bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimations of energy-based criteria in nonlinear phenomena in peridynamic micromechanics of random structure composites
Authors: Buryachenko Valeriy
Published: August 2022

The basic feature of the peridynamic model considered is a continuum description of a material behavior as the integrated nonlocal force interactions between infinitesimal particles. In contrast to these classical local and nonlocal theories, the peridynamic equation of motion introduced by Silling (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 2000; 48:175--209) is free of any spatial derivatives of displacement. For random structure composite materials (CMs) being considered, a linearized theory of bond-based peridynamics was proposed before for multiphase constituents of arbitrary geometry. It is demonstrated that many nonlinear phenomena (such as, e.g. plasticity, damage, and fatigue) in both local micromechanics and peridynamic one are described by energy-based criteria which are, in its turn, depend on the second moments of the local fields. Analyses of these nonlinear phenomena in peridynamics imply the availability of the direct numerical simulation that is only possible for CMs of deterministic structure (e.g. either a finite sample or periodic structure CMs). Consideration of random structure CMs with nonlinear phenomena requires an acceptance of some additional assumptions. The corresponding approaches in local micromechanics are well developed. A goal of the current study is bridging the gap between the linearized peridynamic micromechanics gathering momentum and a wide class of nonlinear phenomena for random structure CMs. It is performed by a straightforward generalization of the concept of the field second moments (used in energy-based criteria) developed before in nonlinear local micromechanics to their peridynamic counterparts. The method proposed is most advantageously applicable due to identity (with an accuracy to notations) of the operator forms of the new general integral equations (GIEs) for both the local micromechanics of random structure CMs and peridynamic one.
A study on the relationship between succinate dehydrogenase and mitoKATPC in the mechanism of ischemic postconditioning protecting against MIRI under CPB in adult rats
Authors: Du Kang , Wang Yan , Tang Kun , Chen Wei , Zhou Wenjing , Zhang Yu , Wang Haiying
Published: August 2022

Objective: To explore the relationship between succinate dehydrogenase and mitoKATPC in the mechanism of ischemic postconditioning (IPO) attenuating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) under CPB in adult rats. Methods: 160 adult male SD rats, SPF grade, weighing 300-350g. Established adult rat CPB ischemia-reperfusion and IPO models. Randomly divided into 8 groups with 20 animals in each group: normal group (Nor), SDH competitive inhibitor Dimethyl malonate (dm) control group (dm+ Nor), ischemia-reperfusion group (I// R), dm+ ischemia-reperfusion group (dm+ I/R), ischemia postconditioning group (IPO), dm+ ischemic postconditioning group (dm+ IPO), mitoKATPC specific inhibitor 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD) + ischemic postconditioning group (5-HD+IPO), dm+5-HD+ischemic postconditioning group (dm+5-HD+IPO). The blood was collected at the end of reperfusion and the rat hearts were harvested for the following tests: 1. Measure the myocardial infarct size (IS); 2. Observing the ultrastructure of the myocardium and calculating the mitochondrial Flameng score of the myocardial cells; 3. Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) concentrations; 4. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under confocal microscopy; 5. Myocardial determination SDH activity, content of succinic acid (SA) and fumaric acid (FA); 6. Determination of mRNA and protein expression of succinate dehydrogenase flavoprotein (SDHA) in myocardial tissue. Results: Compared with the Nor group, IS, mitochondrial Flameng score, CK-MB, cTnI, ROS content, SDH activity, SA content, SDHA mRNA expression and SDHA protein expression were significantly increased in the I/R group (P<0.05). Compared with the dm+ Nor group, there was no statistical difference (P>0.05); compared with the I/R group, both were decreased in the dm+ I/R group and the IPO group (P<0.05); compared with the IPO group, the dm+ IPO group decreased, and the 5-HD+IPO group increased (P＜0.05); there was no significant difference between the 5-HD+IPO group and the dm+5-HD+IPO group (P＞0.05) . The FA content is the opposite of the above results. Conclusion: The activity of SDH in myocardial ischemia is significantly increased, which leads to a significant increase in the expression of SDHA, which is involved in the mechanism of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and inhibits the activity of SDH, which can effectively reduce MIRI. Ischemic postconditioning can open mitoKATPC and inhibit the activity of SDH to protect MIRI. The inhibitory effect of ischemic postconditioning on SDH activity is achieved by opening mitoKATPC.
"We hear and we fear" – preferences of 1,203 women regarding conversations of the personnel during cesarean delivery.
Authors: Sagi-Dain Lena
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the preferences of women undergoing cesarean delivery regarding the conversations of the personnel during the operation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by distribution of an open anonymous questionnaire in social media platforms during March 2022, aiming for respondents who underwent cesarean delivery at any time during their lifetime. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1,203 participants. Conversations between the staff members were reported in 97.6% of the cases. Casual conversations were considered as “disturbing” by higher proportion of the respondents compared to professional talk (33.4% vs. 27.6%, respectively, p=0.0077), and as “relaxing” by a lower proportion (22.8% vs. 32.2%, respectively, p<0.0001). According to logistic regression analysis, factors associated with being disturbed by the conversations were higher levels of stress and pain experienced during the operation, and for professional conversations - urgent operations and second and higher order cesarean compared to first cesarean delivery. Respondents recalling direct communication with the personnel reported significantly lower levels of stress compared to the remaining cohort (60.8% vs. 72.5%, p<0.001). Conclusion: Intraoperative conversations of the personnel occur during the vast majority of cesarean deliveries. For some patients, these talks can decrease the anxiety, while for others such conversations increase the stress; thus, the optimal approach would be a preliminary assessment of maternal preferences. In addition, communication with the women during the operative course is of great importance.
Shallow Parallel CNNs for contextual remote sensing image classification
Authors: Abdellatif Bassam , Laban Noureldin , Metwalli Mohamed R.
Published: August 2022

