bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National, longitudinal NASCITA birth cohort study to investigate the health of Italian children and potential influencing factors
Authors: Pandolfini Chiara , Clavenna Antonio , Cartabia Massimo , Campi Rita , Bonati Maurizio
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The NASCITA Study, a national-level, population-based, prospective cohort study, was set up to better understand the early health status of Italian children, comprising their physical, cognitive and psychological development, and how it is affected by social and health determinants, including nurturing care. NASCITA will also assess geographical differences and disparities in healthcare.

Participants

Participating family paediatricians from throughout Italy enrolled infants born during the enrolment period (April 2019–July 2020). The 5054 newborns seen by the 139 paediatricians for at least two visits, including the first well-child visit, and for whom parental consent was given, make up the baseline population.

Findings to date

Mothers had a mean age at delivery of 33.0 years and tended to have a high or medium level of education (42.5% university and 41.7% high school degrees) and to be employed (69.7%). One-third (36.1%) took folic acid supplementation appropriately, and 6.5% smoked or consumed alcohol (10.0%) during pregnancy. One-third (31.7%) of deliveries were caesarean deliveries. Concerning the newborns, 5.8% had a low birth weight and 6.2% were born prematurely. The majority (87.7%) slept in the supine position, and 63.6% were exclusively breast fed at 1 month, with a decreasing north to south prevalence (χ2t52; p<0.001). Significant north–south differences were found in all areas, including parental education, behaviours in pregnancy and hospital practices. When compared with national level data, the cohort population’s distribution, maternal sociodemographic characteristics and newborn physical characteristics reflect those of the Italian population.

Future plans

Data will continue to be collected during the well-child visits until the children are 6 years old, and multiple health outcomes will be studied, spanning child development and illness, as well as potentially related factors including caregiving routines. The findings will be used to develop specific interventions to improve children’s health.

Trial registration number

NCT03894566.
Interprofessional education in health professions education programmes in the Arab world: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Waller Susan , Östlundh Linda , El-Awaisi Alla
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Interprofessional education is a relatively new addition to health professional education curricula in the Arab world. To understand current practice in this area, a scoping review will enable reporting of essential elements for the implementation of interprofessional education. The objective of this scoping review is to report on the implementation components, including presage, process and product, of interprofessional education in prelicensure health professions education programmes in the Arab world.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive and systematic search for literature will be conducted using eight electronic databases from their inception to September 2022. A presearch was devised in PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL using a combination of terms related to population, context and concept. The Covidence Systematic Review tool will be used for blind screening, selection and conflict resolution. Data will be presented in tabular format and as a narrative synthesis and will include elements that support the implementation of interprofessional education. This review will be presented according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.

Studies conducted with students and/or faculty in prelicensure health professions education programmes will be included. The concept to be explored is interprofessional education. The context is the region commonly known as the Arab world, which includes 18 countries, sharing many common social and cultural traditions and where Arabic is the first language.

Excluded will be studies conducted on collaborative practice of health professionals and postlicensure interprofessional education.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval was required. Findings will be disseminated in conference presentations and peer-reviewed articles.
Hyperglycemia enhances the generation of ROS and RNS that impair antioxidant power and cause oxidative damage in human erythrocytes
Authors: Qasim Neha , Arif Amin , Mahmood Riaz
Published: November 2022

Hyperglycemia is a state in which excess glucose circulates in blood. Erythrocytes are in direct contact with this high glucose concentration and are greatly affected by it. We have examined the effect of hyperglycemic condition on isolated human erythrocytes under in vitro conditions. Erythrocytes were incubated with different concentrations of glucose (5, 15, 30, 45 mmol/L) for 24 h, and several biochemical parameters were determined. Treatment with high glucose concentrations increased heme degradation and methemoglobin level, while methemoglobin reductase activity was decreased. A significant increase in protein oxidation and lipid hydroperoxides with a decrease in total sulfhydryl content was seen. This suggested the generation of oxidative stress, which was confirmed by an enhanced production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Hyperglycemia led to a significant decline in the antioxidant power of erythrocytes, lowering their ability to quench free radicals and reduce metal ions to lower oxidation states. The plasma membrane redox system was upregulated, while ascorbate free radical reductase activity was lowered. Glucose exposure inhibited the enzymes of glycolysis and hexose monophosphate shunt. Electron microscopy showed morphological changes resulting in the formation of echinocytes. Thus, the hyperglycemic condition generates reactive species that oxidize proteins, hemoglobin, and lipids; impair the total antioxidant capacity; and alter morphology in human erythrocytes.
Effect of very high dose rates on the radiolysis of supercritical water at 400 °C and 25 MPa
Authors: Sultana Abida , Meesungnoen Jintana , Jay-Gerin Jean-Paul
Published: November 2022

