bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-intensity Focused Ultrasound In Interventricular Septal Myocardial Ablation: Effects Of Coronary Flow
Authors: Ren Fei , Sui Yulong , Gong Xiaobo , Xing Quansheng , Wang Zhibiao
Published: June 2022

Background
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can generate necrotic damage in deep tissues through thermal ablation and cavitation, without significant damage to the surrounding tissues. The high blood perfusion of heat affects the deposition of energy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of cooling of coronary blood flow for high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation.
Methods
Continuous and pulsed HIFU (2000 J) at duty cycles (DCs) of 100% and 20% were examined for their capacity to ablate the perfused porcine heart tissue in vitro. After ablation, gray scale changes and pathological features were observed or measured, and tissue necrosis area and volume were calculated.
Results
The cardiomyocytes in the lesions underwent necrosis with a clear boundary. The endocardium was intact without necrosis. The three-dimensional morphology of the lesions appeared approximately as ellipsoids. With the increase of perfusion speed, the necrotic volume in the target area was gradually reduced.
Conclusions
HIFU has the potential to become a new minimally invasive surgery for ventricular septal myocardial ablation. Reducing coronary blood flow can improve the ablation effect.
Molecular dynamic simulation suggests stronger in-silico docking of Omicron spike on ACE2 than Wild but weaker than Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants can be blocked by engineered S1-RBD fraction
Authors: Santra Dipannita , Maiti Smarajit
Published: June 2022

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 claimed millions lives globally. Occurring from Wuhan (Wild-type) in December, 2019, it constantly mutated to Omicron (B.1.1.529) the predecessor to Delta. Objectives: Omicron having ~32 spike-mutations has variable infectivity-multiplicity-immunoinvasive properties. Understanding of its mutational-effect on ACE2-binding/disease-severity and developing preventive/therapeutic strategies are important. Methods: The binding-affinities of Wuhan/Delta/Omicron spikes (PDB/GISAID/SWISS-MODEL) were docked (HADDOCK2.4) with ACE2 and compared by competitive-docking (PRODIGY). The protein structural-stability was verified by kinetic-data/Ramachandran-plot (Zlab/UMassMedBioinfo). After several trials, a 59 amino-acid (453ARG-510VAL) peptide-cut (Expasy-server) of the Wild-spike-RBD with some desired mutants (THR500SER/THR500GLY/THR500ALA/THR500CYS) were blindly/competitively docked (PyMOL-V2.2.2) to block the Omicron-ACE2 binding. We examined Molecular-Dynamic-Simulation (iMOD-server, with 9000-cycles/300k-heating/1-atm pressure for system-equilibration for 50ns-run) of ACE2 and two CUTs with different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Result: The binding-affinity of Omicron-ACE2 is slightly higher than the rest two in competitive-docking-setup. During individual (1:1) docking, Omicron showed little higher than Wild-type but much weaker binding-affinity than Delta. Competitive-docking suggests that ten H-bonding (1.3Å-2.4Å) with highly favorable energy-values/Van-der-Walls-force/Haddock-score for more stable-binding of Omicron-RBD with ACE2. Blind-docking of different CUTs (wild/mutants) and Omicron to ACE2 completely rejected the Omicron-RBD from ACE2-target. The best blocking/binding affinity of-16.4 and -13Kcal/mole were observed in case of THR500SER and THR500GLY, respectively with multiple H-bonding 1.9Å-2.2Å. These are supported by the MD-simulation results. Conclusion: So the spike binding affinities were Delta>Omicron>wild in 1:1 docking with ACE2. Considering the Wild-type is non-existing nowadays, Omicron showed less ACE2 binding property. The 59Cut of spike-RBD and its mutants THR500SER/THR500GLY may be further screened as universal blocker of this virus.
Schatzker 3 tibial plateau reduction and osteoplasty using Tektona® flexible lamella: a case report.
Authors: CHATELAIN Léonard Swann , MARIE-HARDY Laura , MOUSSELLARD Hugues PASCAL
Published: June 2022

Introduction
Schatzker 3 fractures of tibial plateau are classically treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Recent mini-invasives techniques have been developed with balloon cementoplasty. Tektona® device was originally designed for vertebral kyphoplasty, and has never been described in peripheral limb reduction and fixation. The present article proposes a new technique using Tektona® flexible lamella for reduction and fixation of Schatzker 3 tibial plateau fractures.
Case Presentation
The patient was a 54-years-old female who fell from her height and sustained a direct trauma to the right knee. A closed fracture of the right lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker 3) was documented. A closed reduction was performed using Tektona® flexible lamella and cementoplasty, under fluoroscopic control. An 82% reduction of the plateau was assessed on the post-operative tomography. No per-operative complication was noted.
Conclusions
This first case of Tektona® use in tibial plateau fracture led to a satisfying result regarding the fracture reduction, with no per-operative complication. The main advantage of this technique over balloon kyphoplasty is the unidirectional and repeatable reduction maneuver. The reduction of the plateau can indeed be done without compression of the underlying cancellous bone by orienting the Tektona® lamella upwards.
Sex Differences in Cardiac Remodeling Post Myocardial Infarction with Acute Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Kaplan Abdullah , Abidi Emna , Diab Reine , Ghali Rana , Al-Awassi Hiam , Booz George , Zouein Fouad
Published: June 2022

