bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution of boundary non-stoichiometry to the lower-temperature plasticity in high-pressure sintered boron carbide
Authors: Xu Haiyue , Ji Wei , Jiang Jiawei , Liu Junliang , Yu Ruohan , Tu Bingtian , Zhang Jinyong , Zou Ji , Wang Weimin , Wu Jinsong , Fu Zhengyi
Published: February 2023

Non-oxide ceramics exhibit significant advantages in high-tech industry, but their applications have been limited by the brittle nature especially at low to moderate temperatures. It is a great challenge to improve the ceramic plasticity while maintaining the high-temperature strength through the classical strategy, which generally includes decreasing grain size to several nanometers or adding ductile binder phase. Herein, the plasticity of fully dense boron carbide (B4C) has been greatly enhanced due to the boundary non-stoichiometry induced by high-pressure sintering technology. The effect decreased the plastic deformation temperature of B4C by 200°C compared to that of conventionally-sintered specimens. Promoted grain boundary diffusion is found to enhance grain boundary sliding, which dominate the lower-temperature plasticity. In addition, the as-produced specimen maintained extraordinary strength before the occurrence of plasticity. The study provides a new and efficient strategy by boundary chemical change to facilitate the plasticity of ceramic materials.
Aprepitant inhibits the development and metastasis of gallbladder cancer via ROS and MAPK activation
Authors: Cao Xueyan , Yang Yang , Zhou Wei , Wang Yue , Wang Xue , Ge Xianxiu , Wang Fei , Deng Xueting , Miao Lin
Published: February 2023

Background: Aprepitant, as a neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) antagonist, originally applied for curing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, has been reported to have significant antitumor effect on several malignant tumors. However, the effect of aprepitant on gallbladder cancer (GBC) is not clear yet. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor activity of aprepitant on GBC and the potential mechanisms.
Methods: The NK-1R expression of gallbladder cancer cells were examined by immunofluorescence. MTT assay, wound healing and transwell migration assay were applied to detect the effect of aprepitant on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate. The effects of aprepitant on the expressions of cytokine were examined by real-time quantitative PCR and MAPK activation were detected via immunofluorescence and western blotting. Besides, xenograft model was established to investigate the effect of aprepitant in vivo.
Results: Our results indicated that NK‐1R was markedly expressed in gallbladder cancer cells and aprepitant effectively inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, the apoptosis, ROS and inflammation response were significantly boosted by aprepitant in GBC. Aprepitant induced NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocationin and increased the expressions of p-P65, p-Akt, p-JNK, p-ERK and p-P38, as well as the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α. Consistently, aprepitant suppressed the growth of GBC in xenograft mice model.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that aprepitant could inhibit the development of gallbladder cancer via inducing ROS and MAPK activation, which suggested that aprepitant may become a promising therapeutic drug against GBC.
Probing ground and low-lying excited states for indole derived compounds of potential herbicide action
Authors: Motta Rafael M. , de Souza Gabriel L. C.
Published: February 2023

In this work, we present a study on a series of the recently synthesized indole derived compounds with herbicidal action. Density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent formalism (TD-DFT) were used for investigating ground and excited state properties, respectively. The M06-2X and CAM-B3LYP exchange-correlation functional was used with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set. Computations were performed in the gas-phase, water, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Solvation was found to play minor effect on the ground state structure of any given compound. On the other hand, solvation was found to cause a decrease in the excitation energies of the lowest-lying excited singlet states of almost all the compounds. More importantly, all the indole derived compounds presented excitation energies that are considerably lower than those determined for their parent molecule. For instance, the lowest-lying excited singlet was probed at 3.45 eV in the case of 6-chloro-8-nitro-2,3,4,9-tetrahydro-1H-carbazole (compound 15a) versus 5.00 eV for the corresponding state of the indole molecule, both values determined at the TD-DFT/M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level in water. In addition, compound 15a along with 5-chloro-2,3-dimethyl-7-nitro-1H-indole (15b) presented three excited states (each) that are likely to be accessed (having GOS > 0.1 at the TD-DFT/M06-2X/aug-cc-pVTZ level of theory in water) among the five respective lowest-lying excited singlets. The existence of various excited states accessible at lower energies may provide competing alternative paths in regards to the chlorophyll-solar radiation interaction, in detrimental manner to the photosynthetic process; an observation in agreement to the previous experimental findings. Frontier orbital analysis suggested electron delocalization (advent from structural modifications) to be responsible for lowering the excitation energies.
Body perception in pregnant women: a qualitative study
Authors: Sohrabi Zahra , Kazemi Ashraf , Farajzadegan Ziba , Janighorban Mojgan
Published: February 2023

