bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden Decomposers: the Role of Bacteria and Fungi in Recently Intermittent Alpine Streams Functional Processes
Authors: Gruppuso Laura , Receveur J. , Fenoglio S. , Bona F. , Benbow Mark Eric
Published: July 2022

The frequency of flow-intermittency and drying events in Alpine rivers is expected to increase due to climate change. These events can have significant consequences for stream ecological communities, though the effects of reduced flow conditions on the microbial communities of decomposing allochthonous leaf material require additional investigation. In this study, we investigated the bacterial and fungal communities associated with the decomposition of two common species of leaf litter, chestnut (Castanea sativa) and oak (Quercus robur). Sampling of experimentally placed leaf bags was spread over six collection points (up to 126 days after placement) at seven sites in the Western Italian Alps, which have historically differed in streamflow conditions. Bacterial and fungal communities from these leaf bags were identified using high-throughput amplicon sequencing. Chestnut and oak leaf bags harbored distinct bacterial and fungal communities, with a number of taxonomic groups differing in abundance, though bacterial communities began to converge at later sampling dates. Historical flow conditions (intermittent vs perennial rivers) and observed conditions (normal flow, low flow, ongoing drying event) had comparatively weak observed effects on bacterial and fungal communities to that of leaf type and collection date (i.e. length of decomposition). Our findings highlight the importance of leaf characteristics (e.g., C:N ratios, recalcitrance, etc.) to the in-stream conditioning of leaf litter and the need for additional investigations of drying events in Alpine streams. This study provides new information on the microbial role in leaf litter decomposition with expected flow changes associated with a global change scenario.
Improved Buck-boost Power Converter of SRG Drive
Authors: Zhu Yinyi , Chen Yan , Sun Haitao , Shao Mingzhi , Wang Ruihao , Zhao Zhenyu
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a novel improved buck-boost power converter is proposed to improve the performance of SRG system. This new power converter originated from a conventional buck-boost converter. In the proposed converter, a buck-boost part and additional switches form a buck-boost energy conversion stage. With this energy conversion stage, it is flexible to significantly boost the magnetization voltage and demagnetization voltage thereby improving output power range and reducing power loss. Firstly, the basic structure of the proposed converter is presented and its several operating modes are analyzed. Then the control strategy of the SRG system is made to control the output voltage and the boost capacitor voltage. In the end, the simulation results on a three-phase 12/8 SRG drive demonstrate the eligibility of the proposed power converter and the feasibility of the control scheme. Compared to the conventional buck-boost converter, this improved buck-boost converter accelerates the excitation process and reduces the power loss.
A parallel ADMM-based convex clustering method
Authors: Fodor Lidija , Jakovetić Dušan , Krstićev Danijela Boberić , Škrbić Srđan
Published: July 2022

Convex clustering has received recently an increased interest as a valuable method for unsupervised learning. Unlike conventional clustering methods such as k-means, its formulation corresponds to solving a convex optimization problem, and hence alleviates initialization and local minima problems. However, while several algorithms have been proposed to solve convex clustering formulations, including those based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM), there is currently a limited body of work on developing scalable parallel and distributed algorithms and solvers for convex clustering. In this paper, we develop a parallel, ADMM-based method for convex clustering for master-worker architectures, where the data to be clustered is partitioned across a number of worker nodes, and we provide its efficient, open-source implementation (available on [1]) for high performance computing (HPC) cluster environments. Extensive numerical evaluations on real and synthetic data sets demonstrate a high degree of scalability and efficiency of the method, when compared with existing alternative solvers for convex clustering.
Trees along a highway: Species composition, risk rating, and tree performance
Authors: Him Louis LEE Shing , ZHANG Hao , Kwun Kathy NG Tze , LO Shun Cheong , Lun Alan YU Siu
Published: July 2022