Monte Carlo multitrack chemistry simulations were used in combination with a cylindrical, “instantaneous pulse” irradiation model to study the effect of high dose rates on the early, transient yields ( G values) of the “primary products” ([Formula: see text], H•, H2,•OH, H2O2, H3O+, OH−, …) of the radiolysis of supercritical water (SCW) at 400 °C and 25 MPa pressure. Our simulation model consisted of randomly irradiating SCW with single pulses of N incident 300-MeV protons, which mimic the low linear energy transfer of60Co γ/fast electron irradiations. The effect of dose rate was studied by varying N. Generally, high dose rates were found to favor radical–radical reactions, which increases the proportion of the molecular products at the expense of the radical products. However, as an exception, G(H•) increases with increasing dose rate in the track stage of radiolysis, predominantly due to the reaction of hydrated electrons with hydronium ions (H3O+). In addition, the generation of acidic spikes due to proton transfer reactions in the physicochemical stage was also examined. Interestingly, an early, transient, very acidic (pH ∼ 3.5) response was observed at high radiation dose rates across the entire irradiated volume. The present work raises the question of whether the potential oxidizing species•OH and H2O2and these highly acidic pH spikes at high dose rates could promote a corrosive environment under proposed Generation IV SCW-cooled reactor or small modular reactor operating conditions that would lead to progressive degradation of materials.
Forest restoration mitigates drought vulnerability of coast Douglas-fir in a Mediterranean climate
Authors: Dagley Christa M. , Berrill John-Pascal , Fraver Shawn
Published: November 2022

Multi-year drought and climate change can impact tree growth, especially in California's Mediterranean climate where growing season rainfall is limited or absent. Active forest restoration has the potential to mitigate climate impacts by reducing stand density and conversion towards more resilient species' composition. We used dendrochronology methods to examine climate–growth relationships for coast Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) trees in mixed multiaged stands near the species’ natural southern range margin. We found positive correlations of ring width with spring–early summer and prior October precipitation and an evapotranspiration index. Additionally, cooler spring temperature was negatively correlated with growth. We also studied tree resistance, resilience, and recovery from two multi-year drought events. Restoration treatments enhanced resistance and resilience to drought relative to trees growing in untreated plots. We did not detect differences in drought resistance and resilience between two common restoration methods, giving managers options for restoration to lessen drought impacts on tree growth.
Proton-induced X-ray emission analysis of white birch milk
Authors: Ohkoshi E. , Horimatsu S. , Tada T. , Hitomi K. , Nogami M. , Ishii K.
Published: November 2022

We subjected white birch milk to X-ray emission analysis. The mineral levels changed over time. White birch seasonality (sprouting in early spring and fruition in autumn) affected the mineral levels.
The effect of the electron–phonon interaction on the energy levelsand g-factor of electrons in nanowires
Authors: Zorik Anas , Farhoud Maher , Sakr Mohammed R.
Published: November 2022

We analyze the effect of longitudinal optical phonons on the energy states of electrons in a nanowire in the presence of Rashba interaction and an in-plane magnetic field. Due to the electron–phonon interaction, an energy splitting appears at zero wave vector accompanied by a downward shift of the dispersion relation in the absence of external magnetic fields. The splitting increases linearly with the product of the Rashba parameter and the dimensionless constant characterizing the Fröhlich Hamiltonian. It also induces an enhancement in the [Formula: see text]-factor that is inversely proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. Moreover, we calculate the contribution of Rashba intersubband coupling (RIC) to the electron energy. This contribution does not influence the [Formula: see text]-factor for the case of parallel magnetic field to the nanowire, but it causes reduction in it by increasing the angle between the nanowire and the field.
Extraction of solitons for time incapable illimitable paraxial wave equation in Kerr-media
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad S. , Seadawy Aly R. , Baber Muhammad Z. , Ahmed Nauman , Yasin Muhammad W.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the time incapable illimitable paraxial wave equation which is used in Kerr-media is being investigated. The paraxial wave equation has important applications in the light beam interaction within the ripple unit and also in calculation of the light emission outside the fluctuation. We have applied two techniques, namely, He’s variational and Hirota bilinear techniques to extract the diversity of optical wave structures. The diversity of the wave solutions include the three-wave hypothesis, periodic cross kink, lump periodic, mixed type wave solutions and breather wave. The 3D, 2D, and their corresponding contour plots of the earned solutions are successfully drawn for the real, and imaginary behaviors by selecting the suitable values of parameters.
Numerical modeling for transportation of ferrofluid due to electrical force through a porous container
Authors: Nagadi Khalid
Published: November 2022

In this work, three passive techniques (ferrofluid, porous zone, curved surfaces) have been merged with one active technique (electric force) to enhance the convective rate. The permeable enclosure contains two curved walls and two straight walls which are not stationary. The concentration of ferrofluid within the domain is constant and associated formulations for properties of ferrofluid have been applied in modeling in which no slip velocity exists among particles. With define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC), the vorticity equation for partial equations which contain the source terms of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) and permeability, final equations have been achieved and for finding the solution combination of two basic techniques were utilized. Low deviation with a prior article in the validation procedure indicated a good agreement. Nu can augment around 0.49% if platelet particles were applied rather than sphere. Utilizing radiation in simulation makes Nu augment around 82.27%. Elevating Da in the absence and appearance of EHD leads to an augment of Nu around 145.01% and 393.38%. Appearance of EHD enhances the Nu about 96.04%.
Painlevé integrability and new soliton solutions for (2 + 1)-dimensional Bogoyavlensky–Konopelchenko equation and generalized Bogoyavlensky–Konopelchenko equation with variable coefficients in fluid mechanics
Authors: Singh S. , Saha Ray S.
Published: November 2022

