bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL MARKETING STRATEGY
Authors: Svitlana Klepikova , Anastasia Sharova
Published: April 2023

The article examines the process of forming an international marketing strategy and its determinants, describes the relationship between the phases of international marketing development and the level of application of an international marketing strategy. Based on this analysis, a set of elements of the company's international marketing strategy was developed, the application of which should contribute to ensuring a systematic approach to its planning, implementation and control. A structural and logical scheme of strategic decision-making regarding the selection of foreign markets and segments is proposed, and the factors that determine the geographical diversification of the enterprise are analyzed. PJSC "Concern Khlibprom" is one of the largest enterprises of the Ukrainian bread market, which daily produces up to 160 tons of products - bread, bakery, confectionery and dough semi-finished products. The Company's structure includes 5 processing enterprises located in Lviv and Vinnytsia regions. The analysis of segments and the search for the target market should be based on the following criteria: market capacity, availability of sales channels, trends of growth or decrease in the size of the segment, profitability of activities per segment, chances of success in competition. In 2023, PJSC "Concern Hlibprom" is proposed to conduct a wide advertising campaign. The presented advertising objects are new types of products of PJSC "Concern Hlibprom" (croissants, toaster bread for breakfast).
THE PRINCIPLES OF CREATION AND APPLICATION OF COMPUTER SIMULATORS IN THE TASKS OF ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY
Authors: Zachepa Iurii , Zachepa Nataliia , Ganzevich Ivan , Shokarov Dmytro , Cherkashyna Галина
Published: April 2023

The work presents the structure and the necessary complex of elements that ensure the functioning of computer simulators-simulators in the tasks of electric power engineering. The organization of the system for ensuring work in the given computer simulator-simulator is proposed. On the basis of the formulated general technical requirements for simulator software, their tasks and functions, a computer simulator-simulator of an autonomous power-generating installation was developed to practice the skills of technical operation of electrical installations of consumers. Mathematical support for the formation of subprograms as independent elements capable of interacting with each other is proposed. On the basis of the formulated general technical requirements for the software of the simulator, its tasks and functions, a computer simulator of an autonomous power plant was created to form the skills of technical operation of the consumer of electrical equipment. An algorithm for software and hardware implementation of a computer simulator-simulator, identical to a real physical autonomous mini-power plant based on a diesel-generator unit, has been developed.
STUDY ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC INDICATORS OF MUNICIPAL HEAT SUPPLY SYSTEMS
Authors: Kovalenko Yuriy , Tarasenko Mykola , Tarasenko Oleksandr
Published: April 2023

The article shows that for the selection of rational heat supply schemes, it is necessary to take into account not only economic factors, but also conduct a multiparametric analysis. The urgency of the problem has especially increased due to the high cost and shortage of traditional fuels (coal, gas), which has led to the use of alternative energy sources in heat supply systems. In the paper, options for energy carriers and corresponding design schemes of heating systems, most often used for residential buildings, are considered. Their comparative evaluation and comparison of the given values of the cost of a unit of thermal energy was made. The peculiarities of the environmental impact of heat supply sources using different types of fuel are investigated. The cost of a unit of energy and the specific emissions of pollutants related to carbon monoxide emissions are determined. A comparative assessment of specific emissions for heat-generating devices operating on natural gas, coal, firewood, and pellets has been performed. The evaluation is based on their average indicators. Recommendations for choosing a heat supply source are offered on the basis of an ecological and economic assessment.
Analisis Implementasi Kebijakan Harga Minimum Industri Rokok di Indonesia
Authors:   Biro Sumber Daya Manusia Kementerian Keuangan, Arifin Khomsun , Ahsan Abdillah ,   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Indonesia, Yuniar Adela Miranti ,   Pusat Ekonomi Bisnis dan Syariah Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis Universitas Indonesia
Published: April 2023

Perusahaan besar mempunyai kekuatan finansial untuk memainkan strategi harga sehingga dapat mengancam eksistensi perusahaan kecil dalam pasar. Dalam hal ini, Pemerintah menerapkan kebijakan harga minimum untuk melindungi pengusaha kecil dari persaingan harga yang tidak sehat. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui korelasi implementasi kebijakan harga minimum terhadap strategi harga di industri rokok. Dengan menggunakan data panel berupa survei harga transaksi pasar DJBC periode 2015–2019 yang meliputi 199 merek rokok di 25 wilayah provinsi Indonesia dan random effect model, hasil studi ini menemukan bahwa implementasi kebijakan harga minimum (HTP 85%) secara signifikan berkorelasi positif terhadap selisih harga pada semua jenis dan golongan rokok.
Outcomes at a Mean of 13 Years After Proximal Humeral Fracture During Adolescence
Authors: Lähdeoja Tuomas , Pakkasjärvi Niklas , Aronen Pasi , Willamo Patrick , Aronniemi Johanna , Sintonen Harri , Nietosvaara Yrjänä , Paavola Mika
Published: April 2023

Background:

The long-term outcomes of a proximal humeral fracture during adolescence are not well known. We investigated the course of primary treatment for these injuries and the long-term outcomes in adulthood, comparing the outcomes with those from age-matched controls. We also compared outcomes after operative and nonoperative treatment via propensity score matching.

