bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of social networks on fertilizer use efficiency in China: How does green fertilization technology work?
Authors: Chang Fangyuan , Liu Li , Wang Yu , Liu Jundi , Bai Xiuguang
Published: May 2023

Improving fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) is an effective way to reduce the fertilizer use and non-point source pollution in agriculture production in China. Existing research related to fertilizer use efficiency ignores the impact of famers’ social networks, which can significantly affect the fertilizer use and its efficiency. This study examined how farmers' social networks and adoption of green fertilization technology mediate the impact FUE in kiwifruit production in Shaanxi province, China. The results show that the kiwifruit production had a low FUE, with an average value of 0.333. Social networks positively influenced FUE, with network trust and learning having the greatest impact. Adoption of green fertilization technology mediated the social network's influence on FUE, mainly promoted by network trust and learning. Farmers’ experience in agricultural production, joining cooperative society, the quantity of village agricultural supply points had a significant positive impact on FUE, while age and gentle of the head of household had a significant negative impact of FUE. Planting scale had a U-shape impact on FUE. Policies aimed at improving FUE and reducing non-point source pollution should, therefore, focus on strengthening social networks and encouraging green fertilization technology adoption, are essential for reducing non-point source pollution and promoting sustainable agricultural production.
Energy Efficient Resource Allocation for Re-configurable
Intelligent Surface-Assisted Wireless Networks
Authors: Bidabadi Samaneh , Ouameur Messaoud Ahmed , Bagaa Miloud , Massicotte Daniel
Published: May 2023

This paper considers energy-efficient resource allocation in reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)-assisted multiple-input-single-output (MISO) communication systems. In particular, it revisits the energy efficiency (EE) problem that uses the alternating optimization (AO) approach. In each AO's iteration, RIS phase optimization is achieved using gradient decent method whose convergence is unfortunately not guaranteed. We therefore, discuss the convergence issue herein while proposing two alternatives, namely, the Wolfe based gradient-descent algorithm (GAW) and the trust region (TR) method. However, the optimal transmit power allocation is obtained using Dinkelbach’s algorithm. Our results show that the proposed methods outperform the existing method that uses sequential fractional programming (SFP) for phase optimization and the traditional relay-based method.
The copper-assisted dissolution of magnetite in hydrazine-based inorganic solution
Authors: Banerjee Ayantika , Choi Wangkyu , Choi Byung-Seon , Kim Seon-Byeong
Published: May 2023

A protective oxide layer forms on the material surfaces of a Nuclear Power Plant during operation due to high temperature. These deposited oxides are iron oxides such as Fe3O4, Fe2O3, and mixed ferrites such as nickel ferrites, chromium ferrites, and cobalt ferrites. Developing a new chemical decontamination technology for domestic CANDU-type reactors is challenging due to variations in oxide compositions from different structural materials in a Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) system. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has already developed a chemical decontamination process for PWRs called 'HyBRID' (Hydrazine-Based Reductive metal Ion Decontamination) that does not use organic acids or organic chelating agents at all. To improvise this chemical decontamination technology for the Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) system, we investigated the role of Cu in magnetite dissolution. The redox cycle of copper in the presence of hydrazine and magnetite in the solution does provide a good dissolution behavior of magnetite.
Transcriptome and histological analyses on the uterus of freckle egg laying hens
Authors: Duan Guochao , Liu Wei , Han Haixia , Li Dapeng , Lei Qiuxia , Zhou Yan , Liu Jie , Wang Jie , Du Yuanjun , Cao Dingguo , Chen Fu , Li Fuwei
Published: May 2023

Background: In this study, we investigated why freckle eggs are formed. Given that eggshells form in the uterus, we hypothesized that uterus structure and function directly affect freckle egg production. To verify this hypothesis, we collected uterine tissue from laying hens (418 days old) that laid normal eggs (group C, n = 13) and freckle eggs for 7 consecutive days (group T, n = 16).
Results: We then performed histopathology and transcriptome analyses on the collected tissue. When compared with group C, uterine junctional epithelial cells in group T showed significant defects and cilia loss, and epithelial tissue was poorly intact. From transcriptomics, genes that met (|log2FC|) ≥ 1 and P < 0.05 criteria were screened as differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We identified a total of 136 DEGs, with 101 up- and 35down-regulated genes from our RNA-seq data. DEGs identified by enrichment analyses, which were potentially associated with freckled egg production were: IFI6, CCL19, AvBD10, AvBD11, S100A12, POMC, and UCN3. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses showed that pathways were associated with immunoreaction and stress stimulation, e.g., complement activation, interleukin-1 cell reactions, viral responses, cell reactions stimulated by corticotropin releasing hormone, steroid hormone mediated signaling pathways, staphylococcal infections, B cell receptor signaling pathways, and natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity.
Conclusions: From these data, we reasoned that freckle eggs may result from abnormal immune responses and impaired uterine functions induced by stress. Therefore, the uterus of laying hens in a state of stress and abnormal immune function can cause the appearance of freckled eggs.
Invasive and native plants show different root responses to feedback-mediated soil heterogeneity
Authors: Chen Duo , Kleunen Mark van , Wang Yong-Jian , Yu Fei-Hai
Published: May 2023