Background: Dramatic body changes in pregnancy cause severe concerns among pregnant women about their appearance. Therefore, this study aimed to explore body perception in pregnant women.
Material and methods: The qualitative study, using the conventional content analysis approach, was conducted on Iranian pregnant women who were in their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling method. In-depth and semi-structured interviews were held with 18 pregnant women aged 22 to 36 years, using open-ended questions. Sampling was performed until data saturation was reached.
Results: Three main categories were extracted from 18 interviews: (1) “symbols,” with two subcategories, including ‘motherhood’ and ‘vulnerability,’ (2) “feelings toward body changes,” with five subcategories, including ‘negative feelings toward skin changes,’ ‘feeling unfit,’ ‘attention-drawing body shape,’ ‘the ridiculous body shape’ and ‘obesity,’ and (3) “attraction and beauty,” with two subcategories, including ‘sexual attraction’ and ‘facial beauty.’
Conclusion: The results showed that pregnant women’s body perception could be described as maternal feelings and feminine attitudes toward changes during pregnancy compared to mental ideals of facial and body beauty. It is recommended that Iranian women’s body perception during pregnancy be evaluated using this study results and that counseling interventions be implemented for women with negative body perceptions.
Usual Light Touch Osteopathic Treatment Versus Simple Light Touch Without Intent in the Reduction of Infantile Colic Crying Time: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Carnes Dawn , Bright Philip , Brownhill Kevin , Carroll Karen , Engel Roger , Grace Sandra , Vogel Steven , Vaucher Paul
Published: February 2023

Background: In many countries, it is common for parents to seek osteopathic care for their infants with colic. The aim of this study was to measure the effectiveness of usual light touch osteopathic treatment on crying time for infants with ‘colic’.
Methods: Between September 2019 and July 2021, a superiority, two arm, single blinded (parent) multi-centre, randomised controlled trial, recruited healthy infants between 1 – 69 days of age who excessively cried, fussed, or were distressed and difficult to console. They were recruited by 22 private practice osteopaths in the UK, Australia and Switzerland. Infants were randomly allocated on a 1:1 ratio to either the Test or Control group. The Test intervention consisted of usual light touch osteopathic treatment, whereas the Control intervention consisted of simple light touch to random body locations with no treatment intent. Both groups received best practice advice and guidance. The primary outcome was the daily crying time, reported hourly by parents in a diary, over a two-week period. Secondary outcomes were parenting confidence, global change, satisfaction, and experience of care.
Results: Sixty-six infants were recruited, 32 were allocated to the Test group and 34 to the Control group. All participants received the treatment they were allocated to and blinding was successful. Mean average daily crying time was 124 minutes (SD=69, n=26) in the Test group and 115 minutes (SD=49, n=29) in the Control group. Adjusting for baseline crying time, infant age, prior expectations for osteopathic care, and days within trial, infants in the Test group cried 2.2 minutes more per day than those in the Control group (CI95% -20 to 25 minutes, p=0.849). Parents’ perceptions of global change in symptoms, satisfaction with, and experience of care were high and similar in both groups. There were no serious adverse events related to the treatments or the trial.
Conclusion: Usual light touch osteopathictreatment was not superior to simple light touch without treatment intent. Both interventions had similar effects in reducing crying time in infants with colic. The biomechanical explanatory models and underpinning assumptions about the mechanisms at play during osteopathic light touch care require reconsideration.
Trial registration: ACTRN12620000047998 (22/01/2020)
Optimising the yield from bronchoalveolar lavage on human participants in infectious disease immunology research
Authors: Shaw Jane Alexandra , Meiring Maynard , Allies Devon , Cruywagen Lauren , Fisher Tarryn-Lee , Kasavan Kesheera , Roos Kelly , Botha Stefan Marc , MacDonald Candice , Hiemstra Andriёtte M. , Simon Donald , Rensburg Ilana van , Flinn Marika , Shabangu Ayanda , Kuivaniemi Helena , Tromp Gerard , Malherbe Stephanus T. , Walzl Gerhard , du Plessis Nelita , Consortium) Stellenbosch University Immunology Research Group Bronchoalv
Published: February 2023

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is becoming a common procedure for research into infectious disease immunology. Little is known about the clinical factors which influence the main outcomes of the procedure. In research participants who underwent BAL according to guidelines, the BAL volume yield, and cell yield, concentration, viability, pellet colour and differential count were analysed for association with important participant characteristics such as active tuberculosis (TB) disease, TB exposure, HIV infection and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. In 337 participants, BAL volume and BAL cell count were correlated in those with active TB disease, and current smokers. The right middle lobe yielded the highest volume. BAL cell and volume yields were lower in older participants, who also had more neutrophils. Current smokers yielded lower volumes and higher numbers of all cell types, and usually had a black pellet. Active TB disease was associated with higher cell yields, and higher proportions of granulocytes, but this declined at the end of treatment. HIV infection was associated with lower cell yields and more bloody pellets, and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection with a higher proportion of lymphocytes. These results allow researchers to optimise their participant and end assay selection for projects involving lung immune cells.
Clinical practice guidelines for the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies: a systematic review
Authors: O’Connor Caroline , O’Connor Emily , Leitao Sara , Barrett Shauna , O’Donoghue Keelin
Published: February 2023

