bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physics informed neural network for charged particles surrounded by conductive boundaries
Authors: Hafezianzade Fatemeh , Biagooi Morad , Oskoee SeyedEhsan Nedaaee
Published: May 2023

Molecular dynamics of charged particles in porous conductive media have received considerable attention in recent years due to their application in cutting-edge technologies such as batteries and supercapacitors. Due to the presence of long-range electricalinteractions, induced charges present at the boundary, and the influence of boundary conditions, the simulation of these systems is more challenging than the simulation of typical molecular dynamic systems. Simulating these kinds of systems typically involves using a numerical solver to solve the Poisson equation, which is a very time-consuming procedure. Recently, Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) have been introduced as an alternative to numerical solutions of PDEs. In this paper, we present a new PINN-based model for predicting the potential of point-charged particles surrounded by conductive walls. As a result of the proposed PINN model, the mean square error is less than 7% and R2 score is more than 90% for the corresponding example simulation. Results have been compared with typical neural networks and random forest as standard machine learning algorithms. The R2 score of the random forest model was 70%, and a standard neural network could not be trained well.
Design Strategies of a Personalized Surgical Instrument to Adjust the Distraction Angle and Posterior Slope for Open Wedge High Tibia Osteotomy Surgery
Authors: Hsu Kuo-Yao , Chen Chun-Ming , Chan Yi-Sheng , Wu Chen-Te , Hsu Chi-Pin , Chen Su‐Ching , Lin Shang-Chih
Published: May 2023

The precise creation and control of osteotomy and distraction have been a problem in opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO). This study aimed to investigate the impact of the cutting edge of a personalized surgical instrument (PSI) to control the distraction angle, tibial slope, and tibial twist of the distracted tibiae. This study correlated the PSI design with the results of biomechanical tests on wedge inclination (WI), saw progression (SP), and distraction site (DS) of the proximal tibiae, which were systematically varied and three-dimensionally (3D) printed as the specimens. The lateral hinge 3D orientation was determined by the WI and SP. Different DSs deviate from the hinged motion of the distracted tibiae to some extent. The coronal angle, which is the major OWHTO target, is more sensitive to the SP and DS. However, the concurrence of the sagittal and horizontal angles induces undesirable effects on knee biomechanics and potentially risks the lateral hinge. The cutting edge is a key design that serves as the cutting and sawing guide to control the initial cut on the medial tibia (i.e., WI) and the sawing path near the lateral cortex (i.e., SP). Intraoperative planning of manipulating the SP is the most effective method for adjusting the sagittal rotation. A higher WI angle is a determinant factor of the horizontal rotation that must be cautiously mitigated to reduce the risk of lateral hinge cracking and to adjust the patellofemoral contact.
Mucosal gene expression of inflammatory cytokines as biomarkers for predicting treatment response in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Yokoyama Yoshihiro , Yamakawa Tsukasa , Miyake Takakazu , Kazama Tomoe , Hayashi Yuki , Hirayama Daisuke , Nakase Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder that involves a complex cytokine network. Despite an array of treatment options, no predictive biomarkers for response to IBD treatment have been established. We aimed to identify predictive biomarkers of therapeutic effectiveness in patients with IBD. Inflammatory cytokine gene expression was analyzed in biopsied samples of the inflamed ileal or colonic mucosa from patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The relationship between mucosal cytokine gene expression and therapeutic response to corticosteroids and anti-TNF-α antibodies was investigated. Cytokines representative of helper T cell 2 (interleukin (IL)-4 and 5) and helper T cell 17 (IL-17, CCL20, IL-21, and IL-22) were higher in UC than CD. CCL11, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8, OSM, and TGF-β expression was elevated in both UC and CD patients in corticosteroid-dependent cases compared to corticosteroid-free remission cases, with CXCL8 representing the best biomarker. IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1RN, OSM, and IL-6 expression was elevated in anti-TNF-α antibody-resistant cases. RELA and STAT3 expression was increased in corticosteroid-dependent and anti-TNF-α antibody nonresponder patients, respectively. Mucosal chemokine, IL-1, and IL-6 gene expression can predict corticosteroid-dependent and anti-TNF-α antibody refractory cases. IL-1 and IL-6 and associated pathways are potential therapeutic targets for these cases. Clinical trial registration The study formed part of a comprehensive clinical trial listed under the University Medical Information Network—Clinical Trial Registration (UMIN-CTR) number 000041268, as initiated on August 1, 2020.
Combined (resistance-endurance) home based training and red grape juice supplementation improve memory in MS patients
Authors: Sarqaleh Amin Jalili , Azizi Mohammad , Khamoushian Kianoosh
Published: May 2023

