bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cigarette smoke promotes oral leukoplakia via regulating glutamine metabolism and M2 polarization of macrophage
Authors: Zhu Yanan , Zhang Shuo , Sun Jiahui , Wang Tingting , Liu Qin , Wu Guanxi , Qian Yajie , Yang Weidong , Wang Yong , Wang Wenmei
Published: August 2021

Oral immunosuppression caused by smoking creates a microenvironment to promote the occurrence and development of oral mucosa precancerous lesions. This study aimed to investigate the role of metabolism and macrophage polarization in cigarette-promoting oral leukoplakia. The effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) on macrophage polarization and metabolism were studied in vivo and in vitro. The polarity of macrophages was detected by flow cytometric analysis and qPCR. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to perform a metabolomic analysis of Raw cells stimulated with CSE. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to detect the polarity of macrophages in the condition of glutamine abundance and deficiency. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound-healing assay, and Annexin V-FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate)/PI (propidium iodide) double-staining flow cytometry were applied to detect the growth and transferability and apoptosis of Leuk-1 cells in the supernatant of Raw cells which were stimulated with CSE, glutamine abundance and deficiency. Hyperkeratosis and dysplasia of the epithelium were evident in smoking mice. M2 macrophages increased under CSE stimulation in vivo and in vitro. In total, 162 types of metabolites were detected in the CSE group. The metabolites of nicotine, glutamate, arachidic acid, and arginine changed significantly. The significant enrichment pathways were also selected, including nicotine addiction, glutamine and glutamate metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis. The results also showed that the supernatant of Raw cells stimulated by CSE could induce excessive proliferation of Leuk-1 and inhibit apoptosis. Glutamine abundance can facilitate this process. Cigarette smoke promotes oral leukoplakia via regulating glutamine metabolism and macrophage M2 polarization.
High-accuracy source-independent radiometric calibration with low complexity for infrared photonic sensors
Authors: Guo Qiang , Chen Fuchun , Li Xiangyang , Chen Boyang , Wang Xin , Chen Guilin , Wei Caiying
Published: August 2021

Radiometric calibration (RC) is an essential solution to guarantee measurements from infrared photonic sensors with certain accuracy, the main task of which is to determine the radiometric responsivity of sensor and usually be solved by comparing with some radiation source (i.e., blackbody), called source-based RC (SBRC). In addition to the complexity in manufacture, the nonideal characteristics of an available source will inevitably introduce unexpected uncertainties to reduce the final calibration accuracy by around 0.2–0.5 K in SBRC. Therefore, we propose an original source-independent RC (SIRC) principle based on modeling instead of comparing for SBRC, where the incident background radiation to detector, as a dominated factor influencing the responsivity characteristics of a photonic sensor, is modeled to implement RC for both two fundamental types (photoconductive and photovoltaic) of HgCdTe photonic detectors. The SIRC merely requires the temperature information of main components of a sensor other than some complex source and its assembly, and provides a traceable way at lower uncertainty costs relative to the traditional SBRC. The SIRC is being implemented in Fengyun-2 satellites since 2019, which ensures a long-term stable service of Chinese geostationary meteorological satellites for the global observation system under the framework of World Meteorological Organization. Moreover, a 20-year-period traceable Fengyun-2 dataset to be recalibrated with SIRC will benefit the further climate applications.
A genetically encoded tool for reconstituting synthetic modulatory neurotransmission and reconnect neural circuits in vivo
Authors: Hawk Josh D. , Wisdom Elias M. , Sengupta Titas , Kashlan Zane D. , Colón-Ramos Daniel A.
Published: August 2021

Chemogenetic and optogenetic tools have transformed the field of neuroscience by facilitating the examination and manipulation of existing circuits. Yet, the field lacks tools that enable rational rewiring of circuits via the creation or modification of synaptic relationships. Here we report the development of HySyn, a system designed to reconnect neural circuits in vivo by reconstituting synthetic modulatory neurotransmission. We demonstrate that genetically targeted expression of the two HySyn components, a Hydra-derived neuropeptide and its receptor, creates de novo neuromodulatory transmission in a mammalian neuronal tissue culture model and functionally rewires a behavioral circuit in vivo in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. HySyn can interface with existing optogenetic, chemogenetic and pharmacological approaches to functionally probe synaptic transmission, dissect neuropeptide signaling, or achieve targeted modulation of specific neural circuits and behaviors.
Quantum Fourier transform for nanoscale quantum sensing
Authors: Vorobyov Vadim , Zaiser Sebastian , Abt Nikolas , Meinel Jonas , Dasari Durga , Neumann Philipp , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: August 2021

The quantum Fourier transformation (QFT) is a key building block for a whole wealth of quantum algorithms. Despite its proven efficiency, only a few proof-of-principle demonstrations have been reported. Here we utilize QFT to enhance the performance of a quantum sensor. We implement the QFT algorithm in a hybrid quantum register consisting of a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center electron spin and three nuclear spins. The QFT runs on the nuclear spins and serves to process the sensor—i.e., the NV electron spin signal. Specifically, we show the application of QFT for correlation spectroscopy, where the long correlation time benefits the use of the QFT in gaining maximum precision and dynamic range at the same time. We further point out the ability for demultiplexing the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals using QFT and demonstrate precision scaling with the number of used qubits. Our results mark the application of a complex quantum algorithm in sensing which is of particular interest for high dynamic range quantum sensing and nanoscale NMR spectroscopy experiments.
External assessment of the EUROMACS right-sided heart failure risk score
Authors: Shah Hirak , Murray Thomas , Schultz Jessica , John Ranjit , Martin Cindy M. , Thenappan Thenappan , Cogswell Rebecca
Published: August 2021