Objective: This review aimed to identify guidelines with recommendations applicable to the antenatal management of dichorionic diamniotic pregnancies within high-income countries, appraise their methodological quality, and discuss the similarities and variability across guidelines.
Method: A systematic literature review of electronic databases was performed. Manual searches of guideline repositories and websites of professional organisations were performed to identify additional guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO(CRD42021248586, 25 June 2021). AGREE II and AGREE-REX tools were applied to assess the quality of eligible guidelines. A narrative and thematic synthesis described and compared the guidelines and their recommendations.
Results: Twenty-four guidelines were included, from which 483 recommendations were identified across 4 international organisations and 12 countries. Guidelines addressed eight themes and recommendations were classified accordingly: chorionicity and dating (103 recommendations), fetal growth (105 recommendations), termination of pregnancy (12 recommendations), fetal death (13 recommendations), fetal anomalies (65 recommendations), antenatal care (65 recommendations), preterm labour (56 recommendations) and birth (54 recommendations). Guidelines showed significant variability in recommendations, with conflicting recommendations regarding non-invasive preterm testing, definitions surrounding selective fetal growth restriction, screening for preterm labour and the timing of birth. Guidelines lacked a focus on standard antenatal management of DCDA twins, management of discordant fetal anomaly and single fetal demise.
Conclusions: Specific guidance for dichorionic diamniotic twins is overall indistinct and access to guidance regarding the antenatal management of these pregnancies is currently difficult. Management of discordant fetal anomaly or single fetal demise needs greater consideration.
The Role of Context in Perceived Cancer Risk and Self-Efficacy for Preventing Cancer in US Adults in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study
Authors: Pichardo Catherine M. , Dwyer Laura A. , Ferrer Rebecca A , Oh April Y
Published: February 2023

Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. It is critical to understand the associations among multilevel determinants of cancer prevention and control behaviors. This study examined the associations of neighborhood factors with cancer- risk perception and cancer prevention self-efficacy
Methods: A cross-sectional analysis including 2,324 US adults from the Midlife Development in the U.S. Wave 3, including data from the MIDUS III Project 1 and the Milwaukee African American Sample. Participants completed surveys of neighborhood environment (perceived quality of neighborhood, built environment conditions, social integration), perceived cancer risk and cancer prevention efficacy.
Results: In models that adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, better perceived neighborhood quality was associated with decreased perceived cancer risk. Perceptions of better neighborhood quality were associated with increased cancer prevention efficacy in models fully adjusted models for sociodemographic characteristics and contextual factors. Better perception of built neighborhood conditions and high social integration were significantly associated with decreased perceived cancer risk and increased cancer prevention efficacy in models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and contextual factors.
Conclusions: Perceptions of context may play a role in shaping psychosocial factors such as perceived cancer risk and self-efficacy, even after controlling for robust predictors of these perceptions.
Low-dose daylight exposure induces nitric oxide release and maintains cell viability in vitro
Authors: Hazell Gareth , Khazova Marina
Published: February 2023

Any potential positive effects conferred via sunlight exposure have to be carefully balanced against carcinogenic effects. Here we provide evidence UK sunlight exposure upregulates the cardio protectant nitric oxide (NO) within in vivo skin cell lines with negligible increases in DNA damage and cell death at 1 SED, when compared against unexposed samples. The whole of the ultraviolet A (UV-A) spectrum appears to be responsible for NO release, with other wavelengths outside the UV spectrum mitigating adverse effects derived through ultraviolet B (UV-B). These results support further in vivo work, which could be of benefit for demographics such as the elderly (that exhibit a natural decline in NO bioavailability).
A pediatric tuberculosis with recurrent fever confirmed to be inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor
Authors: Li Yiyuan , Wen Yang
Published: February 2023

Background: Symptoms of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) are atypical, and histopathological misdiagnosis of IMT is still inevitable. Here we present a pediatric case that an eight-year-old boy with recurrent fever for fifteen months, received anti-tuberculosis therapy for six months and was ultimately confirmed to be abdominal IMT.
Case presentation: An eight-year-old boy had a recurrent fever for 15 months, accompanied by cough, vomiting, meteorism, night sweating, and emaciation. The histopathological characteristic of intestinal and greater omentum implied fibrous tissue hyperplasia, with eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration. The patient was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and symptoms were relieved partially after anti-tuberculosis treatment. Four months later, the symptoms aggravated again and histopathology of the second sample of greater omentum revealed IMT. Eventually, the patient recovered well after receiving regular chemotherapy.
Conclusions: The clinical course of IMT is variable, and pediatricians should pay attention to distinguishing IMT from tuberculosis.
The differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells was disturbed in advanced tumor-bearing mice
Authors: Wang Yuedong , Gao Yuan , Gu Xiaochuan , Feng Zhenlan , Liu Cong , Gao Fu , Cheng Ying , Du Jicong , Cai Jianming
Published: February 2023

