bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trayectoria de exclusión espacial en Santa Catarina, Nuevo León: graficando los procesos del “afuera”
Authors: Padilla Diana
Published: July 2022

La investigación pretende visibilizar el fenómeno de exclusión espacial en la ciudad latinoamericana, particularmente en Santa Catarina, Nuevo León. Se propone la trayectoria de exclusión espacial como herramienta de análisis para mostrar que existe una estructura sistémica que desplaza, marginaliza o expulsa a territorios y habitantes de la dinámica urbana. La trayectoria de exclusión muestra que, de manera paulatina, se incrementan niveles del “afuera” en la ciudad. Metodológicamente se parte de la teoría urbana crítica y se utilizan las hiper-historias para la construcción de esquemas que visibilizan la construcción de lo “otro”. A manera de conclusión, se enuncia que la trayectoria de exclusión representa un mapa biopolítico que reproduce o intensifica los procesos de exclusión.
Atravessamentos às Ciências Sociais e Humanas no Brasil: ensino superior privatizado e economia do conhecimento
Authors: MONFREDINI IVANISE
Published: July 2022

Nesse texto desenvolvemos ideias apresentadas no evento “La Educación Superior en el actual debate sobre la privatización de la ciencia” aprofundando a análise sobre os desafios que se colocam para a pesquisa e produção de conhecimentos em ciências sociais e humanas no Brasil, considerando a predominância do setor privado no ensino superior, e a economia do conhecimento a ele relacionada. Trata-se de um ensaio desen-volvido a partir da análise de literatura sobre o tema e que teve o objetivo de apresentar e problematizar os atravessamentos colocados para essa área do conhecimento num momento histórico do país em que o desmonte de políticas científicas e tecnológicas e a sua posterior retomada em outros termos, pode afetar as ciências sociais, no seu estatuto epistemológico. A conclusão é a de que a área passa por desvalorização e tentativa de submissão aos critérios rentáveis, para adaptação às exigências da economia do conhe-cimento, no Brasil.
The investigation of thiol-disulfide homeostasis in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: ÜSTÜN EROĞLU Derya , KIYICI Sinem , ÜSTÜNDAĞ Yasemin , SIĞIRLI Deniz , PEKEL Nilüfer Büyükkoyuncu , KOCA Nizameddin , EMLEK Gamze , EREL Özcan
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic complications. Hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress is prominent for the development of diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP). Thiol disulfide homeostasis plays a vital role in antioxidant defense. In this study, we aimed to investigate thiol-disulfide homeostasis, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and advanced oxidant protein products (AOPP) in patients with PNP.
Methods: Eighty patients with T2DM and 19 healthy controls were included in the study. PNP was assessed by using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument and Electroneuromyography. TAC, AOPP, and total thiols, native thiols and disulfide levels of thiol-disulfide homeostasis parameters were studied with serum samples. The results were compared in patients with/without PNP and control group.
Results: Serum HbA1c (9.5 ± 2.0% vs 8.0 ± 1.8%; p = 0.019) and triglyceride levels (204.4 ± 77.0 vs 151.7 ± 58.5 mg/dL, p = 0.014) were significantly higher and serum total thiol levels (540.4 ± 9.9 vs 566.7 ± 2.6 μmol/L, p = 0.038) were significantly lower in patients with PNP. Serum TAC, AOPP, native thiol, and disulfide levels were comparable among patients with/ without PNP. Serum CRP, AOPP, total thiol, and native thiol levels were found to be higher in patients with type 2 DM (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.02 and p = 0.03; respectively) compared to the control group. No correlation was observed between serum thiol-disulfide homeostasis parameters and serum glucose and HbA1c levels.
Conclusions: Our study reveals that oxidative stress markers such as serum TAC, AOPP, and disulfide levels are closely related to the existence of diabetes. No significant difference was noted among patients with and without diabetic PNP.
Moral foundations tracked over 200 years of lexicographic data, and their predictors
Authors: Woodley of Menie Michael A. , Figueredo Aurelio José , Peñaherrera-Aguirre Mateo , Jurgenssen JohnMichael , Sarraf Matthew A.
Published: July 2022

The prediction that reduction of negative selection decreases group-level competitiveness, as reflected in increased individual-focused and diminished group-focused moral foundations, is tested. To measure this hypothesized shift in moral foundations, we conduct a culturomic analysis of the utilization frequencies of items sourced from the moral foundations item pool, tracked among Britannic populations from 1800 to 1999 using Google Ngram Viewer. The resultant higher-order factor, which tracks increasing individualizing values and decreasing binding values, is termed Asabiyyah (capturing social cohesion and collective purpose). Two predictors of this factor are examined: change in the strength of intergroup competition and change in levels of indicators of developmental instability. Both the strength of intergroup competition and levels of developmental instability associate with Asabiyyah. Rising developmental instability mediates the impact of inter-group competition, indicating that reduced between-group competition might have relaxed negative selection against mutations, which might reduce Asabiyyah via their effects on inter-genomic transactions. These results must be interpreted carefully, given the clear real-world evidence that explicit commitment to group-oriented values often features in harmful and maladaptive social and political ideologies of an extreme character.
The Current Status of Secondary School Teacher’s Perception of Happiness in Nam Dinh Province during the Implementation Period of the 2018 General Education Program
Authors: Tham Pham Thi Hong , Thuc Pham Thi Phuong , Giang Phan Thi Huong , Tam Nguyen Thanh
Published: July 2022

