bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enseñanza histológica e histopatológica a través de microscopía virtual, una oportunidad en odontología.
Authors: Parra Elizabeth , Cáceres Felipe , Salazar-Roa Ana María , Godinez-Pacheco Bastian
Published: June 2022

La microscopía virtual (MV) está siendo ampliamente implementada en educación y podría llevar a reemplazar a la microscopía óptica (MO). Objetivo: Proporcionar una revisión de la literatura a partir de las preguntas ¿Cuál es la percepción de académicos y estudiantes? y ¿Cuál es el desempeño de los estudiantes? respecto a la enseñanza de histología y/o histopatología con MV en odontología. Material y métodos: Se consultaron las bases de datos: Pubmed, Scielo, Science Direct y Scopus, y 10 artículos fueron seleccionados. Resultados: La totalidad de estudios que evaluaron percepción y desempeño académico obtuvieron resultados a favor de la MV. Conclusiones: La MV tiene un futuro prometedor, pero más estudios con metodologías similares y que consideren la percepción de los académicos son requeridos.
Physical-Topological Modeling of Electronic Devices with Induction Heating of Particle Emitters
Authors: Shynkarenko Nataliia Viktorivna , Maikut Serhii Oleksiiovych , Tsybulskyi Leonid Yuriiovych , Kuzmichiev Anatolii Ivanovych
Published: June 2022

The general principles of physical and topological modeling and construction of algorithms for calculations of a wide range of electronic devices with induction heating of functional elements up to temperatures at which thermoelectronic emission and/or evaporation of the working substance in the atomized state are considered. The direction of physical-topological modeling was chosen due to the possibility of detailed analysis, based on the primary principles for related physical processes in devices, taking into account the impact of physical properties of functional elements and their design and topological (i.e. geometric) parameters. Thus, the results are obtained by solving a system of fundamental equations, which usually include Newton's and Maxwell's equations, the conservation laws of particles, charge, energy and momentum, as well as material properties, boundary and initial conditions. The set of equations is determined by the number of processes that significantly affect the operation of devices. The construction of the device model is based on the consistent hierarchy of elementary physical processes with the sequential transfer of the results of calculations for lower-level models to higher-level models in the form of initial conditions. The original mathematical models of elementary processes are represented by systems of integral-differential equations with partial derivatives in continuous space and continuous time and belong to the class of distributed mathematical models. Methods for solving the system of equations are considered. On the example of a vacuum metal evaporator with induction heating for thermovacuum coating deposition, the procedure of decomposition of the general physical process in the evaporator with a concentrator as a step-down transformer is given and the hierarchy of elementary processes is clarified. Typical initial and boundary conditions for calculating related physical processes are determined. The available application computer soft packages for the calculation of physical and topological models of various induction devices are considered. In the final part of the article it is considered the structure and structure of physical-topological models of devices with induction heating of particle emitters: i) the thermoionic metal evaporator with ionization of vapor by electrons emitted by a thermocathode from an alloy with low electron output, the cathode is made in the form of an insert on the upper end of the crucible, and ii) the X-ray tube with an inductively heated thermoelectron cathode. Calculation results of the electromagnetic field and current distribution, heat exchange in vapor and electron emitters and their emission fluxes, as well as the trajectories of emitted electrons are presented. Analysis of electron trajectories allowed to optimize the topology and design of these devices.
Une méthode simple et efficace pour le dosage enzymatique de l'acide fumarique dans les vins
Authors: Fernández-Vázquez Daniel , Rozès Nicolas , Canals Joan M. , Bordons Albert , Reguant Cristina , Zamora Fernando
Published: June 2022

L'utilisation de l'acide fumarique (E297) à une dose maximale de 0,6 g/L pour inhiber la fermentation malolactique des vins a été récemment approuvée par l'Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin (OIV) et par l'Union Européenne (UE). Cet article décrit une méthode enzymatique récemment publiée pour doser simultanément les acides L-malique et fumarique (Fernández-Vázquez et al., 2021). Cette méthode, très simple et efficace, utilise le mode opératoire du dosage de l’acide L-malique à partir d’un kit enzymatique commercial ajoutant une étape supplémentaire dans laquelle l'enzyme fumarase est rajoutée pour transformer l'acide fumarique en acide L-malique.
Impact of contrasting soils in a high-altitude vineyard of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Malbec: root morphology and distribution, vegetative and reproductive expressions, and berry skin phenolics
Authors: Mezzatesta Daniela S. , Berli Federico J. , Arancibia Celeste , Buscema Fernando G. , Piccoli Patricia N.
Published: June 2022

