bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaction Bone Grafting Combined with Titanium Mesh for Acetabular Bone Defects Reconstruction in Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision: A Retrospective and Mini‐Review Study
Authors: Li Xiang , Pan Bai‐qi , Wu Xiao‐yu , Fu Ming , Liao Wei‐ming , Wu Chu‐heng , Sheng Pu‐yi
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the application of impaction bone grafting (IBG) combined with Ti‐alloy mesh for acetabular bone defect reconstruction in total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision and follow up the clinical outcomes and imaging findings.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2000 to December 2020 and underwent acetabular bone defects reconstruction using IBG combined with titanium mesh were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and post‐revision Oxford and Harris scores, and post‐revision complications were evaluated. Radiographs were used to determine center of rotation (COR) of the hip joint, transparency line, bone graft fusion, and bone mineral density (BMD) around the hip joint.

Results

Significant improvement was observed in both Oxford and Harris scores (P < 0.05). The radiographs taken at the last follow‐up examination showed no significant differences in the acetabulum COR, offsets, inclination angle, mean ratio of vertical value, and BMD analysis between the post‐revision side and contralateral side (P > 0.05). The follow‐up data showed restoration of the mesh implant and graft bone fusion.

Conclusions

The application of IBG combined with titanium‐alloy mesh in revision THA patients with acetabular defects was found to provide satisfactory outcomes. However, large‐scale studies are still needed to further elucidate the long‐term outcomes.
Early reconstitution of lymphocytes after allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation affects chronic graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Yanagi Masato , Kobayashi Ryoji , Matsushima Satoru , Hori Daiki , Kodama Koya , Suzuki Daisuke , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: April 2022

Background

Lymphocyte reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is important for the prevention of infections, as well as for the reduction of recurrence, by its graft versus tumor effect. However, these lymphocytes may also play a role in the development of graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Few studies have investigated the association between lymphocyte reconstitution and clinical outcomes after HSCT.

Methods

This issue was investigated by retrospectively analyzing pediatric patients who received their first allogeneic‐HSCT using a newly developed parameter, the LD‐index, which evaluates both the intensity and duration of lymphopenia. A total of 101 patients underwent allo‐HSCT from April 2007 to August 2019 in our hospital. Excluding patients who died before lymphocyte recovery or underwent multiple HSCT, 78 patients were analyzed for associations between the LD‐index with various factors relating to HSCT.

Results

A significantly high association was observed between a low LD‐index and the incidence of chronic GVHD (P = 0.0019). Analysis of predictive factors for chronic GVHD was carried out using univariate analysis. Lower LD‐index, donor source and duration of lymphopenia were found to be significant factors associated with chronic GVHD. Multivariate analysis, however, only identified an association between a lower LD‐index and an increased incidence of chronic GVHD (P = 0.00081).

Conclusions

Early reconstitution of lymphocytes after allo‐HSCT is associated with a higher incidence of chronic GVHD.
OUTAGE PERFORMANCE OF COOPERATIVE RELAY PROTOCOL ON UAVS-BASED FLYING ADHOC NETWORK
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Nauman , Yusof Kamaludin Mohamad , Jasman Mohd Rizal , Leow Chee Yen
Published: April 2022

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are getting increased strength and count day by day in various civilian and military applications. The UAVs can form flying ad-hoc networks (FANET) to send data to a distant ground control station through multi-hop relaying. However, due to typical features of UAVs and limitations posed by areas of deployment, achieving efficient data dissemination with quality of service is a challenging task in such networks. Different algorithms have been reported in literature however, physical layer transmission issues need to be investigated more in such networks. In this work, we consider dual-hop cooperative communication using a single relay in a downlink communication scenario. A data dissemination scheme based on cooperative relaying is proposed to ensure reliability in operation. The performance of a non-buffer aided dual-hop relay network of UAVs considering the hardware impairments is analyzed. The end-to-end SNR analysis and derivation of the probability of outage expressions for both regenerative and non-regenerative modes of communication working in a half-duplexed fashion are presented. Monte Carlo Simulations verify the analytical results and depict that our proposed cooperative communication scheme improves the system performance compared to compulsory direct and compulsory indirect communication. The system achieves performance improvement at lower data rates using hardware without impairments working on Rayleigh fading channels in an urban environment. Results display that the fading distribution coefficients have a strong impact on system performance.
Designing an introductory musical acoustics course using physics education research techniques and the impact COVID-19 pandemic had on the course structure
Authors: Linz Jill A.
Published: April 2022

Sound & Music is an introductory musical acoustics course designed from the ground up using Physics Education Research techniques. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced changes in the curriculum that essentially were reactionary in scope. This was a universal problem that opened up discussions with other educators. Although it had existed previously, the idea of “flipping” a class became a popular concept during the pandemic. Pedagogies applied to an introductory acoustics course are examined as to what they meant in the context of the pandemic. This paper will look at the structure and format of the course pre-pandemic as well as discuss excerpts from three different hands-on activities that were each designed using Physics Education Research techniques. It will then look at how these were altered to be used during the pandemic era as well as other challenges that were overcome during this time, summarizing what changes worked and what did not.
Identifying and overcoming limitations with in situ calibration beads for quantitative ultrasound
Authors: Cario Jenna , Coila Andres , Zhao Yuning , Miller Rita J. , L. Oelze Michael
Published: April 2022