The time-dependent variable coefficients of Bogoyavlensky–Konopelchenko (BK) equation and generalized Bogoyavlensky–Konopelchenko (gBK) equation are considered in this paper. The integrability test by Painlevé analysis is being implemented on both the considered equations. An auto-Bäcklund transformation has been generated with the help of Painlevé analysis for both equations. Auto-Bäcklund transformation method has been used for obtaining the analytic solutions. By using auto-Bäcklund transformation method, three different analytic solution families have been derived for each of the considered equations. Multi-soliton solutions are also calculated for both the considered equations by using Hereman and Nuseir algorithm. All the results are expressed graphically in 3D by varying different functions and parametric values. These graphs reveal the physical significance of equations under consideration.
CFD-based simulation of heat transfer in a rectangular channel
Authors: Ahmed Najma , Muhammad Noor , Zaman F. D.
Published: November 2022

Heat transfer is an important phenomenon in the industrial sector. Thus, the simulation is made to compute the distribution of heat in a rectangular channel in this paper. A heated rod is inserted at the center of the rectangular channel. The fluid flowing in the rectangular channel is considered to be a viscous fluid. Navier–Stokes equations of motion for laminar flow are used. The medium for the fluid motion is considered to be a porous medium. Heat transfer is computed for nonlinear two-dimensional incompressible and unsteady flows. The Fourier’s law of heat conduction is used for the transmission of heat in the rectangular channel. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is applied to the solution of the problem. For different values of the permeability parameter, Prandtl number and Rayleigh number, the graphic solution for the velocity and temperature fields is shown.
Lump, lump-trigonometric, breather waves, periodic wave and multi-waves solutions for a Konopelchenko–Dubrovsky equation arising in fluid dynamics
Authors: Gu Yongyi , Manafian Jalil , Malmir Somaye , Eslami Baharak , Ilhan Onur Alp
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we get certain the lump-trigonometric solutions and rogue waves with predictability of a (2+1)-dimensional Konopelchenko–Dubrovsky equation in fluid dynamics with the assistance of Maple based on the Hirota bilinear form. We first construct a general quadratic form to get the general lump solution for the referred model. At the same time the lump-trigonometric solutions are concluded with plenty of solutions, in which the lump solution localized in all directions in space. The analytical solutions obtained are employed in the investigation of the impacts of the parameters on type of solutions. Moreover, when the lump solution is cut by twin-solitons, the special rogue waves are also introduced. Furthermore, we obtain a new sufficient solutions containing breather wave, cross-kink, periodic-kink, multi-waves and solitary wave solutions. The developed models in this work will serve as the basis for comparisons for the analytical solutions of the subsequent works on the performance of mentioned equation. It is worth noting that the emerging time and place of the rogue waves depend on the moving path of lump solution.
ANALYSIS OF SEASONAL AND ANNUAL VARIATIONS OF EXTREME TEMPERATURES AND PRECIPITATION IN ETHIOPIA
Authors: KOBE FEKADU TADEGE , LIU ANXIN
Published: November 2022

One of the most serious challenges in the world is climate change. This study examines variations in seasonal and yearly fluctuations in extreme temperatures and precipitation in Ethiopia from 1987 to 2020 using 36 meteorological stations located in various climatic zones. The outcomes of the study demonstrated increased trends in the average annual maximum and minimum temperatures, with values of 0.094∘C and 0.052∘C, respectively. Despite falling trends in the summer, most stations experienced higher winter temperatures than summer. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a trend toward an increase in the number of rain stations over the summer season, while a trend toward a decrease in the amount of precipitation for a number of stations in the winter season; otherwise, large changes expected in the dega (cold), woina dega (cool), and kola (warm) climatic zones during the summer season did not occur. Precipitation activity has been near normal in most dega (cold), woina dega (cool), and kola (warm) climatic zones over the preceding 33 years. However, precipitation in the berha (hot) climatic zone was lower than average, with fluctuating levels noted throughout the year. The average annual precipitation has been decreasing at a rate of 0.146[Formula: see text]mm per year over the past 33 years, indicating that only the winter season has shown a downward (decreasing) trend, while the other three seasons, such as summer, spring, and autumn, have shown growing trends. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s average annual rainfall continues to be on a downward trend (decreasing).
Study on the direction effect of terrane accretive orogeny and biological evolution during the Jinning–Chengjiang period in the northwestern margin of the Yangtze block
Authors: Yan Rui , Yang Zuanyun , Wang Yuanjun , Yang Shaoping
Published: November 2022

