bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unconventional syntropic spin alignment at the interface between ferromagnetic and superconducting nitrides
Authors: Jin Qiao , Zhang Qinghua , Bai He , Yang Meng , Ga Yonglong , Chen Shengru , Hong Haitao , Cui Ting , Rong Dongke , Lin Ting , Wang Jiaou , Wang Can , Cao Yanwei , GU Lin , Song Guozhu , Wang Shanmin , Jiang Kun , Cheng Zhi Gang , Zhu Tao , Yang Hongxin , Jin Kuijuan , Guo Er-Jia
Published: June 2023

The magnetic correlations at the superconductor/ferromagnet (S/F) interfaces play a crucial role in realizing dissipation-less spin-based logic and memory technologies, such as triplet-supercurrent spin-valves and "π" Josephson junctions. Here we report the coexistence of an induced large magnetic moment and a cryptoferromagnetic state at high-quality nitride S/F interfaces. Using polarized neutron reflectometry and d. c. SQUID measurements, we quantitatively determined the magnetization profile of S/F bilayer and confirmed the induced magnetic moment in the adjacent superconductor only exists below TC. Interestingly, the direction of the induced moment in the superconductors was unexpectedly parallel to that in the ferromagnet, which contrasts with earlier findings in S/F heterostructures based on metals or oxides. First-principles calculations verified that the unusual interfacial spin texture observed in our study was caused by the Heisenberg direct exchange coupling with constant J ~ 4.28 meV through d-orbital overlapping and severe charge transfer across the interfaces. Our work establishes an incisive experimental probe for understanding the magnetic proximity behavior at S/F interfaces and provides a prototype epitaxial “building block” for superconducting spintronics.
Teaser: The superconducting nitrides exhibited an unexpectedly large magnetic moment and cryptoferromagnetism when brought into proximity with a strong ferromagnet.
Improving the prognostic prediction accuracy on breast cancer patients through comprehensive machine survival models
Authors: Kuang Qinjing , Zhang Jilin , Chen Xiaoping
Published: June 2023

BackgroundBreast cancer is known as one of the high-risk malignant tumors. Our previous studies have shown that computer-assisted quantification of large-scale tumor associated collagen signaling is an important prognostic indicator of breast cancer. However, the nonlinear relationship between the data has not been effectively mined, resulting in insufficient accuracy in prognosis prediction.MethodsIn this retrospective and multicenter study, we included 995 patients with invasive breast cancer and divided them into three cohorts, training cohort (N=438), internal validation cohort (N=293) and external validation cohort (N=264) respectively. Firstly, we used COX and random survival forest (SRF) to explore the significance of variables. And then we combined the survival models with machine learning into eight comprehensive machine survival models in order to improve the prognosis of breast cancer. Finally, 10 new survival indicators generated from the above models were used to classify patients into low risk and high risk under Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test.ResultThe baseline data and TACS of patients not only show their own non-linear, but also have a strong nonlinear complementary effect between them, and they even interact and promote each other. It is worth noting that the effect of the comprehensive machine survival models are better than that of the clinical model (CLI). Specifically, except SRF-2 does it best in the training cohort (AUC: 0.956 [0.904,0.973]), SRFNET has the best performance in the internal validation cohort (AUC: 0.961 [0.941,0.978]) and the external validation cohort (AUC: 0.935 [0.891,0.967]). Meanwhile, 10 new survival indicators generated from the above comprehensive machine survival models are not only significantly related to DFS, but also able to effectively distinguish high and low risk patients (P < 0.0001) based on the cutoff value of the 5-year time point.ConclusionThe comprehensive machine survival models proposed in this paper improve the recurrence prediction accuracy of breast cancer patients by mining the nonlinearity between patients’ characteristic, so that we will provide effective tools and reliable basis for doctors to carry out precise treatment.
Systematic identification of long noncoding RNAs during three key organogenesis stages in zebrafish
Authors: Zhou Chune , Li Mengting , Sun Yaoyi , Sultan Yousef , Li Xiaoyu
Published: June 2023

Background
Thousands of lncRNAs have been found in zebrafish embryogenesis and adult tissues, but their identification and organogenesis-related function have not elucidated.
Results
In this study, high-throughput sequencing was performed at three different organogenesis stages of zebrafish embryos, which were important for zebrafish muscle development. The three stages were 10 hpf (hours post fertilization) (T1), 24 hpf (T2) and 36 hpf (T3). LncRNA gas5 associated with muscle development was screened out as the next research target by high-throughput sequencing and qPCR validation. The spatiotemporal expression of lncRNA gas5 in zebrafish embryonic muscle development was studied by qPCR and in situ hybridization, and functional analysis was conducted using CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas9). The results were as follows: 1) A total of 1486 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between 24 hpf (T2) and 10 hpf (T1), among which 843 lncRNAs were upregulated and 643 were downregulated. Compared with 36 hpf (T3) and 24 hpf (T2), a total of 844 differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened, among which 482 lncRNAs were upregulated and 362 lncRNAs were downregulated. Compared with 36 hpf (T3) and 10 hpf (T1), a total of 2137 differentially expressed lncRNAs were screened, among which 1148 lncRNAs were upregulated and 989 lncRNAs were downregulated, including lncRNA gas5, which was selected as the target gene. 2) The result of spatiotemporal expression analysis showed that lncRNA gas5 was expressed in almost all detected embryos of different developmental stages (0, 2, 6, 10, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96 hpf) and detected tissues of adult zebra fish. 3) After lncRNA gas5 knockout using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, the expression levels of detected genes related to muscle development and adjacent to lncRNA gas5 were affected in the knockout group compared with the control group, suggesting that lncRNA gas5 may play a role in embryonic muscle development in zebrafish.
Conclusion
The result of this study provide an experimental basis for further study on the role of lncRNA gas5 in zebrafish embryonic muscle development.
Effect of Patient Education on Postoperative Healthcare Resource Utilization and Patient Satisfaction for Patients Receiving Peripheral Nerve Blockade: A Pragmatic Prospective Study
Authors: Zuo Leila W. , Ivie Ryan , Tully Brian , Cheng Diana , Martiszus Briana , Srika Priya , Nguyen Anthony , Achilike Immaculeta , Woodworth Glenn
Published: June 2023

