bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision Support System Design for Informatics Student Final Projects Using C4.5 Algorithm
Authors: Sari Rafika , Fatoni Hasan , Ramdhania Khairunnisa Fadhilla
Published: April 2023

Academic consultation activities between students and academic supervisors are necessary to help students carry out academic activities. Based on the transcript of grades obtained, many students do not choose the appropriate final project/thesis specialization fields based on their academic abilities, resulting in a lot of inconsistencies between the course grades and the final project specialization fields. The purpose of this research is to minimize the subjectivity aspect of students in choosing their final project academic supervisors and minimize the inconsistencies between the course grades and the final project specialization fields. The method used in this research is classification data mining using the Decision Tree and C4.5 Algorithm methods, with the attributes involved being courses, course grades, and specialization courses. The C4.5 Decision Tree algorithm is used to transform data (tables) into a tree model and then convert the tree model into rules. The implementation of the C4.5 Decision Tree algorithm in the specialization field decision support system has been successfully carried out, with an accuracy rate of 70% from the total calculation data. The data used in this research is a sample data from several senior students in the Informatics program at Ubhara-Jaya. The results of the research decision support system can be used as a good recommendation for the Informatics program and senior students to direct their final project research. It is expected that further research will use more sample data so that the accuracy rate will be better and can be implemented in website or mobile-based applications.
Features of Heart Rate Variability in Male and Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Korobova V. N. , Bobyntsev I. I. , Vorvul A. O.
Published: April 2023

In this study, we investigated the heart rate variability (HRV) of awake male and female Wistar rats using a non-invasive technique of electrocardiosignal recording. We established significant differences in the value of HRV indicators in groups of animals differing in spectral parameters (total power of the spectrum (TP), high-(HF) and low-frequency (LF) components of the spectrum). The following HRV indicators were shown to be highly informative: statistical (SDNN — the standard deviation of the complete array of RR intervals, RMSSD — the square root of the standard deviations of successive RR intervals, CV — the coefficient of variation) and spectral (TP, HF, LF, VLF is a very low–frequency component of the HRV spectrum, LF/HF is the vagosympathetic interaction index, IC — centralization index). The data obtained should be taken into account when advancing the existing methodology for studying the pathogenetic mechanisms of HRV changes and determining the prognostic value of these HRV parameters.
Morphofunctional State of the Adrenal Glands in Rats under Urethane and Selenium Administration
Authors: Timofeeva N. Yu. , Merkulova L. M. , Struchko G. Yu. , Bubnova N. V. , Kostrova O. Yu. , Stomenskaya I. S. , Kotelkina A. A.
Published: April 2023

The adrenal gland is one of the first organs to respond to external influences. Cortisol, with its important properties affecting the immune system, proliferation and apoptosis in various tissues, is a significant indicator of such a pathological process as malignant growth. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant having an immunomodulatory action and exhibiting anticarcinogenic effects. In this paper, we investigate adrenal morphofunctional changes under experimental carcinogenesis against the background of urethane and selenium administration by determining blood cortisol concentrations and studying the aggregate morphometric index of adrenal glands. The study revealed that carcinogen introduction imitates the adaptation syndrome stages in the organism and is accompanied by changes in the cortisol level and aggregate morphometric index. Maximal values of the studied parameters were detected after 1 month of exposure to carcinogen, which indicated the development of the alarm phase. A further decrease in the indices after 2 and 3 months down to the intact level indicates the development of the resistance stage. A sharp decrease in the indices after 6 months shows the exhaustion stage. An isolated course introduction of selenium leads to a reliable decrease in the aggregate morphometric index practically in all terms that indicates the stress-relieving influence of the microelement. The combined effects of selenium and carcinogen revealed a dropout of the alarm stage, but rapid elimination of the micronutrient from the body could not prevent the development of the exhaustion phase after 6 months.
Tracking the Environment in Investment Arbitration: The World and India
Authors: Bhattacharya Shouvik , Koshy Alex , Mariah Pinheiro Kaira
Published: April 2023

The ongoing global energy crisis and wave of climate-related disasters have prompted renewed attention to States’ powers of enacting regulations for environmental protection and sustainable development. The language used in international investment agreements and treaties informs and determines the extent to which States can introduce progressive environmental policies, while simultaneously ensuring the protection of investors’ rights and interests. The following article critically analyzes such treaty language by discussing the various approaches to and developments in incorporating environmental concerns, and studies how tribunals have interpreted such clauses. In so doing, the article traces a gradual but distinct shift in the approach of investment arbitration tribunals to environmental protection over the past few decades. The article also explores the recent global trend of States unilaterally terminating investment treaties, with a particular focus on India. India's response to its contentious relationship with investor-State disputes may prove instructive for States looking to attract investment while also balancing the protection of the environment.
Resource Nationalism in Emerging Markets: Protecting the Environment and Local Communities or Imposing Protectionist Measures that Impact Foreign Investment?
Authors: Gorsline Melissa S. , Pradilla Picas Maria I. , Korynevych Viktoriia
Published: April 2023