Ensuring the consistency of spectral-based quantitative ultrasound estimates in vivo necessitates accounting for diffraction, system effects, and propagation losses encountered in the tissue. Accounting for diffraction and system effects is typically achieved through planar reflector or reference phantom methods; however, neither of these is able to account for the tissue losses present in vivo between the ultrasound probe and the region of interest. In previous work, the feasibility of small titanium beads as in situ calibration targets (0.5–2 mm in diameter) was investigated. In this study, the importance of bead size for the calibration signal, the role of multiple echoes coming from the calibration bead, and sampling of the bead signal laterally through beam translation were examined. This work demonstrates that although the titanium beads naturally produce multiple reverberant echoes, time-windowing of the first echo provides the smoothest calibration spectrum for backscatter coefficient calculation. When translating the beam across the bead, the amplitude of the echo decreases rapidly as the beam moves across and past the bead. Therefore, to obtain consistent calibration signals from the bead, lateral interpolation is needed to approximate signals coming from the center of the bead with respect to the beam.
Multi-mode coupled vibration performance analysis of a radial-longitudinal (R-L) ultrasonic transducer
Authors: Chen Cheng , Dong Yilei , Wang Sha , Hu Liqing , Lin Shuyu
Published: April 2022

A radial-longitudinal (R-L) ultrasonic transducer is designed by compounding a piezoelectric ceramic and an outer metal ring on the central coupling cylinder of a longitudinal cascade transducer. This design is used to realize multi-mode vibration and increase the radiation range. By applying longitudinal and radial double excitation, three coupled vibration modes of the transducer are generated in the frequency range of 15–65 kHz. The coupled vibration dominated by radial vibration is regarded as the best vibration mode of this transducer. The electromechanical equivalent circuit and the resonance frequency equation of the transducer's coupled vibration are derived by using the equivalent elastic method and one-dimensional vibration theory and verified by the finite element method and experimental method. The results show that the electrical impedance frequency curves of the transducer from the three methods are consistent. The transducer is expected to be used in ultrasonic cleaning and liquid processing applications.
The oldest mineralized bryozoan? A possible palaeostomate in the lower Cambrian of Nevada, USA
Authors: Pruss Sara B. , Leeser Lexie , Smith Emily F. , Zhuravlev Andrey Yu. , Taylor Paul D.
Published: April 2022

All skeletal marine invertebrate phyla appeared during the Cambrian explosion, except for Bryozoa with mineralized skeletons, which first appear in the Early Ordovician. However, the skeletal diversity of Early Ordovician bryozoans suggests a preceding interval of diversification. We report a possible earliest occurrence of palaeostomate bryozoans in limestones of the Cambrian Age 4 Harkless Formation, western United States. Following recent interpretations of the early Cambrian Protomelission as a soft-bodied bryozoan, our findings add to the evidence of early Cambrian roots for the Bryozoa. The Harkless fossils resemble some esthonioporate and cystoporate bryozoans, showing a radiating pattern of densely packed tubes of the same diameter and cross-sectional shape. Further, they show partitioning of new individuals from parent tubes through the formation of a separate wall, a characteristic of interzooecial budding in bryozoans. If confirmed as bryozoans, these fossils would push back the appearance of mineralized skeletons in this phylum by ~30 million years and impact interpretations of their evolution.
Reactive oxygen species–degradable polythioketal urethane foam dressings to promote porcine skin wound repair
Authors: Patil Prarthana , Russo Katherine A. , McCune Joshua T. , Pollins Alonda C. , Cottam Matthew A. , Dollinger Bryan R. , DeJulius Carlisle R. , Gupta Mukesh K. , D’Arcy Richard , Colazo Juan M. , Yu Fang , Bezold Mariah G. , Martin John R. , Cardwell Nancy L. , Davidson Jeffrey M. , Thompson Callie M. , Barbul Adrian , Hasty Alyssa H. , Guelcher Scott A. , Duvall Craig L.
Published: April 2022