Methods:

We included children who sustained a proximal humeral fracture between the ages of 10.0 and 16.0 years and underwent treatment between 1995 and 2005. Data from primary treatment episodes were extracted from patient files. The patients were invited to a follow-up visit with outcome assessment and radiographs or to a telephone interview if unable to attend. The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), pain at rest and with strenuous use, shoulder range of motion, strength measurements, health-related quality of life (15D), and harms. Participant results were compared with the normal values of an age-matched population. The effect of operative treatment was assessed using propensity score matching and the average treatment effect was calculated.

Results:

This study included 209 patients (210 fractures). The mean follow-up (and standard deviation) was 13.1 ± 3.2 years. Outcome data were obtained from 152 participants (153 fractures); 78 participants attended the follow-up visit. The primary treatment episodes were uneventful. The mean scores were 2.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 3.3 [range, 0 to 13]) for the DASH and 11.7 (95% CI, 11.5 to 11.8 [range, 8 to 12]) for the SST. Other outcomes were similarly good. There were no differences in function compared with the normal population values. Propensity matching showed no treatment effect for operative treatment compared with nonoperative treatment.

Conclusions:

Proximal humeral fractures of adolescents heal well and rarely result in impairments whether treated operatively or nonoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

PrognosticLevel III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Determinantes da Eficiência Relativa da Gestão Pública da Saúde
Authors: Nascimento Érica Suélen do , De Melo Carvalho Franscisval , Carvalho de Benedicto Gideon , Willer do Prado José
Published: April 2023

Objetivo da pesquisa: Identificar fatores determinantes da eficiência nas microrregiões de saúde do Estado de Minas Gerais.
Enquadramento Teórico: A eficiência é um pressuposto da teoria New Public Management. Para a saúde pública a eficiência refere-se em otimizar os recursos de modo que se possa garantir a assistência a toda a população. As características locais podem determinar uma melhor alocação de recursos, impactar na eficiência e no bem-estar da população.
Metodologia: Por meio da regressão Tobit verificou-se o impacto da renda, escolaridade, envelhecimento e crescimento populacional na eficiência relativa da saúde pública das microrregiões de saúde do Estado de Minas Gerais. A eficiência relativa da saúde foi obtida por meio da Análise por Envoltória de Dados - DEA.
Resultados: O índice de envelhecimento e a densidade populacional apresentou impacto negativo na eficiência relativa da saúde. O PIB per capita apresentou impacto positivo sobre a eficiência.
Originalidade: A análise da eficiência na saúde pública limitada aos fatores controlados pelo próprio sistema pode comprometer a geração de justiça social. As características locais podem determinar uma melhor alocação de recursos e impactar diretamente na eficiência da saúde pública.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: O estudo aborda sobre a geração de justiça social, não somente da saúde pública, mas também relacionadas aos aspectos socioeconômicos. Os fatores contextuais devem fazer parte das políticas públicas de saúde para que se possa garantir a universalidade, a integralidade e a igualdade da saúde pública.
 
Palavras-chave:Saúde Pública, Eficiência Relativa, Regressão Tobit.
Modelo estrutural de cidadania deliberativa: Metodologia quantitativa proposta à gestão social
Authors: Cavalcante da Costa Jhonathan , De Fátima Pinto Juliana
Published: April 2023

Objetivo da pesquisa: O objetivo deste estudo é ampliar a compreensão teórica e prática sobre fatores que afetam o bem comum, sob a perspectiva da cidadania deliberativa (Tenório, 1998, 2007, 2012).
Enquadramento teórico: O embasamento teórico e metodológico parte de experiência recente (Costa, 2018), na qual se estudaram os efeitos da transparência e da participação sobre o processo deliberativo e cuja principal limitação foi não adotar indicadores para o construto correspondente ao bem comum.
Metodologia: Para a validação deste modelo teórico, utilizou-se a modelagem de equações estruturais (Hair, Hult, Ringle, & Sarstedt, 2017), aplicada a uma amostra de 209 respondentes de diversos estados brasileiros.
Resultados: Neste trabalho, aprimora-se o modelo estrutural de cidadania deliberativa, concluindo-se que transparência e participação, mediadas pelo processo deliberativo, afetam positivamente o bem comum.
Originalidade: Ampliação do modelo estrutural criado anteriormente com base nos critérios de cidadania deliberativa.
Contribuições teóricas e práticas: A contribuição é principalmente metodológica, pois o modelo estrutural de cidadania deliberativa poderá ser utilizado em pesquisas quantitativas para investigação de diversos fatores que influenciam a construção do bem comum.
 
