bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Bayesian Super-Resolution to Spectroscopic Data for Precise Characterization of Spectral Peak Shape
Authors: Tsujimori Kota , Hirotani Jun , Harada Shunta
Published: October 2021

The number of data points of digitally recorded spectra have been limited by the number of multi-channel detectors employed, which sometimes inhibits the precise characterization of spectral peak shape. Here we describe a methodology to increase the number of data points as well as the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio by applying Bayesian super-resolution in the analysis of spectroscopic data. In our present method, first the hyperparameters for the Bayesian super-resolution are determined by a virtual experiment imitating actual experimental data, and the precision of the super-resolution reconstruction is confirmed by the calculation of errors from the ideal values. For validation of the super-resolution reconstruction of spectroscopic data, we applied this method to the analysis of Raman spectra. From 200 Raman spectra of a reference Si substrate with a data interval of about 0.8 cm-1, super-resolution reconstruction with a data interval of 0.01 cm-1 was successfully achieved with the promised precision. From the super-resolution spectrum, the Raman scattering peak of the reference Si substrate was estimated as 520.55 (+0.12, -0.09) cm-1, which is comparable to the precisely determined value reported in previous works. The present methodology can be applied to various kinds of spectroscopic analysis, leading to increased precision in the analysis of spectroscopic data and the ability to detect slight differences in spectral peak positions and shapes.
The confidante method to measure abortion: implementing a standardized comparative analysis approach across seven contexts.
Authors: Owolabi Onikepe Oluwadamilola , Giorgio Margaret , Leong Ellie , Sully Elizabeth
Published: October 2021

Background: Obtaining representative abortion incidence estimates is challenging in restrictive contexts. While the confidante method has been increasingly used to collect this data in such settings, there are several biases commonly associated with this method. Further, there are significant variations in how researchers have implemented the method and assessed/adjusted for potential biases, limiting the comparability and interpretation of existing estimates. This study presents a standardized approach to analyzing confidante method data, generates comparable abortion incidence estimates from previously published studies and recommends standards for reporting bias assessments and adjustments for future confidante method studies.Methods: We used data from previous applications of the confidante method in Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Java (Indonesia), Nigeria, Uganda, and Rajasthan (India). We estimated one-year induced abortion incidence rates for confidantes in each context, attempting to adjust for selection, reporting and transmission bias in a standardized manner.Findings: In each setting, majority of the foundational confidante method assumptions were violated. Adjusting for transmission bias using self-reported abortions consistently yielded the highest incidence estimates compared with other published approaches. Differences in analytic decisions and bias assessments resulted in the incidence estimates from our standardized analysis varying widely from originally published rates.Interpretation: We recommend that future studies clearly state which biases were assessed, if associated assumptions were violated, and how violations were adjusted for. This will improve the utility of confidante method estimates for national-level decision making and as inputs for global or regional model-based estimates of abortion.Funding: UK Aid from the UK Government
A Categorization of Power Measurement and Power Consumption Models in the Telco Cloud
Authors: Depasquale Etienne-Victor , Salam Humaira Abdul , Davoli Franco
Published: October 2021

This article surveys the literature, over the period 2010-2020, on measurement of power consumption and relevant power models of virtual entities as they apply to the telco cloud. Hardware power meters are incapable of measuring power consumption of individual virtual entities co-hosted on a physical machine. Thus, software power meters are inevitable, yet their development is difficult. Indeed, there is no direct approach to measurement and, therefore, modeling through proxies of power consumption must be used. In this survey, we present trends, fallacies and pitfalls. Notably, we identify limitations of the widely-used linear models and the progression towards Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning techniques as a means of dealing with the seven major dimensions of variability: workload type; computer virtualization agents; system architecture and resources; concurrent, co-hosted virtualized entities; approaches towards attribution of power consumption to virtual entities; frequency; and temperature.
Immunohistochemistry Study of Tumor Vascular Normalization and Anti-angiogenic Effects of Sunitinib Versus Bevacizumab Prior to Dose Dense Doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide Chemotherapy in HER2 Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Yadav Kritika , Lim Joline , Choo Joan , Ow Samuel Guan Wei , Wong Andrea , Lee Matilda , Chan Ching Wan , Hartman Mikael , Lim Siew Eng , Ngoi Natalie , Tang Siau Wei , Ang Yvonne , Chan Gloria , Chong Wan Qin , Tan Hon Lyn , Tan Sing Huang , Goh Boon Cher , Lee Soo-Chin
Published: October 2021

