bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis and Site Characterization of a Powerplant Site in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Kolathayar Sreevalsa , Sengupta Soumyadeep
Published: March 2022

In the present study, the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) has been carried out for a powerplant site in Chittagong using the latest available information on seismicity in the region. The latest updated earthquake catalog homogenized in uniform moment magnitude scale was prepared. Seismicity analysis was carried out, and the seismicity parameters for the region were estimated from the frequency magnitude distribution plot. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) and the spectral acceleration at the bedrock for 10% and 2% probability of exceedance within 50 years were evaluated using different source models and attenuation relations in a logic tree framework. The site was characterized based on the soil investigation data from 31 boreholes and amplification factors considering the local geology (SPT-N values) were obtained through ground response analysis. Subsequently, the surface level peak ground acceleration was estimated and depicted in the form of hazard contour maps.
Amphiphilic porphyrin-based nanoparticles as a nuclei-approaching delivery platform for enhanced cancer photochemotherapy
Authors: Wang Shu-Ping , Huang Xuechun , He Yunhong , Zhou Jun , Tang Guping , Li Shijun , Bai Hongzhen
Published: March 2022

Intelligent porphyrin photosensitizer integrating precise subcellular-targeting capability, enhanced solubility, and efficient phototheranostics is significant for cancer clinical treatment. Herein, we utilize a unilateral amphiphilic porphyrin (P) as nuclei-approaching drug carrier to interact with camptothecin (CPT), a potent DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor, to form supra-amphiphile-assembled nanoparticles (CPT@P). The nanoparticles are capable of directly entering and delivering CPT into nuclei to improve the therapeutic efficacy of photochemotherapy. Cancer cell membrane (M) is further used to camouflage CPT@P, endows the resulting CPT@P«M with excellent stability, homologous tumor targeting ability, and specific capability to co-deliver the chemotherapeutic drug and photosensitizer to tumor cells, even into the nuclei. This work takes advantage of unique structure and intrinsic performance of P to construct an integrative co-delivery system and modify by membrane-coating technology, which not only extends the application scopes of porphyrin photosensitizers but also provides a promising nanoplatform for cancer therapy.
Neorhizobium xiangyangense sp. nov., Isolated From a Highland Barley Cultivation Soil in Qamdo, Tibet
Authors: Pan Hu , Zhou Zi-Qiong , He Guo-Wei , Zhou Jie , Jin Kai , Liu Hu-Hu , Wang Chong , Yang Hui , Lu Xiang-Yang , Yu Yao-Bin , Tian Yun
Published: March 2022

A novel gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-nitrogen fixing bacterium named strain T786T was isolated from a highland barley cultivation soil in Qamdo, Tibet Autonomous Region, PR China. Strain T786T grew at 5–30℃ and pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum, 20–25℃ and pH 7.0–8.0) with 0–4% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strain T786T showed the highest similarity to Neorhizobium vignae CCBAU 05176T (98.70%), followed by Neorhizobium alkalisoli CCBAU 01393T (98.47%), Neorhizobium tomejilense T17_20T (98.43%), Neorhizobium huautlense S02T (98.36%), and Neorhizobium galegae ATCC 43677T (98.00%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA genes indicated that strain T786T was a new member of the genus Neorhizobium. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between the genome sequence of strain T786T and related strains were 20.20–20.60% and 76.64–80.01%, respectively. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain T786T was 60.2%. The major cellular fatty acids were Summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c or C18:1 ω6c, 51.53%), C16:0 (21.74%) and Summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c or C16:1 ω6c, 10.21%). The polar lipids of strain T786T were consisted of diphosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl methyl ethanolamine, unidentified phospholipid and unidentified lipids (1–4). The isoprenoid quinones of strain T786T was consisted of Q-10. The DAP and sugar components of cell wall of strain T786T were meso-DAP and ribose, glucose, respectively. Based on phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genotypic datas, strain T786T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Neorhizobium, for which the name Neorhizobium xiangyangense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is T786T (= JCM 35100T = CICC 25102T).
Heat transfer and hybrid nanofluid flow over a porous stretching/shrinking sheet with Brinkmann model and multiple slips
Authors: Botmart Thongchai , Mahabaleshwar U. S. , Vishalakshi A. B.
Published: March 2022