In the various stages from life chemistry to biological evolution, major geological events are usually accompanied by the extinction of species and the gestation of new life, which are important factors that determine the direction of ecological evolution. The study of the terrane accretive orogeny during the Jinning–Chengjiang period has had a great impact on the crustal rock composition, the atmospheric environment and the water circulation system, etc. The living environment of the primitive biological community has undergone tremendous changes; for example, the crust produced a superimposed contraction and extensional rift effect, resulting in collisional magmatic activity and strong earthquakes, and a large number of species became extinct. In turn, biological activity and organic matter also contributed significantly to migration. Given the periodic cycle of geological processes, and being fully utilized by nature, the origin and evolution of life grow in a spiral. Based on the analysis of the petrochemical composition characteristics of metamorphic volcanic–sedimentary rock series and intermediate-acid intrusive rocks in Pengguan terrane, this paper proposes that the subduction mechanism of oceanic crust in the study area is formed by the NW subduction of the Longmenshan–Anning oceanic crust on the SE side. The relationship between the average change of chemical composition of the diabase in the Masongling and Xinkaidong areas and around the world, ion radius and compressibility, shows that when the element ion compressibility is less than 4.46 compared with the average world value, the oxide content of Si, Ti, Al and P is markedly lower, while when it is equal to or greater than 4.46, the oxide content of Fe, Mn, Mg and K increases, as opposed to that of Ca and Na.
Fabrication of FeCo/Multidimensional Carbon-Based Nanocomposites as Excellent Cathodic Catalysts of Zn-Air Battery
Authors: Fang Can , Yi Qingfeng , Chen Aling , Wang Yuebing , Wang Yaping , Li Xiaofang
Published: November 2022

Zn-air battery, like other electrochemical power devices such as fuel cells, has the advantages of environmental friendliness and high energy convert efficiency. One of the main problems facing Zn-air battery is how to improve the electrocatalytic activity of the cathode catalyst with low cost and simple preparation process. Herein, N-doped carbon nanosheets/nanotubes composite loaded Fe-Co nanoparticles were prepared via a facile pyrolysis of the solid mixture composed of dicyandiamide, sucrose, cobalt nitrate, iron nitrate, iron phthalocyanine (FePc) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc). The samples were well characterized and their electroactivity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was tested in a full pH range including acidic, neutral and alkaline media. In 0.1 mol l−1 KOH solution, the ORR onset potential and half-wave potential of the FeCo-FePc/NTu-CNsh are 1.03 V and 0.91 V, which are very close to the performance of commercial Pt/C catalyst (40%). In neutral solution (1 M KCl+4 M NH4Cl), FeCo-FePc/NTu-CNsh presents an ORR onset potential of 0.93 V and half-wave potential of 0.82 V, which are superior to Pt/C with onset potential of 0.92 V and half-wave potential of 0.81 V. The home-made Zn-air battery with the prepared samples as the cathodic catalysts reveal excellent performance, and the FeCo-FePc/NTu-CNsh Zn-air battery presents a maximum power density of 281.8 mW·cm−2 as well as the high stability at different discharging current densities.
Organofluorophosphates as Oxidative Degradation Products in High-Voltage Lithium Ion Batteries with NMC or LNMO Cathodes
Authors: Kubot Maximilian , von Holtum Bastian , Winter Martin , Wiemers-Meyer Simon , Nowak Sascha
Published: November 2022

Organofluorophosphates (OFPs) have been reported to pose substantial health hazards due to their structural similarities to pesticides and nerve agents. Formation of OFPs in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) due to hydrolysis of the conducting salt lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) and the reaction with the organic carbonate solvents that make up the electrolyte has been discussed in literature. The oxidative formation of OFPs in electrolytes containing fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC) as film-forming additives is presented in this study. Further the impact of potentially reactive positive electrode surfaces is investigated with the layered metal oxide NCM622 which is ascribed to release reactive oxygen species at high voltages and the spinel type LNMO as a typical high-voltage material. Cycling of the self-assembled LIB coin cells (CR2032) at cut-off voltages of 4.8 V gave rise to a number of degradation products including potentially highly toxic OFPs. Here, the presence of the film-forming additive had a massive impact on the amount of OFPs formed during electrochemical cycling experiments, which raises further concerns for the utilization of film-forming additives for high voltage applications. The formation pathway of OFPs through EC-polymerization proposed in literature is evaluated and an alternative mechanism with FEC/VC as the carbonyl carbon-donor is presented. Structure elucidation and separation of the formed OFPs is achieved by utilization of reversed-phase (RP) chromatography hyphenated to a high-resolution ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometer (IT-TOF-MS). The findings presented in this study support further investigation of the formation of OFPs in film-forming additive-containing electrolytes, quantitative approaches and toxicological assessments due to the highly toxic nature of OFPs.
Heterogeneity of IGF-1 Levels in Children with hCG-Induced Precocious Puberty
Authors: Chen Han , Mo Cai‐Yan , Zhong Ling-Yu , Zhong Li -Yong
Published: November 2022