PurposeTumor angiogenesis controlled predominantly by vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor (VEGF-VEGFR) interaction plays a key role in the growth and propagation of cancer cells. However, the newly formed network of blood vessels is disorganized and leaky. Pre-treatment with anti-angiogenic agents can “normalize” the tumor vasculature allowing effective intra-tumoral delivery of standard chemotherapy.Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis was applied to investigate and compare the vascular normalization and anti-angiogenic effects of two commonly used anti-angiogenic agents, Sunitinib and Bevacizumab, administered prior to chemotherapy in HER2 negative breast cancer patients.MethodsThis prospective clinical trial enrolled 38 patients into a sunitinib cohort and 24 into a bevacizumab cohort. All received 4 cycles of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide chemotherapy and pre-treatment with either sunitinib or bevacizumab. Tumor biopsies were obtained at baseline, after cycle 1 (C1) and cycle 4 (C4) of chemotherapy. IHC was performed to assess the tumor vascular normalization index (VNI), lymphatic vessel density (LVD), Ki67 proliferation index and expression of tumor VEGFR2. ResultsIn comparison to Bevacizumab, Sunitinib led to a significant increase in VNI post C1 and C4 (p <0.001 and 0.001) along with decrease in LVD post C1 (p= 0.017). Both drugs when combined with chemotherapy resulted in significant decline in tumor proliferation after C1 and C4 (baseline vs post C4 Ki67 index p=0.006 for Sunitinib vs p=0.021 for Bevacizumab). Bevacizumab resulted in a significant decrease in VEGFR2 expression post C1 (p=0.004). ConclusionSunitinib, in comparison to Bevacizumab showed a greater effect on tumor vessel modulation and lymphangiogenesis suggesting that its administration prior to chemotherapy might result in improved drug delivery.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02790580 (first posted June 6, 2016).
Wave-shaped microfluidic chip assisted point-of-care testing for accurate and rapid diagnosis of infections
Authors: Yin Binfeng , Wan Xinhua , Yang Mingzhu , Qian Changcheng , Sohan A S M Muhtasim Fuad
Published: October 2021

Background: Simultaneous and timely detection of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) provides effective information for the accurate diagnosis of infections. Early diagnosis and classification of infections increase the cure rate while decreasing complications, which is significant for severe infections, especially for war surgery. However, traditional methods rely on laborious operations and bulky devices. On the other hand, point-of-care (POC) methods suffer from limited robustness and accuracy. Therefore, it is of urgent demand to develop POC devices for rapid and accurate diagnosis of infections to fulfill on-site militarized requirements.Methods: We developed a wave-shaped microfluidic chip (WMC) assisted multiplexed detection platform (WMC-MDP). WMC-MDP reduces detection time and improves repeatability through premixing of the samples and reaction of the reagents. We further combined the detection platform with the streptavidin-biotin (SA-B) amplified system to enhance the sensitivity while using chemiluminescence (CL) intensity as signal readout. We realized simultaneous detection of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 on the detection platform and evaluated the sensitivity, linear range, selectivity, and repeatability. Finally, we finished detecting 15 samples from volunteers and compared the results with commercial ELISA kits.Results: Detection of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 exhibited good linear relationships between CL intensities and concentrations in the range of 1.25-40 μg/mL, 0.4-12.8 ng/mL, and 50-1600 pg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 were 0.54 μg/mL, 0.11 ng/mL, and 16.25 pg/mL, respectively. WMC-MDP is capable of good adequate selectivity and repeatability. The whole detection procedure takes only 22 minutes that meets the requirements of a POC device. Results of 15 samples from volunteers were consistent with the results detected by commercial ELISA kits.Conclusion: WMC-MDP allows simultaneous, rapid, and sensitive detection of CRP, PCT, and IL-6 with satisfactory selectivity and repeatability, requiring minimal manipulation. However, WMC-MDP takes advantage of being a microfluidic device showing the coefficients of variation less than 10% enabling WMC-MDP to be a type of POCT. Therefore, WMC-MDP provides a promising alternative to point-of-care testing (POCT) of multiple biomarkers. We believe the practical application of WMC-MDP in militarized fields will revolutionize infection diagnosis for soldiers.
Differential V2-directed Antibody Responses in Non-human Primates Infected with SHIVs or Immunized with Diverse HIV Vaccines
Authors: Zolla-Pazner Susan , Weiss Svenja , Itri Vincenza , Pan Ruimin , Jiang Xunqing , Luo Christina , Morris Lynn , Malherbe Delphine , Barnette Philip , Alexander Jeff , Kong Xiang-Peng , Haigwood Nancy , Hessell Ann , Duerr Ralf
Published: October 2021

V2p and V2i antibodies (Abs) that are specific for epitopes in the V1V2 region of the HIV gp120 envelope (Env) do not effectively neutralize HIV but mediate Fc-dependent anti-viral activities that have been correlated with protection from, or control of HIV, SIV and SHIV infection. Here, we describe a novel molecular toolbox that allows the discrimination of antigenically and functionally distinct polyclonal V2 Ab responses. We identified different patterns of V2 Ab induction by SHIV infection and three separate vaccine regimens that will aid in fine tuning an optimized immunization protocol for inducing V2p and V2i Abs. We observed no, or weak and sporadic V2p and V2i Abs in non-vaccinated Tier 1 and Tier 2 SHIV-infected NHPs, but in contrast, strong V2p and/or V2i Ab responses after immunization with a V2-targeting vaccine protocol using a prime/boost regimen with gp120 DNA and a V1V2-scaffold protein. The V2-targeting vaccine protocol is superior to both natural infection and to immunization with whole Env constructs for inducing functional V2p- and V2i-specific responses. Strikingly, levels of V2-directed Abs correlated inversely with Abs specific for gp120 and peptides of V3 and C5. These data demonstrate that a V1V2-targeting vaccine have advantages over the imprecise targeting of SIV/SHIV infections and of whole Env-based immunization regimens for inducing a more focused functional V2p- and V2i-specific Ab response.
RNA-Seq Based Transcriptome Analysis of Ethanol Extract of Saffron Protective Effect Against Corticosterone-Induced PC12 Cell Injury
Authors: Chen Xi , Yang Ting , Zhang Cong' en , Ma Zhijie
Published: October 2021