The EUROMACS Right-Sided Heart Failure Risk Score was developed to predict right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. The predictive ability of the EUROMACS score has not been tested in other cohorts. We performed a single center analysis of a continuous-flow (CF) LVAD cohort (n = 254) where we calculated EUROMACS risk scores and assessed for right ventricular heart failure after LVAD implantation. Thirty-nine percent of patients (100/254) had post-operative RVF, of which 9% (23/254) required prolonged inotropic support and 5% (12/254) required RVAD placement. For patients who developed RVF after LVAD implantation, there was a 45% increase in the hazards of death on LVAD support (HR 1.45, 95% CI 0.98–2.2, p = 0.066). Two variables in the EUROMACS score (Hemoglobin and Right Atrial Pressure to Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure ratio) were not predictive of RVF in our cohort. Overall, the EUROMACS score had poor external discrimination in our cohort with area under the curve of 58% (95% CI 52–66%). Further work is necessary to enhance our ability to predict RVF after LVAD implantation.
Quantifying the dynamics of rocky intertidal sessile communities along the Pacific coast of Japan: implications for ecological resilience
Authors: Ishida Ken , Tachibana Michikusa , Hori Masakazu , Okuda Takehiro , Yamamoto Tomoko , Nakaoka Masahiro , Noda Takashi
Published: August 2021

Long-term patterns in trajectories of natural communities provide insights into ecological resilience, but their assessment requires long-term census data. We analyzed 16-year census data for intertidal communities from 30 rocky shores along Japan’s Pacific coast to assign community change to four possible trajectories (stable, reversible, abrupt, or linear) representing different aspects of ecological resilience, and to estimate multiple metrics of temporal invariability (species richness, species composition, and community abundance). We examined (1) how the prevalence of the four trajectories differs among regions, (2) how the features (model coefficients) of each trajectory vary among regions, and (3) how the temporal invariabilities differ among trajectories and regions. We found that the stable trajectory was the most common. Its features differed among regions, with a faster recovery to steady-state equilibrium in low-latitude regions. Furthermore, trajectories and temporal invariabilities both varied among regions, seemingly in association with the strength of ocean current fluctuations. Thus, the relationship between community temporal invariability and trajectory may be weak or absent, at least at the regional scale.
Quantum generators of random numbers
Authors: Jacak Marcin M. , Jóźwiak Piotr , Niemczuk Jakub , Jacak Janusz E.
Published: August 2021

Generation of random numbers is a central problem for many applications in the field of information processing, including, e.g., cryptography, in classical and quantum regime, but also mathematical modeling, Monte Carlo methods, gambling and many others. Both, the quality of the randomness and efficiency of the random numbers generation process are crucial for the most of these applications. Software produced pseudorandom bit sequences, though sufficiently quick, do not fulfill required randomness quality demands. Hence, the physical hardware methods are intensively developed to generate truly random number sequences for information processing and electronic security application. In the present paper we discuss the idea of the quantum random number generators. We also present a variety of tests utilized to assess the quality of randomness of generated bit sequences. In the experimental part we apply such tests to assess and compare two quantum random number generators, PQ4000KSI (of company ComScire US) and JUR01 (constructed in Wroclaw University of Science and Technology upon the project of The National Center for Research and Development) as well as a pseudorandom generator from the Mathematica Wolfram package. Finally, we present our new prototype of fully operative miniaturized quantum random generator JUR02 producing a random bit sequence with velocity of 1 Mb/s, which successfully passed standard tests of randomness quality (like NIST and Dieharder tests). We also shortly discuss our former concept of an entanglement-based quantum random number generator protocol with unconditionally secure public randomness verification.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis using non-thermal atmospheric plasma in an animal model
Authors: Moon Ik Jun , Yun Mi Ra , Yoon Hae Kyeong , Lee Keon Hee , Choi Sun Young , Lee Woo Jin , Chang Sung Eun , Won Chong Hyun
Published: August 2021

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been incorporated into various fields, including promotion of cutaneous wound healing. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic cutaneous condition characterized by inflammation-induced skin wounds and impaired skin barrier function. To investigate whether CAP may improve AD using an animal model.Dermatophagoides farinaeextracts (DFE)-induced murine models of AD were used in this study. The plasma-treated group received a total of 6 CAP treatments during 2 weeks, while the control group did not receive any treatment. Differences in dermatitis severity, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), serum level of immunoglobulin (Ig) E and epidermal thickness were evaluated in both groups. The dermatitis severity was significantly improved by CAP treatment. TEWL was lower in the plasma-treated group compared with the non-treated control group. Serum Ig E dropped significantly after treatment with CAP. Difference in epidermal thickness of the ear skin was not significant between the plasma-treated and non-treated groups. Localized treatment of AD with CAP decreases dermatitis severity, TEWL, and serum Ig E level. These results show CAP’s potentials as a novel therapeutic modality for AD.
Sclerostin and bone remodeling biomarkers responses to whole-body cryotherapy (− 110 °C) in healthy young men with different physical fitness levels
Authors: Straburzyńska-Lupa Anna , Cisoń Tomasz , Gomarasca Marta , Babińska Anna , Banfi Giuseppe , Lombardi Giovanni , Śliwicka Ewa
Published: August 2021