Porous, resorbable biomaterials can serve as temporary scaffolds that support cell infiltration, tissue formation, and remodeling of nonhealing skin wounds. Synthetic biomaterials are less expensive to manufacture than biologic dressings and can achieve a broader range of physiochemical properties, but opportunities remain to tailor these materials for ideal host immune and regenerative responses. Polyesters are a well-established class of synthetic biomaterials; however, acidic degradation products released by their hydrolysis can cause poorly controlled autocatalytic degradation. Here, we systemically explored reactive oxygen species (ROS)–degradable polythioketal (PTK) urethane (UR) foams with varied hydrophilicity for skin wound healing. The most hydrophilic PTK-UR variant, with seven ethylene glycol (EG7) repeats flanking each side of a thioketal bond, exhibited the highest ROS reactivity and promoted optimal tissue infiltration, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and reepithelialization in porcine skin wounds. EG7 induced lower foreign body response, greater recruitment of regenerative immune cell populations, and resolution of type 1 inflammation compared to more hydrophobic PTK-UR scaffolds. Porcine wounds treated with EG7 PTK-UR foams had greater ECM production, vascularization, and resolution of proinflammatory immune cells compared to polyester UR foam–based NovoSorb Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM)–treated wounds and greater early vascular perfusion and similar wound resurfacing relative to clinical gold standard Integra Bilayer Wound Matrix (BWM). In a porcine ischemic flap excisional wound model, EG7 PTK-UR treatment led to higher wound healing scores driven by lower inflammation and higher reepithelialization compared to NovoSorb BTM. PTK-UR foams warrant further investigation as synthetic biomaterials for wound healing applications.
Positive Charges Are Important for the SOS Constitutive Phenotype in
recA730
and
recA1202
Mutants of Escherichia coli K-12
Authors: Van Alstine Steven , Sandler Steven J.
Published: April 2022

In
Escherichia coli
K-12, SOS constitutive (SOS
C
) mutants of
recA
turn on the SOS response in the absence of DNA damage. Some SOS
C
mutants are also able to indirectly suppress the UV sensitivity of
recF
mutations.
Examining vulnerability and resilience in maternal, newborn and child health through a gender lens in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Sule Fatima Abdulaziz , Uthman Olalekan A , Olamijuwon Emmanuel Olawale , Ichegbo Nchelem Kokomma , Mgbachi Ifeanyi C , Okusanya Babasola , Makinde Olusesan Ayodeji
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Gender lens application is pertinent in addressing inequities that underlie morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations, including mothers and children. While gender inequities may result in greater vulnerabilities for mothers and children, synthesising evidence on the constraints and opportunities is a step in accelerating reduction in poor outcomes and building resilience in individuals and across communities and health systems.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review that examined vulnerability and resilience in maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) through a gender lens to characterise gender roles, relationships and differences in maternal and child health. We conducted a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature in popular scholarly databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost and Google Scholar. We identified and analysed 17 published studies that met the inclusion criteria for key gendered themes in maternal and child health vulnerability and resilience in low-income and middle-income countries.

Results

Six key gendered dimensions of vulnerability and resilience emerged from our analysis: (1) restricted maternal access to financial and economic resources; (2) limited economic contribution of women as a result of motherhood; (3) social norms, ideologies, beliefs and perceptions inhibiting women’s access to maternal healthcare services; (4) restricted maternal agency and contribution to reproductive decisions; (5) power dynamics and experience of intimate partner violence contributing to adverse health for women, children and their families; (6) partner emotional or affective support being crucial for maternal health and well-being prenatal and postnatal.

Conclusion

This review highlights six domains that merit attention in addressing maternal and child health vulnerabilities. Recognising and understanding the gendered dynamics of vulnerability and resilience can help develop meaningful strategies that will guide the design and implementation of MNCH programmes in low-income and middle-income countries.
Evolution of holographic Fermi surface from non-minimal couplings
Authors: Wahlang Wadbor
Published: April 2022

We study a holographic toy model by considering a probe fermion of finite charge density in an anisotropic background. By computing the fermionic spectral function numerically, we observed that the system exhibits some interesting behaviours in the nature of the Fermi surface (FS) and its evolution when tuning the controlling parameters. We introduced non-minimal interaction terms in the action for holographic fermions along with a complex scalar field but neglecting the backreaction of the fermions field on the background. Suppression in the spectral weight and deformation of FS is observed, which are reminiscent of the results seen in various condensed matter experiments in real materials.
Coherent manipulation of trapped Rb atoms by overlapping frequency-chirped laser pulses: theory and experiment
Authors: Varga-Umbrich Károly , Bakos József S. , Djotyan Gagik P. , Sörlei Zsuzsa , Demeter Gábor , Ignácz Péter N. , Ráczkevi Béla , Szigeti János , Kedves Miklós Á.
Published: April 2022

We present results of experimental and theoretical studies of coherent momentum transfer to rubidium atoms in a magneto-optical trap by pairs of counter-propagating frequency-modulated (chirped) laser pulses. The counter-propagating pulse pairs partially overlap each other leading to multiphoton interaction processes. We show experimentally that the mechanical momentum transferred to atoms in this scheme of interaction is larger than in the case of non-overlapping pulse pairs acting separately on the atoms. Results of numerical simulations that take into account all relevant hyperfine energy states of Rb along with the influence of relaxation and re-pumping processes are in good agreement with obtained experimental results.