Background
Peripheral nerve block (PNB) is associated with high satisfaction but increased postoperative healthcare resource utilization, perhaps due to inadequate communication of expected PNB behavior to patients. We hypothesized pragmatic multimedia education for patients undergoing PNB would decrease unplanned, postoperative PNB-related healthcare resource utilization.
Methods
This single-center, prospective, before-after, non-randomized study enrolled 600 ambulatory orthopedic surgery patients receiving PNB. In this original research Group 1 (n = 300) received standard education and Group 2 (n = 300) received multimedia education including handouts and videos. The primary outcome was unplanned, PNB-related postoperative healthcare resource utilization (unplanned visit to physician's office or emergency department, or unplanned phone call, relating to pain or problems with the PNB); secondary outcomes included knowledge of PNB. Data analysis used two-sample t-test, Pearson’s chi-square test, or Fisher’s exact test.
Results
We enrolled 300 patients in each group (N = 600). Follow-up response rates were 76% (Group 1, n = 229) and 82% (Group 2, n = 246). Our main findings indicate there was no significant difference in seeking unplanned PNB-related care in the first 4 days after surgery between Group 1 and Group 2 (14.4% vs 15.5%, respectively, p = 0.75). There was no difference in satisfaction with postoperative pain management and PNB information received between groups (p = 0.37). 90.4% (N = 207/229) in Group 1 and 87.8% (N = 216/246) in Group 2 were satisfied or very satisfied with post op pain management. Mean knowledge test scores were 7.8 (± 1.9) in Group 1 and 8.7 (± 1.3) in Group 2 (p < 0.0001; n = 149 in Group 1 and n = 115 in Group 2).
Conclusions
Pragmatic multimedia education for PNB did not change rates of unplanned, postoperative PNB-related healthcare resource utilization or satisfaction, although it improved patient knowledge. Further research will be necessary to investigate if the benefits of comprehensive multimedia education provided in the days prior to surgery will outweigh the costs of decreased production throughput and increased resource input in coordination of this patient education program.
Super-stretchable and negative-Poisson-ratio meta-aerogels
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Qi , Liang Xing , Gu Puzhong , Hu Zhenyu , Yang Xiao , Liu Muxiang , Sun Zejun , Huang Jia , Wu Guangming , Zu Guoqing
Published: June 2023

Highly stretchable aerogels are promising for flexible electronics but their fabrication is a great challenge. Herein, several kinds of unprecedented intrinsically super-stretchable conductive aerogels with low or negative Poisson’s ratios are achieved by uniaxial, biaxial, and triaxial hot-pressing strategies. The highly elastic reduced graphene oxide/polymer nanocomposite aerogels with folded porous structures obtained by uniaxial hot pressing exhibit record-high stretchability up to 1200% strain, significantly surpassing all those of the reported intrinsically stretchable aerogels. Furthermore, the never-before-realized meta-aerogels with reentrant porous structures combining high biaxial (or triaxial) stretchability and negative Poisson’s ratios have been achieved by biaxial (or triaxial) hot pressing. The resulting aerogel-based wearable strain sensors exhibit a record-wide response range (0-1200%). In addition, they can be applied for smart thermal management and electromagnetic interference shielding, which are achieved by regulating the porous microstructures via stretching. This work provides a versatile strategy to highly stretchable and negative-Poisson-ratio porous materials promising for various applications including but not limited to flexible electronics, thermal management, electromagnetic shielding, and energy storage.
Biogenic potentiality of cationic peptides isolated from mangrove Streptomyces albogriseolus
Authors: J Akshatha S. , Kalyani Manjula Ishwara , Adhoni Shakeel Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Streptomyces albogriseolus from mangrove soil was isolated from the coastal region of Mangalore and had morphologically different aerial and substrate mycelium as well as diffusible coloration. The cylindrical sporiangiophore of Streptomyces albogriseolus was visible in the scanning electron microscope image together with tightly packed open spiral filaments. Streptomyces albogriseolus was grown in ISP2 media to test the intracellular peptides' potential for antibacterial action. The collected biomass was pH 7.2 sodium phosphate buffer homogenized. Streptomyces albogriseolus's peptides demonstrated notable anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm capabilities. The intracellular peptides were subjected to ion exchange chromatography separation using CM-cellulose column after the antibacterial activity was confirmed. Using BSA as a reference, Lowry's technique was used to estimate the peptide fraction. Based on reverse phase HPLC and LCMS analysis of peptides with molecular masses of 28.61 kDa, the CM cellulose pk 5 fraction was further divided. The ability of a peptide to permeate membranes was evaluated in an aliquot with an estimated concentration of 3.75g in 10µl. By using a field-emission scanning electron microscope, it was discovered that the Streptomyces albogriseolus peptide had a membrane permeabilization effect on Klebsiella pneumoniae, causing pore formation and membrane disintegration. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide labelling and flow cytometric measurement for PI cell uptake were used to further demonstrate this influence on membrane activity. By submitting the N-terminal amino acid sequence to the SWISS-Prot database and using the taxonomy of the 28.61 kDa peptide from Streptomyces albogriseolus, which belongs to the family "Imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase," to determine the structure of the peptide complex. Additional research was done to examine the anticancer properties of the Streptomyces albogriseolus peptide, and it was shown that MCF-7 breast cancer cells significantly displayed cytotoxicity and DNA damage.
Rare variants in PLA2G7 are associated with the age of onset and disease burden of asthma
Authors: Nordang Gry , Busk Øyvind , Klepaker Geir , Page Christian , LeBlanc Marissa , Aspelin Trude , Hertel Jens , Holla Øystein , Fell Anne
Published: June 2023