Background
Hematopoiesis have been proved that it could be changed in the patients with advanced cancer. In this study, we investigated the changes of HSCs differentiation in advanced tumor-bearing mice.
Methods
The tumor-bearing mice model was established by subcutaneously inoculating with xenografts of B16-F10 mouse melanoma cells into the right back of male wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Hematopoietic stem cells and multi-lineage differentiation were evaluated using blood routine, HE-staining, flow cytometry assay and HSCs culture technology.
Results
The mice model exhibited hematopoietic suppression, marked by a severe anemia, and the multi-lineage differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells was disturbed. Especially, the differentiation of megakaryocyte and erythrocyte were blocked, while myeloid cell and lymphoid cell differentiation was encouraged in advanced tumor-bearing mice.
Conclusion
In this study we showed that the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells was disturbed in advanced tumor-bearing mice, which provided new knowledge about cancer cachexia related hematopoietic abnormality.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram to predict the risk of the prolonged postoperative length of stay for lumbar spinal stenosis patients
Authors: Yasin Parhat , Cai Xiaoyu , Mardan Muradil , Xu Tao , Abulizi Yakefu , Aimaiti Abasi , Yang Huan , Sheng Weibin , Mamat Mardan
Published: February 2023

Background: Lumber spinal stenosis (LSS) is the increasingly reason for spine surgery for elder patients since China is facing the fastest-growing aging population. The aim of this research was to create a model to predict the probabilities of requiring a prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS) for lumbar spinal stenosis patients, minimizing the healthcare burden.
Methods:A total of 540 LSS patients were enrolled in this project. The outcome was a prolonged PLOS after spine surgery, defined as hospitalizations ≥75th percentile for PLOS, including the day of discharge. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to identify independent risk variables related to prolonged PLOS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to generate a prediction model utilizing the variables employed in the LASSO approach. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve's area under the curve (AUC) and the calibration curve's respective curves were used to further validate the model's calibration with predictability and discriminative capabilities. By using decision curve analysis, the resulting model's clinical effectiveness was assessed.
Results: Among 540 individuals, 344 had PLOS that was within the usual range of P75 (8 days), according to the interquartile range of PLOS, and 196 had PLOS that was above the normal range of P75 (prolonged PLOS). Five variables were incorporated into the predictive model, named: transfusion pain degree, infusion volume and involved spine segments. A great difference in clinical scores can be found between the two groups (P < 0.001). In the development set, the model's AUC for predicting prolonged PLOS was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.768-0.859), while in the validation set, it was 0.826 (95% CI: 0.753-0.881). The calibration plots for the probability showed coherence between the expected probability and the actual probability both in the development set and validation set respectively. When intervention was chosen at the potential threshold of 2%, analysis of the decision curve revealed that the model was more clinically effective.
Conclusions: The individualized prediction nomogram incorporating five common clinical features for LSS patients undergoing surgery can be suitably used to smooth early identification and improve screening of patients at higher risk of prolonged PLOS and minimize health care.
Structural responses of cable-stayed bridges exposed to strong earthquakes during construction
Authors: Bayraktar Alemdar , Kurşun Altok , Erdiş Arif , Akköse Mehmet , Taş Yavuzhan , Yang Tony T.Y.
Published: February 2023

This paper presents the earthquake response of the Kömürhan cable-stayed bridge with a single pylon and steel deck which was exposed to the Elazığ-Sivrice earthquake (Mw = 6.8) on January 24, 2020, while it was under construction. The distance from the epicenter to the bridge is approximately 40 km. 82% of the Kömürhan bridge was completed during the Elazığ-Sivrice earthquake in 2020. The spectral accelerations of Elazığ-Sivrice earthquake are approximately 2.5 times greater than those of the design earthquake (72-year) considered in the construction stage. In this paper, the characteristics of Kömürhan cable-stayed bridge and Elazığ-Sivrice earthquake (Mw = 6.8) are first presented. Then, a 3D numerical finite model of the Kömürhan cable-stayed bridge under construction is created. Modal and seismic responses of the deck, pylon and cables of the bridge under construction are compared for the load combinations including the design (72-year) and the Elazığ-Sivrice earthquakes. The result shows that under the 2020 Elazığ-Sivrice earthquakes, the maximum vertical displacements, axial forces, bending moments of the deck and the cable forces were three time more than the design value using the 72-year design hazard. Nevertheless, despite the significant increase in the structural response, no visual damage was observed on the structural element. This shows the robust design of the Kömürhan cable-stayed bridge.
Effect of Inflammatory Mediators on the Differentiation Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells in vitro
Authors: Kaplan Sema Sonmez , Ovecoglu Hesna Sazak , Akkoc Tunc , Genc Deniz
Published: February 2023