Background. Whether cigarette smoking affects the heart post-myocardial infarction (MI) in a sex-dependent way remains controversial. Using a mouse model, we investigated cardiac remodeling under the influence of acute cigarette smoke (CS) exposure following ischemic injury in both sexes. Methods. Ten cigarettes were smoked twice daily for 2 weeks followed by MI and then 1 additional week post permanent LAD ligation. Cardiac function, histology, and infarct size were assessed, and inflammatory markers quantified by RT-PCR. Statistical comparisons were performed using an unpaired t-test or ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test. Results. We observed that cigarette smoking exacerbated both left and right ventricular remodeling only in males at an early stage of post-MI. Females did not display a significant structural and/or functional alteration within 7 days of cardiac remodeling post-MI upon CS exposure. Worsened right ventricular remodeling in males was independent of pulmonary congestion. CS-exposed males exhibited enhanced increases in left ventricular end systolic and diastolic volumes, as well as reductions in ejection fraction and fractional area changes of left ventricular base. At day 7, infarct size was increased by cigarette smoking in males only, which was accompanied by enhanced collagen deposition in both the infarcted and peri-infarcted areas. Both IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression significantly increased in CS-exposed MI male group only at day 7 post-MI suggestive of prolonged inflammation. Conclusions. These findings indicate that CS exposure worsens the progression of cardiac remodeling post-MI in male sex in a significant manner compared to female sex at least at early stages.
Scalability Improvement of IEEE 802.11ah IoT Networks
Authors: Naghzali Motahareh , Kazeminia Mahdi , Mehrjoo Mehri
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we propose a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) based grouping method for IEEE 802.11ah, a promising platform for the internet of things (IoT). The grouping method improves the scalability of IoT networks, by reducing collisions in the access points (APs). The proposed method puts those IoT devices (IoT-Ds) whose channel gains are far enough from each other, i.e., who satisfy NOMA constraints, in the same group. Therefore, using successive interference cancellation (SIC), the AP is able to decode the simultaneous signal transmissions from IoT-Ds in a group. To assign IoT-Ds into groups and determine their transmission power, we formulate a total throughput maximization problem as a joint optimal grouping and power allocation problem, which is a non-convex mixed-integer programming problem. We convert it to a convex problem using quadratic fractional programming (QFP), and then we solve it using augmented Lagrange multiplier (ALM) method. Moreover, to reduce the complexity of the solution, we propose a fast grouping method to allocate power to each group in parallel. Simulation results show that the proposed methods have outstanding performance compared to conventional association identifier (AID)-based grouping method; besides, scalability of the network in terms of throughput, power consumption and channel utilization improves dramatically because of the collision reduction of IoT-Ds, which is achieved by deploying NOMA and SIC. Furthermore, the fast grouping method decreases the computational complexity greatly at the expense of a small reduction in network performance.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause after breast cancer: women's perception in ITAC, a French web-based survey
Authors: Mares Pierre , Jauffret Camille , Martin Carine , Lopes Patrice , Coussy Florence
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo describe frequency, intensity and impact of genito-urinary syndrome of menopause (GUSM) in breast cancer (BC) survivors receiving hormonotherapy (HT).MethodsWeb-based survey hosted on the Seintinelles website (database of patients and caregivers). Specific questionnaire of 43 questions, including sociodemographic characteristics, history of BC, characteristics of HT, side effects other than GUSM, symptoms of GUSM (frequency, intensity, treatment, and impact) and overall expectations regarding treatment.ResultsAmong 1,157 participants, 96.4 % had at least one GUSM symptom. Percentages with at least one urinary, gynecological, or sexual symptom were 56.0 %, 85.6 % and 86.1 % respectively while 70.3 % and 10 % declared at least 5 and 10 symptoms respectively. Mean (SD) and median (range) numbers of symptoms were 5.9 (2.8) and 6 (0-14) respectively. Most frequently reported symptoms were decreased desire (77.8 %), decreased arousal (71.4 %), and vaginal dryness 68.4 %). On a scale from 0 (no impact) to 10 (maximal impact), the most important impact was reported for sexual life (mean: 6.6 ± 3.5) followed by psychological condition/self-image (mean 5.4 ± 3.1), and relations with partners (mean: 5.1 ± 3.4). Only 13.6 % of participants had received information on GUSM prior to the survey.ConclusionsGUSM remains underdiagnosed and underestimated in BC survivors who receive HT, although it is among most frequent and disabling side effects of HT. Awareness should be increased among physicians, along with information to women. Early detection and treatment of symptoms and prophylaxis of GUSM in at-risk women should be implemented.
Modelling the Loess Plateau Runoff and Sediment Variation with the CASC2D-SED and GSSHA Models
Authors: Zhang Hanchen , Cao Qing
Published: June 2022