Graphical abstract
Stochastic elliptic–parabolic system arising in porous media
Authors: Bessaih Hakima , Cohn Cynthia , Landoulsi Oussama
Published: April 2022

We prove the existence of a pathwise weak solution to the single-phase, miscible displacement of one incompressible fluid by another in a porous medium with random forcing. Our system is described by a parabolic concentration equation driven by an additive noise coupled with an elliptic pressure equation. We use a pathwise argument combined with Schauder’s fixed point theorem.
The continuity, regularity and polynomial stability of mild solutions for stochastic 2D-Stokes equations with unbounded delay driven by tempered fractional Gaussian noise
Authors: Liu Yarong , Wang Yejuan , Caraballo Tomás
Published: April 2022

We consider stochastic 2D-Stokes equations with unbounded delay in fractional power spaces and moments of order [Formula: see text] driven by a tempered fractional Brownian motion (TFBM) [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. First, the global existence and uniqueness of mild solutions are established by using a new technical lemma for stochastic integrals with respect to TFBM in the sense of [Formula: see text]th moment. Moreover, based on the relations between the stochastic integrals with respect to TFBM and fractional Brownian motion, we show the continuity of mild solutions in the case of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]. In particular, we obtain [Formula: see text]th moment Hölder regularity in time and [Formula: see text]th polynomial stability of mild solutions. This paper can be regarded as a first step to study the challenging model: stochastic 2D-Navier–Stokes equations with unbounded delay driven by tempered fractional Gaussian noise.
Static Equivalent Modeling of Dynamic Seismic Forces for Realizing Earthquake-Resistant Spatial Truss Structures
Authors: Gao Zhiyuan , Ishikawa Koichiro
Published: April 2022

This study deals with spatial truss structures composed of a double layer spatial truss dome and two truss plate-type wall substructures subjected to horizontal earthquake motion. Comparative investigations of the structures are also carried out by considering the structural eccentricity varying the wall height. The equivalent static seismic force, which is hereinafter referred to as the static seismic force, is calculated by the response spectrum method, and the seismic force distribution and response deformation applied on the structure are analyzed and investigated. The elastic seismic response analysis using static seismic force and the influence of eccentricity on seismic response characteristics is carried out. In addition, a method to calculate the static seismic force of medium and medium-sized large-span double-layer truss dome is also proposed by considering the shape, height, span and support conditions of the structure. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the substructure on the seismic static force because the roof truss structure with curved surface has higher stiffness. In addition, the seismic response characteristics of long-span structures are different from those of multi-story structures, which have the structural characteristics of its vertical response as well as horizontal response to horizontal earthquake motion. Based on the elastic seismic response analysis and the static analysis of the static seismic force calculated by the response spectrum method, the seismic force distribution and deformation characteristics of the analysis model with or without eccentricity are analyzed and discussed. It is seen that the static equivalent modeling with the maximum effective mass ratio can be used to obtain the seismic force distribution in this kind of long-span structure.
Designing a Content-Addressable Memory Cell Using Multiplexer in Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata
Authors: Bagheri Tohid , Rasouli Heikalabad Saeed , Jabbehdari Sam
Published: April 2022

Low power consumption, high density, regularity, and high speed are readily applicable to QCA. Therefore, memory is well suited for implementation using this technology. Because Content Addressable Memory (CAM) is a special type of memory structure used in very fast search applications, QCA can be used to design this memory at the nanoscale. In this paper, we introduce a new structure for the CAM cell. For this purpose, all the components needed to implement this memory cell are designed separately. In order to provide a structure with fewer gates, the operational equations of the components are considered in a way that they can be implemented by a unique multiplexer gate. For this purpose, a new multiplexer is used, which operates based on the Columbic interaction of cells. QCADesigner is used to simulate the proposed structures and verify their operation. The proposed structure has a 28% improvement in the number of cells and a 27% improvement in the occupied area.
Influence of Ion Beam Irradiation on Optical and Magnetic Properties of Transparent Mn Doped ZnO Thin Films, Suitable for Sensor Applications
Authors: Neogi Swarup Kumar , Ghosh Soumyadev , Banerjee Aritra , Bandyopadhyay Sudipta
Published: April 2022

The present work describes modification in physical properties of Zn0.95Mn0.05O films by ion beam irradiation. Films were prepared by spin coating and annealed at 500 °C. XRD patterns of these films show wurzite structure with good crystalline quality. However, Low energy irradiation could modify and induces new defect states. Characterization of those defects had been performed by analysing the UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Room temperature PL emission of Zn0.95Mn0.05O film shows a broad UV emission and pronounced visible emission ∼530 nm. At low temperature broad UV band become more prominent however it is completely quenched after irradiation. For all irradiated films we had notice only visible emission of comparable intensities, confined within the region 475 nm to 550 nm. Irradiated films are showing ferromagnetism at room temperature and most importantly the film irradiated at fluence F: 1016 ions cm−2 exhibit maximum saturation magnetic moment of 0.83 emu g−1. The magnetic response is strongly influenced by irradiation and we could say that magnetism is strongly correlated with intrinsic defects present in these films. Defect induced formation of bound magnetic polarons (BMP) actually control the ferromagnetic property of these films. These transparent ferromagnetic films could be used in optoelectronics.
Characterization of Continuous-Wave Laser Crystallized Silicon Thin Films with Hole-Patterns
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuy , Kuroki Shin-Ichiro
Published: April 2022

