bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationships of Kinesiophobia and Physical Function and Physical Activity Level in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Woolnough Leandra , Lentini Logan , Sharififar Sharareh , Chen Cong , Vincent Heather K
Published: June 2022

Background: Kinesiophobia may hinder physical performance measures and functional quality of life in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This study aims to quantify differences in physical function in patients with JIA compared to healthy controls, and determine the effects of kinesiophobia on physical function and physical activity. Methods. This was a comparative study of participants with JIA and healthy controls (JIA n=26, control n=17). Performance-based measures included gait speed, chair and stair navigation performance. Self-reported measures included Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) Physical Function Mobility, and Pain Interference and the Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (Pedi-FABS). The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) assessed patient fear of movement due to pain. Linear regression models were used to determine the contribution of TSK-11 scores on performance test and Pedi-FABS scores. Results: Gait speeds were 11%-15% slower, chair rise repetitions were 28% fewer, and stair ascent and descent times were 26%-31% slower in JIA than controls (p<.05). PROMIS® Physical Function Mobility scores were 10% lower and Pain Interference scores were 2.6 times higher in JIA than healthy controls (p=.003). TSK-11 scores were higher in JIA than controls (p<.0001). After controlling for covariates, TSK-11 scores explained 11.7%-26.5% of the variance of regression models for stair climb time, chair rise performance and Pedi-FABS scores (p<.05). Conclusions: Children with JIA experience difficulty with tasks related to body transfers. Kinesiophobia is a significant contributor to the functional task performance and may impact clinical outcomes. Trial Registration: N/A
Education Research: Developing an Inpatient Relationship Centered Communication Curriculum (I-rccc) Rounding Framework for Surgical Teams
Authors: Nassar Aussama K. , Weimer‑Elder Barbette , Yang Rachel , Kline Merisa , Dang Bryan K. , Spain David A. , Knowlton Lisa M , Valdez Andre B. , Korndorffer James R. , Johnson Tyler
Published: June 2022

Background: Morning rounds by an acute care surgery (ACS) service at a level one trauma center are uniquely demanding, given the fast pace, high acuity, and increased patient volume. These demands notwithstanding, communication remains integral to the success of surgical teams. Yet there are limited published curricula that address trauma inpatient communication needs. Observations at our institution confirmed that the surgical team lacked a shared mental model for communication. We hypothesized that creating a relationship-centered rounding conceptual framework model would enhance the provider-patient experience.Study Design: A mixed-methods approach was used for this study. A multi-pronged needs assessment was conducted. Provider communion items for Press Ganey and Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys were used to measure patients' expressed needs. Faculty with experience in relationship-centered communication observed morning rounds and documented demonstrated behaviors. A five-hour workshop was designed based on the identified needs. A pre-and post-course Assessment and course evaluation were conducted. Provider-related patient satisfaction items were measured six months before the course and six months after the workshop. Results: Needs assessment revealed a lack of a shared communication framework and a lack of leadership skills for senior trauma residents. Barriers included: time constraints, patient load, and interruptions during rounds. The curriculum was very well received. Press Ganey top box likelihood to recommend (LTR) and provider-related top box items showed a trend towards improvement after implementing the training with a percentage difference up to 20%.Conclusion: The Inpatient Relationship Centered Communication Curriculum (I-RCCC) targeting the senior residents and Nurse Practitioners (NP) was feasible, practical, and well-received by participants. There was a trend of increase in LTRs and provider-specific patient satisfaction items. This curriculum will be further refined based on the study results and potentially scalable to other surgical specialties.
A Novel Algorithm for Imputing the Missing Values in Incomplete Datasets
Authors: Bhagat Hutashan Vishal , Singh Manminder
Published: June 2022

In today’s world, we completely rely on digital devices to collect data; a failure in such digital devices may result in huge information loss thereby making data mining a more tedious job for a Data Analyst. Missingness to a greater extent in a dataset subsequently comes out with inappropriate results and incomplete data analysis. Therefore, a need to develop an algorithm that can predict the missing values efficiently and accurately. This research paper proposes a novel splitting-based IMV-RE (Imputing the Missing Values in Real-Time Environment) algorithm to impute different missing values within a dataset. In the proposed IMV-RE algorithm, an upper limit is set for every class containing missing values that assist the algorithm to predict the missing values more accurately. The experimentation is performed on ten benchmark datasets that include completely numerical values as well as mixed data. Comparative experimental analysis indicates that the proposed IMV-RE algorithm outperforms the existing techniques in sensitivity to Accuracy, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Coefficient of Determination (R2).
Bio Inspired Based Proper resource Allocation (BIB-PA) for energy efficiency using optimization algorithm
Authors: Saini Mehak , Grewal Surender K.
Published: June 2022