Recent global trends show that new waves of resource nationalism are often associated with governments’ attempts to live up to modern ESG standards and to protect the rights of indigenous local communities. While states of course have the sovereign right to regulate within their territory in the interest of their population, this power is not absolute. Disproportionate or pretextual resource nationalism measures will likely negatively impact the investment climate and give rise to violations of international law protections granted to foreign investors through a specialized body of legal rules and norms found in international investment treaties. Such treaties generally allow investors to vindicate their rights through international arbitration claims directly against the state. The clash between states’ sovereign powers and international law investment protections remains acute. Foreign investors should beware of national and regional political trends that could potentially affect their foreign investments and should consider their options for international law recourse.
What Holds You Together: ‘The Social Link’ in Durkheim, Saussure and Lacan
Authors: Miller Alexander , Vanheule Stijn
Published: April 2023

It has long been customary to refer to Lacan's theory of the four discourses as a theory of four specific forms of social link. An understanding of each of the terms in question, however – both ‘discourse’ and ‘social link’ – must be developed in its own right in order to develop a fuller understanding of the meaning of this formula. In this essay, we will explore the employment of the term ‘social link’ in the work of Émile Durkheim and Ferdinand de Saussure, in an effort to better grasp the manner in which Lacan can be understood to have drawn from each. By clarifying the understanding of the term ‘social link ‘that was operative in Lacan's work, we can restore the centrality of the sociological influence upon Lacan, which has important implications both conceptually and clinically.
Bluma Zeigarnik: A Missing Name in the History of Psychoanalysis in Soviet Russia?
Authors: van Munsteren Lizaveta
Published: April 2023

This paper contributes to recent historiographical debates concerning the Soviet era and its ideological impact on Soviet psychology. It brings more nuance to an argument for the presence of engagement with psychoanalysis during the years 1930–80, and focuses on Bluma Zeigarnik’s work during the Soviet period. The article seeks to explore possible encounters between Zeigarnik and psychoanalysis through her collaboration with Alexander Luria and Lev Vygotsky, known to be among those Russian psychologists who were inspired by psychoanalytic studies and developed Freud’s ideas, and aims to bring attention to the fact that Zeigarnik was knowledgeable about Freud’s work and his successors, and that consonance with his ideas can be found throughout her work on schizophrenia and the theory of pathopsychology. The article also outlines the often overlooked ideas Zeigarnik developed in the Soviet period of her career.
Métodos básicos de demostración y el principio de inducción matemática
Authors: Romance del Río Miguel
Published: April 2023

Se presentan las técnicas básicas de demostración matemática empleadas en la práctica. Se presta especial atención al método de demostración basada en el Principio de inducción matemática, dando el método de inducción y el método de inducción completa. Se completa la presentación con varios ejemplos y una lista de ejercicios sobre cómo usar el Principio de inducción.
Potential genetic therapies based on m6A methylation for skin regeneration: Wound healing and scars/keloids
Authors: Luo Xiao , Zhu Shu , Li Jia , Zeng Ning , Wang Haiping , Wu Yiping , Wang Le , Liu Zeming
Published: April 2023

Skin wound healing is a complex and multistage process, where any abnormalities at any stage can result in the accumulation of non-functional fibrotic tissue, leading to the formation of skin scars. Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, inhibiting cell fate determination, and responding to environmental stimuli. m6A methylation is the most common post-transcriptional modification of eukaryotic mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. However, it remains unclear how RNA methylation controls cell fate in different physiological environments. This review aims to discuss the current understanding of the regulatory pathways of RNA methylation in skin wound healing and their therapeutic implications with a focus on the specific mechanisms involved.
Gene-agnostic approaches to treating inherited retinal degenerations
Authors: Chew Lindsey A. , Iannaccone Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Most patients with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) have been waiting for treatments that are “just around the corner” for decades, with only a handful of seminal breakthroughs happening in recent years. Highlighting the difficulties in the quest for curative therapeutics, Luxturna required 16 years of development before finally obtaining United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and its international equivalents. IRDs are both genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous. While this diversity offers many opportunities for gene-by-gene precision medicine-based approaches, it also poses a significant challenge. For this reason, alternative (or parallel) strategies to identify more comprehensive, across-the-board therapeutics for the genetically and phenotypically diverse IRD patient population are very appealing. Even when gene-specific approaches may be available and become approved for use, many patients may have reached a disease stage whereby these approaches may no longer be viable. Thus, alternate visual preservation or restoration therapeutic approaches are needed at these stages. In this review, we underscore several gene-agnostic approaches that are being developed as therapeutics for IRDs. From retinal supplementation to stem cell transplantation, optogenetic therapy and retinal prosthetics, these strategies would bypass at least in part the need for treating every individual gene or mutation or provide an invaluable complement to them. By considering the diverse patient population and treatment strategies suited for different stages and patterns of retinal degeneration, gene agnostic approaches are very well poised to impact favorably outcomes and prognosis for IRD patients.
Michael addition of P-nucleophiles to azoalkenes provides simple access to phosphine oxides bearing an alkylhydrazone moiety
Authors: Kokuev Alexandr O. , Sukhorukov Alexey Yu.
Published: April 2023