Understanding of the contributions of rare genetic variants in asthma is limited. In this study, we investigated this contribution in 121 asthma-associated genes to the age of onset and disease burden using targeted next-generation sequencing in 576 cases of asthma. The Sequence Kernel Association Test (SKAT) was used for cumulative rare variant association analysis, with asthma onset as the outcome. The median age of onset was 12 years (IQR 5–21) and 65% of the patients developed asthma before age 16. Ninety-two genes with ≥ 10 rare variants (MAF ≤ 1%) were available for the SKAT analysis. We found a cumulative effect (p = 0.015, uncorrected for multiple testing) of rare variants of PLA2G7 (phospholipase A2, group VII) and asthma onset. PLA2G7 rare variant carriers showed higher levels of FeNO than PLA2G7 non-carriers (18 ppb (IQR 14–30) vs. 13 ppb (IQR 8–21), p = 0.013). Furthermore, FEV1 was reduced in the PLA2G7 carriers compared to the non-carriers (87.6% (12.3) vs. 96.0% (13.6), p = 0.018). In conclusion, we found an association between the PLA2G2 locus and the age of onset in a population of Norwegian patients with asthma. Furthermore, increased FeNO and reduced FEV1 were observed among the PLA2G7 carriers.
Artificial intelligence for automated thoracic aorta diameter measurement using different computed tomography protocols
Authors: Portugal Maria Fernanda Cassino , Pinheiro Lucas Lembrança , Lee Henrique Min Ho , Vieira Henrique Cursino , Oliveira Lariza Laura , Valle Matheus , Miyoshi Newton Shydeo Brandão , Oliveira-Ciabati Livia , Baroni Ronaldo , Szarf Gilberto , Wolosker Nelson
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to develop an automated 3-dimensional (3D) segmentation method for measuring the diameter of the thoracic aorta using different computed tomography (CT) protocols. A total of 587 CT scans were retrospectively analysed, and a manual slice-by-slice segmentation of the thoracic aorta was performed by three specialists. The segmented images were used to train convolutional neural network (CNN) models for automated segmentation. The models achieved high accuracy, with an average Dice Score Coefficient (DSC) of 0.8708. Four different methods for thoracic aorta diameter measurement were compared: manual measuring, semi-automatic measuring, automatic measuring using PyRadiomics, and automatic measuring using a made-to-measure algorithm. The results showed that the automatic measuring methods had similar accuracy to the manual and semi-automatic methods. The mean thoracic aorta diameter varied between 3.3 cm and 4.95 cm. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of using artificial intelligence algorithms for automated thoracic aorta diameter measurement, which can aid in the assessment and management of aortic diseases.
Patient Values in Patient-Provider Communication about Participation in Early Phase Clinical Cancer Trials: a Qualitative Analysis before and after Implementation of an Online Value Clarification Tool Intervention
Authors: Lent Liza G.G. van , Ham Mirte van der , de Jonge Maja J.A. , Gort Eelke H. , Mil Marjolein van , Hasselaar Jeroen , Rijt Carin C.D. van der , Gurp Jelle van , Weert Julia C.M. van
Published: June 2023