In the current context of a major revolution in the Vietnamese education system, teachers’ perception of happiness makes an important criterion in evaluating effectiveness of the changes made to educational programs. The initial investigation of the positive effects of this renovation was conducted on the scale of Nam Dinh province and the results show multidimensional sources of information. In addition to positive information, there is still information that raises many questions for leaders to pay attention to. The outcome of the investigation suggests the evaluation of “The job is meaningful” is 3.10 out of 5 points, which is the lowest in assessment criteria. Meanwhile, the rates for “Completely disbelieve” and “Slightly disbelieve” in happiness of their profession in the future take up a large proportion (24.4%). However, other criteria namely “Being satisfied with current position” and “Feeling motivated with the job” received higher evaluation scores, respectively 4.05/5 points and 4.11/5 points. Via the results of the research, the author is looking forward to appropriate actions taken by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam with a view to enhancing the perception of happiness among teachers.
Role of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Balakrishnan Arpita , Vig Mohini , Dubey Shweta
Published: July 2022

The dynamic interplay between tumor cells and immune cells in the microenvironment plays a crucial role in determining disease severity and therapeutic outcome in cancer. Myeloid cells are the most abundantly available cell population in the tumor microenvironment. Myeloid cells have been shown to exist in diverse phenotypes and play both antitumoral and protumoral roles in cancer. Understanding the biology of myeloid cells can lay the foundation for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at enhancing the antitumoral role of myeloid cells. This article presents an overview of the role of myeloid cells in tumor development and various mechanisms by which myeloid cells aid tumor progression. Existing drugs against cancer that utilize myeloid cells and the role of myeloid cells in drug resistance are also discussed.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Proportional Intensity-based Software Reliability Models with Covariates
Authors: Li Siqiao , Dohi Tadashi , Okamura Hiroyuki
Published: July 2022

This paper focuses on the so-called proportional intensity-based software reliability models (PI-SRMs), which are extensions of the common non homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP)-based SRMs, and describe the probabilistic behavior of software fault-detection process by incorporating the time-dependent software metrics data observed in the development process. Especially we generalize the seminal PI-SRM in Rinsaka, Shibata and Dohi (2006) by introducing eleven well-known fault-detection time distributions, and investigate their goodness-of-fit and predictive performances. In numerical illustrations with four data sets collected in real software development projects, we utilize the maximum likelihood estimation to estimate model parameters with three time-dependent covariates; test execution time, failure identification work and computer time-failure identification, and examine the performances of our PI SRMs in comparison with the existing NHPP-based SRMs without covariates. It is shown that our PI-STMs could give better goodness-of-fit and predictive performances in many cases.
Characterization of Potential Threats from Cyanobacterial Toxins in Lake Victoria Embayments and During Water Treatment
Authors: Olokotum Mark , Humbert Jean-François , Quiblier Catherine , Okello William , Semyalo Ronald , Troussellier Marc , Marie Benjamin , Baumann Kathrin , Kurmayer Rainer , Bernard Cécile
Published: July 2022

Africa’s water needs are often supported by eutrophic waterbodies dominated by cyanobacteria posing health threats to riparian populations from cyanotoxins, and Lake Victoria is no exception. In two embayments of the lake (Murchison Bay and Napoleon Gulf), cyanobacterial surveys were conducted to characterize the dynamics of cyanotoxins in lake water and water treatment plants. Forty-six cyanobacterial taxa were recorded and out of these 14 were considered potentially toxigenic (i.e., from the genera Dolichospermum, Microcystis, Oscillatoria, Pseudanabaena and Raphidiopsis). A higher concentration (ranging from 5-10 µg MC-LR equiv. L-1) of microcystins (MCs) was detected in Murchison Bay compared to Napoleon Gulf, with a declining gradient from the inshore (max. 15 µg MC-LR equiv. L-1) to the open lake. In Murchison Bay, an increase either in Microcystis sp. biovolume and MC was observed over the last two decades. Despite high cell densities of toxigenic Microcystis and high MC concentrations, the water treatment plant in Murchison Bay efficiently removed the cyanobacterial biomass, intracellular and dissolved MC to below the lifetime guideline value for exposure via drinking water (< 1.0 µg MC-LR equiv. L-1). Thus, the potential health threats stem from the consumption of untreated water and recreational activities, along the shores of the lake embayments. MC concentrations were predicted from Microcystis cell numbers regulated by environmental factors such as solar radiation, wind speed in the N-S direction and turbidity. Thus, an early warning through microscopical counting of Microcystis cell numbers is proposed to better manage health risks from toxigenic cyanobacteria in Lake Victoria.
Arsenic Removal Performance of Granular Adsorbents Using Novel Clinoptilolites Modified with Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Hosseini Nami Shamin , Mousavi Seyed Borhan , Khatamian Masoumeh
Published: July 2022