The current study explains the hybrid nanofluid flow and transfer of heat with radiation and mass transpiration. The velocity slips and thermal jump condition is also taken in governing equation respectively. The solid volume fractions of Al2O3-Cu/H2O hybrid nanofluid are considered tin the entire calculation. The governing PDEs are altered into ODEs with the help of similarity variable. Hybrid nanofluid is used to increase the efficiency of heat transfer and in the field of industrial applications. The role of Brinkmann model is considered in the momentum equations. Momentum equation is solved analytically to get the 4th root of the equation and also get the solution domain. This domain is used in the energy equation and then it is solved analytically and expressed in terms of Kummer’s function. The existence and non-existence solutions for both stretching and shrinking sheet is investigated. Shrinking sheet case exhibit various behavior compared to stretching sheet case and produces physically meaningful dual solutions. The results of velocity and temperature profiles can be analyzed with the help of different controlling parameters namely mass transpiration, thermal radiation, solid volume fractions, Brinkmann number, and porous medium parameter. Stability analysis can be performed to extend the results of the present study.
A study on dose and time-dependent effect of fluoride in rats
Authors: Validandi Vakdevi , Khandare Arjun , Dheeravath Srinivas , Venkata SurekaMullapudi , Kurella Srinivasu , Sinha Sukesh Narayan
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to see the effect of fluoride (F) in Wistar NIN rats in a dose and time-dependent manner. Male rats (n=36) were taken and were randomly divided into six groups (Group I: control, group II: 5 mg/L F, Group III: 10 mg/L F, Group IV: 15 mg/L F, Group V: 50 mg/L F and Group VI: 100 mg/L F). Animals were examined at 3-time points of 30, 60 and 90 days for F toxicity changes. The results indicated that the F induced dose and time-dependent diet intake, body weight gain, food efficiency ratio, dental fluorosis, urinary, serum, bone and teeth F levels and histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissue. The significant increase in exposure of F through water in groups V and VI as compared to other groups has shown alterations in their food efficiency ratio, body weight gain, and the significant increase in the urinary and serum F levels. Histopathology of the kidney showed few dilated tubules in the kidney of group VI compared to all other groups. Whereas histopathology of the liver showed microvacuolation in groups V and VI compared to groups I, II and III. However, there were no significant differences between the organ weight ratios of different organs among all the groups. In conclusion, the dose-dependent effect of F starts at 100, 50 and 15mg/L from first, second and third months respectively, however, there were no significant differences in 5 and 10 mg/L F groups after 3 months.
Distribution, Source finding, ecological hazard assessment and water-sediment exchange rate of polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) in South Pars Industrial Zone, Iran
Authors: Ghadrshenas Alireza , Tabatabaie Tayebeh , Amiri Fazel , Pazira Abdul Rahim
Published: March 2022

South Pars Industrial Zone is located near an Assaluyeh city on the coast of the Persian Gulf and is known as the energy capital of Iran. In this study, environmental and health effects due to PCB components had an assessment. In this study, 10 air stations, 10 seawater, and sediments stations were systematically selected and sampled in two seasons. Air, seawater and sediment pollution made by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were evaluated. Seawater-sediment exchange conditions using the fugacity coefficient reviewed. PCB levels in marine sediments, seawater, and air-based on the analysis of the obtained data were 107.33-172.92 ng / g, ND-135.68 μg / l, and ND-4.4 ng / m3, respectively. The highest concentration was observed in the vicinity of refineries, petrochemicals, and petroleum export facilities. These values had increased significantly compared to values of studies, conducted in similar areas. The sources were electrical wastes, storage sites, power generation units, and wastewater treatment. The ecological risk of seawater was assessed to be high, while sediment risks were reported with a low to moderate risk range. The heavier compounds with more chlorine were moved from sediments to seawater and, showed that seabed acted as a secondary source of sea pollution. Lighter compounds with less chlorine moved toward the sediments, from the seawater, and the seabed acted as a sink for these compounds. It is suggested for the area to be continuously monitored while engineering and management measures should be adopted to improve the situation and also prevent the spread of pollution.
Oncogenic protein condensates suppress growth factor perception and modulate drug tolerance
Authors: Bugaj Lukasz , Gonzalez-Martinez David , Roth Lee , Mumford Thomas , Guan Juan , Huang Bo , Tulpule Asmin , Bivona Trever G.
Published: March 2022

Drug resistance remains a central challenge towards durable cancer therapy, including for cancers driven by the EML4-ALK oncogene. EML4-ALK and related fusion oncogenes form cytoplasmic protein condensates that transmit oncogenic signals through the Ras/Erk pathway. However, whether such condensates play a role in drug response is unclear. Here, we used optogenetics to find that condensates suppress signaling through endogenous RTKs including EGFR. Notably, ALK inhibition hypersensitized RTK signals, which are known to drive resistance. Suppression of RTKs occurred because condensates sequestered downstream adapter proteins that are required for RTK signal transmission. Strikingly, EGFR hypersensitization resulted in rapid and pulsatile Erk signal reactivation, which originated from neighboring apoptotic cells. Paracrine signals promoted survival during ALK inhibition, and blockade of paracrine signals suppressed drug tolerance. Our results uncover a regulatory role for RTK fusion condensates in cancer drug response and demonstrate the potential of optogenetics for uncovering functional biomarkers of cancer cells.
5-year adherence to adjuvant endocrine treatment in Dutch women with early stage breast cancer: a population-based database study (2006-2016).
Authors: Biggelaar Yannick van den , Kuiper Josine , Sangen Maurice J.C. vander , Luiten Ernest , Siesling Sabine , Herk-Sukel Myrthe van , Voogd Adri , Mesters Ilse
Published: March 2022