BackgroundIn recent years, attention to the improvement of memory in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), patients is less investigated. Hence, for the first time, in this study deals with the relationship between combined training and red grape juice supplementation with memory improvement in MS patients.MethodIn this study, 48 women with MS with an age range of 20-40 years were selected and placed in 4 groups: traning (n=12), supplement (n=12), training+supplement (n=12), and control (n=12). Combined training for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week) was performed for 60 minutes with an intensity of 10-12 Rate of Perceived exertion. Supplementation for 8 weeks (3 sessions per week), 250 ccs of red grape juice with Brix 14 was consumed. Before and after the intervention, memory was evaluated by a daily memory questionnaire and retrospective and prospective memory. The obtained data were calculated using the analysis of variance test at a significant level (P ≤0.05).ResultsThe results show a significant improvement in daily memory and retrospective and prospective memory in the traning, supplement, and trianing + supplement groups, respectively (P=0.000), (P=0.000), (P=0.000) compared to the group it was controling. The results of the post hoc test also show the difference between the groups with each other (P ≤0.05).ConclusionsRed grape juice supplementation with 8 weeks of combined training improves cognitive disorders (memory) in MS patients.
Directional winds in Holocene create unique landforms and large-scale dusty weather in the East of China
Authors: DING Yi
Published: May 2023

Scientists have divided China into three stages from the West, with high altitudes 8000 meters above sea level, to the East, under 500. The directional wind from West to East not only creates unique landforms such as tablemount, boat-shaped Yardang, and layer-fissured granite with geo-tourist value but also blows soils and dust to make a thick dust hood in the East, making it difficult for pollutants, car exhaust, and industrial gases to dissipate. Eastern China has become the most notorious worldwide with too many dust and haze days. The article points out that rock fragments and soils will eventually migrate to the East by directional winds and rivers, which is inevitable, but keeping moisture in the surface soil in the arid areas of the West will alleviate affections of dust and haze days for the East. Canada is one of the countries in the world naturally preserving its beauty by enacting laws that prohibit biodegradable leaves, crops, and branches from being garbage. Biodegradation is a simple way to improve the environment, and every Chinese person should learn and take action.
Distribution and prognostic value of pericoronary and epicardial adipose tissue in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a coronary CT angiography study
Authors: Lin Shuangxiang , Xu Yunyu , Hu Tingting , Liu Chenjia , Wang Mengshai , Wu Jiaxing , Wang Shuyue , Wang Xinhong , Sun Jianzhong
Published: May 2023

Background The role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT), measured by coronary CT angiography (CCTA), as cardiometabolic risk factors in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the CCTA-derived EAT and PCAT in HFpEF patients and examine their association with cardiac function and prognostic value.Methods Between January 2019 and July 2022, 100 HFpEF patients and 100 healthy controls underwent CCTA to investigate the association between EAT and PCAT and composite endpoints for HFpEF. The composite endpoint was defined as a combination of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for HF. EAT volume and PCAT attenuation were measured using automatic threshold segmentation in CCTA images, with thresholds set between − 30 and − 190 HU. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used, including EAT, PCAT, and a cardiac metabolic risk score (incorporating age, sex, smoking, metabolic syndrome, and family history). The optimal cut-off point was determined using the Youden index. Survival estimates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test.Results A total of 200 patients, with a mean age of 68.3 ± 10.3 years and 58.0% male, were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 100 HFpEF patients (mean age: 71.7 ± 9.9 years; 59% male) were followed up for a median of 15 ± 0.6 months (range 2–29 months). Compared to healthy controls, HFpEF patients had higher EAT volume (56.1 cm3 ± 11.9) and lower attenuations in the right coronary artery (RCA) (-74.7 HU ± 3.82), left anterior descending artery (LAD) (-72.9 HU ± 3.98), and left circumflex artery (LCX) (-71.5 HU ± 3.06). EAT and PCAT-RCA attenuation were predictive of outcome with an optimal threshold of 56.29 cm3 (AUC: 0.77; sensitivity: 72.0%; specificity: 74%) and − 69.31 HU (AUC: 0.793; sensitivity: 76.9%; specificity: 74.1%), respectively.Conclusions We conclude that, in heart failure patients, EAT and PCAT-RCA add independent and incremental prognostic value of predicting HFpEF progression, superior to clinical risk factors.
Genetic diversity of H. marginatum in Tunisia is not influenced by the bio-climate
Authors: Benyedem Hayet , Hajji Tarek , Romdhane Rihab , Obara Isaiah , Mhadhbi Moez , Sebai Essia , Elati Khawla , Chaari Soufiene , Rekik Mourad , Darghouth Mohamed Aziz
Published: May 2023

