bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IL1 Pathway in HPV-Negative HNSCC Cells Is an Indicator of Radioresistance After Photon and Carbon Ion Irradiation Without Functional Involvement
Authors: Tiwari Dinesh Kumar , Hannen Ricarda , Unger Kristian , Kohl Sibylla , Heß Julia , Lauber Kirsten , Subtil Florentine S. B. , Dikomey Ekkehard , Engenhart-Cabillic Rita , Schötz Ulrike
Published: April 2022

Background

Treatment of locally advanced HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with photon radiation is the standard of care but shows only moderate success. Alterations in response toward DNA DSB repair, apoptosis, and senescence are underlying determinants of radioresistance in the tumor cells. Recently, senescence and the associated secretory phenotype (SASP) came into the focus of research and raised the need to identify the tumor-promoting molecular mechanisms of the SASP. The aim of this project was to unravel more of this process and to understand the impact of the IL1 pathway, which plays a major role in SASP. The studies were performed for photon and 12C-ion irradiation, which strongly vary in their effect on radioresistance.

Materials and Methods

A panel of five HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines was treated with photon and 12C-ion irradiation and examined for clonogenic survival, DNA DSB repair, and senescence. SASP and IL1 gene expressions were determined by RNA sequencing and activation of the IL1 pathway by ELISA. A functional impact of IL1A and IL1B was examined by specific siRNA knockdown.

Results

Cell killing and residual DSBs were higher after 12C-ion than after photon irradiation. 12C-ion induced more senescence with a significant correlation with cell survival. The impact on radioresistance appears to be less than after photon irradiation. The expression of SASP-related genes and the IL1 pathway are strongly induced by both types of irradiation and correlate with radioresistance and senescence, especially IL1A and IL1B which exhibit excellent associations. Surprisingly, knockdown of IL1A and IL1B revealed that the IL1 pathway is functionally not involved in radioresistance, DSB repair, or induction of senescence.

Conclusions

IL1A and IL1B are excellent indicators of cellular radioresistance and senescence in HNSCC cells without functional involvement in these processes. Clearly more research is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms of senescence and SASP and its impact on radioresistance.
Distant Metastasis Pattern and Prognostic Prediction Model of Colorectal Cancer Patients Based on Big Data Mining
Authors: Liu Chuan , Wang Ting , Yang Jiahui , Zhang Jixiang , Wei Shuchun , Guo Yingyun , Yu Rong , Tan Zongbiao , Wang Shuo , Dong Weiguo
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the distant metastasis pattern from newly diagnosed colorectal cancer (CRC) and also construct and validate a prognostic nomogram to predict both overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of CRC patients with distant metastases.

Methods

Primary CRC patients who were initially diagnosed from 2010 to 2016 in the SEER database were included in the analysis. The independent risk factors affecting the OS, CSS, all-cause mortality, and CRC-specific mortality of the patients were screened by the Cox regression and Fine–Gray competitive risk model. The nomogram models were constructed to predict the OS and CSS of the patients. The reliability and accuracy of the prediction model were evaluated by consistency index (C-index) and calibration curve. The gene chip GSE41258 was downloaded from the GEO database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by the GEO2R online tool (p < 0.05, |logFC|>1.5). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Pathway and Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and String website were used for enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis of DEGs, respectively, and Cytoscape software was used to construct PPI network and screen function modules and hub genes.

Results

A total of 57,835 CRC patients, including 47,823 without distant metastases and 10,012 (17.31%) with metastases, were identified. Older age, unmarried status, poorly differentiated or undifferentiated grade, right colon site, larger tumor size, N2 stage, more metastatic sites, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) might lead to poorer prognosis (all p < 0.01). The independent risk factors of OS and CSS were included to construct a prognosis prediction model for predicting OS and CSS in CRC patients with distant metastasis. C-index and calibration curve of the training group and validation group showed that the models had acceptable predictive performance and high calibration degree. Furthermore, by comparing CRC tissues with and without liver metastasis, 158 DEGs and top 10 hub genes were screened. Hub genes were mainly concentrated in liver function and coagulation function.

Conclusion

The big data in the public database were counted and transformed into a prognostic evaluation tool that could be applied to the clinic, which has certain clinical significance for the formulation of the treatment plan and prognostic evaluation of CRC patients with distant metastasis.
DNA Hypermethylation-Regulated CX3CL1 Reducing T Cell Infiltration Indicates Poor Prognosis in Wilms Tumour
Authors: Mi Tao , Jin Liming , Zhang Zhaoxia , Wang Jinkui , Li Mujie , Zhanghuang Chenghao , Tan Xiaojun , Wang Zhang , Tian Xiaomao , Xiang Bin , He Dawei
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the role of chemokines in Wilms tumours, especially their chemotaxis to immune cells and the role of DNA methylation in regulating the expression level of chemokines.