Background Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are of special relevance in future regenerative dental and immunological medical therapies due to their differentiation and immunologic potentials. Thisin vitrostudy examined the effect of the inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 on osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Methods DPSCs were isolated from the impacted third molar dental pulp and determined with flow cytometry analysis. DPSCs were divided into 15 groups: three unstimulated control groups and four groups stimulated with TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and a combination of all three to undergo osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation protocols. Next, the differentiation of each group was examined with different staining procedures under a light microscope. Histological analysis of osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiated pellets was assessed using a modified Bern score. Statistical significance determined using one-way analysis of variance, and correlations were assessed using Pearson’s test (two-tailed). Results Unstimulated DPSCs displayed a higher differentiation ability than the other groups stimulated with inflammatory cytokines. Conclusions DPSCs have high osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation capabilities. Pretreatment with inflammatory cytokines decreases the differentiation abilityin vitro, thus inhibiting tissue formation.
The impact of cognitive impairment on Health-Related Quality of Life in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Costanzo Giulia , Lorefice Lorena , Firinu Davide , Carta Elisa , Murgia Giuseppe , Messina Maria Rita , Torrazza Mario , Locci Carlotta , Barca Maria Pina , Giacco Stefano Del , Cocco Eleonora , Fenu Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To correlate the cognitive functions evaluated by the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)with the principal clinical features and Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) measures of SLE.
Material and methods: We recruited consecutive outpatients with SLE from a third-level Lupus Clinic in Italy to undergo neuropsychological evaluation using SDMT and the LupusQoL-IT as HRQoL questionnaire. Patients were defined as either neuropsychiatric-SLE (NPSLE) or as non-neuropsychiatric-SLE (non-NPSLE); they were also classified as cognitive-impaired and cognitive-preserved based on SDMT score alteration corrected for age, gender and education.
In this cross-sectional study we included and studied 140 consecutive patients; 30 patients had NPSLE. Inclusion criteria were 4 or more ACR criteria for SLE, exclusion criteria were non–italian speaking, ocular disease interfering with reading capacity, the onset of any major medical condition (e.g. requiring hospitalization) or overt new neuropsychiatric event within the study period.
Results: The mean SDMT score was 41.4±12.8. Alteration of SDMT score was detected in 29.9% of patients. Pearson test showed a correlation between SDMT score and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SLICC/ACR-SDI) score (r:-0.373, p< 0.001) and specific HRQoL domains. Cognitive-impaired and cognitive-preserved patients showed a significant difference in physical health (p=0.03), pain (p=0.04) and planning (p=0.02) domains of the HRQol. A multiple linear regression (dependent variable: SDMT score) revealed a relationship with SLICC/ACR-SDI (p=0.005) and with other clinical features, after adjustment. SDMT score was significantly more frequently altered among patients with NPSLE (p=0.009) and the mean was significantly different in comparison to non-NPSLE patients (p=0.01).
Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the correlation between cognitive impairment captured using SDMT and HRQoL of SLE patients and show a correlation of measures such as SLICC/ACR-SDI with SDMT score.
Bifactor analysis of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for individuals with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Carmichael Jai , Spitz Gershon , Gould Kate Rachel , Johnston Lisa , Samiotis Alexia , Ponsford Jennie
Published: February 2023

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common forms of psychopathology experienced after traumatic brain injury (TBI), yet there is a scarcity of studies validating measures of anxiety and depression for use with this population. Using symmetrical bifactor modeling, we evaluated whether the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) reliably differentiated anxiety and depression in 874 adults with moderate-severe TBI. There was a dominant general distress factor accounting for 84% of the systematic variance in the HADS total score. The specific anxiety and depression factors accounted for little residual variance in their respective subscale scores (12% and 20%, respectively), and overall, minimal bias was found in using the HADS as a unidimensional measure. Further, in a subsample (n=184), the HADS subscales did not clearly discriminate between formal anxiety and depressive disorders diagnosed via semi-structured clinical interview. Results were consistent when accounting for degree of disability, non-English speaking background, and time post-injury. In conclusion, variance in HADS scores after TBI predominately reflects a single underlying latent variable. Clinicians and researchers working with individuals with TBI should exercise caution in interpreting the individual HADS subscales, instead considering using the total score as a more valid measure of general distress.
Application of a self-developed, low-budget indocyanine green camera in surgical imaging – a single institution's experiences
Authors: Sandor Zoltan , Ujfalusi Zoltan , Varga Adam
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Indocyanine green is a fluorescent dye, the use of which is becoming more and more widespread in many areas of surgery. Several international studies deal with the dye’s effectiveness in intraoperative angiography, the search for tumors, the more precise identification of anatomical structures, the detection of lymph nodes and lymph ducts, etc. The application of the dye is safe, but a suitable equipment park is required for its use, which entails relatively high costs.
Objectives: The aim of our research is to create a detector system on a low budget, able to be used safely in everyday practice and to illustrate its operation with practical examples in our own institute.
Methods: By modifying a web camera and using filter lenses and special LEDs, we created a device suitable for exciting and detecting indocyanine green fluorescence. We prove its excellent usability during the following surgeries at our institute: breast tumor surgery, kidney transplantation, bowel resection, parathyroid surgery and liver tumor resection.
Results: A low budget, easy-to-use tool was created, which is suitable for taking advantage of the opportunities provided by indocyanine green.
In Silico, Synthesis, In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of 4-((2-aminothiazol-4-yl) amino) phenol Derived from Paracetamol
Authors: Alasmi Ali
Published: February 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Engineered Antiviral Sensor Targets Infected Mosquitoes
Authors: Benetta Elena Dalla , López-Denman Adam , Li Hsing-Han , Masri Reem , Brogan Daniel , Bui Michelle , Yang Ting , Li Ming , Dunn Michael , Klein Melissa , Jackson Sarah , Catalan Kyle , Blasdell Kim , Tng Priscilla , antoshechkin igor , Alphey Luke , Paradkar Prasad , Akbari Omar
Published: February 2023