Massive MIMO is recognized as an important technology for advancing the deployment of 5th generation and beyond (B5G) networks. In a multi-cell large-scale multi-input multi-output (MIMO) non-orthogonal multi-access (NOMA) network, a base station (BS) with multiple antennas delivers radio frequency energy downlink and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Uses the collected energy Supports the transmission of data about uplinks. This approach uses wireless power transfer (WPT) to investigate energy efficiency (EE) issues in large multi-cell MIMO NOMA networks. To maximize the EE of the network, we propose a new joint power, time, antenna selection, and subcarrier resource allocation scheme that can appropriately allocate time for power collection and data transmission. Both complete channel state information and incomplete channel state information (CSI) are considered and the corresponding EE performance is analyzed. The EE maximization problem, which is not trivial due to non-convexity, is formulated. First, we apply fractional nonlinear programming to transform the problem into a convex problem, and then we develop an ADMM-based approach (variance alternating direction method of multipliers) to solve this problem. This ADMM is combined with error reduction on the receiving side. Since these data errors are assumed with different channel estimation parameters and their relationship to energy efficiency has not yet been evaluated, a livestock grazing optimization algorithm (CGPO) is used to specify the data size capacity range for each RF link. Introduce error reduction. The proposed CGPO algorithm keeps tracking the error correction and detection process of the receiver for each radio frequency link. Finally, the numerical and analytical results show that the maximal Energy efficiency is achieved by a massive MIMO Systems using BIB-PA approach in the MATLAB platform.
Object Coverage Criteria for Supporting Object-oriented Testing
Authors: Ghoreshi Mohammad , Haghighi Hassan
Published: June 2022

Code coverage criteria are widely used in object-oriented (OO) domains as test quality indicators. However, these criteria are based on the procedural point of view, and therefore, do not address the specific features of OO programs. In this article, we extend the code coverage criteria and introduce a new set of criterion, called “object coverage criteria”, which cope with OO features like object instantiation, inheritance, polymorphism, and dynamic binding. Unlike previous criteria, the new criteria regard the actual type of the object under test and some inherited codes from the parent/ancestor classes that represent the object’s states and behaviors. The new criteria have been implemented in a prototype tool called OCov4J for the Java language. Using this tool and conducting an empirical study on totally 270 classes (with about 50k lines of code without blank lines and comments) from several large and widely used open source projects, we have found a considerable positive correlation between the object coverage level (defined via the new proposed criteria) and the number of detected specific OO failures. Not only the proposed criteria provide ease of use, high automation, and low execution cost, they can effectively be applied to real world object oriented programs.
Contactless Manipulation of Mixed Phase Fluids in Liquid Crystal Polymer Microtubes Assisted with Light-Driven Vortex
Authors: Yu Yanlei , Lu Yao , Qin Lang , Liu Quan , Li Zichuan , Zhang Weijia , Zhu Chongyu
Published: June 2022

Smart channels that manipulate liquid motion by anisotropic shape change represent a promising candidate to construct microfluidics for biochemical analysis. However, the existing systems fail to provide a platform for solid exchange mediums to interact with multiple liquid phases, which is a universal technique to effectively extract, enrich and precisely detect biomarkers. Herein, a photo/magnet-combined control strategy of mixed phase fluids, which integrates the contactless manipulation of suspending, depositing, and even separating, is first reported based on the trilayer microtube consisting of flexible supporting layer, photodeformable liquid crystal polymer, and hydrophilic blocking layer. The asymmetric photodeformation of the liquid crystal polymer generates an internal vortex in the microtube to homogenously disperse solid exchange mediums into various aqueous moving droplets, and to enable efficient purification and enrichment of the target biomarkers. A newly constructed homemade portable protein analyzer guided by the photo/magnet-combined control strategy features advantages of short detection time (20 min), trace sample consumption (5 µL), and low detection limit (1 µg mL-1).
Serotype-Specific Transduction of Canine Joint Tissue Explants and Cultured Monolayers by Self-Complementary Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors
Authors: Kim Ah young , Goodrich Laurie , Duerr Felix , Phillips Jennifer , Samulski Richard , Grieger Josh
Published: June 2022

A formal screening of self-complementary adeno-associated virus (scAAV) vector serotypes in canine joint tissues has not been performed to date. Selecting appropriate serotypes is crucial for successful treatment due to their varying levels of tissue tropism. The objective of this study is to identify the most optimal scAAV vector serotype that maximizes transduction efficiencies in canine cell monolayer cultures (chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and mesenchymal stem cells) and tissue explant cultures (cartilage and synovium). Transduction efficiencies of scAAV serotypes 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 were evaluated in each culture type in three different vector concentrations by encoding a green fluorescent protein. It was found that scAAV2 and 2.5 showed the overall highest transduction efficiency among serotypes with dose-response. Since possible immune response against conventional AAV2 was previously reported in dogs, the chimeric scAAV2.5 may be more suitable to use. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the scAAV2.5 vector with an appropriate therapeutic gene in vivo is indicated.
Can Azolla filiculoides be a complementary feed resource for ecological intensification in small-scale fish farming? Biological effects on giant gourami (Osphronemus goramy)
Authors: Caruso Domenico , Lusiastuti Angela Mariana , Pouil Simon , Samsudin Reza , Arifin Otong Zenal , Slembrouck Jacques
Published: June 2022