Methods

RNAseqV2 gene expression and clinical data were downloaded from the TARGET database. DNA methylation data were downloaded from the GEO and cBioPortal database. The difference analysis and Kaplan-Meier(KM) analysis of chemokines were performed by edgeR package. Then predictive model based on chemokines was constructed by lasso regression and multivariate COX regression. ROC curve, DCA curve, Calibration curve, and Nomogram were used to evaluate the prognostic model. MCPcounter and Cibersort algorithm was used to calculate the infiltration of immune cells in Wilms tumour and para-tumour samples. Then the difference analysis of the immune cells was performed. The relationship between chemokines and immune cells were calculated by Pearson correlation. In addition, DNA methylation differences between Wilms tumour and para-tumour samples was performed. The correlation between DNA methylation and mRNA expression was calculated by Pearson correlation. Western blot(WB)and immunofluorescence were used to confirm the differential expression of CX3CL1 and T cells, and the correlation between them.

Results

A total of 16 chemokines were differentially expressed in tumour and para-tumour samples. A total of seven chemokines were associated with survival. CCL2 and CX3CL1 were positively correlated with prognosis, while high expression of CCL3, CCL8, CCL15, CCL18 and CXCL9 predicted poor prognosis. By lasso regression and multivariate COX regression, CCL3, CCL15, CXCL9 and CX3CL1 were finally included to construct a prediction model. The model shows good prediction ability. MCPcounter and Cibersort algorithm both showed that T cells were higher in para-tumour tissues than cancer tissues. Correlation analysis showed that CX3CL1 had a strong correlation with T cells. These were verified by Weston blot and immunofluorescence. DNA methylation analysis showed that various chemokines were different in para-tumours and tumours. CX3CL1 was hypermethylated in tumours, and the degree of methylation was negatively correlated with mRNA expression.

Conclusion

1. There is low T cell infiltration in nephroblastoma. 2. Chemokines such as CX3CL1 indicate a favourable prognosis and positively correlate with the number of T cells. 3. chemokines such as CX3CL1 are negatively regulated by DNA hypermethylation.
Microsimulation Model for Prevention and Intervention of Coloretal Cancer in China (MIMIC-CRC): Development, Calibration, Validation, and Application
Authors: Lu Bin , Wang Le , Lu Ming , Zhang Yuhan , Cai Jie , Luo Chenyu , Chen Hongda , Dai Min
Published: April 2022

Introduction

A microsimulation model provides important references for decision-making regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention strategies, yet such a well-validated model is scarce in China.

Methods

We comprehensively introduce the development of MIcrosimulation Model for the prevention and Intervention of Colorectal Cancer in China (MIMIC-CRC). The MIMIC-CRC was first constructed to simulate the natural history of CRC based on the adenoma-carcinoma pathway. The parameters were calibrated and validated using data from population-based cancer registry data and CRC screening programs. Furthermore, to assess the model’s external validity, we compared the model-derived results to outcome patterns of a sigmoidoscopy screening trial in the UK [UK Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening (UKFSS) trial]. Finally, we evaluated the application potential of the MIMIC-CRC model in CRC screening by comparing the 8 different strategies.

Results

We found that most of the model-predicted colorectal lesion prevalence was within the 95% CIs of observed prevalence in a large population-based CRC screening program in China. In addition, model-predicted sex- and age-specific CRC incidence and mortality were equivalent to the registry-based data. The hazard ratios of model-estimated CRC-related incidence and mortality for sigmoidoscopy screening compared to no screening were 0.60 and 0.51, respectively, which were comparable to the reported results of the UKFSS trial. Moreover, we found that all 8 strategies could reduce CRC incidence and mortality compared to no screening.

Conclusions

The well-calibrated and validated MIMIC-CRC model may represent a valid tool to assess the comparative effectiveness of CRC screening strategies and will be useful for further decision-making to CRC prevention.
Knockdown of a Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Ion Channel Impairs Locomotor Activity and Recovery From Hypoxia in Adult Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Xiao Chengfeng , Robertson R. Meldrum
Published: April 2022

Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) modulates the speed of recovery from anoxia in adult Drosophila and mediates hypoxia-related behaviors in larvae. Cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (CNG) and cGMP-activated protein kinase (PKG) are two cGMP downstream targets. PKG is involved in behavioral tolerance to hypoxia and anoxia in adults, however little is known about a role for CNG channels. We used a CNGL (CNG-like) mutant with reduced CNGL transcripts to investigate the contribution of CNGL to the hypoxia response. CNGL mutants had reduced locomotor activity under normoxia. A shorter distance travelled in a standard locomotor assay was due to a slower walking speed and more frequent stops. In control flies, hypoxia immediately reduced path length per minute. Flies took 30–40 min in normoxia for >90% recovery of path length per minute from 15 min hypoxia. CNGL mutants had impaired recovery from hypoxia; 40 min for ∼10% recovery of walking speed. The effects of CNGL mutation on locomotor activity and recovery from hypoxia were recapitulated by pan-neuronal CNGL knockdown. Genetic manipulation to increase cGMP in the CNGL mutants increased locomotor activity under normoxia and eliminated the impairment of recovery from hypoxia. We conclude that CNGL channels and cGMP signaling are involved in the control of locomotor activity and the hypoxic response of adult Drosophila.
The Gut Microbiota in Liver Transplantation Recipients During the Perioperative Period
Authors: Lai Zhiyong , Chen Zongkun , Zhang Anhong , Niu Zhiqiang , Cheng Meng , Huo Chenda , Xu Jun
Published: April 2022