In this paper we present a new neural network structure that can better learn to classify remote sensing images of moderate and high spatial resolution where the main source of information about desired objects are the pixels themselves and the tight neighborhood. It enhances the pixel-based classification process by incorporating the contextual information in its surroundings.The proposed algorithm is an arrangement of small Shallow Parallel Convolutional Neural Network layers, SP-CNN, that are centered, each of them, over training or test pixels. Each SP-CNN drives information from the pixel to be classified and its contextual neighborhood. Depending on the information that may be found in the context of each pixel, the size and the number of SP-CNNs to be used in the proposed structure can be learned or optimized.The proposed method has been applied to Sentinel-2 (10 m resolution) and Pl\'eiades data (0.5 m resolution) and gave superior results when compared to 1-D CNN and other pixel-based methods such as KNN, SVM, and RF.The proposed method shows its suitability when the training and test data are pixel-based and in same time the spatial domain has valuable information to be incorporated in the classification process.
Relationship between physical activity and bone mineral density loss after gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Sakurai Yuto , Honda Michitaka , Kawamura Hidetaka , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Toshiyama Satoshi , Yamamoto Ryuya , Nakao Eiichi , Yue Cong , Takano Minoru , Hayao Keishi , Konno Shinichi
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The prevention of osteoporosis is a particularly relevant issue for gastric cancer survivors. We investigated the relationship between postoperative physical activity and the change of bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with gastric cancer.Methods: Patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer were enrolled in this single-center prospective cohort study. Physical activity was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form at postoperative month (POM) 6 and patients were classified into high, middle, and low physical activity groups accordingly. The primary outcome was the change in BMD from baseline at POM 12, which was expressed as a percentage of the young adult mean (YAM). The YAM of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: One hundred ten patients were enrolled in this study. The physical activity level at POM6 was classified as high (n=50; 45%), middle (n=25; 23%), and low (n=35; 32%). The mean decrease of YAM% was 5.1% in the lumbar spine and 4.2% in the femoral neck at POM 12. A multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model revealed that low physical activity at POM 6 was a significant risk factor for BMD loss at POM 12 (odds ratio, 3.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.45–9.11; p=0.006).Conclusion: Low physical activity after gastrectomy is an independent risk factor for decreased BMD at POM12. The introduction of exercise may prevent osteoporosis after the surgical treatment of gastric cancer.
Effect of non-mechanical bowel preparation on postoperative gastrointestinal recovery after surgery of gynaecological malignant tumours: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang ShanShan , Xu Hongyan , Li XingXia , Feng Suwen
Published: August 2022

Objective:To investigate the efcacy and safety of Non-mechanical bowel preparation in patients undergoing surgery of gynaecological malignant tumour.Methods: Patients (n=105) were randomized to receive mechanical bowel preparation（MBP）or Non-mechanical bowel preparation (Non-MBP). The primary outcomes were postoperative gastrointestinal function. Secondary outcomes included Postoperative complaints and plasma of D-lactate and diamine oxidase(DAO). Visualisation of the surgical field, involuntary defecation during surgery, operation time, wound healing, surgical site infection, length of hospital stay, andtolerance of mechanical bowel preparation.Results: Participants in the Non-MBP group exhibited shorter times until first bowel movement (27.87 vs. 29.48 h), first passage of flatus (50.96 vs. 55.08 h), and first passage of stool (75.94 vs. 98.50 h);they also exhibited fewer postoperative gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea (18.9% vs. 38.5%), vomiting (26.4% vs. 51.9%), abdominal pain (34.0% vs. 78.9%), and bloating (3.8% vs.26.9%). The plasma D-lactate and DAO were significantly increased (2.93 vs. 5.68 nmol/mL and 20.46 vs. 54.49 ng/mL) after bowel preparation in the MBP group; but no differences in the Non-MBP group after bowel preparation. Compared with the MBP group, surgical field visualisation was superior (92.45% vs. 78.85%), and the operation time was shorter (173.58 vs. 203.88 min) in the Non-MBP group. Patients undergoing MBP complained of bloating (82.35%), unpleasant taste (78.43%), sleep disturbance (70.59%), nausea (68.63%), abdominal pain (64.71%), vomiting(45.10%), polydipsia (33.33%), dizziness (25.49%), and headache (7.84%).Conclusions: Non-MBP is more conducive to the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function after surgery of gynaecological malignant tumour.Trial registration number: Chictr.org.cn.( ChiCTR2200059101).
The status of work-related coronavirus prevention measures and risk factors in hospitals
Authors: Dehghan Golnoush , Malekpour Fatemeh , Jafari-Koshki Tohid , Mohammadian Yousef , Rostami Hossein
Published: August 2022