β-Hydrazonophosphine oxides are precursors of useful organophosphorus compounds, including phosphorylated N-heterocycles, α-aminophosphonates, and vinylphosphonates. In this work, a general transition metal-free synthesis of β-hydrazonophosphine oxides was developed. The method relies on the Michael addition of phosphine oxides R2P(O)H to reactive azoalkenes (1,2-diaza-1,3-butadienes), which are generated in situ from α-halohydrazones and Hunig’s base. The reaction stereoselectively leads to Z-isomers of β-hydrazonophosphine oxides that are stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The conversion of the products thus obtained into potential chelating ligands was showcased.
Efficient preparation of graphene oxide-immobilized copper complex and its catalytic performance in the synthesis of imidazoles
Authors: Heidari Shahram , Zarnegaryan Ali , Dehbanipour Zahra
Published: April 2023

This paper focused on the synthesis of phenylthiocarbamide-grafted graphene oxide (GO)-supported Cu complex (Cu-PTC@GO) as a highly efficient and recyclable catalyst synthesis by various analytical techniques such as TG, FT-IR, XRD, BET, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, SEM, EDX, and elemental mapping analysis. Cu-PTC@GO showed outstanding results in preparing various imidazoles with higher yields, reduced reaction time, ease of product separation, and a simple procedure. In addition, the catalyst demonstrated appreciable recyclability up to five successive runs, and there was no substantial loss in catalytic performance. The result indicated that the heterogeneous base GO catalyst performed high activity and excellent recyclability in synthesizing various imidazoles and their derivatives, owing to the unique state of the GO-supported copper complex.
Modeling the impact of digital readiness in recruiting and sustaining underrepresented groups: Data from the All of Us research program
Authors: Kini Soumya , Duluk Dave , Weinstein Joshua
Published: April 2023

The All of Us Research Program (All of Us or Program) is an ongoing longitudinal data collection operated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Program aims to improve healthcare for all through the development of a biomedical research resource reflective of the diversity of the United States that includes Underrepresented in Biomedical Research (UBR) groups. Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are a key recruitment stream of UBR participants, which are community based and provide primary care and preventive services in medically underserved areas. Over 90% of FQHC patients enrolled in All of Us to date are UBR. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a pause in All of Us activities. Re-starting the activities was a challenge, especially due to the digital divide faced by FQHC participants, and that most Program activities are primarily completed via web-based portal from a computer or a mobile device. This paper investigates the extent to which digital readiness impacted recruitment and sustainment of a pre-pandemic sample of 2,791 FQHC participants to the Program. Digital readiness was defined by access to home-based or other internet-accessing devices, and participants’ comfort level using such devices. Results from multivariable logistic regression models showed that lower age, more education, female gender identity, and higher income were associated with higher digital readiness (p ≤ 0.01). Race, rurality, and sexual orientation status were not significant factors associated with digital readiness. Older participants had higher odds of completing Program activities, even though less digitally ready than their younger peers, as they often completed the activities during their in-person clinical visits. A subsequent weighted model demonstrated that FQHC participants who were digitally ready had 27% higher odds of completing Program activities than those not digitally ready. The data highlight the need for improved connectivity and sustainment between longitudinal data collection, research programs, and UBR participants, particularly among those facing the digital divide. Quantifying digital challenges provide operational insights for longitudinal data collection (All of Us, or others), and broadly, other aspects of digital medicine such as telehealth or patient portals by recognizing digital readiness of participants and patients, and the level of support required for success.
The effects of supercritical CO2 on the seepage characteristics and microstructure of water-bearing bituminous coal at in-situ stress conditions
Authors: Li Chengtian , Zheng Jingwei , Huang Saipeng
Published: April 2023