Ticks are important ectoparasites responsible for the transmission of several pathogens with significant medical, veterinary, and economic impacts. Climate and social changes have generated substantial changes in ticks' distribution, abundance, and activity patterns, including ticks belonging to the Hyalomma marginatum species. Knowledge on the genetic structure and dynamics of H. marginatum populations might contribute to a better understanding of their current and future evolution under the effects of anthropogenic factors and eco-climatic changes. In the present study, we investigated the genetic structure and phylogenetic distribution of H. marginatum across three bioclimatic regions in Tunisia using two mitochondrial markers (16S and 12S rRNA). The molecular investigations were based on 47 adult H. marginatum ticks collected from humid, upper semi-arid, and subhumid regions of Tunisia. Our results revealed a genetic diversity of 0.278% and 0.809% using the 16S and 12S markers, respectively. The low genetic diversity that we observed raises the hypothesis of a bottleneck event occasioned by a reduction in the size of the tick population under the effects of environmental factors and/or human activities. This hypothesis is supported by the population’s demographic history analysis, which revealed a clear deviation from neutrality and supports the occurrence of a bottleneck event followed by a demographic expansion. The fact that most 16S and 12S variability was present in the ticks from the humid bioclimatic zone may suggest that those ticks represent the ancestral population. Overall, the analysis has shown that the phylogenetic clusters do not correspond to the bioclimatic zones.
Elevated IL-8/TNF-α in follicle fluid of infertile women with endometriosis decrease LHCGR expression in cumulus cells
Authors: Yin Yaoxue , Dai Wangjuan , Wen Caihe , Mao Yundong , Ma Xiang , Diao Feiyang , Wang Jing , Qin Lianju , Zhang Mengyu , Hou Zhen , Cui Yugui , Liu Jiayin
Published: May 2023

Background: To study whether ILs/TNFs in the follicular fluid (FF) of women with EMs are responsible for impaired follicular development or (and) ovulation or not, and then to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Methods: follicular fluid (containing cumulus granulosa cells) was collected from women with EM and male factor infertility at our Clinical Reproductive Medicine Center, and peritoneal fluid was collected from the above patients with EMs. The expression of ovulation-related genes in cumulus cells was analysed by RT-PCR. Mouse cumulus cells expansion degree was assessed after cultured in follicle fluid from infertile women. Follicle fluid was detected by ELISA. Oocytectmized complex cell model was established, and cultured in vitro medium with addition of 100 IU/ml FSH. TUNEL staining was used to determine the apoptosis of cumulus cells. Then, we explored expression of P-SMAD2/3，key enzyme for retinoic acid metabolism, and methylation of SP1 binding sites in Lhcgr promoter region. Meanwhile, the P-AKT and P-catenin were assessed by Western blot. All experiments were performed independently at least three times, and data are presented as mean ± SEM. Statistical analyses were performed using Graphpad Prism 5 software p<0.05 (* and different letters) were defined as significant differences.
Results: In cumulus cells, expression of genes related to ovulation decreased significantly than that in controls (P < 0.05), especially starting from LHCGR. The concentrations of IL-8 and TNF-α in follicle fluid were significantly higher in infertile women with endometriosis than in controls (P < 0.05). The function of follicle fluid and pelvic fluid of endometriosis women have changed. Addition of 500 pg/mL IL-8/TNF-α to medium did not cause significant apoptosis of cumulus cells, but inhibited P-AKT and P-β-catenin. On the other hand, expression of P-SMAD2/3 and retinoic acid production were reduced, while hypermethylation of the Sp1 binding sequence on Lhcgr promoter was identified, and Lhcgr expression was significantly reduced compared to control (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Elevated IL-8/TNF-α in follicular fluid of women with endometriosis indirectly maintains Lhcgrpromoter hypermethylation through activation of P-SMAD2/3, while inhibiting AKT and β-Catenin phosphorylation, which together reduce LHCGR mRNA expression.
Impaired cecal motility and secretion alongside expansion of gut-associated lymphoid tissue in the Nlgn3R451C mouse model of autism
Authors: Lee Chalystha Yie Qin , Balasuriya Gayathri K. , Herath Madushani , Franks Ashley E. , Hill-Yardin Elisa L.
Published: May 2023

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD; autism) commonly present with gastrointestinal (GI) illness in addition to core diagnostic behavioural traits. The appendix, or cecum in mice, is important for GI homeostasis via its function as a key site for fermentation and a microbial reservoir. Even so, the role of the appendix and cecum in autism-associated GI symptoms remains uninvestigated. Here, we studied mice with an autism-associated missense mutation in the post-synaptic protein neuroligin-3 (Nlgn3R451C), which impacts brain and enteric neuronal activity. We assessed for changes in cecal motility using a tri-cannulation video-imaging approach in ex vivo preparations from wild-type and Nlgn3R451C mice. We investigated cecal permeability and neurally-evoked secretion in wild-type and Nlgn3R451C tissues using an Ussing chamber set-up. The number of cecal patches in fresh tissue samples were assessed and key immune populations including gut macrophages and dendritic cells were visualised using immunofluorescence. Nlgn3R451C mice displayed accelerated cecal motor complexes and reduced cecal weight in comparison to wildtype littermates. Nlgn3R451C mice also demonstrated reduced neurally-evoked cecal secretion in response to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium (DMPP), but permeability was unchanged. We observed an increase in the number of cecal patches in Nlgn3R451C mice, however the cellular morphologies of key immune populations studied were not significantly altered. We show that the R451C nervous system mutation leads to cecal dysmotility, impaired secretion, and neuro-immune alterations. Together, these results suggest that the R451C mutation disrupts the gut-brain axis with GI dysfunction in autism.
Higher-order gaps in the renormalized electronic band structure of doubly aligned bilayer graphene hBN moiré
Authors: Bid Aveek , Jat Mohit , Tiwari Priya , Bajaj Robin , Shitut Ishita , Mandal Shinjan , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Krishnamurthy Hulikal , Jain Manish
Published: May 2023