The high-altitude viticulture of Mendoza is being increasingly recognised among the top wine regions worldwide. High levels of solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation, alluvial heterogeneous soils and cool night temperatures are major influences on Vitis vinifera L. phenotypic characteristics, especially on Malbec, Argentina’s emblematic grapevine variety. In the present work, the effect of intra-vineyard contrasting soil depth on Malbec was evaluated in a high-altitude vineyard (1450 m a.s.l.), over two growing seasons for physiological traits and over three vintages for yield components and berry skin phenolic compounds. The experiment was carried out in two parcels of shallow (SS) and deep (DS) soils, with different physico-chemical characteristics, and submitted to equal irrigation and crop management. Results showed that root depth was not limited by any soil physical constraints and fine roots (< 1 mm) were patchily distributed in sites with higher contents of silt, clay and organic matter in SS. Higher root quantity in SS was related to lower vegetative and reproductive expressions, shorter ripening period and reduced berry size and fruit yield when compared to DS. When SS plants experienced mild water stress (ΨS, stem water potential, between -6 and -9 bar) increments of anthocyanins, total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in berry skins were observed. However, when SS plants reached ΨS  ≤ -10 bar, physiological harm occurred. The results presented contribute to understanding the effects of soil type on Malbec vines during different seasonal environmental conditions, especially in stressful situations, such as those expected by climate change scenarios.
Effects of using cationic exchange for reducing pH on the composition and quality of sparkling wine (Cava)
Authors: Just-Borràs Arnau , Pons-Mercadé Pere , Gombau Jordi , Giménez Pol , Vilomara Glòria , Conde Marta , Cantos Antoni , Canals Joan Miquel , Zamora Fernando
Published: June 2022

Climate change is affecting vine and grape physiology and consequently wine composition, causing a decrease in titratable acidity and an increase in ethanol content and pH. These effects are especially problematic in sparkling wines that need higher acidity to maintain an adequate freshness. Therefore, the wine industry is currently using certain procedures for reducing wine pH, among which cation exchange stands out as it is probably the most widely used. To study the influence of cation exchange treatment on the composition and quality of sparkling wines, a grape juice of Macabeo (pH 3.21 and titratable acidity 5.70 g of tartaric acid/L) after settling was treated to obtain a very acidic grape juice (pH 1.9 and titratable acidity 8.70 g of tartaric acid/L). The original grape juice was then blended in different proportions (0-45 %) with a treated grape juice. These different grape juices were used for obtaining their corresponding base wines which in turn were used for elaborating their corresponding sparkling wines using the traditional method. The cation exchange treatment reduced the pH from 3.15 (Control) to 2.87 (45 % of treatment) and increased the titratable acidity from 4.61 (Control) to 7.69 (45 % of treatment). No significant effects were observed on the concentration of any of the protein or polysaccharide fractions and the foaming properties of the base wine or young sparkling wines were not affected; however, cation exchange caused a decrease in foamability and persistence of the foam in older sparkling wines, especially when the proportion of treated grape juice was higher. A trained panel only found clear sensory differences in the acidity of the sparkling wines without the rest of the attributes being affected by the treatment.
BAP1 Loss Promotes Suppressive Tumor Immune Microenvironment via Up-Regulation of PROS1 in Class 2 Uveal Melanomas
Authors: Kaler Christopher J. , Dollar James J. , Cruz Anthony M. , Kuznetsoff Jeffim N. , Sanchez Margaret I. , Decatur Christina L. , Licht Jonathan D. , Smalley Keiran S.M. , Correa Zelia M. , Kurtenbach Stefan , Harbour J. William
Published: June 2022

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary cancer of the eye and is associated with a high rate of metastatic death. UM can be stratified into two main classes based on metastatic risk, with class 1 UM having a low metastatic risk and class 2 UM having a high metastatic risk. Class 2 UM have a distinctive genomic, transcriptomic, histopathologic, and clinical phenotype characterized by biallelic inactivation of the BAP1 tumor suppressor gene, an immune suppressive microenvironment enriched for M2-polarized macrophages, and poor response to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. To identify potential mechanistic links between BAP1 loss and immune suppression in class 2 UM, we performed an integrated analysis of UM samples, as well as genetically engineered UM cell lines and uveal melanocytes (UMC). Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we found that the most highly up-regulated gene associated with BAP1 loss across these datasets was PROS1, which encodes a ligand that triggers phosphorylation and activation of the immunosuppressive macrophage receptor MERTK. The inverse association between BAP1 and PROS1 in class 2 UM was confirmed by single-cell RNA-seq, which also revealed that MERTK was up-regulated in CD163+ macrophages in class 2 UM. Using ChIP-seq, BAP1 knockdown in UM cells resulted in an accumulation of H3K27ac at the PROS1 locus, suggesting epigenetic regulation of PROS1 by BAP1. Phosphorylation of MERTK in RAW 264.7 monocyte-macrophage cells was increased upon co-culture with BAP1-/- UMCs, and this phosphorylation was blocked by depletion of PROS1 in the UMCs. These findings were corroborated by multi-color immunohistochemistry, where class 2/BAP1-mutant UMs demonstrated increased PROS1 expression in tumor cells and increased MERTK phosphorylation in CD163+ macrophages compared to class 1/BAP1-wildtype UMs. Taken together, these findings provide a mechanistic link between BAP1 loss and suppression of the tumor immune microenvironment in class 2 UMs, and they implicate the PROS1-MERTK pathway as a potential target for immunotherapy in UM.
A Single Postoperative Application of Defocused Low-Energy ESWT Does Not Significantly Enhance Regeneration of the Rat Median Nerve Following Reconstruction with Autologous Nerve Grafts or Muscle-In-Vein Conduits
Authors: Heinzel Johannes Christoph , Oberhauser Viola , Keibl Claudia , Schädl Barbara , Swiadek Nicole Victoria , Längle Gregor , Frick Helen , Slezak Cyrill , Prahm Cosima , Grillari Johannes , Kolbenschlag Jonas , Hercher David
Published: June 2022

