and Sigma1 receptor level in the Hb and BDNF in the mPFC but also decreased TH in the VTA. Phospho-TrkB inhibition via ANA-12 microinjection into the mPFC reduced Hb microglial activity, decreased VTA TH expression and reduced alcohol intake. Blocking the Sigma1 receptor via BD1047 microinjection and inhibiting microglia via minocycline microinjection into the Hb reduced VTA TH expression and reduced alcohol intake. Controlling mPFC and Hb activity with acupuncture consequently regulated VTA TH neurons, reducing alcohol consumption. These results indicate that acupuncture treatment can alleviate alcohol consumption via the mPFC-Hb-VTA signaling pathway and could be a candidate for alcoholism therapy.
Response of soil-pile-superstructure-quay wall system to lateral displacement under horizontal and vertical earthquake excitations
Authors: chen weiyun , Xu Ling-Yu , Cai Fei , Song Zhu , Pan Jing-Min , Chen Guo-Xing
Published: April 2022

The excess pore water pressure (EPWP) generated under the combined vertical and horizontal earthquake excitations is generally greater than that under the unidirectional excitation, which may further affect the dynamic response of soil-pile-superstructure-quay wall (SPSQ) system. This study conducted a coupled effective-stress analysis for the response of SPSQ system to liquefaction-induced lateral displacement under horizontal and vertical earthquake excitations. To accurately describe the lateral displacement behind the quay wall, the liquefaction behavior of soils was described by a modified generalized plasticity model with parameters properly determined from laboratory tests. The numerical model of the SPSQ system was validated against the previously reported centrifuge model tests. The results show that the earthquake excitation with abundant low-frequency component causes greater residual lateral displacements of footing (ux,RF) and quay wall (ux,RQ ) than that with abundant high-frequency component. The ux,RF and ux,RQ tend to increase as the peak vertical acceleration increases for both vertical and inclined piles. Increasing the fixity of the quay wall significantly reduces the influence of vertical ground motion on the ux,RF and ux,RQ. The polarity reversal of the vertical ground motion also has a significant effect on the ux,RF and ux,RQ and should be considered in the analyses. In addition, the lateral displacement of liquefied ground causes an amount of rotation of the cap of the inclined pile, probably leading to the potential shear failure at the head of piles.
Successful treatment of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor with surgery and radiochemotherapy and review of the literature
Authors: Guo Haiwei , Jiang Mingyun , Cai Juanjuan , Liu Ruiqi , Yao Weiping , Liang Xiaodong , Zhang Haibo
Published: April 2022

Background
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare soft-tissue neoplasms. Accordingly, there is no standardized therapy for unresectable or advanced IMT. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted molecular therapy play an important role in unresectable or advanced IMT.
Case presentation:
We present a 54-year-old man with a cough and chest distress case report. The positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) showed that the occupying lesion was about 7.2 x 6.7 x 6.1 cm, with the SUVmax about 13.4. The thoracic surgeon performed the right upper pulmonary occupying lesion wedge resection and enlarged lymph node excision biopsy. Pathologic diagnosis revealed that the morphology of "right upper lung mass" was considered as Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT). Radiotherapy was indicated at a high dose: 5400cGy in 27 fractions of 2Gy over 5 weeks were delivered combined with cisplatin. The side effects of concurrent radiochemotherapy were grade I myelosuppression with WBC 3.22 x10^9/L during concurrent radiochemotherapy and grade I radiation pneumonitis 6 months after radiochemotherapy. The patient was given a CT/MRI and hematological index every 3 months and experienced no more adverse events. The patient survives with no tumor recurrence as of the last follow-up. Progression-free survival (PFS) exceeded 48 months.
Conclusions
We have reviewed the literature and summarized and discussed the radiotherapy treatment options and challenges for IMT. Radiotherapy played an essential role in unresectable or advanced IMT. We first reported surgery and high-dose radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy treatment for local advanced IMT. Surgery is the first choice for IMT, Concurrent radiochemotherapy may be considered an intensive treatment for local progress, local recurrence, and nonresectable IMT patients.
Improvements in classification of left and right foot motor intention using modulated steady-state somatosensory evoked potential induced by electrical stimulation and motor imagery
Authors: Bian Yan , Zhao Li , Li Jiaying , Guo Tong , Fu Xing , Qi Hongzhi
Published: April 2022