Juveniles of giant gourami Osphronemus goramy Lacépède (1801) were fed for six weeks with different proportions of fresh Azolla (A100% B56% C26% and D0% of replacement). The condition factor (KFulton) somatic and immunological indicators were measured. Effects of Azolla on transport stress and bacterial infection with Aeromonas hydrophila were also assessed. Results showed that KFulton decreased with increasing proportions of Azolla in the diet (p < 0.001). Total protein, albumin and globulin in fish fed exclusively with Azolla (treatment A) were significantly lower than in the other treatments. A significant decrease in lymphocytes was observed in treatments A and B (p < 0.001) and fish from these treatments had significantly higher levels of monocytes (p < 0.001). Neutrophils were significantly higher in treatment A only (p = 0.012). Plasma lysozyme levels and serum bactericidal activity increased significantly with Azolla in the diet (both p < 0.001). Before transport stress, blood glycaemia was significantly lower in fish from treatment A (p < 0.001), after transport, glycaemia increased significantly only in treatments B, C and D (p < 0.001) and fifteen days after, survival was significantly higher in fish from treatment A. One week after experimental infection the survival of fish from treatments A and B was significantly higher than for fish from treatments C and D (p < 0.001). Results suggest that A. filiculoides has positive effects on fish immunological indicators, and resistance to stress and disease but decreases growth performance. We recommend that the replacement of commercial pellets with A. filiculoides should not exceed 30%.
Spiritual well-being correlates with quality of life of both cancer and non-cancer patients in palliative care -further validation of EORTC QLQ-SWB32 in Finnish
Authors: Goyarrola Raimo , Lipsanen Jari , Saarelainen Suvi-Maria , Suviranta Raili , Rahko Eeva , Lamminmäki Annamarja , Klaavuniemi Tuula , Ahtiluoto Satu , Ohvanainen Antti , Metso Pekka , Pöyhiä Reino
Published: June 2022

Background: The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has developed the Spiritual Well-being Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-SWB32) for assessment of spirituality in palliative care for cancer. We aimed to translate and validate this tool in Finnish and to study the relationship between spirituality and quality of life (QOL). Methods: Finnish translation was produced according to the guidelines of EORTC and included forward- and back-translations. Face-, construct- and convergence/divergence validity and reliability were studied in a prospective manner. QOL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 and 15D questionnaires.Sixteen individuals participated in the pilot testing. 101 patients with cancer from oncology units, and 89 individuals with other chronic diseases from spiritual communities participated in the validation part in different parts of the country. Sixteen people participated in the retest phase. Inclusion criteria were that the individual had either a defined palliative care plan or suitability to a such plan, as well as capability to understand and communicate in Finnish. Results: The translation appeared understandable and acceptable. The factorial analysis identified four scoring scales with high Cronbach alfa values: Relationship with Self (0.73), Relationship with Others (0.84), Relationship with Something Greater (0.82), Existential (0.81), and, additionally, a scale on Relationship with God (0.85). There was a significant correlation between spiritual well-being and QOL in all participants. Conclusions: Spiritual well-being is correlated with QOL in cancer and non-cancer patients eligible for palliative care. The Finnish translation of EORTC QLQ-SWB32 is a valid and reliable measure both for research and clinical practice.
Ultrasonography is an effective tool for the evaluation of traumatic vertebral artery injuries in the emergency room
Authors: Ishimoto Yuyu , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Sonekatsu Mayumi , Murata Shizumasa , Kozaki Takuhei , Hashizume Hiroshi , Tsutsui Shunji , Takami Masanari , Nagata Keiji , Hira Kazuhiro , Kato Seiya , Yamada Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the feasibility of ultrasonography (US) in the assessment of cervical vertebral artery (VA) injury compared with computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the emergency room.MethodsA total of 50 VAs from 25 consecutive patients with cervical spine injury admitted to the emergency room in our hospital were analyzed in this study. US and CTA were performed to assess the VA in patients with cervical spine injury, and the sensitivity and specificity of US for CTA was clarified.ResultsThe agreement between US and CTA was 98% (49/50) with 0.92 Cohen's Kappa index. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of US were 100%, 97.7%, 85.7%, and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsUS had a sensitivity of 100% compared with CTA in assessment of the VA. It can be used as an initial screening test for VA injury in the emergency room.
Analysis of the Effects of Simplifications on the State of Loads in a Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Bednarz Arkadiusz , Sęp Jarosław , Bartłomowicz Rafał , Jaworski Justin , Wójcik Augustyn
Published: June 2022