Background: Chronic liver disease is a global problem, and an increasing number of patients receive a liver transplant yearly. The characteristics of intestinal microbial communities may be affected by changes in the pathophysiology of patients during the perioperative.

Methods: We studied gut fecal microbial community signatures in 37 Chinese adults using 16S rRNA sequencing targeting V3-V4 hypervariable regions, with a total of 69 fecal samples. We analyzed the Alpha and Beta diversities of various groups. Then we compared the abundance of bacteria in groups at the phylum, family, and genus levels.

Results: The healthy gut microbiota predominantly consisted of the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidestes, followed by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. Compared with healthy people, due to the dominant bacteria in patients with chronic liver disease losing their advantages in the gut, the antagonistic effect on the inferior bacteria was reduced. The inferior bacteria multiplied in large numbers during this process. Some of these significant changes were observed in bacterial species belonging to Enterococcus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter, which increased in patients’ intestines. There were low abundances of signature genes such as Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. Blautia and Bifidobacterium (considered probiotics) almost disappeared after liver transplantation.

Conclusion: There is an altered microbial composition in liver transplantation patients and a distinct signature of microbiota associated with the perioperative period.
Deep Species Distribution Modeling From Sentinel-2 Image Time-Series: A Global Scale Analysis on the Orchid Family
Authors: Estopinan Joaquim , Servajean Maximilien , Bonnet Pierre , Munoz François , Joly Alexis
Published: April 2022

Species distribution models (SDMs) are widely used numerical tools that rely on correlations between geolocated presences (and possibly absences) and environmental predictors to model the ecological preferences of species. Recently, SDMs exploiting deep learning and remote sensing images have emerged and have demonstrated high predictive performance. In particular, it has been shown that one of the key advantages of these models (called deep-SDMs) is their ability to capture the spatial structure of the landscape, unlike prior models. In this paper, we examine whether the temporal dimension of remote sensing images can also be exploited by deep-SDMs. Indeed, satellites such as Sentinel-2 are now providing data with a high temporal revisit, and it is likely that the resulting time-series of images contain relevant information about the seasonal variations of the environment and vegetation. To confirm this hypothesis, we built a substantial and original dataset (calledDeepOrchidSeries) aimed at modeling the distribution of orchids on a global scale based on Sentinel-2 image time series. It includes around 1 million occurrences of orchids worldwide, each being paired with a 12-month-long time series of high-resolution images (640 x 640 m RGB+IR patches centered on the geolocated observations). This ambitious dataset enabled us to train several deep-SDMs based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) whose input was extended to include the temporal dimension. To quantify the contribution of the temporal dimension, we designed a novel interpretability methodology based on temporal permutation tests, temporal sampling, and temporal averaging. We show that the predictive performance of the model is greatly increased by the seasonality information contained in the temporal series. In particular, occurrence-poor species and diversity-rich regions are the ones that benefit the most from this improvement, revealing the importance of habitat's temporal dynamics to characterize species distribution.
Separate but Related: Dimensions of Healthcare Provider Social Support in Day-Treatment Oncology Units
Authors: Tomai Manuela , Lauriola Marco
Published: April 2022

Social support by healthcare providers has been increasingly investigated during the past decade, but studies have made different choices concerning its measurement. To evaluate how social support from a healthcare provider impacts the perceived quality of care and patient outcomes, reliable and valid instruments capable of measuring specific aspects of the construct are needed. In study 1, we tested the factor structure and the psychometric properties of a new Healthcare Provider Social Support measure (HPSS) for oncology settings. One-hundred-sixty-two patients (89 females; M age = 58.97, SD age = 13.28) from religious and government-operated hospitals completed the HPSS during day treatment. We modeled the HPSS factor structure to represent four related aspects: Emotional, Informational, Appraisal, and Instrumental social support. Study 2 preliminarily assessed the concurrent validity of the HPSS with patient perceptions of the patient-doctor relationship. Sixty-nine patients (40 females; M age = 53.67, SD age = 13.74) completed the HPPS with scales assessing perceived doctor-patient communication and patient trust in the healthcare provider. Study 1, using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling, showed that a bifactor model had an excellent fit. The analysis supported the use of subscale scores, which were more tenable than a single total score in terms of bifactor model indices. This conclusion was also supported by greater scalability of the subscales in a Mokken Scale Analysis. Oncology patients treated in the religious hospital perceived greater Emotional, Informational, and Instrumental social support from their healthcare provider than those treated in government-operated. Study 2 showed that patient ratings of healthcare provider social support, except Instrumental, were positively correlated with better doctor communication skills and greater trust in the physician. Multiple regression analyses showed that Informational and Emotional support provided a unique contribution to building trust in the physician, controlling for the doctor’s communication skills. The study results showed that the four social support ratings were reliable and valid, sharpening the distinction between functional components in the formal healthcare system.
A Corpus-Based Comparison of the Chief Executive Officer Statements in Annual Reports and Corporate Social Responsibility Reports
Authors: Liu Qingrong , Bilal  , Komal Bushra
Published: April 2022