This article presents our findings on the recursive band gap engineering of chiral fermions in bilayer graphene doubly aligned with hBN. By utilizing two interfering moire′ potentials, we generate a supermoire′ pattern which renormalizes the electronic bands of the pristine bilayer graphene, resulting in higher-order fractal gaps even at very low energies. These Bragg gaps can be mapped using a unique linear combination of periodic areas within the system. To validate our findings, we used electronic transport measurements to identify the position of these gaps as functions of the carrier density and establish their agreement with the predicted carrier densities and corresponding quantum numbers obtained using the continuum model. Our study provides conclusive evidence of quantization of the momentum-space area of quasi-Brillouin zones in a minimally incommensurate lattice. It fills essential gaps in understanding the band structure engineering of Dirac fermions by a doubly periodic superlattice spinor potential.
Bivariate Semi-Parametric Model: Bayesian Inference
Authors: Samanta Debashis , Kundu Debasis
Published: May 2023

The motivation of this paper came from two bivariate diabetic retinopathy data sets. The main aim is to test whether the laser treatment delays the onset of blindness compared to the traditional treatment. The first data set is of 197 patients and it provides the onset of blindness of the two eyes. The observed data are heavily censored on both the variables and there is a significant proportion where both the variables are equal. The second data set is of 91 patients, and it indicates the minimum time of the onset of blindness between the two eyes. We have used a Marshall-Olkin bivariate exponential or Weibull type a bivariate semi-parametric model, where the base line distribution is more flexible than any parametric distribution. The base line distribution is assumed to have a piecewise constant hazard function and that makes the Bayes line hazard function to be very flexible. Marshall-Olkin bivariate exponential distribution becomes a special case of the model. The maximum likelihood estimators may not always exist, and we have considered the Bayesian inference of the unknown parameters. We have used importance sampling technique to compute Bayes estimators and the associated credible intervals. We have addressed some testing of hypothesis problem also based on Bayes factors. Finally, both the data sets have been analyzed, and it is observed for one data set the laser treatment has a significantly different effect than the traditional treatment, where as for the other data set no significantly different effect has been observed.
AMS Subject Classifications: 62F10, 62F03, 62H12
Open-circuit-voltage improvement mechanism of perovskite solar cells revealed by operando spin observation
Authors: Marumoto Kazuhiro , Kimata Haru , Yamaguchi Seira , Xue Dong , Asai Haruka , Gotanda Takeshi , Shimazaki Ai , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: May 2023

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells have attracted much attention as one of the most important next-generation solar cells. The solar-cell performances are known to be changed under operation; however, the root cause of the instability has not yet been understood sufficiently. Here, we report improvement mechanism in the open-circuit voltage, VOC, of perovskite solar cells at the initial stage of device operation that were firstly investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR). ESR study reveals reverse electrons transfer at the interface from the perovskite layer to the hole-transport layer not only under dark conditions but also under light irradiation where electrons are subsequently trapped in the hole-transport layer. Thereby, an electron barrier is enhanced at the perovskite/hole-transport-layer interface, improving field-effect passivation at the interface, and thus the VOC improves. These findings are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of device performance changes under operation, showing a relation between reverse electrons transfer and performance improvement, which is valuable for the development of further efficient perovskite solar cells.
MR1 rs2236410 mediates the regulation of mucosal-associated invariant T cells against graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Zhao Xiaosu , Mengge Gao , Xiaohang Ma , Yu Wang , Jun Kong , Zhidong Wang , Yingjun Chang , Huang XiaoJun
Published: May 2023

Major histocompatibility complex class 1-related gene protein (MR1) is a monomorphic antigen-presenting molecule. Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an unconventional T cells subset limited to the antigen-presenting molecule MR1. MR1 rs2236410 site of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is reported that locates in the MR1 antigen binding region and is identified as HLA Class II restricted minor histocompatibility antigen, which is associated with transplantation immunity. Here, we found that the donor rs2236410A/G genotype was associated with a lower incidence of severe or gut acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) clinical cohort. Through in vitro E. colistimulation experiments, it was found that MR1 rs2236410 mediated the activation of MR1-dependent pathway of MAIT cells by influencing the presentation of microbial derived ligand, thus affecting the anti-GVHD effect of MAIT cells. These findings suggest that MR1 rs2236410 could serve as a potential immune target for antiGVHD without affecting the GVL effect in the context of transplantation, which could provide certain guidance for the prediction and clinical treatment of GVHD.
Identification of biomarkers for breast cancer early diagnosis based on the molecular classification using machine learning algorithms on transcriptomic data and factorial designs for analysis
Authors: Mayoral-Peña Kalaumari , Peña Omar Israel González , Artzi Natalie , de Donato Marcos
Published: May 2023