Background and AimsSoil heterogeneity can be caused by plant-soil feedback (PSF), but little is known about how such PSF-mediated soil heterogeneity affects plant growth and the distribution of roots. Moreover, as invasive and native plant species frequently differ in PSF and in root-foraging ability, they may also differ in their responses to PSF-mediated soil heterogeneity.MethodsWe first conditioned soils by 16 plant species (eight pairs of invasive alien and native species). Then, we grew each species in a homogeneous treatment with unconditioned soil and in three heterogeneous treatments with patches filled with two of the following three soils: unconditioned soil (control soil), soil conditioned by the target species (home soil) or soil conditioned by the other species in a pair (foreign soil).ResultsInvasive species were more negatively affected by the heterogeneous treatment with control-soil and home-soil patches than natives. In the heterogeneous treatment with home-soil and foreign-soil patches, root mass of the invasive species was much greater in the foreign-soil than in the home-soil patches, whereas the reverse was true for natives.ConclusionAlthough invasive species suffered more from conspecific PSF, root foraging allowed them to avoid home soil. In the long term, this could potentially help invasive species gain a competitive advantage over natives.
Refined Protocol for Newly Onset Identification in Non-obese Diabetic Mice: An Animal-friendly, Cost-Effective, and Efficient Alternative
Authors: Sung Hsiang-Hsuan , Liao Chia-Chi , Hsieh Chia-Chun , Chou Min-Yuan , Huang Chuan-Chuan , Lin Jhih-Hong , Lee Shu-Hsien
Published: May 2023

Determining the onset of diabetes based on blood glucose (BG) levels can be challenging in mouse models, as thresholds can vary from 200 to 400 mg/dl in one or two consecutive tests. Urine glucose (UG) levels can be detected non-invasively as another criterion of diabetic condition, but it is considered a lagging indicator due to physiological downstream from BG. In this study, we demonstrate that the lagging period is practically unnoticeable in spontaneously model of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice which develop autoimmune diabetes randomly from 12 to 32 weeks of age. After comprehensive measurements across entire onset window in 60 female NOD mice, we concluded that BG measurements before UG reaches 250 mg/l contribute nearly nothing to diabetic identification. Refined protocol encompasses UG survey twice-weekly to select positive candidates for further intensive BG measurements is recommended and tested in another batch of 60 mice. This protocol precisely identified every newly onset individual with average BG of 350 mg/dl which is lower than conventional once-weekly BG survey alone around 400 mg/dl. Moreover, intensive measurements near onset indicate two BG+ within four days can serve as a refined onset criterion, allowing for dynamic arrangement of sampling time to make the process even more efficient in practice. From 3R perspectives, this protocol potentially saves dozens of bleeding procedures in one individual mouse and hundreds of lancets, BG strips, labors, and unnecessary animal suffering during batch screening that serve as a convenient alternative for newly onset identification of diabetes.
The Improvement of Fertility by Switching to Normal Diet and Restoring BTB Integrity in HFD-Induced Obese Male Mice
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Tian Zhenhua , Qi Xiangyu , Chen Pengcheng , Yang Qian , Guan Qingbo , Ye Jifeng , Yu Chunxiao
Published: May 2023

Obesity is a prominent risk factor for male infertility, and a high-fat diet is an important cause of obesity. Therefore, diet control can reduce body weight and regulate blood glucose and lipids, but it remains unclear whether it can improve male fertility and its mechanism. This study explores the effects of switching from a high-fat diet (HFD) to a normal diet (ND) on the fertility of obese male mice and its related mechanisms. The mice in the high-fat diet group indicated elevated lipids and blood glucose, decreased serum FSH, and disrupted testicular BTB integrity, reducing fertility. After the fat intake was controlled by switching to a normal diet, body weight and epididymal fat weight were significantly reduced, and the deposition of interstitial lipids in the testicles also decreased. Following further analysis, the testicular oxidative stress levels were reduced to normal, and BTB integrity was restored, ultimately leading to increased fertility. Our study confirms diet control by switching from a high-fat diet to a normal diet can effectively reduce body weight, improve BTB integrity in male mice, and enhance fertility, providing an effective treatment option for obese male infertility.
Long Non-coding RNA NRSN2-AS1 promotes ovarian cancer progression through targeting PTK2/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Shen Cong , Wu Yi-Bo , Li Shen-Yi , Liu Jin-Yan , Xue Jia-Jia , Xu Jin-Fu , Chen Ting , Cao Tian-Yue , Zhou Hui , Wu Tian-Tian , Dong Chun-Lin , Qiao Long-Wei , Hou Shun-Yu
Published: May 2023