In this research, novel beads were successfully synthesized from natural clinoptilolite (CL) modified with iron nanoparticles (FCL). Beads were prepared using alginate (A) and chitosan (C). FESEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR techniques were employed to characterize the CL, FCL, A-bead, and C-bead. A comprehensive series of batch adsorption experiments were conducted utilizing both prepared samples to study the influential parameters. The most effective cross-linking solutions of chitosan and alginate were sodium tripolyphosphate/sodium hydroxide and 4% Ferric chloride, respectively. The optimum ratio of chitosan/FCL and alginate/FCL was 1:3 and 1:4, sequentially. The effect of initial arsenic concentration, and adsorbent concentration were evaluated. The optimal removal rate of 86% and 93.27% were found for A-beads and C-beads using their optimized initial concentration. Moreover, the best arsenic removal performance was seen 1 g/L for both A-beads and C-beads. The removal rate of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/L of alginate was 75.12%, 81.15%, 82.21%, 82.90%, and 83.15%, respectively. On the other hand, C-beads had higher removal rates at the considered contents. The removal rate of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/L of C-beads were 75.18%, 88.78%, 91.86%, 92.25%, and 92.4%, respectively. Additionally, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were employed to find the maximum adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity of q_max of alginate and chitosan beads was 10000 ?g/g.
Arsenic Removal Performance of Granular Adsorbents Using Novel Clinoptilolites Modified with Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Hosseini Nami Shamin , Mousavi Seyed Borhan , Fazli-Shokouhi Sara , Khatamian Masoumeh
Published: July 2022

In this research, novel beads were successfully synthesized from natural clinoptilolite (CL) modified with iron nanoparticles (FCL). Beads were prepared using alginate (A) and chitosan (C). FESEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR techniques were employed to characterize the CL, FCL, A-bead, and C-bead. A comprehensive series of batch adsorption experiments were conducted utilizing both prepared samples to study the influential parameters. The most effective cross-linking solutions of chitosan and alginate were sodium tripolyphosphate/sodium hydroxide and 4% Ferric chloride, respectively. The optimum ratio of chitosan/FCL and alginate/FCL was 1:3 and 1:4, sequentially. The effect of initial arsenic concentration, and adsorbent concentration were evaluated. The optimal removal rate of 86% and 93.27% were found for A-beads and C-beads using their optimized initial concentration. Moreover, the best arsenic removal performance was seen 1 g/L for both A-beads and C-beads. The removal rate of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/L of alginate was 75.12%, 81.15%, 82.21%, 82.90%, and 83.15%, respectively. On the other hand, C-beads had higher removal rates at the considered contents. The removal rate of 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.5, and 2 g/L of C-beads were 75.18%, 88.78%, 91.86%, 92.25%, and 92.4%, respectively. Additionally, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were employed to find the maximum adsorption capacity. The maximum adsorption capacity of q_max of alginate and chitosan beads was 10000 ?g/g.
Advances in Enteropathogen Control Throughout the Meat Chicken Production Chain
Authors: Stewart Jack G , Pavic Anthony
Published: July 2022

Enteropathogens, namely Salmonella and Campylobacter, are a concern in global public health and have been attributed in numerous risk assessments to a poultry source. During the last decade a large body of research addressing this problem has been published. The literature reviewed contains review articles on certain aspects of poultry production chain, however in the past decade there hasn’t been a review on the through production chain, farm to fork, production of poultry. This review, a pool of 514 articles were selected for relevance via a systematic screening process (from >7500 original search articles). These studies identified a diversity of management and intervention strategies for the elimination or reduction of enteropathogens in poultry production. Many studies were laboratory or limited field trials with implementation in true commercial operations being problematic. Entities considering using commercial anti-enteropathogen products and interventions are advised to perform an internal validation and fit for purpose trial as Salmonella and Campylobacter serovars and biovars may have regional diversity. Future research should focus on non-chemical application within the processing plant and how synergistic through chain intervention may contribute to reducing the overall carcass burden of enteropathogen, coupled with increased consumer education on safe handling and cooking of poultry.
Vemurafenib Inhibits Enterovirus A71 Genome Replication and Virus Assembly
Authors: Hu Bodan , Chik Kenn Ka-Heng , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Cai Jian-Piao , Tsang Jessica Oi-Ling , Zou Zijiao , Tang Kaiming , Jia Lilong , Luo Cuiting , Yin Feifei , Ye Zi-Wei , Chu Hin , Yeung Man-Lung , Yuan Shuofeng
Published: July 2022

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection is a major cause of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) which may be occasionally associated with severe neurological complications. There are currently a lack of treatment options for EV-A71 infection. The Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, in addition to its critical importance in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and survival, has been shown to be essential for virus replication. In this study, we investigated the anti-EV-A71 activity of vemurafenib, a clinically approved B-Raf inhibitor used in the treatment of late stage melanoma. Vemurafenib exhibits potent anti-EV-A71 effect in cytopathic effect inhibition and viral load reduction assays, with half maximal effective concentration (EC50) at nanomolar concentration. Mechanistically, vemurafenib interrupts both EV-A71 genome replication and assembly. These findings expand the list of potential antiviral candidates of anti-EV-A71 therapeutics.
Molecular Mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 and Human Endocrinocytes: A Prerequisite of Post-COVID Endocrine Autoimmunity
Authors: Churilov Leonid P. , Normatov Muslimbek G. , Utekhin Vladimir J.
Published: July 2022