PurposeHormonal receptor (HR) positive breast tumors are common. Adjuvant hormonal therapy (AHT) with Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) is beneficial depending on the stage of the tumor. Despite the fact that AHT has been shown to improve survival and recurrence, Dutch adherence rates, which were mostly dependent on Tamoxifen prescriptions until 2006, plummeted from 80% after one year to 50% after five years. Nonadherence with AHT reduces its effectiveness. This research presents more recent adherence statistics (from 2006 to 2016) as well as factors that influence AHT adherence. In addition to Tamoxifen data, AIs are now included in prescriptions.MethodsThe Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR) was used to find women with early-stage breast cancer who started AHT within a year of surgery and were linked to the PHARMO Database Network. The Kaplan-Meier approach was used to measure AHT adherence five years after treatment was started, with a 60-day gap between refills as our primary outcome. Furthermore, the Medication Possession Rate (MPR) was determined using a cutoff of 50%. Subgroup analysis was performed on influential factors of adherence.Results The 5-year adherence rate was 46.6% when gaps of 60 days between refills were allowed. Based on MPR 80 %, the five-year adherence rate was 53.3%. Age, ≥ 70 years (HR (95% CI) 1.20 (1.10 – 1.30), 50-69 years (HR (95 % CI) 1.09 (1.02 – 1.17) vs < 49 years), and year of diagnosis, 2011-2016 (HR (95 percent CI) 2.39 (2.24-2.56) vs 2006-2010) were also linked with adherence continuance.ConclusionDutch 5-year AHT adherence has remained poor.
Evaluation of the convection-permitting regional climate model CNRM-AROME41t1 over northwestern Europe
Authors: Lucas-Picher Philippe , Brisson Erwan , Caillaud Cécile , Alias Antoinette , Nabat Pierre , Lemonsu Aude , Poncet Nils , Hernandez Virginia Edith Cortes , Michau Yohanna , Doury Antoine , Monteiro Diego , Somot Samuel
Published: March 2022

Since a decade, convection-permitting regional climate models (CPRCM) have emerged showing promising results, especially in improving the simulation of precipitation extremes. In this article, the CPRCM CNRM-AROME developed at the Centre National de Recherches Météorologiques (CNRM) since a few years is described and evaluated using a 2.5-km long 19-year hindcast simulation over a large northwestern European domain using different observations through an added-value analysis in which a comparison with its driving 12-km RCM CNRM-ALADIN is performed. The evaluation is challenging due to the lack of high-quality observations at both high temporal and spatial resolutions. Thus, a high spatio-temporal observed gridded precipitation dataset was built from the collection of seven national datasets that helped the identification of added value from CNRM-AROME. The evaluation is based on a series of standard climatic features that include long-term means and mean annual cycles of precipitation and near-surface temperature where CNRM-AROME shows little improvements compared to CNRM-ALADIN. Additional indicators such as the summer diurnal cycle and indices of extreme precipitation show, on the contrary, a more realistic behaviour of the CNRM-AROME model. Moreover, the analysis of snow cover shows a clear added-value in the CNRM-AROME simulation, principally due to the improved description of the orography with the CPRCM high resolution. Additional analyses include the evaluation of incoming surface longwave and shortwave radiation, and cloud cover using satellite estimates. Overall, despite some systematic biases, the evaluation indicates that CNRM-AROME is a suitable CPRCM that is superior in many aspects to the RCM CNRM-ALADIN.
Analysis of spot urine biomarkers and association with body weight in Japanese elementary school children
Authors: Takemoto Nozomi , Millman Jasmine , Yamakawa Fusae , Uema Tsugumi , Okamoto Shiki , Mori Mari , Mori Hideki , Nakamura Koshi , Yamori Yukio , Masuzaki Hiroaki
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Childhood obesity is rapidly increasing world-wide and is largely the consequence of adoption of unhealthy diets excessive in calories and salt (NaCl) as well as devoid in pivotal micronutrients such as potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg). Education-based programs aiming to encourage healthy food knowledge and behaviors are crucial at a young age, and for this purpose, convenient ways to assess daily dietary intake are warranted. We therefore attempted to evaluate the dietary intake of Okinawan school children in Japan by analyzing a series of biomarkers in morning spot urine samples and explore whether these biomarkers correlate with body weight and a series of metabolic parameters.
Methods
We enrolled 98 third-grade elementary school children in Okinawa, Japan. Morning spot urine samples were collected and analysed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess dietary intake.
Results
We found that estimated daily NaCl intake was higher in obese/overweight children as compared to healthy-weight children (p = 0.0001). There was also a significant positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) and NaCl intake (Spearman) (ρ = 0.45, p < 0.0001) and a negative correlation between BMI and Mg/Cr (ρ=-0.27, p = 0.01). Furthermore, Na/K ratio was higher in samples collected on Monday (weekend) as compared to samples collected on Thursday or Friday (weekday) (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Via the use of morning spot urine analyses, our results show that NaCl intake was associated with obesity, and Mg excretion negatively correlated with BMI in Japanese school children, highlighting the potential role of these micronutrients in maintaining a healthy body weight.
A novel immune-related eRNAs prognostic signature to predict the immunotherapy response for thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wu Pu , Shi Jinyuan , Wang Zhiyuan , Sun Wei , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2022