Escalating vector disease burdens pose significant global health risks, so innovative tools for targeting mosquitoes are critical. We engineered an antiviral strategy termed REAPER (vRNAExpressionActivatesPoisonousEffectorRibonuclease) that leverages the programmable RNA-targeting capabilities of CRISPR Cas13 and its potent collateral activity. Akin to a stealthy Trojan Horse hiding in stealth awaiting the presence of its enemy, REAPER remains concealed within the mosquito until an infectious blood meal is uptaken. Upon target viral RNA infection, REAPER activates, triggering programmed destruction of its target arbovirus such as chikungunya. Consequently, Cas13 mediated RNA targeting significantly reduces viral replication and its promiscuous collateral activity can even kill infected mosquitoes. This innovative REAPER technology adds to an arsenal of effective molecular genetic tools to combat mosquito virus transmission.
Dummy Variable Regression and Artificial Neural Networks for Maize Grain Yields Prediction in Push-Pull Systems
Authors: Guera Ouorou Ganni Mariel , Castrejón-Ayala Federico , Robledo Norma , Jiménez-Pérez Alfredo , Salazar-Marcial Lilia
Published: February 2023

Crop yield prediction is essential for sustainable production planning. In agroecological systems, the traditional linear or non-linear regression models used for this purpose present limitations and robustness problems due to the number of variables generated by the complexity of these systems. Therefore, the present study was carried out with the objectives of 1) fitting multiple linear regression models with dummy variables using the Ordinary Least Squares method (OLS); 2) parameterizing and training Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) with the backpropagation algorithm; and 3) comparing the performance of both approaches in maize yield prediction in push-pull systems established in Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico. In both modeling approaches, maize grain yield predictive variables were: edaphoclimatic (soil temperature and moisture), phytosanitary (incidence and severity of Spodoptera frugiperda), morphological (leaf area index), and categorical (Blocks, Management Systems) variables. The ANN of architecture MLP 18-13-1 (r = 0.95; RMSE = 12.19%), with hyperbolic tangent activation function in the hidden layer and linear function in the output layer, generated consistent and more accurate predictions than those obtained with the regression equation with dummy variables (r = 0.87; R2 = 0.75; RMSE = 20.38%).
Evidence of philopatry in white mullet Mugil curema (Pisces: Mugilidae)
Authors: Colín Angélica , Castañeda-Rico Susette , Guevara-Chumacero Luis M. , Pacheco-Almanzar Eloisa L , Ibáñez Ana Laura
Published: February 2023

Mugil curema is a common species in coastal areas to which is conferred reproductive migrations to the open sea with possibilities to spawn in estuarine waters. Previous studies described it as a species complex, which could be explained in terms of reproductive isolation and/or philopatric behavior. In order to test philopatry in M. curema, 10 locations in the Gulf of Mexico, one in the Atlantic Ocean, and three in the Mexican Pacific were sampled. One hundred individuals were analyzed with Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI), 121 with control region, and 380 with microsatellite loci. The mitochondrial results showed two lineages: Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and Mexican Pacific (MP) separated by a genetic distance of 4.5% with COI and 11.7% with control region. However, shared haplotypes were found between oceans, suggesting evidence of an ancestral connection. In addition, genetic structure was found in MP, suggesting the possibility of cryptic lineages. The microsatellite results showed genetic connection between GOM and MP probably as a consequence of a recent contact. It also showed genetic structure within GOM and MP; genetic subgroups were different by sex for the GOM (FST=0.348 ♂ and 0.275 ♀) and similar for the MP (FST=0.233 ♂ and 0.166 ♀). Based on the results of genetic structure and gene flow the hypothesis of sex-specific philopatry in GOM (♂ philopatric) and both sexes in MP is supported. The divergence found between GOM and MP, and the different philopatric behavior support the hypothesis that they may represent two distinct lineages.
Can a Model With Prescribed Cloud Droplet Number Concentrations Simulate the Outcomes of Aerosol-Cloud Interactions Like a Chemistry Model?
Authors: Takeishi Azusa , Wang Chien
Published: February 2023