Objective. Sex steroid stimulates growth hormone release during puberty. However, the role of IGF-1 levels in human-chorionic-gonadotropin-induced precocious puberty remains unclear. Methods. A retrospective study reviewing thirty patients with precocious puberty due to human-chorionic-gonadotropin-secreting intracranial germ cell tumors was performed. Changes in IGF-1 levels were collected. Result. All patients included were boys. At diagnosis, the median IGF-1 standard deviation was 0.87 (0.1, 1.87). When human-chorionic-gonadotropin normalized, the median IGF-1 standard deviation was 1.58 (−0.53, 2.55), which is slightly higher than baseline (

p
=
0.408

). When patients completed their therapeutic plan, the median IGF-1 standard deviation was 0.10 (−1.05, 0.68), which was significantly lower than that of baseline (

p
=
0.004

) and of human-chorionic-gonadotropin being normalized (

p
=
0.003

). At the last visit, the mean IGF-1 standard deviation was −1.11(−1.97, 0.76), which is slightly lower than that of baseline (

p
=
0.109

) and post-therapy levels (

p
=
0.575

), but significantly lower than that of human-chorionic-gonadotropin being normalized. Two patients had IGF-1 levels above 2 standard deviations at diagnosis, eight at the time when human-chorionic-gonadotropin normalized, and two at the end of therapy. Only one patient had an IGF-1 level below 2 standard deviations at diagnosis and at the time when human-chorionic-gonadotropin normalized, and two patients at the end of therapy. At the last follow-up, all patients had normal IGF-1 levels. Conclusion. IGF-1 levels in patients with human-chorionic-gonadotropin-induced precocious puberty have heterogeneity, but IGF-1 standard deviations are mostly within the normal range. If elevated, it might decline later with a decrease in human-chorionic-gonadotropin level. IGF-1 levels seem not valuable enough to assess human-chorionic-gonadotropin-induced precocity regression.
Protective Effect of Natural Antioxidants on Reducing Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Zhou Jie , Nie Run-cong , Yin Yi-xin , Cai Xiao-xia , Xie Dan , Cai Mu-yan
Published: November 2022

The clinical application of cisplatin is limited by its adverse events, of which nephrotoxicity is the most commonly observed. In a cisplatin-induced pathological response, oxidative stress is one of the upstream reactions which inflicts different degrees of damages to the intracellular material components. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also one of the early signaling molecules that subsequently undergo a series of pathological reactions, such as apoptosis and necrosis. This review summarizes the mechanism of intracellular ROS generation induced by cisplatin, mainly from the consumption of endogenous antioxidants, destruction of antioxidant enzymes, induction of mitochondrial crosstalk between the endoplasmic reticulum by ROS and Ca2+, and destruction of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system in the endoplasmic reticulum, all of which result in excessive accumulation of intracellular ROS and oxidative stress. In addition, studies demonstrated that natural antioxidants can protect against the cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, by reducing or even eliminating excess free radicals and also affecting other nonredox pathways. Therefore, this review on the one hand provides theoretical support for the research and clinical application of natural antioxidants and on the other hand provides a new entry point for the detailed mechanism of cisplatin nephrotoxicity, which may lay a solid foundation for the future clinical use of cisplatin.
Efficacy and Safety of Roxadustat in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials including 6,518 Patients
Authors: Lei Juanjuan , Li Han , Wang Shixiang
Published: November 2022

Background. Roxadustat is a newly listed oral hypoxia‐inducible factor‐proline enhancing enzyme inhibitor (HIF‐PHI) in recent years. There have been some studies that have proved the efficacy of roxadustat on the treatment of renal anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), but there are still different conclusions on its safety. Methods. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assess efficacy and safety of roxadustat treatment for anemia in CKD patients. The Cochrane Literature Quality Evaluation Scale was used to evaluate the quality of included literature. We choose fixed‐effects model or random effects model for data processing based on heterogeneity. It was considered statistically significant when p value <0.05. Results. A total of 842 articles were retrieved, and 16 trials in the 15 articles were finally included. Roxadustat treatment significantly increased Hb levels. Iron (SMD 1.43, 95% CI 0.31 to 2.55), total iron‐binding capacity (SMD 2.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 3.22), ferritin (WMD 21.33, 95% CI 3.04 to 39.62), transferrin saturation (SMD 4.17, 95% CI 3.90 to 4.45), and LDL‐cholesterol (SMD ‐0.64, 95% CI ‐0.73 to ‐0.55) showed statistical significance in dialysis‐dependent (DD) study. And hepcidin (SMD ‐1.56, 95% CI ‐2.63 to ‐0.50), transferrin (SMD 1.80, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.06), total iron‐binding capacity (SMD 1.62, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.86), total cholesterol (SMD ‐0.88, 95% CI ‐1.68 to ‐0.09), ferritin (WMD ‐52.68, 95% CI ‐62.68 to ‐42.67), transferrin saturation (SMD ‐5.57, 95% CI ‐7.47 to ‐3.68), and LDL‐cholesterol (SMD ‐0.85, 95% CI ‐1.37 to ‐0.34) showed statistical significance in not dialysis‐dependent (NDD) study. In terms of safety, roxadustat treatment did not increase risk of total adverse events either in dialysis‐dependent or not dialysis‐dependent patients. Conclusion. Roxadustat can effectively improve anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. There was no significant difference in total adverse events compared with the control group.
Vaspin Attenuates Atrial Abnormalities by Promoting ULK1/FUNDC1-Mediated Mitophagy
Authors: Zhu Yanmin , Gu Zhoushan , Shi Jiayu , Chen Chu , Xu Haixia , Lu Qi
Published: November 2022