Background
Patients with advanced cancer who have no standard treatment options anymore can sometimes decide to participate in early phase clinical trials (i.e. experimental treatments with uncertain outcomes). Shared decision-making models consider discussing patient values essential, but such communication is often limited in this context and may require new interventions. Correspondingly, the OnVaCT intervention was previously developed consisting of a preparatory online value clarification tool (OnVaCT) for patients and communication training for oncologists. This study aimed to qualitatively explore which and how patient values are discussed (in context with each other) between patients and oncologists during consultations about potential early phase clinical trial participation before and after implementation of the OnVaCT intervention.
Methods
This study had a between-subjects design: pre-test patients received usual care, while post-test patients additionally received the OnVaCT. Oncologists participated in the communication training between study phases. Patients’ initial consultation on potential early phase clinical trial participation was recorded and transcribed verbatim. Applying a directed approach, two independent coders analysed the transcripts using an initial codebook based on previous studies. Steps of continuous evaluation and revision were repeated until data saturation was reached.
Results
Data saturation was reached after 32 patient-oncologist consultations (i.e. 17 pre-test and 15 post-test). These revealed the values hope, perseverance, quality or quantity of life, risk tolerance, trust in the healthcare system/professionals, autonomy, social adherence, altruism, corporeality, accepting one’s fate, and humanity. Pre-test patients mostly expressed values shortly and spontaneously, e.g. while responding to information. Oncologists acknowledged the importance of patient values, but generally only described ‘opposite’ examples why some accept and others decline trial participation, without asking further questions. In the post-test, many oncologists referred to the OnVaCT and/or asked probing questions, while patients used longer phrases connecting multiple values.
Conclusions
While all values could be recognized in both study phases, our analysis has pointed to the different patterns surrounding patient values in communication on potential early phase clinical trial participation before and after implementation of the OnVaCT intervention. This study thereby suggests that the OnVaCT intervention may support patients and oncologists in discussing their values.
Trial registration
Netherlands Trial Registry: NL7335, registered on July 17, 2018
Validation of effectiveness factor correlations for steam methane reforming in Ni-based washcoat catalyst layers using commercial computational fluid dynamics software
Authors: Oh Yun Seok , Oh Hyun-Joo , Nam Jin Hyun
Published: June 2023

In this study, the effectiveness factor correlations proposed for steam methane reforming (SMR) in Ni-based washcoat catalyst layers were numerically validated using the commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, ANSYS Fluent. The SMR process in an exemplary microchannel reformer was simulated, once by fully considering the reaction and diffusion process inside the washcoat catalyst layer and again by simplifying the process calculation using the effectiveness factor correlations. It was shown that the proposed effectiveness factor correlations could successfully capture the SMR characteristics in washcoat catalyst layers, which is essential for reliably predicting the steam reformer operation using CFD software packages with lower computational costs. In addition, this paper also addressed a possible numerical error in the Fluent calculation identified during the present simulation.
Network-based hub biomarker discovery for glaucoma
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Ma Shuo , Shang Xianwen , Zhang Xiayin , Kong Lingcong , Jason Ha , Huang Yu , Zhu Zhuoting , Liu Shunming , Kiburg Katerina , Shi Danli , Wang Yueye , Bao Yining , Lai Hao , Wang Wei , Hu Yijun , Zhao Ke , Hu Guang , Liang Huiying , Yu Honghua , Zhang Lei , He Mingguang
Published: June 2023

Purpose Glaucoma is an optic neuropathy, and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, the early detection of glaucoma remains challenging as chronic forms of glaucoma remain largely asymptomatic until considerable irreversible visual field deficits have ensued. Thus, biomarkers that facilitate early diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma patients with a high risk of progression are pressing.
Methods Human disease-biomarker interactions network (HDBIN) and Human disease-target-drug interactions network (HDTDIN) were first constructed based on multi-omics data. The greedy search algorithm was utilized to search for the hub biomarkers and drug targets for glaucoma. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and epidemiological data from the UK Biobank (UKB) were used to verify our results. Biological network and function analysis was conducted to find common network features and pathways for hub biomarkers and drug targets for glaucoma.
Results We identified 10 hub biomarkers/drug targets for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis for glaucoma. These results were verified by text-mining and genomic/epidemiology data. We also predicted the new application of BMP1 and MMP9 to diagnose glaucoma and confirm the theory of hub biomarkers with multiple clinical applications. Further, relevant pivotal pathways for these hub biomolecules were discovered, which may be foundations for future biomarker and drug target prediction for glaucoma.
Conclusions Based on complex networks, hub biomolecules, essential pathways, and close diseases were identified for glaucoma in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Translational Relevance Our network approach could be a new way to identify important biomarkers and drug targets for glaucoma or other complex eye diseases.
Genetic loci underlying important shoot morphological traits of wild emmer wheat revealed by GWAS
Authors: Rahman Shanjida , Islam Shahidul , Wang Penghao , Sharma Darshan , Dowla Mirza , Nevo Eviatar , Zhang Jingjuan , Ma Wujun
Published: June 2023