Physically-based distributed hydrological models are widely used to represent and study runoff and sediment in various conditions of the climatic. This paper presents work done to model runoff and sediment from a semi-arid watershed in the Loess Plateau using two models: CASC2D-SED (CASCade 2 Dimensional SEDiment) and GSSHA (Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis) models. Of particular importance in this work is exploring similarities and differences in runoff and sediment molding results between the two models. The CASC2D-SED and GSSHA models calculated similar rainfall infiltration and sediment transport capacity of surface runoff. Comparison of modeled data to measured discharge and soil erosion data is made for typical flood events in 1981–2017. Both models performed well in three divided periods for runoff and sediment simulation results, with the average Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient values of 0.81 and 0.70. The GSSHA model performed better in the total and maximum of runoff and sediment, with the average relative error of peak discharge, runoff depth, and peak sediment values of 8.6%, 6.7%, and 6.6% higher, respectively. Whereas, the CASC2D-SED model performed better in the timing of runoff and sediment, with the average time difference of peak discharge and sediment values of 0.27 and 1.02 higher, respectively.
The MIDWIZE conceptual framework – A midwife-led care model that fits the Swedish health care system might after contextualization, fit others
Authors: Lindgren Helena , Erlandsson Kerstin
Published: June 2022

Objective: Familiarity with the unique tradition and experience of Swedish midwives during the more than 300 years in which midwife-led care has contributed to one of the lowest maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity ratio in the world might encourage professionals in other countries to follow the Swedish example. The framework described below, reflecting the midwife’s role in the Swedish health care system, might, after implementation, strengthen maternal and neonatal outcomes if contextualized to other settings.Results: Using a four-step procedure we identified our topic, made a literature review, identified the key components and their internal relationship, and finally developed the MIDWIZE conceptual framework. In this framework, the midwives in collaboration with obstetricians, provide evidence-based care with continuous quality improvements during the whole reproductive life cycle. Teamwork including specialists for referral and a responsive, relational, trust-based practice is the foundation for provision of midwife-led care for healthy women with a normal pregnancy. The well-educated midwife, of high academic standard, promoting gender equality and equity is the hub in the team and the primary care provider.
Quality of life among community-dwelling older adults: Evidence from a large population-based study in rural Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramasinghe Nuwan Darshana , Ratnayake Himali Erandathie , Perera Rasika Amali , Agampodi Suneth Buddhika
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Against the backdrop of the ever-increasing aging population in Sri Lanka and the scarcity of local evidence on quality of life (QoL) among rural elderly, this study was conducted to assess the QoL of the community-dwelling older adults in rural Sri Lanka.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among community-dwelling older adults (60-74 years) in a selected rural setting in Sri Lanka. Statistically significant associations of QoL were determined by using the K-means cluster analysis followed by multivariable analysis.Results: The final sample consisted of 3573 community-dwelling older adults (response rate 97.8%). The mean (SD) age of the sample was 66.7 (4.3) years and the majority were females (n=2130, 59.6%). Amongst the six QoL domains assessed (physical, psychological, social, functional, environmental and spiritual domains), the highest and the lowest mean (SD) scores were reported for the functional [63.4(16.9)] and the physical [52.9(15.0)] domains respectively. Aged 70 years or more, either unmarried/widowed/divorced, lower educational levels and having chronic illnesses were statistically significant associations of QoL (p<0.05).Conclusion: The QoL among community-dwelling older adults in rural Sri Lanka is moderate. As having social support, absence of chronic diseases and good education level were found to be associated with better QoL, strengthening community-based interventions to improve these aspects is recommended.
Integrated analyses of DNA methylation and gene expression of rainbow trout muscle under variable ploidy and muscle atrophy conditions
Authors: Salem Mohamed , Al-Tobasei Rafet , Ali Ali , Kenney Brett
Published: June 2022

Background Rainbow trout is an important cool, freshwater aquaculture species used as a model for biological research. However, the genome reference has not been annotated for epigenetic markers affecting various biological processes, including muscle growth/atrophy. Increased energetic demands during gonadogenesis/reproduction provoke muscle atrophy in rainbow trout. We described DNA methylation and its associated gene expression in atrophying muscle by comparing gravid, diploid females to sterile, triploid females. Results Methyl Mini-seq and RNA-Seq were simultaneously used to characterize genome-wide DNA methylation and its association with gene expression in rainbow trout muscle. Genome-wide enrichment in the number of CpGs, accompanied by depleted methylation levels, was noticed around the gene transcription start site (TSS). Hypermethylation of CpG sites within ±1kb on both sides of TSS (promoter and gene body) was weakly/moderately associated with reduced gene expression. Conversely, hypermethylation of the CpG sites in downstream regions of the gene body +2 to +10 kb was weakly associated with increased gene expression. Unlike mammalian genomes, rainbow trout gene promotors are poor in CpG islands, at <1% compared to 60%. No signs of genome-wide, differentially methylated (DM) CpGs were observed due to the polyploidy effect; only 1,206 CpGs (0.03%) were differentially methylated, and these were primarily associated with muscle atrophy. Twenty-eight genes exhibited differential gene expression consistent with methylation levels of 31 DM CpGs. These 31 DM CpGs represent potential epigenetic markers of muscle atrophy in rainbow trout. The DM CpG-harboring genes are involved in apoptosis, epigenetic regulation, autophagy, collagen metabolism, cell membrane functions, and Homeobox proteins. Our study also identified genes explaining higher water content and modulated glycolysis previously shown as characteristic biochemical signs of rainbow trout muscle atrophy associated with sexual maturation. Conclusions This study characterized DNA methylation in the rainbow trout genome and its correlation with gene expression. This work also identified novel epigenetic markers associated with muscle atrophy in fish/lower vertebrates.
Novel 1D DOA Estimation with PSO Based MUSIC Algorithm Using Single Snapshot
Authors: L NAGARAJU , PULI KISOHRE KUMAR , GURRALA KIRAN KUMAR
Published: June 2022