Species composition is an important aspect of urban forestry. Some urban tree stands may be monospecific. It is important to identify factors explaining and predicting the occurrence of monospecific stands in previous less-explored space, such as transport land use. A large-scale tree survey was conducted, covering 53 slopes and 52 verges along San Tin Highway in Hong Kong. The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of monospecific stands in relation to the biodiversity and the structure of urban forests adjacent to transport routes. 7,209 trees were found in the surveyed sites. However, the tree stock was dominated by Corymbia citriodora (72%) which was featured in monospecific tree stands, especially for the highway verges. Using chi-square tests, significant associations were found between monospecific stands, habitat type, and tree risk rating. A logistic regression model was constructed to predict the occurrence of monoculture. Every metre increase in maximum tree height, the odds of a stand being monospecific would be 1.22 times greater. Stands on verges had 5.26 times greater odds of being monospecific against slope. The associations and relationships were attributed to the dominance of C. citriodora. By boosting the logistic model, model reliability increased as kappa rose from 0.51 to 0.63, while balanced accuracy improved from 0.72 to 0.85. The occurrence of monospecific stands could be reliably predicted using maximum tree height and habitat type of tree stands. The findings could assist urban forest management in terms of species selection and biodiversity enhancement.
The patterns and distribution of female genital tuberculosis among Togolese patients
Authors: Djiwa Toukilnan , Simgban Panakinao , Bombonne Mayi , Sama Bagassam Mézéwè , Douaguibe Baguilane , Tchaou Mazamaesso , Aboubakari Abdoul-Samadou , Darré Tchin
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Tuberculosis is a real public health problem in developing countries. The aim of our article was to study the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic characteristics of female genital tuberculosis in Togo.Patients and methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study on all cases concerning histologically diagnosed female genital tuberculosis in the department of pathological anatomy of Lomé in 1997-2018 (20years). Results: We collected 22 cases of women's GT, representing 2.2% (1008 cases) of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The mean age of the patients was 33.8 ± 0.2 years. Nine (9) patients had a history of treated GT. Depending on the location, the ovaries and fallopian tubes were the most affected (n=9 cases, 40.9%). Eighteen patients (81.8%) had at least one immunosuppression factor including HIV in 13 patients (72.2%). The reasons for consultation were metrorrhagia and pelvic pain with an associated mass in 7 women discovered on clinical examination and imaging. The macroscopic appearance of the specimens was suggestive of the diagnosis of genital tuberculosis in 12 cases (54.5%). Histology revealed caseous necrosis isolated in 3 patients (13.6%) and associated with gigantocellular epithelioid granulomas in 19 patients (86.4%). The patients received standard antibiotic treatment combining rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide. Conclusion: Genital tuberculosis is a rare extra-pulmonary location in Togo, often occurring in women with HIV, and the clinical polymorphism can lead to confusion with gynecological cancers.
Structured Inverted-File k-Means Clustering for High-Dimensional Sparse Data
Authors: Aoyama Kazuo , Saito Kazumi
Published: July 2022

This paper presents an architecture-friendly k-means clustering algorithm referred to as SIVF for a large-scale and high-dimensional sparse data set. Algorithm efficiency on time is often measured by the number of costly operations such as similarity calculations. In practice, it depends greatly on how an algorithm adapts to an architecture of the computer system which the algorithm is executed on. Our proposed SIVF is carefully designed so as to operate at high speed and suppress memory usage on modern CPU architectures. It exploits a structured inverted-file for a mean set with an invariant centroid-pair based filter (ICP) to decrease the number of similarity calculations in an architecture-friendly manner. The structured inverted-file with the ICP effectively reduce instructions as well as similarity calculations, suppressing pipeline hazards that may cause pipeline stalls. We demonstrate in our experiments on real large-scale document data sets that SIVF operates at higher speed and with lower memory consumption than existing algorithms. Our performance analysis reveals that SIVF works at high speed by suppressing performance degradation factors of the number of instructions, cache misses, and branch mispredictionsrather than less similarity calculations.
Osteochondromyxoma in a Pediatric Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Patient
Authors: Peng Sophia , Behbahani Mandana , Sharma Shelly , Wadhwani Nitin R. , Rastatter Jeff C. , Alden Tord D.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Osteochondromyxomas are rare congenital bone tumors that have only been described in the context of Carney complex syndrome (CNC). Data on osteochondromyxomas as a separate entity and in association with other disorders remain limited, making both diagnosis and treatment difficult.Methods: A case report of a 17-year-old female diagnosed with sellar osteochondromyxoma is presented in the setting of spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia (SED). We discuss radiographic and histopathological interpretations in addition to reviewing current literature on osteochondromyxomas.Results: Successful gross total resection of the tumor was achieved via an endonasal endoscopic transsphenoidal approach. Diagnosis was established radiographically and pathologically. Conclusion:﻿ Diagnosis and treatment of osteochondromyxoma are best achieved via tissue biopsy. Following confirmed osteochondromyxoma cases long-term for recurrence and outcomes will be essential in understanding its natural tumor history and in establishing standard treatments.
Association of allergic symptoms and allergens with diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2005–2006
Authors: Lu Gan , Deng Yu-Qin , Xi Yang , Chen Shi-Ming , Kong Yong-Gang , Xu Yu , Li Fen , Tao Ze-Zhang
Published: July 2022