This study presents a corpus-based comparison of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) statements between annual reports and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. Using a corpus of 209 CEO statements from annual reports and CSR reports of Chinese companies, this study employs the Discourse-Historical Approach of critical discourse analysis to investigate the nomination strategies and key topics in these two related reports. The results showed that corporate leaders tend to have different priorities in annual reports and CSR reports. In annual reports, corporate leaders highlight the economic and pragmatic concerns of stakeholders to create a professionally capable and objective corporate image. In CSR reports, corporate leaders highlight the ethical concerns of stakeholders to create a socially responsible corporate image and adopt a more engaging and affiliative voice through the use of first-person pronouns. This study has significance in understanding the differences in the related genres of annual reports and CSR reports for the stakeholders.
Researchers’ Perspectives on Digital Mental Health Intervention Co-Design With Marginalized Community Stakeholder Youth and Families
Authors: Porche Michelle V. , Folk Johanna B. , Tolou-Shams Marina , Fortuna Lisa R.
Published: April 2022

Co-design of digital mental health technology with youth and families is a relatively new but growing approach to intervention development. In this perspective article, researchers used collaborative reflexivity through duoethnography methodology to reflect and report on experiences and lessons learned conducting co-designed projects with marginalized youth and families. Researchers engaged in written reflective dialogue regarding projects designed to co-develop technology-based apps and computer programs to support mental health of youth and their families. Reflections described the barriers and challenges for sharing responsibilities with stakeholders who have extensive lived experience but limited exposure to research. Researchers shared insights about their own intersectionality and positionality from marginalized to privileged, relative to co-design participants, and what it means to share authority, authentic partnership, and responsibility in the research process. Cultural understanding may diverge, even between acculturated minority researchers and matched minority stakeholders. While there are a variety of approaches that researchers might refer to as co-design, it is important to be intentional in the implementation of these processes so that collaborations with stakeholder youth and families are neither disingenuous nor exploitative. Implications for equitable and meaningful engagement of marginalized communities in co-design projects for youth mental health are discussed.
Mechanical Affective Touch Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: Feasibility, Clinical Outcomes, and Electroencephalography Biomarkers From an Open-Label Trial
Authors: Carpenter Linda L. , Kronenberg Eugenia F. , Tirrell Eric , Kokdere Fatih , Beck Quincy M. , Temereanca Simona , Fukuda Andrew M. , Garikapati Sahithi , Hagberg Sean
Published: April 2022

Background

Most external peripheral nerve stimulation devices designed to alter mood states use electrical energy, but mechanical stimulation for activation of somatosensory pathways may be harnessed for potential therapeutic neuromodulation. A novel investigational device for Mechanical Affective Touch Therapy (MATT) was created to stimulate C-tactile fibers through gentle vibrations delivered by piezoelectric actuators on the bilateral mastoid processes.

Methods

22 adults with anxiety disorders and at least moderate anxiety symptom severity enrolled in an open-label pilot trial that involved MATT self-administration using a simple headset at home at least twice per day for 4 weeks. Resting EEG data were acquired before and after a baseline MATT session and again before the final MATT session. Self-report measures of mood and anxiety were collected at baseline, week 2, and week 4, while interoception was assessed pre- and post-treatment.

Results

Anxiety and depressive symptoms improved significantly from baseline to endpoint, and mindfulness was enhanced. EEG metrics confirmed an association between acute MATT stimulation and oscillatory power in alpha and theta bands; symptom changes correlated with changes in some metrics.

Conclusion

Open-label data suggest MATT is a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach to anxiety disorders that warrants further development.
Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET) for Ureteral Calculi in Children: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bacchus Michael W. , Locke Rachel A. , Kwenda Elizabeth P. , DeMarco Romano T. , Grant Campbell , Bayne Christopher E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is the use of medication to facilitate ureteral stone passage prior to surgical intervention. Practice guidelines for the use of MET in the pediatric population remain limited, primarily due to a scarcity of randomized controlled trials and concerns regarding dosing and side effects. To address this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify the impact of MET on the spontaneous passage of pediatric stones located within the distal ureter.