Background
In recent years, motor imagery-based brain-computer interface (MI-BCI) has been applied to motor rehabilitation in patients with motor dysfunction. However, traditional MI-BCI is rarely used for foot motor intention recognition because the motor cortex regions of both feet are anatomically close to each other, and traditional event-related desynchronization (ERD) patterns for MI-BCI have insufficient spatial discrimination.
Methods
This study introduced steady-state somatosensory evoked potentials (SSSEPs) by synchronous bilateral feet electrical stimulation at different frequencies, which were used as carrier signals modulated by unilateral foot motor intention. Fifteen subjects participated in MI and MI-SSSEP tasks. A Riemannian geometry classifier with a task-related component analysis (TRCA) spatial filter was proposed to demodulate the variation in SSSEP features and discriminate the left and right foot motor intentions.
Results
The feature outcomes indicated that the amplitude and phase synchronization of the SSSEPs could be well modulated by unilateral foot MI tasks under the MI-SSSEP paradigm. The classification results revealed that the modulated SSSEP features played an important role in the recognition of left-right foot discrimination. Moreover, the proposed TRCA-based method outperformed the other three methods and improved the foot average classification accuracy to 81.07 ± 13.29%, with the highest accuracy attained at 97.00%. Compared with the traditional MI paradigm, the foot motor intention recognition accuracy of the MI-SSSEP paradigm was significantly improved, from nearly 60% to more than 80%.
Conclusions
This work provides a practical method for left-right foot motor intention recognition and expands the application of MI-BCI in the field of lower-extremity motor function rehabilitation.
Choroidal thickness and vascularity index in Chinese children with high hypermetropia using optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Authors: zhu Dehai , Wang Hui , Li Ruoshi , Wen Jing , Li Ruiying , Zhao Jingjing
Published: April 2022

Objectives: The current study was to evaluate the choroidal thickness and vascularity index in Chinese children with high hypermetropia through enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 21 children with high hypermetropia and 29 children with normal refractive status were retrospectively enrolled in the study. The measurement of the macular choroidal thickness（CT）, 7 points: the sub-foveal area point, the temporal and nasal points at a radius of 0.5-mm, 1.5-mm, and 3-mm were measured. After binarization of the OCT images, the total choroidal area (TCA), stromal area (SA) as well as the luminal area (LA) were identified and measured. The Choroidal vascularity index (CVI)was defined as the ratio of LA to TCA. The independent t-test for normal distributions and Kruskal-Wallis tests for non-normal distributions were used to compare other parameters between groups. The Tamhane's T2 test was performed to adjust for multiple comparisons between groups within each analysis.Results: The SFCT in the high hypermetropic group was significantly thicker than that in normal controls (371.32 ± 63.09 μm vs. 325.03 ± 56.67 μm, P = 0.002). At 0.5mm, 1.5 mm, and 3.0mm in diameter, the nasal choroidal sectors of the high hypermetropia eyes were significantly thicker than that of the control (P < 0.05). For the choroidal vascular parameters, S.A. values were 1101604.39± 209973.14 μm2 in the high hypermetropia eyes and 1072580.21 ± 229841.25μm2 in the control eyes; L.A. values were 2018339.60 ± 324292.51μm2, and 1786624.19 ± 238875.62μm2 in the two groups, respectively; TCA were 3112626.91 ± 521392.85μm2 and 2859204.39 ± 442897.88μm2 in the two groups. L.A. and TCA of the high hypermetropia eyes were significantly larger than that of the normal controls (P = 0.037, P = 0.002). The CVI differed significantly in the two groups (P = 0.001).Conclusion: The thicker choroidal thickness, rather than topographic features, is a biomarker of high hyperopia, but CVI is another more robust indicator.
Isolation and characterization of marine actinomycetes – bioprospecting for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties
Authors: Kalimuthu Kasinathan , Kumaravel Mohanya , Haldar Dibyajyoti , Perumal Arumugam
Published: April 2022