Background
Epidemiological evidence for the association of allergies with diabetes mellitus (DM) is limited.
Objective
To Investigate the association of allergic symptoms and allergens with DM by analyzing National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.
Methods
Data from 1687 subjects were screened from the 2005–2006 NHANES (n = 10348) data, and logistic regression models were built and stratified analysis was performed to describe the association of allergic symptoms and allergens with DM and the constraints in which they were associated.
Results
After adjusting for confounding factors, the stratified analysis found that the risk of allergic symptoms in DM patients increased by 1.847-fold, 1.646-fold, 3.859-fold, 2.862-fold, and 1.476-fold among the middle-aged, males, people with total household size of 3 or 4, and high blood pressure (HBP) patients, but decreased by 0.024-fold and 0.285-fold in people living alone or with normal weight. In females or when the total number of people in the household was 4, the risk of allergen sensitization in DM patients increased by 2.028-fold and 4.674-fold. Compared with people without DM, people with DM had a 1.585-fold increased risk of developing a D. Pteronyssinus allergy and a 0.372-fold lower risk of developing an oak allergy.
Conclusions
DM is a risk factor for allergic symptoms and allergen sensitization under certain conditions and increases the risk of D. Pteronyssinus allergy and reduces the risk of oak allergy.
Repurposing of Spironolactone Towards Upregulation of the Expression of NKG2D Ligands in Metastatic Osteosarcoma Mouse Model
Authors: Khamarudin Farhana , Muhamad Mudiana , Ibahim Mohamad Johari , Zain Wan Nor I’zzah Wan Mohd , Ridzuan Nurul Raudzah Adib , Aziz Mardiana Abdul , Ab-Rahim Sharaniza
Published: July 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone cancer affecting children with a high-grade malignancy characterised by severe lung metastases. Targeting tumour cell surface antigens have proven effective as alternative cancer treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells efficiently recognize and kill tumour cells through several mechanisms including the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors. The NKG2D and its ligands are required for NK cells-mediated immune response to malignancies. Nonetheless, such therapeutic strategy remains elusive towards solid tumours, particularly metastatic OS. Here, we examine the efficiency of NK cells in tumour recognition by way of a repurpose drug, spironolactone (SPIR). The SPIR-treated cells (HOS-143B) were inoculated into male NOG mice to establish the metastatic OS model. The tumour was apparent in both group and lung metastasis was confirmed with H&E staining. Flow cytometry analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of the NKG2D ligands in tumour tissue induced by SPIR-treated OS-cells compared to control group. These findings revealed an alternative role of SPIR, as an immunosensitizing drug, indicated by the upregulation of NK cells ligands in the metastatic OS model. Hence, the repurposing of SPIR provides a promising approach towards a novel strategy of onco-immunotherapy for OS.
Parkinson’s disease causality and heterogeneity: a proteogenomic view
Authors: Messa Mirko , Kaiser Sergio , Zhang Luqing , Mollenhauer Brit , Jacob Jaison , Longerich Simonne , Del-Aguila Jorge , Marcus Jacob , Raghavan Neha , Stone David , Fagboyegun Olumide , Galasko Douglas , Dakna Mohammed , Bilican Bilada , Dovlatyan Mary , Kostikova Anna , Li Jingyao , Peterson Brant , Rotte Michael , Sanz Vinicius , Foroud Tatiana , Hutten Samantha , Frasier Mark , Iwaki Hirotaka , Singleton Andrew , Marek Ken , Crawford Karen , Elwood Fiona , Serrano-Fernandez Pablo
Published: July 2022

The pathogenesis and clinical heterogeneity of Parkinson’s disease have been evaluated from molecular, pathophysiological, and clinical perspectives. High-throughput proteomic analysis of CSF has opened new opportunities for scrutinizing this heterogeneity. To date, this is the most comprehensive CSF-based proteomics profiling study in Parkinson’s disease (1103 patients, 4135 proteins). Combining CSF aptamer-based proteomics with genetics we determined protein quantitative trait loci (pQTLs). Analyses of pQTLs together with summary statistics from the largest Parkinson’s disease genome wide association study (GWAS) identified 68 potential causal proteins by Mendelian randomization. The top causal protein, GPNMB was previously reported to be upregulated in the substantia nigra of Parkinson’s disease patients.
We also compared the CSF proteomes of patients and controls. The Parkinson’s disease cohort comprised not only LRRK2+ and GBA+ mutation carriers but also idiopathic patients. Proteome differences between GBA+ patients and unaffected GBA+ controls suggest degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, altered dopamine metabolism and increased brain inflammation. The proteins discriminating LRRK2+ patients from unaffected LRRK2+ controls, revealed dysregulated lysosomal degradation, as well as altered alpha-synuclein processing, and neurotransmission. Proteome differences between idiopathic patients and controls suggest increased neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction / oxidative stress, altered iron metabolism and potential neuroprotection mediated by vasoactive substances.
Finally, we used proteomic data to stratify idiopathic patients into "endotypes". The identified endotypes show differences in cognitive and motor disease progression based on the use of previously reported protein-based risk scores.
In summary, we: i) identified causal proteins for Parkinson’s disease, ii) assessed CSF proteome differences in Parkinson’s disease patients of genetic and idiopathic etiology, and. iii) stratified idiopathic patients into robust clinically relevant subtypes. Our findings not only contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets but also to shaping personalized medicine in CNS neurodegeneration.
Taxonomic update of species closely related to Fulvifomes robiniae in America: F. popoffii sp. nov.
Authors: Salvador-Montoya Carlos A. , Martínez Mariana , Drechsler-Santos Elisandro Ricardo
Published: July 2022

Fulvifomes robiniae is a parasitic polypore with distribution in temperate zones of North America. However, specimens morphologically similar to F. robiniae are found in other parts of America. In addition, species such as F. cedrelae and F. coffeatoporus are related to F. robiniae in morphology. In this work, the material type of F. robiniae, F. cedrelae F. coffeatoporus, F. krugiodendri, F. centroamericanus, and F. swieteniae were revised. Furthermore, phylogenetic inferences of species studied were performed. Based on our results, F. swieteniae and F. centroamericanus are synonymized in F. cedrelae and F. krugiodendri in F. coffeatoporus. Also, F. cedrelae and F. coffeatoporus are confirmed as distinct species of F. robiniae based on molecular data. Additionally, specimens that resemble F. robiniae in northern Argentina were found. Based on morphological, molecular, and ecological data, these specimens are resolved as a distinct entity from F. robiniae. Here presented as new, F. popoffii sp. nov. Illustrations, taxonomic analyses, a discussion is presented, and a Fulvifomes species key from America is provided.
The impact of UAS aerial ignition on prescribed fire: a case study in multiple ecoregions of Texas and Louisiana
Authors: Lawrence Brett , Mundorff Kevin , Keith Eric
Published: July 2022