Methods

A narrow scope search using PubMed and Embase with a predefined search strategy was performed in September 2021 to identify all randomized controlled trials involving the use of pediatric MET for stones located in the distal ureter. Raw data from 6 eligible articles were extracted for pooled analysis. Our primary outcome was the overall effect of MET on ureteral calculi passage within 28 days compared to controls.

Results

The mean age of patients in included studies was 7.6 years-old, with a range of ages 2–18 years old. In the pooled analysis of eligible studies, 235 patients received MET and 176 received placebo. The mean stone size was 6.40 mm in the treatment arm and 6.42 mm in the control arm. Children receiving MET were more likely than controls to experience spontaneous stone passage [Relative risk 1.39 (CI 95% 1.21–1.60)]. Considering all included studies, only one child treated with MET withdrew due to medication side effects.

Conclusion

Our systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of pediatric MET on spontaneous distal ureteral stone passage demonstrates a statistically significant benefit. The benefits of MET are diverse and include, possibly, minimizing exposure to anesthesia and radiation alongside improving surgical outcomes if ureteroscopy must be performed. Given the increasing incidence of ureteral stones in children and the nuances inherent to pediatric surgery due to smaller anatomy, MET represents an opportunity for safer and more effective pediatric stone management.
Gamification for Machine Learning in Surgical Patient Engagement
Authors: Balch Jeremy A. , Efron Philip A. , Bihorac Azra , Loftus Tyler J.
Published: April 2022

Patients and their surgeons face a complex and evolving set of choices in the process of shared decision making. The plan of care must be tailored to individual patient risk factors and values, though objective estimates of risk can be elusive, and these risk factors are often modifiable and can alter the plan of care. Machine learning can perform real-time predictions of outcomes, though these technologies are limited by usability and interpretability. Gamification, or the use of game elements in non-game contexts, may be able to incorporate machine learning technology to help patients optimize their pre-operative risks, reduce in-hospital complications, and hasten recovery. This article proposes a theoretical mobile application to help guide decision making and provide evidence-based, tangible goals for patients and surgeons with the goal of achieving the best possible operative outcome that aligns with patient values.
A Novel Intranasal Vaccine With PmpGs + MOMP Induces Robust Protections Both in Respiratory Tract and Genital System Post Chlamydia psittaci Infection
Authors: Li Qiang , Chen Siyu , Yan Zhuanqiang , Fang Huanxin , Wang Zhanxin , He Cheng
Published: April 2022

Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci) is a crucial zoonotic pathogen that causes severe respiratory and reproductive system disease in humans and animals. In our pioneer study, polymorphic membrane protein G (PmpG) mediated attachment to host cells as the adhesions and induced immunity against C. psittaci infection. We hypothesize that multiple PmpG antigens adjuvanted with Vibrio cholerae ghost (VCG) and chitosan gel might trigger full protection via the intranasal route (i.n). In the present study, 40 SPF chickens were randomly divided into four groups, including the PmpGs + MOMP group (i.n), major outer membrane protein (MOMP) group (i.n), PmpGs (Pmp17G + Pmp20G + Pmp21G) group (i.n), and control groups (VCG + chitosan gel) (i.n). Post twice immunizations, the PmpGs + MOMP group yielded highly level-specific IgG, IgA antibodies, and lymphocyte proliferation. As for cytokines, IFN-γ expression was upregulated significantly, while IL-10 concentration was downregulated in the PmpGs + MOMP group compared with other groups. Post challenge, exudate inflammations in air sacs, bacterial loads in lungs, and bacterial shedding in throat swabs were reduced significantly in the PmpGs + MOMP group. In the second experiment, 100 breeder ducks were divided into the PmpGs + MOMP group (i.n), the commercial MOMP group (via intramuscular injection, i.m), the inactivated EBs group (i.n), and the control group (i.n), 25 ducks per group. Post challenge, the reduced egg production recovered soon in the inactivated EBs group and the PmpGs + MOMP group. Moreover, the aforementioned two groups induced higher robust IgG antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation, and IFN-γ secretions than the commercial MOMP vaccine did. Postmortem, lower bacterial loads of spleens were determined in the PmpGs + MOMP group and the inactivated EBs group. However, bacterial clearance of follicular membranes and shedding from the vaginal tract were not significant differences among the three tested groups. Furthermore, the PmpGs + MOMP group induced lower inflammations in the follicles and oviducts. Based on the above evidence, the combination of PmpGs and MOMP adjuvanted with chitosan gel and VCG via intranasal route could induce full protection both in the respiratory system and genital tract post C. psittaci infection. More importantly, the combination antigens are superior to the inactivated EBs antigen due to no contamination to the environment and less genital inflammation. The combination of PmpGs + MOMP adjuvanted with VCG and chitosan gel might be a promising novel vaccine by blocking C. psittaci infection from animals to human beings.
Behavioral Game Theory Model in Pollution Control with Additional Supervision
Authors: Gu Qianqian , Hang Lei , Sun Shaorong
Published: April 2022