Background
Saffron is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which is typically used in clinical to regulate anxiety, tension, and other depression-related conditions. The study aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of ethanol extract of saffron (EES) on corticosterone (CORT)-induced injury in PC12 cells and further explored its potential mechanism.
Methods
The authenticity of saffron and the active components of EES were identified by a water test and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry system. The screening of cytotoxicity for PC12 cells was incubated with EES in different concentrations for 24 h, and the protective efficacy of EES on CORT (500 µM) induced PC12 cell injury, cell viability was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The DEGs of EES-protected PC12 cells were analyzed using the RNA-seq method, and the results were analyzed for GO and KEGG enrichment. The results of RNA-seq were verified by qPCR analysis.
Results
The saffron was initially identified as authentic in the water test and 10 compounds were identified by UPLC-MS. The results of CCK-8 demonstrated that EES at concentrations above 640 µg/mL exerted a certain cytotoxic effect, and PC12 cells pretreated with EES (20, 40, and 80 µg/mL) significantly reversed the 500 µM CORT-induced cell death. RNA-seq analysis showed that EES regulated 246 differential genes, which were mainly enriched in the MAPK signaling pathway. Dusp5, Dusp6, Gadd45b, Gadd45G, and Pdgfc were further validated by qPCR. Experimental data showed that the results of qPCR were consistent with RNA-seq.
Conclusions
These findings provide an innovative understanding of the molecular mechanism of the protective effect of EES on PC12 cells at the molecular transcription level, and the above molecules may be potential novel targets for antidepressant treatment.
Effects of Intercropping Patterns on Cadmium Tolerance of Perilla Frutescens and Soybean
Authors: han bolun , Zhang Wan , Fan Rongrong , Jing Rui , Lin Ruiyu , He Haibin , Zheng Xinyu
Published: October 2021

In this study, we intercropped hyperaccumulator Perilla frutescens with soybean to explore the effects of intercropping under cadmium stress based on the physiological growth indexes of plant, cadmium absorption capacity, and soil cadmium forms Experiments showed that compared with mono-cropping, intercropping soybean’s biomass, catalase (CAT) activity, peroxidase (POD) activity, total chlorophyll and net photosynthetic rate were significantly increased by 1042%~10658%, 1578%~7381%, 1345%~2337%, 376%~1500% and 7121%~31278%, while P frutescens’s significantly decreased by 9387%~9507%, 1562%~2572%, 12056%~15331%, 715%~756% and 3056%~5076% Under 5 and 10 mg kg-1 Cd treatments, the Cd content in roots, stems, leaves, pods and grains of intercropping soybean decreased significantly by 1072%~3174%, 1488%~2168%, 1995%~3413%, 2222%~5270% and 791%~1786% along with enrichment coefficient decreasing by 1486%~2787%, while those of P frutescens significantly increased by 8700%~2141%, 948%~2155%, 2305%~3766% and 1818%~9412% along with enrichment coefficient significantly increasing by 2000%~7775% Additionally, citric acid, succinic acid, oxalic acid and tartaric acid worked importantly in heavy metal detoxification in plants Strikingly, the content of soil exchangeable Cd (EXC) under intercropping was the highest, even higher than that of mono-cropping soybean and P frutescens, which accounted for 37%~42% under the same stress condition Therefore, intercropping Perilla frutescens with soybean provide a potential strategy for Cd phytoremediation
Bovine Tuberculosis in Colombia; Findings from Histopathological, Microbiological and Molecular Tests
Authors: Cadavid Paula Palomino , Balvin Dubel Ignacio , Buitrago Jhon Ruiz , Julio Rafael Villarreal , Ramos Enderson Murillo , Gutierrez Jesus Berdugo , García Rene Ramírez
Published: October 2021

Tuberculosis is a zoonotic infectious disease, caused by bacteria of the tuberculosis complex. Mycobacterium bovis causes tuberculosis in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), and it can also infect other domestic animals, wild fauna, and humans. The diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) through intradermal injections is challenging, and to understand the behaviour of other diagnostic tests is crucial. The aim of this research is to analyse three diagnostic tests against bTB in water buffaloes with positive test DPP. Different diagnostic tests were tested in 50 buffaloes diagnosed with bTB Cervical Comparative Test, from the Colombian lower tropic. Lesions compatible with bTB in 26 buffaloes with a positive DPP ; Four out of 2 samples of Mycobacterium bovis in DPP-positive buffaloes were isolated and confirmed positively in tissues using PCR-HRM, three buffaloes showed granulomatous lesions in histological analyses with positive microbiological isolation; 17 DPP-positive buffaloes had a positive PCR-HRM test and nine of these buffaloes showed no histological findings compatible with bTB, leading to purely molecular diagnosis. Evidence in histological, microbiological, and molecular findings in DPP is positive for the water buffaloes. None of the complementary tests showed 100% concordance with the intradermal results obtained with the Cervical Comparative Test for bTB.
Regional Water Resources Security Grading Evaluation Considering Both Visible and Virtual Water: A Case Study on Hubei Province, China
Authors: Du Yubo , Tu Yan , Li Zongmin , Nie Ling
Published: October 2021