The novel therapeutic agents are frequently produced from marine actinomycetes and are still being explored due to their vast diversity. In this research, we isolated five marine actinomycetes (BN01, BN12, BN13, BN14 and GB15) from the soil sediments of the coastal region of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The morphological and physicochemical properties of the isolates were characterized. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that the isolates were belonging to two genera namely Streptomyces and Saccharopolyspora. The extracellular crude secondary metabolites were extracted from the culture filtrate of all the marine actinomycetes isolated and tested for the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer potential adopting standard methods. The results revealed that the extracts of the isolates BN01, BN14, and GB15 exhibited antimicrobial activity against M. luteus, E. coli, and S. aureus, with the maximum zone of inhibition of 19 mm, 21 mm, and 27 mm respectively, at the concentration of 10 mg/mL. The extract of the isolate BN12 showed excellent radical scavenging activity of 97.75 % at the concentration of 60 µg/mL and has the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 8.66 µg/mL. The anticancer activity results showed that the extract of the isolate BN12 had better inhibitory activity against the MCF 7 cell line with the IC50 value of 261.01 µg/µL.
A Method for Comparing and Selecting Static Code Analysis Tools in Software Development Projects
Authors: Haertel Christian , Pohl Matthias , Staegemann Daniel , Turowski Klaus
Published: April 2022

To enable reliable software releases, automated concepts are increasingly being sought as part of the necessary test processes to be able to detect potential errors at an early stage. Static code analysis tools (SCATs) are especially suited for this purpose, as these testing tools perform their checks without actually executing the software. Thus, they represent an important part in the test suite. For the problem of carefully selecting such a tool for project use, a method for the construction of SCAT comparison catalogs is developed in this article to allow to contrast different tools and to evaluate them with respect to derived criteria. While the comparison categories are derived from established software quality models by taking into account the specifics of SCATs, multi criteria decision making procedures employing linguistic predicates are used to determine the most suitable test tool for each case. The artifact is demonstrated and evaluated in an artificial SCAT selection process which involves FindBugs, checkstyle, and PMD. A Method for Comparing and Selecting Static Code Analysis Tools Finally, potential extensions of the proposed method are outlined and its simple modifiability to other software decision situations is set forth.
Virtual Reality in the Intensive Care Unit to improve Noninvasive Ventilation Tolerance: a case report
Authors: Bataille Benoît , Iozzia Jean Christophe , Cocquet Pierre , Silva Stein
Published: April 2022

PurposeThis case report describes the use of virtual reality (VR) to improve noninvasive ventilation (NIV) tolerance in the intensive care unit (ICU).Clinical FeaturesA 65-yr-old man was admitted to the ICU with hypercapnic respiratory failure resulting from an acute exacerbation of COPD. He had type-2 diabetes mellitus and post-smoking COPD but no history of psychiatric disease. Carbon dioxide narcosis required NIV and resulted in the recovery of normal consciousness. However, the tolerance and comfort of the patient during the 1-hour sessions repeated twice a day were moderate, leading us to propose virtual reality to improve his well-being. To combine VR with NIV, a Bridge-free NIV mask was necessary. The tolerability of NIV was significantly improved and the patient was very satisfied and enthusiastic, demonstrating the possibility of effectively combining VR with NIV to improve patient well-being.ConclusionsThis case paves the way to combine advantageously VR with NIV to improve the well-being of ICU patients.
SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 and BA.2 co-infection detected by genomic surveillance in Brazil, January 2022
Authors: Oliveira Cristina , Romano Camila Malta , Sussuchi Luciane , Cota Bianca Della Croce Vieira , Levi José Eduardo
Published: April 2022

In January 2022, the genomic surveillance of DASA laboratories identified a SARS-CoV-2 BA.1 and BA.2 co-infection in a sample from a patient resident in Brazil. The bioinformatics protocols using DragenTM Covid Lineage App do not allow the detection of recombinants or mixed-infections. Therefore, the number of co-infections is certainly underestimated.
Population health and burden of disease profile in Sierra Leone from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Zembe Jolleen , Senkubuge Flavia , Cronje Tanita , Achoki Tom
Published: April 2022

