bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial resistance in topical treatments for microbial keratitis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tuft Stephen , Evans Jennifer , Gordon Iris , Leck Astrid , Stone Neil , Neal Timothy , Macleod David , Kaye Stephen , Burton Matthew J
Published: March 2023

Introduction

There is evidence for increased resistance against the antimicrobials used to treat keratitis. This review aims to provide global and regional prevalence estimates of antimicrobial resistance in corneal isolates and the range of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) with their associated resistance breakpoints.

Methods and analysis

We report this protocol following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. We will conduct an electronic bibliographic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. Eligible studies will report in any language data for the resistance or MIC for antimicrobials against bacterial, fungal or amoebic organisms isolated from suspected microbial keratitis. Studies that only report on viral keratitis will not be included. There will be no time restrictions on the date of publication. Screening for eligible studies, assessment of risk of bias and data extraction will be conducted by two reviewers independently, using predefined inclusion criteria and prepiloted data extraction forms. We will resolve disagreements between the reviewers by discussion and, if required, a third (senior) reviewer will arbitrate. We will assess the risk of bias using a tool validated in prevalence studies. The certainty of the evidence will be assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Pooled proportion estimates will be calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the I2statistic. We will explore differences between Global Burden of Disease regions and temporal trends.

Ethics approval and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as this is a protocol for a systematic review of published data. The findings of this review will be published in an open-access, peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023331126.
Risk of thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 who are using hormonal contraception: a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Hansen Katie , Cohen Megan A , Ramanadhan Shaalini , Paynter Robin , Edelman Alison , Henderson Jillian T
Published: March 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 is associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events. Individuals with COVID-19 using hormonal contraception could be at additional risk for thromboembolism, but evidence is sparse.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review on the risk of thromboembolism with hormonal contraception use in women aged 15–51 years with COVID-19. We searched multiple databases through March 2022, including all studies comparing outcomes of patients with COVID-19 using or not using hormonal contraception. We applied standard risk of bias tools to evaluate studies and GRADE methodology to assess certainty of evidence. Our primary outcomes were venous and arterial thromboembolism. Secondary outcomes included hospitalisation, acute respiratory distress syndrome, intubation, and mortality.

Results

Of 2119 studies screened, three comparative non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) and two case series met the inclusion criteria. All studies had serious to critical risk of bias and low study quality. Overall, there may be little to no effect of combined hormonal contraception (CHC) use on odds of mortality for COVID-19-positive patients (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.4). The odds of hospitalisation for COVID-19-positive CHC users may be slightly decreased compared with non-users for patients with body mass index <35 kg/m2(OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.97). Use of any type of hormonal contraception may have little to no effect on hospitalisation rates for COVID-19-positive individuals (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.44).

Conclusions

Not enough evidence exists to draw conclusions regarding risk of thromboembolism in patients with COVID-19 using hormonal contraception. Evidence suggests there may be little to no or slightly decreased odds of hospitalisation, and little to no effect on odds of mortality for hormonal contraception users versus non-users with COVID-19.
Mechanical thrombectomy for in-hospital stroke: data from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke
Authors: Naldi Andrea , Pracucci Giovanni , Cavallo Roberto , Saia Valentina , Boghi Andrea , Lochner Piergiorgio , Casetta Ilaria , Sallustio Fabrizio , Zini Andrea , Fainardi Enrico , Cappellari Manuel , Tassi Rossana , Bracco Sandra , Bigliardi Guido , Vallone Stefano , Nencini Patrizia , Bergui Mauro , Mangiafico Salvatore , Toni Danilo
Published: March 2023

Background

The benefit, safety, and time intervals of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with in-hospital stroke (IHS) are unclear. We sought to evaluate the outcomes and treatment times for IHS patients compared with out-of-hospital stroke (OHS) patients receiving MT.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Italian Registry of Endovascular Treatment in Acute Stroke (IRETAS) between 2015 and 2019. We compared the functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores) at 3 months, recanalization rates, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) after MT. Time intervals from stroke onset-to-imaging, onset-to-groin, and onset-to-end MT were recorded for both groups, as were door-to-imaging and door-to-groin for OHS. A multivariate analysis was performed.

Results

Of 5619 patients, 406 (7.2%) had IHS. At 3 months, IHS patients had a lower rate of mRS 0–2 (39% vs 48%, P<0.001) and higher mortality (30.1% vs 19.6%, P<0.001). Recanalization rates and sICH were similar. Time intervals (min, median (IQR)) from stroke onset-to-imaging, onset-to-groin, and onset-to-end MT were favorable for IHS (60 (34–106) vs 123 (89–188.5); 150 (105–220) vs 220 (168–294); 227 (164–303) vs 293 (230–370); all P<0.001), whereas OHS had lower door-to-imaging and door-to-groin times compared with stroke onset-to-imaging and onset-to-groin for IHS (29 (20–44) vs 60 (34–106), P<0.001; 113 (84–151) vs 150 (105–220); P<0.001). After adjustment, IHS was associated with higher mortality (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.35, P<0.001) and a shift towards worse functional outcomes in the ordinal analysis (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.66, P=0.015).