Molecular mimicry between human and microbial/viral/parasite peptides is common and for a long time is associated with the etiology of autoimmune disorders provoked by exogenous pathogens. Increasing evidence accumulated from the past years suggests a strong correlation between the SARS-CoV-2 infection and autoimmunity. The article analyzes the immunogenic potential of the peptides shared between SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (S-protein and antigens of human endocrinocytes involved in most common autoimmune endocrinopathies. Totally the study revealed 14 pentapeptides shared by S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 and autoantigens of thyroid, pituitary, adrenal cortex and Langerhans’ islets beta-cells, 12 of them belong to immunoreactive epitopes of SARS-CoV-2. The discussion of the data links the results with clinical correlates of COVID-associated autoimmune endocrinopathies. Most common of them is an autoimmune thyroid disease, so the majority of shared pentapeptides belong to marker autoantigens of this disease. Most important in pathogenesis of severe COVID-19, according authors’ opinion, can be autoimmunity against adrenals, because their adequate response prevents from excessive systemic action of inflammatory mediators which cause cytokine storm and hemodynamic shock. The criticism of antigen mimicry concept is given with a statement that peptide sharing is not a guarantee, but just a prerequisite of autoimmunity excess provocation. The last event occurs in carriers of certain HLA haplotypes and in case when shared peptide is used in antigen processing only [1 figure, 5 tables, bibliography 38 references].
Opinion Dynamics with Higher-order Bounded Confidence
Authors: Wang Chaoqian
Published: July 2022

The higher-order interactions in complex systems are gaining attention. Extending the classic bounded confidence model where an agent’s opinion update is the average opinion of its peers, this paper proposes a higher-order version of the bounded confidence model. Each agent organizes a group opinion discussion among its peers. Then, the discussion’s result influences all participants’ opinions. Since an agent is also the peer of its peers, the agent actually participates in multiple group discussions. We assume the agent’s opinion update is the average over multiple group discussions. The opinion dynamics rules can be arbitrary in each discussion. In this work, we experiment with two discussion rules: centralized and decentralized. We show that the centralized rule is equivalent to the classic bounded confidence model. The decentralized rule, however, can promote opinion consensus. In need of modeling specific real-life scenarios, the higher-order bounded confidence is convenient to combine with other higher-order dynamics, from the contagion process to evolutionary dynamics.
On Improved PSO and Neural Network P&O Methods for PV System under Shading and Various Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Hayder Wafa , Sera Dezso , Ogliari Emanuele , Lashab Abderezak
Published: July 2022

This article analyzes and compares the integration of two different maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control methods, which are tested under partial shading and fast ramp conditions. These MPPT methods are designed by Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) and a combination technique between Neural Network and Perturb & Observe method (NN_P&O). These two methods are implemented and simulated for photovoltaic systems (PV), where various system responses, such as: voltage and power are obtained. The MPPT techniques were simulated using Matlab/Simulink environment. A comparison of the performance of IPSO and NN_P&O algorithms is carried out to confirm the best accomplishment of the two methods in terms of speed, accuracy and simplicity.
Tunneling Current Model under Drain Induced Barrier Lowing Effects for Scaled Devices
Authors: Zhao Zhichao , Wu Tiefeng , Wang Miao , Xi Yunfang , Feng Qiuxia , Sun Yonghao
Published: July 2022

With the proportional reduction of MOSFET size, the leakage-to-barrier reduction (DIBL) effect leads to a more significant increase in the tunneling current on the gate, and the appearance of the gate tunneling current also seriously affects the static characteristics of the device. In this paper, a new theoretical model of the relationship between the direct tunneling current and the thickness of the oxide layer under the DIBL effect is proposed for the MOSFET device with ultra-thin oxide layer. On this basis, the characteristics of the MOSFET device are studied in detail by using HSPICE, and their working conditions are quantitatively analyzed. The characteristic variation trend of small-size devices under the influence of gate tunneling current is predicted. The simulation results using BSIM4 model are consistent with the theoretical model. The theory and data in this paper will provide useful reference for large scale integrated circuit design.
Pregnancy, Mental Well-being and Lockdown: A Nationwide Online Survey in France
Authors: Gaucher Laurent , Barasinski Chloé , Dupont Corinne , Razurel Chantal , Pichon Swann , Leavy Emma , Viaux-Savelon Sylvie , Cortet Marion , Franck Nicolas , Haesebaert Frédéric , Haesebaert Julie
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the mental well-being of French women who were and were not pregnant during the first COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We performed a nationwide online quantitative survey including all women between 18 and 45 years of age during the second and third weeks of global lockdown (March 25–April 07, 2020). The main outcome measures was the mental well-being measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS). This study analysed 275 responses from pregnant women and compared them with those from a propensity score–matched sample of 825 non-pregnant women. The median WEMWBS score was 49.0 and did not differ by pregnancy status. Women living in urban areas reported better well-being, while those with sleep disorders or who spent more than an hour a day watching the news reported poorer well-being. During the first lockdown in France, women had relatively low mental well-being scores, with no significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women. More than ever, health-care workers need to find a way to maintain their support for women’s well-being. Minor daily annoyances of pregnancy, such as insomnia, should not be trivialised because they are a potential sign of poor well-being.
Long-term neurological consequences in children born to mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors:   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Papysheva O.V. ,   S.S.Yudin State Clinical Hospital No 7 of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation, Morozov S.G. ,   N.E.Bauman State Clinical Hospital No 29 of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gribova I.E. ,   N.E.Bauman State Clinical Hospital No 29 of the Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russian Federation, Mayatskaya T.A. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Bogomaz L.V. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Zakharova I.A. ,   Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russian Federation, Kharitonova L.V. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: July 2022