Single crystal grain low-temperature polycrystalline thin-film transistors (LTPS-TFTs) fabricated on a glass substrate have been the key target to develop transparent electronics such as monolithic three-dimensional integrated circuits (3DICs) and glass sheet computers because of their ultrahigh-performances. This study proposed a simple method to pre-define single-crystal grains with hole-patterned polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin film. The crystal growth and the temperature distribution were clarified by observing the characterization of a hole-patterned poly-Si thin film. The relationship between the temperature gradient, crystal growth, and void formation in the poly-Si thin film was discussed. The location of voids was controllable in the hole-patterned poly-Si thin film. These pre-defined single-crystal grains are promising to fabricate ultrahigh-performance LTPS-TFTs.
Gompertz Ampadu Class of Distributions: Properties and Applications
Authors: Alhassan Abukari
Published: April 2022

This paper introduces a new generator family of distributions called the Gompertz Ampadu-G family. Based on the generator, the Lomax distribution was modified into Gompertz Ampadu Lomax. The new distribution has a flexible hazard rate function that has upside-down and bathtub shapes, including increasing and decreasing hazard rate functions. The distribution comes with some desirable statistical properties. The distribution is applied to real-life data. Parameter estimates and test statistics show a better fit for the competitive models.
Thermal Comfort Assessment of the Beijing Historical Town Blocks: Analysis of Indices and Applications
Authors: Yang Xin , Li Sha , Zhang Qi , He Shuang
Published: April 2022

Thermal comfort indicates the sensation of humans towards the surrounding environment. This research work proposes a novel method for assessing thermal comfort indices of the Beijing Historical Town Blocks. Motivation. Maintaining a proper thermal comfort is essential for healthy living and promoting the use of low energy strategies; therefore, there is an intense need for research, analysis, and assessment of thermal indices for indoor environments. Objective. The research work intends to present a generalized model for outdoor thermal comfort assessment by investigating thermal comfort evaluation indices of the past ten years through the CiteSpace software and dynamic simulation system. Methodology. Based on a study of 19 streets over 6 blocks in the historical area of Beijing, validity of the four evaluation indices of thermal comfort of the street space is analyzed using real-time data monitoring, questionnaires, regression analysis, and model establishment. Statistical analysis is performed on the basis of the four commonly used thermal comfort evaluation indices along with using universal thermal climate index (UTCI) and the comfort threshold range for evaluation. Findings. Outcomes of the analysis revealed that UTCI thermal neutral value in the historic block was 20.59°C and the comfort range was 16–25°C. It was observed that UTCI indices were inversely related to the street vegetation coverage; therefore, unlike street aspect ratio and building shadow, green planting elements had a significant effect on the thermal comfort of outdoor environment. Implication. As applicability extent of the four indices is fairly broad, the proposed method is adaptable for the assessment of indoor and outdoor environments. Thermal comfort index analysis and evaluation are appropriate for advance research in microclimate environment. Application. The research work suggests improvement strategies of microclimate environment in the historical blocks and, therefore, has significant applications in addressing the challenges of outdoor thermal comfort systems.
Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua Reduce Depression-Like Behavior in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress-Calpain-1-NLRP3 Signaling Axis
Authors: Shen Fengming , Xie Pan , Li Congting , Bian Zhijuan , Wang Xuncui , Peng Daiyin , Zhu Guoqi
Published: April 2022

Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PSP) exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant effects. Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the calpain system and the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome are closely related to the pathogenesis of depression. However, the relationships among those pathways and the protective effects of PSP have not been characterized. In this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and chronic unpredictable mild stress- (CUMS-) induced depression models were used to evaluate the protective mechanisms of PSP against depression. ROS levels were measured in HT-22 cells using flow cytometry. Brain tissues were collected to determine the levels of oxidation-related indicators and inflammatory cytokines. The protein levels of calpain-1, calpain-2, calpastatin, phosphatase and Tensin Homolog deleted on Chromosome 10 (PTEN), suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian oscillatory protein (SCOP), nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured using western blotting or immunofluorescence. In cellular experiments, we showed that PSP attenuated LPS-induced production of ROS in HT-22 cells. In animal experiments, we found that LPS increased the expression of calpain-1, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, Iba1, p-ERK, NF-κB, and GFAP and reduced the expression of calpastatin, PTEN, SCOP, and Nrf2. Administration of PSP reversed these changes. N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) administration also inhibited oxidative stress and activation of the calpain system and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, PSP, calpeptin, MCC950 (a selective NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor), and NAC reduced LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokine release. We also showed that PSP prevented CUMS-induced changes in the calpain system and the Nrf2 and NLRP3 signaling pathways and reduced depression-like behavior. These results indicate that PSP exerts antidepressant effects through regulation of the oxidative stress-calpain-1-NLRP3 signaling axis.
Harnessing Mucor spp. for Xylanase Production: Statistical Optimization in Submerged Fermentation Using Agro‐Industrial Wastes
Authors: Al Mousa Amal A. , Abo-Dahab Nageh F. , Hassane Abdallah M. A. , Gomaa Abd El-Rahman F. , Aljuriss Jana A. , Dahmash Noura D.
Published: April 2022