Conclusion

Despite favorable time intervals for MT, IHS patients had worse functional outcomes than OHS patients. Delays in IHS management were detected.
Abelian charge inspired by family number
Authors: Van Dong Phung , Ngoc Hung Tran , Van Loi Duong
Published: March 2023

Quark has an electric charge either $$-1/3$$

-
1
/
3

or 2/3 and a baryon number 1/3, where the divisions 3’s match the color number. Although the electric charge and the baryon number have a nature distinct from the color charge, the matching is necessary for the standard model or a relevant $$B-L$$

B
-
L

extension consistent at quantum level, since the relevant anomaly $$[SU(2)_L]^2U(1)_A$$

[
S
U

(
2
)

L

]

2

U

(
1
)

A

for $$A=Y$$

A
=
Y

or $$B-L$$

B
-
L

must vanish. If elementary particles have a new U(1) charge differently from A, such anomaly is not cancelled for each family. However, if we demand that the anomaly is cancelled over all families, this relates the color number to the family number instead of the electric charge and baryon number, and interestingly the family number guides us to a novel U(1) theory. We will discuss the implication of this theory for neutrino mass, recent W-boson mass anomaly, FCNC, and particle colliders.
Biocompatibility of zwitterionic polymer-modified surface under acidic condition
Authors: Zhao Yumeng , Kurashina Masashi , Matsuki Hitoshi , Yasuzawa Mikito
Published: March 2023

In this study, properties such as hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of surfaces prepared with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) were evaluated under neutral to acidic conditions. The MPC-modified surface exhibit high hydrophilicity in neutral condition due to the ionization effect, while under acidic conditions below pH 3, the hydrophilicity gradually decreased due to the decrease in the negative charge of the PC groups. Biocompatibility property was evaluated by measuring the adsorption prevention effect against fibrinogen. The adsorption of fibrinogen was hardly observed on scanning electronic microscope (SEM) pictures under pH 7.6, which was significantly lower than that of the bare glass. However, the adsorption ratio increased under acidic conditions of pH 2.8 indicating a decrease in biocompatibility.
A FRACTIONAL-ORDER BOVINE BABESIOSIS EPIDEMIC TRANSMISSION MODEL WITH NONSINGULAR MITTAG-LEFFLER LAW
Authors: SLIMANE IBRAHIM , NIETO JUAN J. , AHMAD SHABIR
Published: March 2023

In this paper, the model for bovine babesiosis epidemic transmission is analyzed using a fractional operator with a Mittag-Leffler kernel. The existence and uniqueness of the solution of the considered model is studied using real analysis. The Hyers–Ulam (HU) stability is investigated with the help of nonlinear functional analysis. The numerical results of the proposed model are deduced through the Adams–Bashforth technique, which is based on the two-step Lagrangian interpolation method. All results are simulated for a few fractional orders to observe the dynamics of the proposed model.
A NOVEL DESIGN OF MEYER WAVELET NEURAL NETWORKS TO STUDY THE EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SMOKING MODEL
Authors: SHOAIB MUHAMMAD , ZUBAIR GHANIA , NISAR KOTTAKKARAN SOOPPY , RAJA MUHAMMAD ASIF ZAHOOR , ALQAHTANI MOHAMMED S. , ABBAS MOHAMED , ALMOHIY H. M.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a new Meyer neuro-evolutionary computational algorithm is introduced for mathematical modeling of the epidemiological smoking model by employing hybrid heuristics of Meyer wavelet neural network with global optimized search efficiency of genetic algorithm and sequential quadratic programming. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco consumption kills 10% of all adults worldwide. The smoking epidemic is often regarded as the greatest health threat that humanity has ever confronted. So it’s an important issue to address by employing hybrid suggested techniques. The Meyer wavelet modeling approach is exploited to describe the system model epidemiological smoking in a mean squared error-based function, and the systems are optimized using the proposed approach’s combined optimizing capability. Root mean square error, Theil’s inequality factor, and mean absolute deviation-based measurements are used to better verify the effectiveness of the suggested methodology. The combined approach for smoking model is verified, validated, and perfected through comparison investigations of reference results on stability, precision, convergence, and reliability criteria, which shows the novelty of this study. Furthermore, the results of the quantitative study support the value of the suggested approach-based stochastic algorithm. The values of absolute error lie between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The convergence measurement values for Theil’s inequality coefficient lie between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
EVOLUTIONARY MACHINE LEARNING DRIVEN BIG DATA ANALYSIS AND PROCESSING FOR INDUSTRIAL INTERNET
Authors: CHEN WEI , MENG WEI , ZHANG LINGLING
Published: March 2023