Background:
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of global female mortality. Diagnosing and treating breast cancer patients at early stages is relevant for providing successful treatment and increasing the patient's survival rate. The use of new analytical methods for massive data from biological samples, such as Machine Learning Algortithms (MLAs), is necessary for improving cancer diagnosis, especially in patients from low-income countries. A computational methodology for selecting a small number of biomarkers with strong diagnostic capabilities and an accessible cellular location could be useful for developing low-cost diagnostic devices. Hence, this study aimed to develop a computational methodology to find relevant genetic biomarkers and establish a discrete panel of genes capable of classifying breast cancer samples for diagnostic purposes with high accuracy.
Methods:
This study aimed to develop a computational methodology for finding genetic biomarkers and establish a panel with a few genes capable of classifying breast cancer molecularly for diagnostic purposes. Panels with a small number of genes (<10) that can be used for the molecular classification of breast cancer cells through four Machine Learning Algorithms on transcriptomic data. Five gene selection approaches were used for the generation of these panels: factor analysis genes, surfaceome genes, transmembrane genes, combined genes, and network analysis genes. The classification performance and analyzed and validated using seven factorial designs and non-parametric statistical tests.
Results:
The MLAs accuracy was higher than 80% in cell lines and in patient samples for all selection approaches. The combined approach with the best genes of the three approaches (transmembrane, surfaceome, and factor analysis) had better classification performance than each approach alone. Also, the combined genes of this approach (TMEM210, CD44, SPDEF, TENM4, KIRREL, BCAS1, TMEM86A, LRFN2, TFF3) had similar performance than the ones selected by network analysis. The panel of genes identified from the combined approach was completely different from the genes previously described in four commercial panels for breast cancer that were analyzed.
Conclusions
In this study, the panels of selected genes were capable of classify breast cancer cell lines and patient samples according to their molecular characteristics. Two genes of the combined approach (TFF3 and CD44) have been used in cancer biosensors, which suggests a plausible result due to the potential for the development of new diagnostic devices; however, experimental studies are required to corroborate this type of implementation.
Heterologous gene expression system for the production of hydrolyzable tannin intermediates in herbaceous model plants
Authors: Oda-Yamamizo Chihiro , Mitsuda Nobutaka , Milkowski Carsten , Ito Hideyuki , Ezura Kentaro , Tahara Ko
Published: May 2023

Aluminum toxicity is the main factor limiting the elongation of plant roots in acidic soil. The tree species Eucalyptus camaldulensis is considerably more resistant to aluminum than herbaceous model plants and crops. Hydrolyzable tannins (HTs) accumulating in E. camaldulensis roots can bind and detoxify the aluminum taken up by the roots. However, in herbaceous model plants, HTs do not accumulate and the genes involved in the HT biosynthetic pathway are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to establish a method for reconstituting the HT biosynthetic pathway in the HT non-accumulating model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Four E. camaldulensis enzymes were transiently expressed in N. benthamiana leaves via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. These enzymes included dehydroquinate dehydratase/shikimate dehydrogenases (EcDQD/SDH2 and EcDQD/SDH3), which catalyze the synthesis of gallic acid, the first intermediate of the HT biosynthetic pathway that branches off from the shikimate pathway. The others were UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGT84A25 and UGT84A26), which catalyze the conversion of gallic acid to β-glucogallin, the second intermediate. The co-expression of the EcDQD/SDHs in transgenic N. benthamiana leaf regions promoted the synthesis of gallic acid. Moreover, the co-expression of the UGT84As in addition to the EcDQD/SDHs resulted in the biosynthesis of β-glucogallin, the universal metabolic precursor of HTs. Thus, we successfully reconstituted a portion of the HT biosynthetic pathway in HT non-accumulating N. benthamiana plants. This heterologous gene expression system will be useful for co-expressing candidate genes involved in downstream reactions in the HT biosynthetic pathway and for clarifying their in planta functions.
An inconspicuous pulmonary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Wang Xuan , Yi Hongmei , Wang Chaofu
Published: May 2023

Background pulmonary primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is an extremely rare B cell lymphoproliferative disorder, and cases mimicking an unspecific pulmonary inflammatory lesion are even rarer, which can be easily misdiagnosed.Case presentation: We reported a 33-year-old female patient with multiple ground glass nodules in the lung on chest computed tomography (CT) and Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scans. Pulmonary biopsy revealed tumor cells growing along the alveolar septum, hiding in an inflammatory background. Although some tumor cells invaded blood vessels, the majority of the tumor cells were distributed outside the vessels. Based on the morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular detection, the diagnosis was confirmed as pulmonary primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, anaplastic variant. The diagnosis of this type of tumor is challenging due to its clinical and pathological characteristics, requiring differentiation from inflammatory lesions and intravascular large B-cell lymphoma. Tumor cells expressed CD30 and CD20. The patient was treated with brentuximab vedotin (BV) combined with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone(R-CHOP) regimen for six courses, resulting in almost complete disappearance of the lesions. The patient had a good prognosis, with no involvement of other sites after a six-month follow-up.Conclusions This case emphasizes the rarity of pulmonary primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and the significance of being attentive to atypical imaging and pathological morphology that may lead to misdiagnosis. Treatment with BV combined with R-CHOP therapy resulted in complete remission of the lesions. Hence, clinicians and pathologists should carefully observe and consider this diagnosis in such cases.
Macrophage-derived exosomal HMGB3 regulates silica-induced pulmonary inflammation by promoting M1 macrophage polarization and recruitment
Authors: Qin xiaofeng , Niu zhiyuan , Chen hui , Hu yongbin
Published: May 2023