This study aims to quantify and assess qualitatively the impact of modeling simplifications used to represent inertial and aerodynamic loads on the stresses and structural deformations of a centrifugal compressor in operation. The research object is the compressor of the high-pressure line of the DGEN 380 bypass turbine engine. Based on the virtual dynamometer WESTT CS/BV, the gas-dynamic parameters at the entrance to the centrifugal compressor and after the stage are determined. These values were used as initial parameters for numerical flow analysis. As part of the numerical strength analyses, a series of several load configurations were carried out: spin only, spin and inlet pressure normally applied on the working surface of the rotor blade, spin and outlet pressure normally applied on the working surface of the rotor blade, and one-way fluid-structure interaction analysis taking into account the aerodynamic loads with and without spinning. Based on the simulations, the level of similarity of a given load configuration with the last analysis, adopted as the reference, was determined. It was observed that in terms of the stress state, the rotational analysis taking into account the pressure on both sides of the blade gives satisfactory results, but the strain values are overestimated. The results obtained and the method of evaluation of compressor results can be used in research in the area of aviation, automotive, and refrigeration industries.
Piezocatalytic inactivation of water bacterium and heterotrophism -An overview
Authors: Ali Ahsan , Chen Longbin , Nasir Muhammad Salman , Wu Chao , Guo Baolin , Yang Yaodong
Published: June 2022

Seeking advanced techniques to fight against emerging contaminants is a need of time to overcome severe human risks. Piezoelectric materials paved the way to solve this problem as a new type of catalytic technique, including an advanced oxidation process. Piezocatalysis, which can produce reactive oxygen species in response to applied stress, has remarkably progressed to degrade organic pollutants and pathogens in the past few years. However, the relationship between bacteria and organic compounds through the heterotrophic process was the dominant factor contributing to an acceleration in water contamination. Reactive oxygen species can initiate the reaction with interaction with a diverse range of targets, and it demonstrated the strong bacterial antagonism in response to the piezocatalytic process under ultrasound. Unlike regular antibiotics for antimicrobial resistance, engineered piezoelectric materials could be the potential alternative to many conventional treatments for pathogens. This review thoroughly studied the basic information that supports further understanding of the mechanism and influence factors involved in these catalytic processes. Neglected relation of bacteria with organic dyes evaluated to understand the chain of mutual contaminants relation. Based on reviewing the materials, bacteria, related physiochemical dependences, and piezocatalytic advances, we provide the prospects for the possible development of health-related applications.
Systematic assessment and optimizing algorithm of tumor mutational burden calculation and their implications in clinical decision-making
Authors: Sun Daqiang , Xu Meilin , Pan Chaohu , Tang Hongzhen , Wu Dongfang , Luo Haitao
Published: June 2022

Tumor mutation burden (TMB) has been validated as a biomarker to predict the response of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) treatment in various cancers. However, the effects of different sequencing platforms, cancer types, and calculation algorithms on TMB as well as its cut-off value for predicting immunotherapy efficacy in the East Asian population still need to be further investigated. In this study, the data of 4126 samples generated by targeted panel sequencing or whole-exome sequencing (WES) in different platforms and public sequencing data from 3680 samples that contained targeted panel sequencing, WES and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) were obtained. The impact of different sequencing platforms and methods on TMB calculation was assessed. No significant bias was found in TMB calculated by different platforms. However, TMB calculated from WGS was significantly lower than those calculated from targeted panel sequencing and WES. The distribution of TMB at different sequencing depths and tumor purity were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the distribution of TMB when the sequencing depth was greater than 500, the tumor purity estimated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was between 0.1 to 0.8 or estimated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) was greater than 0.4. In addition, the somatic-germline-zygosity (SGZ) algorithm was optimized to calculate TMB from tumor-only sequencing samples in the East Asian population. The correlation coefficient of TMB calculated with the optimized SGZ algorithm and paired normal-tumor sequencing is 0.95. Furthermore, the optimal cut-off value of TMB in East Asian lung cancer patients treated with ICIs was determined to be 7.19 mut/Mb instead of 10 mut/Mb through the ROC curve and Log-rank analysis in the training cohort and validated in the test cohort. Patients with TMB ≥ 7.19 mut/Mb had better outcomes than patients with TMB <7.19 mut/Mb. In conclusion, this study systematically analyzed the factors that influenced the TMB calculation and optimized the SGZ algorithm to calculate TMB from tumor-only sequencing samples in the East Asian population. More importantly, the cut-off value of TMB for predicting immunotherapy efficacy was determined to be 7.19 mut/Mb instead of 10 mut/Mb in East Asian lung cancer patients, which can help in clinical decision-making.
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation improves long term survival – data from a national registry
Authors: Blank Norbert , Schmalzing Marc , Moinzadeh Pia , Oberste Max , Siegert Elise , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Riemekasten Gabriela , Günther Claudia , Kötter Ina , Zeidler Gabriele , Pfeiffer Christiane , Juche Aaron , Jandova Ilona , Ehrchen Jan , Susok Laura , Schmeiser Tim , Sunderkoetter Cord , Distler Jörg H. W. , Worm Margitta , Kreuter Alexander , Keyzer Gernot , Lorenz Hanns-Martin , Krieg Thomas , Hunzelmann Nicolas , Henes Joerg
Published: June 2022