The work is devoted to the study of the impact of external control on the strategies of pollutant discharge enterprises and government regulators in the field of environmental protection. The authors construct a model of the relationship between these entities. It is an evolutionary game in which the players are entities that generate pollutants and the government departments that implement pollution supervision. The choice of strategies of both of these entities and the evolutionary stability of the system controlled by different regulatory efforts, i.e., a third party, are analyzed. The authors then verify the evolutionary paths and evolutionary results of the model under different conditions using simulation analysis based on this model. The conducted research shows that the weak power of third-party supervision is not enough to promote the evolution of the behavioral decisions of the government and enterprises. An appropriate increase in the power of third-party supervision will change the choice of the government and enterprises strategies in the short term; however, due to the mutual influence of the strategies between both sides of the game, in this situation, the evolutionary system does not pursue a stable state. The strong power of third-party supervision will push enterprises to choose a pollution control strategy, change the intensity of government supervision, and replace government supervision to a certain extent. It is an interesting example of modeling the relationship of this system on the basis of evolutionary game theory. The findings can be regarded as a theoretical reference for environmental pollution control of enterprises.
Comparing the Effects of a Pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) Bark Extract with a Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) Extract on Methane Production and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Parameters
Authors: Vera Nelson , Gutiérrez-Gómez Constanza , Williams Pamela , Allende Rodrigo , Fuentealba Cecilia , Ávila-Stagno Jorge
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) bark extract (PBE) with a quebracho (Schinopsis balansae Engl.) extract (QTE) on methane (CH4) production and in vitro rumen fermentation parameters. A forage diet supplemented with PBE or QTE (0, 2 and 4% dry matter (DM) basis) was incubated for 24 h to determine in vitro DM disappearance (IVDMD), CH4, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) production. Differences were analyzed using Tukey’s test, orthogonal contrasts, hierarchical clustering heatmap (HCH), and principal component analysis (PCA). Both extracts (4% DM) decreased butyrate (Bu; p = 0.001), CH4 (p = 0.005), total VFA (p < 0.001), and NH3-N (p = 0.006) production and increased acetate (Ac; p = 0.003) without affecting the partitioning factor (p = 0.095). Propionate (Pr; p = 0.016) was increased, whereas IVDMD (p = 0.041) was decreased with QTE (4% DM). The inclusion of QTE (2% DM) decreased CH4 production (p = 0.005) and the (Ac + Bu)/Pr ratio (p = 0.003), whereas PBE (2% DM) decreased the NH3-N (p = 0.006) and total VFA production (p < 0.001). The HCH and PCA indicate a negative correlation (r = −0.93; p < 0.001) between CH4 production and tannins. In conclusion, PBE shares many of the effects generated by QTE on ruminal fermentation, although the magnitude of these effects depends on concentration. The PBE could be used as an additive in ruminant diets to reduce CH4 and NH3-N production without reducing IVDMD or increasing propionate, but further in vivo studies are required to clarify its effects on animal production.
Synergistic Antifungal Activity of Synthetic Peptides and Antifungal Drugs against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis Biofilms
Authors: Bezerra Leandro P. , Freitas Cleverson D. T. , Silva Ayrles F. B. , Amaral Jackson L. , Neto Nilton A. S. , Silva Rafael G. G. , Parra Aura L. C. , Goldman Gustavo H. , Oliveira Jose T. A. , Mesquita Felipe P. , Souza Pedro F. N.
Published: April 2022

C. albicans and C. parapsilosis are biofilm-forming yeasts responsible for bloodstream infections that can cause death. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) are considered to be new weapons to combat these infections, alone or combined with drugs. Here, two SAMPs, called Mo-CBP3-PepI and Mo-CBP3-PepIII, were tested alone or combined with nystatin (NYS) and itraconazole (ITR) against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis biofilms. Furthermore, the mechanism of antibiofilm activity was evaluated by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopies. When combined with SAMPs, the results revealed a 2- to 4-fold improvement of NYS and ITR antibiofilm activity. Microscopic analyses showed cell membrane and wall damage and ROS overproduction, which caused leakage of internal content and cell death. Taken together, these results suggest the potential of Mo-CBP3-PepI and Mo-CBP3-PepIII as new drugs and adjuvants to increase the activity of conventional drugs for the treatment of clinical infections caused by C. albicans and C. parapsilosis.
Drinking Water Supplemented with Acidifiers Improves the Growth Performance of Weaned Pigs and Potentially Regulates Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Gastrointestinal Microbiota Diversity
Authors: Xu Qing-Lei , Liu Chang , Mo Xiao-Jian , Chen Meng , Zhao Xian-Le , Liu Ming-Zheng , Wang Shu-Bai , Zhou Bo , Zhao Cheng-Xin
Published: April 2022

