bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Musculoskeletal pains among amateur and professional athletes of five disciplines in Senegal: a preliminary study
Authors: Moussa Hassane Ahmet Malam , Lele Elysée Claude Bika , Guessogo Wiliam Richard , Assomo-Ndemba Peguy Brice , Ayina Clarisse Noel , Kojom Loick Pradel Foko , Wiliam Mbang Biang , Ahmadou Ahmadou , Dupré Caroline , Guyot Jessica , Bongue Bienvenu , Ba Abdoulaye , Samb Abdoulaye , Mandengue Samuel Honoré , Ndongo Jerson Mekoulou , Barth Nathalie
Published: October 2022

Background

Musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) in sport are cause of poor performances and loss of competition in athletes. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSPs in relation to sport disciplines and athletic status.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 Senegalese professional and amateur athletes practicing football, basketball, rugby, tennis, athletics, and wrestling. Rates of MSPs were assessed in a year (MSPs-12) and a week (MSPs-7d) using standard questionnaires.

Results

Overall proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d were 70% and 74.2%, respectively. MSPs-12 were most frequently reported on shoulders (40.6%), neck (37.1%), and hips/thigh (34.4%) while MSPs-7d were predominant on hips/thigh (29.5%), shoulders (25.7%), and upper back (17.2%). Proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d were significantly varied by sport disciplines, with highest values in basketball players. Again, MSPs-12 proportions on shoulders (29.7%, P = 0.02), wrists/hands (34.6%, P = 0.001), (40.2%, P = 0.0002), and knees (38.8%, P = 0.002) were highest in basketball players. Highest proportion estimates for MSPs-7d were seen on shoulders (29.6%, P = 0.04) for tennis players, wrists/hands (29.4%, P = 0.03) for basketball and football players, and hips/thigh (38.8%, P < 0.00001) for basketball players. Football players had reduced risk of MSPs-12 on lower back (OR = 0.25; 95% CI. 0.10–0.63; P = 0.003) and knees (OR = 0.28; 95% CI. 0.08–0. 95; P = 0.04). In contrast, tennis players were more at risk of MSPs-12 on shoulders (OR = 3.14; 95% CI. 1.14–8.68; P = 0.02), wrists/hands (OR = 5.18; 95% CI.1.40-11.13; P = 0.01), and hips/thigh (OR = 2.90; 95% CI. 1.1–8.38; P = 0.04). Professionals were protected from MSPs-12 on neck pain with a significant reduction of risk by 61% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI. 0.21–0.75, P = 0.03).

Conclusion

MSPs are a reality among athletes and are related to sport disciplines, athletic status, and gender.
Healthy lifestyle and life expectancy free of major chronic diseases at age 40 in Chinese population: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Qiufen , Hu Yizhen , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Sun Dianjianyi , Pang Yuanjie , Burgess Sushila , Sansome Sam , Ning Feng , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li liming , Lv Jun
Published: October 2022

Background A healthy lifestyle has been associated with a longer life expectancy (LE). However, whether it also helps achieve gains in LE free of major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and its share of total LE in Chinese adults remains unknown. Methods We used data from China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) of 451,233 adults aged 30–79 free of heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma at baseline. Low-risk lifestyle factors included never smoking or quitting for reasons other than illness, no excessive alcohol use, being physically active, healthy eating habits, and healthy body shape. We built multistate life tables for individuals with different risk levels of lifestyle factors to calculate LE with and without diseases (cardiovascular diseases [CVDs], cancer, chronic respiratory diseases [CRDs, including COPD and asthma]) at age 40. For life table calculation, we used prevalence of lifestyle factors, transition rates, and hazard ratios (HRs) for three transitions (disease-free to disease onset, disease-free to death, and presence of disease to all-cause mortality). Results During a median follow-up of 11.1 years, we documented 111,002 new CVD cases, 24,635 cancer cases, 12,506 CRD cases, and 34,740 deaths. The adjusted HRs (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of men adopting all five versus 0–1 low-risk factors was 0.56 (0.50, 0.63), 0.40 (0.20, 0.80), and 0.64 (0.50, 0.83) for baseline to disease, baseline to death, and disease to death, respectively; the corresponding values for women were 0.69 (0.64, 0.75), 0.57 (0.34, 0.94), and 0.57 (0.47, 0.69). The LE free of the three NCDs (95%CI) at age 40 for individuals with 0–1 low-risk factor was on average 23.9 (23.2, 24.6) years for men and 24.2 (23.5, 24.9) years for women. For individuals adopting all five low-risk factors, it was 30.2 (28.8, 31.6) years for men and 28.4 (27.2, 29.6) years for women, with an increase of 6.3 (5.1, 7.5) years (men) and 4.2 (3.6, 5.4) years (women). Correspondingly, the proportion of LE free of the three NCDs to total LE increased from 73.1–76.3% for men and from 67.6–68.4% for women. Conclusions Our findings suggest that promoting healthy lifestyles through public health interventions could be associated with increased LE free of major NCDs and “relative compression of morbidity” in the Chinese population.
Reliability and Validity of the English, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and Vietnamese Versions of the Public Health Research Foundation Stress Checklist Short Form
Authors: HAYASHI Yoko , IMAZU Yoshie , DENG Sixin , MURAKAMI Masato
Published: October 2022