Palavras-chave:Transparência, Participação, Gestão Social, Cidadania Deliberativa.
Single Image Haze Removal Algorithm with Upgraded Transmission Map Model
Authors: saxena gaurav , Patel Sujit Kumar , Singhal Subodh Kumar
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Evidence-Based Policy Making: Insights and Policy Recommendations for the Implementation of a Clean Energy Transition in Kenya.
Authors: Fields Neve , Ryves David B , Yeganyan Rudolf , Cannone Carla , Tan Naomi , Howells Mark
Published: April 2023

With ambitious targets to drastically increase economic activity over the next decade in order to propel itself to become a middle-income country, Kenya’s future is undoubtedly energy intensive. Through the achievement of its bold and aspiring goals, Kenya is poised to become a regional economic giant with the capacity to strengthen its position as a global leader in renewable energy production. However, current energy capacity expansion plans will see Kenya drastically ramp up fossil fuel generation, significantly increasing emissions and regressing progress made towards its climate and renewable energy targets. Therefore, Kenya is at a crucial stage of its national development with critical decisions to make regarding its future energy expansion and production. The use of energy systems modelling as a method to provide key insights for evidence-based policy making has risen in importance in energy planning globally. Such an approach can provide crucial insights and projections on the impact of potential policy decisions, creating pathways to be adopted within policy. As a result, this study employs long-term energy systems modelling to explore a series of potential future scenarios for Kenya’s power sector, providing insights into their generation, total production, and costs that can assist national policy making. Specifically, this research utilises OSeMOSYS modelling software to produce a Clean Energy Transition scenario (CET) as one possible future for Kenya’s power sector to increase renewable energy production under rapidly intensifying demand. The critical insights gained in this research were employed to suggest seven key policy recommendations for Kenya’s power sector.
Application of three-dimensional reconstruction in partial nephrectomy, a systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Jia Li , Xinliang Yang , Jingzhen Zhu , Xiaobing Liu , Jiang Zhao , Bishao Sun , Xing Luo , Ji Zheng , Zhenqiang Fang
Published: April 2023

Three dimensional (3D) reconstruction is widely used in complicated renal surgery. This article focus on investigating the role of three-dimensional reconstruction participated in partial nephrectomy (PN) from a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched the published studies that reported the relationship between 3D reconstruction and PN using PubMed, Embase and medline up to December 8, 2022. STATA version 12.0 was used to conduct all analyses. studies were finally progressed to data extraction, Meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in operation time ([SMD] =-0.34; confidence interval [CI]: -0.59 to -0.09), global ischemia time ([SMD] =-0.42; CI: -0.64 to -0.21) and opening collecting system rate (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.47). Estimated blood loss, GFR change, positive surgical margin, length of hospital stay, intraoperative complication were no statistically significant differences between 3d reconstruction assisted PN and 2D control group. Our study provides evidence that 3D reconstruction played an important role in PN, especially for complex renal tumors. However, more high-quality, larger sample size and more rigorous design randomized controlled trials which report this topic are still needed to support our conclusions.
Performance Evaluation of Cordex-sea Dataset Based on Multi-metrics and Weighted Ensemble Mean
Authors: Aminoto Tugiyo , Perdinan Perdinan , Faqih Akhmad , Koesmaryono Yonny , Dasanto Bambang Dwi
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive performance evaluation of climate models on historical periods is crucial in achieving more accurate climate projections. This study aimed to evaluate the precipitation performance of nine regional climate models in the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment–Southeast Asia (CORDEX-SEA) dataset on spatiotemporal aspects and proposed schemes of implementing weighting factors to gain an ensemble mean with a better performance. Multi-metrics were used to measure the model skills. In the IPSL and GFDL regional climate models, extreme values in the category of errors were found. They uniquely occurred only at the lon_max boundary and only in certain months. The causes of such errors were further investigated. Hence, the maximum value screening must be carried out in the early model evaluation stage. Such errors may not be visible if the evaluation is only based on the mean value approach. Based on the Taylor diagram CNRM has the highest performance, followed by HadGEM2 and NorESM1, and the ensemble mean outperforms all those individual models. The implementation of the weighting factors shows that the weighted ensemble means produced better performances in terms of standard deviation ratio (0.98 to 1.19) than the unweighted ensemble mean (1.20). For the zonal mean, the weighted ensemble means (0.95) also outperforms other models (< 0.90). Even though the wavelet analysis indicates that all models and those ensemble means have deficient performances, especially in capturing interannual-to-decadal variability, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis shows different results. In addition, the effect of bias correction is also confirmed.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on centre-based cardiac rehabilitation outcomes: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Jug Borut , Tršan Jure , Novaković Marko , Tasič Jerneja , Krevel Barbara , Tršan Uroš , Fras Zlatko , Lainščak Mitja , Farkaš Jerneja
Published: April 2023