The Industrial Internet is based on the network, the platform is the core, and the security is the guarantee. The Industrial Internet connects all industry elements and the entire industry chain through the large-scale network infrastructure, collects and analyzes industry data in real time, and forms a new application model for a new generation of information communication. With the rapid development of industrial Internet technology, the scale of industrial Internet data will become larger and larger, and the data dimension will become higher and higher. How to efficiently use cluster analysis for industrial Internet big data mining is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. This paper proposes an improved differential evolution particle swarm algorithm for industrial Internet big data clustering analysis. Differential Evolution (DE) strategy can improve the problem that the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm tends to fall into local optimum in the later stage as the number of iterations increases. Considering the influence of the randomness of the arrangement order of the cluster center vectors among the individuals on the learning and updating among individuals, this paper designs a method of adaptively adjusting the arrangement order of the cluster center vectors to optimize the cluster center vector with maximum similarity among individuals. In order to effectively evaluate our method, both industrial and non-industrial datasets are selected. The experimental results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
CHAOTIC IMAGE ENCRYPTION WITH HOPFIELD NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: SHA YUWEN , MOU JUN , WANG JUE , BANERJEE SANTO , SUN BO
Published: March 2023

With modern cryptography evolves, some sensitive information needs to be protected with secure and efficient algorithms. In this context, we found that Hopfield neural network (HNN) has stronger memory and can generate luxuriant kinetic behavior, especially with the introduction of fractional-order operators. Therefore, we propose a chaotic image encryption based on the fractional-order HNN (FO-HNN), where FO-HNN appears as a key generator. To de-correlate the correlation between pixels, a spatial permutation strategy is designed first, and then a new diffusion technique based on a Three-input logic valve is adopted to guide the diffusion process. Simulation results and security analysis show that the HNN-based image cryptosystem has superior security performance.
MULTI-IMAGE HYBRID ENCRYPTION ALGORITHM BASED ON PIXEL SUBSTITUTION AND GENE THEORY
Authors: GAO XINYU , MOU JUN , LI BO , BANERJEE SANTO , SUN BO
Published: March 2023

A hybrid encryption scheme for multi-image is proposed in this paper, which can encrypt different types and different sizes of images simultaneously. First, the order of the discrete map is extended from integer order to unequal fractional order. By choosing suitable parameters, the map exhibits chaotic behavior, and using the map for the designed image encryption system can enlarge the key space of the cryptosystem. Then, the plain images are pixel substituted. The chaotic sequences produced from the unequal fractional-order discrete map are shaped and sorted; the index sequences generated by the sorting are used to replace plain image pixels. After plain image pixels are replaced, DNA encoding, selective diffusion, and gene exchange are performed. The statistical properties of the images are masked by the diffusion algorithm. Finally, simulation experiments and security test results show that the designed multi-image hybrid encryption algorithm is effective and secure.
NEW SOLITARY WAVE SOLUTIONS OF THE FRACTIONAL MODIFIED KdV–KADOMTSEV–PETVIASHVILI EQUATION
Authors: WANG KANG-LE
Published: March 2023

This work suggests a fractional modification of the KdV–Kadomtsev–Petviashvili model with the beta-derivative to consider unsmooth boundary. Some new interesting solitary waves are found for the first time ever by the fractional sine–cosine method and the fractional ansatz method. These dynamical characteristics of new solitary waves are discussed by some three-dimensional (3D) figures, and the effect of the fractal parameters on the solitary waves traveling is also discussed and explained.
FRACTAL VERSION OF ZAGREB ECCENTRICITY INDEX
Authors: XU JIAJUN , LU YING , XI LIFENG
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we introduce the fractal version of Zagreb eccentricity index which is a singular integral of the eccentricity squared in terms of self-similar measure. Based on the geometric characteristics of the farthest point, we calculate the fractal version of Zagreb eccentricity index on the (3,1) flower fractal to be [Formula: see text] by using the technique of finite pattern.
THE SIMPSON-TYPE INTEGRAL INEQUALITIES INVOLVING TWICE LOCAL FRACTIONAL DIFFERENTIABLE GENERALIZED (s,P)-CONVEXITY AND THEIR APPLICATIONS
Authors: ZHOU YUNXIU , DU TINGSONG
Published: March 2023

Applying the local fractional integrals, a generalized identity involving the local second-order differentiable mappings is first developed in this paper. A series of fractal integral inequalities pertaining to Simpson type, for the mappings whose local second-order derivatives are generalized [Formula: see text]-convex in absolute value at some power, are then deduced by the discovered identity. Finally, from an application perspective, a range of fractal outcomes with regard to [Formula: see text]-type special means, Simpson numerical integrations, midpoint numerical integrations and wave equations are presented, correspondingly.
ON THE FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVE OF A TYPE OF SELF-AFFINE CURVES
Authors: LI KUN YUAN , YAO KUI , ZHANG KAI
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the fractal dimension of the Weyl–Marchaud (W–M) fractional derivative of a type of self-affine curves. We first define the W–M fractional derivative of a general self-affine functions, then calculate the Box dimension of them, finally prove a linear relationship between the order of the W–M fractional derivative and the fractal dimension.
Hopf action on vertex algebras
Authors: Luo Lipeng , Wu Zhixiang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, some properties of vertex algebras acted by a Hopf algebra will be given. We prove that [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-local vertex algebra, where [Formula: see text] is an [Formula: see text]-module vertex algebra. In addition, we extend the [Formula: see text]-locality to the quantum vertex algebras.
Synthesis of heterometallic binuclear cobalt(II) phthalocyanines and their catalytic activity in the oxidation of a mercaptan
Authors: Makarov Sergey G. , Ketkov Sergey Yu. , Grishin Ivan D. , Wöhrle Dieter
Published: March 2023