Background: Hospitals around the world, counting in our nation, are confronting many problems and challenges within the battle against coronavirus infection. The aim of this study was to design a checklist and determining the status of preventive measures and risk factors that taken to combat coronavirus in the hospital.Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical study was performed in Tabriz hospitals in Iran. A literature search was carried out in scientific databases. Based on the results of reviewing the texts and guidelines, a checklist was designed and validated to assess the status of occupational risk factors and prevention measures against coronavirus in hospitals. Results: Results of study confirmed validity of checklists for assessment of status of coronavirus prevention measures in hospitals. There was no significant difference in occupational risk factors of Covid-19 between governmental, non-governmental public, private and military hospitals. The risk of Total of preventive and control measures between governmental and military hospitals, Private and non-governmental public were not statistically significant.Conclusions: Hospital staff are more and more directly exposed to patients with Covid-19, the importance of preventive measures is doubled. This study can serve as a guide for occupational health professionals and other policymakers to improve the prevention and control of Covid-19 and even other infectious diseases in the future.
Behavioral and biochemical alterations in zebrafish model suggests AChE as a potential target for cytarabine neurotoxicological effects
Authors: charlie-silva Ives , Ferreira Violeta , Damasceno Évila Pinheiro , Teixeira Simone , Jimenez Paula , Carneiro Diana , Machado-Santelli Glaucia , Machado-Neto João , Olivier Danilo , Amaral Marcos , Soares Amadeu , Costa-Lotufo Leticia , Loureiro Susana , Pavlaki Maria
Published: August 2022

Due to their general cytotoxic effects, anticancer drugs pose a great risk to aquatic species, yet they have been among the least studied groups of drugs regarding their environmental impact. The present study aimed to identify the effects of the antileukemia drug cytarabine, also known as cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), on the development and neurobehavior of zebrafish larvae. Zebrafish eggs were exposed to cytarabine to assess survival, embryonic malformations, locomotor activity, DNA damage, and biochemical alterations. No mortality, teratogenicity, or genotoxicity was detected in zebrafish larvae up to 100 mg L-1. However, cytarabine decreased the total distance traveled by zebrafish under dark conditions, suggesting depression-like behavior in treated larvae. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that cytarabine exposure increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, while it inhibited catalase (CAT) activity. Multivariate analysis suggested that both AChE and LPO correlated to behavioral changes, while molecular docking and dynamics simulations suggested a direct binding and stability of cytarabine to AChE. Further analyses of the effects of this anticancer compound in the cholinergic transmission are in progress to allow a better understanding of its neurotoxicity.
Molecular and Thermodynamic Insights into Interfacial Interactions Between Collagen and Cellulose Investigated by Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Umbrella Sampling
Authors: Ma Huaiqin , Shi Qingwen , Li Xuhua , Ren Junli , Li Zhijian , Ning Lulu
Published: August 2022

Cellulose/collagen composites have been widely used in biomedicine and tissue engineering. Interfacial interactions are crucial in determining the final properties of cellulose/collagen composite. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to gain insights into the interactions between cellulose and collagen. It has been found that the structure of collagen remained intact during adsorption. The results derived from umbrella sampling showed that (110) and (1-10) faces exhibited the strongest affinity with collagen, (100) face came the second and (010) the last, which could be attributed to the surface roughness and hydrogen-bonding linkers involved water molecules. Cellulose planes with flat surfaces and the capability to form hydrogen-bonding linkers produce stronger affinity with collagen. The occupancy of hydrogen bonds formed between cellulose and collagen was low and not significantly contributive to the binding affinity. These findings provided insights into the interactions between cellulose and collagen at the molecular level, which may guide the design and fabrication of cellulose/collagen composites.
Histological Assessment of Cortical Bone Changes in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Minami Masataka , Ikoma Kazuya , Onishi Okihiro , Horii Motoyuki , Itoh Kyoko , Takahashi Kenji
Published: August 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus weakens bone strength due to the deterioration of bone quality; however, the histological mechanisms are still unknown. We hypothesized that histological assessment of cortical bone would enable us to determine the cause of the bone strength reduction associated with diabetes mellitus. Our aim was to evaluate the histomorphometric changes of cortical bone associated with deterioration of intrinsic bone properties and of bone quality in diabetes mellitus. Methods: We compared the outcomes of mechanical tests, bone mineral density measured using micro computed tomography, and histological assessments by applying Villanueva’s bone stain to the tibial bones of 40-week-old diabetic and control male rats. Results: With respect to mechanical testing, the maximum load and energy absorption were significantly lower in the diabetic group than in the control group, although fracture displacement and stiffness were not significantly different between the groups. Bone mineral density was significantly higher in the diabetic group than in the control group. Bone histomorphometry revealed that the diabetic rats had fewer osteocytes, greater cortical porosity, and increased mineralization in cortical bone compared with the control group. Conclusions: Increased mineralization of the cortical bone with greater cortical porosity leads to a weakening of bone strength in diabetes mellitus.
Macrophage polarity and wound age determination
Authors: Kuninaka Yumi , Ishida Yuko , Ishigami Akiko , Nosaka Mizuho , Matsuki Jumpei , Yasuda Haruki , Kofuna Ayumi , Kimura Akihiko , Furukawa Fukumi , Kondo Toshikazu
Published: August 2022