We sought to assess how the coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic affected the quality of centre-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR).
Data CR outcomes for 1,452 patients (mean age 59 years, 77% men) were extracted from the National CR Registry and aggregated over monthly time units. We constructed an interrupted time-series (52 months with breakpoint March 2020) with segmented regression to estimate change in level (% points) and trend (% points/month) with 95% confidence intervals [95%CI] of selected CR outcomes.
The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic affected the majority of selected outcomes. We detected a significant increase in level (6.97; 95%CI 0.32, 13.6%, p=0.040) and trend (0.79; 95% 0.21, 1.36%, p=0.008) for smoking; a significant decrease in level for health-related quality of life (-16.3; 95%CI -27.2, -5.4%, p=0.005); a significant increase in trend for exercise capacity (1.68; 95%CI 0.51, -2.85%/month, p=0.006), and decrease in trends for triglyceride control (-1.46; 95%CI -0.61,-2.31%/month, p<0.001), systolic blood pressure control (-1.93; -3.05, -0.81%/month, p<0.001), high-potency statins uptake (-1.21; 95%CI -1.81,-0.61%/month, p<0.001), and BMI (-1.46; 95%CI -2.48, -0.45, p=0.006).
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the quality of centre-based CR. Especially unfavourable trends in risk factors and lifestyle measures should be intensively addressed in the post-pandemic period.
Peptidyl Nitroalkene Inhibitors of Main Protease (Mpro) rationalized by Computational/Crystallographic Investigations as Antivirals against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Medrano Francisco , Hoz-Rodríguez Sergio de la , Martí Sergio , Arafet Kemel , Schirmeister Tanja , Hammerschmidt Stefan , Müller Christin , González-Martínez Águeda , Heras Elena Santillana , Ziebuhr John , Garrido Antonio Romero , Lodola Alessio , Swiderek Katarzyna , Moliner Vicent , González Florenci
Published: April 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to represent a global public health issue. The viral main protease (Mpro) represents one of the most attractive targets for the development of antiviral drugs. Herein we report peptidyl nitroalkenes exhibited enzyme inhibitory activity against Mpro (Ki: 1-10 micM) and three of them good anti-SARS-CoV-2 infection activity in the low micromolar range (EC50: 1-12 micM) without significant toxicity. Additional kinetic studies of compounds FGA145, FGA146 and FGA147 show that all three compounds inhibit Cathepsin L, denoting a possible multitarget effect of these compounds in the antiviral activity. QM/MM computer simulations assisted in the design and in elucidating the way of action. Finally, structural analysis shows, in agreement with the computer predictions, the binding mode of FGA146 and FGA147 to the active site of the protein. Our results illustrate that peptidyl nitroalkenes are potent covalent reversible inhibitors of the Mpro and cathepsin L, and that inhibitors FGA145, FGA146 and FGA147 prevent infection becoming promising drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Virtual reality in the management of health conditions for people aged 65 years and older: A retrospective analysis.
Authors: Orr Eran , Arbel Tal , Levy Miki , Sela Yaron , Weissberger Omer , Lewis Jeremy
Published: April 2023

Background: Globally, the population of people over the age of 60 years is increasing, and the reproduction rate is declining. This will lead to a substantially higher burden for healthcare professionals caring for this patient population. Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly used in this population group across myriad health conditions.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of health records was conducted for older people for a range of health conditions who were treated in the metaverse using VR. The main aims of our study were to determine if it was achievable, safe, that outcome measures could be collected remotely, and any early evidence of effectiveness.
Results: The health records of 164 participants, whose mean age was 72.7 (SD = 6.6) years were identified. No adverse effects were reported, the treatment appeared to be well tolerated and appropriate outcomes could be collected. The 30 second sit to stand test significantly improved following treatment (p < 0.001), as did shoulder abduction range for the left (p = 0.03) and right (p = 0.02) upper limbs, and the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (p = 0.05). No deterioration in any outcomes were reported during the time of treatment.
Conclusion: These data suggest that this method of treatment was feasible and safe, and that a large selection of patient reported, and software acquired outcomes could be collected.
Trial registration: This protocol received an exempt status with a waiver of consent from the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York (BRANY) IRB Protocol #22-12-618-947.
A bioengineered immunocompetent human leukemia chip for preclinical screening of CAR T cell immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Weiqiang , Ma Chao , Wang Huishu , Liu Lunan , Tong Jie , Witkowski Matthew , Aifantis Iannis , Ghassemi Saba
Published: April 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell immunotherapy is promising for treatment of blood cancers; however, clinical benefits remain unpredictable, necessitating development of optimal CAR T cell products. Unfortunately, current preclinical evaluation platforms are inadequate due to their limited physiological relevance to humans. We herein engineered an organotypic immunocompetent chip that recapitulates microarchitectural and pathophysiological characteristics of human leukemia bone marrow stromal and immune niches for CAR T cell therapy modeling. This leukemia chip empowered real-time spatiotemporal monitoring of CAR T cell functionality, including T cell extravasation, recognition of leukemia, immune activation, cytotoxicity, and killing. We next on-chip modelled and mapped different responses post CAR T cell therapy, i.e., remission, resistance, and relapse as observed clinically and identify factors that potentially drive therapeutic failure. Finally, we developed a matrix-based analytical and integrative index to demarcate functional performance of CAR T cells with different CAR designs and generations produced from healthy donors and patients. Together, our chip introduces an enabling ‘(pre-)clinical-trial-on-chip’ tool for CAR T cell development, which may translate to personalized therapies and improved clinical decision-making.
Functional analysis of ESM1 by shRNA-mediated knockdown of its expression in papillary thyroid cancer cells
Authors: XIE LIJUN , WU YING , WANG HAO , ZHANG WEI
Published: April 2023