The security of water resources is of great importance to long-term sustainability. In order to better ensure the security of water resources, a significant link is to conduct water resources security evaluation, which should be considered from many perspectives as it involves natural reserves, social production, the efficiency of use, and environmental protection. In this paper, a fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Sort (AHPSort) II-entropy weight (EW) method for regional water resources security evaluation is proposed based on the security of visible water and virtual water. Firstly, this paper takes into account the criterion of efficiency of water use in addition to two other criteria of quantity of water resources, pressure on water resources to establish a comprehensive water resources security evaluation system. Secondly, a combination method of hesitant fuzzy language judgment and entropy weight is employed to obtain the weight of each indicator. Thirdly, AHPSort II is used to classify the security levels of the evaluated regions, in which the security levels of regional water resources are divided into five levels. Furthermore, a case study on the cities of Hubei Province, China is conducted to show the applicability of the proposed method, the effectiveness, and reliability of the method are then verified by being compared with a subjective method and an objective method as well as sensitivity analysis. Finally, according to the comprehensive evaluation results, specific management suggestions for improving the water resources security in the case are put forward.
Quantitative Values from Synthetic MRI Correlate with Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Kazama Toshiki , Takahara Taro , Kwee Thomas C. , Nakamura Noriko , Kumaki Nobue , Niikura Naoki , Niwa Tetsu , Hashimoto Jun
Published: October 2021

Purpose To correlate quantitative T1, T2, and proton density (PD) values from synthetic MRI with breast cancer subtypes. Methods Twenty-eight breast cancer patients underwent MRI of the breast including synthetic MRI. T1, T2, and PD values were correlated with Ki-67. T1, T2, and PD values were compared between estrogen receptor (ER) positive and ER negative cancers, and between Luminal A and Luminal B cancers. The effectiveness of T1, T2, and PD in differentiating the ER-negative from the ER-positive group and Luminal A from Luminal B cancers was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic analysis.Results Mean T2 relaxation of ER-negative cancers was significantly higher than that of ER-positive cancers (p < .05). The T1, T2, and PD values exhibited a strong positive correlation with Ki-67 (Pearson's r = 0.75, 0.69, and 0.60 respectively; p < .001). Among ER-positive cancers (n=23), T1, T2, and PD values of Luminal A cancers were significantly lower than those of Luminal B cancers (p < .05). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of T1, T2, and PD for discriminating ER-negative from ER-positive cancers were 0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54-0.88), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.69-0.97), and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.42-0.79), respectively. The AUCs of T1, T2, and PD values for discriminating Luminal A from Luminal B cancers were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.61-0.95), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.52-0.90), and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.53-0.91), respectively.Conclusion Quantitative values from synthetic MRI significantly correlate with subtypes of invasive breast cancers and may classify subtypes with reasonably good accuracy.
Curative Effect of Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion in the Treatment of Lumbar Tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Sun Weiqiang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Fengguang , Yang Yuping , lu Mingdong , Guo Shifang , He Zongru , Liu Jie
Published: October 2021

Objective: This research aimed to investigate the curative effect of oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) in the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis. Methods: A total of 32 patients, including 18 males and 14 females (29-58 years old, with the mean age of 47) who were admitted to our hospital from October 2016 to June 2020 and treated with oblique lateral interbody fusion combined with vertebral screw internal fixation, were retrospectively collected. The segmental distribution of lesions was L2- L316 cases, L3-L411 cases and L4-L55 cases. At first, preoperative antituberculous drug treatment was standardized for 2-4 weeks. Furthermore, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative complications, ESR, CRP, VAS, JOA and ASIA scores were recorded before and after surgery and at the last follow-up. In addition, antituberculous drug therapy was regulated continuously after surgery.Results: All patients were followed up for 12-17 months, with an average of 14 months. ① The average operation time was (132.5±21.4) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was (227.3±43.1) ml. ② Preoperative ESR was (74.56±15.43) mmol/h, and CRP was (43.21±19.37) mg/L. Seven days after surgery, ESR was (42.37±19.26) mmol/h, and CRP was (22.51±18.42) mg/L. In the last follow-up, ESR was (9.25±4.13) mmol/h, and CRP was (8.17±3.21) mg/L. They have statistically significant differences before surgery, seven days after the surgery and in the last follow-up (P<0.05). ③ The average VAS score before surgery was (7.21±1.40) points, the average JOA score was (18.24±4.13) points, the average VAS score seven days after surgery was (2.23±1.32) points, the average JOA score was (24.72±3.19) points, and the average VAS score in the last follow-up was (1.63±0.54) points. JOA score was (27.72±2.61). They have statistically significant differences before surgery, seven days after the surgery and in the last follow-up (P<0.05) ④Six patients had neurologic symptoms with ASIA grade D before surgery, 2 patients recovered to Grade E seven days after surgery, and the remaining 4 patients also recovered to grade E in the last follow-up. Besides, 26 patients were graded as Grade E before surgery, seven days after surgery and in the last follow-up. ⑤ After surgery, 1 patient suffered psoas major muscle damage, which was manifested as reduced hip flexion strength of the lower extremity, and returned to normal three weeks later. Apart from that, none of the patients had complications such as abdominal organ injury and poor wound healing. Conclusion: OLIF is a new minimally invasive method for treating lumbar tuberculosis, with short operation time, less blood loss, convenient operation, thorough removal of lesions, and good long-term follow-up effect. It is worthy of promotion and application.
Intelligent Fuzzy Focusing System For Dark Channel Image Based On Ratio Constraint
Authors: Lu Jianhua
Published: October 2021