We investigated the dynamics of the gene expression of M1 and M2 macrophage markers during skin wound healing in mice. Expression of M1-macrophage markers, such as Il12a, Tnf, Il6, Il1b, and Nos2 was upregulated after wounding and peaked at 1 or 3 days after injury, and that of M2-macrophage markers such as Mrc1, Cd163, Ccl17, Arg, and Tgfb1, peaked at 6 days after injury. Consistent with these findings, using double-color immunofluorescence analysis revealed that CD80-positive M1 macrophages were more abundant than CD206-positive M2 macrophages on day 3 in mouse wound specimens, and that M2 macrophages were prominently detected in day 6 wounds. For application in forensic practice, we examined macrophage polarization using human wound specimens. The average ratios of HLA-DRα-positive M1 macrophages to CD163-positive M2 macrophages (M1/M2 ratios) were greater than 2.0 for the wounds aged 2–5 days. Furthermore, six of the eight samples individually exceeded the M1/M2 ratio of 2.0 in the range of 1.88–4.30. Therefore, an M1/M2 ratio significantly above 2.0 strongly indicates a wound age of 2–5 days. This study showed that M1 and M2 macrophages in human skin wound might be a promising marker for wound age determination.
Dissecting Novel Tumor Antigens and Immune Subtypes Guided mRNA Vaccine Development for HBV Related-Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Ang , Ye Bicheng , Lin Fangnan , Zhou Peiwen , Wang Yilin , Miao Xiaye , Jiang Yanfang
Published: August 2022

The mRNA vaccines are considered to be effective treatment strategies for cancers, but its progress in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) related-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was slow. This study aimed to find potential antigens and identify suitable patients in HBV related-HCC for guiding mRNA vaccine development. We integrated the transcriptome RNA expression matrices and somatic mutation data from TCGA and ICGC datasets. A consistency matrix was constructed by using ConsensusClusterPlus to identify the immune subtypes. Graph learning based dimensional reduction was analyzed to establish immune landscape. Four upregulated and mutated antigens (EPS8L3, TCOF1, EZH2, and NOP56) were highly correlated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and antigen presenting cells (APCs). And two distinct immune phenotypes with differential clinical, cellular, and molecular characteristics were identified by in the ICGC and TCGA cohorts. IS1 is immune “hot” and immunosuppressive phenotype, with low tumor mutation burden (TMB) and high immune checkpoints (ICPs). On the contrary, IS2 is immune “cold” phenotype with high TMB and low ICPs. Monocle3 package was used to further study the intra-cluster heterogeneity, which identified cluster IS2A/2B within IS2 subtype was determined to be more suitable for mRNA vaccine. In summary, EPS8L3, TCOF1, EZH2, and NOP56 are potential antigens for mRNA vaccine development against HBV related-HCC, and patients in IS2A/2B are relatively more suitable for vaccination.
GhMYB18 confers Aphis gossypii Glover resistance through regulating the synthesis of salicylic acid and flavonoids in cotton plants
Authors: Zhang Jianmin , Hu Zongwei , Zhong Xiao , Zhang Haoran , Luo Xincheng , Wang Yuxue , Wang Yi , Liu Ting , Zhang Yi , Wang Xiangping , An Hongliu , Xu Dong , Wan Peng , Yang Yazhen
Published: August 2022