We investigated the effects of single and repeated exposures to whole-body cryotherapy on biomarkers of bone remodeling and osteo-immune crosstalk: sclerostin, osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx-I), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and free soluble receptor activator for nuclear factor κ B ligand (sRANKL). The study included 22 healthy males, grouped in high physical fitness level (HPhL) and low physical fitness level (LPhL), all undergone 10 consecutive sessions in a cryogenic chamber (− 110 °C). We observed a significant time-effect on sclerostin (p < 0.05), OC (p < 0.01), CTx-I (p < 0.001), OC/CTx-I (p < 0.05), and significant differences in sRANKL between the groups (p < 0.05) after the 1st cryostimulation; a significant time-effect on OC (p < 0.001) and OC/CTx-I (p < 0.001) after the 10th cryostimulation, and a significant time-effect on CTx-I (p < 0.001) and OC/CTx-I (p < 0.01) after 10 sessions of WBC. In conclusion, in young men, the first exposure to extreme cold induced significant changes in serum sclerostin. The changes in sRANKL, between groups, suggest that fitness level may modify the body's response to cold. The effects of the first stimulus and the whole session are not identical, probably due to the physiological development of habituation to cold.
From the 1990s climate change has decreased cool season catchment precipitation reducing river heights in Australia’s southern Murray-Darling Basin
Authors: Speer Milton S. , Leslie L. M. , MacNamara S. , Hartigan J.
Published: August 2021

The Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) is Australia’s major agricultural region. The southern MDB receives most of its annual catchment runoff during the cool season (April–September). Focusing on the Murrumbidgee River measurements at Wagga Wagga and further downstream at Hay, cool season river heights are available year to year. The 27-year period April–September Hay and Wagga Wagga river heights exhibit decreases between 1965 and 1991 and 1992–2018 not matched by declining April-September catchment rainfall. However, permutation tests of means and variances of late autumn (April–May) dam catchment precipitation and net inflows, produced p-values indicating a highly significant decline since the early 1990s. Consequently, dry catchments in late autumn, even with average cool season rainfall, have reduced dam inflows and decreased river heights downstream from Wagga Wagga, before water extraction for irrigation. It is concluded that lower April–September mean river heights at Wagga Wagga and decreased river height variability at Hay, since the mid-1990s, are due to combined lower April–May catchment precipitation and increased mean temperatures. Machine learning attribute detection revealed the southern MDB drivers as the southern annular mode (SAM), inter-decadal Pacific oscillation (IPO), Indian Ocean dipole (IOD) and global sea-surface temperature (GlobalSST). Continued catchment drying and warming will drastically reduce future water availability.
Pathogenic nsSNPs that increase the risks of cancers among the Orang Asli and Malays
Authors: Khoruddin Nurul Ain , Noorizhab Mohd NurFakhruzzaman , Teh Lay Kek , Mohd Yusof Farida Zuraina , Salleh Mohd Zaki
Published: August 2021

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common genetic variations for various complex human diseases, including cancers. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous SNPs that increase cancer risks, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and leukemia. These SNPs were cataloged for scientific use. However, GWAS are often conducted on certain populations in which the Orang Asli and Malays were not included. Therefore, we have developed a bioinformatic pipeline to mine the whole-genome sequence databases of the Orang Asli and Malays to determine the presence of pathogenic SNPs that might increase the risks of cancers among them. Five different in silico tools, SIFT, PROVEAN, Poly-Phen-2, Condel, and PANTHER, were used to predict and assess the functional impacts of the SNPs. Out of the 80 cancer-related nsSNPs from the GWAS dataset, 52 nsSNPs were found among the Orang Asli and Malays. They were further analyzed using the bioinformatic pipeline to identify the pathogenic variants. Three nsSNPs; rs1126809 (TYR), rs10936600 (LRRC34), and rs757978 (FARP2), were found as the most damaging cancer pathogenic variants. These mutations alter the protein interface and change the allosteric sites of the respective proteins. As TYR, LRRC34, and FARP2 genes play important roles in numerous cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, and cell survival; therefore, any impairment on the protein function could be involved in the development of cancer. rs1126809, rs10936600, and rs757978 are the important pathogenic variants that increase the risks of cancers among the Orang Asli and Malays. The roles and impacts of these variants in cancers will require further investigations using in vitro cancer models.
Comparison of the outcome between immunotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Shen Chia-I , Chao Heng-Sheng , Shiao Tsu-Hui , Chiang Chi-Lu , Huang Hsu-Ching , Luo Yung-Hung , Chiu Chao-Hua , Chen Yuh-Min
Published: August 2021

Whether ICIs combined with chemotherapy can improve outcomes in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains uncertain. Patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and who progressed on first-line EGFR-TKIs treatment were retrospectively collected. We reviewed the outcome of these patients treated with ICIs or ICIs combined chemotherapy (ICI + C). Total 30 patients were included. The ORR were 9.1% and 25.0% for the ICI and ICI + C groups. The ICI + C group showed the trend of longer progression-free survival and overall survival periods. Patients without the T790M mutation had a significantly longer PFS than did those without this mutation (4.23 [95% CI: 2.75–5.72] vs. 1.70 [95% CI: 0.00–3.51] months, HR:4.45, p = 0.019). ICIs combined with chemotherapy tended to be more effective than ICIs alone in pretreated EGFR-mutant NSCLC. The T790M mutation may be a potential biomarker.
UHPLC–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometric analysis of brain cell-specific glucogenic and neurotransmitter amino acid content
Authors: Bheemanapally Khaggeswar , Napit Prabhat R. , Ibrahim Mostafa M. H. , Briski Karen P.
Published: August 2021