Wild emmer wheat (WEW) played a central role in wheat evolution. During the long process of evolution, rapid alteration and sporadic genomic changes occurred in wheat resulting gene modifications and loss to some extent. WEW contains numerous genes that are absent in modern wheat gene pool, which might be useful for improving wheat. But, there is a lack of investigation in exploring genotype to phenotype associations in WEW. This study conducted genome wide association study (GWAS) on 19 shoot morphological traits and identified the genetic loci associated with several phenotypes from a collection of 263 WEW accessions using 90K SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism). A total of 11,393 SNP markers which passed the data quality screening, were used to conduct the GWAS analysis using a mixed linear model in TASSEL (Trait Analysis by Association, Evolution, and Linkage) software. A total of 857 significant MTAs (marker-trait association) were identified harbouring on all fourteen chromosomes, among which 81 were highly significant. On average, each significant MTA explained approximately 7% of phenotypic variance. The most significant MTAs were for tiller number, biomass, and some of yield related traits such as yield/plant and seed size. Putative candidate genes were also predicted for highly significant MTAs using the bioinformatics platform. The majority of the selected MTAs showed significant differences between alternative alleles for the corresponding phenotypes indicating their potential to be used in the breeding program. The genetic loci, contributing significantly to phenotypic variation, identified from this study will be useful in improving wheat morphological traits.
RETRACTED: Assessment of Cirrhotic Patients by the EncephalApp Fails to Predict Low-Grade Hepatic Encephalopathy
Authors: Kircheis Gerald , Neye Rebecca Maria , Stratmann Daria , Hilger Norbert , Lüth Stefan
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Influence of life events of pregnant women on depression: The mediating effects of anxiety and the moderating effects of social support
Authors: he Li , Su Mei , Bie Li , Ha Yingchun , Yu Jing , Yang Yujing , Cai Qing , Yao Haiyan , Zhao Junxiang , Wu Fangyuan
Published: June 2023

Objective
Explore the influence of life events of pregnant women on depression, with anxiety as a mediator and social support as moderates.
Methods
From January 2020 to December 2021, 1,767 valid data were collected through field questionnaires using convenient sampling method. The basic situation questionnaire, Maternal Life Events Scale (LESPW), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7) and Social Support Scale (SRSS) were used as the investigation tools. The survey objects were pregnant women who had established maternity records in a maternal and child health hospital in a certain area of China. The bias of common methods was evaluated by SPSS Harman single factor test. Maternal life events, anxiety, depression and social support levels were described by frequency and percentage, and Pearson correlation tests were used to measure correlations between variables. SPSS PROCESS macros (Model 4 and Model 8) were used to test the mediating and moderating effects of the model.
Results
Life events of pregnant women have a positive effect on depression, anxiety plays an intermediary role between life events of pregnant women and depression, social support and its dimension negatively regulate the relationship between life events of pregnant women and anxiety, social support to support use dimension regulates the relationship between life events of pregnant women and depression.
Conclusion
Maternal life events and anxiety are risk factors for depression, and social support is a protective factor for depression. Reducing life events and anxiety in pregnant women and enhancing social support can help reduce depression levels in pregnant women.
Unravelling anosmia, ageusia and clinical presentations in hospitalized Taiwanese patients with COVID-19: Insights and Implications
Authors: HSU JUNG LUNG , Liu Mei-Chuen , Tsau Po-Wei , Chung Fu-Tsai , Lin Shu-Min , Chen Mei-Lan , Ro Long-Sun
Published: June 2023

Objectives
The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients presenting with anosmia and/or ageusia symptoms.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study among 231 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Taiwan from April 2021 to July 2021. Detailed initial clinical symptoms, dyspnea grading, laboratory investigations, and admission outcomes were analyzed to elucidate the significance of anosmia and/or ageusia.
Results
Cough, fever, and dyspnea were the most common symptoms, while anosmia and/or ageusia accounted for only 8% of symptoms in hospitalized patients. Patients presenting with anosmia and/or ageusia had more severe initial clinical symptoms and comorbidities. A higher proportion of patients with anosmia and/or ageusia underwent initial endotracheal intubation and received emergency monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 than those without these symptoms. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of inflammatory markers between the two groups.
Conclusion
Our study highlights the distinct clinical presentations of anosmia and/or ageusia in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Anosmia and/or ageusia could be an important predictor of disease severity and may warrant early intervention in COVID-19 patients. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings
Climate action and gender equality matter most for China's sustainable development
Authors: Wu Chaoyang , Xing Qiang , Chen Fang , Liu Jianguo , Pradhan Prajal , Bryan Brett , Schaubroeck Thomas , Carrasco Luis Roman , Gonsamo Alemu , Li Yunkai , Chen Xiuzhi , Deng Xiangzheng , Albanese Andrea , Li Yingjie , Xu Zhenci
Published: June 2023

Rescuing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from failing requires understanding their interactions networks, i.e., synergies and trade-offs, at national and especially sub-national levels, where SDGs were delivered. This understanding will help itendifying the key hurdles and opportunities to prioritize the 17 SDGs in a indivisible manner for a country. However, current research on SDG priorities at sub-national levels remains limited mainly due to difficulty in data collection. Here, we collect a unified annual dataset of 102 indicators covering national and 31 provinces in China over 2000–2020. We analyze the importance of the 17 SDGs at national, provincial and regional levels through synergy and trade-off networks. The key SDGs in trade-off (provincial: 12/31, regional: 1/6) differ more than synergy (provincial: 7/31, regional: 0). Nevertheless, combating climate change (SDG13) and improving gender equality (SDG5) are overall key hurdles for China to achieving 2030 agenda. Focusing on poverty eradication (SDG1) and increasing clean water and sanitation (SDG6) have highly compound positive effect. Our findings provide essential knowledge and insight on adopting common but diffrentiaetd SDGs priorities and balance mattering China’s sustainable development.
Ketosis Prevents Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture Through C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 2 Downregulation and Enhanced MMP Balance
Authors: Zayed Mohamed , Sastriques-Dunlop Sergio , Elizondo-Benedetto Santiago , Arif Batool , Meade Rodrigo , Zaghloul Mohamed , Luehmann Hannah , Heo Gyu , English Sean , Liu Yongjian
Published: June 2023