Objective. To improve the early diagnosis of neurological pathology in children from mothers with GSD by studying their neuroimmune interactions using the “Neuro-test” technology. Patients and methods. 74 children aged 4–12 years from mothers with GSD were examined clinically: The control group consisted of 72 children born to mothers without endocrine pathology during pregnancy. A number of indicators of innate and acquired immunity were determined in the blood serum (activity of leukocyte elastase, alpha-proteinase inhibitor and autoantibodies to the proteins of the nervous tissue MBM, S100, GFAP and FRN). Results. Neuropsychiatric pathology was significantly more often detected in children from mothers with GSD at the age of 4–12 years compared with the control group (43.2% and 16.7%, p < 0.001). Moreover, at the age of 4–7 years, this pathology was more common in the study group, compared with children aged 8–12 years (66.7% and 31.7%, p = 0.003). It was noted that heart abnormalities were significantly more often detected in the study group (33.8% and 13.9%, p = 0.004). In children from mothers with GSD, elevated levels of AAT to nerve tissue proteins are more often detected (25.7% and 8.3%, p = 0.006). The possible mechanisms of the influence of the diabetic state of the mother on the embryo/fetus, leading to the development of pathology of the nervous system in children, are discussed. Conclusion. children born to mothers with GSD in the long-term period are characterized by a high incidence of pathology of the nervous system. Key words: gestational diabetes mellitus, neuropsychiatric pathology, leukocyte elastase, autoantibodies
DESCRIBING DIFFICULT SHELL-HASH ASSEMBLAGES FROM THE LOWER CAMBRIAN SOLTANIEH FORMATION, ALBORZ MOUNTAINS, NORTHERN IRAN
Authors: LINDSAY-KAUFMAN AMELIA , ROSBACH STEPHANIE A. , WRIGHT LAUREN S. , EDWARDS EMILY L.V. , VAZIRI SEYED HAMID , MAJIDIFARD MAHMOUD REZA , SELLY TARA , LAFLAMME MARC , SCHIFFBAUER JAMES D.
Published: July 2022

The fossil record spanning the latest Ediacaran and earliest Cambrian is characterized by the proliferation of small, mineralized organisms that comprise the well-known and abundant deposits of small shelly fauna. Many of these fossils are tubular or conical forms with simple morphologies, and thus present difficulties in both taxonomic and phylogenetic interpretation. This study investigates a community of poorly preserved shelly tubicolous organisms in two fossiliferous slabs from the Soltanieh Formation, northern Iran. Analysis of the taphonomy of this fossil assemblage using thin-section petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, suggests a two-part preservational pathway involving phosphatic replacement of the shell wall and separate, diagenetically later infillings of void space with either phosphatic or calcium carbonate cements. In parallel with the taphonomic study and given the difficulty in assigning the observed fossils taxonomically, morphometrics of the shelly organisms were also explored. Biometric measurements were collected from high-resolution photomosaic images of the slab-surface fossils, as well as from a three-dimensional volume of the interior of one of the slabs generated via X-ray tomographic microscopy. Statistical analysis of these measurements revealed a separation of the fossils into two morphologically distinct groups of conical and tubular forms, which we characterize respectively as ‘conomorphs' and ‘tubomorphs'. Based on previous studies of fossils from the Soltanieh Fm., we can offer tentative generic-level assignment to Anabarites and Cambrotubulus to at least some of the fossils present, though these are dependent on views in thin section rather than morphometric distinction. Cumulatively, we provide a conservative, taxonomy-free approach for detailing the morphology and preservation of poorly preserved fossils from the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition.
Automedicación con uso recreativo: Análisis de discusiones en foros de una comunidad virtual
Authors: Molina-Chala Lina Camila , Vera-Márquez Ángela Victoria , Pérez-Acosta Andrés M. , Pardo-Mateus María Alejandra , Urbina Bonilla Adriana del Pilar
Published: July 2022