The starting point of the establishment of the optimized dark channel algorithm is to stabilize the contrast of the two parts of the image (light and dark). The first step of this method is to divide the initial image into two suitable light and dark parts, and then to obtain the contrast data between the two parts, and the second step is to solve the dark area according to the above optimized operation principle. The third step is to exert its accurate management bright features to the extreme to ensure its contrast stability through the operation of double histogram equalization. Modify the unreasonable arrangement of brightness. Take the CCD or CMOS image sensor as an example, the reference will be shown in the above example according to the lens system, and then the intelligent chip of the non-manually operated focusing device will complete the next processing, transmitting the discrimination result to the front system through the motor, and finally focusing. The intelligent fuzzy focusing is composed of the upper and lower computers, the former is the module of collating, collecting materials and processing all the data, the latter is the management and control module of the evaluation results, and the communication part provides communication for the two. Finally, it can be seen that the optimized dark channel algorithm is obviously better than the de-fog algorithm in terms of the effect of information entropy, brightness and average gradient, which makes the detailed characteristics of being obscured by fog more obvious.
Supervised Machine Learning Predictive Analytics for Alumni Income
Authors: Gomez-Cravioto Daniela A. , Diaz-Ramos Ramon E. , Gress Neil Hernandez , Preciado Jose Luis , Ceballos Hector G.
Published: October 2021

Background: This paper explores different machine learning algorithms and approaches for predicting alum income to obtain insights on the strongest predictors for income and a ‘high’ earners’ class. Methods: The study examines the alum sample data obtained from a survey from Tecnologico de Monterrey, a multicampus Mexican private university, and analyses it within the cross-industry standard process for data mining. Survey results include 17,898 and 12,275 observations before and after cleaning and pre-processing, respectively. The dataset includes values for income and a large set of independent variables, including demographic and occupational attributes of the former students and academic attributes from the institution’s history. We conduct an in-depth analysis to determine whether the accuracy of traditional algorithms in econometric research to predict income can be improved with a data science approach. Furthermore, we present insights on patterns obtained using explainable artificial intelligence techniques. Results: Results show that the gradient boosting model outperformed the parametric models, linear and logistic regression, in predicting alum’s current income with statistically significant results (p < 0.05) in three tasks: ordinary least-squares regression, multi-class classification and binary classification. Moreover, the linear and logistic regression models were found to be the most accurate methods for predicting the alum’s first income. The non-parametric models showed no significant improvements. Conclusion: We identified that age, gender, working hours per week, first income after graduation and variables related to the alum’s job position and firm contributed to explaining their income. Findings indicated a gender wage gap, suggesting that further work is needed to enable equality.
Chlorogenic Acid Exerts Neuroprotective Effect Against Hypoxia-Ischemia Brain Injury in Neonatal Rats by activating Sirt1 to Regulate the Nrf2-NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zheng Yihui , Lin Zhenlang , Li Luyao , Chen Binwen , Fang Yu , Lin Wei , Zhang Tianlei , Feng Xiaoli , Tao Xiaoyue , Wu Yiqing , Fu Xiaoqin
Published: October 2021

Background: Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIE) is caused by perinatal asphyxia, which is associated with various confounding factors. Although studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of HIE have matured, sub-hypothermia is the only clinical treatment available for HIE. Previous evidence indicates that chlorogenic acid (CGA) exerts a potential neuroprotective effect on brain injury. However, the role of CGA on neonatal HI brain damage and the exact mechanism remains elusive. Here, we investigate the effects of CGA on HI models in vivo and in vitro and explore the underlying mechanism. Methods: In the in vivo experiment, we ligated the left common carotid artery of 7-day-old rats and placed the rats in a hypoxic box for 2 hours. We did not ligate the common carotid artery of the pups in the sham group since they did not have hypoxia. Brain atrophy and infarct size were evaluated by Nissl staining, HE staining and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride monohydrate (TTC) staining. Morris Water Maze test (MWM) was used to evaluate neurobehavioral disorders. Western-blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the cell signaling pathway. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content test, catalase (CAT) activity detection and Elisa Assay was used to detect levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. In vitro experiments were performed on isolated primary neurons.Result: In our study, pretreatment with CGA significantly decreased the infarct volume of neonatal rats after HI, alleviated brain edema, and improved tissue structure in vivo. Moreover, we used the Morris water maze to verify CGA’s effects on enhancing the learning and cognitive ability and helping to maintain the long-term spatial memory after HI injury. However, Sirt1 inhibitor EX-527 partially reversed these therapeutic effects. CGA pretreatment inhibited neuronal apoptosis induced by HI by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. The findings suggest that CGA potentially activates Sirt1 to regulate the Nrf2-NF-κB signaling pathway by forming complexes thereby protecting primary neurons from oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) damage. Also, CGA treatment significantly suppresses HI-induced proliferation of glial.Conclusion: Collectively, this study uncovered the underlying mechanism of CGA on neonatal HI brain damage. CGA holds promise as an effective neuroprotective agent to promote neonatal brain recovery from HI-induced injury.
Difficult Diagnosis of Minimal-deviation Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Cervix: a Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Authors: Zhao Qing , Yu Zhicheng , Cai Jing , Huang Bangxing , Wang Zehua , Li Guiling , Zhang Yuan
Published: October 2021