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are prevelant with aging, and AAA rupture is associated with high mortality. There is currently no effective medical therapy for AAA rupture. Previous work demonstrated that the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) / C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) axis critically regulates AAA inflammation, matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) production, and extracellular matrix (ECM) stability. Here we similarly observed that Ccr2-/- mice have significantly reduced AAA expansion and rupture. We therefore hypothesized that a dietary modulation of the CCR2 axis may therapeutically impact AAA risk of rupture. Since ketone bodies (KBs) can trigger repair mechanisms in response to inflammation, we specifically evaluated whether systemic ketosis in vivo can reduce CCR2 and AAA progression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent surgical AAA formation using porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE), and received daily β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) to promote AAA rupture. Animals with AAAs received either a standard diet (SD), ketogenic diet (KD), or exogenous KBs (EKB). Animals recieving KD and EKB reached a state of ketosis, and had significant reduction in AAA expansion and incidence of rupture. Ketosis also led to significantly reduced aortic CCR2 content, improved MMP balance, and reduced ECM degradation. In summary, this study demonstrates that ketosis plays a crucial role in AAA pathobiology, and provides the impetus for future clinical studies investigating the potential benefit of ketosis for prevention of AAA expansion and rupture.
Aromatase inhibitors and fracture prevention – do 2017 guidelines work in real world?
Authors: Mirza Anem , Naing Zeyar Win , Khonsari Parisa , Khan Haseeb , Abbas Ali K. , Nisar Muhammad K
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Aromatase inhibitor induced bone loss (AIBL) is a recognised adverse event with resultant increase in fracture risk. We aimed to determine the real-world impact of the 2017 consensus guidelines on AIBL and it is effective in fracture prevention.
Methods: Over a 7-year study period, 1001 women prescribed AI were split in two groups. First group were offered bone active treatment based on NOS 2009 guidelines whereas the second group followed the 2017 consensus guidelines.
Results: 1001 women were included.
First group: 361 women had a baseline DEXA with 143 (40%) women had a normal DEXA, 174 (48%) had osteopenia and 44 (12%) had osteoporosis. Of the women with osteopenia, 44 (25%) women were offered treatment and 22 (13%) women had a fracture.
Second group: 640 women had a baseline DEXA with 216 (33%) women were normal, 322(50%) had osteopenia and 107 (17%) had osteoporosis. Of the women with osteopenia, 127 (39%) women were offered treatment and 8 (2.5%) women had a fracture.
Conclusions: Our study provides real world evidence of the success of 2017 consensus statement in lowering fracture risk. A significant reduction in fractures pre (13%) and post guidelines change (2.5%) was demonstrated (absolute risk reduction of 10.5%) which has implications for healthcare systems worldwide as we have demonstrated this approach can reduce morbidity.
KDM4B down-regulates ERα signaling independent on its demethylase activity in vascular calcification
Authors: Zhao Yue , Liu Fei , LV Yang , Lin Yanxia , Wang Chunyu , Wang Shengli , Zeng Kai , Zhou Baosheng , Lin Lin , Feng Jianwei , Sun Ge , Chang Xiaocen , Cao Mengsu , Hu Xihong , Kato Shigeaki , Tian Wen
Published: June 2023

Aims: Vascular Calcification (VC) is recognized as an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Estrogen replacement was reported as protective treatment against vascular calcification in postmenopausal women, while it is controversial because of its potential carcinogenicity. ERα co-regulators have been putatively considered as potential therapeutic targets for ERα-related cancers. However, the modulation of ERα action and biological function of ERα co-regulators in vascular calcification are still elusive.
Methods and Results: KDM4B (Histone lysine demethylases 4B) was identified to be highly expressed in β-phosphoglycerol treated human and mouse aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and VitD3-overloaded mice during calcification by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and confocal immunofluorescence imaging were performed to show the association between KDM4B and ERa. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that KDM4B downregulated ERa-induced transactivation, and qPCR results showed that KDM4B depletion increased mRNA expression of endogenous ERa target gene; the results by co-IP showed that KDM4B associated with PRC2 complex and ERa. ChIP assay (Chromatin immunoprecipitation) demonstrated that KDM4B depletion decreased the recruitment of PRC2 (Polycomb repressive complex 2) complex to estrogen response element (ERE) regions, thereby down-regulating the level of H3K27me3. Finally, KDM4B-mediated enhancement of ASMCs calcification was attenuated by the estrogen treatment.
Conclusion: KDM4B inhibits ERα-induced transactivation independent of its JmjC enzyme active region. KDM4B is involved in vascular calcification via down-regulation of ERα action. KDM4B associates with PRC2 complex to be recruited to ERE element of ERα downstream target gene, thereby modulating histone H3K27me3 modification on the ERE region, suggesting KDM4B acts as a new potential therapeutic target for VC.
Electrospun Gelatin Nanofibers with Lumbrokinase for Accelerated Wound Healing: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations
Authors: Wang Wen-Ling , Lai Yi-Hui , Huang Chiung-Hua , Yao Chun-Hsu
Published: June 2023