As a common malignant tumor among women, ovarian cancer poses a serious threat to their health. This study demonstrates that long non-coding RNA NRSN2-AS1 is over-expressed in ovarian cancer tissues using patient sample and tissue microarrays. In addition, NRSN2-AS1 is shown to promote ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NRSN2-AS1 stabilizes protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) to activate the β-catenin pathway via repressing MG-53-mediated ubiquitinated degradation of PTK2, thereby facilitating ovarian cancer progression. Rescue experiments verify the function of the NRSN2-AS1/PTK2/β-catenin axis and the effects of MG53 on this axis in ovarian cancer cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the key role of the NRSN2-AS1/PTK2/β-catenin axis for the first time and explores its potential clinical applications in ovarian cancer.
Unveiling the immunosuppressive role of splenectomy-induced miRNA hsa-7b-5p in promoting pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Wu Liangliang , Xie Yongjie , Ni Bo , Jin Peng , Li Bin , Cai Mingzhi , Wang Baogui , Liang Yuexiang , Wang Xiaona
Published: May 2023

The spleen is a vital organ in the immune system, but due to the anatomical location of the pancreas, splenectomy is often performed in conjunction with distal pancreatectomy. However, controversy remains regarding the increased risk of recurrence and metastasis after surgery. Previous studies have shown that splenectomy promotes the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer in mice by reducing the ratio of CD4 to Foxp3 and CD8 to Foxp3. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether spleen deficiency affects other immune cells. Clinical observations have shown that splenectomy leads to an immunosuppressive status and increases the risk of recurrence and metastasis in some pancreatic cancer patients. Here, we established an orthotopic pancreatic cancer model with splenectomy and found that the tumor burden increased significantly. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the percentage of MDSCs and CD8 + PD1 + T cells in tumors and peripheral blood significantly increased, while the infiltration of CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and natural killer cells decreased. Bulk sequencing analysis revealed that the expression of miRNA hsa-7b-5p increased in tumor tissues after splenectomy, which was associated with pancreatic cancer staging and immunosuppressive status. Similar results were obtained in vivo by constructing a KPC-miRNA hsa-7b-5p-sh cell line. These findings suggest that splenectomy enhances the expression of miRNA hsa-7b-5p, inhibits the tumor immune microenvironment, and promotes pancreatic cancer growth.
Isolation and characterization of the lytic Aeromonas phage HJ05,a new member of Caudovirales
Authors: Huang Jinxiu , Xu Ning , Liu Linyi , Lu Liqun
Published: May 2023

Phages are proposed for treating and preventing bacteria diseases largely due to their narrow spectrum of activity and capacity to multiply at the site of infection. Aeromonas hydrophila, a gram-negative and facultatively anaerobic bacterium, is widely distributed in aquatic environments causing diseases opportunistically in almost all freshwater fish displaying various symptoms including Aeromonas septicemia and ulcerative infections. In the present study, a virulent phage of A. hydrophila, designated as HJ05, from natural water was isolated and characterized. The morphological structure of HJ05 was observed by transmission electron microscopy, which indicated that the head of phage HJ05 was icosahedral with a diameter of about 77 nm, and the length of the straight and shrinkable tail could reach 193 nm. Analysis of the biological characteristics of HJ05 revealed the optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.1, the latent period of phage was 10 min, the burst period was 40 min, and the burst size was 120 PFU/cell. The titer decreases rapidly from 45–50 ℃ indicating HJ05’s sensitivity to temperature, and optimum pH range for HJ05 replication was widely distributed from pH 5 to 11. Genome analysis of HJ05 revealed a linear doubled-stranded DNA genome of 79124 bp with a G + C content of 58.63%. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the HJ05 genome has little similarity to any of the currently sequenced Aeromonas phage genomes, indicating that HJ05 does not belong to any of the known genera. Among 94 putative open reading frames identified in the genome, only 45 ORFs encoded proteins displaying significant homology to the known functional proteins in NCBI database. Phylogenetic relatedness analysis of two ORFs (ORF30 encoding head morphogenetic protein and ORF74 encoding DNA polymerase) did indicate HJ05 formed a sister clade with Rhizobium phages. According to the classification criteria of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, HJ05 was identified to order Caudovirales. This study suggested that HJ05 might represent a novel member of the family Caudovirales, and the lytic activity of HJ05 against A. hydrophila predicted its potential role in phage therapy toward the control of bacterial infections in aquaculture.
Suprahepatic Inferior Vena Cava Recanalization: A Case Report
Authors: Shah Priyansh , Williams Dakota , Morales Ivan , Keasler Eric , Varma Rakesh
Published: May 2023

Background:
Sharp recanalization for crossing short segment suprahepatic inferior vena cava (sIVC) occlusion using an endovascular route has been previously described and can be challenging. However, there are no modifications to the technique described in the literature, in case of unsuccessful attempt at endovascular recanalization.
Case Presentation:
Here, we describe the use of percutaneous direct transhepatic access into the sIVC under ultrasound guidance with eventual sharp recanalization of the occluded segment of the sIVC, in a woman with Budd-Chiari syndrome with chronic blood loss anemia.
Conclusions:
This novel approach has not been described in the literature and can serve as an important addition to guide complex sIVC recanalization.
Brain mimetic co-culture experiments identify mGluR1 dependence as a vulnerability of lung cancer brain metastasis
Authors: Hirata Eishu , Ishibashi Kojiro , Ichinose Toshiya , Kadokawa Riki , Mizutani Ryo , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Togi Sumihito , Ura Hiroki , Shinjo Keiko , Nakayama Jun , Nanjo Shigeki , Niida Yo , Kondo Yutaka , Hashimoto Shinichi , Sahai Erik , Yano Seiji , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: May 2023