Background: Small Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) technologies and their applications have expanded in recent years, to include aerial ignition support in prescribed fire and wildland fire settings. In 2019, we incorporated the use of UAS aerial ignition into our existing prescribed fire program of over twenty years. To assess its impact, comparisons of UAS and non-UAS burns were performed on burn data from 2012 to 2021, with 59 total UAS burns conducted from 2019 to 2021. We hypothesized that the UAS was responsible for more burning day-1 on average, and that it did so without negatively impacting burn results.Results: Non-parametric significance tests were used to analyze the relationship between using the UAS and ha day-1 burned, and the results of post-burn assessment where the UAS was and was not used. Principal findings were that UAS aerial ignition increased average ha day-1 burned by 65 or 125%, and post-burn assessment results were unaffected when using the UAS. The correlation of days burned, and hectares burned was also reduced after introduction of the UAS.Conclusions: A large increase in ha day-1 was previously unachievable, making the UAS a viable tool for accomplishing safer and more effective prescribed burn operations in the limited number of suitable days available. When managed responsibly, UAS aerial ignition is poised to have a positive impact on the safe and effective application of prescribed fire, resulting in more achievable conservation and fuel management goals.
Novel bacterial consortium SPB92 for the bioremediation of textile dye Acid Orange
Authors: BERA SWETA PARIMITA , Godhaniya Manoj , Patel Khushboo
Published: July 2022

Textile effluent generated during the dyeing process of textiles is a huge supplier to water toxicity all over the world. Textile dyes are the main toxic component found in the effluent sample which is difficult to treat. A bacterial consortium capable of decolourizing and degrading the textile dye acid orange is reported in this research article. The bacterial consortium was identified by 16S rDNA sequence and phenotypic characteristics. It is composed of four strains i.e., Pseudomonas stutzeri (MW219251), Bacillus tequilensis (MW110471), Bacillus flexus (MW131645), Kocuria rosea (MW132411). The consortium was able to cause decolorization of azo dye acid orange (30 mg/L) in 23 h, when kept under static laboratory conditions. The optimal pH and temperature for color removal were pH 7.5 and 32° C, respectively. The decolorization of dye before and after was checked by UV-Visible absorption spectra. This gives evidence that decolorization was caused due to biodegradation. This was further assured by studying the reduction of biological oxygen demand (BOD5) (96%), chemical oxygen demand (COD) (79%), total dissolved solids (TDS) (80%), total suspended solids (TSS) (65%), and total organic carbon (TOC) (54%) of the bacterial-treated water sample. The strain showed significant activities of azoreductase (85%), laccase (87%), and NADH-DCIP reductase (69%) at 21 h, 16 h, and 11 h of growth respectively indicating evidence for reductive cleavage of the dye. The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) results confirmed the mineralization of the dye. The results indicate the effectiveness of the bacterial consortium SPB92 in the biodegradation of acid orange dye. This demonstrates that the consortium has immense potential and will serve as an important contributor to the treatment of textile wastewater.
Reducing the production of Acrylamide During the Roasting of Balloon Flower Roots in Consumer Appliances and Industrial Equipment
Authors: Lee Min Gyu , Han Hyebin , Lee Suyoon , Ham Seung Hwan , Choi Young Jin , Hahn Jungwoo
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to determine what conditions were needed to reduce the production of acrylamide when balloon flower roots (Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq. A. DC.)) were heated. The conditions of temperature and length of time and the type of equipment needed for heating (i.e., consumer appliance or industrial equipment) were the important variables in the experiment. The official criterion for safe levels of acrylamide is less than 1,000 µg/kg as determined by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea. Raw samples were roasted in consumer appliances and industrial equipment in nine conditions. A response surface methodology was used to determine whether the heated samples met the safety requirements. The most significant condition for consumer appliances was time and for industrial equipment was temperature. The optimal roasting time was 3.01 min with a consumer appliance and 4.18 min with industrial equipment at 110℃, a typical temperature in the field. The acrylamide content of the tested sample was significantly in agreement with the predicted amount (R2 > 0.950).
Multiple effects of immune and cuproptosis related LNCRNAs on lung adenocarcinoma and the related expression was verified by RT-PCR
Authors: Sun Kang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Wang Dongqin , Huang Yinlong , Zhang Jing , Lian Chaoqun
Published: July 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma is still a high mortality tumor disease. Immune cells play an important role in the further development of tumors, including NK and CD8 cells. Recent studies have found that cuproptosis is a new way of cell death induced by copper ions.Objective: Therefore, the purpose of this study was to screen the prognostic LNCRNAs associated with immunity and cuproptosis.Method: Based on TCGA and geo databases, LNCRNAs (IMMCusLNCRNAs) related to immunity and cuproptosis were obtained according to the grouping of NK and CD8 cells and genes related to copper filament death. Based on a variety of statistical and bioinformatics methods, an immcusLNCRNAs related risk model was established to evaluate the correlation between the model and prognosis. Using various immune cell scoring models in TIMER database, the distribution differences of immune cells in different risk groups were analyzed. Then, to explore the distribution of glycolysis and chemosensitivity in different risk groups. Finally, the expression levels of risk genes between lung epithelial cells and other lung adenocarcinoma cells were compared.Results: risk genes were closely related to prognosis. NK and CD8 cells were generally distributed in the low-risk group, while the glycolytic pathway was the opposite. Under different risk groups, the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs is also very different. Finally, the expression of risk genes in normal lung epithelial cells is usually higher than that in other lung adenocarcinoma cells.Conclusion: the risk model related to immunity and cuproptosis and LNCRNAs provide an important idea for personalized speech therapy.
Distinct types of multicellular aggregates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa liquid cultures
Authors: melaugh Gavin , Martinez Vincent , Baker Perrin , Hill Preston , Howell P. Lynne , Wozniak Daniel , Allen Rosalind
Published: July 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa forms suspended multicellular aggregates when cultured in liquid media. Such aggregates may be important in disease, and/or as a pathway to biofilm formation. The polysaccharide Psl and extracellular DNA (eDNA) have both been implicated in aggregation, but previous results depend strongly on the experimental conditions. Here we develop a quantitative microscopy-based method for assessing changes in the size distribution of suspended aggregates over time in growing cultures. For exponentially growing cultures of P. aeruginosa PAO1, we find that aggregation is mediated by cell-associated Psl, rather than by either eDNA or secreted Psl. These aggregates arise de novo within the culture via a growth process that involves both collisions and clonal growth. They are "non-cheatable" since Psl non-producing cells do not aggregate with producers. In contrast, we find that stationary phase (overnight) cultures contain a different type of multicelullar aggregate, in which both eDNA and Psl mediate cohesion. Our findings suggest that the physical and biological properties of multicellular aggregates may be very different in early-stage vs late-stage bacterial cultures.
PARAFAC and the exploration advantages in the sensory analysis: A case study concerning edible oils by the home user test (HUT)
Authors: Zanini Celina Ducat , Valderrama Patrícia
Published: July 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Optical binding and manipulation of microparticles in fluidic flow
Authors: Hu Yanjun , Li Ying
Published: July 2022