With the general rise of computational capacities and the continued efforts to improve computational efficiencies, more and more studies have been utilizing state-of-the-art atmospheric models that enable cloud-resolving simulations over a global domain. Microphysical processes inside clouds, however, are on a scale much smaller than that of a cloud itself, and therefore resolving clouds in a model is not equivalent to resolving cloud microphysical processes. When aerosol-cloud interaction (ACI) is studied, chemistry models enable the prognostic calculations of chemical species, including aerosols, which can perturb cloud microphysics and eventually impact clouds and climate. The large drawback of these models is the high computational cost required for tracking chemical species in space and time that may not be affordable in some studies. As a result, some studies have used non-chemistry models with prescribed cloud droplet number concentrations nc and compared multiple simulations with different nc to assess the impacts of varying aerosol concentrations on clouds. In this study we assess whether the same or similar ACI can be simulated when the aerosol number is increased in a chemistry model and when nc is raised in a non-chemistry model. A case study has been conducted over the Maritime Continent in September 2015 when an extremely large number of aerosols were observed due to fires under a dry condition brought by a strong El Niño. The comparison of the simulations by the chemistry and non-chemistry models shows that the aerosol-driven enhancement of rainfall in the chemistry simulations was not present in the non-chemistry simulations, even with prescribed nc with certain spatial variation based on the chemistry runs. Therefore, simulated ACI may largely differ depending on the manner by which an increase or decrease of aerosols is represented in a model. The result suggests the further need for powerful computational capabilities and the pursuit of a rigorous means to incorporate aerosol species in a non-chemistry model.
Expanded polyQ aggregates interact with Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase and Drosophila Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein1 to regulate polyQ mediated neurodegeneration in Drosophila
Authors: Maurya Chandan Kumar , TAPADIA MADHU G
Published: February 2023

Polyglutamine (polyQ) induced neurodegeneration is one of the leading causes of progressive neurodegenerative disorders characterized clinically by deteriorating movement defects, psychiatric disability, and dementia. Calcium [Ca2+] homeostasis, which is essential for the functioning of neuronal cells, is disrupted under these pathological conditions. In this paper, we simulated Huntington's disease phenotype in the neuronal cells of the Drosophila eye and identified [Ca2+] pump, Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA), as one of the genetic modifiers of the neurodegenerative phenotype. In this paper, we show genetic and molecular interaction between polyglutamine (polyQ) aggregates, SERCA and DIAP1. We present evidence to show that polyQ aggregates interact with SERCA and alter its dynamics, leading to enhanced ER calcium and toxicity. Downregulating SERCA lowers the enhanced calcium levels in the ER and rescues, morphological and functional defects caused due to expanded polyQ repeats. Cell proliferation markers such as Yorkie (Yki), Scalloped (Sd), and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), also respond to varying levels of calcium due to genetic manipulations, adding to the amelioration of degeneration. These results imply that neurodegeneration due to expanded polyQ repeats is sensitive to SERCA activity, and its manipulation can be an important step toward its therapeutic measures.
Enhanced trace amount terahertz fingerprint spectroscopy using symmetrical spoof surface plasmon metasurfaces
Authors: YANG JI , LI XIANGJUN , yan dexian , ZHANG LE , ZHAO YANG , LIU HUADONG
Published: February 2023

Since the frequency range accords with the fingerprint characteristics of many biomacromolecular materials, terahertz (THz) waves are widely used in the detection of biomacromolecular materials. However, when it is used for real application, how to measure the spectral of trace-amount analysis samples is a major challenge. By localizing electromagnetic fields in dielectric meta-grating or metasurfaces is the most popular way to enhance the spectral signal. In this paper, we propose a design of THz structure that excites a series of spoof surface plasmon (SSP) sharp resonances on the geometry multiplexing metals metasurfaces in one layer to enhance the terahertz absorption spectrum of biomacromolecular materials. The structure can be manufactured and measured easily. The enhanced absorption spectrum can be built by linking a series of SSP sharp resonances. Numerical results show that the absorption enhancement factor about 160 times for the 0.2µm lactose film sample in the frequency range of 0.45–0.61 THz. This design will provide a better method for the detection of biomacromolecular materials.
Topical bee venom nanoemulsion in collagen-induced arthritis model: effects on biochemical and hematological parameters
Authors: Yousefpoor Yaser , Amani Amir , Hashemi Seyed Mohammad , Afgar Ali , Amini Seyed Mohammad , Mirzaei-Parsa Mohamad Javad
Published: February 2023

Background: Traditionally, Bee venom (BV) is used through stinging or injection to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study aimed to assess the side effects of bee venom nanoemulsions (BV-NEs) in the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model by examining biochemical and hematological parameters.
Methods: The BV-NEs were prepared, and the CIA model was induced in rats. After the seventh day, the groups were topically treated for two weeks as the following: blank (free treatment), negative control (NE-0), positive control (hydrocortisone acetate ointment 1%, 50 mg/day), BV control (37.5 µg/ml/day), and BV-NEs receiving 75, 37.5, 18.75, and 9.37 µg/ml/day. Three steps of blood sampling were done on days 0, 7, and 21 (healthy rats, before and at the end of treatment, respectively).
Results: The results revealed that blood levels of glucose, cholesterol, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), white blood cell (WBC), and %neutrophil significantly increased before the treatment. Nevertheless, most parameters declined at the end of the treatment compared to the blank and negative control groups about BV-NEs dose-dependently. The drastic changes in biochemical parameters in the CIA model indicated the effect of the immune system function on the metabolic system. Also, NE's impact of BV passed through the skin on these items.
Conclusions: BV-NEs can reduce inflammation caused by arthritis without acute adverse effects on the routine biochemical and hematological parameters.
Heparan sulfate-dependent transport of CCL2 across an in vitro model of the human blood-brain barrier
Authors: Williams Lindsey M. , Fujimoto Takashi , Weaver Riley R. , Reed May J. , Erickson Michelle A.
Published: February 2023