Background: Foreign nationals residing in Japan account for approximately 2% of the total population (i.e., approximately 2.6 million people). Of these, 12% are not proficient in speaking Japanese, and 25% feel difficulty in reading Japanese. Therefore, a simple, convenient, and accurate scale in the native language of foreign nationals is required to support their mental health. In this study, the Public Health Research Foundation Stress Checklist Short Form (PHRF-SCL (SF)) was translated into five languages, ​​and the reliability and validity of the translations were confirmed. These scales are expected to address the needs of over half of the foreign nationals residing in Japan
Methods: The five translated versions of the PHRF-SCL (SF) have been reverse-translated into the original language, Japanese. The creator confirmed that there were no inconsistencies between the Japanese and reverse-translated version. A total of 777 adults aged 18–64 years participated in the study. They were asked to complete the native language version of the PHRF-SCL (SF) and DASS 21 online.
Results: The internal consistency was confirmed by the alpha coefficients of the subscales in each language version. Participants were classified into two groups based on the severity classification obtained from each subscale of the DASS 21. Scores of PHRF-SCL(SF) are significantly higher in groups classified as severe by DASS 21, thereby confirming construct validity. Concomitant validity was confirmed based on correlations with the DASS 21.
Conclusions: The results indicate that the English, Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and Vietnamese versions of the PHRF-SCL (SF) can be applied as scales for evaluating the stress levels of foreign healthy adults.
Analysis of Laser Beam Modulation Effect on Aluminum and Copper Welding
Authors: Choi Hae Woon , Choi Se Hoon
Published: October 2022

Theoretical and experimental study is conducted to characterize the welding of copper and aluminum at various heat input distributions. Optimal heat inputs and methodologies were derived by analyzing weld cross-sections and tensile strengths as well as computer simulations. To compare the results of weld quality, 3 cases of welding schedules were analyzed. A computer simulation was conducted by using multi-physics finite element analysis to explore heat flows. The inputs were the heat parameters, the welding speeds, the boundary conditions, and the material properties. The laser-beam power was assumed as Gaussian distribution and various shape factors were compared. A comparison of Cases 1, 2 and 3 revealed non-linear relationship between the welding strengths of the low and high heat-input areas. In Case 1, the center-beam output was fixed at 800 W and the ring-beam output was 1,600W–3,000 W. The results showed that higher heat input resulted in better welding strength. In Case 2, the center-beam output was changed in 50W steps from 900 to 1,250 W while the ring-beam output was fixed at 500 W. The heat input was relatively small, but the welding strength remained excellent. In Case 3, the laser output was fixed at 1,100 W and 600 W for center and ring, respectively and the entire beam was repeatedly rotated. The result showed that welding strength varied when the heat input remained constant which lead us to the fact that beam modulation ensures weld reliability.
Professional LoRaWAN IoT Decentlab sensors: one year of data and analysis within the experimental project of meteorological monitoring in the Regional Forest of Pian Cansiglio (north-east region of Italy)
Authors: Costantini Andrea , Girotto Mauro
Published: October 2022

within the experimental project of meteorological monitoring in the Regional Forest of Pian Cansiglio (mountain Regions of Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia – Italy - https://www.piancansigliometeowebcam.it), three professional sensors with LoRaWAN technology have been installed in 2020 and 2021, suitable for the chosen locations and the peculiar climatic conditions (I Bech – 983m a.s.l., Valmenera – 903m a.s.l. and Rif. Carlo e Alberto Semenza – 2.020m a.s.l.).
Experimental Investigation on Fracture Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Red Sandstone Subjected to Freeze-thaw Cycles
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Wu , Xu Jin-Hai , Cao Yue , Sun Lei , Shaikh Faiz
Published: October 2022