Conventional subspace, Compressive Sensing (CS) based methods are the estimation algorithms for off-grid direction of arrival which has the dictionary mismatch problem due to limited discretization of the grid points θ ∈ [−π/2 , −π/2]. These algorithms suffer high computational complexity and excessive overhead for accurate and need lot of time snapshots for proper DOA estimation. In this paper, we used combination of a particle swarm optimization and multiple signal classification (PSO-MUSIC) algorithm for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation for uniform linear array (ULA). The novel PSO-MUSIC and PSO-correlation algorithms present a systematic approach for searching the spatial spectrum peak, to find the accurate target position by updating the global best particle position iteratively. The statistical performance analysis of PSO-MUSIC and PSO-correlation algorithms shows that these method has better accuracy over other DOA estimation methods with single snapshot.
Atrial myocytes-derived exosomal microRNA contributes to atrial fibrosis in atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hao Hongting , Yan Sen , Zhao Xinbo , Han Xuejie , Fang Ning , Zhang Yun , Dai Chenguang , Li Wenpeng , Yu Hui , Gao Yunlong , Wang Dingyu , Gao Qiang , Duan Yu , Yuan Yue , Li Yue
Published: June 2022

Background Atrial fibrosis plays a critical role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Exosome is a promising cell-free therapeutic approach for the treatment of AF. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanisms underlying exosomes derived from atrial myocytes regulated atrial remodeling and ask whether their manipulation allows for therapeutic modulation of fibrosis potential abnormalities during AF. MethodsWe isolated exosomes from atrial myocytes and patients serum, microRNA (miRNA) sequencing analyzed the exosomal miRNAs in atrial myocytes-exosomes and patients serum-exosomes. mRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis corroborate the key gene as direct targets of miR-210-3p.ResultsThe miRNAs sequencing analysis identified that miR-210-3p expression significantly increased in exosomes of tachypacing atrial myocytes and serum of AF patients. In vitro, the analysis showed that miR-210-3p inhibitor reversed tachypacing-induced proliferation and collagen synthesis in atrial fibroblasts. Accordingly, KO miR-210-3p could reduce the incidence of AF and ameliorate atrial fibrosis induced by Ang Ⅱ. The mRNA sequencing analysis and Dual-Luciferase reporter assay proved that glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase 1-like (GPD1L) is the potential target gene of miR-210-3p. The functional analysis suggests that GPD1L regulated atrial fibrosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Besides, silencing GPD1L in atrial fibroblasts induced cells proliferation and these effects could be reversed by PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). Conclusion We demonstrate that atrial myocytes-derived exosomal miR-210-3p promoted the proliferation and collagen synthesis via inhibiting GPD1L in atrial fibroblasts. Preventing pathological crosstalk between atrial myocytes and fibroblasts may as a novel target to improve atrial fibrosis in AF.
AHSA1 promotes proliferation and EMT by regulating ERK/CALD1 axis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jiakang , Ren Zhixuan , Song Zhenghui , Lin Junhao , Luo Yue , Zou Xiaopei , Pan Yingying , Qi Na , Li Aimin , Liu Xinhui
Published: June 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related death worldwide. AHSA1 as a chaperone of HSP90 promotes the maturation, stability, and degradation of related cancer-promoting proteins. However, the regulatory mechanism and biological function of AHSA1 in HCC are largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to elaborate the role of AHSA1 in HCC development.
Methods
Real-Time PCR, Western blotting, and Immunohistochemistry were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression of AHSA1 in liver epithelial cells, HCC cells, and tissues. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo, gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated the role of AHSA1 in the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC. To explore the molecular mechanism of AHSA1 in HCC, Western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation assay, and mass spectrometer assay were performed.
Results
Actually, we found AHSA1 was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, and was correlated with the poor prognosis of HCC patients. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo, gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated AHSA1 promoted the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC. Moreover, the mechanistic study indicated that AHSA1 recruited ERK1/2 and promoted the phosphorylation and inactivation of CALD1, while ERK1/2 phosphorylation inhibitor, SCH772984, reversed the role of AHSA1 in the proliferation and EMT of HCC. Furthermore, we demonstrated the knockdown of CALD1 reversed the inhibition of proliferation and EMT by knocking AHSA1 in HCC. We also illustrated a new molecular mechanism associated with AHSA1 in HCC that was independent of HSP90 and MEK1/2.
Conclusions
In summary, AHSA1 may play an oncogenic role in HCC by regulating ERK/CALD1 axis and serve as a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
Neuroprotective action of α-Klotho against LPS- activated glia conditioned medium in primary neuronal culture
Authors: Nakao Vinicius Wanatable , Mazucanti Caio Henrique Yokowama , Lima Larissa Sá , Mello Paloma Segura , Souza Natacha Medeiros , Kinoshita Paula Fernanda , Leite Jacqueline Alves , Kawamoto Elisa Mitiko , Scavone Cristoforo
Published: June 2022