Background: Transport of immune-active substances across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an important mechanism of neuroimmune regulation. CCL2 is among the chemokines known to cross the intact BBB in the blood-to-brain direction and is supported to do so in mice through interactions with heparan sulfate (HS)-containing components of the endothelial glycocalyx. The goal of this study was to characterize blood-to-brain transport mechanisms of human CCL2 in a human induced pluripotent stem-cell (iPSC)- derived in vitro model of the BBB.
Methods: Human brain endothelial-like cells (iBECs) were differentiated using established methods and then changed to heparin-free medium. All experiments were conducted 9 days after seeding differentiated iBECs on permeable culture inserts or tissue culture plates. Human recombinant CCL2 and bovine serum albumin (Alb) as a leakage tracer was labeled with 125I and 131I, respectively, and their flux across the monolayer was quantified by calculating the permeability-surface area coefficient. Transport of 125I-CCL2 and 131I-Alb was evaluated at baseline, in the presence of a CCR2 inhibitor and heparin, following treatment with heparinases, and following treatment with the heparan sulfate synthesis inhibitor GalNaz to evaluate HS-dependent mechanisms of transport. We further determined the mechanism of 125I-CCL2 transcytosis using inhibitors of clathrin, caveolae, and dynamin.
Results: We found that iBECs have a functional blood-to-brain transport system for CCL2. Similar to our previous findings in mice, heparin inhibited CCL2 transport whereas the CCR2 inhibitor did not. We further showed that both heparinase treatment and treatment with GalNaz inhibited CCL2 transport across the BBB, supporting the requirement for HS in CCL2 transport. CCL2 transcytosis was clathrin-independent and caveolae and dynamin-dependent.
Conclusions: Our findings support that human CCL2 is transported across the human BBB in vitro by a mechanism that was HS-dependent, caveolae and dynamin-dependent, and clathrin-independent. Our findings underscore the utility of iBECs for the study of mechanisms of heparan sulfate/glycocalyx interactions in the transport of substances across the BBB.
Healthcare resource utilization of patients with mitochondrial disease in an outpatient hospital setting
Authors: Haque Sameen , Crawley Karen , Shrestha Rupendra , Schofield Deborah , Sue Carolyn
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives:
Mitochondrial diseases present as multi-system disorders requiring a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. The data on healthcare resource utilization associated with mitochondrial diseases and the clinical drivers of these costs is limited including for the out-patient setting where the majority of the clinical care for mitochondrial patients occurs. We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study of out-patient healthcare resource utilization and costs for patients with a confirmed diagnosis of mitochondrial disease.
Methods:
We recruited participants from the Adult Mitochondrial Disease Clinic in Sydney and stratified them into three groups: those with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations (Group 1), those with nuclear DNA (nDNA) mutations and the predominant phenotype of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) or optic atrophy(Group 2) and those without a confirmed genetic diagnosis but clinical criteria and muscle biopsy findings supportive of a diagnosis of mitochondrial disease (Group 3). Data was collected through retrospective chart review and out-patient costs were calculated using the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
Results:
We analyzed the data from 91 participants and found that Group 1 had the greatest average out-patient costs per person per annum ($838.02; SD 809.72). Neurological investigations were the largest driver of outpatient healthcare costs in all groups (average costs per person per annum: - Group 1: $364.11; SD 340.93, Group 2: $247.83; SD 113.86 and Group 3: $239.57; SD 145.69) consistent with the high frequency (94.5%) of neurological symptoms. Gastroenterological and cardiac-related out-patient costs were also major contributors to out-patient healthcare resource utilization in Groups 1 and 3. In Group 2, ophthalmology was the second-most resource intensive specialty ($136.85; SD 173.35). The Group 3 had the greatest average healthcare resource utilization per person over the entire duration of out-patient clinic care ($5815.86; SD 3520.40) most likely due to the lack of a molecular diagnosis and a more customized management approach.
Conclusion:
The drivers of healthcare resource utilization are dependent on the phenotype-genotype characteristics and neurological, cardiac, and gastroenterological costs are the top three drivers in the out-patient clinics unless the patient has nDNA mutations with predominant phenotype of CPEO and/or optic atrophy wherein ophthalmological-related costs were the second most resource intensive driver.
A Novel Controller Strategy for LCL Damping in Reduced DC Voltage fed D-STATCOM
Authors: Satpathy Guddy , De Dipankar
Published: February 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.