Astrocyte glycogen, the primary energy reserve in brain, undergoes continuous remodeling by glucose passage through the glycogen shunt prior to conversion to the oxidizable energy fuel l-lactate. Glucogenic amino acids (GAAs) are a potential non-glucose energy source during neuro-metabolic instability. Current research investigated whether diminished glycogen metabolism affects GAA homeostasis in astrocyte and/or nerve cell compartments. The glycogen phosphorylase (GP) inhibitor 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB) was injected into the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMN), a key metabolic-sensing structure, before vehicle or l-lactate infusion. Pure VMN astrocyte and metabolic-sensory neuron samples were obtained by combinatory immunocytochemistry/laser–catapult-microdissection for UHPLC–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS) GAA analysis. DAB inhibition of VMN astrocyte aspartate and glutamine (Gln) levels was prevented or exacerbated, respectively, by lactate. VMN gluco-stimulatory nitric oxide (NO; neuronal nitric oxide synthase-immunoreactive (ir)-positive) and gluco-inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA; glutamate decarboxylase65/67-ir-positive) neurons exhibited lactate-reversible asparate and glutamate augmentation by DAB, but dissimilar Gln responses to DAB. GP inhibition elevated NO and GABA nerve cell GABA content, but diminished astrocyte GABA; these responses were averted by lactate in neuron, but not astrocyte samples. Outcomes provide proof-of-principle of requisite LC–ESI–MS sensitivity for GAA measurement in specific brain cell populations. Results document divergent effects of decreased VMN glycogen breakdown on astrocyte versus neuron GAAs excepting Gln. Lactate-reversible DAB up-regulation of metabolic-sensory neuron GABA signaling may reflect compensatory nerve cell energy stabilization upon decline in astrocyte-derived metabolic fuel.
Synthetic approach of ternary magnesium niobate (Mg–Nb–O) compounds
Authors: Rahman Md. Wasikur
Published: August 2021

Magnesium based niobium oxides (Mg–Nb–O) were prepared by solid-state reactions owing to understand the function of transition metal oxides as promoters/catalysts for practical application. Magnesium niobate (Mg3Nb6O11) was synthesized for the first time in nearly pure form reported in this context. MgNb2O6 and Mg4Nb2O9 were prepared in oxidizing conditions; on the contrary, Mg3Nb6O11 preferred reducing environment. Stoichiometric mixtures of the precursor materials MgO, Nb2O5 and/or metallic Nb were annealed for the syntheses which revealed the effect of temperature on phase formation, reaction kinetics and heat of reaction. The products were examined by ex-situ, in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystallographic parameters of various binary and ternary compounds (Mg/Nb/O) formed in different calcination conditions, were extracted by Rietveld method. In-situ experiment results in single step reaction for the MgNb2O6 synthesis and the heat of formation of the solid-state reaction obtained to be minimum (93 kJ/mol). In contrast, the formation of Mg4Nb2O9 and Mg3Nb6O11 compounds towards pure phases rather complicated due to multistep reactions and corresponding heat of formation were estimated to be 140 and 190 kJ/mol. Experimental results have been discussed based on kinetic and thermodynamic constrains.
Minimally invasive quantification of cerebral P2X7R occupancy using dynamic [18F]JNJ-64413739 PET and MRA-driven image derived input function
Authors: Mertens Nathalie , Schmidt Mark E. , Hijzen Anja , Van Weehaeghe Donatienne , Ravenstijn Paulien , Depre Marleen , de Hoon Jan , Van Laere Koen , Koole Michel
Published: August 2021

[18F]JNJ-64413739 has been evaluated as PET-ligand for in vivo quantification of purinergic receptor subtype 7 receptor (P2X7R) using Logan graphical analysis with a metabolite-corrected arterial plasma input function. In the context of a P2X7R PET dose occupancy study, we evaluated a minimally invasive approach by limiting arterial sampling to baseline conditions. Meanwhile, post dose distribution volumes (VT) under blocking conditions were estimated by combining baseline blood to plasma ratios and metabolite fractions with an MR angiography driven image derived input function (IDIF). Regional postdose VT,IDIF values were compared with corresponding VT,AIF estimates using a arterial input function (AIF), in terms of absolute values, test–retest reliability and receptor occupancy. Compared to an invasive AIF approach, postdose VT,IDIF values and corresponding receptor occupancies showed only limited bias (Bland–Altman analysis: 0.06 ± 0.27 and 3.1% ± 6.4%) while demonstrating a high correlation (Spearman ρ = 0.78 and ρ = 0.98 respectively). In terms of test–retest reliability, regional intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.98 ± 0.02 for VT,IDIF compared to 0.97 ± 0.01 for VT,AIF. These results confirmed that a postdose IDIF, guided by MR angiography and using baseline blood and metabolite data, can be considered for accurate [18F]JNJ-64413739 PET quantification in a repeated PET study design, thus avoiding multiple invasive arterial sampling and increasing dosing flexibility.
Association of Troponin T levels and functional outcome 3 months after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Anetsberger Aida , Jungwirth Bettina , Blobner Manfred , Ringel Florian , Bernlochner Isabell , Heim Markus , Bogdanski Ralph , Wostrack Maria , Schneider Gerhard , Meyer Bernhard , Graeßner Martin , Baumgart Lea , Gempt Jens
Published: August 2021