The worldwide incidence and prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) are increasing, making it a life-threatening condition due to the higher numbers of people suffering from obesity. Vaspin, an adipokine derived from epicardial adipose tissue, has been reported to reduce inflammation, inhibit apoptosis, and induce autophagy; however, its role in the pathogenesis of AF is not known. In this study, we investigated the role of vaspin in patients with AF and explored the molecular mechanisms using atrial myocytes in vitro. Our data showed that vaspin levels were significantly reduced in the plasma of patients with AF. Lower plasma levels of vaspin were also associated with a higher risk of AF in patients with obesity. Vaspin treatment in vitro alleviated cardiomyocyte injury, atrial fibrosis, atrial myocyte apoptosis, and mitochondrial injury in atrial myocytes following Ang-II stress. Moreover, our results demonstrated that vaspin protected against Ang-II-induced atrial myocyte dysfunction by inducing mitophagy. We also observed that vaspin treatment enhanced the phosphorylation of Fun14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1) at Ser17 by unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1), resulting in the induction of mitophagy. These positive effects of vaspin were reversed by ULK1 silencing in Ang-II-stimulated HL-1 cells. Our study is the first to propose that vaspin plays a vital role in AF pathogenesis via ULK1/FUNDC1-regulated mitophagy and could be a novel therapeutic target for AF.
Remaining Useful Life Estimation of Fan Slewing Bearings in Nonlinear Wiener Process with Random Covariate Effect
Authors: Liu Mingjun , Dong Zengshou , Shi Hui , Zheng Yujia , Zhang Min
Published: November 2022

Since the degradation process of fan slewing bearings is easily influenced by the external environment, it is difficult to estimate its remaining useful life (RUL) accurately. A nonlinear Wiener degradation model considering the influence of random covariate is established for the prediction of the RUL of fan slewing bearings in this study. Firstly, considering the nonlinear and nonmonotonic properties of the operation process of fan slewing bearings, the degradation model of the nonlinear Wiener process of fan slewing bearings is established. Secondly, the combination of random covariate models and the nonlinear Wiener degradation process is researched. The stress effect which is used as a random covariate is introduced into the nonlinear Wiener degradation model in the form of the additive hazard model. Moreover, the closed expression for the RUL probability density function(PDF) is derived for the random variation of drift coefficients, the individual differences and the random variation of covariates. Thirdly, the maximum likelihood estimation algorithm is used to estimate the RUL parameters depending on the historical degradation data. Finally, the vibration data of fan slewing bearings monitored by sensors are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method can be used to improve the fitting degree of the model and the accuracy of RUL estimation.
A New Prognostic Signature Constructed with Necroptosis-Related lncRNA in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Yu Zuhu , Lu Bin , Gao Hong , Liang Rongfang
Published: November 2022

Background. Bladder cancer (BC) accounts for the most common urologic malignancy, leading to a heavy social burden over the world. We aim to search for a novel prognostic biomarker with necroptosis-related lncRNAs of bladder cancer in this study. Methods. We download the RNA-sequencing data and corresponding clinical information of BC patients from TCGA. We performed Pearson correlation analysis to identify necroptosis-related lncRNAs (NRlncRNAs). Then, we used univariate Cox regression, Lasso Cox analysis, and multivariate Cox regression to construct the optimal prognostic model. Next, we used Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, nomogram, and stratified survival analysis to evaluate the capacity of the prognostic signature. Furthermore, gene set enrichments in the signature and the correlation between prognostic signature and necroptosis genes, tumor microenvironment, immune infiltration, and immune checkpoints of BC were also explored. Results. A 7-NRlncRNAs signature comprising FKBP14-AS1, AL731567.1, LINC02178, AC011503.2, LINC02195, AC068196.1, and AL136084.2 was constructed to predict the prognosis of BC in this research. Cox regression analysis showed that the signature could be an independent prognostic factor for BC patients (

P
<
0.001

). Compared to other clinicopathological characteristics, this signature displayed a better capacity of prediction with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.745. Stratified analysis using various clinical variables demonstrated that the prognostic signature has good clinical fitness. GSEA showed that focal adhesion and the WNT signaling pathway were enriched in the high-risk group. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that the signature was significantly inversely correlated with infiltration of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells while positively correlated with macrophages and cancer associated fibroblasts. Immune checkpoint analysis revealed that the expressions of protective factors were significantly lower in the high-risk group, while expressions of cancer promotors were significantly higher in this group. The gene expression analysis displayed that necroptosis genes such as FADD, FAS, MYC, STAT3, PLK1, LEF1, EGFR, RIPK3, CASP8, BRAF, ID1, GATA3, MYCN, CD40, and TNFRSF21 were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions. The 7-NRlncRNAs signature can predict the overall survival of BC and may provide help for the individualized treatment of BC patients.
Integrated Analysis of the Role of Enolase 2 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pan Jiaren , Jin Yanyan , Xu Xiaoming , Wei Wei , Pan Huafeng
Published: November 2022