Interactions between cancer cells and glial cells play a crucial role in the formation of brain metastases; however, there are few methods to stably analyse these events in vitro over a long period of time. Here, we develop a simple and stable culture method, termed mixed-glial culture on/in soft substrate (MGS), which favourably mimics the brain microenvironment for various types of cancer. Utilizing this method, we discover that lung cancer cells become overly dependent on metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) signalling in the brain microenvironment. Mechanistically, interactions with reactive astrocytes induce mGluR1 in cancer cells through the Wnt-5a / prickle planar cell polarity protein 1 (PRICKLE1) / RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) axis. Induced mGluR1 interacts directly with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in a glutamate-dependent manner. Notably, mGluR1 may also be an alternative target for osimertinib-resistant brain metastatic lung cancer. Our results demonstrate that MGS is a useful platform for investigating cancer-glia interactions, and that increased dependence on mGluR1 signalling may be one of the adaptation strategies, but also a vulnerability of brain metastatic lung cancer cells.
A novel likely pathogenic CLCN5 variant in Dent’s disease
Authors: Hayward Samantha , Norton Jessica , Bownass Lucy , Platt Caroline , Consortium Genomics England Research , Campbell Helen , Watson Elizabeth , Forrester Natalie , Smithson Sarah , Menon Anjali
Published: May 2023

Background
The majority of cases of Dent’s disease are caused by pathogenic variants in the CLCN5 gene, which encodes a voltage-gated chloride ion channel (ClC-5), resulting in proximal tubular dysfunction. We present three members of the same family and one unrelated paediatric patient with the same insertion-deletion CLCN5 variant. The identification of these patients and positive familial segregation led to the re-classification of this variant from one of unknown significance to one of likely pathogenicity.
Case presentation
A 41 year old male presented with end stage kidney failure, proteinuria and haematuria. Whole genome sequencing identified an insertion-deletion variant in CLCN5, resulting in a missense change (c.1744_1745delinsAA p.(Ala582Lys)). His brother and nephew, who both exhibited renal impairment, haematuria, proteinuria, glycosuria and nephrocalcinosis, were found to have the same variant. In addition, genetic testing of an un-related paediatric patient who presented with proteinuria and hypercalciuria, demonstrated the same variant.
Conclusions
The identification of this novel variant in four individuals with features of Dent’s disease, has led to the re-classification of the variant to one of likely pathogenicity.
Investigation of Pitting in Large-grain Niobium Samples of Different Purity
Authors: Ciovati Gianluigi , Balachandran Shreyas , Ens D , Su Yi-Feng , Dhakal Pashupati , Chetri Santosh , Lee Peter J
Published: May 2023

Niobium samples cut from large-grain discs with residual resistivity ratio ranging between 60 and 300 were mechanically polished and subjected to chemical treatments similar to those applied during the fabrication of superconducting radio-frequency cavities for particle accelerators. Pitting occurred during the chemical treatments and the pit density was higher in the samples of lower purity. Electropolishing resulted in the lowest density of pits, regardless of sample purity, compared to buffered chemical polishing. A correlation between high pit density and grains with 100 orientation of the exposed surface was found, however, no such correlation emerged with respect to the dislocation density.
mTOR interacts with AIF to positively regulate autophagy
Authors: Hou Bolin , Gao Quan , Huang Haiwen , Xi Zhijun , Jiang Xuejun , yang Huaiyi
Published: May 2023

The mechanism of the positive regulation of autophagy by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) remains largely unknown. In the present study, we observed that inhibition of mTOR either genetically or pharmacologically suppressed basal and H2O2-induced autophagic processes concomitant with marked upregulation of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) expression. In cells with mTOR knockdown, deprivation of AIF partially rescued both basal and induced autophagy. Importantly, we found that AIF interacted with either mTOR or Beclin1 and that AIF loss markedly enhanced the association of Beclin1 with VPS34, which is essential for autophagy initiation. In contrast, mTOR loss increased the binding of AIF to Beclin1, concomitantly decreasing the interaction between Beclin1 and VPS34. Collectively, the data presented here revealed a previously unnoticed autophagic regulatory pathway in which mTOR functioned as a positive regulator by directly interacting with AIF and autophagic proteins.
Predicting the Prognosis of Diffuse Axonal Injury Using Automated Pupillometry
Authors: Murase Makoto , Yasuda Shinichi , Sawano Makoto
Published: May 2023