TroponinT levels are frequently elevated after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, their clinical impact on long term outcomes still remains unclear. This study evaluates the association of TroponinT and functional outcomes 3 months after SAH. Data were obtained in the frame of a randomized controlled trial exploring the association of Goal-directed hemodynamic therapy and outcomes after SAH (NCT01832389). TroponinT was measured daily for the first 14 days after admission or until discharge from the ICU. Outcome was assessed using Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 3 months after discharge. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between initial TroponinT values stratified by tertiles and admission as well as outcome parameters. TroponinT measurements were analyzed in 105 patients. TroponinT values at admission were associated with outcome assessed by GOS in a univariate analysis. TroponinT was not predictive of vasospasm or delayed cerebral ischemia, but an association with pulmonary and cardiac complications was observed. After adjustment for age, history of arterial hypertension and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade, TroponinT levels at admission were not independently associated with worse outcome (GOS 1–3) or death at 3 months. In summary, TroponinT levels at admission are associated with 3 months-GOS but have limited ability to independently predict outcome after SAH.
Comparison of machine and deep learning for the classification of cervical cancer based on cervicography images
Authors: Park Ye Rang , Kim Young Jae , Ju Woong , Nam Kyehyun , Kim Soonyung , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: August 2021

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide with a mortality rate of 60%. Cervical cancer begins with no overt signs and has a long latent period, making early detection through regular checkups vitally immportant. In this study, we compare the performance of two different models, machine learning and deep learning, for the purpose of identifying signs of cervical cancer using cervicography images. Using the deep learning model ResNet-50 and the machine learning models XGB, SVM, and RF, we classified 4119 Cervicography images as positive or negative for cervical cancer using square images in which the vaginal wall regions were removed. The machine learning models extracted 10 major features from a total of 300 features. All tests were validated by fivefold cross-validation and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis yielded the following AUCs: ResNet-50 0.97(CI 95% 0.949–0.976), XGB 0.82(CI 95% 0.797–0.851), SVM 0.84(CI 95% 0.801–0.854), RF 0.79(CI 95% 0.804–0.856). The ResNet-50 model showed a 0.15 point improvement (p < 0.05) over the average (0.82) of the three machine learning methods. Our data suggest that the ResNet-50 deep learning algorithm could offer greater performance than current machine learning models for the purpose of identifying cervical cancer using cervicography images.
Role of the IL33 and IL1RL1 pathway in the pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin A vasculitis
Authors: Prieto-Peña Diana , Remuzgo-Martínez Sara , Genre Fernanda , Pulito-Cueto Verónica , Atienza-Mateo Belén , Llorca Javier , Sevilla-Pérez Belén , Ortego-Centeno Norberto , Marquez Ana , Lera-Gómez Leticia , Leonardo María Teresa , Peñalba Ana , Narváez Javier , Martín-Penagos Luis , Rodrigo Emilio , Miranda-Filloy José A. , Caminal-Montero Luis , Collado Paz , Sánchez Pérez Javier , de Argila Diego , Rubio Esteban , León Luque Manuel , Blanco-Madrigal Juan María , Galíndez-Agirregoikoa Eva , Gualillo Oreste , Martín Javier , Castañeda Santos , Blanco Ricardo , González-Gay Miguel A. , López-Mejías Raquel
Published: August 2021

Cytokines signalling pathway genes are crucial factors of the genetic network underlying the pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin-A vasculitis (IgAV), an inflammatory vascular condition. An influence of the interleukin (IL)33- IL1 receptor like (IL1RL)1 signalling pathway on the increased risk of several immune-mediated diseases has been described. Accordingly, we assessed whether the IL33-IL1RL1 pathway represents a novel genetic risk factor for IgAV. Three tag polymorphisms within IL33 (rs3939286, rs7025417 and rs7044343) and three within IL1RL1 (rs2310173, rs13015714 and rs2058660), that also were previously associated with several inflammatory diseases, were genotyped in 380 Caucasian IgAV patients and 845 matched healthy controls. No genotypes or alleles differences were observed between IgAV patients and controls when IL33 and IL1RL1 variants were analysed independently. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were found in IL33 or IL1RL1 genotype and allele frequencies when IgAV patients were stratified according to the age at disease onset or to the presence/absence of gastrointestinal (GI) or renal manifestations. Similar results were disclosed when IL33 and IL1RL1 haplotypes were compared between IgAV patients and controls and between IgAV patients stratified according to the clinical characteristics mentioned above. Our results suggest that the IL33-IL1RL1 signalling pathway does not contribute to the genetic network underlying IgAV.
Population-wide impacts of aspirin, statins, and metformin use on prostate cancer incidence and mortality
Authors: Koo Hye Yeon , Jeong Su-Min , Cho Mi Hee , Chun Sohyun , Shin Dong Wook , Park Jinsung
Published: August 2021

We evaluated the association between aspirin, statins, and metformin use and prostate cancer (PC) incidence and mortality using a large population-based dataset. 388,760 men who participated in national health screening program in Korea during 2002–2003 were observed from 2004 to 2013. Hazard ratios of aspirin, statins, and metformin use for PC incidence and PC mortality were calculated with adjustment for simultaneous drug use. Cumulative use of each drug was inserted as time-dependent variable with 2-year time windows. Aspirin use ≥ 1.5 year (per 2-year) was associated with borderline decrease in PC mortality when compared to non-users (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–1.02). Statins use was not associated with either PC incidence or PC mortality. Metformin ever-use was associated with decreased PC incidence compared with non-diabetics (aHR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.96). Diabetics who were not using metformin or using low cumulative doses had higher PC mortality than non-diabetics (aHR 2.01, 95% CI 1.44–2.81, and aHR 1.70, 95% CI 1.07–2.69, respectively). However, subjects with higher cumulative doses of metformin did not show increased PC mortality. In conclusion, metformin use was associated with lower PC incidence. Use of aspirin and that of metformin among diabetic patients were associated with lower PC mortality.
Calcium Phosphate Cements: Structure-related Properties
Authors: Fu Le , Pujari-Palmer Michael , Öhman-Magi Caroline , Engqvist Håkan , Xia Wei
Published: August 2021

Calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) are commonly used as bone void fillers and to reinforce hardware in fracture repair. They are injectable, mouldable and self-setting in vivo, and in addition to being osteoconductive they can also be both bioactive and resorbable, which makes them interesting as bone regenerative biomaterials. The cement sets through a dissolution–precipitation process, and cement hardening occurs via the entanglement of the precipitated crystals. This type of setting reaction leads to an intricate microstructure, ranging from the nano- to the micrometre scale. Moreover, different types of porogens can be added to the cement paste, which changes the macrostructure of the hardened material. This chapter provides an overview of the structural organisation of CPCs at different length scales, which parameters influence it and also how this affects the characteristics of the cement. The structure and the porosity of the cement are dependent on the chemistry behind the setting reaction, as well as the size and size distribution of the starting powders, the choice of aqueous solution and the liquid-to-powder ratio. The structure of the cement, in turn, influences several important parameters of the cement. The microstructure can be correlated to the surface area, where a change in which affects both the resorbability and the bioactivity of the material. The mechanical properties of the cement can not only be strongly correlated to the structure and the porosity of the cement, but also to the efficacy of the crystal entanglement. Furthermore, CPCs can be used as drug delivery systems, where the structure of the cement influences both the amount of drug that can be loaded as well as the release rate.
Bioelectronics and Neural Interfaces
Authors: Tong W. , Robles U. Aregueta , Gelmi A.
Published: August 2021

Advances in electrode design are key to enabling wide-ranging applications in bioelectronics and neural interfaces. The use of bioelectronics in the treatment of brain diseases and neural prosthetics to improve quality of life for chronic conditions is an exciting area of research, with wide-ranging impact for global health. The use of inorganic biomaterials as electrode materials in these applications will be discussed, both in the context of electrical performance and biocompatibility. A detailed discussion will then be delivered on the development and fabrication of state-of-the-art and emerging designs of bioelectronic devices, as well as emerging hybrid and next-generation materials in this field.
Harnessing digital imaging to detect the transmittance coupled with the uniformity of transparent optical materials
Authors: Zang Yipeng , Xu Qingfeng , Wang Mengmeng , Yu Chenrui , Liu Dandan , Hu Ziwei , Yue Wenjin , Nie Guangjun
Published: August 2021

A digital image (DI) method is reported to simultaneously determine the transmittance and the uniformity of transparent optical materials (TOMs), in which an objective image (OI) with a two dimensional (2D) entropy of 3.45 is scanned using a scanner with a black background.
Ruthenium-catalysed oxidative coupling of vinyl derivatives and application in tandem hydrogenation
Authors: Abuhafez Naba , Ruffin Hervé , Kamaraj Raghu , Bruneau Christian , Gramage-Doria Rafael
Published: August 2021

The first ruthenium-catalyzed oxidative homo- and cross-coupling of exclusive vinyl derivatives giving highly valued 1,3-diene building blocks is reported. In situ ruthenium-catalyzed hydrogenation afforded relevant adipic acid ester derivatives.
Two birds with one stone: dual grain-boundary and interface passivation enables >22% efficient inverted methylammonium-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gharibzadeh Saba , Fassl Paul , Hossain Ihteaz M. , Rohrbeck Pascal , Frericks Markus , Schmidt Moritz , Duong The , Khan Motiur Rahman , Abzieher Tobias , Nejand Bahram Abdollahi , Schackmar Fabian , Almora Osbel , Feeney Thomas , Singh Roja , Fuchs Dirk , Lemmer Uli , Hofmann Jan P. , Weber Stefan A. L. , Paetzold Ulrich W.
Published: August 2021

We present a dual passivation approach for p–i–n perovskite solar cells using phenethylammonium chloride that simultaneously passivates defects at the grain boundaries and the perovskite/C60 interface, thus substantially enhancing both VOC and FF.
AOPs enhance the migration of polystyrene nanoparticles in saturated quartz sand
Authors: Zhang Kai-Xin , Song Chao , Zhao Shan , Yan Zhen , Feng Li-Juan , Wang Shu-Guang
Published: August 2021

As one of the main wastewater treatment process, AOPs generate the ROS to attack the active sites on plastic particles, which would generate oxygen-containing groups and change the migration of plastic particles.
18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits IL-1β-induced inflammatory response in mouse chondrocytes and prevents osteoarthritic progression by activating Nrf2
Authors: Chen Boda , Zhu Dingchao , Xie Chenglong , Shi Yifeng , Ni Libin , Zhang Huawei , Li Sunlong , Lu Jiajie , Xiao Jian , Xia Weiyi , Huang Chongan , Wang Xiangyang
Published: August 2021

18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid treatment attenuated inflammatory response and ECM degradation in chondrocytes via suppressing NF-κB activity by the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Identification and characterization of Crassostrea angulata arginine kinase, a novel allergen that causes cross-reactivity among shellfish
Authors: Huan Fei , Han Tian-Jiao , Liu Meng , Li Meng-Si , Yang Yang , Liu Qing-Mei , Lai Dong , Cao Min-Jie , Liu Guang-Ming
Published: August 2021