A conjugated planar dicobalt binuclear phthalocyanine 2CoCo exhibits extremely high catalytic activity in the oxidation of a thiol to the corresponding disulfide. Therefore this complex is interesting in the petroleum industry for the desulfurization of petroleum fractions. It is now necessary to study the reason and mechanism of the high activity of the cobalt complex. We describe the synthesis of different monocobalt binuclear Pcs 2CoM[Formula: see text] where the second Pc ring with M[Formula: see text] is either metal-free or metalated with Zn(II) or Ni(II) which were found to be redox-inactive in their Pc complexes. Then the catalytic activities of these heterometallic binuclear complexes are compared with the activity of the binuclear 2CoCo. Further, the activity of the mononuclear 1Co is considered for comparison. On the basis of the data obtained, it can be decided whether the high catalytic activity of the binuclear 2CoCo is a result of a cobalt-cobalt electronic exchange or a [Formula: see text]-system extension.
A family of multicolor lights out games
Authors: Ferman Luciana , Arangala Crista
Published: March 2023

Traditional two-color lights out games and their solutions have been studied extensively. This paper focuses on the existence, or lack there of, of solutions in more general lights out games, which take on a prime number of color states. The result in this paper generalizes the existence of solutions in the family of lights out games on a [Formula: see text] grid with [Formula: see text]-colors where [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
A Trade-off-centered Framework of Content Moderation
Authors: Jiang Jialun Aaron , Nie Peipei , Brubaker Jed R. , Fiesler Casey
Published: March 2023

Content moderation research typically prioritizes representing and addressing challenges for one group of stakeholders or communities in one type of context. While taking a focused approach is reasonable or even favorable for empirical case studies, it does not address how content moderation works in multiple contexts. Through a systematic literature review of 86 content moderation articles that document empirical studies, we seek to uncover patterns and tensions within past content moderation research. We find that content moderation can be characterized as a series of tradeoffs around moderation actions, styles, philosophies, and values. We discuss how facilitating cooperation and preventing abuse, two key elements in Grimmelmann’s definition of moderation, are inherently dialectical in practice. We close by showing how researchers, designers, and moderators can use our framework of tradeoffs in their own work, and arguing that tradeoffs should be of central importance in investigating and designing content moderation.
Doomed to Repeat with IPv6? Characterization of NAT-centric Security in SOHO Routers
Authors: Olson Karl , Wampler Jack , Keller Eric
Published: March 2023

With the transition to IPv6, addressing constraints that necessitated a common security architecture under network address translation (NAT) are no longer present. Instead, manufacturers are now able to choose between an open model design, where devices are end-to-end reachable, or a more familiar closed model, where the home gateway may continue to serve as a perimeter security device. The potential for further nuance, such as differences in default access control policies, filtering behaviors, and IPv6 specific requirements, present an environment defined by ambiguity. For the consumer, the potential impact of these changes are unclear. To address this uncertainty, we taxonomize the present NAT-centric model of consumer gateway security through a survey of over 300 common vulnerabilities and exposures surrounding NAT and hole punching protocols. From this survey, we contextualize the limited security NAT has provided while serving as the primary perimeter defense mechanism in home networks. We further define how this baseline security model for consumer gateways is reflected in IPv6 through an assessment of ten commonly deployed consumer gateways. Our conclusion is that familiarity of a NAT-centric design is no longer assured for IPv6, requiring an active involvement by users to limit exposures within their home networks.
Optimization and Fabrication of Binder-Free Nickel-Copper Phosphate Battery-type Electrode Using Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Gerard Ong , Numan Arshid , Khalid Mohammad , Ramesh S. , Ramesh K.
Published: March 2023

In this study, a binder-free nickel-copper phosphate battery-type electrode was fabricated using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique. The fabrication process was optimized with Design of Experiment (DoE) software and then validated experimentally. The electrode made at 90 °C for 12.5 min, with a Ni:Cu precursor ratio of 3:1, had the highest specific capacity. The experimental specific capacity of the optimized nickel-copper phosphate (Ni3-Cu-P) binder-free electrode was 96.2% of the theoretical value predicted by the software, which was within 10% error. Moreover, the growth of amorphous Ni3-Cu-P electrode material with irregular microspheres of small size was observed on the surface of nickel foam. These amorphous microspherical shapes of the Ni3-Cu-P electrode material provide more electroactive sites and a larger active surface area for faradaic reaction. In electrochemical energy storage applications, the Ni3-Cu-P electrode outperformed the bare Ni-P and Cu-P electrodes, with the highest areal capacity (0.77 C cm−2), the lowest charge transfer resistance (81.7 Ω), and the highest capacity retention (83.9%) at 2.0 mA cm−2. The study indicates that the Ni3-Cu-P electrode’s exceptional electrochemical properties result from the interaction between nickel and copper in the binary metal phosphate framework, making it an excellent choice for battery-type electrodes used in electrochemical energy storage applications.
Changes of the cardiac baroreflex bandwidth during postural challenges
Authors: Porta Alberto , Gelpi Francesca , Bari Vlasta , Cairo Beatrice , De Maria Beatrice , Takahashi Anielle C. M. , Catai Aparecida M. , Colombo Riccardo
Published: March 2023