Investigations reporting positive effects of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) on nerve regeneration are limited to the rat sciatic nerve model. The effects of ESWT on muscle-in-vein conduits (MVCs) have also not been investigated yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ESWT after repair of the rat median nerve with either autografts (ANGs) or MVCs. In male Lewis rats, a 7-mm segment of the right median nerve was reconstructed either with an ANG or MVC. For each reconstructive technique, one group of animals received one application of ESWT while the other rats served as controls. Animals were observed for 12 weeks and nerve regeneration was assessed via computerized gait analysis, the grasping test, electrophysiological evaluations and histological quantification of axons, blood vessels and lymphatic vasculature. Here we provide for the first time a comprehensive analysis of ESWT effects on nerve regeneration in a rat model of median nerve injury. Furthermore, this study is among the first reporting the quantification of lymphatic vessels following peripheral nerve injury and reconstruction in vivo. While we found no significant direct positive effects of ESWT on peripheral nerve regeneration, results following nerve repair with MVCs were significantly inferior to those after ANG repair.
MEMS Vibrometer for Structural Health Monitoring Using Guided Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Haus Jan Niklas , Lang Walter , Roloff Thomas , Rittmeier Liv , Bornemann Sarah , Sinapius Michael , Dietzel Andreas
Published: June 2022

Structural health monitoring of lightweight constructions made of composite materials can be performed using guided ultrasonic waves. If modern fiber metal laminates are used, this requires integrated sensors that can record the inner displacement oscillations caused by the propagating guided ultrasonic waves. Therefore, we have developed a robust MEMS vibrometer that can be integrated with structural and functional compliance. This vibrometer is directly sensitive to the high-frequency displacements from structure-borne ultrasound when excited between its first and second natural frequency. The vibrometer is mostly realized by processes earlier developed for a pressure sensor but with additional femtosecond laser ablation and wafer bonding. The piezoresistive transducer made from silicon is encapsulated between top and bottom glass lids. The natural frequencies are experimentally determined using an optical micro vibrometer setup. The vibrometer functionality and usability for structural health monitoring are demonstrated on a customized test rig by recording application-relevant guided ultrasonic wave packages with a central frequency of 100 kHz at a distance of 200 mm from the exciting ultrasound transducer.
Potenciales impactos ambientales negativos generados en el análisis del ciclo de vida del biocombustible 2,5 dimetilfurano, obtenido a partir de residuos de cabuya (Agave americana L.)
Authors:   , Marquez Roca Lizbet Rosa
Published: June 2022

La investigación tuvo como objetivo la determinación y análisis de los impactos ambientales generados en el ciclo de vida del biocombustible 2,5 Dimetilfurano (DMF), obtenido a partir de hojas de Cabuya (Agave americana L.). La metodología aplicada se basó en la NTP ISO 14040:2017 y la NTP ISO 14044:2019, la Unidad Funcional estudiada fue 1 L de biocombustible. Además, se evaluaron tres Escenarios Propuestos (EP) empleando el software de cálculo SimaPRO y los métodos de análisis fueron: IPCC-2013 Cambio Climático, Recipe-2016 y Demanda de Energía Acumulada. Los resultados fueron: emisiones al aire 243 605.48 kg CO2-eq, impactos en el agua 0.006 kg P-eq, 0.106 kg SO2-eq, 194.48 kg 1,4 DCB, 4.55 m3 de agua y consumo de energía fósil 665.01 MJ. En el EP N° 1 las emisiones se redujeron hasta 149.64 kg CO2-eq. En el EP N° 2 los valores se incrementaron a 0.026 kg P-eq, 0.287 kg SO2-eq, 231.19 kg 1,4 DCB y 6.56 m3 de agua y en el EP N° 3 se redujo el consumo de energía fósil a 87.18 MJ. Durante el ciclo de vida del biocombustible 2,5 DMF se producen impactos ambientales negativos que afectan tanto al aire, agua y energía. La identificación de los procesos críticos permitió plantear escenarios, a fin de evaluar la variabilidad de los impactos, contribuyendo así al desarrollo de procesos productivos ambientalmente sostenibles con enfoque de economía circular en materia de biocombustibles de segunda generación.
Depresión en América Latina: análisis bibliométrico
Authors:   , Cisneros Toribio Brenda Alessandra , Ito Gamarra Kelly Elizabeth Naomi
Published: June 2022

Objetivo: Describir la producción científica sobre depresión en América Latina. Métodos: Análisis bibliométrico en la base de datos Scopus. Se incluyeron los documentos publicados entre el 2000 y 2019. Se utilizó Microsoft Excel 365 para el análisis descriptivo. Los gráficos de conglomerados y redes de colaboración fueron realizados en VosViewer. Resultados: Se obtuvo un total de 4642 documentos, de los cuales 4141 fueron artículos (88.21%) y 501 revisiones (10.79%). Brasil es el país con la mayor producción científica en la región con 2899 documentos. La institución con la mayor cantidad de publicaciones fue la Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul con 288 documentos. Las líneas de investigación identificadas fueron la investigación por grupo etario, aspecto clínico y los bases biológicos de la depresión. Conclusiones: Brasil es el país con la mayor producción científica de depresión en Latinoamérica, apoyado por sus instituciones y fuentes de financiamiento. Es necesario fomentar la investigación y financiamiento en los demás países de la región.
Electron microscopic double staining method with hematoxylin followed by lead citrate
Authors: Sasaki Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Emi , Saito Hideki , Matsui Takeshi
Published: June 2022