CO2 geological storage (CGS) is considered to be an important technology for achieving carbon peak and carbon neutralization goals. Injecting CO2 into deep unminable coal seams can achieve both CGS and enhance coalbed methane (ECBM) production. Therefore, the deep unminable coal seams are considered as promising geological reservoirs. CO2 exists in a supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) when it was injected into deep unminable coal seams. The injection of ScCO2 can induce changes in the seepage characteristics and microstructure of deep water-bearing coal seams. In this study, typical bituminous coal from Shenmu, Shanxi Province was used to investigate the effects of ScCO2 on seepage characteristics, pore characteristics, and mineral composition through experiments such as seepage tests, low-temperature liquid nitrogen adsorption, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that ScCO2 treatment of dry and saturated coal samples caused a significant increase in clay mineral content due to the dissolution of carbonates, leading to the conversion of adsorption pores to seepage pores and an improvement in seepage pore connectivity. Therefore, the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area and pore volume of the two coal samples both decreased after ScCO2 treatment. Moreover, the permeability of dry and saturated coal samples increased by 191.53% and 231.71% at 10 MPa effective stress respectively. In semi-saturated coal samples, a large amount of dolomite dissolved, leading to the precipitation of Ca2+ and CO32- to form calcite. This caused pore throats to clog and macropores to divide. The results show that the pore volume and average pore size of coal samples decrease, while the specific surface area increases after ScCO2 treatment, providing more space for gas adsorption. However, the pore changes also reduced the permeability of the coal samples by 32.21% and 7.72% at effective stresses of 3 MPa and 10 MPa, respectively. The results enhance our understanding of carbon sequestration through ScCO2 injection into water-bearing bituminous coal seams.
Analysis of internal flow characteristics and entropy generation of low head bulb tubular pump
Authors: Tian Xinyi , Cheng Li , Jiao Weixuan , Wang Yuqi , Luo Can
Published: April 2023

To study the internal flow characteristics and energy characteristics of a large bulb perfusion pump. Based on the CFX software of the ANSYS platform, the steady calculation of the three-dimensional model of the pump device is carried out. The numerical simulation results obtained by SST k-ω and RNG k-ε turbulence models are compared with the experimental results. Finally, SST k-ω is selected for subsequent calculation. With the help of the flow line diagram and turbulent kinetic energy table of the whole flow channel of the pump device, the flow components of the pump device under different working conditions are analyzed, and the pressure and velocity distribution at the impeller and guide vane are analyzed by pressure cloud diagram and velocity cloud diagram. It is found that there are three high-pressure areas in the impeller and guide vane section, and the high-pressure regions are mainly distributed in the middle of the impeller channel. As the head decreases, the pressure at the impeller and guide vane positions decreases gradually, and the flow rate increases. Based on the entropy production principle, the wall entropy production and the distribution of mainstream entropy production at the impeller and guide vane parts are analyzed.
Nitrogen addition enhances terrestrial phosphorous retention in grassland mesocosms
Authors: Esch Ellen , MacDougall Andrew S.
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are fundamental for plant biomass production in grasslands, are often co-limiting, and have become major freshwater pollutants. By factorially applying gradients of N and P to field-based grassland mesocosms, we tested for saturating thresholds of plant uptake as nutrients increase and whether simultaneous and potentially additive growing-season demand reduces flows of dissolved nutrients to subsurface leachate. We quantified the seasonality of nutrient losses, differences in uptake by functional group (grasses, forbs), the impacts of increasing nutrients on root:shoot ratios, and contrasted vegetated and unvegetated treatments to isolate edaphic influences. Overall, most added nutrients were retained by plants and soil–80% for N and 99% for P. Co-limitation dynamics were powerful but asymmetrical with N additions reducing P in leachate, but P having little influence on N. N retention was primarily influenced by season—most N was lost prior to peak biomass when plant demand was presumably lower. Nutrients reduced root:shoot ratios by increasing foliage but with no detectable effect on retention, possible because root biomass remained unchanged. Similarly, there was no impact of functional group on nutrient loss. Despite substantial plant uptake, leachate concentrations of N and P still exceeded regional levels for safe drinking water and prevention of algal blooms. This work reveals how nutrient co-limitation can accelerate the capture of P by N in grasslands, indicating that plant uptake can significantly reduce dissolved subsurface nutrients. However, the offseason flows of N and the failure to meet regional water-quality standards despite capture levels as high as 99% reveal that vegetative-based solutions to nutrient capture by grasslands are important but likely insufficient without complimentary measures that reduce inputs.
Prediction and evaluation of projectile damage in composite plates using the neural network–cloud model
Authors: Zeng Xianjun , Hu Ning , Liu Yaolu , He Jiawei , Shang Xiaozhuang , Ning Huiming , Shao Lei
Published: April 2023

Composite plates are widely used in the aircraft manufacturing industry. The projectile damage of composite plates is affected by complex factors such as material, structure, impact velocity, and impact angle. A reliable method is needed for efficient structural health monitoring. In this paper, a composite plate damage prediction and evaluation model based on the cloud model and neural network is proposed; the five types of experimental characteristics are used as input parameters, and the depth and diameter of the damage area are used as output parameters to train the neural network–cloud model. This method transforms the quantitative data of impact damage of the composite plate into qualitative damage by introducing the cloud model, which makes the damage situation more intuitive. The results show that the accuracy of the prediction model is 97.23%, the accuracy of the evaluation model is 92.41%, and the comprehensive accuracy of the model is 89.85%. The composite damage prediction model has a good prediction performance.
Construction and validation of a deterioration model for elderly COVID-19 Sub-variant BA.2 patients
Authors: Wu Yinyan , Xiao Benjie , Xiao Jingjing , Han Yudi , Liang Huazheng , Yang Zhangwei , Bi Yong
Published: April 2023

Rationale

COVID-19 pandemic has imposed tremendous stress and burden on the economy and society worldwide. There is an urgent demand to find a new model to estimate the deterioration of patients inflicted by Omicron variants.