Background
The functional alterations of eRNAs have been reported to be correlated with tumorigenesis. However, the roles of eRNAs in thyroid cancer (THCA) remain still unclear. This study aimed to construct an immune-related eRNA prognostic signature that could effectively predict the survival and prognosis for THCA.
Methods
The Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify THCA-specific immune-related hub genes and immune-related eRNAs were obtained using Pearson correlation analysis. Univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression were conducted to construct an immune-related eRNA prognostic signature in training cohort, and the predictive capability was verified in test cohort and entire cohort. Kaplan-Meier analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and nomogram were used to validate the risk signature. Furthermore, CIBERSORT, ESTIMATE and ssGSEA were analyzed to explore the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of the risk signature, and the response of potential immunotherapeutic were also discussed.
Results
A total of 125 immune-related eRNAs were obtained and 16 immune-related eRNAs were significantly correlated with overall survival (OS). A 9-immune-related eRNA prognostic signature was constructed, and the risk score was identified as an independent predictor. High-risk groups were associated with a poorer OS. Immune microenvironment analysis indicated that low risk score was correlated with higher immuneScore, high immune cell infiltration, and the better response of immunotherapy. Additionally, we also detected 9 immune-related eRNA expression levels in sixty-two matched tumorous and non-tumorous tissues using qRT-PCR analysis.
Conclusion
Our immune-related eRNA risk signature that was an independent prognostic factor was strongly correlated with the immune microenvironment and may be promising for the clinical prediction of prognosis and immunotherapeutic responses in THCA patients.
Activity of Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in a hamster model
Authors: DRIOUICH Jean-Sélim , Lingas Guillaume , Luciani Léa , Cochin Maxime , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Moureau Gregory , Petit Paul Rémi , Touret Franck , Guedj Jeremie , de Lamballerie Xavier , Nougairède Antoine
Published: March 2022

The efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis by the Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab cocktail (AZD7442) was evaluated in hamsters against a clinical BA.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron. AZD7442 retains inhibitory activity against Omicron despite a substantial loss of efficacy. We estimate that Omicron virus requires about 20-times more antibodies in plasma than the ancestral B.1 strain (G614) virus to achieve a similar drug efficacy in reducing lung infectious titers.
The perinatal and childhood outcomes of children born to Indigenous women with mental health problems: A scoping review
Authors: Adane Akilew A , Shepherd Carrington CJ , Reibel Tracy , Ayano Getnet , Marriott Rhonda
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Maternal mental health problems are common during the perinatal period and have been associated with several negative outcomes in children. However, few studies have examined these associations among Indigenous people, and the findings across these studies have been inconsistent. This scoping review comprehensively examined the perinatal and childhood (≤ 12 years) health and development outcomes of the children of Indigenous women with perinatal mental health problems.
Methods
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Joanna Briggs Institute, Wed of Science, Scopus, and other databases were searched electronically for studies examining the associations between any perinatal maternal mental health problems and perinatal and child outcomes among the Indigenous population of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA. Two authors reviewed studies for inclusion.
Results
Of 2,038 records identified, 11 were eligible. One of four studies that evaluated the associations between maternal depression, stress, and anxiety problems, and perinatal and childhood behavioural outcomes found a negative association. Six of seven studies (five used similar cohort data) that examined the associations of maternal substance use disorder and several perinatal and childhood outcomes found at least one negative association.
Conclusions
Maternal substance use disorder appears to be associated with adverse perinatal and childhood outcomes among the Indigenous population. However, there is preliminary evidence for the other common maternal mental health problems. Further research is therefore critically required to draw definitive conclusions regarding the impact of maternal mental health problems on the perinatal and childhood outcomes.
War-related Burns in Syria in the Years 2013-2017 A Cross Sectional Study in Damascus Hospital
Authors: Haffar Massa , Aissami Maen Al
Published: March 2022

Intorduction:Thermal injuries have always been a source of morbidity and mortality in times of war. Historically, they constitute 5% to 20% of all injuries and approximately 4% mortality.This study will review the information acquired from patient’s files on war-related thermal injuries in Damascus Hospital from 2013 to 2017. We will describe the epidemiology of burn injuries, and the assessment, and final treatment of burn patients.Methods:A cross sectional study of war-related burn injuries was conducted during the years 2013-2017 in Damascus Hospital. Chi-squre analysis was used to compare gender and mortality with sociodemographic factors and burn outcome variables. One-way analysis of variance (anova) and t-test were used to compare means of continuous variables (Age, TBSA,ABSI).Results:450 patients were included in this study. 289 (64.2%) were males and 207 (46%) were from the eastern region of Syria. Most injuries were flame injuries 197 patients (43.8%) and petroleum substance burns 93 (20.7%). Most common injury place was the four limbs 288 (28.4%), and head and neck 282 (27.8%). Mortality rates were 163 (36.2%) and the most common cause of death was respiratory failure 80 (49.1%). Gender and mortality were significantly associated with sociodemographic factors and burn outcomes (P-value<0.05).Conclusion:More details have been identified regarding war related burn injuries in Syria. This leads to conduct better health care programs and stress the importance of better triage with war circumstances. Additional studies are required to determine management and to get better insight on the treatment.
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Ayurvedic and Herbal dentifrices for Plaque reduction in Gingivitis
Authors: Javed Danish , Dixit Ashish Kumar , Anwar Sana , Rai Anshul
Published: March 2022