BackgroundCurrent recommendations on the management of systemic sclerosis (SSc) suggest that autologous hematopoietic stem cell therapy (HSCT) can be a rescue therapy for patients with rapidly progressive SSc. Objectives To assess safety and efficacy of HSCT for patients with SSc and to compare these with non-HSCT patient in a control cohort with adjusted risk factors.MethodsA retrospective analysis of data from the multicentric German network for systemic scleroderma (DNSS) with 5000 patients with SSc. Control groups consisted of all patients with diffuse cutaneous (dc)-SSc (group A) and an adjusted high risk cohort of male patients with Scl70-positive dc-SSc (group B).ResultsEighty SSc patients received an HSCT 4.1 ± 4.8 years after SSc diagnosis. Among them 86.3% had dc-SSc, 43.5% were males, and 71.3% were positive for Scl70 antibodies. The control group A showed a significant underrepresentation of these risk factors for mortality. When the survival of the control group B was compared with the HSCT group, a lower mortality of the latter was observed instead. Within 5 years after HSCT, we observed an improvement of the mRSS from 17.6 ± 11.5 to 11.0 ± 8.5, and an improvement of the DLCO from 54.6 ± 17.8% to 60.0 ± 18.5%. We did not see differences in transplant-related mortality between patients who received HSCT within 3 years after SSc diagnosis or later.ConclusionOur analysis of real life data show that the distribution of risk factors for mortality is critical when HSCT cohorts are compared with non-HSCT control groups.
A novel triplex real-time PCR method for the simultaneous authentication of meats and antlers from sika deer (Cervus nippon) and red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Liu Guo-Qiang , Luo Jian-Xing , Xu Wei-Liang , Li Chun-Dong , Guo Liang
Published: June 2022

Deer products have been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. Due to the high price, the meats and antlers are often adulterated with low-value materials. The present study developed a triplex real-time PCR assay to simultaneously identify the DNA from sika deer and red deer in deer products. The triplex real-time PCR approach showed high specificity for 16 animal species, and the method simultaneously amplified an endogenous control to eliminate false-negative results. The absolute limits of detection for raw meat, meat product, and antlers were 0.05–0.025 pg, 0.05–0.025 pg, and 0.1–0.025 pg, respectively, for sika deer and 0.05–0.025 pg, 0.5–0.25 pg, and 2.5–0.25 pg, respectively, for red deer. This approach could determine 0.1% (w/w) adulteration. In conclusion, the established triplex real-time PCR assay displayed high specificity and sensitivity and can be used for authentic animal products from sika deer and red deer.
Gastrodin Regulates GLUR2 Internalization and Reduces BDNF Expression in the Cerebellum of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Liang Yu-bo , Wang Yao-yi , Wu Xing-yan , Liu Yi-dan , Mu Zhi-hao , Zhang Ying , Zhang Chao , Fan Ying-jing , Che Shu-li , Qian Zhong-yi , Cui Ge , Zhang Ying , Miao Yi-he , Zou Ying-ying
Published: June 2022

Cognitive dysfunction is a serious neurological complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Recent studies have found that in addition to the hippocampus, the cerebellum is also involved in regulating cognitive functions such as learning and memory through long-term depression (LTD), but the molecular mechanism of cognitive impairment resulted from cerebellum dysfunction in diabetes has not been fully elucidated. Moreover, gastrodin has been supposed to reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease and improve function in the central nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the changes of LTD-related factors including GluR2, p-GluR2, PKC, BDNF, and TrkB in the cerebellar cortex of diabetic rats by western blotting and double immunofluorescence, and to explore the therapeutic effect of gastrodin. We found that there was neuronal necrosis and neuronophagia in the cerebellar cortex of diabetic rats, the protein expression levels of GluR2 and PKC in Purkinje cells were significantly decreased, and p-GluR2, BNDF and TrkB were significantly increased. After treatment with gastrodin, the damage of Purkinje cells was ameliorated, and the expression of the above factors was restored to a certain extent. Arising from the above, Thus, diabetes may cause cerebellar LTD by affecting the internalization of GluR2, thereby causing cognitive dysfunction. Gastrodin ameliorates cerebellar neuronal damage and restores the expression levels of GluR2 and BDNF in diabetic rats.
The effects of the E3 ubiquitin–protein ligase UBR7 of Frankliniella occidentalis on the ability of insects to acquire and transmit TSWV
Authors: Shi Jun-Xia , Zhou Jun-Xian , Jiang Fan , Li Zhi-Hong , Zhu Shuifang
Published: June 2022

The interactions between plant viruses and vector insects are complex. In recent years, RNA Sequencing data have been used to elucidate the key genes of tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) and Frankliniella occidentalis (F. occidentalis). However, very little is known about the key genes involved in thrip acquisition and transmission of TSWV. On the basis of the transcriptome data of F. occidentalis with TSWV, we verified the complete sequence of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase UBR7 gene (UBR7), which was closely related to virus transmission. Additionally, we found that UBR7 belongs to the E3 ubiquitin–protein ligase family, which was highly expressed in adulthood of F. occidentalis. The transmission efficiency of F. occidentalis decreased with low URB7 expression, while the acquisition efficiency was not affected. Moreover, the direct interaction between UBR7 and the nucleocapsid (N) protein of TSWV was investigated through surface plasmon resonance and GST pull-down. In conclusion, we found that UBR7 is a key protein for TSWV transmission of F. occidentalis, which directly interacts with TSWV N. This study provides a new direction for the development of green pesticides targeting E3 ubiquitin to control TSWV and F. occidentalis.
Interpretation of global tsunami height distribution due to the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption
Authors: Yamashita Kei , Kakinuma Taro
Published: June 2022