In this study, a new staining method for electron microscopic specimens is used. The method is based on the double staining of hematoxylin, which is widely used as a staining agent for light microscopy, with lead solution, and is expected to replace the conventional double staining method of uranyl acetate and lead solution in terms of safety, cost, and ease of handling.
Using MetaboAnalyst 5.0 Part IV: Analyzing metabolomics data with complex metadata
Authors: Pang Zhiqiang , Zhou Guangyan , Ewald Jessica , Chang Le , Hacariz Orcun , Basu Niladri , Xia Jianguo
Published: June 2022

Liquid-chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) has become a workhorse in global metabolomics studies with growing applications across biomedical and environmental sciences. However, outstanding bioinformatics challenges in terms of data processing, statistical analysis and functional interpretation remain critical barriers to the wider adoption of this technology. To help the user community overcome these barriers, we have made major updates to the well-established MetaboAnalyst platform (www.metaboanalyst.ca). This protocol is part four of four and provides stepwise instructions on how to use MetaboAnalyst to conduct exploratory statistical analysis with complex metadata.
Acid digestion of nonwoven textiles for measuring their trace element content by ICP techniques
Authors: Mercier Gabriel M. , Cheyns Karlien , Nkanda Régis , Machiels Ronny , Dewinne Ann , Waegeneers Nadia , Mast Jan , Grijalva Daniela Montalvo
Published: June 2022

We present herein a digestion method based on high-temperature (260 °C) microwave heating and strong acidic media in order to perform a complete digestion of nonwoven textiles, which can be found in face masks. In particular, this protocol allows the digestion of PET-, PTFE-, polyamide- and elastane- containing textiles resulting in a complete release of metallic contents in order to analyze their elemental contents by ICP techniques.
Clues to mortality trends and their related factors in IgG4-related disease: A Japanese single-center retrospective study
Authors: Kawahara Hiroyuki , Mizushima Ichiro , Tsuge Shunsuke , Shin Seung , Yoshinobu Takahiro , Hoshiba Ryohei , Nishioka Ryo , Zoshima Takeshi , Hara Satoshi , Ito Kiyoaki , Kawano Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2022

Objective: This study aimed to clarify mortality trends and its related factors in immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) with various organ involvement. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with IgG4-RD at a single rheumatology center in Japan. We calculated the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) using national Japan mortality statistics. Cox regression analyses was also performed to assess mortality-related factors. Results: A total of 179 patients with IgG4-RD were included with a median follow-up period of 47 months. The SMR in our cohort was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.41-1.59). Univariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the number of affected organs at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] 1.45, 95% CI 1.02-2.05), eGFR <45 mL/min/1.73m2 at diagnosis (vs. ≥45, HR 8.48, 95% CI 2.42-29.79), and the presence of malignancy during the clinical course (HR 5.85, 95% CI 1.62–21.15) had a significant impact on the time to death. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in the rheumatology department, IgG4-RD does not significantly affect long-term patient survival. However, multi-organ involvement, renal dysfunction, and malignancy may be associated with higher mortality trends in IgG4-RD. Early detection and appropriate management of risk factors may improve the long-term prognosis of patients with IgG4-RD.
Chemometric approach to evaluate the chemical behavior of rainwater at high altitude in Shaune Garang catchment, Western Himalaya
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Kumar Rajesh , Singh Atar , Arif Mohammad , Kumar Pankaj , Kumari Anupma
Published: June 2022

The present research study was performed to analyze the chemical behavior of rainwater in the Shaune Garang catchment (32.19°N, 78.20°E) in the Baspa basin, which is located at a high elevation (4221m above mean sea level). The volume-weighted mean (VWM) pH value of rainwater ranged between 4.59 and 6.73, with an average of 5.47 0.69, indicating that alkaline rainfall events primarily influenced the catchment during the study. The total ionic strength in the rainwater ranged from 113.4 to 263.3 µeq/l with an average of 169.1 ± 40.4 µeq/l. The major dominant cations were measured as Ca2+ (43.1%) and Na+ (32%) and anions, Cl− (37.7%), SO42− (28.7%) and NO3− (23.8%) in rainwater. The fraction of NO3− + Cl− with SO42− was measured as 2.3, which specifies sour faces of rainwater due to HNO3-, H2SO4, and HCl. Chemometric evaluation of rainwater within the Shaune Garang catchment, including Principal Component and Factor analysis. According to the findings, the composition of rainwater in the pristine Himalayas is moreover influenced by man-made and natural causes of pollutants due to long-distance transference. The air mass trail investigation demonstrates the impact of airborne primary and secondary particle transportation that influences the chemical composition of precipitation.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in dehydrated horses: A prospective case-control study
Authors: Lo Hsiao-Chien , Winter Judith C. , Merle Roswitha , Gehlen Heidrun
Published: June 2022