Accumulating researches confirmed that plant MYB transcription factors are involved in the defense response to herbivores. However, little is known about the target genes and signaling pathways that MYB transcription factors regulate. In this research, we identified the R2R3 MYB transcription factor GhMYB18 from upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). GhMYB18 is localized throughout the cell and is a functional transcription activation factor. The expression level of GhMYB18 was significantly up-regulated under aphid infestation and exogenous salicylic acid (SA) treatment. Overexpression of GhMYB18 in cotton cotyledons conferred enhanced tolerance of cotton plants to aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) feeding, expectedly silencing GhMYB18 increased susceptibility of cotton plants to aphid. Subsequent analysis showed that GhMYB18 positively regulates defense-related enzyme activities including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and increases the synthesis of salicylic acid and flavonoids to participate in the defense response against aphid. These results collectively suggest that the cotton MYB gene GhMYB18 is involved in the plant defense response to aphid attack, which may contribute to cotton aphid control strategies.
Emotion recognition based on group phase locking value using convolutional neural network
Authors: Cui Gaochao , Li Xueyuan , Touyama Hedeaki
Published: August 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG)-based emotion recognition is an important technology for human-computer interactions. In the field of neuromarketing, emotion recognition based on group EEG can be used to analyze the emotional states of multiple users. Previous emotion recognition experiments have been based on individual EEGs; therefore, it is difficult to use them for estimating the emotional states of multiple users. The purpose of this study is to find a data processing method that can improve the efficiency of emotion recognition.In this study, the DEAP dataset was used, which comprises EEG signals of 32 participants that were recorded as they watched 40 videos with different emotional themes. This study compared emotion recognition accuracy based on individual and group EEGs using the proposed convolutional neural network model. Based on this study, we can see that the differences of phase locking value (PLV) exist in different EEG frequency bands when subjects are in different emotional states. The results showed that an emotion recognition accuracy of up to 85\% can be obtained for group EEG data by using the proposed model. It means that using group EEG data can effectively improve the efficiency of emotion recognition. Moreover, the significant emotion recognition accuracy for multiple users achieved in this study can contribute to research on handling group human emotional states.
The effectiveness of HPV vaccination on the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers in males: A review
Authors: Macilwraith Philip , Malsem Eve , Dushyanthen Sathana
Published: August 2022

BackgroundHuman Papilloma Virus (HPV) contributes to the development of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) and is currently the leading cause of OPC in the Western world. There have been limited studies examining the effect of HPV-vaccination on OPC incidence in males. This review aims to interrogate relationship linking HPV-vaccination and OPC in males, to potentially recommend pangender HPV-vaccination, to reduce the incidence of HPV associated OPC.Main BodyA review was carried out using Ovid Medline, Scopus and Embase databases, on 22nd October 2021 investigating the effect of HPV-vaccination on OPC prevalence in males and including studies with vaccination data pertaining to males in the past 5 years, while excluding those studies without appropriate oral HPV-positivity data and non-systematic reviews. Studies were evaluated as per the PRISMA guidelines and ranked using risk of bias tools including RoB-2, ROBINS-1 and the NIH quality assessment tools.7 studies were included ranging from original research to systematic review articles. All studies were published in English from 2017-2021. Overall, these suggested that HPV-vaccination reduced levels of oral HPV positivity in males. This was thought to be indicative of a reduced risk of development of HPV-associated OPC.A limitation of this study was the inability to conduct meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of included studies. We noted a significant impact on the reduction of HPV positivity post HPV-vaccination and a potential contribution to reducing the future incidence of OPC.ConclusionThis review makes a strong case for pangender HPV-vaccination in combatting OPC in males.
Combined experiments and atomistic simulations for understanding the effect of ZnO on the microscopic network of sodium silicate and sodium borosilicate glasses
Authors: Ali Sk. Musharaf , Sahu Pooja , Shenoy K.T. , Arvind A. , Banerjee D. , Sugilal G. , Kaushik C.P. , Bhatt Kislay
Published: August 2022

Considering the beneficial aspects of ZnO doping in silicate and borosilicate glasses for bioactive glass, nuclear waste vitrified glass and many other applications, the combined experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed over wide range of composition. First principles ab-initio MD (AIMD) simulations confirmed the transferability of B-K-S potential model for multi-component glasses. A significant change in glass structure was monitored from short range order parameters: pair correlation function, coordination number, as well as intermediate range order parameters: bond/angle distribution profiles, structure factor and probability of X-O-X\ (X,X\ = Si, B, Zn) connections. Order of connectivity illustrated that hydrolysis of glass will slow down with addition of ZnO in the glass matrix. Successively, the effect of microscopic structure on observable glass properties: chemical durability, mechanical strength, thermal stability and characteristic vibrational spectra was analyzed. Results show good match of MD estimated trend for Young Modulus, glass transition temperature, and leaching data with the experimental observations, hereby, confirm the transferability of applied potential parameters for multi-component (n≥4) glasses. Both the experiments as well as MD simulations report the enhanced chemical durability of glass withZnO addition. Low R (Na2O/B2O3) and high K (SiO2/B2O3) of ZnO doped sodium borosilicate (Zn-NBS) glass surface compared to bare NBS represents the more stable structure of glass surface for Zn-NBS than NBS. During contact with water, Na+ ions were less likely to leach out from glass to aqueous solution for Zn doped glasses. The enhanced chemical resistivity of Zn-NBS was also established from the increasing activation energy for diffusion of Na ions. Likewise, the ring statistics as well as Na cluster size also supported the reduced chemical reactivity of Zn added glasses. The systematic study of linkage between network formers, ring statistics, diffusion dynamics and ion/water migration provides significant understanding of glass dissolution mechanism. Also, results predict the beneficial impact of ZnO doping for improved strength of glass skeleton, which would eventually control the glass degradation due to micro cracking. The combined studies from experiments and MD simulations disclose many interesting microstructure and dynamics due to the presence of ZnO in the glass.
Heterologous third and fourth dose vaccine to reduce severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients during delta and omicron predominance: A cohort study in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Authors: Intawong Kannikar , Chariyalertsak Suwat , Chalom Kittipan , Wonghirundecha Thanachol , Kowatcharakul Woravut , Ayood Pisittawoot , Thongprachum Aksara , Chotirosniramit Narain , Noppakun Kajohnsak , Teacharak Worachet , khammawan Pimpinan
Published: August 2022