Baroreflex is commonly typified from heart period (HP) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) spontaneous variations in the frequency domain mainly by estimating its sensitivity. However, an informative parameter linked to the rapidity of the HP response to SAP changes, such as the baroreflex bandwidth, remains unquantified. We propose a model-based parametric approach for estimating the baroreflex bandwidth from the impulse response function (IRF) of the HP-SAP transfer function (TF). The approach accounts explicitly for the action of mechanisms modifying HP regardless of SAP changes. The method was tested during graded baroreceptor unloading induced by head-up tilt (HUT) at 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75° (T15, T30, T45, T60, and T75) in 17 healthy individuals (age: 21–36 yr; 9 females and 8 males) and during baroreceptor loading obtained via head-down tilt (HDT) at −25° in 13 healthy men (age: 41–71 yr). The bandwidth was estimated as the decay constant of the monoexponential IRF fitting. The method was robust because the monoexponential fitting described adequately the HP dynamics following an impulse of SAP. We observed that 1) baroreflex bandwidth is reduced during graded HUT and this narrowing is accompanied by the reduction of the bandwidth of mechanisms that modify HP regardless of SAP changes and 2) baroreflex bandwidth is not affected by HDT but that of SAP-unrelated mechanisms becomes wider. This study provides a method for estimating a baroreflex feature that provides different information compared with the more usual baroreflex sensitivity while accounting explicitly for the action of mechanisms changing HP irrespective of SAP.
TIRAP, TRAM, and Toll-Like Receptors: The Untold Story
Authors: Lannoy Valérie , Côté-Biron Anthony , Asselin Claude , Rivard Nathalie
Published: March 2023

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the most studied receptors among the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). They act as microbial sensors, playing major roles in the regulation of the innate immune system. TLRs mediate their cellular functions through the activation of MyD88-dependent or MyD88-independent signaling pathways. Myd88, or myeloid differentiation primary response 88, is a cytosolic adaptor protein essential for the induction of proinflammatory cytokines by all TLRs except TLR3. While the crucial role of Myd88 is well described, the contribution of other adaptors in mediating TLR signaling and function has been underestimated. In this review, we highlight important results demonstrating that TIRAP and TRAM adaptors are also required for full signaling activity and responses induced by most TLRs.
Establishment of Epithelial Inflammatory Injury Model Using Intestinal Organoid Cultures
Authors: Xing Chengfeng , Liang Guili , Yu Xin , Zhang Anxing , Luo Xiang , Liu Yu , Tang Zengli , Wu Bian , Song Zhengji , Lan Danfeng
Published: March 2023

Intestinal epithelial dysfunction is critical in the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, most cellular experiments related to epithelial barrier studies in IBD have been based on tumor cell line that lack a variety of intestinal epithelial cell types. Thus, intestinal organoids can present the three-dimensional structure and better simulate the physiological structure and function of the intestinal epithelium in vitro. Here, the crypts were isolated from the small intestine of mice; with the participation of major cytokines (EGF, Noggin, and R-Spondin 1 included), the intestinal organoids were established at a density of 100 crypts per well, containing intestinal stem cells (ISC), Paneth cells, goblet cells, and intestinal endocrine cells. We found that tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) could induce the inflammatory response of intestinal organoids, and a dose of 10 ng/mL could maintain stable passaging of organoids for dynamic observation. After stimulation with TNF-α, the intestinal organoid cultures showed lower expression of the cell proliferation-related protein identified by monoclonal antibody Ki 67 (Ki67), the ISC marker leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), and the intestinal tight junction proteins occludin (Ocln) and claudin-1 (Cldn1) while higher expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin- (IL-) 15 and the chemokines C-X-C motif ligand 2 (Cxcl2) and Cxcl10 significantly. In this study, we successfully established an epithelial inflammatory injury model of intestinal organoids, which provides an effective in vitro model for studying the pathogenesis and treatment of IBD.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Fecal-Indicator Bacteria Isolated from Aquatic Animal Farms along the Korean Coast
Authors: Shin Soon Bum , Cho Sung Rae , Mok Jong Soo
Published: March 2023