Background
Hypovolemia caused by dehydration could eventually lead to acute renal injury. An early marker for detection of renal injury is still needed in equine medicine. Besides biomarkers which reflect glomerular filtration rate, markers indicating damages in renal tubules might be beneficial. The aim of the study is 1) to estimate both serum, urinary Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (sNGAL and uNGAL) concentrations and uNGAL/creatinine ratio in horses with different severity of dehydration, 2) to analyze the correlations between sNGAL, uNGAL, uNGAL/creatinine and the traditional renal markers, and 3) to determine if inflammation has an impact on sNGAL, uNGAL concentrations or uNGAL/creatinine ratio.
Results
Significant differences of sNGAL (P = 0.02) and uNGAL (P = 0.01) at T0 were found between the control and all three dehydration groups, while uNGAL/creatinine ratio showed no difference (P = 0.6). sNGAL and uNGAL both had correlations with serum creatinine and urea concentrations, while uNGAL/creatinine ratio only correlated with urea concentration. A significant difference of sNGAL at T0 has been found between dehydrated horses with and without SIRS (P < 0.001), while there was no significant difference of uNGAL and uNGAL/creatinine ratio between these groups (both P = 0.1).
Conclusions
Moderate correlations were observed between sNGAL, uNGAL, uNGAL/creatinine ratio and serum creatinine and urea concentrations. Significant differences of sNGAL and uNGAL between dehydration groups and healthy controls were observed. Neither were associated with the short-term prognosis. Inflammation might affect the interpretation of sNGAL in horses.
The Relationship Between Psychological Contract and Occupational Wellbeing of Mother-Infant Care Helpers in Zhejiang Province
Authors: Li Qingge , Li Yacen , Jin Ying , Feng Suwen
Published: June 2022

Background: Mother-infant care (MIC) helpers have become an indispensable part in hospital services in order to bridge the gap between the shortage of nurses in obstetrics and the ever-increasing demand for mother-infant care. However, this occupation is faced with such problems as unstable team and high job mobility. This article, by focusing on the inner needs of the MIC helpers, aims to understand the status of psychological contract and occupational wellbeing of the MIC helpers in Zhejiang Province, explore their influencing factors and analyze their relationship, so as to provide some reference for standardized management and sustainable development of the MIC helpers. Methods: Convenience sampling was adopted to select MIC helpers in obstetrics from 20 hospitals of 9 cities in Zhejiang Province. This cross-sectional survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the psychological contract scale and the occupational wellbeing scale. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the factors affecting psychological contract and occupational wellbeing as well as the relationship between them.Results: This study surveyed 260 MIC helpers and found out the score of psychological contract was 4.38 (SD 0.59) and the score of occupational wellbeing was 4.01 (SD 0.62). The psychological contract was influenced by the grade of their hospitals, length of working, daily working hours and income level (P<0.05). The psychological contract has positive correlation with occupational wellbeing (r=0.784，P<0.001) and the organizational interpersonal obligations in psychological contract can independently explain 65.1% variation in occupational wellbeing of the MIC helpers.Conclusions: This study provides an insight into the psychological contract of the MIC helpers in China. By doing so, it identifies areas for change which may improve their future occupational wellbeing.
Associations of decayed teeth and localized periodontitis with mental stress in young adults: the cardiorespiratory fitness and health in eastern armed forces (CHIEF) oral study
Authors: Tsai Kun-Zhe , Lin Ko-Huan , Liu Pang-Yen , Lin Yen-Po , Lin Gen-Min
Published: June 2022

Background: The associations of psychological stress with decayed teeth in children and that with generalized peritonitis in middle- and old-aged adults have been well established. However, there were rare studies for young adults. This study aimed to investigate the associations of decayed teeth and localized periodontitis with psychological stress in young adults.Methods: This study included 334 participants, aged 19-45 years in Taiwan. Psychological stress was assessed by the brief symptom rating scale-5 (BSRS-5) which included five items of anxiety, depression, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity and insomnia, yielding a maximal score of 20. Participants with symptomatic mental stress were defined as BSRS-5 >5 (n = 34). Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were utilized to determinate the correlations of decayed teeth and localized severer periodontitis with BSRS-5, adjusting for sex, exercise frequency, cigarette smoking, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fasting glucose. Results: The BSRS-5 was positively correlated with decayed teeth numbers [β: 0.26 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.02-0.50)]. In addition, those who had more than two decayed teeth (Odds ratio: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.50-8.43) had a higher risk of symptomatic mental stress. On the contrary, the correlation between BSRS-5 and localized severer periodontitis was null.Conclusions: Our study recommended that decayed teeth rather than localized severer periodontitis in oral cavity, was a possible risk factor of psychological stress in military young adults in Taiwan.
Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with inflammation and deregulation of adipokines in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Khademi Zeinab , Hamedi-Shahraki Soudabeh , Amirkhizi Farshad
Published: June 2022

Background
Previous studies have been reported that vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nonetheless, the exact mechanisms underlying this association is unclear. Besides, inflammation and deregulation of adipokines secretion have been recognized as pivotal factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of these conditions. Therefore, we assessed whether serum vitamin D status is associated with serum levels of adipokines and inflammatory markers in these patients.
Methods
This case-control study was carried out among 65 patients with MetS who had vitamin D insufficiency (Cases) and 130 Mets patients who had vitamin D sufficiency (controls). Cases and controls were recruited from among those referred to health centers in Zabol County, Iran. Vitamin D insufficiency was regarded as a serum 25(OH)D concentration below 30 ng/ml. Serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, visfatin, and resistin and also adiponectin/leptin ratio along with serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were evaluated.
Results
Serum levels of leptin, resistin, and TNF-α were significantly higher, whereas, serum adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin ratio were significantly lower in cases than the controls. There was no significant difference in serum visfatin, IL-6, and IL-10 between the groups. Serum levels of vitamin D were inversely correlated with leptin, resistin, and TNF-α in both unadjusted models and after adjustment for potential confounders.
Conclusion
Our findings indicated that vitamin D insufficiency in Mets patients is associated with increased inflammation and serum adipokine abnormalities which may be associated with developing metabolic complications in these patients.
Crowns as Retracts
Authors: Campo Frank a
Published: June 2022