Controllable organization and manipulation of particles has recently gain significant attention in biological and medical studies. In this work, we demonstrated optical binding and manipulation of 3 µm SiO2 particles in fluidic flow using a tapered optical fiber (TOF). Particles can be organized into one-dimension chain with different numbers by the cooperation of optical scattering force, binding force and viscous drag force. The particle chain can be shifted back and forth along the axis of the TOF by adjusting optical power or flow velocity.
Adverse Drug Events and Contributing Factors Among Pediatric Cancer Patients at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tola Wayessa Olika , Melaku Tsegaye , Fufa Diriba , Sheleme Tadesse
Published: July 2022

Background: The characteristics and incidence of adverse drug events (ADEs) among pediatric cancer patients in developing countries were not well characterized. ADEs & medication errors associated with cancer chemotherapy in children need to be analyzed on their incidence and severity. The purpose of this study was hence, to assess the incidence of adverse drug events and contributing factors among pediatric cancer patients at Jimma university medical center, Jimma, Ethiopia Method: A prospective observational method was used to study adverse drug events in pediatrics admitted to pediatric oncology unit of Jimma University medical center between October and December 2020. The ADEs were identified using multifaceted approaches involving daily chart review, interview of Parent/care giver(and or children themselves), Attendance at ward rounds and voluntary staff reports. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the predictors of the identified ADEs. Those factors that showed association at p value less than 0.25 in the univariate analysis were added to backward multivariate logistic regression model and the significant association was checked at p value < 0.05.Result: a total of 73 (46 male and 27 female) patients were included in the study and a total of 466 ADEs. Four hundred sixty six adverse drug events were identified with an incidence of 638.36 ADEs per 100 patients, 38.35 ADEs per 100 patient days and 2.34 ADEs per chemotherapy cycle. The most common ADEs were hematologic toxicities (anemia 55(11.8%), neutropenia 52(11.16%) & thrombocytopenia 31(6.65%)), and gastrointestinal effects (nausea 46(9.87%), vomiting 46(9.87%), anorexia 41(8.8%). Out of 466 ADEs, 150 were classified as Grade 1, 199 as Grade 2, 64 as Grade 3, 48 as grade 4 and 5 as Grade 5. Conclusion: Adverse drug events were common in the pediatric oncology ward of JUMC. In particular, children with multiple chemotherapy drugs and those with comorbid condition were at greater risk for adverse drug events.
Inactivation of VEGFB Blocks Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Skewing Macrophages to M1 Phenotype
Authors: Chen Yang , Li Xin , Wen Huaizhen , Lu Mingxu , Adlat Salah , Li Dan , Zhao Mingyue , Lu Xiaodan , Zhang Mingjiao , Zhang Yanjiao , Sah Rajiv Kumar , Chen Quangang , Han Xufeng , Wang Yonghui , Chen Renjin , Choudhury Mahua , Feng Xuechao , Zheng Yaowu
Published: July 2022

