bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioprospecting of endophytic actinobacterium associated with Aloe ferox Mill for antimicrobial activity
Authors: Maliehe Tsolanku Sidney , Mbambo Melusi , Ngidi Londeka Sibusisiwe , Shandu Jabulani Siyabonga Emmanuel , Pooe Ofentse Jacob , Selepe Tlou Nelson
Published: July 2022

Background: The emergence of drug resistance among pathogens has resulted in renewed interest in bioprospecting for natural microbial products. Methods: This study aimed to bioprospecting endophytic actinobacterium associated with Aloe ferox Mill for its antibacterial activity. Endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from the gel of A. ferox Mill by surface sterilization technique using actinomycete isolation agar. The isolate with a promising antibacterial activity was identified using 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract was assessed by the micro-dilution method and its effect on the respiratory chain dehydrogenase (RCD) activity was ascertained by the iodonitrotetrazolium chloride (INT) assay. Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) were employed to identify functional groups and the chemical constituents, respectively. Results: The actinobacterium was found to be Streptomyces olivaceus CP016795.1. Its extract displayed noteworthy antibacterial activity (MIC ≤ 1 mg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25925), Bacillus cereus (ATCC 10102), and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922); and showed an inhibitory effect on the RCD activity. FTIR spectrum displayed hydroxyl, amine, and aromatic groups, and the GC–MS revealed 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural as the main constituent (19.47%). Conclusions: S. olivaceus CP016795.1 can serve as a potential source of effective antibacterial compounds.
Daytime Nap and Depression Risk: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Li Liqing , Zhang Qi , Zhu Liyong , Zeng Guohua , Huang Hongwei , Zhuge Jian , Kuang Xiaorui , Yang Sule , Yang Di , Chen Zhensheng , Gan Yong , Lu Zuxun , Wu Chunmei
Published: July 2022

Background: Relationship between daytime napping and the risk of depression remains debatable. Thus, a meta-analysis in this study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between daytime napping and the depression risk.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched through up to February 2022, and the reference lists of the included studies were also retrieved. A random-effects model was used to estimate the combined effect size.Results: Nine studies with 649,111 participants were included in the final analysis. The pooled odd ratio (OR) was 1.15 (95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.31) with a significant heterogeneity (I2=91.3%, P for heterogeneity < 0.001), and the results demonstrated an increasing risk of depression were observed among daytime nappers. Visual inspection of funnel plot, Egger’s and Begg’s tests identified no obvious evidence of publication bias.Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that daytime nap plays a predictor for depressive symptom. These findings might obtain important implications for depression prevention.
Programmable Microfluidics for Dynamic Multiband Camouflage
Authors: Liu Kang , Liu Huidong , Feng Chunzao , Mao Mingran , Zhang Xiaohui , Liao Yutian , Xiao Xiaohui
Published: July 2022

Multiband optic manipulation covering both visible and infrared region is challenging due to the wide involved wavelengths and differentiated regulation demand in diverse regions. In this work, we propose a programmable microfluidic strategy, which use dye molecules in layered fluids to manipulate visible light and infrared semi-transparent solvent to manipulate infrared lights. With three primary fluids input, we achieve 64 chromaticity values and 8 emissivities from 0.42 to 0.90. In view of the wide tuning range, we demonstrate the microfluidic film can dynamically change its surface reflectance to blend into varying backgrounds both in visible and infrared images. Moreover, we fabricate the microfluidic device in a textile form and demonstrate its ability in matching exactly with natural leaves of different seasons in full hyper-spectrum. Considering the broadband modulation and ease of operation, the programmable microfluidic strategy provides a feasible approach for smart optical surfaces in long span optical spectrum.
A simple parasitological technique to increase detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in Bolivian primary health care system
Authors: Camacho-Alvarez Ivana , Chavez-Mamani Elia M. , Goyens Philippe , Luizaga-López Jenny Marcela , Torrico Mary Cruz , Gétaz Laurent , Jacobs Fredériqué
Published: July 2022

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is widespread; however, there is limited information on its prevalence owing to laboratory underestimation and low clinical manifestations. The Baermann method and agar culture stand out among the parasitological techniques. Strongyloides stercoralis is present in Bolivia, but its prevalence in children remains unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the applicability of simple parasitological techniques to increase the detection of this parasite in children living in the tropics. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tropical village in Cochabamba, Bolivia. Participants were 304 children aged 5 – 12 years who provided stool samples for different parasitological analyses (direct examination, Ritchie, Barman, and Dancescu techniques), and their parents provided informed consent. Results: Up to 64.8% of pathogenic parasites were detected using the modified Ritchie method. The Baermann technique identified 17.8% of Strongyloides stercoralis cases, and a high sensitivity with respect to the Baermann technique was only for the Dancescu technique (75.9%) that is also specific for Strongyloides stercoralis, followed by 66.7% for the modified Ritchie technique, which is used in second-line care. Discussion: The Baermann technique is the best parasitological option for improving Strongyloides stercoralis diagnosis in the first-line care of the Primary Health Care System. A particular cycle of reinfection, combined with the environment and some other risk factors are related with persistence. Control is difficult without a proper diagnosis, and the Baermann technique is an approach to the solution. We conclude that with a high suspicion of the presence of Strongyloides stercoralis, the use of the Baermann technique is strongly recommended as support for direct examination in primary health care systems especially in tropical areas.
Content-Based Image Retrieval Using Multilevel Robust Mechanism
Authors: R Isaac Sajan , V Bibin Christopher , S Akhila T , M Joselin Kavitha
Published: July 2022