We characterize finite, connected posets $P$ having a crown as retract. We define a multigraph $\mathfrak{F}(P)$ whose vertices are the so-called improper 4-crowns contained in the extremal points of $P$ , and we show that $P$ contains a 4-crown as retract iff there exists a graph homomorphism of a certain type from $\mathfrak{F}(P)$ to a multigraph $\mathfrak{C}$ not depending on $P$ . Additionally we show that $P$ contains a retract-crown with $n \geq 6$ points iff the poset induced by the extremal points of $P$ contains a retract-crown with $n$ points.Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary: 06A07. Secondary: 06A06.
Controlling taxa abundance improves metatranscriptomics differential analysis
Authors: Ji Zhicheng , Ma Li
Published: June 2022

Background: A common task in analyzing metatranscriptomics data is to identify microbial metabolic pathways with differential RNA abundances across multiple sample groups. With information from paired metagenomics data, current differential methods control for either DNA or taxa abundances to address their strong correlation with RNA abundance. However, it remains unknown if both factors need to be controlled for simultaneously. Results: We discovered that when either DNA or taxa abundance is controlled for, RNA abundance still has a strong partial correlation with the other factor. In both simulation studies and a real data analysis, we demonstrated that controlling for both DNA and taxa abundances leads to superior performance compared to only controlling for one factor. Conclusions: To fully address the confounding effects in analyzing metatranscriptomics data, both DNA and taxa abundances need to be controlled for in the differential analysis.
Testing the effectiveness of a new multidisciplinary cognitive rehabilitation approach for people with Multiple Sclerosis: the ReBrain protocol
Authors: Bergamaschi Valeria , Podda Jessica , Addeo Stefano , Vitiello Andrea , Giuntoli Miranda , Tacchino Andrea , Bragadin Margherita Monti , Pedullà Ludovico , Bove Marco , Brichetto Giampaolo
Published: June 2022

Background: Cognitive impairment is common in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), occurring in up to 65% of patients. The cognitive domains affected most commonly in MS include information processing speed (often first target of progressive cognitive decline), learning and episodic and working memory. The management of cognitive impairment still relies on rehabilitative strategies, which have been reported to be effective in ameliorating cognitive domains but, even if strongly recommended for MS management and standard care, multidisciplinary treatment, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and swallow therapy, neuropsychology, built on cognitive rehabilitation principles, has scarce scientific evidence. Methods and analysis: A total of 30people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) will be randomly assigned to ReBrain group and standard care group. They both consist in multidisciplinary rehabilitation protocol with two hours twice a week for 12 weeks sessions including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychological therapy and speech and swallow therapy. ReBrain treatments follow principle of cognitive rehabilitation, combining restorative and compensatory strategies, specific exercises of executive attention stimulation and holistic approach. Evaluation scales will be assessed immediately before (baseline visit, T0), after the booster session (T1, 12 weeks after baseline visit), at three months (T2, 24 weeks after baseline visit). Discussion: ReBrain protocol may improve cognitive performance, motor control and reduce the impact of cognitive impairment on everyday activities of people with MS.Ethics committee approval: N. Registro CER Liguria: 470/2021 DB id 11839
Protective Role of Hispolon and its Derivatives in Apoptosis Induced by Exposure of Mobile Phone Radiation to Primary Culture of Cortical Neurons
Authors: Saka Vara Prasad , Vellapandian Chitra , Narayanaswamy Damodharan
Published: June 2022

The enormous advancement of technology in communication systems and vast growth in the utilization of mobile phones alarms the effects of over exposure to radiations emitted from mobile phones. This study investigated the effect of Hispolon (HIS), a biologically active polyphenol compound isolated from Inonotus hispidus and its derivates such as hispolon pyrazole (HP), hispolon mono methyl ether (HME), and hispolon monomethyl ether pyrazole (HMEP) against the deleterious effects of mobile phone radiation on primary cultured cortical neurons. Cortical neuronal cells were isolated form a day-old neonate rats, cultured, and treated with HIS and its derivatives while exposed to mobile phone (2100 MHz, 1.6 W/Kg SAR) on call answered mode for 2 hrs. Post exposure the cells were analysed for cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis using propidium iodide (PI) assay through flowcytometry, genotoxicity through DNA ladder assay, and gene expression analysis of p53, Bcl2, and Bax. The cytotoxicity analysis indicated that pyrazole derivatives were less toxic among the treated compounds. Pyrazole derivatives such as HP and HMEP significantly decrease radiation induced ROS levels in the cells, reduced MMP, apoptosis, and DNA damage effectively, while they didn’t alter gene expression of p53, Bcl2, and Bax. From the results, it can be concluded that the antioxidative and anti-apoptotic activity of the pyrazole derivatives might be attributed to the phenolic and diketo groups present in them. Hence the pyrazole derivatives can be further evaluated their pathway of neuroprotection which may gain importance as lead molecules in the development of neuroprotective formulations.
Carbon emission assessment in China based on comprehensive model
Authors: He Zhaowei , gou yanfeng , liu wenjing
Published: June 2022