The safety of seafood is a critical public health concern in Korea because of the high rate of raw seafood consumption. We investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of fecal-associated bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus) in 50 seawater samples and 48 aquatic animals collected from aquaculture farms along the Korean coast in 2018. Of them, E. coli was the most prevalent in seawater (24.0%) and aquatic animals (18.8%). Although more than 80.0% of E. coli isolates were sensitive to 9 of 15 antimicrobials, approximately 20.0% of the isolates were resistant to 4 antimicrobials, including tetracycline and streptomycin. Enterococcus spp. isolates (2.7–32.0%) were resistant to only 5 of 12 antimicrobials. Notably, 30.1% of E. coli isolates were resistant to three or more antimicrobials. To minimize health risks associated with raw seafood consumption, more research is needed concerning the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of fecal indicators.
Study on Cut Tobacco Drying Process Based on HS-GC/MS: Principal Component Analysis, Similarity Analysis, Drying Conditions, and Drying Mechanism
Authors: Wang Jin , Zhang Haiyu , Sun Yanqi , Zhang Chengming , Tan Guozhi , Yi Bin , Wu Yuping , Kong Guanghui , Wen Xiong , Chen Jianhua , Wu Yiqin , Tang Jun , Zhao Gaokun
Published: March 2023

In order to study the volatile and semivolatile components changes of cut tobacco in the drying process, the cut tobacco were determined by headspace-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-GC/MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and similarity analysis were used to analyze the HS-GC/MS results. Based on the similarity, the drying conditions and drying mechanism have been studied. The results showed that the increase in water content would reduce the dying rate, and if the temperature increased, the dying rate increased. The preliminary study on the drying kinetics of the drying process shows that Henderson and Pabis model appeared to be the most suitable for describing the drying process of cut tobacco, and the drying activation energy is 111.9 kJ.
Assessment of the Crop Forcing Technique and Irrigation Strategy on the Ripening of Tempranillo Grapes in a Semiarid Climate
Authors: Lavado Nieves , Uriarte David , Mancha Luis A. , Moreno Daniel , Valdés M. Esperanza , Henar Prieto M.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aims. High temperatures during grape ripening have a negative effect on the winemaking characteristics of musts. The crop forcing technique delays ripening to a period when temperatures are lower. The objective of this study is to provide information to winemakers and grape growers on how the delay in ripening caused by crop forcing can affect berry performance. Methods and Results. This study of 3 growing seasons (2017–2019) analyzes the effect of this technique in a vineyard of the Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo in Extremadura, together with two irrigation strategies. The grapevines were forced 4 and 22 days after anthesis (F1 and F2, respectively), compared to a treatment without crop forcing techniques (NF). Each treatment was subjected to two irrigation strategies: to cover the water needs of the plants (C) and deficit irrigation during preveraison (RI). Crop forcing delayed the harvest between 32 and 56 days on average in relation to NF. Crop forcing and irrigation strategy modified berry composition at harvest: C-F1 and C-F2 had higher total polyphenol and anthocyanin concentrations, total acidity, malic acid content, and lower pH relative to C-NF; RI-NF increased total anthocyanin concentration and pH and decreased titratable acidity value. Conclusions. Crop forcing is able to delay grape ripening to lower temperature periods. This is a promising technique for restoring the coupling between phenolic and technological ripeness. The combination of both crop forcing and deficit irrigation strategy maintains the berry quality while improving water use efficiency. Significance of the Study. The present work shows how the “crop-forcing” technique is effective in modifying the relationship between different parameters that determine the characteristics of berries throughout ripening as a raw material for winemaking, compared to vines with traditional winter pruning, under different irrigation strategies.To the memory of Jordi Marsal
A Modified Robust Adaptive Fault Compensation Design for Spacecraft with Guaranteed Transient Performance
Authors: Yao Xuelian , Yang Yi , Wu Mingyu
Published: March 2023