Background
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has evolved quickly, with numerous waves of different variants of concern resulting in the need for countries to offer continued protection through booster vaccinations. To ensure adequate coverage, Thailand has proactively adopted heterologous vaccination schedules. While studies have assessed homologous schedules in detail, the effectiveness of heterologous booster vaccine schedules against severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients, particularly with newer variants, remains to be explored fully.
Methods
Utilising an active Hospital Information System for COVID-19 established in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we conducted a cohort study by linking patient-level data on laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases to the national immunization records, during delta-predominant (1st October – 31st December 2021) and omicron predominant (1st February – 30th April 2022) periods. Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes and mortality were examined for each period.
Results
COVID-19 cases during delta predominance were ten times more likely to have severe outcomes and in-hospital deaths as compared to omicron predominance. During omicron predominance, a third vaccine dose was associated with 89% reduced risk of both severe COVID-19 and deaths, as compared to the unvaccinated group. Those who received the third dose 14–90 days prior to the date of positive SARS-CoV-2 test had the highest protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes (93%) followed by a drop to 87% among those who received their last dose > 90 days prior. Severe outcomes were not observed among third dose recipients during delta predominance and fourth dose recipients during omicron predominance. All the vaccine types used for boosting in Thailand offered similar protection against severe COVID-19.
Conclusions
The risk of severe outcomes were significantly lower for COVID-19 patients with omicron as compared to delta. Booster doses provided very high level of protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes and deaths. Ongoing booster campaigns should focus on improving coverage utilising all available vaccines to ensure optimal protection.
Black and white: Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the Banded Krait, Bungarus fasciatus (Squamata: Elapidae) in Asia
Authors: Biakzuala Lal , Lalremsanga Hmar T. , Santra Vishal , Dhara Arindam , Ahmed Molla T. , Mallick Ziniya B. , Kuttalam Sourish , Malhotra Anita
Published: August 2022

The banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus is a widespread elapid snake, likely to comprise several distinct species in different geographic regions of Asia. Therefore, based on molecular phylogenetics and comparative morphology data, we present an overview of the systematic composition of the species to delimit potential biogeographic boundaries. Our phylogenetic analyses, based on four mitochondrial genes, reveal the existence of at least three evolutionary lineages within B. fasciatus, corresponding to Indo-Myanmar, Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages. We are convinced that there are at least three taxonomic entities within the nomen B. fasciatus, and we also designated a neotype in this study and restrict the distribution of B. fasciatus sensu stricto in the Indo-Myanmar region. We also provide additional natural history data of the taxon from eastern India. Finally, we advocate further studies to establish the degree of reproductive isolation among these diverging evolutionary lineages and to reassess the systematic status of this species complex especially the Sundaic and eastern Asian lineages.
Methodology for the historical and synoptic analysis of snows. Its application to the region of Castilla y León (Spain)
Authors: Ortega María Teresa , Morales Carlos Gabriel
Published: August 2022

A methodology is proposed for the study of snowfall, applied to the autonomous community of Castilla y León (Spain). It is based on two major pillars: the elaboration of a Snowfall Catalogue from the consultation of documentary sources (press) between 1979-2021, which allows cataloging all the episodes that occurred, from October to May; and the synoptic study of the atmospheric dynamics in those 43 years, identifying the different types of weather as a means of validating the cataloged episodes. The database created provides information on its intensity, duration and frequency, as well as its genesis, distribution, typology and climatic hazard. All this has been analyzed and has allowed to recognize different stages in its way of occurring and to estimate trends and behaviours both in the number of episodes and the number of snow days and their assessment in the current situation of climate change.
Molecular subtypes based on cuproptosis-related genes and tumor microenvironment infiltration characteristics in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Jian , Yin Jingyang , Li Wenhua , Wang Huaizhi , Ni Bing
Published: August 2022