Objective

This study aims to develop a model to predict the deterioration of elderly patients inflicted by Omicron Sub-variant BA.2.

Methods

COVID-19 patients were randomly divided into the training and the validation cohorts. Both Lasso and Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify prediction factors, which were then selected to build a deterioration model in the training cohort. This model was validated in the validation cohort.

Measurements and main results

The deterioration model of COVID-19 was constructed with five indices, including C-reactive protein, neutrophil count/lymphocyte count (NLR), albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), international normalized ratio (INR), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed that this model displayed a high accuracy in predicting deterioration, which was 0.85 in the training cohort and 0.85 in the validation cohort. The nomogram provided an easy way to calculate the possibility of deterioration, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve analysis (CICA)showed good clinical net profit using this model.

Conclusion

The model we constructed can identify and predict the risk of deterioration (requirement for ventilatory support or death) in elderly patients and it is clinically practical, which will facilitate medical decision making and allocating medical resources to those with critical conditions.
Systematic analysis and prediction for disease burden of ovarian cancer attributable to hyperglycemia: a comparative study between China and the world from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Wu Peihong , Jiang Qingtao , Han Lei , Liu Xin
Published: April 2023

Background

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common female malignancies worldwide, and metabolic factors, such as hyperglycemia, are becoming potential risk factors. This study aimed to analyze the disease burden and its changing trend of ovarian cancer attributable to hyperglycemia in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Using the data released by the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD 2019), we analyze the disease burden of ovarian cancer attributable to hyperglycemia in Chinese from 1990 to 2019 via morbidity, death, disability-adjusted life years (DALY); compare it with the global population; and predict the incidence and death trend in Chinese women for the next 10 years (2020–2029).

Results

The incidence, death cases, and DALY numbers of ovarian cancer attributable to hyperglycemia in Chinese in 2019 were 2,751, 1,758, and 44,615 person-years, respectively, with an increase of 352.5%, 356.6%, and 329.0% compared with 1990, and the growth rate was higher than the global level. The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) in 2019 were 0.270/100,000, 0.164/100,000, and 4.103/100,000, respectively. Moreover, the average annual percent changes (AAPCs) were 2.3%, 2.0%, and 2.0%, respectively, all higher than the global average. The disease burden of ovarian cancer attributable to hyperglycemia increased with age, reaching a peak in the 45–75 age group. The prediction of the neural network model showed that the incidence and death of the disease would remain high and rise in the next 10 years.

Conclusion

The disease burden caused by ovarian cancer attributable to hyperglycemia in Chinese accounts for a large proportion globally, and the ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR are increasing year by year. We should continue to pay attention to the role of metabolic factors, such as hyperglycemia, in the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer, perform a good job in tertiary prevention, and strive to reduce health losses.
LncRNA DANCR restrained the survival of mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra by sponging miR-1301-3p/miR-5194
Authors: Qu Yuliang , Jiang Dan , Liu Minjuan , Wang Hongxia , Xu Tao , Zhou Haijin , Huang Minlan , Shu Weitong , Xu Guangxian
Published: April 2023

Tuberculosis is a worldwide contagion caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). MTB is characterized by intracellular parasitism and is semi-dormant inside host cells. The persistent inflammation caused by MTB can form a granuloma in lesion regions and intensify the latency of bacteria. In recent years, several studies have proven that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in modulating autophagy. In our study, the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were searched for lncRNAs that are associated with tuberculosis. We found that lncRNA differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (DANCR) increased in the peripheral blood samples collected from 54 pulmonary tuberculosis patients compared to 23 healthy donors. By constructing DANCR overexpression cells, we analyzed the possible cellular function of DANCR. After analyzing our experiments, it was found that the data revealed that upregulation of DANCR facilitated the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, autophagy-related 4D cysteine peptides, autophagy-related 5, Ras homolog enriched in the brain, and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3 (STAT3, ATG4D, ATG5, RHEB, and LC3, respectively) by sponging miR-1301-3p and miR-5194. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that DANCR played a positive role in both autophagosome formation and fusion of autolysosomes in macrophages. The colony-forming unit (CFU) assay data also showed that the cells overexpressing DANCR were more efficient in eliminating the intracellular H37Ra strain. Consequently, these data suggest that DANCR restrained intracellular survival of M. tuberculosis by promoting autophagy via miR-1301-3p and miR-5194.
Gut dysbiosis contributes to chlamydial induction of hydrosalpinx in the upper genital tract
Authors: Tian Qi , Zhang Tianyuan , Wang Luying , Ma Jingyue , Sun Xin
Published: April 2023

Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually infections that cause infertility, and its genital infection induces tubal adhesion and hydrosalpinx. Intravaginal Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice can induce hydrosalpinx in the upper genital tract and it has been used for studying C. trachomatis pathogenicity. DBA2/J strain mice were known to be resistant to the chlamydial induction of hydrosalpinx. In this study, we took advantage of this feature of DBA2/J mice to evaluate the role of antibiotic induced dysbiosis in chlamydial pathogenicity. Antibiotics (vancomycin and gentamicin) were orally administrated to induce dysbiosis in the gut of DBA2/J mice. The mice with or without antibiotic treatment were evaluated for gut and genital dysbiosis and then intravaginally challenged by C. muridarum. Chlamydial burden was tested and genital pathologies were evaluated. We found that oral antibiotics significantly enhanced chlamydial induction of genital hydrosalpinx. And the antibiotic treatment induced severe dysbiosis in the GI tract, including significantly reduced fecal DNA and increased ratios of firmicutes over bacteroidetes. The oral antibiotic did not alter chlamydial infection or microbiota in the mouse genital tracts. Our study showed that the oral antibiotics-enhanced hydrosalpinx correlated with dysbiosis in gut, providing the evidence for associating gut microbiome with chlamydial genital pathogenicity.
New insights into the genome and transmission of the microsporidian pathogen Nosema muscidifuracis
Authors: Xiong Xiao , Geden Christopher J. , Bergstralh Dan T. , White Roxie L. , Werren John H. , Wang Xu
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Nosema is a diverse genus of unicellular microsporidian parasites of insects and other arthropods. Nosema muscidifuracis infects parasitoid wasp species of Muscidifurax zaraptor and M. raptor (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), causing ~50% reduction in longevity and ~90% reduction in fecundity.

Methods and Results

Here, we report the first assembly of the N. muscidifuracis genome (14,397,169 bp in 28 contigs) of high continuity (contig N50 544.3 Kb) and completeness (BUSCO score 97.0%). A total of 2,782 protein-coding genes were annotated, with 66.2% of the genes having two copies and 24.0% of genes having three copies. These duplicated genes are highly similar, with a sequence identity of 99.3%. The complex pattern suggests extensive gene duplications and rearrangements across the genome. We annotated 57 rDNA loci, which are highly GC-rich (37%) in a GC-poor genome (25% genome average). Nosema-specific qPCR primer sets were designed based on 18S rDNA annotation as a diagnostic tool to determine its titer in host samples. We discovered high Nosema titers in Nosema-cured M. raptor and M. zaraptor using heat treatment in 2017 and 2019, suggesting that the remedy did not completely eliminate the Nosema infection. Cytogenetic analyses revealed heavy infections of N. muscidifuracis within the ovaries of M. raptor and M. zaraptor, consistent with the titer determined by qPCR and suggesting a heritable component of infection and per ovum vertical transmission.

Discussion

The parasitoids-Nosema system is laboratory tractable and, therefore, can serve as a model to inform future genome manipulations of Nosema-host system for investigations of Nosemosis.
Amino acids integrate behaviors in nerveless placozoans
Authors: Nikitin Mikhail A. , Romanova Daria Y. , Borman Simkha I. , Moroz Leonid L.
Published: April 2023

Placozoans are the simplest known free-living animals without recognized neurons and muscles but a complex behavioral repertoire. However, mechanisms and cellular bases of behavioral coordination are unknown. Here, using Trichoplax adhaerens as a model, we described 0.02–0.002 Hz oscillations in locomotory and feeding patterns as evidence of complex multicellular integration; and showed their dependence on the endogenous secretion of signal molecules. Evolutionary conserved low-molecular-weight transmitters (glutamate, aspartate, glycine, GABA, and ATP) acted as coordinators of distinct locomotory and feeding patterns. Specifically, L-glutamate induced and partially mimicked endogenous feeding cycles, whereas glycine and GABA suppressed feeding. ATP-modified feeding is complex, first causing feeding-like cycles and then suppressing feeding. Trichoplax locomotion was modulated by glycine, GABA, and, surprisingly, by animals’ own mucus trails. Mucus triples locomotory speed compared to clean substrates. Glycine and GABA increased the frequency of turns. The effects of the amino acids are likely mediated by numerous receptors (R), including those from ionotropic GluRs, metabotropic GluRs, and GABA-BR families. Eighty-five of these receptors are encoded in the Trichoplax genome, more than in any other animal sequenced. Phylogenetic reconstructions illuminate massive lineage-specific expansions of amino acid receptors in Placozoa, Cnidaria, and Porifera and parallel evolution of nutritional sensing. Furthermore, we view the integration of feeding behaviors in nerveless animals by amino acids as ancestral exaptations that pave the way for co-options of glutamate, glycine, GABA, and ATP as classical neurotransmitters in eumetazoans.
GDNet-EEG: An attention-aware deep neural network based on group depth-wise convolution for SSVEP stimulation frequency recognition
Authors: Wan Zhijiang , Cheng Wangxinjun , Li Manyu , Zhu Renping , Duan Wenfeng
Published: April 2023