Tsunamis generated by atmospheric pressure waves due to a volcanic eruption were investigated based on both the proposed estimation formulas and numerical calculations. First, assuming linear shallow water conditions, estimation formulas were proposed for the maximum possible amplitude and the resonance distance. Second, the fundamental properties of tsunamis generated by atmospheric pressure waves were examined numerically using both the nondispersion and weak dispersion models. Based on the numerical results, a ridge and shelf can amplify tsunamis due to atmospheric pressure waves beyond the limits of the Proudman resonance. The estimated and numerically determined maximum possible amplitudes agreed well when the dispersion of tsunamis was not large. Third, the distribution maps of the maximum possible amplitude and the resonance distance for various traveling velocities of atmospheric pressure waves were generated using the proposed formulas. The maximum tsunami amplitude depends on both the length of the excitation area and the resonance distance along the path of atmospheric pressure waves. The worldwide distribution of both the tsunami height and the appearance time of the maximum tide level fluctuations due to the 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption and several historical eruptions were interpreted based on the distribution maps. In the historical large eruptions, the period of the atmospheric pressure waves was shorter; thus, the dispersion effect was larger, resulting in a smaller tsunami amplitude.
The ecological dimension of global trade: origin and recipient regions of biological invasion costs
Authors: Hudgins Emma , Cuthbert Ross , Haubrock Phillip , Taylor Nigel , Kourantidou Melina , Nguyen Dat , Bang Alok , Turbelin Anna , Moodley Desika , Briski Elizabeta , Kotronaki Syrmalenia , Courchamp Franck
Published: June 2022

Globalization challenges sustainability by intensifying the ecological and economic impacts of biological invasions. These impacts may be unevenly distributed worldwide, with costs disproportionately incurred by a few regions. Here, we identify how invasion economic costs are distributed among origin and recipient regions at country and continent levels, and determine socio-economic and biodiversity-related predictors of invasion cost dynamics. Flows of invasive alien species causing costs originated from several regions, most frequently flowing to Europe, whereas monetary costs predominantly flowed from Asia to North America. High cost flows between countries were related to various environmental and socio-economic factors, such as shared biomes, high GDP and a common language. This characterization of ‘sender’ and ‘receiver’ regions of invasive alien species and their associated cost can inform biosecurity planning and the prioritization of control efforts across invasion routes, to achieve more sustainable economies and societies, while protecting biodiversity.
Federated Learning aided Breast Cancer Detection with Intelligent Heuristic-based Deep Learning Framework
Authors: kathole atul b
Published: June 2022

Breast cancer is the second largest cause of female cancer death and one of the most hazardous diseases that leads to a higher mortality rate. Breast cancer is initialized with the malignant stage, where the abnormal growth of cancerous lumps is initiated from the breast cells. Periodic clinical checks and self-tests assist in early identification and thus progress the survival rates considerably. One of the eminent medical approaches is breast cancer recognition, which offers scientists and researchers huge complications. Breast cancer detection at an early stage permits the patients to receive suitable treatment, which increases the chances of survival. Thus, this paper utilizes a new form of artificial intelligence training called Federated Learning (FL), especially for breast cancer detection, the most eminent technique in the last few years. FL permits individual hospitals to benefit from the rich datasets of multiple non-affiliated hospitals without centralizing the data in one place. Hence, FL utilizes numerous collaborators for building a strong deep-learning model using a large dataset. In this paper, a hybridization of this type of training with a meta-heuristic and deep learning is aimed to be proposed for breast cancer diagnosis. This model encloses diverse steps that include (a) image collection, (b) feature extraction, and (c) classification phase. Initially, the mammogram images related to breast cancer are collected with the concept of FL from the affected individuals. The federated learning helps in reducing the processing time and ensures better performance of the proposed model. The obtained images are considered for the feature extraction phase. The Densenet architecture is used to extract the features used in the classification phase with the help of Enhanced Recurrent Neural Networks (E-RNN) for detecting breast cancer. Here, the performance is enhanced by tuning the certain parameter in the RNN network using a hybrid optimization algorithm called Hybrid Dragon-Rider Optimization (HDRO) with Dragonfly Algorithm (DA) and Red deer algorithm (RDA) to achieve accurate classification results. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested breast cancer diagnosis model compared with conventional approaches using diverse quantitative measures.
Numerical simulation of pollution transport and hydrodynamic characteristics through the river confluence using FLOW 3D
Authors: Chabokpour Jafar , Azamathulla Hazi Md
Published: June 2022