Enolase 2 (ENO2) has increasingly been documented in multiple cancers in recent years. However, the role of ENO2 in clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been fully explored. In the present study, open-access data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases. All statistical analyses were performed in R and GraphPad Prism 8 softwares. Results showed that ENO2 was overexpressed in ccRCC tissues and cell lines and correlated with worse clinical features and prognosis. In vitro experiments indicated that the inhibition of ENO2 could hamper the malignant behaviors of ccRCC cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition, KRAS signaling, inflammatory response, angiogenesis, hypoxia, and WNT/β-catenin pathways were upregulated in the ENO2 high-expression group; whereas adipogenesis, DNA repair, and androgen response pathways were downregulated. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that patients with high ENO2 levels might have higher M2 macrophages and lower γβ T cells in the tumor microenvironment, which may account to some extent for the worse prognosis of ENO2. Moreover, it was found that patients with low and high ENO2 expression might be more sensitive to PD-1 therapy and CTLA-4 therapy, respectively. In addition, patients with high ENO2 expression showed lower sensitivity to common chemotherapy drugs for ccRCC, including axitinib, cisplatin, gemcitabine, pazopanib, sunitinib, and temsirolimus. Overall, these results suggest that ENO2 is a potential prognosis biomarker of ccRCC and could affect the malignant biological behavior of cancer cells, highlighting its value as a potential therapeutic target.
Hall Current Effect of Magnetic‐Optical‐Elastic‐Thermal‐Diffusive Semiconductor Model during Electrons‐Holes Excitation Processes
Authors: Saeed Abdulkafi M. , Lotfy Kh. , El-Bary Alaa. A.
Published: November 2022

In this study, a novel model is introduced when the Hall effect associated with a strong magnetic field is taken into account when the electrons and holes interact in the processes of semiconductor material. The plasma‐elastic‐thermal waves are investigated in the context of diffusive processes during optical‐generated transport processes. The variable of thermal conductivity is obtained during graduated temperature due to the thermal impact of fallen light. The governing equations of the novel model are investigated in a unidimensional (1D) way when the electronics and elastic deformations have occurred. The Laplace transforms are used to convert the main dimensionless physical fields according to the initial conditions into the Laplace domain. When certain thermal, mechanical, holes, and electronic conditions are used, the analytical solutions of the fundamental fields can be produced to the outer surface of the semiconductor medium. Mathematically, the Laplacian computational inversion algorithm with a numerical approximation is used to achieve the fundamental physical quantities numerically in the time domain. The influences of several parameters (thermal relaxation times, Hall impact, and thermal conductivity parameters) on thermal conditions, mechanical stress, holes charge carrier field, and carrier density are prescribed with the help of graphical diagrams that are discussed theoretically.
Simulation and Validation of Optimized PID Controller in AGV (Automated Guided Vehicles) Model Using PSO and BAS Algorithms
Authors: Moshayedi Ata Jahangir , Li Jinsong , Sina Nima , Chen Xi , Liao Liefa , Gheisari Mehdi , Xie Xiaoyun
Published: November 2022

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are popular subsets of robots that come in various shapes and sizes. The group’s use in the industry ranges from applications for carrying pallets, carts, and utensils to helping the elderly or transporting medicine to hospitals. Even recently, they have been used in libraries to carry books on shelves. The main part of an AGV includes its body, motor, driver, processor, and sensors, which are more or less the same in all types of AGVs, and addons vary depending on the application and the work environment. The part that affects AGV performance is the control strategy, to which researchers have shown different approaches. Using various techniques and simulations to obtain a model is the key and can help to improve and evaluate the performance of the strategy of the robot. In this study, based on the actual design of the AGV system, all data and components are described, and the simulation is performed in MATLAB software. Then, for controlling the platform based on the PID controller tuning, four methods of Ziegler Nichols, empirical, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Beetle Antennae Searching (BAS) (optimizer) are discussed, and the results are compared in the four paths including the circle, ellipse, Spiral and 8-shaped paths by observing and testing the tuned PID parameters. Finally, a series of subsequent experiences were carried out in CoppeliaSim (VREP) as a famous robot simulator to overcome the environmental constraints for the same paths that were used in Matlab based on the extracted PID values. Based on the results, the empirical methods, PSO, and BAS errors are very close together. But in general, the BAS algorithm is the fastest, and the PSO had better performance. In general, the maximum error is linked to the path of 8 shapes and the minimum is related to circle shape one. Finally, the analysis of results in different paths in both simulators shows the same results. Therefore, concerning the limited test on the real platform and using the PID coefficients obtained from the simulation shows the model’s ability for the researchers in robotic research.
Clinical, Histological, and Radiological Outcomes of Sinus Floor Elevation Using a New Approach before Extraction of Periodontally Hopeless Maxillary Molars: A Case Report with 3-year Follow-Up
Authors: Yue Zhaoguo , Liu Qi , Zhang Haidong , Yang Jingwen , Miao Lili , Hou Jianxia
Published: November 2022