The freeze-thaw process plays a dominant role as far as the exploration and development of the natural resource in the cold region is concerned. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause frost heaving pressure in the rock matrix and result in micro cracking, which influence its physical and mechanical properties. A series of physical and mechanical tests are performed on red sandstone to investigate the fracture behavior and mechanical properties induced by freeze-thaw cycles. The testing results show that after treated by freeze-thaw cycles, the mass, density and P-wave velocity of rocks decrease, while the volume of rocks increases. The peak stress and elastic modulus decrease with the increase of freeze-thaw cycles, while peak strain and poisson’s rate increase. When 30 MPa confining pressure is applied, the peak stress and elastic modulus of untreated samples reach the maximum values of 92.49 MPa and 12.84 GPa, respectively. However, after treated by 30 freeze-thaw cycles, the peak strain and poisson’s rate reach the maximum value of 0.631% and 0.18, respectively. The development of micro-cracks and growth of pores induced by frost heaving stress are the main reason for the deterioration of the mechanical properties of rocks. Confining pressure and freeze-thaw cycles can transfer the rock’s failure mode from tensile to shear and make red sandstone show more ductility feature.
A Tabletop X-Ray Tomography Instrument for Nanometer-Scale Imaging: Reconstructions
Authors: Levine Zachary , Alpert Bradley , Dagel Amber , Fowler Joseph , Jiminez Edward , Nakamura Nathan , Swetz Daniel , Szypryt Paul , Thompson Kyle , Ullom Joel
Published: October 2022

We show three-dimensional reconstructions of a region of an integrated circuit from a 130 nm copper process. The reconstructions employ x-ray computed tomography, measured with a new and innovative high-magnification x-ray microscope. The instrument uses a focused electron beam to generate x rays in a 100 nm spot and energy-resolving x-ray detectors that minimize
backgrounds and hold promise for identification of materials within the sample. The x-ray generation target, a layer of platinum, is fabricated on the circuit wafer itself. A region of interest is imaged from a limited range of angles and without physically removing the region from the larger circuit. The reconstruction is consistent with the circuit’s design file.
RUPP Th17s cause Hypertension and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Kidney and Placenta during Pregnancy
Authors: Fitzgerald Sarah , Deer Evangeline , Hogg James , Cornelius Denise C. , Turner Ty , Amaral Lorena M. , Ibrahim Tarek , LaMarca Babbette , Herrock Owen , Hoang Ngoc , Campbell Nathan , Edwards Kristin
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND
Preeclampsia (PE), new-onset hypertension (HTN), and organ dysfunction during the second half of pregnancy, is associated with an increase in inflammatory immune cells, including T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial (mt) dysfunction is important in the pathogenesis of PE though causative factors have yet to be fully identified. Although Th17 cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and mt dysfunction contribute to HTN in the reduced uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP) rat model, the role of Th17 cells or IL-17 in mt dysfunction is unknown. Therefore, we hypothesize that RUPP stimulated Th17 cells cause HTN and mt dysfunction, which is alleviated with the blockade of IL-17.
METHODS
On gestational day 12 (GD12), RUPP Th17 cells were transferred into normal pregnant (NP) Sprague Dawley rats. A subset of NP + RUPPTh17 rats received IL-17RC (100pg/day) on GD14-19. Blood pressure (MAP), NK cells, and mt function were measured on GD19 in all groups.
RESULTS
MAP increased in response to NP + RUPP Th17 compared to NP rats and was lowered with IL-17RC. Circulating and placental NK cells increased with NP + RUPP Th17 compared to NP and were lowered with IL-17RC. Renal mtROS increased in NP + RUPP Th17 compared to NP and was normalized with IL-17RC. Similar to PE women, placental mtROS decreased in NP + RUPP Th17 and was normalized with IL-17RC.
CONCLUSION
Our results indicate that IL-17RC inhibition normalizes HTN, NK cell activation, and multi-organ mt dysfunction caused by Th17 cells stimulated in response to placental ischemia.
Anti-inflammatory effects of CBD in human microglial cells latently and actively infected with HIV-1 virus
Authors: Yndart Adriana , Llaguno Lorgelys , Madepalli Lakshmana , Vashist Arti , Nair Madhavan
Published: October 2022