The α-Klotho is an anti-aging protein that when overexpressed extends the life span in humans and mice. It has an anti-inflammatory and protective action on renal cells by inhibiting NF-κB activation and production of inflammatory cytokines in response to TNF-α. Furthermore, studies have shown the neuroprotective effect of α-Klotho against neuroinflammation on different conditions, such as aging, animal models of neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemic brain injury. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of α-Klotho protein on primary glial cell culture against the proinflammatory challenge with LPS and how this could interfere in neuronal health. Cortical mixed glial cells and purified astrocytes were pretreated with α- α-Klotho and stimulated with LPS followed by TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ levels and NF-κB activity analysis. Conditioned medium from cortical mixed glia culture treated with LPS (glia conditioned medium (GCM) was used to induce neuronal death of primary cortical neuronal culture and evaluate if GCM-KL (GCM-KL: medium from glia culture pretreated with α- α-Klotho followed by LPS stimulation) can reverse this effect. LPS treatment in glial cells induced an increase in proinflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ, and activation of astrocyte NF-κB. GCM treated-cortical neuronal culture induced a concentration-dependent neuronal death. Pretreatment with α-Klotho decreased TNF-α and IL-6 production, revert NF-κB activation and blocked neuronal death induced by GCM. These data suggest an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of α-Klotho protein in the CNS. This work demonstrated the therapeutic potential of α-Klotho in pathological processes which involves a neuroinflammatory component.
A green attapulgite bacterial cellulose imprinted aerogel for selective adsorption and recovery of Dy(III)
Authors: Zheng Xudong , Xu Tongtong , Sun Wen , Mei Jinfeng , Zhou Man , Li Zhongyu
Published: June 2022

Recycling dysprosium from the environment can not only alleviate the industrial crisis, but also reduce the ecological pollution caused by dysprosium ions. At present, the price of the materials used to adsorb rare earth ions is generally high, which is not conducive to the wide application of the adsorbents in the rare earth industry. In this paper, based on the 3D network structure of carboxylated bacterial cellulose, some cheap materials such as attapulgite and gelatin were used to replace the high-priced raw materials, and a low-cost and green I-APT-GT-OBC aerogel was prepared. To test the adsorption properties of the composite aerogel, we carried out a series of adsorption experiments. The results showed that the saturated adsorption capacity of dysprosium ions by the imprinted aerogel was 48.762 mg g− 1 when the pH value was 5.0, and the adsorption process was spontaneous, endothermic and entropy increasing. In the competitive adsorption experiment, the Kd value of I-APT-GT-OBC for dysprosium ions was 4084.40 mL g− 1, which was much higher than that of other aerogels, showing excellent selective adsorption. In conclusion, I-APT-GT-OBC is expected to be a low-cost adsorbent that can efficiently adsorb dysprosium ions in water.
Chromosome-level genome of Capitulum mitella reveals an ancient whole-genome duplication event and intertidal adaptation of barnacles
Authors: Yuan Jianbo , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhang Xiaoxi , Sun Yamin , Liu Chengzhang , Li Shihao , Yu Yang , Zhang Chengsong , Jin Songjun , Wang Min , Xiang Jianhai , Li Fuhua
Published: June 2022

Barnacles are the only sessile crustaceans inhabiting intertidal zone, an extremely stressful environment for sessile organisms. Herein, we report the chromosome-level genome of a stalked barnacle, Capitulum mitella, which is a dominant intertidal cirripede of the west Pacific Ocean coast. After comprehensive comparative genomic analyses, it is first time to find an ancient whole-genome duplication (WGD) event that preceded the divergence of Lepadomorpha and Sessilia approximately 237 million years ago. The retained duplicated genes of WGD are primarily enriched in many environmental information processing pathways, shedding lights on its adaptive evolution of intertidal sessile life. In addition, transcriptomic and metabolomic sequencing and analyses of C. mitella indicated that the upregulation of some expanded anti-stress factors and accumulation of acyl-carnitines help barnacles adapt to stressful intertidal conditions. Therefore, this study provides a valuable resource for understanding the unique intertidal adaptation mechanism of sessile crustaceans, and reveals novel WGD events in invertebrates.
Mapping genetic determinants for grain physicochemical and nutritional traits in unpolished rice using genome-wide association analysis
Authors: Chattopadhyay Krishnendu , C Anilkimar , Bagchi Torit Baran , Sanghamitra Priyadarshini , Sarkar Sutapa , Marndi Bishnu Charan , Kumar Awadesh , Moharana Nutan , Mohapatra Shuvendu Shekhar , Sahoo Soumay Kumar
Published: June 2022