Content-Based Image Retrieval only concentrates on the information about the image like its texture, color, shape, homogeneity, and contrast rather than the image tags, description, and keywords. Traditionally many machine learning algorithms are used to retrieve the information but fail to acquire accuracy and created overfitting problems. Not only that large image database handling becomes quite hard to achieve quicker results without human intervention. Hence, we are opting for a robust mechanism for every step of retrieval. Image pre-processing inhibited AlexNet architecture with latent feature extraction and feature selection wear out Mutual Information neural estimation, which is used to handle high dimensional images with fixed resolution and removes the redundancy of images in the database. The similarity measure using Euclidean distance is employed to retrieve the images. The accuracy and performance efficiency is considerably high and pertinent.
Sabbaticals in U.S. Medical Schools
Authors: Robiner William N , Buum Heather Thompson , Eckerstorfer Margaret , Kim Michael H , Kirsch Jonathan D
Published: July 2022

Background: Sabbaticals are an important feature of academia for faculty and their institutions. Whereas sabbaticals are common in institutions of higher learning, little is known about their role and utilization in U.S. medical schools. This study examining sabbaticals in medical school faculty was undertaken at a time that wellbeing of health professionals was increasingly recognized as workforce and health reform priorities. Methods: We surveyed associate deans at U.S. medical schools in 2021 about faculty who had taken sabbaticals within the past three years, the parameters of the sabbaticals, as well as institutional policies and respondents' predictions of future sabbatical use. Results: 53% of respondents reported any faculty had taken sabbaticals in the past three years ( M = 6.27; Median = 3; range = 1-60). Institutions rated enhancing research as the most important objective, while recognizing other benefits. Sabbaticals were more commonly taken by male, White, senior faculty Ph.Ds. Details about sabbaticals, including eligibility, expectations, length, financial support, and benefits were reviewed. Most (54.8%) respondents expected no change in the number of faculty seeking sabbaticals. Nearly all anticipated the COVID-19 pandemic would not affect sabbatical policies. Conclusion: In contrast to other institutions of higher learning, sabbatical-taking by medical school faculty is rare. We explore factors that may contribute to this phenomenon, e.g., the tripartite mission, faculty clinical responsibilities, culture of medicine, and student debt. Despite financial and other barriers, a closer look at the benefits of sabbaticals is warranted as a mechanism that may support faculty well-being, retention, and mental health.
A new evolutionary ensemble learning of multimodal feature selection from microarray data
Authors: Nekouie Nadia , Romoozi Morteza , Esmaeili Mahdi
Published: July 2022

In the last decades, data has grown exponentially with respect to the number of samples and features, which makes feature selection more challenging. An optimization method called multimodal optimization techniques is employed to find several optimal solutions. The main contribution of multimodal optimization techniques is providing several optimal solutions instead of a single solution. Since multimodal optimization algorithm naturally provides several answers, in this paper the potential and information of several answers are used to address the issues of selecting features from microarray data, using hidden information in the data, and creating an ensemble of classifiers. After pre-processing of data, several optimal feature subsets are obtained by firefly-based multimodal optimization algorithm to tap the potential of and information in several answers. The mutual information method is used as the fitness function to evaluate the suggested subset of features. Then, each subset of features is used to learn a classifier and such classifiers are learned on data whose features are presented by a multimodal optimization algorithm, and these classifiers are combined. To select a proper combination, a particle swarm optimization algorithm is used. Finally, the algorithm for the datasets of the microarray is evaluated in terms of cancer diagnosis. The algorithmic method efficiency is evaluated by applying it on 11 datasets. The results suggested the superiority and proper function of the multimodal feature selection method compared with other methods.
Factor Structure and Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of the K6 among a national representative elder sample of China
Authors: Zhang Lisong , Li Zhongquan
Published: July 2022