VEGFB has high sequence homology and shares receptor VEGFR1 with VEGFA and PlGF. However, its function is poorly understood. Using VEGFA repression (VegfaDown), VEGFB knockout (Vegfb−/−) and VEGFB over expression (aP2-Vegfb167, aP2-Vegfb186) mouse models, we identified VEGFB167 as a strong promoter of tumor growth. Universal Vegfb inactivation significantly retards tumor growth and metastasis of B16 and U14 cancer cells. VEGFB deletion led to an inactivation of VEGFR1 pathway, blocking of tumor-associated macrophage transformation towards M1 phenotype and creation of a microenvironment that represses tumor growth and metastasis. Genetic VEGFA repression showed reduced inhibitory effect on U14 and no effect on B16 tumor growth in comparison to VEGFB. The inhibitory effect by inactivating VEGFB on tumor growth and tumor cell metastasis is significantly better than VEGFA. The study demonstrates VEGFB is an oncogene and drug target for VEGFB-sensitive cancers.
Function and autophagy of monocyte-derived dendritic cells is affected by hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Xu Hua , Kang Juan , Zhong Shan , Chen Min , Hu Peng , Ren Hong , Zhou Zhi , Lei Yu
Published: July 2022

Background: The role of DCs and the autophagy state of DCs in the immune response of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was still controversial. In this study, we carefully examined the phenotype, function and autophagy pathway of DCs in HBV infection. Methods: Monocytes-derived DCs from healthy blood donors and patients with chronic HBV infection were stimulated by LPS, supernatant of HepG2.2.15 cells or supernatant of HepG2 cells respectively. Phenotype of DCs was examined by flow cytometry and cytokines secretion was detected by ELISA. Autophagy related proteins were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Results: Our results showed that the expression of both MHC II molecules and co-stimulated molecules including CD80, CD86 in the monocytes-derived DCs from patients with chronic HBV infection was significantly higher than that from healthy donors when cultured with supernatant of HepG2.2.15 cells. The amount of cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-12, secreted by monocytes-derived DCs from patients with chronic HBV infection was also significantly higher than that from healthy donors when stimulate by HBV. Interestingly, the expression level of autophagy-related proteins including Atg-5 and LC3 in DCs from patients with chronic HBV infection was significantly increased when compared with that from healthy donors when re-exposed to HBV. Conclusions: Our results indicated that DCs from patients with chronic HBV infection could intensively present antigen and express co-stimulate molecules. The increased activation of DCs might be related to the enhanced autophagy of DCs in HBV infection.
Palliative primary tumor resection may not offer survival benefits for patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal neuroendocrine neoplasms, one multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Ren Hongchang , Li Li , Liu Qian
Published: July 2022

Background: The efficacy of palliative primary tumor resection (PTR) in improving prognosis for patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal NENs has not been fully explored.Methods: We performed one retrospective cohort study and recruited 68 patients with metastatic colorectal NENs from two Chinese medical centers. The clinicopathological manifestation data were carefully collected, and the survival outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results: A total of 32 patients received PTR, and the other 36 patients did not. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times were 4 and 20 months in the cohort, respectively. For patients who received no PTR, the median OS was 31 months, and the 1-year OS rate and 3-year OS rate were 61% and 42.5%, respectively. For patients who received PTR, the median OS was 24 months, and the 1-year OS rate and 3-year OS rate were 70.5% and 27.9%, respectively. However, the Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log-rank test demonstrated no significant survival difference between the two groups (P=0.585). Palliative PTR was also not confirmed as a prognostic factor in subsequent univariable and multivariable analyses.Conclusions: Palliative PTR may not offer survival benefits for patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal NENs.
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone induces mitochondrial apoptosis and down-regulates the expression of ganglioside GD3 in malignant melanoma cells
Authors: Ju Won Seok , Seo Sang Young , Mun Seong-Eun , Yu Jin Ok , Ryu Jae-Sung , Kim Ji-Su , Choo Young-Kug
Published: July 2022

Malignant melanoma is one of the most progressive skin cancers, with a poor prognosis, various side effects, and high resistance to conventional treatment. Recently, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a polyphenolic flavonoid derived from certain plants, has been studied for its anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pharmacological effects in several types of cancer. Ganglioside, a modulator of diverse cell signals on the microdomain of the surface of the cell membrane, is closely involved in various cancers. However, the correlation between ganglioside expression and the anti-cancer effects of 7,8-DHF in malignant melanoma remains unclear. In this study, 7,8-DHF showed potential as an anti-cancer agent through specific anti-proliferation, anti-oxidant, anti-migration, pro-apoptotic, and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest effects on SK-MEL-2 and G-361 melanoma cells. In contrast, 7,8-DHF did not induce cytotoxicity in non-tumoral epidermal HaCaT cells. Additionally, we confirmed for the first time that 7,8-DHF significantly reduces the expression levels of ganglioside GD3, which is closely involved in carcinogenesis, in both melanoma cancer cell lines using high-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis. Taken together, our findings suggest that 7,8-DHF might be a potent anticancer drug candidate for the treatment of malignant melanoma.
Lower Bounds for QCDCL via Formula Gauge
Authors: Böhm Benjamin , Beyersdorff Olaf
Published: July 2022