Public awareness is gradually growing in favour of consuming nutritionally superior brown and pigmented rice. But unpolished rice is relatively poor in eating and cooking quality. Understanding inheritance pattern of nutritional and quality traits is prerequisite for further improvement exercising molecular tools. A holistic approach was adopted to identify unique and common genomic regions regulating 17 grain nutritional as well as physiochemical traits using a diverse panel of 96 rice genotypes. Seventy eight significant marker-trait association distributed in all chromosomes with PVE ranging from 4–27% were detected. Marker RM 467 was co-localized with previously identified QTL qPC10.1 and gene OsGluA2. Grain protein and metal content were associated with cooking quality which was also supported by the marker-trait association. Two QTLs for each of grain protein and amylose content with associated markers RM 17600 and RM 1272 were found co-localized with additive effect in opposite direction. Similarly, RM 162 was associated with both zinc content and gelatinization temperature (alkali spreading value). Iron content was also associated with grain size which was supported by the association of RM8050 with the both Fe content and kernel length/breadth ratio. Phenotypically pigmented rice was detected with low amylose content and one genetic loci for anthocyanin (qANTH5.1) was also found to be co-localized with a QTL for AC (qAC5.1) with additive effect in opposite direction. Co-localized associated loci for nutritional and cooking and eating quality can guide strategic biofotification programs for improving rice for nutritional traits without distracting consumer preference.
Whether the infracardiac bursa protect right pleura during laparoscopic radical operation of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction?
Authors: Lin Zeyu , Zeng Haiping , Xiong Wenjun , Li Jin , Chen Yan , Luo Lijie , Zheng Yansheng , Zhang Zhuoxuan , Wang Wei
Published: June 2022

Background
Transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic five-step maneuver inferior mediastinal lymphadenectomy for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) has superiority in lower mediastinal lymph nodes dissection and digestive tract reconstruction. However, the right pleura was probably ruptured in this surgical technique. The aim of this study was to explore whether the infracardiac bursa (ICB) exposed could protect right pleura.
Methods
We retrospectively collected and evaluated the clinical and pathological data of patients who underwent five-step maneuver of transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic lower mediastinal lymphadenectomy for Siewert II AEG at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine between May 2017 and February 2022.
Results
A total of 49 patients were eligible, including 31 patients in ICB exposed group (group A) and 18 patients in ICB unexposed group (group B). There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. 4 patients (12.9%) had right pleura rupture in group A, while 14 patients (77.8%) in group B, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Compared with group B, the extubation time of endotracheal intubation (10.0 (6.0 ~ 12.0) vs. 13.0 (8.0 ~ 15.0) min, p = 0.003) and thoracic drainage tube stay (6.0 (5.0 ~ 7.0) vs. 8.0 (6.0 ~ 10.5) days, p = 0.041) were significantly shorted in the group A. The drainage volume of thorax (351.61 ± 125.00 vs. 418.61 ± 207.86 mL, p = 0.146) was non-significant less and the rate of complications (3.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.074) was non-significant lower in group A compared with group B. The postoperative hospital stay (9.0 (8.0,13.0) vs. 9.0 (8.0,12.0) days, p = 0.983) were similar in two groups. No serious adverse event occurred in any patient.
Conclusions
The ICB exposed could protect the right pleura and may promote postoperative recovery, which may be used as an anatomical marker in inferior mediastinal lymphadenectomy.
The relationship of coagulation and inflammation indicators with different severity gastrointestinal bleeding in adult with Henoch–Schonlein purpura
Authors: Zhang Ya , Yang Hong , Yang Weiwen , Liu Qi
Published: June 2022

According to shock index, adult patients with HSP-related different severity gastrointestinal bleeding of this study were classified into different severity groups, aiming at analyzing and preliminarily discussing the clinical vaule of the above common blood indicators in such kinds of patient. Adult patients with HSP-related different severity gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively selected. Meanwhile, the healthy subjects were included as the healthy control group. According to the shock index grouping criteria, those patients were divided into three groups: no shock group, mild shock group and moderate shock group. The general data, laboratory indicators of all patients and healthy subjects were recorded in detail, and calculating NLR,PLR, then comparing the differences in the above common indicators among groups by statistical analysis. Comparing to healthy control group, WBC, N, PLR and NLR in no shock, mild shock and moderate shock groups were higher (P＜0.05); the WBC, N, hs-CRP, NLR and PLR in moderate shock group were higher than no shock and mild shock group(P＜0.05). Comparing to healthy control group, PLT, FIB and D-D in no shock, mild shock and moderate shock groups were higher (P＜0.05), and PT, INR in moderate shock group were prolonged while MPV decreased (P＜0.05); comparing to no shock group, FIB and D-D in moderate shock group were higher, while MPV decreased(P＜0.05); D-D in moderate shock group was higher than mild shock group(P＜0.05);difference in immunization and complement indicators among no shock, mild shock and moderate shock groups had no statistical significance(P＞0.05); PLR in moderate shock group was positively correlated with shock index(P＜0.05), r=0.662.There are differences on common coagulation indicators in adult patients with HSP-related different severity gastrointestinal bleeding, especially D-D is higher in moderate shock group than any other group;WBC, N, hs-CRP, PLR and NLR are different among different groups, and PLR in moderate shock group is positively correlated with shock index, higher PLR indicating more severe disease, so the above clinical indicators can be used to assess the severity of adult patients with HSP-related different severity gastrointestinal bleeding.
Influence of Two Kinds of Clearance joints on the Dynamics of Mechanical System Based on Modified Contact Force
Authors: Tan Haiyan , Li Li , Huang Qiang , Jiang Zhuoda , Li Qingxiang
Published: June 2022