A modified, robust adaptive fault compensation design is proposed for rigid spacecraft systems with uncertain actuator failures and unknown disturbances. The feedback linearization method is first introduced to linearize the nonlinear dynamics, and a model-reference adaptive controller is designed to suppress the unknown external disturbances and stabilize the linearized system. Then, a composite adaptive controller is developed by integrating multiple controllers designed for the corresponding actuator failure conditions, which can handle the essentially multiple uncertainties (failure time, values, type, and failure pattern) of actuator failures simultaneously. To further improve the transient performance problem in the failure compensation control, an H∞ compensator is introduced as an additional item in the basic controller to attenuate the adverse effects on tracking performance caused by parameter estimation errors. From the theoretical analysis and simulation results, it is obvious that the designed scheme can not only guarantee the stability of the closed-loop system is stable and asymptotical tracking properties for a given reference signal but also greatly improve the transient performance of the spacecraft system during the process of failure compensation.
A Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Isolated from a Sow Farm Vaccinated with CV777 Strain in Yinchuan, China: Characterization, Antigenicity, and Pathogenicity
Authors: Lei Jianlin , Miao Yongqiang , Guan Zhao , Chen Hui , Xiang Chaohui , Lu Hangqi , Fang Yuan , Han Yu , Hu Ruochen , Lu Kejia , Chang Zhengwu , Wang Xinglong , Zhang Shuxia , Liu Haijin , Yang Zengqi
Published: March 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a porcine enteric coronavirus globally, causing serious economic losses to the global pig industry since 2010. Here, a PEDV CH/Yinchuan/2021 strain was isolated in a CV777-vaccinated sow farm which experienced a large-scale PEDV invasion in Yinchuan, China, in 2021. Our results demonstrated that the CH/Yinchuan/2021 isolate could efficiently propagate in Vero cells, and its proliferation ability was weaker than that of CV777 at 10 passages (P10). Phylogenetic analysis of the S gene revealed that CH/Yinchuan/2021 was clustered into subgroup GIIa, forming an independent branch with 2020-2021 isolates in China. Moreover, GII was obviously allocated into four clades, showing regional and temporal differences in PEDV global isolates. Notably, CH/Yinchuan/2021 was analyzed as a recombinant originated from an American isolate and a Chinese isolate, with a big recombinant region spanning ORF1a and S1. Importantly, we found that CH/Yinchuan/2021 harbored multiple mutations relative to CV777 in neutralizing epitopes (S10, S1A, COE, and SS6). Homology modelling showed that these amino acid differences in S protein occur on the surface of its structure, especially the insertion and deletion of multiple consecutive residues at the S10 epitope. In addition, cross-neutralization analysis confirmed that the differences in the S protein of CH/Yinchuan/2021 changed its antigenicity compared with the CV777 strain, resulting in a different neutralization profile. Animal pathogenicity test showed that CH/Yinchuan/2021 caused PEDV-typified symptoms and 100% mortality in 3-day-old piglets. These data will provide valuable information to understand the epidemiology, molecular characteristics, evolution, and antigenicity of PEDV circulating in China.
Regeneration Analysis of Bone Char Used in Water Defluoridation: Chemical Desorption Route, Surface Chemistry Analysis and Modeling
Authors: González-Ponce Herson Antonio , Mendoza-Castillo Didilia Ileana , Bonilla-Petriciolet Adrián , Reynel-Ávila Hilda Elizabeth , Camacho-Aguilar Karla Iveth
Published: March 2023

High concentrations of fluoride (F−) in drinking water represent a public health threat, and consequently, effective and sustainable methods are required to improve the water quality, mainly in developing and low-income countries. This study focused on the thermodynamics of fluoride adsorption on bone char regenerated with NaOH for water defluoridation. A detailed analysis of the number of fluoride adsorption/desorption cycles, their impact on the performance and surface chemistry of bone char using different NaOH concentrations, and modeling of the adsorption mechanism using statistical physics theory was carried out. The results showed that 0.075 mol/L NaOH was effective in recuperating the defluoridation properties of bone char with a regeneration efficiency higher than 90% during five adsorption/desorption cycles. Bone char regeneration efficiency decreased up to 64% after ten adsorption/desorption cycles with a maximum fluoride adsorption capacity of 0.18 mmol/g. NaOH restored the bone char surface properties for ligand exchange of the fluoride anions via the hydroxyapatite functionalities contained in this adsorbent. It was calculated that around 0.25–0.46 mmol/g hydroxyapatite ligand exchange sites of regenerated bone char samples could be involved in the fluoride adsorption, which was also expected to be a mono-ligand mechanism. The reduction in defluoridation properties of bone char during the regeneration cycles was attributed to the decrease in the ligand exchange capacity as well as the deactivation and blocking of some functional groups of hydroxyapatite, which limited their participation in consecutive adsorption processes. This study contributes to the optimization of the recycling and reuse of bone char for fluoride removal from water to reduce the operating defluoridation costs, thus enhancing the application of this technology in low-income areas where fluorinated water represents a threat to public health.
Microdissecting the Hypoxia Landscape in Colon Cancer Reveals Three Distinct Subtypes and Their Potential Mechanism to Facilitate the Development of Cancer
Authors: Tang Pingfei , Wu Yueming , Zhu Chaojun , Li Qingyuan , Liu Side
Published: March 2023