Background
Despite the existence of a large number of trials employing ayurvedic and herbal dentifrices to reduce plaque in gingivitis, the findings are inconsistent. Therefore, we assess the overall effect of ayurvedic and herbal dentifrices in gingivitis on dental plaque index (PI), gingival index and bacterial colony counts (CC) of debris.
Methods
We found 554 articles after searching PubMed, CAM-QUEST®, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. 41 randomised clinical trials were considered for meta-analysis.The Standard Mean Difference (SMD) for effect size estimation with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated using RevMan 5.4.1 software.
Results
A total 2,806 patients in 41 RCTs were participated. Ayurvedic dentifrices,Plaque index (PI): SMD= -0.52, 95% CI (-0.94,-0.11); CC: SMD= -1.70, 95% CI (-5.06,1.67), (Oil pulling therapy :PI: SMD= -0.38, 95% CI (-1.45,0.68); CC: SMD= -1.04, 95% CI (-2.20,0.11), Herbal Dentifrices :PI: SMD= -0.58, 95% CI (-1.55,0.39), (Triphala :PI: SMD= -0.65, 95% CI (-1.32,0.03) were found as good as control.
Conclusions
In addition to conventional dental care, ayurvedic and herbal dentifrices may help in plaque reduction, gingival inflammation, and bacterial growth. They are safe and may be recommended in community dentistry practices.
Determining the Recurrence of Diabetic Patients Recovery Time in Benishangul-Gumuz Hospitals, Ethiopia
Authors: Endalkachew  , Zelalem
Published: March 2022

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar). About 90% of people with diabetes around the world have type II diabetes. It is the main global health issue and burden as well with serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower extremity amputations. In middle- and low-income countries, the prevalence of diabetes has been rising more rapidly and needs great attention. The data from such cases has been considered as recurrent event data and the correlation between events should be taken into account in the analysis. Thus, the aim of the study was to identify risk factors for recurrence of diabetic patients recovery time in Benishangul-Gumuz hospitals (Assosa, Pawi and Wonbera hospital), Ethiopia. A retrospective study has been applied to obtain data on the recurrence of a diabetic patient’s recovery time in Benishangul-Gumuz hospitals, Ethiopia, from September 1, 2019 to September 1, 2021. Kaplan-Meier plot (s) and Log-rank test were used for comparison of patients recovery time from diabetes; Standard Cox-PH and Shared Frailty model were used to identify factors significantly affect the recovery time of diabetic patients, using R version 4.1.1 for data analysis. Of the total diabetic patients in this study, 61.87% experienced recurrence of diabetic. The estimated median recovery time of diabetic patient’s was 6 months. The Shared Log-normal Frailty model was chosen to be best fit for this data set, based on Likelihood Cross-Validation value. Family history, other medical history and Systolic Blood Pressure of patients were significantly affected the recovery time of diabetic patient’s.
Can TED Talks help improve tertiary level EFL students’ listening, and speaking skills? A case study from a Thai university
Authors: Samaranayake Sarath W. , Thienpermpool Pateera , Suneeta  , Jantarach Vachira
Published: March 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Decreased expression of KPNA2 in Hepatocellular carcinoma infers favorable prognosis and high immune infiltrating level
Authors: Zhu Kang-Ming , Yuan Hui , Li Jing
Published: March 2022