The current study tried to investigate the hydrodynamic characteristics and the pollution mixing and dispersion from the sub-branch through the river confluence using the numerical model of Flow3D. A numerical model was used with length, width, and height of (7 × 1 × 1) m. Also, the nested mesh was used in the junction to refine the modeling and result depiction. It was observed that if there is a water level difference on both sides of the junction, the mixing will occur much faster, and only longitudinal mixing will prevail downstream of the junction. Therefore, it was concluded that to reduce the contamination effect through the river networks, the water level in the main channel should be higher than the sub-branch. In the flow separation zone, several clockwise vortices were observed, which become weaker by moving towards the outer wall of the channel. Also, the most significant velocity vectors and also the highest contaminant concentration was observed in this region. Moreover, the vertical distribution of pollution concentration showed that the contaminant concentration would be higher at large distances above the channel bed. The highest values of turbulent intensity and turbulent kinetic energy were also observed in flow recirculation zone. It was concluded that by increase of concentration gradient through the shear layers, the required mixing length for complete transverse pollution mixing would be decreased.
Densification of activated sludge for better settling performances: experimental characterization in batch column and model parameters calibration
Authors: Roche Clément , Medina Maria Elena Valle , Schmitt Philippe , Pallarès Anne , Pallarès Gwenaël , Meilliez Mélanie , Laurent Julien
Published: June 2022

Conventional activated sludge (CAS) and densified sludge obtained using hydro-cyclone selective wasting were compared at a full-scale water resources recovery facility. The densified tested sludge, containing around 30–50% of aerobic granules, showed enhanced settleability with low and stable sludge volume index (SVI) compared to CAS, which suffered recurrent filamentous bulking. Further in-depth batch settling tests were carried out using a 40 cm diameter column fitted with ultrasonic transducers to monitor both sludge blanket height and vertical velocity profiles. Hindered settling and compression parameters were calibrated from the experiment for latter modelling use. Test sludge displayed more than doubled settling velocities compared to CAS, with hindered settling velocities remaining >3 m·h−1 even at high solids concentrations of 6.85 g·L−1. The compression regime was attained at much higher critical concentration for the test sludge. It also displayed enhanced thickening properties, with concentrations obtained after 30 min of settling being 20.9 and 8.5 g·L−1 respectively for test and control sludge. This allows for a substantial reduction of recirculation rates in practice. These results open perspectives in optimizing existing plant operation as well as clarifier design and modelling using densified sludge.
The Purification and Crystallisation of Phosphoglycerate Kinase from the Hyperthermophilic Eubacterium Thermotoga Maritima
Authors: Fleming T.M. , Jones C.E. , Piper P.W. , Cowan D.A. , Adams M.W.W. , Littlechild J.A.
Published: June 2022

Two phosphoglycerate kinase enzymes have been purified from the hyperthermophilic eubacterium Thermotoga maritima. One has been shown to be monomeric with a MW of 41 kDa, whilst the other, in contrast to other phosphoglycerate kinases that have been studied, is seen to be tetrameric by gel filtration, with a subunit MW of 70 kDa by SDS PAGE. The tetrameric PGK is a fusion protein with triose phosphate isomerase and has been crystallised from ammonium sulphate in the presence of the triose sugar substrate 3-phosphoglycerate
Mutagenesis Of Recombinant Human Fibroblast Stromelysin C-Terminus Reveals the Autodegradation Pathway
Authors: Qoronfleh M. Walid , Ho Thau , Banks Tracey , Pulvino Tricia , Brake Patricia , Ciccarelli Richard , Koehn Jim , Huang James , Wahl Robert
Published: June 2022

Stromelysin as a member of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) family participates in connective tissue remodeling and diseases. Understanding MMPs' catalytic mechanism and designing specific inhibitors to control their activity is of great interest. A clone for mature truncated stromelysin (SL), F83 to T260, without the C-terminal hemopexin-like domain was constructed a d expressed in E. coli. The purified, recombinant protein was active and had a specific activity and Ki values comparable to that of the native enzyme. However, protein degradation was observed which was attributed to autolysis. A specific autolytic site at S244-L245 was identified by N-terminal sequencing. A series of SL muteins
and new truncations were engineered to evaluate their effects on autolysis. The replacement of L245 with an R prevents the autodegradation of SL at the S244-L245 autolytic site. This substitution reveals the primary site initiating SL autolysis (self-catalyzed cleavage) and locates it at Vl63-L164.
Combinatorial Chemistry and Natural Products: Determination of the Biological Activity of On­Bead, Double Cleavable Teicoplanin Aglycone (TD)
Authors: Sizemore Christine F. , Seneci Pierfausto , Kocis Petr , Wertman Kenneth F. , Islam Khalid
Published: June 2022

Teicoplanin aglycone (TD), a derivative of the naturally occurring antibiotic, was coupled to Tentagel resin beads using a releasable linker technique. The biological properties of the compound were examined in growth inhibition assays after cleavage of the linker under different pH conditions. The results show that combinatorial techniques on solid-phase can be used for large, complex molecules, and that the biological method described may be generally useful for high volume screening of large combinatorial chemical libraries.
Neuropharmacology of Organoselenium Compounds in Mental Disorders
and Degenerative Diseases
Authors: Birmann Paloma T. , Casaril Angela M. , Abenante Laura , Penteado Filipe , Brüning César A. , Savegnago Lucielli , Lenardão Eder J.
Published: June 2022