BackgroundAs the number of older people is rapidly growing, prevention, screening, and treatment of mental health problems (including anxiety and depression) in this population increasingly become a heavy burden to individuals, families, and even the whole society. The Kessler-6 screening measure (K6) is an efficient and effective instrument for general mental health problems. However, few studies have examined its measurement invariance across time, which is particularly important in longitudinal studies, such as exploring developmental trajectories of non-specific psychological distress and evaluating the effects of certain interventions.MethodsThe current study investigated the factor structure and the longitudinal measurement invariance of the K6 among a national representative elder sample of China. Longitudinal data in two survey waves (the year 2010, the year 2014) from the China Family Panel Studies were drawn for secondary data analysis. A total of 3845 participants aged 60 years old and above (52.2% male, mean age = 66.99 years, SD = 5.93 years) responded to both waves of the survey. ResultsA comparison of four existing models with confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor solution of the K6. A series of multi-group confirmatory factor analyses further indicated that the K6 held strict longitudinal measurement invariance across time. Additionally, the internal consistency indices across time and the stability coefficients over time were acceptable.ConclusionsThe findings further confirmed the psychometric defensibility of the K6 when used in the old Chinese population. The longitudinal measurement invariance justified comparisons of psychological distress scores among different measurement time points.
Integrated genomic analysis defines molecular subgroups in dilated cardiomyopathy and identifies novel biomarkers based on machine learning methods
Authors: Ye Ling-Fang , Wu Li-Da
Published: July 2022

Aim
As the most common cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often leads to progressive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. This study was designed to investigate the molecular subgroups of DCM.
Methods
Three datasets of DCM were downloaded from GEO database (GSE17800, GSE79962 and GSE3585). After log2-transformation and background correction with “limma” package in R software, the three datasets were merged into a metadata cohort. The consensus clustering was conducted by the “Consensus Cluster Plus” package to uncover the molecular subgroups of DCM. Moreover, clinical characteristics of different molecular subgroups were compared in detail. We also adopted Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) analysis based on subgroup-specific signatures of gene expression profiles to further explore the specific gene modules of each molecular subgroup and its biological function. Two machine learning methods of LASSO regression algorithm and SVM-RFE algorithm was used to screen out the genetic biomarkers, of which the discriminative ability of molecular subgroups was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
Based on the gene expression profiles, heart tissue samples from patients with DCM were clustered into three molecular subgroups. No statistical difference was found in age, body mass index (BMI) and left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDD) among three molecular subgroups. However, the results of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) statistics showed that patients from subgroup 2 had a worse condition than the other group. We found that some of the gene modules (pink, black and grey) in WGCNA analysis were significantly related to cardiac function, and each molecular subgroup had its specific gene modules functions in modulating occurrence and progression of DCM. LASSO regression algorithm and SVM-RFE algorithm was used to further screen out genetic biomarkers of molecular subgroup 2, including TCEAL4, ISG15, RWDD1, ALG5, MRPL20, JTB and LITAF. The results of ROC curves showed that all of the genetic biomarkers had favorable discriminative effectiveness.
Conclusions
Patients from different molecular subgroups have their unique gene expression patterns and different clinical characteristics. More personalized treatment under the guidance of gene expression patterns should be realized.
In-silico molecular screening of the constituents of sea buckthorn identifies potential inhibitors of coronary artery disease targets
Authors: M Sudhan , V Janakiraman
Published: July 2022

Background Based on network pharmacology we forecast the targets and signal pathways of Sea buckthorns (SB) in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).MethodsSB active components and possible targets were taken from the ChEMBL and SWISS-Prot prediction database. CAD-related targets were collected from the Genome-Wide Association Study database (GWAS). The STRING analysis was used to identify the " SB -active ingredient-target" network utilizing the common targets. Then, using a string database, we built and examined protein-to-protein interactions (PPI). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were performed. Further, we performed molecular docking analysis to identify the binding interaction of key targets and the SB active components. ResultsWe found 10 active SB components and 3 potential CAD targets. That Campesterol is the most active compound according to molecular docking results. Our GO enrichment study revealed 42 biological processes and 42 GO items. The apoptosis, focal adhesion, and T cell receptor signaling pathways were among the 33 KEGG signaling pathways found. SB might have a role in CAD therapy by modulating distinct signaling pathways, according to our findings. The target-compound correlation was validated by the molecular docking experiment.ConclusionsWe identified SB active compound campesterol can be used for the treatment of CAD. Further, experimental and clinical study needed to confirm the efficacy of the active compound.
GW4869 can inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition promoted by extracellular HSP90α in EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells
Authors: Wan Xuan , Du Jiangzhou , Fang Yuting , Huang Danhui , Dong Hangming , Cai Shaoxi
Published: July 2022

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer with the high morbidity and mortality in the world. Meanwhile, the acquired drug resistance against EGFR-mutated NSCLC is increasingly serious. HSP90α might play critical roles in NSCLC, but the effect of GW4869 on extracellular HSP90α remains unclear. We collected plasma samples from 22 NSCLC and 10 healthy individuals, and measured the plasma HSP90α levels by ELISA. Western blot was used to detect the levels of HSP90α, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in HCC827 and PC9 cells. We found that extracellular HSP90α was upregulated in NSCLC mutated patients and accelerated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion/migration capacity in EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells. Meanwhile, we also confirmed that GW4869 inhibited the expression of eHSP90α, EMT and invasion/migration abilities in HCC827 and PC9, and enhanced the antitumor activity of gefitinib in BALB/C nude mice in vivo. These studies suggest that GW4869 can inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition promoted by extracellular HSP90α in non-small cell lung cancer, which provides new strategies for delaying the development of acquired resistance to gefitinib for EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
Large Eddy Simulation of Flow Field in Thermal Vapor Compressor
Authors: Ren Xiaotong , Guo Yali , Shen Shengqiang , Zhang Kun
Published: July 2022