This study takes the slider-crank mechanism with revolute joint and translational joint as the research object and studies the contact force model of the clearance joint and the influence of the hybrid clearance joints on the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the mechanism. A modified contact force model is established based on the simplified elastic oscillator model (as a normal force in clearance joint), which can support the calculation of contact force for both fully elastic recovery, non-elastic recovery and fully inelastic recovery. Based on the LuGre friction model, the tangential friction model of the clearance joint is given. Thus, the normal force and tangential force during the dynamic contact of the clearance joint are formed. Combining Lagrange’s equations of the first kind with the modified normal force and tangential friction force, the dynamic equations of the multi-body system with clearance joints are established. The Baumgarte stabilization method is used to improve the numerical stability. The correctness of the dynamic prediction model in the mechanism with clearance joint is verified by experiment. The dynamic analysis of the slider-crank mechanism with mixed clearance joints shows that the revolute clearance joint has a greater influence on the mechanism than the translational clearance, and the revolute clearance joint plays a leading role in the dynamic response.
Investigating the causal inference of vaccine on COVID-19 disease propagation based on Bayesian approach
Authors: Ling Lu , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: June 2022

The causal impact of COVID-19 vaccine coverage on effective reproduction number R(t) under the disease control measures in the real-world scenario is understudied, making the optimal reopening strategy (e.g., when and which control measures are supposed to be conducted) during the recovery phase difficult to design. In this study, we examine the demographic heterogeneity and time variation of the vaccine effect on disease propagation based on the Bayesian structural time series analysis. Furthermore, we explore the role of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and the entrance of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in the vaccine effect for U.S. counties. The analysis highlights several important findings: First, vaccine effects vary among the age-specific population and population densities. The vaccine effect for areas with high population density or core airport hubs is 2 times higher than for areas with low population density. Besides, areas with more older people need a high vaccine coverage to help them against the more contagious variants (e.g., the Delta variant). Second, the business restriction policy and mask requirement are more effective in preventing COVID-19 infections than other NPI measures (e.g., bar closure, gather ban, and restaurant restrictions) for areas with high population density and core airport hubs. Furthermore, the mask requirement consistently amplifies the vaccine effects against disease propagation after the presence of contagious variants. Third, areas with a high percentage of older people are suggested to postpone relaxing the restaurant restriction or gather ban since they amplify the vaccine effect against disease infections. Such empirical insights assist recovery phases of the pandemic in designing more efficient reopening strategies, vaccine prioritization, and allocation policies.
Converting N2 molecules into NH3 with TiO2/Fe3O4 composite covered with a thin water layer under ambient condition
Authors: Moriya Ichiro
Published: June 2022