Endothelial specific molecule-1 (ESM1) is implicated as an oncogene in multiple human cancers. However, the function of ESM1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is not well understood. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of ESM1 on the growth, migration, and invasion of PTC to provide a novel perspective for PTC treatment. The expression levels of ESM1 in PTC tissues were detected by immunohistochemical analysis. Knockdown of ESM1 expression in TPC-1 and SW579 cell lines was established to investigate its role in PTC. Moreover, cell proliferation, apoptosis, wound healing, and transwell assays were conducted in vitro to assess cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The findings revealed that ESM1 expression was significantly higher in PTC tissues than that found in paraneoplastic tissues. Knockdown of ESM1 expression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TPC-1 and SW579 cells in vitro. Compared with the control group, the mRNA and protein levels of ESM1 in PTC cells were significantly reduced following knockdown of its expression. In addition, ESM1-knockdown cells indicated decreased proliferation and decreased migratory and invasive activities. Overall, ESM1 was identified as a major gene in the occurrence and progression of PTC, which could increase the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PTC cells. It may be a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target gene.
Evolutionary multi-objective molecule optimization in implicit chemical space
Authors: Su Yansen , Xia Xin , Zheng Chunhou , Liu Yiping , Wu Qingwen , Zeng Xiangxiang
Published: April 2023

Optimization techniques play a pivotal role in advancing molecular optimization, prompting the development of numerous generative methods tailored to efficiently design optimized molecules derived from existing lead compounds. However, these methodologies often encounter difficulties in generating diverse, novel, and high-quality molecules when addressing multi-property tasks. Consequently, efficiently searching for diverse optimized candidates that simultaneously satisfy multiple properties remains a significant challenge in molecule optimization. To address this problem, we propose a multi-objective molecule optimization framework (MOMO). MOMO employs a specially designed Pareto dominance-based multi-property evaluation strategy at the molecular sequence level, specifically designed to guide the evolutionary search in a latent molecular space to optimize multiple molecular properties. A comparative analysis of MOMO with extant state-of-the-art baselines across three multi-property molecule optimization tasks reveals that MOMO markedly outperforms them all. These results suggest the efficacy of the proposed MOMO framework for simultaneous optimization of multiple properties in molecule optimization.
Peridroplet mitochondria in fatty liver and their role in the prevention of NAFLD by diethyldithiocarbamate
Authors: Liu Tianhui , Sun Xiangyun , Kang Bilian , Yu Qinghong , Qi Yifei , Zhao Xinyan , Liu Lin , Wang Ping , Cong Min
Published: April 2023

Mitochondria can contact lipid droplets (LDs) to form peridroplet mitochondria (PDM). However, the role of PDM in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still unknown. Here, we explored the features of PDM in NAFLD and the role of PDM in the treatment of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) on NAFLD. For the first time, we show that the number of PDM in mouse liver varies with the severity of NAFLD, indicating that PDM might be associated with the progression of NAFLD. PDM and cytosolic mitochondria (CM) were isolated from fatty liver of NAFLD, and analyzed by quantitative proteomics. Compared with CM, PDM have enhanced mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis. In addition, we provide the evidence that the formation of PDM can be regulated in vivo and contributes to the therapeutic effect of DDC on NAFLD. Our findings suggest that regulation of PDM may be a new pharmacological strategy for NAFLD.
Influence Of hydrogen bonding on the Photo-physical properties of Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate
Authors: Zhang Qianjie , Lv Qing , Zhang Dongmei , Jiang Wen , Zhang Huiwen , Zhang Wanping
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the effects of different hydrogen bond types on the photophysical properties of DHHB were investigated by systematically investigating the changes of spectral properties of Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate in protonic and aprotic solvents, and the formation and stability of hydrogen bonds were further studied. Studies have shown that different solvent types and solute concentrations would affected the type of hydrogen bonds, and temperature changes would affected the stability of hydrogen bonds. In aprotic solvents, DHHB could only formed intramolecular hydrogen bonds and DHHB-DHHB intermolecular hydrogen bonds. At low concentration (≤ 5µg/mL), the system mainly existed in the form of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. At this time, the fluorescence intensity and UV molar extinction coefficient changed little, indicating that intramolecular hydrogen bonds have little effected on the spectral properties of DHHB. With the increase of concentration, the number of intermolecular hydrogen bonds increased, UV molar extinction coefficient increased significantly, indicating that intermolecular hydrogen bonds were conducive to improving the UV absorption properties of DHHB. With the increase of temperature, the molar extinction coefficient of the system decreased, indicating that the increase of temperature would led to the decrease of the stability of hydrogen bond fracture between DHHB molecules and reduced the UV absorption performance of DHHB. In the protic solvent, the system also has DHHB-solvent intermolecular hydrogen bonds. With the increase of the proportion of protonic solvent in the system, the fluorescence intensity of the system decreased significantly and the UV integral area increased significantly, indicating that the hydrogen bond between DHHB-solvent molecules was beneficial to improve the UV absorption performance of DHHB.
Fatigue and physical activity levels in Poles living in Poland and the United Kingdom in the futher year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study
Authors: Zalewska Anna , Gałczyk Monika , Mierzejewska Aneta
Published: April 2023