QCDCL is one of the main algorithmic paradigms for solving quantified Boolean formulas (QBF).
We design a new technique to show lower bounds for the running time in QCDCL algorithms. For this we model QCDCL by concisely defined proof systems and identify a new width measure for formulas, which we call gauge. We show that for a large class of QBFs, large (e.g. linear) gauge implies exponential lower bounds for QCDCL proof size.
We illustrate our technique by computing the gauge for a number of sample QBFs, thereby providing new exponential lower bounds for QCDCL. Our technique is the first bespoke lower bound technique for QCDCL.
Biochar and organic fertilizer amendments improved soil microbial biomass, soil quality, and wheat yield of saline-alkali soils in a three-year field trial
Authors: Wang shibin , gao peiling , zhang qingwen , Shi yulong , guo xianglin , lv qingxin , wu wei , zhang xue , Li mengzhao , meng qingmei
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of biochar compared to organic fertilizer on soil quality and microbial biomass as well as wheat yield in the saline-alkaline lands. A three-year field trial was conducted on moderately saline-alkaline land in the Yellow River Delta region (YRD) with six treatments: biochar (B1: 5 t, B2: 10 t, B3: 20 t ha− 1 year− 1) and organic fertilizer (OF1: 5 t, OF2: 7.5 t ha− 1 year− 1) as well as control (CK). The results showed that both biochar and organic fertilizer increased total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), NH4+-N, and NO3−-N, and reduced pH, thereby increasing soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), MBC/TOC ratio, and MBN/TN ratio, but organic fertilizer increased soil nutrients and microbial biomass better than biochar. Correlation analysis revealed that soil water content (SWC), soil salt content (SSC), and Na+ were the most important factors influencing wheat yield. When compared to CK, the SSC and Na+ decreased by 5.55–7.52% and 3.86–9.39%, respectively, and SWC increased by 5.14–5.62% in the biochar treatment, while they increased by 1.07–10.19%, 1.08–7.58%, and 2.96–3.84% in the organic fertilizer treatment, respectively. Accordingly, wheat yield in biochar treatment was 0.90–14.20% higher than organic fertilizer treatment (4.49–4.80 t ha− 1). Collectively, B2 had the lowest SSC and Na+ and the highest yield, as well as efficiently increasing soil nutrients and microbial biomass, suggesting that it may be a better agricultural practice for improving soil quality and increasing wheat yield in the YRD.
Accurate and fast identification of minimally prepared bacteria phenotypes using Raman spectroscopy assisted by machine learning
Authors: Lassen Mikael , Thomsen Benjamin Lundquist , Christensen Jesper , Rodenko Olga , Usenov Iskander , Grønnemose Rasmus Birkholm , Andersen Thomas Emil
Published: July 2022

The worldwide increase of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to human health. To avert the spread of AMR, fast reliable diagnostics tools that facilitate optimal antibiotic stewardship are an unmet need. In this regard, Raman spectroscopy promises rapid label- and culture-free identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in a single step. However, even though many Raman-based bacteria-identification and AST studies have demonstrated impressive results, some shortcomings must be addressed. To bridge the gap between proof-of-concept studies and clinical application, we have developed machine learning techniques in combination with a novel data-augmentation algorithm, for fast identification of minimally prepared bacteria phenotypes and the distinctions of methicillin-resistant (MR) from methicillin-susceptible (MS) bacteria. For this we have implemented a spectral transformer model for hyper-spectral Raman images of bacteria. We show that our model outperforms the standard convolutional neural network models on a multitude of classification problems, both in terms of accuracy and in terms of training time. We attain more than 96$\%$ classification accuracy on a dataset consisting of 15 different classes and 95.6$\%$ classification accuracy for six MR-MS bacteria species. More importantly, our results are obtained using only fast and easy-to-produce training and test data.
Intensive stretch-activated CRT-PMCA1 feedback loop promoted Ca2+ overloading and apoptosis of myoblasts
Authors: Ren Dapeng , liu Ran , Yan Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Zeng Xuemin , Yuan Xiao
Published: July 2022