AK was identified as a novel allergen in C. angulata, and rAK maintaining IgG/IgE-binding activity and structural integrity was obtained. Notably, the cross-reactivity of shellfish AK may be related to conserved epitopes.
New ecdysone receptor agonists: a computational approach for rational discovery of insecticides for crop protection
Authors: Singh Rahul , Bhardwaj Vijay Kumar , Das Pralay , Purohit Rituraj
Published: August 2021

Plant derived (C. deodara) in-house synthesized molecules with benzosuberene scaffolds as potential EcR agonists to target Hemiptera and Coleoptera.
Enhanced luminescence/photodetecting bifunctional devices based on ZnO:Ga microwire/p-Si heterojunction by incorporating Ag nanowires
Authors: Liu Yang , Dai Ruiming , Jiang Mingming , Tang Kai , Wan Peng , Kan Caixia
Published: August 2021

A fabricated n-AgNWs@ZnO:Ga microwire/p-Si heterojunction is used to achieve high-performance light-emitting/detecting bifunctional devices.
Enhanced anti-metastatic therapy with down-regulation of heparinase expression by ROS-responsive micellar nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yicong , Li Yuai , Huang Shiqi , Zhang Hanming , Lin Qing , Gong Tao , Sun Xun , Zhang Zhirong , Zhang Ling
Published: August 2021

Schematic illustration of DOX-nPLPs targeting a melanoma solid tumor and inhibiting lung metastasis.
Proximity effect of a two-dimensional van der Waals magnet Fe3GeTe2 on nickel films
Authors: Chen Qian , Liang Jian , Fang Bin , Zhu Yonghui , Wang Jiachen , Lv Weiming , Lv Wenxing , Cai Jialin , Huang Zhaocong , Zhai Ya , Zhang Baoshun , Zeng Zhongming
Published: August 2021

This paper reveals the proximity effect of 2D vdW magnets on the magnetism of ferromagnetic films. Both the out-of-plane magnetic anisotropy and Gilbert damping of the Ni film are enhanced by integrating with 2D Fe3GeTe2.
Enhanced photovoltage and stability of perovskite photovoltaics enabled by a cyclohexylmethylammonium iodide-based 2D perovskite passivation layer
Authors: Sun Weihai , Zou Jinjun , Wang Xiaobing , Wang Shibo , Du Yitian , Cao Fengxian , Zhang Lan , Wu Jihuai , Gao Peng
Published: August 2021

Benefiting from an in situ formed 2D perovskite capping layer, a perovskite solar cell with a 3D/2D heterojunction structure exhibits a maximum power conversion efficiency of 22.06% and excellent moisture stability.
High-efficient ab initio Bayesian active learning method and applications in prediction of two-dimensional functional materials
Authors: Ma Xing-Yu , Lyu Hou-Yi , Hao Kuan-Rong , Zhu Zhen-Gang , Yan Qing-Bo , Su Gang
Published: August 2021

Ab initio Bayesian active learning method was proposed to generally accelerate prediction of desired advanced functional materials with the ultrahigh efficiency and accuracy.
X-ray scintillation and photoluminescence of isomorphic ionic bismuth halides with [Amim]+ or [Ammim]+ cations
Authors: Jin Jian-Ce , Lin Yang-Peng , Chen Da-Yi , Lin Bing-Ye , Zhuang Ting-Hui , Ma Wen , Gong Liao-Kuo , Du Ke-Zhao , Jiang Jiang , Huang Xiao-Ying
Published: August 2021

X-ray scintillation and cyan phosphorescence are observed for three isomorphic ionic bismuth halides.
Improved performance of soy protein adhesive with melamine–urea–formaldehyde prepolymer
Authors: Jiang Ke , Lei Zhenghui , Yi Maoyu , Lv Wenxin , Jing Mingwei , Feng Qiaoling , Tan Hailu , Chen Yuzhu , Xiao Hui
Published: August 2021

In recent years, soy protein adhesive, as an environmentally friendly bio-based adhesive, has attracted extensive attention.
Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Manilkara zapota L. extract and the evaluation of its intrinsic in vivo antiarthritic potential
Authors: Ijaz Mahnoor , Fatima Maryam , Anwar Rukhsana , Uroos Maliha
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vivo acute and sub-acute antiarthritic activity of aqueous extract of M. zapota and its biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
Melting centrifugally spun ultrafine poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) fiber and hydrophilic modification
Authors: Li Xianglong , Liu Jing , Lu Yishen , Hou Teng , Zhou Jing , Zhang Xianggui , Zhou Lele , Sun Mingbo , Xue Jieyu , Yang Bin
Published: August 2021

The PBAT fibers were fabricated by using our own designed melting centrifugal spinning setup, and followed by improving the fiber wettability with hyperbranched polyesters (HBP).
Facile fabrication of superhydrophobic polyester fabric based on rapid oxidation polymerization of dopamine for oil–water separation
Authors: Xie Ailing , Wang Boan , Chen Xinpeng , Wang Yahui , Wang Yirong , Zhu Xiaowei , Xing Tieling , Chen Guoqiang
Published: August 2021

Through the special chemical structure of dopamine, superhydrophobic polyester fabric was fabricated by introducing the low surface energy substance hexadecyltrimethoxysilane into the PET fabric and chelating Fe ions to form rough surface.
An effective sulfur conversion catalyst based on MnCo2O4.5 modified graphitized carbon nitride nanosheets for high-performance Li–S batteries
Authors: Sun Wenhao , Lu Yi-Chun , Huang Yaqin
Published: August 2021