This study evaluated the potential effects of adding acidifiers to the drinking water on the growth performance, complete blood count, antioxidant indicators, and diversity of gastrointestinal microbiota for weaned pigs. A total of 400 weaned pigs were randomly divided into four treatments. Pigs were fed the same basal diet and given either water (no acidifier was added, control) or water plus blends of different formulas of acidifiers (acidifier A1, A2, or A3) for 35 days. On d 18 and 35 of the experimental period, 64 pigs (four pigs per pen) were randomly selected to collect blood for a CBC test (n = 128) and an antioxidant indicators test (n = 128); 24 pigs (six pigs per group) were randomly selected to collect fresh feces (n = 48) from the rectum for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to the control, supplementing the drinking water with acidifiers improved the growth performance and survival rate of weaned pigs. Acidifier groups also increased serum catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities, while also displaying a decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to the control. The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the acidifier A1 group was greater than that in the control group (p < 0.05) on d 35; the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the acidifier A1 group was greater than that in the control group (p < 0.05) on d 18 and 35. The microbial species Subdoligranulum or Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005 had significantly positive correlations with ADG and ADFI or with serum antioxidant indicators, respectively. These findings suggest that supplementing the drinking water with an acidifier has a potential as an antioxidant, which was reflected in the improvement of growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal flora.
Phenolic Compounds Extracted from Cherry Tree (Prunus avium) Branches: Impact of the Process on Cosmetic Properties
Authors: Willig Gaëlle , Brunissen Fanny , Brunois Fanny , Godon Blandine , Magro Christian , Monteux Charles , Peyrot Cédric , Ioannou Irina
Published: April 2022

Cherry tree branches (Prunus avium var burlat Rosaceae) are agricultural by-products that are often neglected, yet they are rich in phenolic compounds and highly appreciated for their numerous biological activities. Extracts of cherry tree branches were evaluated for their use in cosmetics, particularly for their antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and antimicrobial activities. Samples were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) at different ethanol percentages and different temperatures. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts by mass spectrometry. Three major compounds were identified (catechin, genistin, and prunin) representing 84 wt% of the total phenolic compounds. Optimal operating conditions maximizing the content of phenolic compounds were determined using a one factor at a time (OFAT) approach (70% aqueous ethanol, 70 °C). The extract obtained under these conditions also showed the highest antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities, certainly due to a high catechin content. Although the antimicrobial activities of extracts are less versatile than those of synthetic molecules, they are nonetheless interesting. According to these results, the extracts of cherry tree branches could be used in cosmetics for their interesting properties.
Automated Classification of Ultrasonic Signal via a Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Shi Yakun , Xu Wanli , Zhang Jun , Li Xiaohong
Published: April 2022

Ultrasonic signal classification in nondestructive testing is of great significance for the detection of defects. The current methods have mainly utilized low-level handcrafted features based on traditional signal processing approaches, such as the Fourier transform, wavelet transform and the like, to interpret the information carried by signals for classification. This paper proposes an automatic classification method via a convolutional neural network (CNN) which can automatically extract features from raw data to classify ultrasonic signals collected of a circumferential weld composed of austenitic and martensitic stainless steel with internal slots. Experiments demonstrate that our method outperforms the traditional classifier with manually extracted features, achieving an accuracy rate of classification up to 0.982. Furthermore, we visualize the shape, location and orientation of defects with a C-scan imaging process based on classification results, validating the effectiveness of the results.
A Numerical Investigation of Delamination Response of CNT/Epoxy Film Interleaved Composite
Authors: Shin Yongchul , Kim Seungmo
Published: April 2022

In this study, numerical modeling through the cohesive zone theory was performed to simulate the end notch flexure (ENF) test with same conditions of the experimental results of previous study that investigated the effect of a carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy film in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite through the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of a non-interleaved, epoxy film interleaved, CNT/epoxy film interleaved CFRP laminate specimen. The effect of the presence of CNT/epoxy film interleave on a composite laminate was modeled. The influence of the interleave cohesive parameters was studied to link the parameters to the material strength and energy release rate. Cohesive parameter identification was performed by matching the initial loading and the damage evolution phase by dividing the cohesive zones into cohesive front and remaining cohesive zones. This is because, when modeling with a single cohesive zone, the critical load point that causes delamination or the curve after load drop do not match the experimental values. Results showed that the divided cohesive zone model is in good agreement with the experimental results and that there is a clear relationship between the cohesive energy of the interface and CNT/epoxy film parameters.
Dynamic Bottleneck Identification of Manufacturing Resources in Complex Manufacturing System
Authors: Su Xuan , Lu Jingyu , Chen Chen , Yu Junjie , Ji Weixi
Published: April 2022