Background Although previous studies have reported various predictive indicators of diffuse axonal injury (DAI), a consensus regarding the gold-standard predictive indicator has not yet been reached. The usefulness of automated pupillometry in patients with consciousness disorders has been widely reported; however, there are few reports of its use in patients with DAI. We thus investigated the usefulness of pupillary findings for predicting prognosis in DAI.Methods We included patients with a diagnosis of DAI admitted to our center from 1 June 2021 to 30 June 2022. Pupillary findings in both eyes were quantitatively measured by automated pupillometry every 2 hours after admission. We then examined the correlations between automated pupillometry values, patient characteristics, and outcomes such as the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) score 6 months after injury and the time to follow commands.Results Of the 22 included patients, 5 presented oculomotor nerve palsy. Oculomotor nerve palsy was correlated with all outcomes. In contrast, Marshall computed tomography classification, injury severity score, and DAI grade were correlated with few outcomes. Some automated pupillometry values were significantly correlated with GOSE at 6 months after injury, and many values from the first 24 hours of measurement were correlated with the time to follow commands. In general, these results were not affected by adjusting for the sedation period, injury severity score, or Marshall computed tomography classification. A subgroup analysis of patients without oculomotor nerve palsy revealed that many automated pupillometry values from the first 24 hours of measurement were significantly correlated with most outcomes. The cutoff values that differentiated good prognosis (GOSE 5–8) from poor prognosis (GOSE 1–4) were a constriction velocity of 1.43 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.81 [0.62–1], p = 0.037) and a maximum constriction velocity of 2.345 (AUC = 0.78 [0.58–0.98], p = 0.04). The cutoff values that differentiated the time to follow commands into within 7 days and 8 days or over were a percentage of constriction of 8 (AUC = 0.89 [0.68–1], p = 0.011), a constriction velocity of 0.63 (AUC = 0.92 [0.78–1], p = 0.013), a maximum constriction velocity of 0.855 (AUC = 0.9 [0.74–1], p = 0.017), and an average dilation velocity of 0.175 (AUC = 0.95 [0.86–1], p = 0.018).Conclusions Pupillary findings in DAI were a strong predictive indicator of prognosis. Quantitative measurements using automated pupillometry may facilitate the prediction of DAI prognosis.
Information transfer during mobbing: call rate is more important than the number of callers in a southern temperate passerine
Authors: Fernández Gustavo , Dutour Mylène , Carro Mariana E.
Published: May 2023

Many bird species vary their alarm calls according to the level of risk they face and this information can be used by receivers to respond to the mobbing event. Recent studies have also found that the number of callers can play an important role in the decision of subsequent individuals to join a mobbing event. We conducted a playback experiment to assess if differences in calling rate and number of callers elicit different behavioural responses in the house wren (Troglodytes aedon chilensis). We broadcast the alarm call of either one or two individuals, at different calling rates along the breeding season. We found that house wrens responded more frequently during playback of alarm calls at higher rates than during playback of calls at lower rates. However, focal individuals moved closer to the speaker when calls were played back at lower rates. There were no differences in the response of house wrens when we broadcast the calls of one or two individuals. These results suggest that call rates are an important element in the communication of danger in the house wren, rather than caller number.
COVID-associated complications after reconstructive breast surgery – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bubberman J.M. , Claessen J. , Feijen M.M.W. , Meesters-Caberg M.A.J. , Kuijk S.M.J. Van , Hulst R.R.W.J. Van der , Tuinder Stefania
Published: May 2023

Purpose. The COVID pandemic significantly influenced reconstructive breast surgery regimens. Many surgeries were cancelled or postponed. COVID entails not only respiratory, but also coagulative symptoms. It therefore potentially increases the risk of postoperative complications. The incidence of perioperative COVID infection and its influence on postoperative recovery after reconstructive breast surgery is still unknown.Methods. This dual center retrospective cohort study included patients that underwent reconstructive breast surgery between March 2020 and July 2021. Post-mastectomy autologous or implant-based breast reconstruction (ABR; IBR), as well as post-lumpectomy oncoplastic partial breast reconstruction (PBR) were eligible. Patient data was extracted from electronic medical records. Data regarding COVID-19 infection was collected through a questionnaire. The primary outcome was complication rate.Results. The ABR, IBR and PBR groups consisted of 113 (12 COVID-positive), 41 (2 COVID-positive) and 113 (10 COVID-positive) patients. In the ABR and PBR groups, postoperative complications occurred significantly more often in patients with perioperative COVID-infection. Especially impaired wound healing occurred significantly more often in the ABR and PBR breasts, but also at the donor site of ABR patients with perioperative COVID.Conclusion. Perioperative COVID-infection increases susceptibility to complicated wound healing after reconstructive breast surgery. A possible explanation lies in the dysregulation of haemostasis by the virus, and its direct effects on microvasculature. A hypercoagulable state results. We recommend to postpone elective breast surgery for 4–6 weeks after COVID-19 infection. Also, precautionary measures remain important to minimize the risk of perioperative COVID-19 infection.
Neoadjuvant carboplatin in triple-negative breast cancer: results from NACATRINE, a randomized phase II clinical trial
Authors: Souza Cristiano de Pádua , Carneiro Ana Suellen Barroso , Lessa Ana Cecília de Oliveira , Lacerda Domício Carvalho , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Zorzetto Marina Moreira Costa , de Freitas Ana Julia Aguiar , Santana Iara Viana Vidigal , de Oliveira Marco Antonio , Palmero Edenir Inêz , Marques Márcia Maria Chiquitelli , Reinert Tomás
Published: May 2023