Xylan is the primary hemicellulosic polymer found in lignocellulosic agricultural wastes and can be degraded by xylanase. In the current research, Mucor circinelloides and M. hiemalis were tested for their ability to produce xylanase from tangerine peel by submerged fermentation. Experiments on five variables were designed with Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology. Analysis of variance was exercised, the xylanase output was demonstrated with a mathematical equation as a function of the five factors, and the quixotic states for xylanase biosynthesis was secured. In addition, xylanase was partially purified, characterized, and immobilized on calcium alginate beads. The optimum parameters for xylanase production by M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis were consisted of incubation temperature (30 and 20°C), pH value (9 and 7) incubation period (9 and 9 days), inoculum size (3 and 3 mL), and substrate concentration (3 and 3 g/100 mL), respectively. M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis demonstrated the highest xylanase activities after RSM optimization, with 42.23 and 35.88 U/mL, respectively. The influence of single, interchange, and quadratic factors on xylanase output was investigated using nonlinear regression equations with significant R2 and p values. The partial purification of M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis xylanase yielded 1.69‐ and 1.97‐fold purification, and 30.74 and 31.34% recovery with 292.08 and 240.15 U/mg specific activity, respectively. Partially purified xylanase from M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis demonstrated the highest activity at neutral pH and 60 and 50°C, respectively. The immobilized M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis xylanase retained 84.02 and 79.43% activity, respectively. The production of xylanase from M. circinelloides and M. hiemalis utilizing RSM is deemed profitable for the decomposition of the agro‐industrial wastes.
Comprehensive Characterization of the Function of Metabolic Genes and Establishment of a Prediction Model in Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Ruijing , Peng Mengle , Zhao Shuai , Wang Zhongquan , Ma Yajie , Zhang Xinyu , Lv Xuefeng , Wang Shukai , Ju Shaotan , Zhao Rongling , Zhou Qing , Lian Wenping
Published: April 2022

Background. Breast cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous disease with high morbidity and mortality. Its subtypes may have distinctly different biological behaviors, clinical outcomes, and therapeutic responses. The metabolic status of BC tissue is closely related to its progress. Therefore, we comprehensively characterized the function of metabolic genes in BC and identified new biomarkers to predict BC patients’ prognoses. Methods. Metabolic genes were identified by intersecting genes obtained from two published pieces of literature. The function of metabolic genes in BC was determined by extracting differentially expressed genes (DEGs), performing functional enrichment analyses, analyzing the infiltrating proportion of immune cells, and conducting metabolic subgroup analyses. A risk score model was constructed to assess the prognoses of BC patients by performing the univariate Cox regression, LASSO algorithm, multivariate Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, and ROC curve analyses in the training set. The prognostic model was then validated on the testing dataset, external dataset, the whole TCGA-BC database, and our clinical specimens. Finally, a nomogram was constructed for clinical prognostic prediction based on the risk score model and other clinicopathological parameters. Results. 955 metabolic genes were obtained. Among these, 157 metabolic DEGs were identified between BC and normal tissues for subsequent GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. 5 metabolic genes were negatively correlated with CD8+ T cells, while 49 genes were positively correlated with CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, 5 metabolic subgroups with varying proportions of PAM50 subtypes, TNM classification, and immune cell infiltration were obtained. Finally, a risk score model was constructed to predict the prognoses of BC patients, and a nomogram incorporating the risk score model was established for clinical application. Conclusion. In this study, we elucidated tumor heterogeneity from metabolite profiling of BC. The roles of metabolic genes in the occurrence of BC were comprehensively characterized, clarifying the relationship between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and metabolic genes. Meanwhile, a concise prediction model was also constructed based on metabolic genes, providing a convenient and precise method for the individualized diagnosis and treatment of BC patients.
Red Light Mitigates the Deteriorating Placental Extracellular Matrix in Late Onset of Preeclampsia and Improves the Trophoblast Behavior
Authors: Griffin Jakara , Krolikowski John G. , Kounga Kenisha , Struve Janine , Keszler Agnes , Lindemer Brian , Bordas Michelle , Broeckel Grant , Lohr Nicole L. , Weihrauch Dorothee
Published: April 2022

Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy disorder which in extreme cases may lead to maternal and fetal injury or death. Preexisting conditions which increase oxidative stress, e.g., hypertension and diabetes, increase the mother’s risk to develop preeclampsia. Previously, we established that when the extracellular matrix is exposed to oxidative stress, trophoblast function is impaired, and this may lead to improper placentation. We investigated how the oxidative ECM present in preeclampsia alters the behavior of first trimester extravillous trophoblasts. We demonstrate elevated levels of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and lipid oxidation end product 4-hydroxynonenal in preeclamptic ECM (28%, and 32% increase vs control, respectively) accompanied with 35% and 82% more 3-chlorotyrosine and 3-nitrotyrosine vs control, respectively. Furthermore, we hypothesized that 670 nm phototherapy, which has antioxidant properties, reverses the observed trophoblast dysfunction as depicted in the improved migration and reduction in apoptosis. Since NO is critical for placentation, we examined eNOS activity in preeclamptic placentas compared to healthy ones and found no differences; however, 670 nm light treatment triggered enhanced NO availability presumably by using alternative NO sources. Light exposure decreased apoptosis and restored trophoblast migration to levels in trophoblasts cultured on preeclamptic ECM. Moreover, 670 nm irradiation restored expression of Transforming Growth Factor (TGFβ) and Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) to levels observed in trophoblasts cultured on healthy placental ECM. We conclude the application of 670 nm light can successfully mitigate the damaged placental microenvironment of late onset preeclampsia as depicted by the restored trophoblast behavior.
[Retracted] Multiparameter Magnetic Resonance Quantitative Evaluation of Pancreatic Cancer with Vascular Invasion
Authors: Zhou Mi , Wu Yunzhu , Yin Longlin
Published: April 2022

Objective. To analyze the value of multiparameter magnetic resonance (mpMRI) in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with vascular invasion from two aspects: morphology and function, so as to provide a reliable diagnostic basis for preparing the clinical treatment plans. Methods. Totally 31 case data of pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed in our hospital from January 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging (T1WI, T2WI, DKI, and DCE‐MRI) before surgery, and then all patients underwent pancreatic cancer surgery. Two experienced radiologists analyzed these obtained images according to the image reports and combined them with the pathological results. Taking pathological results as gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of quantitative parameters derived from T2WI, DKI, DCE, T2WI + DKI, T2WI + DCE, and T2WI + DKI + DCE for the diagnostic capabilities of pancreatic cancer vascular invasion were calculated using diagnostic laboratory methods. Kappa consistency test was used to estimate the consistency of two radiologists’ diagnosis and analysis. The images obtained by DKI sequence were input into the postprocessing software MITK‐Diffusion v2014.10.02, The images obtained from DCE sequence were processed by the Tissue 4D software on the Siemens syngo via workstation to calculate and analyze each tumor ROI’s MD, MK values from DKI, and Ktrans, Kep, Ve values from DCE. Independent samples t‐test was used to compare the parameters of pancreatic cancer with vascular invasion group (16 cases) and nonvascular invasion group (15 cases). ROC curve was used to analyze the efficacy of each parameter in diagnosing pancreatic cancer vascular invasion. Results. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of T2WI were 62.5%, 53.5%, and 58.1%; those of DKI were 56.3%, 60.0%, and 58.1%; those of DCE were 68.8%, 60.0%, and 64.5%; those of T2WI + DKI were 68.8%, 66.7%, and 67.7%; those of T2WI + DCE were 75.0%, 66.7%, and 71.1%; those of T2WI + DKI + DCE were 81.2%, 73.3%, and 77.4%, respectively. These two diagnostic radiologists analyzed image data with good consistency, Kappa = 0.834. MD, MK, Ktrans, Kep, and Ve were significantly different between the vascular invasion group and the nonvascular invasion group (p < 0.05). Each parameter’s AUC of ROC curve was 0.773, 0.829, 0.794, 0.802, and 0.846 (p < 0.05). Take MD = 2.285 × 10−3 mm/s2, MK = 0.72, Ktrans = 0.103, Kep = 0.337, and Ve = 0.353 as thresholds; the sensitivity of these parameters to diagnose vascular invasion of pancreatic cancer was 73.33%, 75%, 87.5%, 68.8%, and 68.8%. The specificity of them was 75%, 80%, 60%, 86.7%, and 86.7%, respectively. Conclusion. The combined analysis of T2WI + DKI + DCE can improve the specificity and accuracy of diagnostic efficiency of vascular invasion of pancreatic cancer and provide an important diagnostic basis for pancreatic cancer’s preoperative treatment.
Attenuation of ROS/Chloride Efflux-Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Contributes to Alleviation of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Rats after Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Li Songhan , Dong Shuohui , Shi Bowen , Xu Qian , Li Linchuan , Wang Shuo , Zhang Wenjie , Zhong Mingwei , Zhu Jiankang , Cheng Yugang , Zhang Guangyong , Hu Sanyuan
Published: April 2022