Background
Wound healing is a highly complex and intricate biological process involving cellular and molecular events. This study aims to investigate the potential of gelatin nanofibers containing lumbrokinase (LK), a fibrinolytic enzyme derived from earthworms, fabricated through electrospinning as a novel therapeutic strategy for promoting wound healing.
Methods
This study determined the therapeutical concentration of lumbrokinase (LK) through in vitro cell proliferation assay, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammation assay. In addition, the co-culture experiment confirmed that the GLK membrane fabricated for one hour obtained good biocompatibility and could release effective drug concentrations for collagen production, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effect. Finally, a rat model was utilized to evaluate the efficacy of GLK in skin wound healing.
Results
The results indicated that the GLK membrane has a noticeable wound-healing effect on the local wounds of rats. Moreover, it shortens wound healing time, reduces damage caused by inflammation, and increases collagen production, angiogenesis, and fibroblast proliferation and epithelialization.
Conclusion
The GLK membrane incorporating lumbrokinase exhibited promising potential as a wound dressing for enhancing wound healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting angiogenesis. The findings have the potential for developing advanced wound dressings with improved therapeutic outcomes. Furthermore, they may pave the way for clinical application in the future.
A Novel method of routing in multi-channel multi-radio wireless mesh networks
Authors: Tabatabaei Shayesteh , Mehbodniya Abolfazl
Published: June 2023

In mesh networks, wireless mesh nodes include routers and mesh clients. In a wireless mesh network, the use of single-radio nodes operating on a single channel will reduce the capacity of the mesh network, and equipping the nodes with multiple radios, this operation on a non-overlapping channel will greatly increase the capacity and available bandwidth of the network. If the number of radios used increases the number of channels that can be used for the nodes, it will cause the links to use the same channels and lead to interference between the links. In this paper, two algorithms are proposed for multi- channel mesh network for routing selection. The first proposed algorithm is to allocate channels in multi-radio and multi-channel wireless mesh networks with tree structure, colonial competition and clustering algorithms, using the available bandwidth criteria, distance to destination. The load density of each node tries to form high-rate multi-channel paths. In the second algorithm, each router determines its priority in selecting the channel by considering the amount of potential interference in its interference range. The performance of the proposed protocols was compared with CAMF protocol and FB_MR routing protocol. Network productivity rate, end-to-end latency, number of lost packets are among the criteria used to compare the performance of the proposed method. The simulation was performed on OPNET pseudo-emulator version 10.5. The simulation results show better performance of the proposed ICA_MR colonial competition protocol than the RLFB_MR reinforcement learning method and the CAMF protocol and the FB_MR routing protocol.
The anti-loosening characteristics of cortical bone trajectory screws and conventional pedicle screws under different bone quality conditions: a comparative study
Authors: Fengliang WU , Hui LI , Chunang PAN , Xiaogang MA , Jiu WANG , LI Ping , Chao PENG
Published: June 2023

Purpose: We aimed to compare the characteristics of anti-loosening and the pullout force between cortical bone trajectory (CBT) and conventional trajectory (CT) screws under different bone qualities.
Methods: Finite element models were established for CBT screws and CT screws in a single-segment L4 vertebra. Compression loads were applied to the models, followed by cyclic loading to simulate the screw loosening process resulting from nail channel expansion. The pullout force was then applied along the screw axis to simulate screw pullout, and pull-out force under different bone quality was calculated and compared.
Results: In the loosening test, screw channel expansion was significantly smaller in the CBT group. The CT screw channel volume expanded by 20.34% and 20.60% in healthy and osteoporotic bone, whereas the CBT screw channel volume only expanded by 0.20% and 0.19%. The pullout force of CBT screws was higher than that of CT screws in both healthy and osteoporotic bone (CBT, 1457.51 N and 1040.65 N; CT, 761.68 N and 461.36 N).
Conclusions: The loosening model combined with pullout testing can better simulate in vivo screw holding capacity. In different bone qualities, especially in osteoporotic bone, CBT screws have better anti-loosening and higher pullout strength than CT screws.
Design, Development and Analysis of Aperture monopole patch Antenna for UWB Communication with multiple notched capabilities
Authors: suraj priyadarshi
Published: June 2023