Background Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is the mainstay of treatment of stages II and III triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). There is interest in the addition of carboplatin to NACT, especially in TNBC patients with germline BRCA mutations or other genomic alterations associated with DNA repair deficiency. This study aims to evaluate if the addition of carboplatin to NACT is associated with an increase in the pathological complete response (pCR) rates in TNBC.
Methods We conducted an open-label phase II randomized clinical trial in a single center in Brazil. Patients with stage II and III TNBC were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive standard NACT with or without carboplatin. All the patients received doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) plus cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) both intravenously (i.v.) q21 days for four cycles. Patients were then randomized for additional treatment with weekly (wk) paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 i.v., for 12 cycles) plus wk carboplatin AUC 1.5 (experimental arm) or without wk carboplatin (control arm). Randomization was stratified according to gBRCA status (deleterious mutation vs. no deleterious mutations), age (< 50 vs.≥ 50 years), or AJCC 8th edition clinical stage (II vs. III). The primary endpoint was the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate. Secondary endpoints included recurrence-free survival, overall survival, and toxicity.
Results Between 2017 and 2021, 146 patients were randomized; 73 on each arm. The median age was 45 years, and 69.8% were < 50 years. Most patients (66.4%) had locally advanced stage III disease, 67.1% had T3/T4 tumors, and 56.2% had clinically positive axillary lymph nodes. Germline BRCA status was available for all patients, and 19.9% had pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants. The pCR rate (ypT0ypN0) was numerically increased by 13.7%, being 43.8% (31 of 73 patients) in the experimental and 30.1% (22 of 73 patients) in the control arm, not meeting the prespecified goal of increasing the pCR in 15% (p value = 0.08). Survival outcomes are immature. The toxicity profile was consistent with routine clinical practice. There were more dose interruptions and hematological toxicity in the carboplatin arm. However, the incidence of serious adverse effects was low, and there was no difference in treatment discontinuation between the two arms.
Conclusion The addition of carboplatin to standard NACT in stages II and III TNBC was associated with a non-statistically significant numerical increase in the pCR rate of 13.7%, consistent with other similar clinical trials. Follow-up for survival outcomes and translational research initiatives are ongoing.
A novel approach for enhancing the color and antimicrobial properties of pine and beech wood using Se-NPs
Authors: Elmaaty Tarek Abou , Swidan Abeer , Sayed-Ahmed Khaled , Zaghloul Nancy
Published: May 2023

Pine wood (PW) and beech wood (BW) are the most used wood in furniture and other applications owing to their unique characteristics and low machining cost. However, their biodegradability and varied moisture content limit their wider use and durability. Therefore, in this study, nanotechnology was used as a novel eco-friendly approach to enhance the durability, antimicrobial properties, and color of wood. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) were prepared in spherical shape at varied concentrations (25 and 50 mM) using an eco-friendly method in the range of 35–80 and 40–155 nm, respectively. Se-NPs formation at the nanoscale was confirmed using UV/Vis analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared Se-NPs were then impregnated into PW and BW for different periods ranging from 2 hrs to 1 week. The treated wood were then leached in distilled water for 14 days to eliminate excess Se-NPs from the wood surface. The treated wood surfaces were examined using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Se-NPs impacts on the color properties and antimicrobial activities of the treated wood were evaluated. PW treated with Se-NPs showed better antimicrobial and color characteristics than treated BW. PW samples immersed in 50 mM Se-NPs for 2 hrs showed the highest K/S values, whereas the highest antimicrobial values were obtained for those immersed at the same concentration for 2 days, and 1 week.
Isosteviol plays a protective role on hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice through MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Li Ronghua , Xu Hongjiao , guo long
Published: May 2023

Aims
The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of isosteviol (ISV) on mice with hepatic ischemia and reperfusion(I/R) injury and further to investigate its underlying mechanism.
Methods
The blood vessels supplying the left/middle lobe of the liver in mice were clamped to cause liver ischemia for 1h, and then conduct reperfusion for 6 h. ISV or saline was injected intraperitoneally after reperfusion. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in serum and tissues were evaluated by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into the liver tissue was determined by flow cytometry and myeloperoxidase. Liver HE staining, TUNEL and Annexin V probe were used to determine liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis. WB was used to investigate the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and c-JunNH2 terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), while the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (BCL-2, Bax, caspase3, cleaved-caspase3) was detected.
Results
ISV reduced AST and ALT levels to alleviate liver injury. ISV significantly reduced the release of inflammatory cytokines and the accumulation of liver neutrophils and microphages. Meanwhile, ISV can promote the expression of anti-apoptosis related protein BCL-2 and inhibit the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and the activation of the protease caspase-3, and reduce the occurrence of hepatocyte apoptosis. Finally, ISV can reduce the phosphorylation level and activation of NF-κB, JNK, p38 and ERK.
Conclision
ISV inhibit the occurrence of inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis through MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway to relieve liver injury.
M-plane GaN terahertz quantum cascade laser structure design and doping effect for resonant-phonon and phonon-scattering-injection schemes
Authors: Ye Fan , Wang Yiyang , Wang Li , Lin Tse-Tung , Zeng Fantai , Ji Yue , Zhang Jinchuan , Liu Fengqi , Zheng Youdou , Hirayama Hideki , Zhang Rong , Shi Yi , Wang Ke
Published: May 2023