In the low-temperature multi-effect evaporation (LT-MEE) desalination plant, improving the performance of thermal vapor compressor (TVC) could reduce the energy loss, increase the gained output ratio (GOR) and consequently improve the system economy efficiency. Implementing large eddy simulation (LES) as the numerical method, a 3-D computational fluid dynamics model of TVC is established to simulate the flow field under various conditions. The effects of motive steam pressure on the flow field, vortex core, turbulent viscosity and vortex iso-surface of the TVC are discussed, and the corresponding interior flow field distribution is obtained as well. Q criterion and normailzed Q criterion are applied to visualize the vortex cores and vortex iso-surfaces. The distributions of vortexes in different scales are displayed, large-scale vortexes are mainly distributed in exit area of the nozzle, the constant section of the mixing chamber and the diffuser. Additionally, the large-scale vortexes are primarily located along the axis in different morphology while the small-scale ones are randomly distributed near the wall.
A hybrid real-time radiation monitoring system by utilizing RPL glass for proton beam profile measurement
Authors: Cho Jaeyoung , Jegal Jin , Jeong Dongwoo , Kang Sinchul , Bang Inha , Aryal Pabitra , Kim Hongjoo , Park HyeoungWoo
Published: July 2022

A precise measurement of radiation energy corresponding to position is important in radiation monitoring as well as proton therapy technique utilizing a particle accelerator. Proton Bragg peak makes it possible to modulate dose distribution in target by charged particle energy loss. We develop and test a real-time system using radio-photoluminescence (RPL) glass for accelerator particle beam tuning. The RPL glass has promising characteristics, such as a linear dosimeter equivalent to ionizing irradiation, no fading, data accumulation, and repeatability through thermal treatment. Utilizing this system, the energy deposit of the proton beam irradiated RPL glass is measured under an ultraviolet (UV) excitation source in real-time. 45 MeV and 100 MeV proton beams are generated from a cyclotron and a linear accelerator respectively. The proton Bragg curve corresponding to the proton energy and RPL is verified by GEANT4 simulation. This system promises to provide useful information on beam tuning techniques and quality verification through real-time radiation monitoring and recordings of the accumulated dose on repeatable RPL glass.
Hemostatic markers and polymorphisms in three Mexican families with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.
Authors: Rodríguez Armando , Hernández-Zamora Edgar , Casas-Ávila Leonora , Flores Margarita Valdés , Palacios Ruth Angelica Lezama , Maldonado Elba Reyes
Published: July 2022

Background: Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is a condition caused by avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Although its etiology is still not fully understood, evidence suggests heritable thrombotic and inflammatory disorders and other factors may be implicated in its onset and progress. Our objective is to describe, in the three enrolled families, the genetic, biochemical, and environmental factors that may be associated with the etiology and development of LCPD. Methods: We evaluated the following gene alterations: MTHFR, CBS, PT, FVL, FVIII, FIX, PAI-1, eNOS, IL-23R, and TNF-α, and their relationship with LCPD. Additionally, we assessed thrombophilia-associated markers (FI, FII, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXI, FXII, FvW, PC, PS, AT, and homocysteine) using coagulometry methods. Results: Seven patients with LCPD and 14 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Concentrations in hemoglobin (p ≤ 0.05), fibrinogen (p ≤ 0.05), homocysteine (p =<0.05), FVIII (p≤0.05), and factor IX activity percentage (p ≤ 0.05) showed statistically significant differences. Our results show that all participants of this study present at least one mutated allele for the MTFHR (rs1801133) and IL-23R (rs1569922) polymorphisms, as well as isolated cases with other genetic variants.Conclusions: Our results show environmental elements from every family and hemostatic and inflammatory disorders may be involved in suffering and developing LCPD. Also, heritable factors could contribute to the onset of the disease. Environmental, genetic, inflammatory, and prothrombotic factors are involved in this pathology.
Urine flow acceleration in healthy children: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Martonosi Ágnes Rita , Pázmány Piroska , Kiss Szabolcs , Földi Mária , Zsákai Annamária , Szabó László
Published: July 2022