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) can develop in diabetes mellitus and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Surgical bariatric surgery procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy (SG), result in remission of type 2 diabetes and have benefits regarding systolic and diastolic myocardial function. The NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome appears to participate in the development of DCM. However, whether SG surgery affects myocardial NLRP3 inflammasome-related pyroptosis to improve cardiac function remains unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the effect of SG surgery on NLRP3-associated pyroptosis in rats with DCM. We also examined cellular phenotypes and molecular mechanisms in high glucose-stimulated myocytes. The rat model of DCM was established by high-fat diet feeding and low-dose streptozotocin injection. We observed a metabolic benefit of SG, including a reduced body weight, food intake, and blood glucose levels and restored glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity postoperatively. We observed a marked decline in glucose uptake in rats with DCM, and this was restored after SG. Also, SG alleviated the dysfunction of myocardial contraction and diastole, delayed the progression of DCM, and reduced the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated myocardial pyroptosis in vivo. H9c2 cardiomyocytes showed membrane disruption and DNA damage under a high glucose stimulus, which suggested myocardial pyroptosis. Using a ROS scavenger or chloride channel blocker in vitro restored myocardial NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. Furthermore, we found that chloride efflux acted downstream of ROS generation. In conclusion, SG may ameliorate or even reverse the progression of DCM. Our study provides evidence that the SG operation alleviates NLRP3 inflammasome dysregulation in DCM. Clearance of ROS overburden and suppression of chloride efflux due to SG might act as the proximal event before inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome in the myocardium, thus contributing to morphological and functional alleviation of DCM.
Assessment of Chemical Effects on Wellbore Stability in Transition Shale Formation
Authors: Lin Hai , Deng Jingen , Luo Chao , Li Lin , Liu Hailong
Published: April 2022

Substantial research has been conducted on the mechanisms responsible for the wellbore collapse in shale formations. For chemically active soft shale formations, pore pressure and stress change due to osmotic pressure and hydration swelling are usually recognized as the primary mechanisms, while for chemically inactive hard shale formation, wellbore instability is generally attributed to weak structural planes like bedding planes and microcracks. In this paper, experimental testing and analytical and numerical analyses are performed to reveal the dominant mechanism of the frequently encountered severe wellbore instability events in the middle-deep shale formation in the Bohai oil field of China. It is evidenced from the physical and chemical experimental testing that the middle-deep shale features both medium chemical activity and abundant bedding planes and microcracks, indicating that the middle-deep shale is in the transition process from chemically actively soft shale to the chemically inactive but laminated and fractured hard shale. Mechanical testing also shows considerable strength degradation of the middle-deep transition shale due to drilling fluid-shale interaction. Analysis through a hydro-chemo-mechanical coupling theory shows that the extent of the damage zone around the wellbore is limited if only pore pressure change and hydration swelling caused by the chemical difference between the drilling fluid and the formation fluid are considered, which cannot explain the severe wellbore collapse in the drilling process. In contrast, when pore pressure increase and strength degradation of the shale due to drilling fluid penetration along the bedding planes and microcracks are taken into account, a damage zone of 3~4 times of the wellbore diameter can be generated, implying that the dominant mechanism of the wellbore instability in the middle-deep transition shale formation should be the pore pressure change and strength degradation resulted from drilling fluid penetration along the bedding planes and microcracks.
A Case Study Using a Behavioural Contract in Alcohol Dependence within a Crisis Home Treatment Team
Authors: Howe Andrew John , Anandarajah Cholan
Published: April 2022

In this case study, we present a novel approach to care within a Home Treatment Team, using a behavioural contract. This is a signed, written agreement that targets specific behaviours for change. The concept draws on social learning theory in that it requires social interaction and a relationship to work. In psychiatric settings, the behavioural contract often finds use in Democratic Therapeutic Communities but rarely in crisis or acute services. In this case study, we attempted to use a behavioural contract within our Home Treatment Team to help a patient address his alcohol dependence and its subsequent effect on his daily living activities. The behavioural contract provided an alternative way to manage a crisis episode. We hope that other crisis service staff reading this case study may use a behavioural contract in their work to a similar beneficial effect.
Supply Chain Financial Default Risk Early Warning System Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Yin Menglin , Li Gushuo
Published: April 2022

With the advancement of the linkage between financial markets, the probability of credit risk infection is also increasing. Traditional financing methods, which mostly relied on corporate credit to give credit to the whole supply chain, have been replaced by supply chain finance. This paper studies the supply chain financial credit risk through the logistic model and chooses the financial data and supply chain financial operation indicators of relevant listed companies from 2014 to 2016 for analysis. Because not all of companies can find the bad debt rate of accounts receivable from 2014 to 2016, and some agricultural listed companies only have one or two years of relevant data, this paper creates an unbalanced panel data with 91 sample sizes, which is larger than previous studies. Binary logistic regression and principal component analysis are mainly used to accurately calculate the compliance probability of cooperative customers in agricultural supply chain financial products. Unlike the existing literature, which mainly uses s.t to define whether an enterprise defaults, this paper uses

Z

value to define the default risk of listed companies in agricultural supply chain finance. In terms of the default risk value of the company,

Z

value not only has high accurate value but also has advantages in accurate prediction, which effectively complements and improves the existing research on supply chain finance.