As ammonia manufacture today require numerous energy and very pure hydrogen gas and moreover emit large quantities of CO2, researches for new ammonia synthesis methods are actively performed.Here, author reports the novel method through which N2 molecules in air is reduced into ammonia with TiO2/Fe3O4 composite having thin water layer on composite’s surface under ambient condition ( approximately 50℃ and atmospheric pressure). The composites were composed of both nm-sized TiO2 particles and μm-sized Fe3O4 ones. First, composites were held in refrigerator, mainly at that time, N2 molecules in air adsorbed onto surface of composite. Next, the composite was irradiated with various lights including solar light, 365nm LED light and tungsten light through thin water layer formed by condensation of water vapour in air.Reliable amount of ammonia was obtained under 5 minute’s irradiation of solar light or of both 365m LED light and 500W tungsten light. Interface of TiO2 particles and Fe3O4 ones played precious role. This reaction was catalytic reaction promoted by photocatalytic one. Before irradiation of light, holding in freezer instead of refrigerator provided larger amount of ammonia. Maximum ammonia yield was approximately 18.7 μmol/g･5min.under irradiation of 300W tungsten light only.
Sonar Data Classification using Neural Network Trained by Hybrid Dragonfly and Chimp Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Mousavipour F. , Mosavi Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a hybrid Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) for training Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLP NN) to design the classifier for solving complicated problems and distinguishing the real target from liars’ targets in sonar applications. Due to improving the cost computation and reducing the waste of time, a modified low-cost DA is designed for evaluation. To assess the accuracy of the technique, some well-known meta-heuristic trainers include Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA), DA, and Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChoA) compared to show the accuracy of similar algorithms. DA and ChoA algorithms have remarkable features and a hybrid algorithm of them is proposed. The performance of the proposed classifier will be evaluated by two standard benchmark datasets. The results show that the modified hybrid DA-ChoA has 15% less time consuming and 4% better performance rather than the original dragonfly method.
COVID-19 Mortality in Brazil, 2020-21: Consequences of the pandemic inadequate management
Authors: Szwarcwald Célia Landmann , Boccolini Cristiano Siqueira , de Almeida Wanessa da Silva , Filho Adauto Martins Soares , Malta Deborah Carvalho
Published: June 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic brought countless challenges to public health and highlighted the Brazilian health system vulnerabilities to face the emergency situation. In this article, we analyze data on COVID-19-related deaths in Brazil in 2020-21 to show the tragic consequences of the pandemic on the Brazilian population.
Methods
The Mortality Information System and the Live Birth Information System were the main information sources. We used the population estimates in 2020-21 to calculate COVID-19 specific mortality rates by age and sex and educational level. Considering the total number of deaths in 2020-21, the COVID-19 proportional mortality (%) was estimated for each age group and sex. A graph of the daily deaths from January 2020 to December 2021 by sex was elaborated to show the temporal evolution of COVID-19 deaths in Brazil. In addition, four indicators related to COVID-19 mortality were estimated: infant mortality rate; maternal mortality ratio (MMR); number of orphans due to mother's death; average number of years lost.
Results
The overall COVID-19 mortality rate was 14.8 (/10,000). The mortality rates increase with age and show a decreasing gradient with higher schooling. Among illiterate people, the rate was 38.8/10,000, three times higher than those with college education. Male mortality was 31% higher than female mortality. COVID-19 deaths represented 19.1% of all deaths, with the highest proportions in the median age groups. The average number of years lost due to COVID-19 was 19 years. The MMR due to COVID-19 was 35.7 per 100,000 LB, representing 37.4% of the overall MMR. Regarding the number of orphans due to COVID-19, we estimated that 40,830 children under 18 years old lost their mothers during the pandemic, with an orphans' rate of 7.5/10,000 children aged 0–17 years. The pandemic peak occurred in March 2021, reaching almost 4,000 deaths per day, higher than the average number of deaths per day from all causes in 2019.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 lethality rate in Brazil was 2.2%, twice the global lethality rate. The delay in adopting public health measures necessary to control the epidemic has exacerbated the spread of the disease, resulting in several avoidable deaths.
Face Gear Generating Grinding Residual Model based on the Normal Cutting Depth Iterative Method
Authors: Cai Sijie , Cai Zhiqin , Yao Bin , Shen Zhihuang , Liu Jianchun , Huang Haipeng , Lin Bingjing , Lin Jianchun , Huang Haibin
Published: June 2022

The generating grinding method has the characteristics of high machining accuracy and high efficiency. Therefore, it is widely used in the finishing process of the face gear tooth surface. The physical performance of the grinding process is an important factor that influences the machining accuracy of the face gear tooth surface. Therefore, to improve the manufacturing accuracy of the face gear, it is necessary to accurately simulate the grinding process of the face gear. Owing to the influence of the complex spatial geometric characteristics of the face gear tooth surface and the grinding wheel, establishing a surface residual modeling method for the face gear is a key challenge in simulating the generating grinding process. To address the aforementioned issues, this study proposes a normal cutting depth iterative method to calculate the grinding residual in the face gear generating grinding process. First, the mathematical models of the grinding wheel profile, grinding trajectory, and face gear tooth surface are established. Then, the initial conditions of algorithm iteration are established by calculating the parameter coordinates of the meshing point of the grinding wheel and the face gear at each moment. Subsequently, the tooth surface of the face gear is gridded, its node normal direction is determined, and the normal grinding residual matrix of the face gear tooth surface is obtained. Based on the cutting surface of the grinding wheel, the normal cutting depth of the grid node on the tooth surface at each moment is iteratively approximated. Furthermore, by taking the meshing point as the initial solution point and the face gear normal grinding residual matrix at the previous moment as the initial condition of iteration, grinding area on the face gear tooth surface at the current moment is calculated, and the face gear normal grinding residual matrix is updated. Finally, these steps are repeated until the grinding is completed, and the final normal grinding residual matrix of the face gear is obtained. Thus, the generating grinding residual of the face gear is obtained. This algorithm considers the complex 3D spatial characteristics of the face gear tooth surface and establishes the spatial residual model of each grid node of the face gear in the process of generating grinding. Compared with other residual algorithms based on 2D truncation or Boolean operation of face gears, this algorithm has higher computational accuracy and efficiency. Thus, it lays the foundation for accurately establishing the complex spatial microscopic surface topography in the face gear generating grinding process.
U.S. West Coast Droughts and Heat Waves Exacerbate Pollution Inequality and Can Undermine Emission Control Policies
Authors: Zeighami Amir , Kern Jordan , Yates Andrew , Weber Paige , Bruno August
Published: June 2022

Droughts reduce hydropower production and heatwaves increase electricity demand, forcing power system operators to rely more on fossil fuel power plants. However, less is known about how droughts and heat waves impact the county level distribution of health damages from power plant emissions. Using California as a case study, we simulate emissions from power plants under a 500-year synthetic weather ensemble. We find that human health damages are highest in hot, dry years. Communities of color and communities with high pollution burden are disproportionately impacted by increased emissions from power plants during droughts and heat waves. Taxing power plant operations based on each plant’s contribution to health damages significantly reduces average exposure. However, emissions taxes fail to reduce air pollution damages on the worst polluting days, becasuse supply scarcity (caused by severe heat waves) forces system operators to use every power plant available to avoid causing a blackout.