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue caracterizar las discusiones de foros de una comunidad virtual en la que los miembros abordaban temas relacionados con drogas con fines lúdicos y recreativos. A través de un abordaje de netnografía se estudió una comunidad virtual en español en la que los usuarios compartían contenido referente al uso de sustancias psicoactivas, principalmente cannabis. La recolección de datos se realizó con base en 12 foros cuyo tema principal era el reporte de experiencias de consumo. Los datos fueron recopilados en bases de datos de Excel y se llevó a cabo un análisis de datos temático con apoyo del software Nvivo. Los resultados evidenciaron que las discusiones se caracterizaron por dinámicas en las cuales los usuarios intercambian una amplia cantidad de conocimientos sobre drogas, su usos, síntomas y efectos fisiológicos, así como la experiencia psicológica. A su vez, la dinámica de los foros brinda recursos a los usuarios para promover la construcción de un sentido de comunidad. Los hallazgos mostraron el interés de las comunidades por promover entornos de cuidado, de prevención del riesgo y disminución del daño. Este tipo de estudios corroboran la relevancia de los foros como escenarios potenciales y útiles para la investigación sobre drogas.
Consumo de tabaco y alcohol: metas académicas, autoconcepto escolar y rendimiento académico en adolescentes portugueses
Authors: Urbán Dori J. A. , Ingles Cándido J. , Rodriguez-Aguilar Maria , García-Fernández José M.
Published: July 2022

Introducción. La adolescencia incluye la búsqueda y adquisición de una identidad o la experimentación de nuevas sensaciones, incluyendo el consumo de drogas legales, como el alcohol y el tabaco. Objetivos. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue analizar si el consumo de alcohol y tabaco está relacionado con variables psicoeducativas (e.g., metas escolares, autoconcepto académico y rendimiento escolar). Método. Se usó un muestreo aleatorio de 1997 alumnos/as pertenecientes a nueve centros escolares en Portugal. Resultados. Los resultados del presente estudio encontraron que las personas consumidoras de tabaco y alcohol presentan resultados significativamente más bajos en las variables psicoeducativas, en comparación con las personas no consumidoras. Cabe destacar que en el autoconcepto verbal no se encontraron diferencias entre personas consumidoras y no consumidoras en relación tanto con el alcohol como el tabaco. Conclusiones. Por tanto, es posible concluir que existe una relación entre el consumo de tabaco y alcohol y las variables psicoeducativas examinadas en este estudio en una muestra de adolescentes portugueses.
A 3-year retrospective study of 866 children and adolescent outpatients followed in the Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Center created after the 2016 mass terror attack.
Authors: Gindt Morgane , Fernandez Arnaud , Zeghari Radia , Ménard Marie-Line , Nachon Ophélie , Richez Aurélien , Auby Philippe , Battista Michèle , Askenazy Florence
Published: July 2022

Background
The mass terrorist attack in Nice, France, in July 2016 caused deaths and injuries in a local population, including children and adolescents. The Nice Pediatric Psychotrauma Center (NPPC) was opened to provide mental health care to the pediatric population (0–18 years) who experienced traumatic events.
Objectives
To report clinical findings and provide considerations focusing on 1) Traumatic events; 2) Psychiatric diagnoses; 3) Needed care of pediatric population; 4) Recommendations based on the experience of NPPC
Methods
In this retrospective study, we conducted quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis of new and follow-up consultations, primary and comorbid diagnoses, and the kind of trauma (terrorist attack versus other kinds of trauma). Ethics approval was obtained from the local Ethics committee.
Results
866 children and adolescents were followed in the NPPC. A high number of children and adolescents impacted by the terrorist attack required follow-up consultations (average of 30 consultations per week). After exposure to the mass terrorist attack, the first care-seeking requests continued to occur three years later, although at a slower rate than in the first and second years. New consultations for other kinds of trauma were observed over time. We found a high rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; 71%) in this population with a high rate of comorbidities (67%), mainly sleep disorders (34.7%) and mood and anxiety disorders (16.2%).
Discussion
This study supports previous findings on the significant impact of mass trauma in the pediatric population showing even a higher level of PTSD and a high rate of comorbidities. This may be explained by the brutality of the traumatic event, particularly for this age group. The findings of this study have implications for early interventions and long-term care for children and adolescents to prevent the development of chronic PTSD into adulthood.
Hypoxia-induced reprogramming of glucose-dependent metabolic pathways maintains the stemness of human bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Lin Dongni , Yan Kaihao , Chen Lingyun , Chen Junxiong , Xu Jianing , Xie Zhijing , Li Zhujun , Lin Shuo , Li Jinghuan , Chen Zhenzhou
Published: July 2022