Bottleneck identification is of great interest in discrete manufacturing fields, as they limit the system’s throughput. However, the bottlenecks are difficult to accurately identify due to the instability and complexity of discrete manufacturing systems. This paper proposes a dynamic bottleneck identification method (DBI-BS) that is based on effective buffers and fine-grained machine states to identify bottlenecks accurately. First, the complex manufacturing system (CMS) with strong coupling between elements is decoupled into several independent parts under the guidance of the effective buffer theory. Then, the machine activity duration method is improved through further fine-grained division, and the machine states are described by the timing flow model. The method to quantify the degree of bottleneck that restricts the system throughput (TH) is proposed on the basis of the turning point theory, and the one-to-one mapping relationship between the simulated and authentic complex manufacturing systems is also studied. Simulation results show that the DBI-BS can effectively identify dynamic bottlenecks in complex manufacturing processes, and the decoupling of complex systems can effectively improve the accuracy of dynamic bottleneck identification.
The Geographically Weighted Multivariate Poisson Inverse Gaussian Regression Model and Its Applications
Authors: Mardalena Selvi , Purhadi Purhadi , Purnomo Jerry Dwi Trijoyo , Prastyo Dedy Dwi
Published: April 2022

This study aims to develop a method for multivariate spatial overdispersion count data with mixed Poisson distribution, namely the Geographically Weighted Multivariate Poisson Inverse Gaussian Regression (GWMPIGR) model. The parameters of the GWMPIGR model are estimated locally using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method by considering spatial effects. Therefore, the significance of the regression parameter differs for each location. In this study, four GWMPIGR models are evaluated based on the exposure variable and the spatial weighting function. We compare the performance of those four models in real-world application using data on the number of infant, under-5 and maternal deaths in East Java in 2019 using five predictor variables. In this study, the GWMPIGR model uses one exposure variable and three exposure variables. Compared to the fixed kernel Gaussian weighting function, the GWMPIGR model with the fixed kernel bisquare weighting function and one exposure variable has a better fit based on the AICc value. Furthermore, according to the best GWMPIGR model, there are several regional groups formed based on predictors that significantly affected each event in East Java in 2019.
Enhanced Hybrid Ant Colony Optimization for Machining Line Balancing Problem with Compound and Complex Constraints
Authors: Hu Junyi , Zhang Zeqiang , Qiu Haixuan , Zhao Junbo , Xu Xuechen
Published: April 2022

Targeted at the machining production line balancing problem, based on the precedence constraint relation of the present machining task, this article suggests adding practical constraints such as advanced station preparations, post-auxiliary tasks, and tool changing. The study introduced ‘tight’ and ’or’ constraints to bring the problem definition closer to the actual situation. For this problem, a mixed-integer programming model was constructed in this study. The model redefines the machining and auxiliary processing tasks and adds new time constraints to the station. The model considers two optimisation objectives: the number of stations and the machining line balancing rate. In view of the complexity of the problem, heuristic task set filtering mechanisms were designed and added to the ant colony optimisation, to satisfy the above compound and complex constraints. The processing task chain was constructed using the rules of ant colony pheromone accumulation and a random search mechanism. The study designed a Gantt chart generation module to improve the usability and visibility of the program. Ultimately, through an actual case study of a complex box part including 73 processing elements and realising the design and planning of machining production lines that meet complex constraints by substituting algorithms, the balance rates of several groups of optimisation schemes were higher than 90%, which showed that the algorithm is effective and has a good economy and practicability.
Robotic-Assisted Hand Therapy with Gloreha Sinfonia for the Improvement of Hand Function after Pediatric Stroke: A Case Report
Authors: Bressi Federica , Santacaterina Fabio , Cricenti Laura , Campagnola Benedetta , Nasto Francesca , Assenza Carla , Morelli Daniela , Cordella Francesca , Lapresa Martina , Zollo Loredana , Sterzi Silvia , Bravi Marco
Published: April 2022

Background: Stroke in childhood presents a serious rehabilitation challenge since it leads to physical, cognitive and psychosocial disability. The objective of our study was to describe the effectiveness of robot-mediated therapy (RMT) with Gloreha Sinfonia in addition to a conventional treatment in the recovery of the sensory-motor capabilities of the paretic hand and the quality of life in a ten-year-old child after a stroke. Methods: The girl was enrolled to undergo 10 sessions of RMT with Gloreha Sinfonia. She was evaluated with functional scales and with upper limb kinematic analysis at pre-treatment (T0) and at the end of treatment (T1). Outcome measures were Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and Activities and Participation of Daily Life (ADL). In addition, a Force Assessment System based on Virtual Reality games was used to assess the force control and modulation capability at T0 and T1. Results: At the end of treatment, the patient improved in functional scales and in quality of life for greater involvement in some activity of daily living. Force control and modulation capability significantly increased after the treatment. Conclusions: This clinical case highlights possible positive effects of a combined (conventional plus robotic) rehabilitation treatment for the upper limb in pediatric stroke outcomes from both a sensorimotor and functional point of view, also improving the motivational and affective aspects of the patient and of family members. Further studies are needed to validate these results and to identify the most appropriate modalities and doses.