Background

Steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) based early glaucoma diagnosis requires effective data processing (e.g., deep learning) to provide accurate stimulation frequency recognition. Thus, we propose a group depth-wise convolutional neural network (GDNet-EEG), a novel electroencephalography (EEG)-oriented deep learning model tailored to learn regional characteristics and network characteristics of EEG-based brain activity to perform SSVEPs-based stimulation frequency recognition.

Method

Group depth-wise convolution is proposed to extract temporal and spectral features from the EEG signal of each brain region and represent regional characteristics as diverse as possible. Furthermore, EEG attention consisting of EEG channel-wise attention and specialized network-wise attention is designed to identify essential brain regions and form significant feature maps as specialized brain functional networks. Two publicly SSVEPs datasets (large-scale benchmark and BETA dataset) and their combined dataset are utilized to validate the classification performance of our model.

Results

Based on the input sample with a signal length of 1 s, the GDNet-EEG model achieves the average classification accuracies of 84.11, 85.93, and 93.35% on the benchmark, BETA, and combination datasets, respectively. Compared with the average classification accuracies achieved by comparison baselines, the average classification accuracies of the GDNet-EEG trained on a combination dataset increased from 1.96 to 18.2%.

Conclusion

Our approach can be potentially suitable for providing accurate SSVEP stimulation frequency recognition and being used in early glaucoma diagnosis.
Hulless Black Barley as a Carrier of Probiotics and a Supplement Rich in Phenolics Targeting Against H2O2-Induced Oxidative Injuries in Human Hepatocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Wu Han , Liu Hao-Nan , Liu Chun-Quan , Zhou Jian-Zhong , Liu Xiao-Li , Zhang Hong-Zhi
Published: April 2023

Graphical Abstract

Transformation of barley phenolics by fermentation improves their antioxidant capacities in chemical and cell levels.
Targeted nutritional intervention with enhanced recovery after surgery for carotid endarterectomy: A prospective clinical trial
Authors: Li Yu-Qian , Qu Xiao-Peng , Peng Li-Wei , An Jie-Yuan , Liu Xin-Wei , Zhang Yue , Wang Chao , Jiang Xue , Gao Li , Li Gang , Wang Da-Li , Zhao De-Chang , Qu Yan , Liu Bei
Published: April 2023

Ischemic stroke is the most common cerebrovascular disease, and vascular obstruction is an important cause of this disease. As the main method for the management of carotid artery stenosis, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective and preventive treatment measure in ischemic cerebrovascular disease. This study aims to propose the application of a new enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nutritional support regimen in CEA, which can significantly improve the perioperative nutritional status of patients. A total of 74 patients who underwent CEA were included and randomly divided into two groups: 39 patients received nutritional therapy with the ERAS protocol (ERAS group) and 35 patients received routine perioperative nutritional support (control group). Our results showed that the levels of major clinical and biochemical parameters (albumin, hemoglobin, creatinine, calcium and magnesium levels, etc.) in the ERAS group were significantly higher than those in the control group after surgery (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients in the ERAS group had dramatically shorter postoperative length of stay and reflected higher mean satisfaction at discharge (p < 0.001). Moreover, no statistically significant differences were observed in postoperative complication rates and Mini-mental State Examination scores at discharge. The emergence of this neurosurgical ERAS nutritional support program can effectively intervene in perioperative nutritional status, and notably reduce postoperative hospital stays.
Interactions between curcumin and human salt-induced kinase 3 elucidated from computational tools and experimental methods
Authors: Shi Mingsong , Zhou Yan , Wei Haoche , Zhang Xinyu , Du Meng , Zhou Yanting , Yin Yuan , Li Xinghui , Tang Xinyi , Sun Liang , Xu Dingguo , Li Xiaoan
Published: April 2023

Natural products are widely used for treating mitochondrial dysfunction-related diseases and cancers. Curcumin, a well-known natural product, can be potentially used to treat cancer. Human salt-induced kinase 3 (SIK3) is one of the target proteins for curcumin. However, the interactions between curcumin and human SIK3 have not yet been investigated in detail. In this study, we studied the binding models for the interactions between curcumin and human SIK3 using computational tools such as homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculations. The open activity loop conformation of SIK3 with the ketoenol form of curcumin was the optimal binding model. The I72, V80, A93, Y144, A145, and L195 residues played a key role for curcumin binding with human SIK3. The interactions between curcumin and human SIK3 were also investigated using the kinase assay. Moreover, curcumin exhibited an IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) value of 131 nM, and it showed significant antiproliferative activities of 9.62 ± 0.33 µM and 72.37 ± 0.37 µM against the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23 cell lines, respectively. This study provides detailed information on the binding of curcumin with human SIK3 and may facilitate the design of novel salt-inducible kinases inhibitors.
Chlorophenyl thiophene silicon phthalocyanine: Synthesis, two-photon bioimaging-guided lysosome target, and in vitro photodynamic efficacy
Authors: Xu Le , Zhang Tiantian , Huang Bingcheng , Zheng Fangmei , Huang Yan , Li Yuyang , Peng Yiru , Chen Linying
Published: April 2023