Background: Multiple molecular subtypes with distinct clinical outcomes in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) have been identified in recent years. Cuproptosis is a new form of cell death that likely involved in tumor progression. However, the cuproptosis-related molecular subtypes as well as its mediated tumor microenvironment (TME) cell infiltration characteristics largely remain unclear.Methods: Expression profiles of 10 cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and their association with patient survival, TME, cancer stemness and drug resistance were studied in 33 cancer types using the TCGA pan-cancer data. Using 437 PAAD samples from five cohorts (TCGA-PAAD cohort and four GEO cohorts), we explored the molecular subtypes mediated by CRGs, along with the associated TME cell infiltration. Unsupervised methods were utilized to perform cuproptosis subtype clustering. The cuproptosis score was constructed using the COX regression model with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) algorithm to quantify the cuproptosis characteristics of a single tumor.Results: The expression of 10 CRGs varies in different cancer types with striking inter- and intra- cancer heterogeneity. We integrated the genomic profiling of the CRGs and identified three distinct cuproptosis subtypes, and found that multi-layer CRG alterations were correlated with patient prognosis and TME cell infiltration characteristics. In addition, a cuproptosis score signature was constructed to predict prognosis, and its clinical impacts were characterized in the TCGA-PAAD cohort. The cuproptosis signature was significantly associated with prognosis, tumor subtypes, CD8 T-cell infiltration, response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity. Furthermore, the expression patterns of CRGs in pancreatic cancer cells and normal controls were validated, which was almost consistent with the results from the public database. The expression level and prognostic predictive capability of DLAT were verified in 97 PAAD patients from our patient cohort.Conclusions: These findings may help understand the roles of CRGs in PAAD and the molecular characterization of cuproptosis subtypes. In addition, the cuproptosis score could serve as a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis and response to immunotherapy in PAAD patients.
Pathway Expression Analysis
Authors: Mankovich Nathan , Kirby Michael , Kehoe Eric , Peterson Amy
Published: August 2022

This paper introduces a pathway expression framework as an approach for constructing derived biomarkers. The pathway expression framework incorporates the biological connections of genes leading to a biologically relevant model. Using this framework, we distinguish between shedding subjects post-infection and all subjects pre-infection in human blood transcriptomic samples challenged with various respiratory viruses: H1N1, H3N2, HRV (Human Rhinoviruses), and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Additionally, pathway expression data is used for selecting discriminatory pathways from these experiments. The classification results and selected pathways are benchmarked against standard gene expression based classification and pathway ranking methodologies. We find that using the pathway expression data along with selected pathways, which have minimal overlap with high ranking pathways found by traditional methods, improves balanced success rates across experiments.
A 3-stage classification system for predicting breast cancer diagnosis via FNA biopsy features
Authors: Cingillioglu Ilker , Makalic Enes
Published: August 2022

Using a 3-stage classification system for predicting breast cancer diagnosis via Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy features, researchers found that if a tumour is classified as benign by the first classifier, since this prediction has 100% accuracy, yet at the discretion of a physician, without undergoing any treatment the patient may be discharged imminently. Similarly, if a tumour is classified as malignant by the second classifier, due to 100% prediction accuracy, yet again at the discretion of a physician, necessary cancer treatments may commence without further ado. If a case is classified as malignant by the first, then benign by the second classifier, a third classifier will provide the physician with a probabilistic estimate. The outcome provided by this classification system can help physicians not only make better-informed decisions about the status of a suspected breast tumour, but also take subsequent action quicker with confidence. This study may also encourage hospitals to rely more on artificial intelligence to be utilized during the diagnosing process of breast cancer tumours.
The utilization of biochar alone and in combination with compost for removal of potentially toxic metals accumulated in soils associated with land-use patterns
Authors: Hanyabui Emmanuel , Phares Christian Adler , Botchway Emmanuel , Sarpong Atta Kena , Apori Samuel Obeng , Ofori Patrick Manfo
Published: August 2022

Potentially toxic metals in soils are a threat to food security and harmful to human because it enters the food chain through crop uptake. Hence, it is critical to know the levels of potentially toxic metals in soils due to agricultural land use patterns and how they can be removed from the soil. This review discussed the effect of different land-use patterns on heavy metal accumulation, their removal using biochar. A desktop review which employed PRISMA was used to put together information from peer-reviewed papers including journal articles, books, thesis and reports. It was shown that potentially toxic metals mainly found in the soil include; As, Cu, Cd, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Sb, Hg, Th, Pb, Si, and Se. The sources of these potentially toxic metals accumulation in soils were organic and inorganic fertilizer application, irrigation, pesticides and weedicides application and atmospheric deposition. However, different land-use patterns (greenhouse field, vegetable field soils, forest field, and maize field soil) had a significant accumulation of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, and Zn) due to increasing crop yield through the application of fertilizers and pesticides. Biochar was found to be effective in the removal of 18 to 40% of these potentially toxic metals from the soil. The mechanisms of removal were; precipitation, physical sorption, complexation, and ion exchange and electrostatic interaction. It can be concluded that biochar applied solely or in addition to compost has strong stability to remove heavy metals accumulated in soils due to land use patterns.
LncRNA HOTAIR promotes hyperglycemic-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via miR-126-5p/Akt axis
Authors: Jiang Qiong , Yang Ting , Zou Yan , He Mingjie , Li Qingchun , Chen Xiaohui , Zhong Aimin
Published: August 2022