Background aimsThe benefits of hypoxia for maintaining the stemness of cultured human bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM EPCs) have previously been demonstrated but the mechanisms responsible remain unclear. There is growing evidence to suggest a role for cellular metabolism in the regulation of stem cell fate and self-renewal. This study aimed at exploring changes in glucose metabolism and roles in maintaining BM EPCs stemness under hypoxia.MethodsExtracellular flux analysis, LC-MS/MS and 13C tracing HPLC-QE-MS were used to establish EPC metabolic status. Then inhibitors of glucose metabolism were used to assess the impact of the dependent pathways on cell stemness. The key enzymes of glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and mitochondrial respiration were inhibited, and the cell survival rate, clone formation rate, mRNA expression of stemness markers, Nanog, Oct4, Klf4 and Sox2, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level were compared.ResultsReprogramming of pathways concerned with glucose metabolism was found under hypoxic conditions, including increased rates of flux through glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), together with decreased flux through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and mitochondrial respiration. We found that inhibiting glycolysis or PPP impaired cell proliferation either under normoxia or hypoxia. Moreover, promoting pyruvate oxidation reverses the maintenance effect of hypoxia on cell stemness. On the contrary, inhibiting pyruvate oxidation, TCA or ETC increased cell stemness under normoxia mimicking hypoxic conditions. Although hypoxia decreased mitochondrial ATP level, the total ATP level remained unchanging, indicating that energy production does not play a major role in this process. ConclusionIn summary, hypoxia induced glucose metabolic reprogramming, and such pattern of metabolic reprogramming maintains the stemness of BM EPCs, and artificial manipulation of cell metabolism can be an effective way for regulating the stemness of BM EPCs.
Prevalence of depression and its correlation with anxiety, headache and sleep disorders amongst medical staff in South China
Authors: Lu Guangshuang , Xiao Shaobo , He Jiaji , Xie Wei , Ge Wei , Meng Fanchao , Yang Ying , Yu Shengyuan , Liu Ruozhuo
Published: July 2022

Background
The aim of this cross-sectional survey was to investigate the prevalence of depression in medical staff and its risk factors, as well as the association between depression, anxiety, headache, and sleep disorders.
Methods
Stratified random cluster sampling was used to select medical staff from various departments in four hospitals in Sanya City. The Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to quantitatively score the depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed on the factors affecting the occurrence and severity of depression.
Results
Among 645 medical staff, 548 (85%) responded. The 1-year prevalence of depression was 42.7% and the prevalence of depression combined with anxiety, headache and sleep disorders was 23%, 27% and 34.5%. The prevalence of depression in females, nurses, unmarried or single group, and rotating-shift population was significantly higher than that in males(48.3% vs 27.1%, OR = 2.512), doctors(55.2% vs 26.7%, OR = 3.388), married group(50.5% vs 35.8%, OR = 1.900), and day-shift population(35.2% vs 7.5%, OR = 1.719). The occurrence of depression was correlated with anxiety, sleep disorder, headache and migraine, with anxiety being the most significant (Spearman Rho = 0.531). The SDS was significantly correlated with SAS and PSQI (Spearman Rho = 0.801, 0.503), and also related to the presence of headache and migraine (Spearman Rho = 0.228, 0.159). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that nurse occupation and anxiety were risk factors for depression, while grades of anxiety, sleep disorders and nurse occupation were risk factors for depression degree in multiple linear regression.
Conclusion
The prevalence of depression in medical staff is higher than that in the general population especially among females, nurse occupation, unmarried people and rotating-shift population. Depression is associated with anxiety, sleep disorders, headache and migraine. Anxiety and nurse occupation are risk factors for depression. This study might provide a reference for the promotion of occupational health among medical staff.
WITHDRAWN: Design and application of non-circular gear with cusp pitch curve
Authors: Liu JianGang , Tong ZhiPeng , Yu Gaohong , Zhao Xiong , Zhou HaiLi
Published: July 2022

To solve the design problem of non-circular gear with cusp pitch curve, this paper proposed a new involute and incomplete variable cycloid composite tooth profile, deduced the new involute and incomplete variable cycloid composite profile mathematical model, and constructed the conjugate gear model based on the envelope method. The design software of non-circular gear with cusp pitch curve was developed based on MATLAB. The variation law of rolling radius on incomplete cycloid profile and its characteristics such as pressure angle and radius of curvature were analyzed. The variation relationship of rolling radius on involute and incomplete cycloid composite profile meshing line and contact ratio were studied. The variation relationship of incomplete cycloid profile shape, pressure angle, curvature radius corresponding to different elliptical eccentricity were analyzed. The meshing analysis of the non-circular gear transmission mechanism was carried out based on virtual software. Comparison of the consistency of theoretical value, simulation value of the transmission ratio curve verified that the tooth profile design method was feasible, and the composite tooth profile was applied to the seedling pick-up mechanism of the non-circular gear planetary gear train. Through the seedling picking experiment of the seedling pick-up mechanism, the feasibility of the application of the involute and incomplete variable cycloid composite tooth profile was verified.
Exploration of natural product database for the identification of potent inhibitor against IDH2 mutational variants for glioma therapy
Authors: Murali Poornimaa , Karuppasamy Ramanathan
Published: July 2022