Background
Mechanical stretch exerted pro-apoptotic effect on myoblasts, the mechanism of which is currently unknown. Intracellular Ca2+ accumulation has been implicated in stretch-induced apoptosis. calreticulin (CRT) and plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting ATPase 1 (PMCA1) are two critical components of Ca2+ signaling system participating in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. In this study, we explored the contribution of CRT and PMCA1 in mediating stretch-induced Ca2+ accumulation and apoptosis of myoblasts.
Results
Stretching stimuli elevated level of CRT while inhibited activity of PMCA1. Moreover, there were bidirectional regulations between CRT and PMCA1, which formed the positive feedback loop leading to continuous increment of CRT level and repression of PMCA1 activity, in stretched myoblasts. Specifically, increased CRT level inhibited PMCA1 activity via suppressing Calmodulin (CaM), while reduced PMCA1 activity promoted CRT expression through activating p38MAPK pathway. Thus, the CRT-CaM-PMCA1 and PMCA1-p38MAPK-CRT pathways constituted a close cycle comprising CRT, PMCA1, CaM and p38MAPK. Inhibition of both CaM and p38MAPK affected the other three factors in stretched myoblasts. Circulation of the vicious cycle resulted in escalated Ca2+ overloading in myoblasts under continuous stretching stimuli. CRT knock-down, PMCA1 overexpression, and p38MAPK inhibition all attenuated the raised intracellular Ca2+ level and ameliorated myoblast apoptosis in the stretching environment. Conversely, CRT overexpression, PMCA1 knock-down, and CaM inhibition all aggravated stretch-induced Ca2+ overloading and myoblast apoptosis.
Conclusions
A positive feedback loop between CRT and PMCA1 was activated in stretched myoblasts, which contributed to intracellular Ca2+ accumulation and resultant myoblast apoptosis.
Medical Department Classification Based on Patient Describing Symptoms
Authors: Mao Chao , Zhu Quanjing , Chen Rong , Su Weifeng
Published: July 2022

The accurate classification of patients describing symptoms can greatly improve the efficiency of medical department classification, reduce the workload of medical staff, improve the efficiency of patients' registration process, and promote the development of medical informatization. In this study, we proposed a novel neural network based on a hybrid model integrated with an attention mechanism (HMAN), which can automatically match patients to the appropriate department based on the symptoms they described. This system relieves the pressure on the medical staff at the hospital's pre-examination desk and plays a role in diversion for the hospital, more importantly, this model is highly professional and can better avoid the waste of medical resources. Which can effectively improve the work efficiency of the hospital and play a vital role in the long-term development of the hospital. To verify the actual effect of the HMAN, we created a data set of more than 40,000 items, including eight departments, such as ENT, Pediatrics, and other common departments. Self-built dataset experiments reveal that the classification model achieves more than 93.5% accuracy and has a high generalization capacity, which is superior to traditional classification models.
Investigation of damage control strategy for non-traumatic diseases: A single-center observational study
Authors: Nakamura Fumiko , Yui Rintaro , Onoe Atsunori , Kishimoto Masanobu , Sakuramoto Kazuhito , Muroya Takashi , Kajino Kentaro , Ikegawa Hitoshi , Kuwagata Yasuyuki
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND
Damage control strategy (DCS) has been introduced not only for trauma but also acute abdomen, but its indications and usefulness have not been clarified. We examined clinical characteristics of patients who underwent DCS and compared clinical characteristics and results with and without DCS in patients with septic shock.
METHODS
We targeted a series of endogenous abdominal diseases in Kansai Medical University Hospital from April 2013 to March 2019. Clinical characteristics of 26 patients who underwent DCS were examined. Then, clinical characteristics and results were compared between the DCS group (n = 26) and non-DCS group (n = 31) in 57 patients with septic shock during the same period.
RESULTS
All 26 patients who underwent DCS had septic shock, low mean arterial pressure (MAP) before the start of surgery, and required high-dose norepinephrine administration intraoperatively. Their discharge mortality rate was 12%. Among the patients with septic shock, the DCS group had a higher SOFA score (P = 0.008) and MAP was lower preoperatively, but it did not increase even with intraoperative administration of large amounts of fluid replacement and vasoconstrictor. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality and discharge mortality between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
DCS may be useful in patients with severe septic shock.
Innovative angiography: a new approach to discover more hepatic vein collaterals in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: Liu Bowen , Yue Zhendong , Cui Ting , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Lei , Fan Zhenhua , Wu Yifan , Meng Mingming , Zhang Ke , Jiang Li , Ding Huiguo , Zhang Yuening , Liu Fuquan
Published: July 2022

Background: The hemodynamics of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension are complex and variable. We aimed to investigate differences in venous pressures determined by innovative angiography and conventional angiography using balloon occlusion of the hepatic veins in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and portal hypertension.Methods: A total of 134 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who fulfilled the inclusion criteria from June 2017 to June 2020 were included. During transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, conventional and innovative angiography were performed, and venous pressures were measured. A paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for analysis.Results: Conventional and innovative hepatic angiography detected lateral branches of the hepatic vein in 26 (19.4 %) and 65 (48.5 %) cases, respectively (P<0.001). Innovative angiography detected a total of 65 patients with lateral shunts, of whom 37 (56.9%) had initial shunts. The average wedged hepatic venous pressure and portal venous pressure of the initial lateral branches were 21.27±6.66 and 35.84±7.86 mmHg, respectively, with correlation and determination coefficients of 0.342 (P<0.05) and 0.117, respectively. The mean hepatic venous pressure gradient and portal pressure gradient were 9.59±7.64 and 26.86±6.78 mmHg, respectively, with correlation and determination coefficients of 0.292 (P=0.079) and 0.085, respectively.Conclusions: Innovative angiography reveals collateral branches of the hepatic veins more effectively than conventional angiography. Hepatic vein collateral branches are the primary factors leading to underestimation of wedged hepatic venous pressures and hepatic venous pressure gradients, with the initial hepatic vein collateral branches resulting in the most severe underestimations.