PURPOSE: To establish normal reference values of urine flow acceleration (Qacc) in healthy children, as there is a lack of nomograms for normative reference values of Qacc by voided volumes in paediatric population so far. Qacc might be an early indicator of autonomic neuropathy in children and adolescents. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from healthy children who underwent uroflowmetry between 1990–­1992. Exclusion criteria were voided volume less than 20 mL, postvoid residual more than 15%, and signs of an overstretched bladder. Baseline characteristics and uroflowmetry parameters were collected from girls and boys based on their body surface measurements (<0.92 m2; 0.92–1.42 m2; and >1.42 m2). Voided volume, voiding time, time to maximum flow rate, maximum and average flow rates of urine were measured, Qacc was calculated. Postvoid bladder diameter was measured by ultrasonography and converted to volume. RESULTS: Uroflowmetry parameters of 208 children (≤18 years old, 45.2% girls, mean age 9.68 ± 3.09 years) who performed 404 micturition were analysed. Median voided volume was 130 [20–460] mL, median voiding time was 10 [3–56] sec, median time to Qmax was 3 [1–14] sec, median Qave was 11.7 [2.5–36.6] mL/sec, median Qmax was 20.5 [5–50] mL/sec, median Qacc was 6 [0.81–25] mL/sec2, and median postvoid residual volume was 1.83 [0–38.62] mL in the total population. Qacc nomograms were given in centile forms for girls and boys separately which show an inversely proportional correlation between voided volumes.CONCLUSION: These are the first nomograms for normative reference values of Qacc in paediatric population (girls and boys separately) by voided volumes in centile forms. These may be useful to interpret abnormal Qacc values, and diagnose lower urinary tract diseases over a wide range of voided volumes.
Unsaturated phospholipid modified FeOCl nanosheets for enhancing tumor ferroptosis
Authors: He Zi , Guo Yijun , Chen Jinzhu , Luo Huiling , Liu Xinxin , Zhang Xiuming , Sun Yanan , Ge Dongtao , Ye Shefang , Shi Wei
Published: July 2022

Iron-dependent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation plays key roles in ferroptosis, which has been an attractive strategy to kill tumor cells. However, the rapid annihilation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) produced by Fenton reaction has become a major obstacle to induce lipid peroxidation in cells. In this paper, we developed a nano delivery system of unsaturated phospholipid (Lip) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) functionalized FeOCl nanosheets (FeOCl@PAA-Lip). In this system, •OH produced by Fenton reaction between FeOCl nanosheets and endogenous H2O2 of tumor cells attacks Lip on the nanosheets in situ to initiate the lipid peroxidation chain reaction, which not only realizes free radical conversion but also achieves the amplification of ROS and lipid peroxides, thus enhancing tumor ferroptosis. The in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that FeOCl@PAA-Lip nanosheets exhibited specific tumor cell-killing effect, good biocompatibility, long circulation time, low side effects, high tumor targeting and excellent tumor inhibition rate (73%). The Lip functionalization strategy offers a paradigm of enhancing ferroptosis treatment by conversion of •OH/phospholipid radical/lipid peroxyl radical and strengthening lipid peroxidation.
Identification and dissipation of chlorpyrifos and its main metabolite 3,5,6-TCP during wheat growth by UPLC-QTOF/MS
Authors: Yu Lili , Li Jia , Tang Qian , Jiang Zejun , Chen Hui , Shan Tingting , Li Junhui
Published: July 2022

UPLC-QTOF/MS technology was used to study the degradation and metabolism of chlorpyrifos during wheat growth by spraying plants with different doses of chlorpyrifos 7 days after the flowering and filling stage. We analyzed and identified chlorpyrifos metabolites in different parts of wheat in full-scan MSE mode and established a chlorpyrifos metabolite screening library using UNIFI software. The results showed that the residues of chlorpyrifos in wheat ears, leaves and stems showed a decreasing trend with the prolongation of application time, and the degradation kinetics could be fitted by the first-order kinetic equation Ct = C0 e− kt. The initial residues of chlorpyrifos in different parts of the wheat were different, which was in the order leaf > wheat ear > stem. The degradation rate of chlorpyrifos under field conditions is relatively fast, and the half-life value is 2.33–5.05 days. Chlorpyrifos can undergo a nucleophilic addition substitution reaction under the action of hydrolase to generate the secondary metabolite 3,5,6-TCP (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol). The residual amount of 3,5,6-TCP in each part of wheat showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing over time; it reached the maximum on the 3rd, 7th or 11th day after application, and then gradually degraded. Considering that 3,5,6-TCP is a biomarker with potential threats to humans and animals, it is recommended that 3,5,6-TCP be included in the relevant regulations for dietary exposure risk assessment.
Comparative transcriptome reveals unique pine wood decay strategies in the Sparassis latifolia
Authors: Yang Chi , Ma Lu , Xiao Donglai , Liu Xiaoyu , Jiang Xiaoling , Lin Yanquan
Published: July 2022