Background: Minimal-deviation adenocarcinoma (MDA) is a rare form of cervical adenocarcinoma. The clinical manifestations of MDA were not typical. Cervical cancer screening is not always effective at screening for MDA. Early clinical manifestations of MDA were lack of specificity and frequently regarded as cervicitis, the effect of treatment was usually poor. The cytological characteristics of MDA were similar to the normal cervical endometrial glands. It was difficult to distinguish between MDA and benign endometrial lesions. Therefore, early diagnosis difficulties often lead to delayed diagnosis.Case presentation: A rare case of MDA of the uterine cervix undergoing a hard process to make a confirmed diagnosis is reported. This case, with an initial complaint of cervical contact bleeding, pelvic pain, and vaginal itching, was negative for Thinprep cytologic test (TCT), the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping test by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2), and cervical biopsies. Finally, the MDA was diagnosed with the assistance of the Bard-Magnum Biopsy Instrument under computed tomographic (CT) guidance and staged as an IIIB tumor according to the 2009 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system. The patient received concurrent chemoradiation as primary treatment and unfortunately died a few months later.Conclusion: Thus, MDA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a cervical space-occupying lesion with negative HPV, cervical cytology, and biopsy. With the assistance of the Bard-Magnum Biopsy Instrument, CT-guided biopsy of deep cervical tissues could improve the early diagnosis rate of MDA, which was helpful for clinicians in early diagnosis.
Grafting Cellulose Nanocrystals With Phosphazene-containing Compound for Simultaneously Enhancing the Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid
Authors: Chen Yajun , He Jingxiu , Sun Zhe , Xu Bo , Li Juan , Qian Lijun
Published: October 2021

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been used as bio-based carbon source in intumescent system. However, CNCs have the disadvantages of low onset decomposition temperature and decompose and carbonize during processing. We, herein, demonstrated the design of phosphazene-containing CNCs (P/N-CNCs) with great thermal stability and outstanding charring ability. The TGA results showed that the initial decomposition temperature of P/N-CNCs was increased from 202.4 ℃ to 272.2 ℃ (increased by 34.5%), and the residual char at 700 ℃ was increased from 24.9 wt% to 55.8 wt% compared with CNCs. Then, flame retardant PLA composites were prepared by blending PLA, P/N-CNCs with ammonium polyphosphate (APP), melamine (MPP), aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) and piperazine pyrophosphate (PPAP), respectively. The thermal stability, flame retardant properties and mechanical properties of PLA composites were investigated. The results showed that the flame retardant system constructed by 7 wt% APP and 3 wt% P/N-CNCs had the best effect in PLA. PLA/7APP/3P/N-CNCs had the highest limit oxygen index value (28.1%), the lowest peak heat release rate (266 kW/m2) and reached UL 94 V-0 rating. Moreover, the tensile strength, impact strength and elongation at break of PLA/7APP/3P/N-CNCs were increased by 7.3%, 18.6% and 29.4%, respectively, compared with these properties of PLA/7APP/ 3CNCs. This work provides a new idea for the design of CNCs with great thermal stability and outstanding charring ability, and offers a new method for the preparation of high-performance flame-retardant PLA composites.
Production of Cell Enclosing Silk Derivative Microsphere in Uniform Size Distribution Through Coaxial Microfluidic Device and Horseradish Crosslinking Reaction
Authors: Badali Elham , Hosseini Mahshid , Mahmoodi Narges , Hassanzadeh Sajad , Nooshabadi Vajihe Taghdiri , Goodarzi Arash , Jalessi Maryam , Arabpour Zohreh , Khanmohammadi Mehdi
Published: October 2021