BackgroundLiver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is an important pathological type of liver cancer. The immune infiltration of the tumor microenvironment is negatively correlated with the overall survival rate of LIHC. At present, the role and molecular mechanism of KPNA2 in LIHC have not been elucidated, and the prognostic correlation between the two and the immune infiltration of LIHC are still unclear. Our study evaluated the role of KPNA2 in LIHC through TCGA data.MethodGene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) is used to analyze the expression of KPNA2 in LIHC. We evaluated the impact of KPNA2 on the survival of LIHC patients through the survival module. Then, We downloaded the LIHC data set from TCGA. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between clinical information and KPNA2 expression. Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics related to the overall survival rate of TCGA patients. In addition, we used the "correlation" modules of CIBERSORT and GEPIA to explore the correlation between KPNA2 and cancer immune infiltrate. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of KPNA2.ResultUsing logistic regression for univariate analysis, increased KPNA2 expression was significantly correlated with pathological stage, tumor status, and lymph node status. In addition, multivariate analysis showed that down-regulation of KPNA2 expression, negative pathological stage and distant metastasis are independent prognostic factors for good prognosis. Specifically, CIBERSORT analysis was used to establish a negative correlation between the up-regulated expression of KPNA2 and the level of immune infiltration of B cells, NK cells, mast cells, and T cells. In addition, we confirmed this in the "Association" module of GEPIA. The expression of KPNA2 in LIHC tissues was significantly lower than that in adjacent normal tissues by western blotting.ConclusionThe down-regulation of KPNA2 expression is associated with a good prognosis and an increase in the proportion of immune cells in LIHC. These conclusions indicate that KPNA2 is related to the level of immune infiltration of LIHC and can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker of LIHC and a potential target for clinical tumor treatment.
Urine di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites are independently related to body fluid status in adults: Results from a U.S. nationally representative survey
Authors: Wang Wei-Jie , Wang Chia-Sung , Wang Chi-Kang , Yang An-Ming , Lin Chien-Yu
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been utilized in many daily products for decades. Previous studies have reported that DEHP exposure could induce renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation and increase epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity, which contributes to extracellular fluid (ECF) volume expansion. However, there is also no previous study to evaluate the association between DEHP exposure and body fluid status.
Methods
We selected 1,678 subjects (aged ≥ 18 years) from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2003–2004 to determine the relationship among urine DEHP metabolites and body composition (body measures, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)).
Results
After weighing the sampling strategy in multiple linear regression analysis, we report that higher levels of DEHP metabolites are correlated with increases in body measures (body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference), BIA parameters (estimated fat mass, percent body fat, ECF, and ECF/intracellular fluid (ICF) ratio) in multiple linear regression analysis. The relationship between DEHP metabolites and the ECF/ICF ratio was more evident in subjects with younger age (20–39 years old), women, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, and subjects who were not active smokers.
Conclusion
In addition to being positively correlated with body measures and body fat, we found that urine DEHP metabolites were positively correlated with ECF and the ECF/ICF ratio in the US general adult population. Further research is needed to clarify the causal relationship.
Exploration of the relationships between tumor mutation burden with immune cell infiltration in cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: wei yongchang , Ning Biao , Liu Yixin , Wang Miao , Li Yi , Xu Tianzi
Published: March 2022

Background: In various malignant tumors, whether tumor mutational burden (TMB) was related to improving survival outcomes or promoting immunotherapy remained controversial. We aimed to study the prognosis of tumor mutation burden in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and its potential association with tumor-infiltrating immune cells.Methods: Transcriptome and somatic mutation profiles of CSCC were downloaded from the TCGA database. Somatic mutations were analyzed by "maftools" and visualized in waterfall plot. Then, TMB was calculated and we classified the samples into high-TMB and low-TMB groups based on the median data. Survival analysis and Wilcoxon test were used to investigate the prognostic value of TMB and its association with clinical variables. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified in 2 TMN groups, and functional analysis was performed to find out significant biological pathways. Finally, we used the CIBERSORT algorithm to estimate the association between TMB and immune infiltration, and used the R package "vioplot" to visually draw the violin chart for each immune cell. Results: The data from TCGA were analyzed, and higher TMB levels conferred high overall survival time, associated with higher T staging (p = 0.048) and older age (p = 0.029). Then, the differential analysis determined 122 DEGs. And pathway research showed that the enrichment of TMB-related signature correlated with several cancer-related signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and Ras signaling pathway. Through CIBERSORT package and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, T cells CD8 (p = 0.008), T cells CD4 memory activation (p = 0.002) and T cells follicular helper cells (p = 0.028) showed higher levels of infiltration in the high TMB group. However, T cells CD4 memory resting (p = 0.003) and T cells regulation (Tregs) (p = 0.033) showed lower levels of infiltration in the high TMB group. Conclusions: In summary, high TMB may inhibit the development of CSCC through anti-tumor immune cells. And our study might have some merits in elucidating the potential mechanism of TMB and immune infiltrates in CSCC and providing guidance of immunotherapy for endometrial cancer.
Bioinformatics analysis explores potential hub genes in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wu Chutian , Zhou Yun , Wang Min , Dai Guolin , Liu Xiongxiu , Lai Leizhen , Tang Shaohui
Published: March 2022

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now recognized as the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide. However, the dysregulated gene expression for NAFLD are still poorly understood.Material and methods: we analyzed two public datasets (GSE48452 and GSE89632) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in NAFLD. Then, we performed a series of bioinformatics analysis to explore potential hub genes in NAFLD.Results: This study included 26 simple steatosis (SS), 34 nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and13 healthy controls (HC). We observed 6 up- and 19 down-regulated genes in SS, and 13 up- and 19 down-regulated genes in NASH compared with HC. Meanwhile, the overlapping pathways between SS and NASH were PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and pathways in cancer. Then, we screened out 10 hub genes by weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Eventually, we found that CYP7A1/GINS2/PDLIM3 were associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in TCGA database. Conclusion: Although further validation is still needed, we provide useful and novel information to explore the potential candidate genes for NAFLD prognosis and therapeutic options.
Differences in Sex Ratio, Tail Autotomy, Body Size and Body Condition Between Suburban and Forest Populations of the Cuban Endemic Lizard Anolis Homolechis
Authors: Vidal Annabelle , Iturriaga Manuel , Mancina Carlos A. , Cézilly Frank
Published: March 2022