Carbon emissions are an important research topic of ecological security, which has a significant impact on the realization of "dual carbon" strategy. With the methods of the STIRPAT model, LMDI factor decomposition, and Tapio decoupling, the status of China's carbon emissions was analyzed based on the data in the past 10 years, and the trend of China's carbon emissions was evaluated from 2020 to 2030. The study finds that: (1) The growth momentum of carbon emissions has slowed down, but the overall trend of carbon emissions is positive; (2) Economic scale and energy intensity are the core factors affecting carbon emissions, while industrial structure, population size, and energy structure have limited influence on carbon emissions; (3) China's economic development and carbon emissions are in a weak decoupling state, but the overall decoupling trend is good, and all factors are making efforts to decouple in a positive direction. The study deepens the understanding of carbon emissions, and the following countermeasures are formed: (1) Firming the implementation of the "dual carbon" strategy to effectively intervene the carbon emissions in China; (2) Highlighting the high-quality economic development to strengthen the positive effect of economic scale on carbon emissions; (3) Improving the energy utilization rate to enhance the inhibitory effect of energy intensity on carbon emissions; (4) Innovating a new development model to strengthen the systematic planning of factors affecting carbon emissions.
Short-term exposures to PM10 and PM2.5 and lung cancer hospitalization risk in Shenzhen, China: A Double Negative Controls Study
Authors: Yang Zhao , Liang He , Deng Wei , Ji Yong
Published: June 2022

Few studies assess the short-term exposure to particulate matter (PM), including inhalable particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 F or less (PM10) and fine PM with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 e or less (PM2.5), on lung cancer hospitalization risk, especially in developing countries. This study examines whether short-term exposures to PM10 and PM2.5 affect lung cancer hospitalization risk in Shenzhen, China. We evaluated short-term PM-lung cancer hospitalization associations using cancer hospital-based data during 2018-2019 in Shenzhen, China. Daily data on air pollutants and weather conditions were collected from publicly available online resources. We estimated the corresponding associations based on a double negative control design after adjusting for unmeasured confounding. Two-pollutant models were fitted to examine the robustness of associations. On average, per 10 w increase in weekly mean PM10 concentration was associated with an 0.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.45) higher lung cancer hospitalization risk. The corresponding increase in lung cancer hospitalization risk for the same increase in PM2.5 was 0.36 (95% CI 0.13-0.61). These detrimental effects remained after adjusting for sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide and became stronger among males and those aged <75 years. No delayed effects were observed. Significant unmeasured confounding effects were also observed.
Systemic amyloidosis journey from diagnosis to outcomes: a twelve-year real-world experience of a single center in a middle-income country
Authors: Szor Roberta Shcolnik , Fernandes Fabio , Lino Angelina Maria Martins , Mendonça Leonardo Oliveira , Seguro Fernanda Salles , Feitosa Valkercyo Araujo , Castelli Jussara Bianchi , Jorge Lecticia Barbosa , Alves Lucas Bassolli de Oliveira , Neves Precil Diego Miranda de Menezes , Souza Evandro de Oliveira , Cavalcante Livia Barreira , Malheiros Denise , Kalil Jorge , Martinez Gracia Aparecida , Rocha Vanderson
Published: June 2022

Background: Systemic amyloidosis is caused by the deposition of misfolded protein aggregates in tissues, leading to progressive organ dysfunction and death. Epidemiological studies originate predominantly from high-income countries, with few data from Latin America. Due to the non-specific clinical manifestations, diagnosing amyloidosis is often challenging and patients experience a long journey and delay in diagnosis. This study aimed to assess clinical and laboratory characteristics, the diagnostic journey, and outcomes of patients with biopsy-proven systemic amyloidosis diagnosed between 2009 and 2020 at a university referral center in a middle-income Latin American country. Patients´ medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: One hundred and forty-three patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 60 years and 54% were male. Until the diagnosis, most of the patients (52%) were seen by at least 3 specialists, the main ones being: general practitioners (57%), nephrologists (45%), and cardiologists (38%). The most common manifestations were renal (54%) and cardiac (41%) disorders, and cachexia was seen in 36% of patients. In 72% of the cases, ≥ 2 biopsies were required until the final diagnosis. The median time from symptoms onset to diagnosis was 10.9 months, and most patients (75%) had ≥ 2 organs involved. The following subtypes were identified: AL (68%), ATTR (13%), AA (8%), AFib (4%), and inconclusive (7%). The median OS of the entire cohort was 26.7 months. Compared to the non-AL subgroup, AL patients had reduced survival [median OS of 18.5 months versus 74.3, respectively (p < 0.001)], and among them, patients with advanced cardiac stage had the worst outcome [median OS 8.6 months versus 52.3 for stage III versus I-II, respectively (p < 0.001)]. AL subtype, cardiac involvement, and ECOG ≥ 2 were identified as independent risk factors for reduced survival. Conclusions: Systemic amyloidosis is still an underdiagnosed condition and the delay in its recognition leads to poor outcomes. Medical education, better diagnostic tools, improvement in access to therapies, and establishment of referral centers may improve patient outcomes in middle-income countries.
Exploring the dynamics of a synthetic riverine bacterial community
Authors: Bonal Mathias , Goetghebuer Lise , Joseph Clémence , Gonze Didier , Faust Karoline , George Isabelle F.
Published: June 2022