Non-equilibrium Green’s function method has been employed to solve carrier distribution, current density and gain properties for non-polar m-plane GaN terahertz quantum cascade laser (THz-QCL) structures. One is traditional three-wells resonant-phonon (RP) design scheme. The other is two-wells phonon scattering injection (PSI) design scheme. The peak gain of 41.8 and 44.2 cm-1 have been obtained at 8.2 and 7.7 THz respectively at 300 K according to the self-consistent calculation. Different from the usual GaAs two-wells design, the upper and lower lasing levels are both ground states in the GaN quantum wells for the PSI scheme, mitigating the severe broadening effect for the excited states in GaN. To guide the fabrication of such devices, the doping effect on the peak gain has been analyzed. The two designs have demonstrated distinct doping density dependence and it is mainly attributed to the very different doping dependent broadening behaviors. The results reveal the possibility of GaN based THz-QCL lasing at room temperature.
Innovation in an Aging Economy
Authors: Lehr Nils Haakon
Published: May 2023

The US and other developed nations have experienced two concurrent phenomena over the previous two decades: Slow productivity growth and rapid workforce aging. In this paper I argue that both phenomena are linked through a demand channel. Following an instrumental variable strategy I provide evidence for a causal link between workforce aging and lower innovation. I then investigate the mechanisms leveraging export data and find that commuting zones exposed to aging international demand reduce their innovation activities. Jointly this evidence suggests that demand for innovation is a key channel linking workforce aging to lower innovation.
Reconnection of infinitely thin antiparallel vortices and coherent structures
Authors: Iakunin Sergei , Vega Luis
Published: May 2023

One of the characteristic features of turbulent flows is the emergence of many vortices which interact, deform, and intersect, generating chaotic movement. The evolution of a pair of vortices, e.g. condensation trails of a plane, can be considered as a basic element of a turbulent flow. This simple example nevertheless demonstrates very rich behavior which still lacks a complete explanation. We present a new model describing these phenomena based on the approximation of an infinitely thin vortex, which allows us to focus on the chaotic movement of the vortex center line. The main advantage of the developed model consists in the ability to go beyond the reconnection time and to see the coherent structures. They turn to be very reminiscent to the ones obtained from the local induction approximation applied to a polygonal vortex. It can be considered as an evidence that a pair of vortices creates a corner singularity in the reconnection point.
A Ductile Seismic Design Strategy for the Cross-aisle Direction of Racking Systems
Authors: Tsarpalis Dimitrios , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Natali Agnese , Morelli Francesco , Delladonna Filippo , Vantusso Emanuele
Published: May 2023

Due to their lightness and simple connectivity, steel racking systems are typically considered as “low-dissipative” structures, which is reflected in the modern seismic codes by the absence of capacity design and the adoption of low behaviour factors. This limited capability of stress redistribution significantly increases the vulnerability of racks under beyond-design seismic hazards and raises the demand for more resilient designs. Along these lines, the proposed Plastic Ovalization Strategy (POS) attempts to increase the ductility of the individual upright frames comprising the cross-aisle direction of racks, and at the same time to preserve their low-cost and easy-to-assemble nature. This is achieved by tasking the bearing failure mechanism of the diagonal bolt hole to absorb seismic deformations, while capacity design is employed to keep the rest of the structure in the elastic zone. Following a detailed discussion on the motives and basic principles of the strategy, two high-rise racking systems are designed twice by professional engineers, once using standard approaches and then by additionally employing the proposed POS rules. Finally, the two design solutions are compared by conducting a comprehensive seismic assessment, which employs a phenomenological macro-model comprising elastic elements and nonlinear springs to simulate the bearing failure mechanism.
Present and Future of the South Asian Summer Monsoon’s Rainy Season over Northeast India
Authors: Goswami B.N. , saha Prolay , Mahanta Rahul
Published: May 2023

An iconic aspect of the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR), a rainy season that lasts longer than June to September over Northeast India (NEI) and considerably shorter over Northwest India, is expected to be significantly altered by climate change. The lack of a physically based objective definition of the monsoon rainy season over the NEI introduces significant uncertainty in impact assessment, variability, and predictability studies of ISMR. Here, we objectively define the ‘Length of the Rainy Season’ (LRS) for NEI and show that the El Nino and Southern Oscillation is a primary drivers of LRS over NEI. In contrast to a significant decreasing trend of LRS and LRS-rainfall during the historical period over NEI, the projected LRS under SSP5-8.5 continues to decrease while the LRS rainfall acquires a significant increasing trend. Implications of the findings on variability and predictability of NEI-rainfall and in the context of large-scale ISMR are discussed.
Changes in Health Human Resources Allocation in Ethnic Areas of China Before and After Implementation of “Healthy China 2030” Strategy
Authors: Fan Hailong , Shi Junbao , Wang Yanan , Wang Bi-Yang
Published: May 2023