Background
Sierra Leone, in West Africa, is one of the poorest developing countries in the world. Sierra Leone has experienced several recent challenges namely, a civil war from 1991 to 2002, a massive Ebola outbreak from 2014 to 2016, followed by floods and landslides in 2017.In this study, we quantified the burden of disease in Sierra Leone over a 27-year period, from 1990 to 2017.
Methodology
In this cross-sectional analysis, we analysed secondary data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. We quantified patterns of burden of disease, injuries, and risk factors in Sierra Leone. We report GBD metrics including mortality rates, years of life lost and risk factors for all ages and both sexes from 1990 to 2017.
Results
From 1990 to 2017, mortality rates for all ages and sexes have declined in Sierra Leone although mortality rates remain some of the highest when compared to other developing countries. The burden of communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) diseases are greater than the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to the prevalence of endemic diseases in Sierra Leone. The most important CMNNs associated with premature mortality included respiratory infections, neglected tropical diseases, malaria and HIV-Aids. Life expectancy has increased from 37 years to 52 years
Conclusion
Sierra Leone’s health status is gradually improving following the civil war and Ebola outbreak. Sierra Leone has a double burden of disease with CMNNs leading and NCDs progressively increasing. Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone has promising initiatives and programs pursuing the Universal Health Coverage 2030 Sustainable Developmental Goals Agenda. There is need for accountability of available resources, clear rules and expected roles for non-governmental organisations to ensure a level playing field for all actors to rebuild the health system.
Medium-Temperature-Oxidized GeO Resistive-Switching Random-Access Memory and Its Applicability in Processing-in-Memory Computing
Authors: Mohanan Kannan Udaya , Cho Seongjae , Park Byung-Gook
Published: April 2022

Processing-in-memory (PIM) is emerging as a new computing paradigm to replace the existing von Neumann computer architecture for data-intensive processing. For the higher end-user mobility, low-power operation capability is more increasingly required and components need to be renovated to make a way out of the conventional software-driven artificial intelligence. In this work, we investigate the hardware performances of PIM architecture that can be presumably constructed by resistive-switching random-access memory (ReRAM) synapse fabricated with a relatively larger thermal budget in the full Si processing compatibility. By introducing a medium-temperature oxidation (MTO) in which the sputtered Ge atoms are oxidized at a relatively higher temperature compared with the ReRAM devices fabricated by physical vapor deposition (PVD) at room temperature, higher device reliability has been acquired. Based on the empirically obtained device parameters, a PIM architecture has been conceived and a system-level evaluations have been performed in this work. Considerations include the cycle-to-cycle variation in the GeOx ReRAM synapse, analog-to-digital converter (ADC) resolution, synaptic array size, and interconnect latency for the system-level evaluation with the Canadian Institute for Advance Research (CIFAR)-10 dataset. A fully Si processing compatible and robust ReRAM synapse and its applicability for PIM are demonstrated.
Boosting visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution of polymer photocatalysts by a universal main-chain-engineering strategy of hydrophilic non-conjugated building blocks
Authors: Chang Chih-Li , Lin Wei-Cheng , Ting Li-Yu , Shih Chin-Hsuan , Chen Shin-Yuan , Huang Tse-Fu , Tateno Hiroyuki , Jayakumar Jayachandran , Chu Che-Yi , Chen Chin-Wen , Yu Chi-Hua , Lu Yu-Jung , Mochizuki Takehisa , Chou Ho-Hsiu
Published: April 2022

Photocatalytic water splitting is attracting considerable interest because it enables abundant solar energy to be converted into hydrogen for use as a zero-emission fuel or chemical feedstock. Herein, we present a universal approach for inserting hydrophilic non-conjugated building blocks into the main-chain of conjugated polymers to produce a series of discontinuously conjugated polymer (DCP) photocatalysts. Water can effectively be brought into the interior of DCPs through these hydrophilic non-conjugated building blocks, resulting in effective water/polymer interfaces inside the bulk DCPs in both thin-film and solution. P-10HEG with 10 mol% ethylene glycol-based hydrophilic building blocks achieved a record high apparent quantum yield of 17.82% under 460 nm monochromatic light irradiation in solution and an excellent hydrogen evolution rate of 16.8 mmol m− 2 h− 1 in thin-film. Molecular dynamics simulation shows a trend similar to that in experiments, which confirms that main-chain engineering increases the possibility of a water-DCP interaction. Unlike the previous strategy of maintaining a long conjugation length, our approach results in DCP photocatalysts with an interrupted conjugation length that remains efficient photocatalysis.