The dynamics of a community of four planktonic bacterial strains isolated from river water was followed in R2 broth for 72 h in batch experiments. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and flow cytometry analyses were combined to monitor the change in abundance of each individual strain in bi-cultures and quadriculture. Two interaction networks were constructed that summarise the impact of the strains on each other’s growth rate in exponential phase and carrying capacity in stationary phase. The networks agree on the absence of positive interactions, but also show differences, implying that ecological interactions can be specific to particular growth phases. Janthinobacterium sp. was the fastest-growing strain and dominated the co-cultures. However, its growth rate was negatively affected by the presence of other strains 10 to 100 times less abundant than Janthinobacterium sp. In general, we saw a positive correlation between growth rate and carrying capacity in this system. In addition, growth rate in monoculture was predictive of carrying capacity in co-culture.
Strategies to minimise and monitor biases and imbalances by arm in surgical cluster randomised trials: evidence from ChEETAh, a trial in seven low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Omar Omar
Published: June 2022

Background: Cluster randomised controlled trials (cRCT) present challenges regarding risks of bias and chance imbalances by arm. This paper reports strategies to minimise and monitor biases and imbalances in the ChEETAh cRCT. Methods: ChEETAh was an international cRCT (hospitals as clusters) evaluating whether changing sterile gloves and instruments prior to abdominal wound closure reduces surgical site infection at 30 days postoperative. ChEETAh planned to recruit 12,800 consecutive patients from 64 hospitals in seven low-middle income countries. Eight strategies to minimise and monitor bias were pre-specified: (1) minimum of 4 hospitals per country; (2) pre-randomisation identification of units of exposure (operating theatres, lists, teams or sessions) within clusters; (3) minimisation of randomisation by country and hospital type; (4) site training delivered after randomisation; (5) dedicated ‘warm-up week’ to train teams; (6) trial specific sticker and patient register to monitor consecutive patient identification; (7) monitoring characteristics of patients and units of exposure; (8) low-burden outcome-assessment.Results: This analysis includes 10,686 patients from 70 clusters. The results aligned to the eight strategies were: (1) 6 out of 7 countries included >4 hospitals; (2) 87.1% (61/70) of hospitals maintained their planned operating theatres (82% [27/33] and 92% [34/37] in the intervention and control arms); (3) minimisation maintained balance of key factors in both arms; (4) post-randomisation training was conducted for all hospitals; (5) the ‘warm-up week’ was conducted at all sites, and feedback used to refine processes; (6) the sticker and trial register were maintained, with an overall inclusion of 98.1% (10686/10894) of eligible patients; (7) monitoring allowed swift identification of problems in patients inclusion and key patient characteristics were reported: malignancy (20.3% intervention vs 12.6% control), midline incisions (68.4% vs 58.9%), elective surgery (52.4% vs 42.6%); (8) 0.4% (41/9187) of patients refused consent for outcome assessment.Conclusion: cRCTs in surgery have several potential sources of bias that include varying units of exposure and the need for consecutive inclusion of all eligible patients across complex settings. We report a system that monitored and minimised risks of bias and imbalances by arm, with important lessons for future cRCTs within hospitals.
In Silico Diversity analysis of Indian Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) genotypes using Simple Sequence Repeats
Authors: Sur Partha Pratim , Tarafdar Jayanta , Karmakar Nilima , Chakravarty Gayacharan , Roy Sanjoy Guha
Published: June 2022

Eighty two genotypes of sweet potato of Indian collection were subjected for molecular characterization. Different 31 SSR markers were employed for population study of the genotypes with a total of 70 alleles and an average PIC value of 0.47. The SAHN dendrogram based on UPGMA clustering method depicted total 6 sub clusters where the highest K values for different genetically distinct populations interpreted was 5. POPGENE structure revealed the smallest group of total seven genotypes with highest genetic purity from genotypes of the states, West Bengal and Telengana collections. Factorial analysis majorly differentiated the genotypes between two groups of eastern to middle and collections from southern part of India.
Archaeobotanical evidence reveals the early history of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) usage in China
Authors: Ma Tian , Zhou Yijing , Sheng Pengfei , Jiang Hongen
Published: June 2022

Although archaeobotanical data of sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) recovered from the sites in China had increased in recent years, the early history of human usage ways of this plant has received less attention. In this study, we collated and reevaluated all published macro-botanical data of lotus from China during 9000 − 1100 BP. The present findings suggest that Neolithic rice growers living in the middle and lower Yangtze and Yellow River basins had made extensive use of lotus roots and seeds as a supplementary starch-based food for subsistence. Furthermore, the medicinal and cultural use of the sacred lotus appears to have developed with the rise of China’s urban aristocracy from the mid-Warring States to the Late Tang Dynasty period. Our study provides the basis for further telling the story of the Chinese people’s long-term interaction with the plants of sacred lotus.