Objectives The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the prevalence of fatigue and level of physical activity, as well as the relationship between fatigue and physical activity among Poles living in Poland and the United Kingdom in the futher year in the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A web-based online survey was conducted among Poles living permanently in Poland and the United Kingdom in January 2023. Responses were obtained from 200 respondents aged 18–69 years. The level of fatigue was assessed by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Results The median for the total fatigue score was equal to 17 points out of a possible 105 which is a quite low level. 13.5% of the subjects had a low level of physical activity, 57% had a sufficient level and 29.5% had a high level. As the scores of the MFIS questionnaire scales and its summary score increased, the MET scores and the level of physical activity decreased. The respondents’ country of residence is not statistically significantly associated with activity level. Poles living in Poland had statistically significantly higher mean scores on the cognitive scale.Conclusions Further experimental studies on the physiological mechanism of differences in fatigue and physical activity are needed. In relation to the findings of our own research, physical activity interventions are recommended to address the unequal distribution of fatigue prevalence between people with high and low levels of physical activity.
Unveiling the molecular recognition process between USP7 N-terminal TRAF-like domain and β-catenin for small molecule discovery
Authors: Asthana Shailendra , Srivast Mitul , Mathur Rajani
Published: April 2023

Protein-protein interactions drive the majority of biological processes, but their poorly characterized molecular recognition mechanism serves as bottleneck for therapeutic interventions. Recognition of substrates via specific sites induce regulation in the protein’s activity which instigates abnormalities in cellular processes. Ubiquitin specific protease-7 (USP7), a negative regulator of Wnt-signaling pathway, deubiquitinates β-catenin and causes colorectal cancer (CRC). USP7 N-terminal TRAF-like domain’s (NTLD) orthosteric site serves as hub for the recognition of substrates, however, its role for β-catenin is still elusive. Furthermore, the pivotal structural determinant and signature residues that drives recognition process between USP7 and β-catenin is unexplored. The NTLD is an unchartered territory of USP7 as no small molecules are reported by targeting its orthosteric site. Here, we underscore the key structural determinants and thermodynamic components that possibly drive the recognition of USP7-β-catenin by using extensive computational approaches. By characterizing this site, six potential hits are identified from the library of 1.1 million compounds through structure-guided virtual screening. Among six dynamically stable hits, H1 and H6 mimics the orientation and interaction map with endogenous substrate peptides at an atomic level without using any biased approach. Consequently, our approach put-forth a novel route to design potent USP7 inhibitors by targeting NTLD.
Automated analysis and detection of epileptic seizures in video recordings using artificial intelligence
Authors: Rai Pragya , Knight Andrew , Hiillos Matias , Morales Elizabeth , Terney Daniella , Larsen Sidsel Armand , Østerkjerhuus Tim , Peltola Jukka , Beniczky Sándor
Published: April 2023

Automated seizure detection promises to aid in the prevention of SUDEP and improve the quality of care by assisting in epilepsy diagnosis and treatment adjustment. In this phase 2 validation, the algorithmic model performance of a contactless, marker-free video-based motor seizure detection system is evaluated against video-electroencephalographic monitoring (VEM) from two Danish epilepsy monitoring units. Detection performance of five categories of motor epileptic seizures (tonic-clonic, hyperkinetic, tonic, unclassified motor, automatisms) and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) with a motor behavioral component lasting for >10 seconds were assessed. 230 patients were recruited in the validation set, with 340 motor seizures identified by VEM. The control threshold was evaluated at a range of values to compare the sensitivity and false detection rate (FDR). At optimal thresholds, the performance of seizure groups in terms of sensitivity (CI) and FDR/hr (CI): tonic-clonic- 95.2% (77.3%, 99.2%); 0.084 (0.081, 0.11), hyperkinetic- 92.9% (68.5%, 98.7%); 0.62 (0.57, 0.67), tonic- 78.3% (64.4%, 87.7%); 5.81 (5.46, 6.19), automatism- 87% (74.3%, 93.9%); 3.30 (3.08, 3.54), unclassified motor seizures- 77.7% (70.8%, 83.4%); 4.79 (4.48, 5.12), and PNES- 95.6% (85.2%, 98.8%); 1.70 (1.59, 1.83). A generic threshold recommended for all motor seizures under study asserted 87.8% sensitivity and 6.48 FDR/hr. These results indicate the system’s achievable performance at pre-specified thresholds that is clinically applicable for use as a seizure screening solution in diagnostic workflows.
Reproductive characteristics of indigenous village chickens
Authors: Desta Takele Taye , Wakeyo Oli
Published: April 2023