Background. Hypoxia contributes to tumor progression and confers drug resistance. We attempted to microdissect the hypoxia landscape in colon cancer (CC) and explore its correlation with immunotherapy response. Materials and Methods. The hypoxia landscape in CC patients was microdissected through unsupervised clustering. The “xCell” algorithms were applied to decipher the tumor immune infiltration characteristics. A hypoxia-related index signature was developed via the LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) Cox regression in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) cohort and validated in an independent dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) algorithm was utilized to evaluate the correlation between the hypoxia-related index (HRI) signature and immunotherapy response. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were performed to verify the mRNA expression levels of five key genes. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry were performed to examine the cell viability and cell apoptosis. Results. Patients were classified into hypoxia-high, hypoxia-median, and hypoxia-low clusters in TCGA-COAD and verified in the GSE 17538 dataset. Compared with the hypoxia-low cluster, the hypoxia-high cluster consistently presented an unfavorable prognosis, higher immune scores, and stromal scores and elevated infiltration levels of several critical immune and stromal cells. Otherwise, we also found 600 hypoxia-related differentially expressed genes (HRDEGs) between the hypoxia-high cluster and the hypoxia-low cluster. Based on the 600 HRDEGs, we constructed the HRI signature which consists of 11 genes and shows a good prognostic value in both TCGA-COAD and GSE 17538 (AUC of 6-year survival prediction >0.75). Patients with low HRI scores were consistently predicted to be more responsive to immunotherapy. Of the 11 HRI signature genes, RGS16, SNAI1, CDR2L, FRMD5, and FSTL3 were differently expressed between tumors and adjacent tissues. Low expression of SNAI1, CDR2L, FRMD5, and FSTL3 could induce cell viability and promote tumor cell apoptosis. Conclusion. In our study, we discovered three hypoxia clusters which correlate with the clinical outcome and the tumor immune microenvironment in CC. Based on the hypoxia cluster and HRDEGs, we constructed a reliable HRI signature that could accurately predict the prognosis and immunotherapeutic responsiveness in CC patients and discovered four key genes that could affect tumor cell viability and apoptosis.
Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Preoperative Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy in Patients with Early-onset Rectal Cancer
Authors: Badesha Jasleen K. , Zhou Marilyn , Arif Arif A. , Gill Sharlene , Speers Caroline , Peacock Michael , De Vera Mary A. , Stuart Heather C. , Brown Carl J. , Donellan Fergal , Loree Jonathan M.
Published: March 2023

Preoperative radiotherapy for early-stage rectal cancer has risks and benefits that may impact treatment choice in young patients. We reviewed radiotherapy use and outcomes for rectal cancer by age. Patients with early-stage rectal cancer in the Canadian province of British Columbia from 2002 to 2016 were identified (n = 6,232). Baseline characteristics, treatment response, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and locoregional recurrence rate (LRR) were compared between patients <50 (early-onset; n = 532) and ≥50 years old (average-onset; n = 5,700). Early-onset patients were more likely to receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy than short-course radiotherapy [OR, 2.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.67–2.89; P < 0.0001], but also had higher nodal (P = 0.00096) and overall clinical staging (P = 0.033). Cancer downstaging and pathologic complete response rates were similar in those receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy by age. Early-onset and average-onset patients had similar DSS (P = 0.91) and DFS (P = 0.27) in multivariate analysis unless non-colorectal deaths, which were higher in older patients, were censored in the DFS model (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01–1.68; P = 0.042). LRR also did not differ between age groups (P = 0.88). Outcomes did not differ based on radiotherapy type. Young patients with rectal cancer are more likely to present with higher staging and receive long-course chemoradiotherapy. DSS did not differ by age group; however, young patients had worse DFS when we censored competing risks of death in older patients.

Significance:

This population-based study suggests younger patients are more likely to receive chemoradiotherapy, potentially due to higher stage at diagnosis, and response is comparable by age.
Automatic Segmentation of Parkinson Disease Therapeutic Targets Using Nonlinear Registration and Clinical MR Imaging: Comparison of Methodology, Presence of Disease, and Quality Control
Authors: Miller Christopher Paul Kingsley , Muller Jennifer , Noecker Angela M. , Matias Caio , Alizadeh Mahdi , McIntyre Cameron , Wu Chengyuan
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Accurate and precise delineation of the globus pallidus pars interna (GPi) and subthalamic nucleus (STN) is critical for the clinical treatment and research of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Automated segmentation is a developing technology which addresses limitations of visualizing deep nuclei on MR imaging and standardizing their definition in research applications. We sought to compare manual segmentation with three workflows for template-to-patient nonlinear registration providing atlas-based automatic segmentation of deep nuclei. Methods: Bilateral GPi, STN, and red nucleus (RN) were segmented for 20 PD and 20 healthy control (HC) subjects using 3T MRIs acquired for clinical purposes. The automated workflows used were an option available in clinical practice and two common research protocols. Quality control (QC) was performed on registered templates via visual inspection of readily discernible brain structures. Manual segmentation using T1, proton density, and T2 sequences was used as “ground truth” data for comparison. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to assess agreement between segmented nuclei. Further analysis was done to compare the influences of disease state and QC classifications on DSC. Results: Automated segmentation workflows (CIT-S, CRV-AB, and DIST-S) had the highest DSC for the RN and lowest for the STN. Manual segmentations outperformed automated segmentation for all workflows and nuclei; however, for 3/9 workflows (CIT-S STN, CRV-AB STN, and CRV-AB GPi) the differences were not statically significant. HC and PD only showed significant differences in 1/9 comparisons (DIST-S GPi). QC classification only demonstrated significantly higher DSC in 2/9 comparisons (CRV-AB RN and GPi). Conclusion: Manual segmentations generally performed better than automated segmentations. Disease state does not appear to have a significant effect on the quality of automated segmentations via nonlinear template-to-patient registration. Notably, visual inspection of template registration is a poor indicator of the accuracy of deep nuclei segmentation. As automatic segmentation methods continue to evolve, efficient and reliable QC methods will be necessary to support safe and effective integration into clinical workflows.