The development of efficient photosensitizers with high singlet oxygen quantum yield, strong fluorescent emission, excellent photostability, and specific organelle targeting is in great demand for the enhancement of PDT treatment efficiency. This study designed and synthesized a new two-photon photosensitizer chlorophenyl thiophene axially substituted silicon (IV) phthalocyanine (CBT-SiPc). CBT-SiPc showed specific targeting of lysosomes in living cells and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, high 1O2 generation efficiency and high PDT efficiency in MCF-7 breast cancers under irradiation were also demonstrated. The novel CBT-SiPc showed great potential in the application of lysosome-targeted and two-photon bioimaging-guided photodynamic cancer therapy.
Plasmonics for microwave photonics in the THz range
Authors: Burla Maurizio , Hoessbacher Claudia , Heni Wolfgang , Haffner Christian , Salamin Yannick , Fedoryshyn Yuriy , Watanabe Tatsuhiko , Massler Hermann , Blatter Tobias , Horst Yannik , Elder Delwin L. , Dalton Larry R. , Leuthold Juerg
Published: April 2023

THz frequencies offer enormous amounts of bandwidth, which could solve the current speed bottleneck for next-generation wireless communications. Recent reports show sub-THz links offering capacities of hundreds of Gbit/s, finally approaching those of state-of-the-art optical transmission channels. Non-etheless, generation, transport, detection and processing of signals in the THz range is far from being a trivial task. Even though the recent evolution of integrated technology is starting to indicate that chip-scale THz technology could gradually close the so-called “THz gap,” much work still needs to be done to enable functional systems, in particular in terms of efficiency. Photonics can be of help, thanks to its extremely low loss and broad bandwidth. Yet, a particularly critical aspect hindering the deployment of THz technology is that state-of-the-art photonics devices generally do not offer sufficient electro-optical bandwidth to process THz signals. Plasmonics, by focusing electromagnetic surface waves at sub-wavelength scales, can play a key role in this quest, as it finally enables the realization of electro-optical devices such as modulators and detectors displaying sufficient compactness and speeds to reach the THz range. This paper overviews recent achievements on plasmonic-based modulators displaying characteristics of speed, efficiency and linearity that enable high-performance access to this much desired frequency range.
Photonic system for real-time detection, discrimination, and quantification of microbes in air
Authors: Tatavarti Rao , Nadimpalli Sridevi , Mangina Gowtham Venkata Kumar , Kiran Machiraju Naga , Pachiyappan Arulmozhivarman , Hiremath Shridhar , Jagannathan Venkataseshan , Viswanathan Pragasam
Published: April 2023

We report the results of the non-invasive photonic system AUM for remote detection and characterization of different pathogenic bacterial strains and mixtures. AUM applies the concepts of elastic light scattering, statistical mechanics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to identify, classify and quantify various microbes in the scattering volume in real-time and, therefore, can become a potential tool in controlling and managing diseases caused by pathogenic microbes.
Effects of plyometric training on kicking performance in soccer players: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Yeqin , Li Danyang , Gómez-Ruano Miguel-Ángel , Memmert Daniel , Li Chunman , Fu Ming
Published: April 2023

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled effect size (ES) of plyometric training (PT) on kicking performance (kicking speed and distance) in soccer players depending upon some related factors (i.e., age, gender, skill level, and intervention duration). This study was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. Four electronic databases—EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science—were searched for relevant studies. A total of n = 16 studies yielding 17 ES with n = 553 participants were finally included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was used to calculate Hedge’s g with a 95% confidence interval (CI), which showed that plyometric training had a large-sized positive effect on soccer kicking performance (g = 0.979, 95% CI [0.606, 1.353], p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses were performed according to participants’ characteristics (i.e., age, gender, skill level) and intervention duration, demonstrating no significant differences between these subgroups. The study pointed out that plyometric training is a generally effective method to improve soccer players’ kicking performance, which plays a crucial role in passing and shooting actions during games. As for soccer players and strength and conditioning coaches, the plyometric training aiming to enhance kicking performance has valuable implications in practice. Therefore, besides well-known training methods like power training in the weight room, plyometric training could be incorporated into the overall strength and conditioning programs for soccer players to reach high standards of kicking performance.