Indigenous village chickens (IVCs) display a wide variation in production performance and reproductive characteristics. This variation is ascribed to genetic and environmental factors and gene-environment interactions. This work reports the results of a cross-sectional study recorded using a face-to-face interview of 119 small-scale farmers regarding their insights on production performance and reproductive characteristics of IVCs. It was reported that pullets were sexually mature on average at the age of 5.5 months and cockerels at 6 months. This comparatively early sexual maturity by the standards of IVCs might be attributed to the impact of uncontrolled gene flow from production breeds. However, there is a wide variation in age at sexual maturity at an individual bird’s level. It was found that pullets mature earlier than cockerels (t = 3.250, df = 159, p = 0.001, 95%: CI -0.670, -0.166). Reportedly, local hens on average laid 14 eggs per clutch. The mean number of clutches per year was 4, which could culminate in the yearly production of 56 eggs. A significantly large proportion of the respondents reported that the warm season is an ideal time for laying eggs (96.7%) and brooding chicks (94.1%). During the dry season, the scavenging feed resource is relatively abundant, the risk of infection is comparatively low, and the warm weather is suitable for laying eggs and brooding chicks. IVCs possess a long reproductive lifetime, i.e., on average 3 years in hens and 2 years in cocks, which makes them more productive than has been anticipated. For example, this study found that a hen on average can lay 174 eggs and hatch 58 chicks in its average reproductive lifetime of 3 years. The high intrapopulation variation observed in the performance of IVCs can be used in genetic improvement programs.
Identification and Potential Value of Candidate Genes in Patients with Sinonasal inverted papilloma
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Chen Gang , Li Tieqi
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aimed to explore candidate genes involved in the pathogenesis of sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) using bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification.
Methods: For this, gene expression profiles (GSE193016) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) being used to analyze the functions and pathways of DEGs. Co-expression networks were established using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Furthermore, Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), Cytoscape, Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE), and Cytohubba were used to construct protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, screen hub DEGs, and identify hub genes, with a miRNA-TF-hub gene regulatory network also being constructed. Finally, expression levels of identified hub genes were verified using RT-qPCR.
Results: As a result, 985 DEGs were identified, including 343 upregulated and 642 downregulated genes. Functional enrichment analyses showed that upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in epidermal development, cornification, keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal cell differentiation, and skin development. Meanwhile, downregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in muscle contraction, extracellular structure organization, muscle system process, extracellular matrix organization, and regulation of membrane potential. The top eight hub genes were MAD2L1, CDC20, CCNB2, CCNB1, AURKB, NDC80, KIF11, and DLGAP5. During the validation stage, the expression of MAD2L1 was significantly higher in patients with SNIP than in those with normal nasal mucosa.
Conclusions: Overall, this study identified key genes associated with SNIP and their biological functions. Furthermore, a variety of predicted genes involved in the cell cycle were found to be connected to SNIP pathogenesis and malignant transformation. MAD2L1may play an important role in SNIP pathogenesis, providing novel insights into the occurrence and development of SNIP.
Comparative analysis through computer modeling of the mechanical strength of conventional reinforced concrete beams and beams with non-metallic reinforcements
Authors: LINHARES Paulo Robson Parente , MAGALHÃES Jamylly Kettyly Da Costa , de SOUSA Syllas Ferreira , TEIXEIRA Karla Rayane Sousa , SAMPAIO Allefy Teles
Published: April 2023

Traditional reinforced concrete is one of the most used components in structures in Brazil. This is due to its characteristics of workability, mechanical resistance, and practicality in execution. However, this component usually presents, throughout its useful life, several pathological manifestations related to steel reinforcements. For this reason the construction industry has sought to develop materials with characteristics of high mechanical performance and that present high durability throughout their useful life. It is in this context that non-metallic reinforcements based on fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) have emerged. Thus, the work presents an experiment that compares the mechanical strength of concrete beams with non-metallic reinforcements to the mechanical strength of beam with reinforced concrete with metal reinforcement. This study seeks to verify if there is technical feasibility of replacing steel reinforcement by these materials, thus enhancing the durability of the structure and reducing the need for maintenance or interventions throughout its useful life. The result of the study shows that both the beam reinforced with bars of polymers reinforced with glass fibers (GFRP) and the beam with mesh of polymers reinforced with glass fibers (GFRP) presented good characteristics of mechanical resistance when subjected to loading until its rupture. With this it was possible to conclude that in addition to the non-metallic reinforcements provide the reduction of incidence of pathological manifestations in the structure, these still meet the high performance requirements required for the structural parts studied.
Computed tomography (CT) scanned renal cyst and pathological multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential (MCRNLMP): a patients’ management report of 1520 cases
Authors: Gao Wenlong , Yu Jianpeng , Zhang Mingpeng , Wang Guixin , Li Gang , Niu Yuanjie
Published: April 2023