When applied as a coating on separator, CNMCO markedly boosts Li–S battery performance by improving S utilization with its strong LiPSs-affinity and high catalytic activity towards LiPSs conversion, Li2S nucleation and decomposition.
Integrating photon up- and down-conversion to produce efficient light-harvesting materials for enhancing natural photosynthesis
Authors: Jiang Mingyue , Yuan Yue , Fang Yuchen , Liu Shouxin , Li Jian , Chen Zhijun , Pang Qiuying , Li Shujun
Published: August 2021

A UCNP@CDs incorporated light-harvesting film, which enables simultaneous conversion of NIR and UV photons in solar light to visible light for enhancing photosynthesis was developed.
A 3D fiber skeleton reinforced PEO-based polymer electrolyte for high rate and ultra-long cycle all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Shi Zhangqin , Guo WenYao , Zhou Luozeng , Xu Qunjie , Min Yulin
Published: August 2021

The surface-functionalized loofah fiber was used as a PEO electrolyte modifier. A composite electrolyte with high lithium ion migration number and strong mechanical properties was prepared, which has good performance when applied to lithium metal batteries.
Boronic acid-functionalized spherical polymer brushes for efficient and selective enrichment of glycoproteins
Authors: Hua Chen , Chen Kaimin , Guo Xuhong
Published: August 2021

A schematic representation of the fabrication of boronic acid-functionalized material PS-PBA brushes, which demonstrated a fast binding speed and high binding capacity for glycoprotein ovalbumin under physiological pH conditions.
Review on recent progress in metal–organic framework-based materials for fabricating electrochemical glucose sensors
Authors: Gorle Demudu Babu , Ponnada Srikanth , Kiai Maryam Sadat , Nair Kishore Kumar , Nowduri Annapurna , Swart Hendrik C. , Ang Edison Huixiang , Nanda Karuna Kar
Published: August 2021

Diabetes is a type of disease that threatens human health, which can be diagnosed based on the level of glucose in the blood.
Intestinal congestion and reperfusion injury: damage caused to the intestinal tract and distal organs
Authors: Chen Yajing , Pu Weigao , Maswikiti Ewetse Paul , Tao Pengxian , Li Xuemei , Wang Dengfeng , Gu Baohong , Yu Yang , Gao Lei , Zhao Chengji , Chen Hao
Published: August 2021

In clinical practice, intestinal autologous diseases, ailments and organ transplants can cause severe congestive damage to the intestinal tract. However, after the etiological factor is gotten rid of and blood flow is free without any hinderance, further damage to the intestinal wall often occurs, causing other related organ dysfunctions. This ultimately results in intestinal congestion reperfusion injury (ICRI). When the structure and function of the intestine are destroyed, bacteria, metabolites and endotoxins in the intestinal tract perfuse and enter the portal vein through the already compromised intestinal mucosa, to the other organs via the liver. Nevertheless, this gives rise to further aggravation of the injury, and reperfusion injury syndrome occurs. ICRI is a very common complication encountered by clinicians, and its harm is more severe and serious as compared with that caused by ischemia–reperfusion. Quite a few number of studies on ICRI have been reported to date. The exact mechanism of the injury is still idiopathic, and effective treatment strategies are still limited. Based on recent studies, this article is aimed at reviewing the destruction, damage mechanisms resulting from ICRI to the intestinal anatomical sites and distant organs. It is geared towards providing new ideas for the prevention and therapeutic approaches of ICRI.
Optimal Lp filtering for discrete‐time non‐Gaussian dynamic systems
Authors: Javanfar Elham , Rahmani Mehdi
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the filtering problem for linear dynamic systems. The main objective is to discuss the optimal filter for non‐Gaussian systems. The filter structure is obtained by extension of the maximum a posteriori estimation problem for general norm exponential probability density functions. The obtained filter has a linear structure, and two different algorithms are proposed for and . In the following, the choice of has been discussed based on the asymptotic distribution and the central limit theorem as well as the kurtosis of error probability density function. Both of them confirm that the filter is optimal for Gaussian systems, and the filter, for , has the best performance for the systems with leptokurtic error distributions, and for , it is the best for the systems with platykurtic error distributions. In this regard, it is shown that the and filters have the best MSE performance for the systems with Laplacian and uniform error probability distribution functions, respectively. Simulation results verify the superior performance of the proposed filtering approach for linear time‐invariant and time‐varying systems.
Customised enriched acoustic environment for sound therapy of tinnitus
Authors: Cobo Pedro , Cuesta María , de la Colina Carlos
Published: August 2021

Tinnitus is an auditory disorder very difficult to treat. Whereas up until now there is not a “cure” for tinnitus, the most extended treatment combines counselling with sound therapy. When this sound is a broadband noise in the audio frequency band, this protocol is named tinnitus retraining therapy. Even though broadband noise was proposed at the beginning as the stimulus for sound therapy, many other sounds have been subsequently proposed and used, including tones, noise bands, music, and nature sounds. Although any sound, low enough to avoid annoyance, discomfort or hearing damage, is better than silence for tinnitus treatment, it is not still clear the relationship of the success of the therapy with the properties of the sound stimuli. The aim of this article is to propose an optimal sound treatment that provides a precise and selective stimulation of the whole auditory system. The proposed sound stimulus, Enriched Acoustic Environment, consists of sequential tones or broadband noise matched to the HL curves of the patients. The acoustical characteristics of these stimuli are analyzed and their positive effects in the treatment of subjects with tinnitus are reported.