Background
Most people with diabetic nephropathy will eventually develop chronic kidney disease syndrome. One important reason is that high glucose can injure renal tubular cells. HOTAIR involves in the development process of various diseases, but how it affects the renal tubular cells remains unknown.
Methods
CCK8 assay and Flow cytometry were used to identify the high-glucose HK-2 cells injury model, and to detect the role of HOTAIR, miR-126-5p in the HK-2 injury. qPCR and Western blotting were performed to evaluate the changes of HOTAIR, miR-126-5p, apoptosis-related molecules, and PI3K/AKT signaling. Luciferase reporter assays were used to determine the interactions between HOTAIR and miR-126-5p.
Results
High-glucose treatment resulted in the high expression of HOTAIR and low expression of miR-126-5p. HOTAIR could target miR-126-5p to promote the activity of PI3K/AKT, and eventually lead to the apoptosis of HK-2 cells.
Conclusions
High glucose induces the injury of HK-2 through the HOTAIR/miR-126-5p/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
The Impact of River Rehabilitation on Flood Mitigation: A Case Study of Ismetiye Creek Bursa
Authors: Wani Amir Iqbal , Korkmaz Serdar
Published: August 2022

In this study, the impact of channel rehabilitation on the extent of floodplain map for Q500 and Q1000 discharges is investigated in the Ismetiye creek, located in Bursa, Turkey. The necessary data used is discharge and the elevation data for the main channel and the catchment area of Ismetiye creek. Both point elevation data and topographic contour lines are used to create the digital elevation model of the area in Arc Map. Subsequently, it is used to develop the floodplain model of catchment area for extreme discharges using HEC-RAS software for the two cases including before and after the rehabilitation of Ismetiye creek. Water depths and floodplain maps are compared for these two cases. In addition, flood hazard maps, flood velocity maps, and water surface elevation maps are developed and compared. Flow hydrographs in the main channel and overbanks are computed at specified stations along the river. It is observed that rehabilitation works contributed the flood mitigation by reducing overbank flows and flood extent considerably. Finally, some recommendations are proposed for future works.
Seismic hazard and total risk analysis for cascade dams situated in geologically sensitive regions
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Bende
Published: August 2022

A modified version of a seismic risk assessment method is presented that generalises original risk analytical processes, constructs interrelationships among hazard variables in pre-assign weight-based formats, and establishes priorities to address potentially vulnerable dams. The concerned parameter values contained in each component are labelled based on adjusted grading standards, respecting the regional difference in hydraulic structure attributes and safety acceptability ranges. The cascade dams in Dadu River, China, are selected to test the applicability of the proposed method. We systematically investigate potential seismic hazards to demonstrate the implications of earthquake on dam safety. The results indicate that the adapted parameter ranges correspond with the physical aspects of the dams and potential social-economic consequences in geologically sensitive regions. Correspondingly, the hazard recognition levels accommodate their local near-source earthquake conditions. Moreover, the investigation guides local emergency services with warnings of potential dam damages and ensuing floods when encountering critical earthquake shaking.
Enhanced metal-support interaction boosted industrial electrocatalytic water splitting performance of supported Ru nanoparticles on Ni3N/NiO heterojunction
Authors: Liu Rui , Sun Mingzi , Liu Xiangjian , Lv Zunhang , Yu Xinyu , Wang Jinming , Liu Yarong , Li Liuhua , Yang Wenxiu , Huang Bolong , Feng Xiao , Wang Bo
Published: August 2022

Developing highly efficient and stable hydrogen production electrocatalysts for water splitting at industrial current densities remains a great challenge. Herein, we fabricated Ru nanoparticle-anchored ultrathin Ni3N/NiO heterostructure nanosheets (Ru-Ni3N/NiO) for efficient electrochemical water splitting (EWS). Density function theory (DFT) calculations demonstrated that the formation of Ni3N/NiO-heterostructures improve the structural stability, electronic distributions, and orbital coupling of Ru-Ni3N/NiO compared to single-phase-metal-carrier catalysts (Ru-Ni3N and Ru-NiO), which increases the electroactivity and further lead to strongly decreased energy barriers for EWS. As a proof-of-concept, the catalyst with oriented 2D nanosheet array morphology, mono-dispersed Ru nanoparticles, and strong metal-support interaction (MSI) was successfully constructed. Furthermore thus-obtained Ru-Ni3N/NiO-based EWS devices can realize an industrial current density of 1000 mA cm−2 at 1.74 V and 1.80 V under alkaline pure water and seawater conditions, respectively. Additionally, high durability of 1000 h (@ 500 mA cm−2) can also be achieved in the alkaline pure water EWS device.