We analyze the changes in health human resources in ethnic areas of China before and after the implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” strategy and forecast its development trend to provide a basis and suggestions for optimizing the allocation of health human resources. Taking the release time of “Healthy China 2030” as a node, the Gini coefficient and agglomeration analysis method were used to measure the fair changes in health human resources allocation before and after the policy. GM(1,1) model was used to predict the development trend of health human resources in ethnic areas of China. Since the implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” strategy in 2016, the number of health human resources in ethnic areas in China has increased rapidly, with the number of medical technical personnel, licensed (assistant) doctors, and registered nurses per thousand population increasing by 24.08, 25.27 and 35. 74%, respectively. By the end of 2020, the Gini coefficient of various health human resources indicators in ethnic areas was < 0.2 (higher fairness), the HARD value of each index < 1 (lack of fairness), medical technical personnel's HARD/PAD > 1 (relatively fair), and license (assistant) doctors and registered nurses' HARD/PAD values < 1 (lack of fairness). The GM (1,1) model predicts that by 2030, the total number of medical technical personnel, licensed (assistant) doctors, and registered nurses in China's ethnic areas will increase to 1,446,346, 500,576, and 761,126 respectively. With the implementation of the “Healthy China 2030” strategy, the fairness of health human resources in ethnic areas of China has been improved, but the problem of insufficient allocation of health human resources according to geography and population still exists, and the improvement of fairness has encountered bottlenecks.
Lymphatic spread patterns in young vs. elderly stage III colon cancer patients
Authors: Jihyung Song , Kataoka Kozo , Inoue Manabu , Yamada Takeshi , Beppu Naohito , Kuriyama Sho , Suto Takeshi , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa , Sakura Yusuke , Kanazawa Akiyoshi , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Ceelen Wim , Ikeda Masataka
Published: May 2023

Background: It currently remains unclear whether the anatomical pattern of lymph node (LN) spread differs between young (≤ 45 years, Y) and elderly (≥ 80 years, E) patients with stage III colon cancer (CC).Materials and Methods: Two groups of patients (Y and E) with stage III CC who underwent extensive (D3) lymphadenectomy at Japanese centers were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was the proportion of positive central LN. The planned sample size was at least 210 (Y) based on an expected value of 9.1% and threshold of 5%, and 230 (E) based on an expected value of 2% and threshold of 5%.Results: Two-hundred and ten Y patients and 348 E patients were identified and compared. The total number of LN harvested and the total number of invaded LN were significantly higher in group Y (median of 31.5 (3-151) vs. 21 (3-116), P < 0.001 and median of 3 (1–21) vs. 2 (1–25), P < 0.001, respectively). The proportion of positive central LN was higher in group Y than the prespecified threshold of 5% (9.52% (95% CI: 6.24–14.2%), p = 0.007); however it was similar to the threshold in group E (4.59% (95% CI:2.84–7.31%), p = 0.351). In multivariate models, central LN invasion was identified as a poor prognostic factor in group Y (HR3.66 (95% CI (1.29–8.87)), but not in group E (HR2.02 (0.95–4.27)).Conclusions: Young stage III colon cancer patients have a higher risk of central LN invasion, suggesting a more aggressive disease biology. The presence of central LN invasion is associated with a worse outcome.
Fertility behavior and self-rated health of migrant women of childbearing age——an analysis of moderating effects based on socioeconomic status
Authors: Yang Xue , Xie Lei
Published: May 2023

Background
As fertility rate continues to decline and negative population growth emerges, China has sequentially introduced encouraging fertility policies to raise fertility levels. The impact of fertility behaviors on women's health remains inconclusive. It is essential to explore further the correlation between fertility behaviors and the health status of 113 million migrant women of childbearing age in China.
Methods
Using a nationally representative dataset from the 2018 China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS), we examined the effects of fertility behaviors on the self-rated health of migrant women of childbearing age. An ordinary least squares regression model with moderating effects was used for the empirical study, and robustness tests were conducted based on the ordered probit model and propensity score matching to address endogeneity.
Results
The empirical results indicated that a rise in the number of children born significantly reduces the self-rated health of migrant women of childbearing age. An increase in years of schooling and household income can significantly mitigate the negative impact of childbearing behaviors on the health of migrant women. The robustness of the above results was validated through alternative models and propensity score matching (PSM) methods. The heterogeneity analysis revealed that fertility behavior exerts a negative impact on the health status of migrant women with rural household registration and on the health status of inter-provincial and inter-city migrant women. Further investigation found that the occurrence of childbirth during migration and an increase in the number of girls significantly negatively impacted the health status of migrant women. In contrast, the increase in the number of boys did not show a significant effect. Improving the health of migrant women of childbearing age significantly positively impacted their future childbearing intentions.
Conclusions
Migrant women of childbearing age bear the dual burden of migration and childbirth. Our findings showed the rise in the number of children born and the occurrence of childbirth during migration posed greater challenges to the health status of female migrants, particularly among those with lower socioeconomic status. Government and community efforts for enhancing health among migrant women of childbearing age are recommended.