Background: Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are characteristics of silicosis, and the inflammatory mediators involved in silicosis have not been fully elucidated. Recently, macrophage-derived exosomes have been reported as inflammatory modulators, but their role in silicosis remains largely unexplored. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of macrophage-derived exosomal HMGB3 in silicosis.Methods: First, HMGB3 expression in macrophages (with or without silica (SiO2) exposure) and exosomes derived from these cells was measured by western blot analysis. Second, the role of exosomal HMGB3 in the inflammatory activation and migration of macrophages was evaluated by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and transwell assays. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was detected by RT-PCR and ELISA, and the involved signal transduction pathways were studied by western blot analysis.Results: HMGB3 expression in SiO2-exposed macrophages and exosomes derived from these cells was significantly upregulated. In silicosis mouse model, upregulated HMGB3 was mainly colocalized with infiltrating macrophages. In vitro experiments demonstrated that exosomes derived from SiO2-exposed macrophages (SiO2-Exos) significantly upregulated the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS and CCR2 in monocytes or M0 macrophages, promoting M1 polarization and migration of these cells. An in vivo study demonstrated that SiO2-Exos promoted the infiltration of pulmonary macrophages and increased the proportion of iNOS+/F4/80+macrophages. Knockdown of exosomal HMGB3 partially reversed this phenotype, while overexpression of exosomal HMGB3 promoted this phenotype. The proinflammatory effect of exosomal HMGB3 may be mediated through the activation of the STAT3/MAPK (ERK1/2 and P38)/NF-κB pathways.Conclusions: Exosomal HMGB3 is a potential inflammatory modulator in silicosis that induces inflammatory activation and recruitment of monocytes/macrophages by regulating the activation of the STAT3/MAPK/NF-κB/CCR2 pathways.
Effectiveness of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines used in Malaysia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Thantry Anita Devi Krishnan , Lakshmanan Palaniappan A/L Palaniappan , Kunasakaran Dhanraaj A/L , Shenq Edwin Cheah
Published: May 2023

Introduction: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV2 was declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020 following which many vaccines were synthesised which effectively reduced the case fatality ratio. Malaysia implemented community -wide COVID-19 vaccination using ChAdOx1(AZD1222, Astra Zeneca), BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer BioNTech) and CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccines in 2021. Efficacy was established by randomized control trials prior to its roll out, but the effectiveness of these vaccines in a real-world community setting can be assessed from hospital data and research articles published from 2021 onwards.
Aim: This study aimed to do a systematic analysis of the available articles from various countries which used the three vaccines introduced in Malaysia and compare with the outcome in Malaysia.
Methods: We performed a systematic analysis on various studies about the three vaccines from different parts of the world ,based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement (PRISMA) recommendations with well-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies for each vaccine were analysed for the relative risk reduction (RRR) and vaccine effectiveness. Further, a comparison between the three vaccines was attempted and compared with the effectiveness of the three vaccines in Malaysia.
Results: BNT162b2 had an RRR ≥ 90% against severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 with very high effectiveness upon completion of two doses.ChAdOx1 vaccine effectiveness showed a wide range from 67.5% to 95.6 %. Effectiveness for CoronaVac ranged from 54- 99.9%. Meta-analysis of the data was done using Microsoft Excel. A comparison between the three vaccines showed a higher effectiveness for BNT162b2 ( 94.9%) followed by ChAdOx1 (84.7 %) and SinoVac ( 72.4%).The effectiveness of ChAdOx1 vaccine reported from our country is the highest among the studies.
Conclusion: Real-world evidence shows that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. Our study validates the importance of assessing effectiveness of COVID vaccines in preventing severe COVID.
Diatomaceous biosilica doped with heteroepitaxially growing Ag/AgCl/CeO 2 composite nanoparticles: synthesis, characterisation and antibacterial application
Authors: Wojtczak Izabela , Brzozowska Weronika , Railean Viorica , Bekissanova Zhanar , Trykowski Grzegorz , Sprynskyy Myroslav
Published: May 2023