Although growing evidence suggests that natural and sexual selection pressures may differ between natural and urban habitats, their consequences in terms of morphological differentiation, extent of sexual dimorphism and sex ratio remain poorly studied. Anolis lizards are an ideal model to study the phenotypic effects of urbanization, as they are well known for the existence of ecomorphs adapted to particular microhabitats. However, so far most studies of urban populations of anoles have considered invasive species and largely focused on males. Here, we compared morphological differentiation, sexual dimorphism and sex ratio between suburban and forest populations of the native A. homolechis, in Western Cuba, based on large sample size (n > 800) and a balanced nested design. Overall, both male and female individuals from surburban populations were larger and in better body condition than individuals from forest populations. In addition, evidence of caudal autotomy was more than twice more frequent in suburban populations compared to forest ones, with no sex effect. Habitat type and season of the year had additive effects on sex ratios, with a significant excess of males in surburban habitats and during the non-reproductive season. Accordingly, the extent of sexual dimorphism in size was more pronounced in suburban populations compared to forest ones. Our results suggest that the shape and direction of natural selection may differ between urban and natural populations of anoles.
Zum Gebrauch von Kategorien in studentischen Äußerungen über Inklusion. Ein empirischer Beitrag zur Differenzforschung
Authors: Laubner Marian
Published: March 2022

Kategorisierungen spielen im Schulalltag eine Rolle, der Einsatz und Gebrauch von Kategorien werden in der De-/Kategorisierungsdiskussion schon länger in Beztug auf ihre Effekte reflektiert. In der vorliegenden Studie wird auf Grundlage eines differenzierungstheoretischen Kategorienverständnisses gefragt, wie in studentischen Äußerungen nach einem Praktikum in als inklusiv bezeichneten Schulklassen welche Kategorien oder kategorialen - z. T. auch eigenwilligen - Bezeichnungen aktualisiert bzw. hervorgebracht werden und welche diskutsive Funktion dieser Kategoriengebrauch übernimmt. Auf Grundlage diskursanalytisch ausgewerteter Interviews werden im Ergebnis drei Figuren herausgearbeitet, die Schwierigkeiten in den Zuordnungen von Schüler*innen von Schüler*innen zu kategorialen Bezeichnungen zeigen. Indem von der Lehrkraft zur Verfügung gestelltes Wissen und eigene Beobachtungen geschildert werden, wird versucht, diese Schwierigkeit durch die Herstellung Eindeutigkeiten in Zuordnungen zu bearbeiten. Die Ergebnisse werden schließlich produktiv für Anschlüsse zur Thematisierung unterrichtlicher und schulischer Kategorisierungen und Differenzierungen in der Lehrer*innenbildung gewendet. 
 
Abstract
Categorisations play a role in everyday school life. But also the deployment and use of categories have long been reflected in the discussion on (de-)categorisation with regard to their effects. In the present study, on the basis of a difference-theoretical understanding of categories, it is asked in student utterances, how which categories or categorical – partly idiosyncratic – designations are produced after an internship in school classes designated as inclusive. Another focus was also what discursive function this use of categories assumes. On the basis of discourse-analytically evaluated interviews, three discursive figures are elaborated in the results, which show difficulties in the assignments of pupils to categorical designations. By describing the knowledge provided by the teacher and the teacher's own observations, an attempt is made to work on these difficulties by creating unambiguities in classifications. Finally, the results are used productively for connections to the thematization of classroom and school categorisations and differentiations in teacher education.
Impact of fiscal and monetary policy on inflation in Vietnam
Authors: Tai Nguyen Trong , Duong Phan Thuy , Anh Tran Ngoc
Published: March 2022

High and sustainable growth of gross domestic product with stable inflation is one of the objectives of the most macroeconomic policies both in the world and in Vietnam. Therefore, price stability plays a vital role in assuring GDP growth. In order to stabilize prices, fiscal and monetary policies need to be appropriately managed. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the monetary and fiscal policies on inflation in Vietnam during the period from 1997 to 2020. This study has applied the vector autoregression (VAR) model along with data gathered from the World Bank and General Statistics Office of Vietnam. The research results indicate that Vietnam’s inflation is positively influenced by a fiscal deficit (2.943), money supply (2.672), government expenditure (8.347), and interest rate (3.187). Among the factors, government expenditure has the biggest influence on inflation. Besides, trade openness (–0.311) also influences inflation, but the effect is negative and negligible. Finally, the policy implications are focused on coordinating fiscal and monetary policies maintaining a moderate level of inflation for economic growth.
AcknowledgmentThis article is funded from the funding source of the research: “Solutions to deal with the risk of financial instability from support packages to fight economic recession caused by the covid-19 pandemic” with code B2022-MHN-02 by Vietnam Misnistry of Education and Training.
The Impact of Social Media on 21st Century Businesses Growth: A Case Study - Background Check International Limited, Nigeria
Authors: Olugbodi Alexander Kolawole
Published: March 2022