Sparassis latifolia is a valuable edible mushroom, growing on fresh pine wood sawdust substrate. However, the mechanistic bases are poorly understood. The gene expression profiles of S. latifolia were analyzed from submerged cultures with fresh pine wood sawdust substrate for different times (0 h, 1 h, 6 h, 1 d, 5 d, and 10 d, respectively). The total number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified under pine sawdust inducing was 2,669. And 806, 628, 113, 114, and 94 DEGs were identified at the five time points, respectively. There were 34 genes in common at all inoculated time points, including FAD/NAD(P)-binding domain-containing protein, GMC oxidoreductase, Flavin-containing monooxygenase, and Taurine catabolism dioxygenase. Weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) were then used to compare the molecular characteristics among the groups and identified that the green module had the highest correlation with group T-6h. There were 48 DEGs out of 58 genes in the green model, including short-chain dehydrogenase, glycoside hydrolase family proteins, Lipase, dienelactone hydrolase, and alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase. Interestingly, lipases are an important group of biotechnological catalysts which catalyze the hydrolysis of Rosin, which is abundant raw material from pine trees. This maybe provides clues into mechanisms that S. latifolia can grow on fresh pine wood sawdust substrate.
A comparative study on the effect of rice husk ash,nano-SiO2, and nano-Al2O3 on the mechanicalproperties and durability of concrete: A case study of Caspian seawater curing condition
Authors: Arasteh-Khoshbin Omolbanin , Seyedpour Seyed Morteza , Ricken Tim
Published: July 2022

Various studies have been recently conducted aiming at developing more sustainable cementitious systems so that concrete structures may not have a negative effect on the environment and are decomposed. It has been attempted to build sustainable binders by substituting silica fume (SF), cement with fly ash (FA), nano-silica, nano-alumina, and rice husk ash (RHA). In the present work, a comparative investigation of the impact of nano-silica, rice husk ash, and nano-alumina on concrete incorporating single ordinary cement is conducted. The experimental program included mechanical properties as well as tests for density, workability, rapid chloride ion penetration, and water permeability under Caspian seawater curing conditions.
Evaluation of bias correction techniques for generating high-resolution daily temperature projections from CMIP6 Models
Authors: Li Xinyi , Li Zhong
Published: July 2022

Due to the considerable biases in general circulation models (GCMs) simulation, bias correction methods are required and widely applied to reduce the model biases for impact studies. This study evaluated the performance of two bias correction methods, quantile delta mapping (QDM) and scaled distribution mapping (SDM), for generating high-resolution daily maximum temperature (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) projections for Canada using the latest GCMs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). CMIP6 GCMs show overall consistency with observations before and after bias correction, with better performance on Tmax compared to Tmin. QDM shows better performance relative to observations while SDM shows superior skill in preserving the raw climate signals. QDM and SDM methods are effective in reducing the biases of Tmax and Tmin for all GCMs. Both methods show similar skills in reproducing monthly probability distribution and capturing seasonal spatial patterns over Canada. The study provides a comprehensive assessment of bias correction methods applications in individual CMIP6 GCMs for high-resolution daily temperature predictions for Canada, providing a reference significance for bias correction studies and technical support for further impact assessment and adaptation planning around the world.
Development and validation of a pyroptosis -related prognostic model for predicting the prognosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Haoshuai , Gan Yi , Liu Zhenguo
Published: July 2022

Background Pyroptosis is an inflammatory response associated with programmed death ，and its role has been reported in multiple studies of malignant tumors. However, research on pyroptosis-related genes in LUAD and their relationship with prognosis are still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we tried to establish an apoptosis-related prognostic model and evaluated its prognostic role in LUAD.Methods We collected data on LUAD patients in the TCGA database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were recognized and paired by applying univariate Cox regression analysis. Based on DEGs, a prognostic risk score model was tried to constructed and validated based on TCGA and GEO database (GSE26939). By setting a median risk score, patients are divided into high- and low-risk groups. After implementing the machine learning screening methods. Model prediction ability, pathway enrichment analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, immune cell infiltrate, and drug susceptibility were analyzed in some aspects between two groups (high- or low-risk groups).Results A predictive model with six pyroptosis-related genes (NLRC4, NLRP1, NOD1, PRKACA, IL1Aand RELA) was constructed. Using this model, patient's risk score was assessed the, after verification, this risk score was an independent and sensitive predictive signature model. Analysis including Functional analyses, immune cell infiltrate, drug susceptibility showed promising clinical prediction value in LUAD. Conclusion: This prognostic model can accurately and effectively predict the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients and the response to drug therapy.
Feeding preferences and the effect of temperature on feeding rates of the graceful kelp crab in the Salish Sea
Authors: Johnson Katrina H. , Dobkowski Katie A. , Seroy Sasha K. , Fox Shelby A. , Meenan Natalie R.
Published: July 2022