The development of modern technology is also towards the use of microorganisms as microfactories of the biomaterials with unique properties. Combining the original properties of biosilica extracted from diatoms (microalgae) together with immobilised silver and cerium in nanoparticle forms, allowed to obtain a modern composite material with antibacterial activity. The synthesised composites contained heteroepitaxially growing Ag/AgCl/CeO2 complex nanoparticles were studied using a different types of instrumental analysis. SEM-EDX and XRD analysis allowed the qualitative and quantitative determination of the elements present and their forms in the composites. TEM analysis allowed to information about the shape, size and structure specificity of the created nanoparticles. The possible mechanism of nanoparticles formation was suggested. Antibacterial properties of synthesised composites were characterised using a minimum inhibitory concentration test on six selected bacterial strains. Diatomaceous biosilica containing heteroepitaxially growing silver chloride, metallic silver, and cerium (IV) oxide nanoparticles have been prepared for the first time. The proposed method for synthesising composites did not use toxic reagents, making it environmentally friendly.
Computed tomography requisitions among children and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa: are we doing it right?
Authors: Kisembo Harriet Nalubega , Malumba Richard , Nsereko Ezra Kato , Babirye Deborah , Nassanga Ritah , Ameda Faith , Malwadde Elsie-Kiguli , Rutebemberwa Elizeus , Kasasa Simon , Salama Dina Husseiny , Kawooya Michael Grace
Published: May 2023

Background

The advances in diagnostic technology such as the Helical Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT) have improved the outcome of several diseases, especially in emergencies and children. However, the upsurge in utilization is associated with global unjustified CT procedures, 10-30% of which are performed among children. MDCT imparts relatively high radiation doses with increased risk of radiation induced cancers and wastage of imaging resources. This is a radiation and public health concern in low resource setting especially sub-Saharan Africa, which has a youthful population.
Quality improvement in medical imaging requires measuring compliance of imaging-referrers’ ordering practice behavior against an evidence-based tool such as clinical imaging guidelines. To the best of our knowledge, there is paucity of such studies in the sub-Saharan Africa. This study therefore aimed at determining the frequency and proportion of inappropriate requisitions for commonly performed CT examinations among children and young adults.

Methods

This was a retrospective review for CT requisition forms (CTRFs) for patients aged 35 years and below from 6 hospital-based CT units performed from 1st July 2018 to 31st December 2018. The level of appropriateness for each request was determined using the online Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC)” ESR iGuide

Results

A total of 931 CTRFs were assessed, 80% of which were head CT scans. Overall, 34.5% CTRFS were inappropriate. Inappropriate Ct requisition was significant associated with the category of hospital, age, non-trauma indication, the anatomical scan region, and the non- use of contrast media agent. A total of 40(4.3%) CTRFs were not categorized because of insufficient clinical information

Conclusions

The findings show significant levels of performed CT procedures, especially for head region, non-traumatic and non-contrasted among adult patients could be avoided or replaced by procedures that use less or non-ionizing radiation.
What is now needed is a pilot study (ies) to investigate causes of inappropriate use of diagnostic imaging and evaluate the effects of some strategies such as education, training and the use of CIGs on such clinical practices in low resource setting
Identification of defense related transcripts in robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) in response to infestation by coffee white stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes) using forward subtracted suppression subtractive hybridization library
Authors: Santosh P , Bharathi Kosaraju , Sreen Hosahalli
Published: May 2023

Coffea arabica L (arabica), the most widely cultivated coffee species is susceptible to Xylotrechus quadripes (coffee white stem borer - CWSB), while C. canephora Pierre (robusta) the only other commercially cultivated coffee species is resistant to CWSB. We constructed a forward subtracted suppression subtractive hybridization (fSSH) cDNA library from bark tissue of C. canephora Cv CxR experimentally infested with CWSB larvae towards understanding the genetic mechanism of resistance. The library provided 292 unique transcripts (expressed sequence tags - ESTs). While 272 ESTs were from C. canephora, 20 ESTs were from X. quadripes. Transcripts from C. canephora matched 204 genes, 4 pseudogenes and 4 lncRNA, several of which are considered to be involved in mounting defense reactions against CWSB or in repairing or mitigating the damage caused by the pest. Most striking finding was overwhelming presence of transcripts of Cc08_g08430 isoleucine N-monooxygenase 2 like gene belonging to CYP79 family. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT PCR) revealed that the gene was strongly induced by CWSB infestation. We obtained complete cDNA sequence, as well as, 593 bp upstream sequence of the gene. The CYP79 proteins are known to be involved in the biosynthetic pathways leading to at least 3 well known groups of plant defense compounds against herbivory – viz., cyanogenic glucosides, glucosinolates and herbivore induced volatile compounds. The Cc08_g08430 isoleucine N monooxygenase 2 like gene (CYP79) is predicted to be involved in one of these biosynthetic pathways and a strong candidate for defense reaction of robusta against CWSB.
Image Caption Generation For Blind Users Of Social Media Websites
Authors: SS Roshan Adhithya , M Priyadharshini , Kalinathan Lekshmi
Published: May 2023