BackgroundSilk fibroin (SF) as a natural polymer holds great potential in biomedical research because of its biocompatibility, easy processing, high toughness, and strength. However, slow gelation time has narrowed its applications, specifically in cell-laden microparticles that are versatile structures for tissue engineering due to their unique features. In addition, most crosslinking methods used to decrease gelation time did not occur in a mid-condition. Methods This study aimed to use modified SF with phenol conjugation to accelerate crosslinking mediated via horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/ hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in a co-flow high-throughput microfluidic device for the ultimate goal of cell-laden silk fibroin-phenol (SF-Ph) microparticles formation. The physical and biochemical properties of fabricated cell-laden SF-Ph were evaluated to reveal its potential for tissue engineering.ResultsThe monodisperse microparticles in shape and size were formed in various diameters changing from 300 to 80 µm by altering oil phase velocity from SF-Ph substrate. More than 90% cell viability and three times cells upregulation of mitochondrial activity of enclosed-cells in microparticles with 150 ± 32 µm diameters revealed that these structures were suitable subcultures produced through a mild process based on morphological and MTT assays. It was noticed that cells approximately cover the microparticles until the 15th day. ConclusionSpherical micro-tissue formation in microparticles, resulting from cell growth promoted by cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, adds significant weight to this method's applications.
Clinical Analysis of 2860 Cases of Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Jia , Wang Zhenyu , Wu Weizhen , Chen Haixia , Zhong Caijuan , Liang Lixuan , Li Yingtao
Published: October 2021

Background
To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetes in pregnancy (DIP).
Methods
This single-center, retrospective study included 16,974 pregnant women hospitalized during 2018–2019. Among them, 2860 DIP patients were grouped according to diabetes type, glycemic status, and insulin use. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted.
Results
DIP incidence (17.10%; pregestational diabetes mellitus [PGDM], 13.16%; gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM], 86.84%) increased annually. Premature birth, birth defects, large for gestational age (LGA), neonatal asphyxia, neonatal intensive care unit transfer, hypertension, and puerperal infection were more common in DIP than in healthy pregnancies. The most common comorbidities/complications were hypertension, thyroid dysfunction, cervical insufficiency, intrahepatic cholestasis, premature membrane rupture, oligo/polyhydramnios, and fetal distress. GDM incidence at ages ≥35 and ≥45 years was 1.91 and 3.26 times that at age <35 years, respectively. If only women with high-risk factors were screened, 34.8% GDM cases would be missed. The proportion of insulin use was 14.06% (PGDM, 55%; GDM, 8.53%). Mean gestational age at peak insulin dose in DIP was 32.87 ± 5.46 weeks. Peak insulin doses in PGDM and GDM were 3.67 and 2 times the initial doses, respectively. The risks of LGA, premature birth, cesarean section, and neonatal hypoglycemia in PGDM were 1.845, 1.533, 1.797, and 1.368 times of those in GDM, respectively. The risks of premature birth and neonatal hypoglycemia in women with poor glycemic control were 1.504 and 1.558 times of those in women with good control, respectively.
Conclusions
The incidence of adverse outcomes in DIP is high.
Zircon U-Pb Geochronology of a Manganese-rich Supracrustal Succession in Northeast Brazil: Adding a New Piece to the Paleoproterozoic Manganese Mineralization Puzzle
Authors: Santos Felipe Holanda , Amaral Wagner , Martins Douglas
Published: October 2021

A vast accumulation of manganese occurred in the Paleoproterozoic and it is closely related to the Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event. Although the largest Mn deposits are located in the African continent, relevant deposits that potentially correlate with the African ones are found in South America, specifically in the Brazilian territory. The Borborema Province in Northeast Brazil hosts several Mn-rich meta-sedimentary sequences, containing up to 40 wt.% MnO. These sequences are composed of oxidized and manganese silicate lenses that alternate with spessartite-quartzite layers. This succession is hosted by graphite-bearing pelitic gneisses, is metamorphosed to the amphibolite facies, and is intruded by granitic bodies. Although some preliminary studies report Palaeoproterozoic ages for these meta-sedimentary sequences, the age at which the Mn-rich sequences were deposited has not yet been determined. We investigate in this study the Lagoa do Riacho Manganese Deposit, a representative member of the Northern Borborema Province Mn-rich sequences. Not only was the age of the Mn-rich protolith deposition determined by LA-SF-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb geochronology, but also the timing of the metamorphic reworking of the Mn-rich succession was inferred. The youngest detrital zircon population from a meter-sized bed of spessartite-quartzite interlayered with an oxidized manganese ore from drillhole Ocr-1 yielded a maximum depositional age close to 2130 Ma. Similarly, a gneiss hosting the manganese mineralization at the base of drillhole Ocr-1 also yielded a maximum depositional age in the Rhyacian, close to 2156 Ma. We infer from the U-Pb dating of metamorphic overgrowths on zircon from the Mn-bearing sequences and host rocks and the U-Pb crystallization age of an intrusive leucocratic granite that the minimum age of the Mn-rich succession to be 2023-2106 Ma. The metamorphic reworking of the Mn-rich succession is time-equivalent to the Transamazonian/Eburnean orogeny. Thus, these constraints point to a Rhyacian age (ca. 2100-2200 Ma) for the deposition of the Mn-rich protolith, chrono-correlated with other world-class manganese deposits, such as those from the Franceville Basin in Gabon.
Complete Genome Analysis of a Novel Shewanella Phage vB_Sb_QDWS
Authors: Tan Lin , Xuan Guanhua , Lin Hong , Wang Jingxue
Published: October 2021