Present work illustrate CPW fed apertured monopole patch antenna having multiple interfering bands filtering capabilities. The proposed antenna contains three complementary improved inverted U-shaped slots on the radiating patch to filter out interfering signals namely WiMAX (3.3 to 3.6 GHz), C-band now extended for 5G application (3.7 GHz to 4.2 GHz) and WLAN (5.15 to 5.85 GHz) (combined lower 5.15–5.35 GHz and upper 5.725–5.825 GHz, WLAN). The ground plane is surrounded over the radiator with few modifications on the top corner to enhance impedance matching and hence to obtain optimized overall bandwidth. The projected antenna is made up on substrate of FR-4 (er=4.4) with height of 1.6mm and all the characteristics has been studied with VNA in anechoic chamber environment. The simulated and physically verified responses are in very close treaty to each other. Filtering capability is cross verified with ADS systematic software and lumped-equivalent circuit model also proposed with respective values of all the elements used. Time domain and current distribution analysis has also been undertaken to strengthen the functioning of antenna.
Argania spinosa (L.) essential oil: Phytochemical Characterization, Molecular Docking, Anti-staphylococcal, and Anti-pseudomonal Activity
Authors: Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Alruhaili Mohammed H. , Gattan Hattan S. , Alharbi Mohanned Talal , Nagshabandi Mohammed K. , Hagagy Nashwa , Almuhayawi Saad M. , Jaouni Soad K. Al , Selim Samy , Alanazi Awadh , Alruwaili Yasir , Mostafa Ehab M. , Abdelgawad Mohamed A. , Elnosary Mohamed E.
Published: June 2023

Medicinal plants exemplify an infinite source of effective remedies and traditional thanks to the various active components they contain. Secondary metabolites current in plant extracts, for instance, essential oils, have significant pharmacological properties, including antimicrobic effects. This experimental investigation aims to determine Argan oil’s volatile compounds and exanimate their in vitro antimicrobial properties. In silico simulations, molecular docking and pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) and drug-likeness prediction revealed the processes underlying the in vitro biological possessions. Gas chromatography–mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) was used for chemical screening of the main components of Argan oil. In silico molecular docking studies were applied as an attempt to investigate the ability of selected bioactive constituents of extra argan oil to act as effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolated from ear Infections, aiming to study their ability to interact with protease protein of S. aureus (PDB id: 5MM8) and P. aeruginosa (PDB id: 7M1M) essential therapeutic target protein. GC/MS analysis showed that Argan oil components were 21 compounds such as Oleic Acid, Ethyl Oleate, 10-Octadecenoic acid, and methyl ester. All compounds docked with protease protein of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, the docking result values ranged from − 5 to -9.4 kcal/mol for protease protein of S. aureus and from − 5.7 to -9.7 kcal/mol for protease protein of P. aeruginosa compared with reference ligands. On the other hand, the studied Gram-positive bacteria were more influenced by the oil extracts under study than the Gram-negative bacteria. MIC illustrated that Argan seed oil inhibits S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. MBC ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 mg/ml. These outcomes afford scientific authentication of the traditional usages of this plant and recommend its impending application as natural medications.
Determining new disulfidptosis-associated lncRNA signatures pertinent to breast cancer prognosis and immunological microenvironment
Authors: Zheng Yifan , Lin Yufeng , Zhang Yongcheng , Liu Shangjie , Yang Yongxia , Huang Wenbin
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Disulfidptosis, a novel form of cell death triggered by disulfide stress, could have significant implications in breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis. Despite this, the identification of disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs in BC remains has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prognostic potential of disulfidptosis-associated lncRNAs in BC.
Methods: RNA-seq data and clinical information of BC patients were obtained from the TCGA database. Co-expression analysis was performed to identify disulfidptosis-associated lncRNAs. Subsequently, a risk signature was developed through univariate Cox and LASSO analyses, and its predictive ability was validated. Additionally, the association between the risk signature and immune cell infiltration, immune function, tumor mutational burden (TMB）, and immune checkpoints was investigated. Finally, potential anticancer drugs associated with the risk signatures were predicted.
Results: A 10-lncRNA signature was established to stratify BC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, where the high-risk group showed an unfavorable prognosis. This signature served as an independent prognostic factor in BC patients. Notably, the two subgroups displayed distinct mutation gene profiles, and the risk score exhibited a significant correlation with TMB. Furthermore, ssGSEA and immune checkpoint analysis revealed a significant association between the predictive signature and the immune status of BC patients. Finally, 55 potential anticancer drugs associated with the signature were identified.
CONCLUSIONS: We successfully established an independent prognostic signature of disulfidptosis-related lncRNAs in BC patients. This signature provides a solid basis for future investigations into the functional significance of disulfidptosis-associated lncRNAs in breast cancer.
Voices of children adopted at an older age about challenges and facilitators in their social history
Authors: Bejenaru Anca , Iovu Mihai , Raiu Sergiu
Published: June 2023

Since 2016, the adoption of older children has become a priority for policymakers and practitioners in Romania, and several measures have been taken to stimulate their adoption. Since this is a relatively new practice in Romania, we were not able to identify any studies that gave a voice to Romanian children to understand how they experience adoption and the challenges and facilitator factors that entail. This study aimed to fill this gap by interviewing 12 children and adolescents aged between 7 and 13. The children offered important insights into the risk factors and adversities they endured before adoption, the challenges they faced during this process, and the tasks they had to undertake after. They also highlighted the factors that facilitated their resilience throughout the adoption process. We found that older children, despite their past adversities, have a good capacity for resilience, which is reflected in their ability to create new bonds based on trust and security with their adoptive parents, in their self-satisfaction and awareness of the progress they have made after adoption, and in their confidence and future aspirations. Finally, based on the interviews, we formulated recommendations for practice and social policies.