Neurodegenerative and mental disorders are a public health burden with pharma-cological treatments of limited efficacy. Organoselenium compounds are receiving great at-tention in medicinal chemistry mainly because of their antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, with a multi-target profile that can favor the treatment of multifactorial diseases. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss recent preclinical studies about orga-noselenium compounds as therapeutic agents for the management of mental (e.g., depres-sion, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclero-sis). We have summarized around 70 peer-reviewed articles from 2016 to the present that used in silico, in vitro, and/or in vivo approaches to assess the neuropharmacology of seleni-um-containing compounds. Among the diversity of organoselenium molecules investigated in the last five years, diaryl diselenides, Ebselen-derivatives, and Se-containing heterocycles are the most representative. Ultimately, this review is expected to provide disease-oriented information regarding the neuropharmacology of organoselenium compounds that can be useful for the design, synthesis, and pharmacological characterization of novel bioactive molecules that can potentially be clinically viable candidates.
Recent Progress on the Role of Fibronectin in Tumor Stromal Immunity and Immunotherapy
Authors: Peng Zheng , Lv Xiaolan , Huang Shigao
Published: June 2022

As a major component of the stromal microenvironment of various solid tumors, the ex-tracellular matrix (ECM) has attracted increasing attention in cancer-related studies. ECM in the tumor stroma not only provides an external barrier and framework for tumor cell adhesion and movement, but also acts as an active regulator that modulates the tumor microenvironment, includ-ing stromal immunity. Fibronectin (Fn), as a core component of the ECM, plays a key role in the assembly and remodeling of the ECM. Hence, understanding the role of Fn in the modulation of tumor stromal immunity is of great importance for cancer immunotherapy. Hence, in-depth studies on the underlying mechanisms of Fn in tumors are urgently needed to clarify the current under-standing and issues and to identify new and specific targets for effective diagnosis and treatment purposes. In this review, we summarize the structure and role of Fn, its potent derivatives in tumor stromal immunity, and their biological effects and mechanisms in tumor development. In addition, we discuss the novel applications of Fn in tumor treatment. Therefore, this review can provide pro-spective insight into Fn immunotherapeutic applications in tumor treatment.
MurF Ligase Inhibitors: An Overview of Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Singh Anjali , Azam Mohammed Afzal
Published: June 2022

ATP dependent MurC-F ligases are essential for the biosynthesis of peptidoglycan, an essential
bacterial cell wall component that is required for bacterial cell survival. Last, in the series, MurF catalyzes
the ATP-dependent addition of D-Ala-D-Ala dipeptide to UDP-N-acetylmuramyl-tripeptide to form the
UDP-N-acetylmuramy-pentapeptide monomeric precursor of peptidoglycan. Owing to its critical essentiality
in peptidoglycan biosynthesis and absence in eukaryotic counterparts, MurF is considered a promising
target for the design and development of potent antibacterial agents. Several MurF inhibitors have
been designed and evaluated for their MurF inhibitory and antibacterial activity. These include aminoalkylphosphinates,
sulfonamides, diarylquinolones, hydroxylamines, phosphorylated hydroxylamines, thiazolylaminopyrimidines,
2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazines, etc. However, most of the inhibitors developed
till date lack potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In
the present review, an updated status of MurF ligase inhibitors is presented that may provide a useful
source for the design of novel MurF inhibitors with potent and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
In vitro and In vivo Evaluation of the Antidiabetic Activity of Solidago virgaurea
Extracts
Authors: Zhu Lin , Zehra Syeda Andleeb , Bhattarai Prapanna , Zhang Jian , Liu Yin , Parveen Zahida , Sajid Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Background:

Solidago virgaurea (Asteraceae), has been used for more than 700 years for treating cystitis, chronic nephritis, urolithiasis, rheumatism, and inflammatory diseases. However, the antidiabetic activity of Solidago virgaurea has been rarely studied.

Methods:

Three extracts of Solidago virgaurea were prepared and their antidiabetic potentials were evaluated by various cell-free, cell-based, and in vivo studies.

Results:

We found that the Solidago virgaurea contained multiple bioactive phytochemicals based on the GC-MS analysis. The Solidago virgaurea extracts effectively inhibited the functions of the carbohydrate digestive enzyme (α-glucosidase) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), as well as decrease the amount of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In the L6 myotubes, the Solidago virgaurea methanolic extract remarkably enhanced the glucose uptake via the upregulation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4). The extract also significantly downregulated the expression of PTP1B. In the streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic mice, the daily intraperitoneal injection of 100 mg/kg Solidago virgaurea methanolic extract for 24 days, substantially lowered the postprandial blood glucose level with no obvious toxicity. The extract’s anti-hyperglycemic effect was comparable to that of the glibenclamide treatment.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggested that the Solidago virgaurea extract might have great potential in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.