Mutation in Isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (mIDH2) is an oncogenic driver prevalently reported in various cancer types including gliomas. To date, enasidenib is the only FDA-approved drug widely used as a mIDH2 (R140Q) inhibitor. However, dose-limiting toxicity and modest brain penetrating capability restrict its use as a plausible mIDH2 inhibitor. Furthermore, secondary site mutations (Q316E and I319M) were identified in patients with enasidenib treatments resulting in acquired therapeutic resistance. Hence, in the present investigation, we aimed to identify novel and potent drug-like compounds to overcome the existing drawbacks using an integrated in-silico strategy. A sum of 1574 natural compounds from the Naturally occurring Plant-based Anti-cancerous Compound Activity Target (NPACT) database was proclaimed and subjected to screening processes such as similarity calculations and molecular docking. The binding affinities of the resultant natural compounds were rescored using MM-GBSA and RF scoring functions. The toxicity and drug likeliness of the lead compounds were investigated using ADMET properties. Eventually, the integrated in-silico approach resulted in a lead molecule namely squalene (NPACT00954) against mIDH2 protein. The screened compound was subjected to mutational analysis accomplishing second-site mutations. Interestingly, squalene exhibited appreciable binding affinity alongside good brain penetrating potential than enasidenib. Indeed, the reproducibility and significance of our results are examined by running 3 replica 100ns simulations per system using the random initial velocities of the atoms generated by Maxwell distribution at a given temperature. Collectively, the results from our study speculate that squalene could be persuasively translated for its use as a rational therapeutic agent against mIDH2 variants.
Comprehensive Analysis of Pyroptosis-related Genes for the Prognosis of Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Xiaoying , Li Wenjie , Xia Peichen , Chen Han , Su Xin , Li Xinyan , Jiang Xingzhou , Zhang Guoxin
Published: July 2022

Background
Esophageal cancer (EC), known for its high malignancy and difficulty in treatment, has seen a significant increase in incidence in recent years. Studies on prognosis of EC are extremely urgent to provide personalized medicine which will benefit more patients individually. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of programmed cell death triggered by caspase-1/4/5/11 which is activated by some inflammasomes has been connected to cancer in recent studies. However, the association between pyroptosis-related genes and esophageal cancer has not been elucidated, and their vital role in the development and prognosis of esophageal cancer needs further research.
Methods
We obtained 290 samples from both TCGA and GEO database,including 11 normal people and 279 EC patients. Then we screened pyroptosis-related regulators that were differentially expressed in normal esophageal and cancer tissues. We next exerted univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO analysis to further choose key genes.Validation of these genes’ expression in cells was also conducted in vitro. Using these genes and other clinical features, we next constructed a risk model and a nomogram for predicting the prognosis of EC patients. Functions of pyroptosis-related genes and their relevance to clinical characteristics were discussed through two clustering analyses, Finally, we constructed a pyroptosis score system to predict the prognosis of EC.
Results
We finally screened 32 differentially expressed genes between normal and tumor tissues.And 8 key genes were identified after univariate Cox regression and LASSO analysis. Then the risk model and nomogram built based on them both showed strong predictive power according to our survival curves and ROC curves.Our subsequent invitro validation on key genes above also appeared high agreement with the regression analysis result. Finally, we calculated the pyroptosis score and it showed strong relationship with clinical features.
Conclusion
Pyroptosis-related genes are intimately related with EC and can be used to predict the prognosis of EC, which may also provide novel therapeutic schedule for EC patients.
Validated LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous analysis of veterinary drugs in cultured meat media
Authors: Gu Song-Yi , Kim Jong Jib , Lee Jongsoo , Park Kyung-Ho , Lee Sang-Yoon , Kim Sang-Gu
Published: July 2022

The development of alternative meat, such as cultured meat, is of current interest due to its potential to solve various problems common to the livestock industry. Cultured meat is defined as in vitro, lab-grown, or synthetic meat, and is produced through the differentiation and culture of animal cells. To increase the efficiency of this culture veterinary drugs are commonly employed. It is therefore necessary to develop a method that allows the amounts of veterinary drugs, growth-promoting hormones, and antibiotics to be determined in cultured meat, to ultimately ensure an adequate safety profile. In this study, we report the development of an analytical method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous analysis of various veterinary drugs. Validation of the developed method indicated a high accuracy and precision, in addition to a linearity of 0.9868–0.9999. Using this method, the veterinary drugs present in samples of culture media were analyzed. Importantly, penicillin was detected in the range of 2 to 44,259 mg/L, and no other veterinary drugs were detected. It is therefore expected the implementation of this method will improve the safety profile of the cultured meat market, in addition to securing the safety of new food technologies.
Multimodal bubble microrobot near free liquid surface
Authors: Wang Leilei , Chen Li , Zheng Xu , Yu Zexiong , Lv Wenchao , Sheng Minjia , Wang Lina , Nie Pengcheng , Li Hangyu , Guan Dongshi , CUI Haihang
Published: July 2022

The development of multifunctional and robust swimming microrobots working at the free air-liquid interface has encountered challenge as new manipulation strategy are needed to overcome the complicated interfacial restrictions. Here, we show flexible but reliable mechanisms to achieve a remote-control bubble microrobot with multiple working modes and high maneuverability by the assistance of a soft air-liquid interface. This bubble microrobot is developed from a hollow Janus microsphere regulated by a magnetic field, which can implement switchable working modes like pusher, gripper, anchor and sweeper. The cavitation of the microbubble and the accompanying directional jet flow play a key role for functioning in these working modes, which is analogues to "bubble tentacle". In particular, we find a novel speed modulation method for the bubble microrobot that does not need to change the fuel concentration. Our findings demonstrate a substantial advance of the bubble microrobot specifically working at the air-liquid interface. And the results depict the nonintuitive mechanisms, such as bubble dynamics confined by a free surface, hydrodynamic jetting and surface capillary wave induced by bubble collapse, and bubble particle interaction, which offer helpful insights for developing swimming microrobots working in complicated environments.