Graceful kelp crabs (Pugettia gracilis) are abundant consumers in shallow subtidal ecosystems of the Salish Sea. These dynamic habitats are currently experiencing multiple changes including invasion by non-native seaweeds and warming due to climate change. However, little is known about P. gracilis’ foraging ecology, therefore we investigated their feeding preferences between native and invasive food sources, as well as feeding rates at elevated temperatures to better assess their role in changing coastal food webs. To quantify crab feeding preferences, we collected P. gracilis from San Juan Island, WA and conducted no-choice and choice experiments with two food sources: the native kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, and the invasive seaweed, Sargassum muticum. In no-choice experiments, P. gracilis ate equal amounts of N. luetkeana and S. muticum. However, in choice experiments, P. gracilis preferred N. luetkeana over S. muticum. To test effects of warming on these feeding rates, we exposed P. gracilis to ambient (11.5 ± 1.3°C) or elevated (19.5 ± 1.8°C) temperature treatments and measured consumption of the preferred food type, N. luetkeana. Crabs exposed to elevated temperatures ate significantly more than those in the ambient treatment. Our study demonstrates the diet flexibility of P. gracilis, suggesting they may be able to exploit increasing populations of invasive S. muticum in the Salish Sea. Warming ocean temperatures may also prompt P. gracilis to increase feeding, exacerbating harmful impacts on N. luetkeana, which is already vulnerable to warming and invasive competitors.
ML-SyPred – Machine Learning Synergy Predictor: A Tool to Predict Drug Combinations
Authors: Roche-Lima Abiel , Rosado-Quiñones Angélica M. , Figueroa-Gispert María Del Mar , Díaz-Rivera Jennifer , Díaz-González Roberto G. , Carrasquillo-Carrion Kelvin , Feliu-Maldonado Roberto A. , Fernández-Gochez Pedro , Nieves-Rodríguez Brenda G. , Colón-Lorenzo Emilee E. , Serrano Adelfa E.
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial and antiviral resistances are worldwide public health threats, causing treatment failures and increasing morbidity and mortality. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium falciparum, among many others, are examples of multidrug-resistant pathogens requiring combinatorial drug therapy. The use of drug combinations acting in synergy represents an approach to enhance therapy and delay the development of drug resistance. Computational approaches can be used to develop predictive models assessing synergistic drug combinations to reduce the time and cost associated with standard experimental screening. Here, we describe the development of a computational tool (Machine Learning Synergy Predictor - ML-SyPred) that incorporates drug/compound features using machine learning algorithms to predict synergistic drug combinations. Using the ML-SyPred tool, we implemented a synergy predicting method, which includes several Python scriptings to clean and prepare the raw data and convert from the drug's biochemical structure composition to compound fingerprints to use as features. Five Machine Learning algorithms (i.e. Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Ada Boost, and Gradient Boosting) were implemented to build prediction models. Two different biologically validated datasets consisting of 575 antibiotics and 1,054 antimalarials drug combinations were used to test the algorithms implemented. The best prediction models were obtained with the Random Forest algorithm for the antibiotic dataset (0.88 AUC), Logistic Regression for the antimalarial datasets strain Dd2 and HB3 (0.81 and 0.70 AUC, respectively), and Random Forest for the antimalarial datasets strain 3D7 (0.69 AUC). The ML-SyPred tool yielded 45% precision for synergistically predicted antimalarial drug combinations that are annotated and biologically validated, thus confirming the tool’s functionality and applicability. The ML-SyPred tool is available for free use and represents a promising strategy to discover potential drug combinations for further development in novel therapies.
Clinical features of Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Haüser syndrome diagnosed in childhood: Results from a nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Yano Keisuke , Harumatsu Toshio , Sugita Koshiro , Muto Mitsuru , Kawano Takafumi , Ieiri Satoshi , Kubota Masayuki
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Häuser syndrome (MRKH) usually presents with primary amenorrhea after puberty. The present study clarified the clinical features of MRKH diagnosed in childhood.Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey to determine the status of MRKH in Japan. Twenty-one MRKH patients were enrolled, and the patient background and clinical features were analyzed. Results: The median age at the diagnosis was 2.6 [1.0-9.0] years. Three patients (14.3%) were diagnosed with type I MRKH, while 18 (85.7%) were diagnosed with type II. The associated anomalies included (some cases overlapped): anorectal malformation (ARM) (n=13, 72.2%), renal malformation (n=12, 66.7%), vertebral malformation (n=11, 61.1%), esophageal atresia (n=5, 27.8%), cardiac malformation (n=4, 22.2%). The comparison of patients with and without ARM revealed that patients with ARM were significantly younger than those without ARM at the time of the diagnosis (1.5 [0-12.3] years vs. 9.1 [0.5-16.0] years, p<0.05). Associated ARM was the most frequent reason for the diagnosis of MRKH (n=10, 47.6%). Conclusions: MRKH patients with some associated anomalies, especially ARM, were frequently diagnosed in preoperative imaging examinations or radical operation for ARM. Pediatric surgeons should pay close attention to female patients with ARM to prevent errors in the diagnosis of MRKH.
Polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor genes and its relation with susceptibility to brucellosis: A case-control study
Authors: Mahmoudi Hassan , Saidijam Massoud , Mohammadi Younes , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef
Published: July 2022