Emerging fields such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Ecommerce platforms like Amazon, Ebay etc and Social media sites make use of images with text information for creating immersive experiences, selling products and sharing posts. Generating captions from these images has large potential effects, such as descriptions associated with medical images, text-based image retrieval, information accessed for visually impaired users, human-robot interaction etc. Existing image captioning systems fail to recognize the text on the image which leads to loss of context information such as additional information regarding location, poster contents, product specifications etc. The objective of our proposed system is to design a model that would generate a brief description for a given image at a semantic level using Clip-GPT2 and OCR techniques along with a sentence fusion model BART, for an image with text. Capturing text within images during caption generation outperforms the existing models, with a Rogue value of 81.66. Thus our system helps communicate the contextual information of an image to a visually impaired user as an informative textual description.
Cost-effectiveness of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine compared with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among adults in a Norwegian setting
Authors: Mikkelsen Malene Buch , Husby Oyvind , Molden Tor , Mwaura David Ngaruiya , Olsen Jens , Kristensen Nanna Vestergaard , Vietri Jeffrey
Published: May 2023

Background The morbidity and mortality of adult diseases caused by S. pneumoniae increase with age and presence of underlying chronic diseases. Currently, two vaccine technologies against S. pneumoniae are used: the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, one of which is the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) that has recently been approved for adults.Objective This study was conducted to investigate the cost-effectiveness of implementing PCV20 in a reimbursement scheme for Norwegian adults aged 18–99 years at risk of pneumococcal diseases and those aged 65 years and older at low risk compared to PPV23.Methods A Markov model was developed and adapted to a Norwegian setting to estimate the economic and clinical consequences of vaccinating the Norwegian population in specific age and risk groups against pneumococcal diseases. Inputs for the model were found in Norwegian or Danish real-world evidence or retrieved from available studies. The costs and clinical outcomes were assessed using a health sector perspective and a lifetime time horizon.Results The results showed that PCV20 was associated with better health outcomes including fewer disease cases, fewer disease-attributable fatalities, a higher gain of life years and quality-adjusted life years compared to PPV23. In addition, PCV20 had a lower total cost compared to PPV23. Therefore, PCV20 was the dominant vaccination strategy. The base case result was investigated in multiple sensitivity analyses, which showed that the results were robust to changes in input parameters and methodological assumptions, as PCV20 remained the dominant vaccination strategy in almost all scenarios.Conclusion Results showed that vaccinating the Norwegian adults with PCV20 was cost-effective compared to PPV23.
Research on remote-field eddy current focusing method for detecting hidden defects in aircraft riveted components
Authors: Wang Rongbiao , Bao Boxuan , Wang Wentao , Zhang Min , Liu Lina , Song Kai
Published: May 2023

Most of the aircraft skin is assembled by riveted structural parts, and the riveted holes are prone to cracks due to stress concentration, so it is urgent to carry out non-destructive testing research on aircraft riveted components. In this paper, a planar remote-field eddy current focusing detection probe was designed to study the hidden defects around the holes of aircraft riveted components, and a three-dimensional simulation model was established for the detection of hidden defects in aircraft riveted components. The structural parameters of the focused remote-field eddy current probe were optimized by combining simulation and experiment, and the planar remote-field eddy current focusing detection test was carried out. The simulation and results showed that: When the inclination angle of the excitation coil is 10° and the coil spacing is 0mm, the optimized focused remote-field eddy current probe can effectively detect the defect in length × width × depth of 10mm×0.2mm×1mm under the buried depth of 9mm. When the buried depth of the defect is 6mm-9mm, the focused remote-field eddy current probe has a better detection ability than the non-focused remote-field eddy current probe.
Experimental investigation on fracturing effects in hydraulic sand fracturing with acoustic emission and 3d laser scanning
Authors: Zhang Shuhui , Wang Chenghu , Zhu Guangpei , Gao Guiyun , Zhou Hao
Published: May 2023

Due to the extremely low permeability of shale reservoirs, large-scale reservoir fracturing is required. Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most important technologies in shale gas exploration and development. In this paper, the acoustic emission energy and the number of location and fracture surface morphology of specimens before and after fracture are studied through hydraulic sand fracturing test. The test results show that: (1) the energy ratio obtained during hydraulic fracturing without proppant is the smallest, and increasing the confining pressure, as well as reducing the displacement and viscosity of the fracturing fluid will cause the energy ratio to decrease. From the perspective of acoustic emission energy, the proppant play an important role in the generation of fractures during hydraulic sand fracturing; (2) when the confining pressure increases, the number of shale specimens before and after rupture is the largest, but the total number of locating events is smaller than the sanding ratio increased; there is no proppant hydraulic fracturing, the number of specimens before and after the rupture is the largest. And the total number reached the minimum, indicating that the proppant can play an important role in the hydraulic sand fracturing test; (3) the sand is relatively large, the specific surface and standard deviation both reach the maximum, indicating that the fracture surface roughness is the largest under the test condition, and the fracturing effect is the best, but the specific surface and standard deviation are the minimum when fracturing without proppant, so indicating that the fracture surface fracturing effect is the worst at this time.