Introduction. This report is the first to present a case with 3-year follow-up, in which sinus floor elevation was performed before extraction of periodontally hopeless teeth, in order to shorten the edentulous interval between extraction and loading of implants and improve the patient’s quality of life. Case Presentation. After a series of initial and supportive periodontal therapies, the lateral window was created at the apices of the hopeless teeth, followed by grafting of bone substitute and membrane material at the sinus floor. The tooth was preserved for 13 months prior to extraction followed by immediate implant placement. The patient is satisfied with the oral function partially retained during the treatment period. Predominance of new bone was detected by histologic analysis. The available bone height was augmented from 1–2 to 12–14 mm with little resorption (less than 2 mm of height) after 3 years of follow-up. The dental implant is in good condition without obvious signs of peri-implantitis or mobility after 3 years of loading. Discussion. The feasibility of modified sinus floor elevation (MSFE) could be seen in the current case. The potential benefit of MSFE may include shortening the edentulous interval, facilitating bone regeneration, and providing a chance for immediate implant placement. However, further clinical case evaluations and controlled studies are required to determine indications, effectiveness, and safety of such augmentation procedures.
Effect of Wetting and Drying Cycles on the Dynamic Properties of Compacted Loess
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhao Mi-Jun , Zhang Jun-Zheng , Hao Yan-Zhou , He Rui-Xia
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the dynamic properties of compacted loess under wetting and drying (W‐D) cycles. A series of tests were conducted on compacted loess samples, namely, the soil dynamic triaxial test and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test. The test results showed that the dynamic stress‐strain relationship of the compacted loess under the action ofW‐Dcycles accords with the Hardin–Drnevich model. The initial dynamic shear modulus (G0) and the maximum dynamic shear stress (τy) of the compacted loess first decreased and then increased with the number ofW‐Dcycles (n) increasing. The damping ratio (λ) increased linearly with the dynamic strain (εd) increasing in the semilogarithmic coordinate. The defined change rate of the damping ratio (η) first increased and then decreased with thenincreasing. The macrostructure and microstructure characteristics of samples in the process ofW‐Dcycles indicate that the increasing number of pores in the humidifying process and the cracks on the surface and inside of samples during dehumidification lead to the structural damage and dynamic properties reduction of compacted loess. The main reasons for structure strengthening and dynamic properties increasing are that soil particle structure develops to mosaic structure, pore structure develops to uniform small pore, and matrix suction makes soil sample tend to be dense.
Immunogenetic Determinants of Susceptibility to Head and Neck Cancer in the Million Veteran Program Cohort
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Kramer Jennifer R. , Sandulache Vlad C. , Yu Robert , Li Guojun , Chen Liang , Yusuf Zenab I. , Shi Yunling , Pyarajan Saiju , Tsavachidis Spyros , Jiao Li , Mierzwa Michelle L. , Chiao Elizabeth , Mowery Yvonne M. , Shuman Andrew , Shete Sanjay , Sikora Andrew G. , White Donna L.
Published: November 2022

Increasing rates of human papillomavirus (HPV)–driven oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) have largely offset declines in tobacco-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) at non-OPC sites. Host immunity is an important modulator of HPV infection, persistence, and clearance, and also of immune evasion in both virally- and nonvirally-driven cancers. However, the association between collective known cancer-related immune gene variants and HNSCC susceptibility has not been fully characterized. Here, we conducted a genetic association study in the multiethnic Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program cohort, evaluating 16,050 variants in 1,576 immune genes in 4,012 HNSCC cases (OPC = 1,823; non-OPC = 2,189) and 16,048 matched controls. Significant polymorphisms were further examined in a non-Hispanic white (NHW) validation cohort (OPC = 1,206; non-OPC = 955; controls = 4,507). For overall HNSCC susceptibility in NHWs, we discovered and validated a novel 9q31.1 SMC2 association and replicated the known 6p21.32 HLA-DQ-DR association. Six loci/genes for overall HNSCC susceptibility were selectively enriched in African-Americans (6p21.32 HLA-G, 9q21.33 GAS1, 11q12.2 CD6, 11q23.2 NCAM1/CD56, 17p13.1 CD68, 18q22.2 SOCS6); all 6 genes function in antigen-presenting regulation and T-cell activation. Two additional loci (10q26 DMBT1, 15q22.2 TPM1) were uncovered for non-OPC susceptibility, and three loci (11q24 CRTAM, 16q21 CDH5, 18q12.1 CDH2) were identified for HPV-positive OPC susceptibility. This study underscores the role of immune gene variants in modulating susceptibility for both HPV-driven and non-HPV-driven HNSCC. Additional large studies, particularly in racially diverse populations, are needed to further validate the associations and to help elucidate other potential immune factors and mechanisms that may underlie HNSCC risk.

Significance:

Several inherited variations in immune system genes are significantly associated with susceptibility to head and neck cancer, which could help improve personalized cancer risk estimates.