Objective: One of the systemic infections is Brucellosis which is caused by facultative intracellular bacteria of the genus Brucella. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone, that metabolizes enzymes and its intracellular receptor creates the active hormone and also mediate in responses of immune system. Methods: Current research consists of 102 patients with brucellosis who were selected based on culture, PCR results serology, and clinical symptoms. The control group composed of 102 healthy people. The polymorphism of genes (Bsm I, Fok I, Taq I, Apa I) encoding VDR were assessed by the PCR-RELP method.Results: The results showed that ff, tt, aa, and bb genotypes in Fok I, ApaI, TaqI, and BsmI were significant in case/control groups (P-value ≤ 0.0001). The genotype frequency AA in the control group is higher than that of the study group, while genotype frequency aa in the study group is more than the control. The odds ratio for brucellosis in individuals with ff genotype is 37 times higher than that of Ff genotype. Also, the odds ratio of brucellosis in individuals with genotype tt, aa, and bb was 12, 53, and 6 times higher than those of the Aa, Bb, and Tt genotypes.Conclusion: The genotypes aa and ff in the positions of the ApaI and FokI are of higher importance. The brucellosis risk in individuals accompanied aa genotype at Apa I is 53 times higher than that of the genotype AA, in other words, AA and BB, TT and FF genotypes are protective against the disease.
Successful Experiments in Blending Rubber(s) with Polyester Waste Fabric to Produce Products of Industrial and Domestic Use
Authors: Padhiyar Bhavesh , Wagh Shrikant J
Published: July 2022

Non-woven polyester fabric waste is available in huge quantities from industry which is difficult to reuse. It cannot be melted nor can it be dissolved in any solvent owing to its complex structure and cross-linking. Presently it is incinerated or burned in cement industry. But its burning creates hazardous pollutants. This study focuses on utilizing the strength and durability of the two raw materials involved to form a Polyester Rubber Composite (PRC) with improved stability and process ability. A detailed chemical and mechanical analysis of PRC has been done, which indicates compatibility of the two polymers and enhancement in the hardness of the rubber by around 20-45 units. The PRC has been subjected to compression molding to fabricate commercial products like Bush and gaskets, which exhibit significant enhancement in chemical, processing and physical properties. A brief economic analysis of PRC gasket and virgin butyl rubber gasket shows a reduced cost margin of approx. 7.00% in the processing cost of the former, validating the market potential of the product. The utilization of these industrial waste materials, whose current disposal practices pose a concern at environmental level, into serviceable products gives a route for sustainable recycling practices.
Vegetation species diversity and its influencing factors in mountain desert communities in northern Xinjiang China
Authors: FEI Cheng , DONG Yi Qiang , an ShaZhou
Published: July 2022

The desert covers 46.9% of the grassland in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China (including Southern and Northern Xinjiang). In the present study, 527 plots (about 4,500 quadrats)were taken from the Junggar Desert of northern Xinjiang.The purposes of this paper are: (1) to study the composition and distribution characteristics of the main species in the Northern Xinjiang desert; (2) to estimate the diversity index of species α of different communities in different desert areas; (3) to determine the spatial distribution law of species diversity of communities in the Northern Xinjiang desert by ArcGIS 10. 1 to provide a decision-making basis for the protection and planning of plant species in the Northern Xinjiang desert.The results of this study show that: (1) the overall diversity index of plant communities is not high; the average Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index is 1.79, ranging from 0.21 to 3.33; (2) the average Pielou’s evenness indexes of life forms of different plants in the communities of different regions are 2.25 (3) the Simpson’s dominance index of the west in Northern Xinjiang desert is lower than that of the east; Patrick's richness, Pielou’s evenness and Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index of the west are higher than those of the east.
The three steps method for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy
Authors: Liu Caiyang , Ran Ran , Luo Lei , Li Xiaoliang , Liu Gaohua , Shao Hong , Li Ji
Published: July 2022

Background: The uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy (UVATRUL), as a common procedure for thoracic surgeons, has some inherent challenges. We introduced a three steps method for UVATRUL and investigated the feasibility of the three steps method on the patients of right upper lung cancer.Methods: Forty-eight patients with right upper lobe lung cancer who underwent the three steps method UVATRUL in our hospital from January 2020 to May 2022 were selected as the three steps method group. Forty-seven patients who underwent the traditional UVATRUL were selected as the traditional method group. The intraoperative condition and postoperative condition of the two groups were retrospectively analysed. Results: All patients had successfully completed their surgeries. There was no significant difference between the two groups in respect of intraoperative blood loss, rate of conversion, day one thoracic drainage volume, chest tube indwelling time, incidence of postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay (P>0.05). The operative time of the three steps method group was significantly shorter than the traditional method group (P<0.001), and the number of reloads used was also significantly less than the traditional method group (P=0.014).Conclusion: Compared with traditional UVATRUL, the three steps method trims the surgery procedures, shortens operative time, and reduces the use of reloads which makes it a decent surgical modality.