We present here the results of the analysis of the complete genome sequence of a lytic bacteriophage, vB_Sb_QDWS, which is isolated from wastewater samples collected in Qingdao, China. The genome of phage vB_Sb_QDWS is composed of circular double-stranded DNA that is 47,902 bp in length with a G + C content of 63.16%. It has been predicted to contain 69 putative protein-coding genes. Phage morphology and bioinformatic analysis indicated that vB_Sb_QDWS is a novel phage of the family Siphoviridae.
Feasibility of The Olympic Marathon Under Climatic And Socioeconomic Change
Authors: Oyama Takahiro , Takakura Jun'ya , Fujii Minoru , Nakajima Kenichi , Hijioka Yasuaki
Published: October 2021

There are concerns about the impact of climate change on Olympic Games, especially endurance events, such as marathons. In recent competitions, many marathon runners dropped out of their races due to extreme heat, and it is expected that more areas will be unable to host the Olympic Games due to climate change. Here, we show the feasibility of the Olympic marathon considering the variations in climate factors, socioeconomic conditions, and adaptation measures. The number of current possible host cities will decline by up to 24% worldwide by the late 21st century. Dozens of emerging cities, especially in Asia, will not be capable of hosting the marathon under the highest emission scenario. Moving the marathon from August to October and holding the games in multiple cities in the country are effective measures, and they should be considered if we are to maintain the regional diversity of the games.
Moving computational multi-domain method for modelling the flow interaction of multiple moving objects
Authors: Nishimura Momoha , Yamakawa Masashi , Asao Shinichi , Takeuchi Seiichi , Ghomizad Mehdi Badri
Published: October 2021

This study proposes a method where the flow field variables are communicated between multiple separate moving computational domains and simulates the flow interaction of multiple moving objects. Instead of using the conventional approach with a single fixed computational domain covering the whole flow field, this method advances the moving computational domain (MCD) method in which the computational domain itself moves in line with the motions of an object inside. The computational domains created around each object move independently, and the flow fields of each domain interact where the flows cross. This eliminates the spatial restriction for simulating multiple moving objects. After the results of the shock tube test verify that the interpolation has been achieved between grids, a validation test is conducted in which two spheres are crossed, and the forces exerted on one object due to the other’s crossing at a short distance are calculated. The results verify the reliability of this method and show that it is applicable to the flow interaction of multiple moving objects.
Systematic Evaluating and Modeling of SARS-CoV-2 UVC Disinfection
Authors: Freeman Sebastian , Kibrler Karen , Lipsky Zachary , Jin Sha , German Guy , Ye Kaiming
Published: October 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic has necessitated evaluating various disinfection technologies for reducing viral transmission in public settings. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can inactivate pathogens and viruses but more insight is needed into the performance of different UV wavelengths and their applications. We observed greater than a 3-log reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity with a dose of 12.5 mJ/cm2 of 254 nm UV light when the viruses were suspended in PBS, while a dose of 25 mJ/cm2 was necessary to achieve a similar reduction when they were in an EMEM culture medium containing 2%(v/v) FBS, highlighting the critical effect of media in which the virus is suspended, given that SARS-CoV-2 is always aerosolized when airborne or deposited on a surface. It was found that SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility (a measure of the effectiveness of the UV light) in a buffer such as PBS was 4.4-fold greater than that in a cell culture medium. Furthermore, we discovered the attenuation of UVC disinfection by amino acids, vitamins, and niacinamide, highlighting the importance of determining UVC dosages under a condition close to aerosols that wrap the viruses. We developed a disinfection model to determine the effect of the environment on UVC effectiveness with three different wavelengths, 222 nm, 254 nm, and 265 nm. An inverse correlation between the liquid absorbance and the viral susceptibility was observed. We found that 222 nm light was most effective at reducing viral infectivity in low absorbing liquids such as PBS, whereas 265 nm light was most effective in high absorbing liquids such as cell culture medium. Viral susceptibility was further decreased in N95 masks with 222 nm light being the most effective. The safety of 222 nm was also studied. We detected changes to the mechanical properties of the stratum corneum of human skins when the 222 nm accumulative exposure exceeded 50 J/cm2.The findings highlight the need to evaluate each UV for a given application, as well as limiting the dose to the lowest dose necessary to avoid unnecessary exposure to the public.
Null effects of news exposure: A causal test of the (un)desirable effects of a ‘news vacation’ and ‘news binging’
Authors: Wojcieszak Magdalena , de Leeuw Sjifra , Casas Andreu , Yu Xudong , Menchen-Trevino Ericka , von Hohenberg Bernhard Clemm , Boon Miriam
Published: October 2021

This preregistered project examines the general belief that news has a beneficial impact on society. We test news exposure effects on desirable outcomes, i.e., political knowledge and participation, and detrimental outcomes, i.e., attitude and affective polarization, negative system perceptions, and worsened individual well-being. We rely on two complementary over-time experiments that combine participants' survey self-reports and their behavioral browsing data: one that incentivized participants taking a ‘news vacation’ for a week (N = 797; 30M visits) in the US, the other of 'news binging' for two weeks (N = 828; 17M visits) in Poland. Across both experiments, we demonstrate that reducing or increasing news exposure has little -- if any -- impact on the positive or negative outcomes tested. These robust null effects emerge irrespective of participants' prior levels of news consumption and whether prior news diet was like-minded, and regardless of compliance levels. We argue that these findings reflect the reality of limited news exposure in the real world, with news exposure comprising roughly 3.5\% of citizens' online information diet.