The advent of the internet and advancement in technology has changed the way businesses are done across the world. This advancement in technology has also resulted in the development of numerous social media platforms. With more than 4.48 billion social media users worldwide in July 2021, individuals, small businesses, and even large corporations now rely heavily on social media to promote various businesses, outsmart competitors, and grow their businesses. This study aimed to examine the impact of social media on business growth in this century and to examine to what extent social media platforms have revolutionized and transformed how businesses now market their products and services, and also to affirm the impact of these social media marketing activities on the organizations business growth. I used Background Check International Limited, Nigeria, the company wherein I am a Chief Executive Officer, as the case study for the influence of social media marketing on businesses. The study found that the impact of social media platforms on business growth is significant. Using my company as a case study, social media marketing has proven to be a better alternative to traditional marketing in all ramifications. Social media has successfully reduced the world to a small global village, enabling tremendous business growth. I also found, beyond all reasonable doubt, that social media will continue to disrupt any remaining aspect of traditional marketing that may still be surviving till day.
The Strategic Impact of Total Quality Management on Customer Satisfaction. A Case Study of Colour Fiesta Nigeria Limited
Authors: Juwah Gladys Harold
Published: March 2022

The importance of Total Quality Management in businesses today cannot be over emphasised because the over-increasing needs of the customers and the right to quality has taken a long way in ensuring that organisational strategic objectives are set to meet this demand. Customer satisfaction is a major concern of most organisations, this has led to corporate strategies being considered as important in total quality management. This study examines the strategic impact of total quality management on customer satisfaction in Colour Fiesta Nigeria Limited which is involved in printing and publishing. The major aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between senior management commitment in total quality management and the effect it will have on customer satisfaction. It is believed that customers are unsatisfied due to the failure of total quality management hence the active involvement of the top management. Based on the findings, it was revealed that the management of Colour Fiesta is more concerned of continuous quality improvement and customer focus philosophy than benchmarking, employee training, etc. There was also an inconsistency in integrating total quality management with the strategic planning process. In conclusion, the result shows that total quality management plays a vital role in the strategic implementation of customer satisfaction.
Citizen Participation in Health Budget Process: Trends and Patterns with Particular Reference to Enugu State of Nigeria
Authors: Eneh Simon Nnamdi
Published: March 2022

This study looked at Citizen Participation in Health Budget Process: Trends and Patterns in Enugu state of Nigeria. The study's objectives included exploring citizens’ perception of the factors that influence the release of funds in the State, their level of participation, and knowledge about the goals of citizen participation in the budget process. Respondents were 398 in number (198 males and 200 females), inclusive of 40 civil and public servants. The two sets of questionnaire were used to collect data (One set for the public and civil servants; and the other set for the general public. Results reveal that the factors that influence the release of funds include, among others, poor allocation and release of funds from federal sources and weak political commitment. The results also reveal that citizens are not openly and substantially involved in the health budget process, and their level of knowledge regarding the government’s goal in citizen participation in the budget process is poor. The findings from this study will inform the development of advocacy packages to the government towards greater and meaning engagement of the citizens in the budget process. The advocacy packages might give the necessary voice to the people, which are required to strengthen efforts towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage, as well as generate useful data which will serve as a guide for future interventions.
Assessment of the impact of island development on water security based on the elements nexus for the water system in Zhoushan archipelago
Authors: Tong Qizheng , Fan Chao , Hou Xiyong , Gui Feng , Ma Liqing
Published: March 2022

Water security is the premise for island sustainable development. Rapid urbanization and rising tourism industry have reshaped the water system in China's island cities, and it is necessary to reveal the characteristics of the aforementioned impacts in relation to strength and duration. Here, we present a framing to interpret the nexus between island developments and water security. Subsequently, their coevolutionary trend and mutual impact effects (coupling coordination degree and response period) were measured by mathematical models, respectively. Results demonstrated that the equilibrium of the water system has shifted from nature- to human-dominated since 2010. Interestingly, the coupling coordination degree between water security and island development showed an upward increasing trend, across the study periods. Moreover, water security exhibited positive and negative shock responses to tourism and urbanization, over 1- and 7-year response periods, respectively. Overall, the findings from this case study provide a quantitative paradigm for island sustainable management, and are expected to inform local decision makers on warning signals of sustainability loss, at a temporal scale.
Mikrobiyolog gözüyle yenidoğan sepsisinin tanısında laboratuvarın rolü
Authors: AKMAN Nazife , SAĞIROĞLU Pınar
Published: March 2022

Sepsis, yenidoğan popülasyonunda önde gelen morbidite ve mortalite nedeni olmaya devam etmektedir. Pediatride mevcut sepsis tanımları, prematüre popülasyondaki sepsisi ele almamaktadır. Birçok yenidoğan araştırma yayınlarında sepsis tanımı için kriterler vardır, ancak bunlar büyük ölçüde farklılık gösterir ve tipik olarak mikrobiyolojik kültüre yoğun bir vurgu bulunmaktadır. Sepsisin doğru tanımlanması ve taranması, klinik yönetim, sağlık hizmeti tasarımı ve gelecekteki araştırmalar için önemlidir. Bu derlemede neonatal sepsisin tanımı, sınıflaması, etken bakteriyel patojenleri, antimikrobiyal direnci, epidemiyolojisi, tanı yöntemlerinde kullanılan biyobelirteçler ve güncel bilgiler paylaşılmıştır.