Background The association between computed tomography (CT) imaging characteristics and clinical growth rate of multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential (MCRNLMP) have not been reported. Our study focused on the correlation of CT imaging and growth rate to investigate the distinguished characteristics in MCRNLMP versus renal cysts, and explore the optimized management.Methods Data regarding 1520 patients including 1,444 patients with renal cysts and 76 patients with MCRNLMP who underwent renal cyst decompression, radical nephrectomy, or nephron sparing surgery due to renal cystic disease between Jan 2013 and Dec 2021 in our institution were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Bosniak classification for imaging modality and the 2016 WHO criteria for clinic pathology were used for detection of MCRNLMP.Results In our study, MCRNLMP accounted for 1.48% of patients with “simple renal cysts”, 5.26% of the patients with “complex renal cysts”, and 12.11% of the patients with “renal tumors combined with renal cysts” (P < 0.001); MCRNLMP accounted for 22.37% and 0.66% of patients with cysts’ growth rate ≥ 2.0 cm/year and < 2.0 cm/year, repectively. Of 76 MCRNLMP cases, after renal cyst de-topping decompression, no recurrence or metastasis was found in 9 patients who underwent nephron-sparing surgery or radical nephrectomy again, while only 1 suspicious recurrence was found by CT of 67 patients underwent actively monitored in postoperative 3-year follow-up.Conclusions MCRNLMP and renal cysts can be slightly identified through the potential predictors of Computed tomography (CT) scanning and growth rate. For MCRNLMP, partial nephrectomy is the first choice and radical nephrectomy should be avoided as much as possible, in addition, active monitoring can also be adopted after surgery to avoid unnecessary nephrectomy.
Impedance mismatch derived coded absorbing materials: for ultra-broadband anti-reflection and scattering field tailored on demand
Authors: Chen Wei , Duan Yuping , Liu Jiangyong , Zhang Tuo , Shi Yupeng , Ma Xinran , Huang Lingxi , Pang Huifang
Published: April 2023

The inability of existing electromagnetic wave absorbing materials (EAMs) to manipulate electromagnetic waves in multiple dimensions leads to the failure to satisfy the demands placed on electromagnetic (EM) defense technology by the current complex EM environment. To break this dilemma, this study focuses on the impedance properties of EAMs, conferring additional ability to disperse and deflect reflected waves by encoding EAMs with opposite phase responses in different impedance mismatch modes. Due to the synergy of both absorption and scattering mechanisms, the developed scattering metasurface absorber exhibits excellent anti-reflection performance, with reflectivity below 0.1 in the 7.8-16.7 GHz at 2 mm thickness. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm is employed to tailor the desired scattering field to meet the stealth requirements of specific environments, allowing for the directional transmission of EM energy in the one-dimensional or homogeneous distribution in the three-dimensional. The proposed scattering metasurface absorber constructed by coded EAMs exhibited excellent anti-reflection properties and environmental stealth adaptability, opening up new possibilities for the development of advanced EM defense technology.
A Potential Molecular Inhibitor of the SARS-COV-2 Main Protease Obtained by Virtual Screening
Authors: Liu Nanxin , Yang Zeyu , Liu Yuying , Dang Xintao , Zhang Qingqing , Wang Jin , Liu Xueying , Zhang Jie , Pan Xiaoyan
Published: April 2023

SARS-CoV-2 has been out breaking around the world for more than three years and continues to evolve variants, which has become a major global health threat. Main protease (Mpro, also called 3CLpro) plays a key role in viral replication and proliferation, making it an attractive drug target. Here, we have identified novel potential inhibitor of Mpro by applying a virtual screening of hundreds Nilotinib structure-like compounds we designed and synthesized. The screened compounds were followed for the SP docking, XP docking, MM-GBSA analysis, IFD docking, MD simulation, ADME/T prediction and then enzymatic assay in vitro. We finally identified compound V291 as a potential SARS-COV-2 Mpro inhibitor with high docking affinity and enzyme inhibitory activity. Moreover, the docking results indicate that His41 is a favorable amino acid for pi-pi inter-actions, while Glu166 can participate in salt bridge formation with protonated primary or secondary amines in the screened molecules. Thus, compounds reported here are capable of engaging the key amino acids His41 and Glu166 in ligand-receptor interactions. Pharmacophore analysis further validates this assertion.
Needle tract seeding of papillary thyroid carcinoma after fine needle aspiration: A case report
Authors: Shi Yang , Zheng Yuenan , Shao Liang , Lv Chengzhou , Zhang Hao , Dong Wenwu , Zhang Ping
Published: April 2023

Background Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an important and economical technique for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Needle tract seeding (NTS) is a rare complication of FNA. The location and number of NTS that occurred in our patient differed from other case reports. Thus, we report a case of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with needle implantation.Case report: We report a 34-year-old man with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who developed tumor dissemination around the sternocleidomastoid muscle 5 years after FNA and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The diagnosis of NTS is based on imaging (computed tomography and ultrasound), postoperative pathology. Metastatic deposits appeared in the muscle which implied that seeding most probably resulted from FNA.Conclusion FNA is a safe procedure and NTS is rare and can be surgically removed. Therefore, the benefits of FNA far outweigh the risks associated with complications.