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with a chronic inflammatory stage and continuous inflammasome pathway activation. We studied the anti-inflammatory effects of the compound cannabidiol (CBD) in comparison with Δ (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ(9)-THC] in human microglial cells (HC69) latently and actively infected with HIV. Our results demonstrated that CBD reduced the production of various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as MIF, SERPIN E1, IL6, IL8, GM-CSF, MCP-1, CXCL1, CXCL10, and IL1 β compared to Δ(9)-THC treatment. In addition, CBD produced the deactivation of caspase 1, which plays a significant role in the inflammasome cascade. Furthermore, CBD significantly reduced the expression of HIV. Our study demonstrate that CBD which is anti-inflammatory which does not cause psychotropic effects compared to THC will be of therapeutic significance against HIV-1 infections.
Bioinformatics-based Exploration of the Molecular Mechanism of Autophagy-related Differentially Expressed Genes in Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Yang Lijuan , Zhu Dongning , Dang Yanling , Jia Yu , Zhao Chan
Published: October 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are both chronic recurrent inflammatory skin diseases. However, research on AD and psoriasis co-morbidity is still in early stages and limited to clinical manifestations. In this study, we studied the role of autophagy-related genes in AD and psoriasis by used integrated bioinformatics methods. We obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for psoriasis and AD by analyzing the datasets GSE14905(psoriasis) and GSE32924(atopic dermatitis). We further identified autophagy-related DEGs by intersecting above-obtained DEGs with autophagy-related genes. Then we performed Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). And hub genes were identified by constructing protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Finally, we conducted ROC validation of hub genes and explored the correlation of hub genes with other molecules and immune cells in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Finally, we concluded that the 13 autophagy-related genes are involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AD and psoriasis by regulating cell cycle, cellular components eradication and drug metabolisms, and could predict the onset and severity of diseases.
Recognizing and monitoring infectious sources of schistosomiasis by developing deep learning models with high-resolution remote sensing images
Authors: Xue Jing-Bo , Xia Shang , Wang Xin-Yi , Huang Lu-Lu , Huang Liang-Yu , Hao Yu-Wan , Zhang Li-Juan , Li Shi-Zhu
Published: October 2022

Objective: This study aimed to develop deep learning models with high-resolution remote sensing images for recognizing and monitoring livestock bovine, which is an intermedia source of Schistosoma japonicuminfection, and to evaluate the effectiveness of developed models for real-world application.
Methods: The dataset of livestock bovine’s spatial distribution was constructed based on high-resolution remote sensing images. The images were further divided into training and test datasets for model development. Two recognition models based on deep learning methods (ENVINet5 and Mask R-CNN; were developed with reference to the training datasets. The performance of the developed models was evaluated by the performance metrics of precision, recall, and F1-score.
Results: A total of 50 typical image areas were selected, and 1,125 bovine objectives were labeled by the ENVINet5 model and 1,277 bovine objectives were labeled by
the Mask R-CNN model. For the ENVINet5 model, a total 1,598 records of bovine distribution were recognized. The model precision and recall were 81.85% and 80.24%, respectively. The F1 score was 0.807. For the Mask R-CNN mode, 1,679 records of bovine objectives were identified. The model precision and recall were 87.32% and 85.16%, respectively. The F1 score was 0.865. When applying the developed models to real-world schistosomiasis-endemicregions, there were 63 bovine objectives in the original image, 53 records were extracted using the ENVINet5 model, and 57 records were extracted using the Mask R-CNN model. The successful recognition ratios were 84.1% and 90.5% for the respectively developed models.
Conclusion: For the control of schistosomiasis, it is feasible to recognize and monitor livestock bovine by developing deep learning models with high-resolution remote sensing images. The ENVINet5 model can use a few training images to create training datasets with a reasonable accuracy of segmentation. The ENVINet5 model is very feasible for when bovine distribution is low in structure with few samples. The Mask R-CNN model needs to create labels along the target object and requires a long time for data training. The Mask R-CNN model is good in the framework design and runs highly efficiently. The livestock recognition models developed using deep learning methods with high-resolution remote sensing images very accurately recognize the spatial distribution of livestock, which could enable precise control of schistosomiasis.
Identification and validation of a novel survival prediction model based on the T cell phenotype in tumor immune microenvironment and peripheral blood for the prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: ma jing , Li Jianhui , He Nan , Qian Meirui , Lu Yuanyuan , Wang Xin , Wu Kaichun
Published: October 2022

Background
The correlation and difference of T cells phenotype between peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in patients with gastric cancer (GC) is not clear. We aimed to characterize the phenotypes of CD8+ T cells in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and PBLs in patients with different outcomes and to establish a useful survival prediction model.
Methods
Multiplex immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to detect the expression of inhibitory molecule (IM) and active marker (AM) in CD8+TILs and PBLs, respectively. The role of these parameters in 3-year prognosis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic. Then, we divided patients into two TIME clusters (TIME-A/B) and two PBL clusters (PBL-A/B) by unsupervised hierarchical clustering based on the results of multivariate analysis, and used Kaplan-Meier method to analyze the difference in prognosis between each group. Finally, we constructed and compared three survival prediction models based on Cox regression analysis, and further validated the efficiency and accuracy in the internal and external cohort.
Results
The percentage of PD-1+CD8+TILs, TIM-3+CD8+TILs, PD-L1+CD8+TILs, PD-L1+CD8+PBLs and the density of PD-L1+CD8+TILs were independent risk factors, while the percentage of TIM-3+CD8+PBLs was an independent protective factor. The patients in TIME-B showed a worse 3-year overall survival (OS) (HR: 3.256, 95%CI: 1.318–8.043, P = 0.006), with a higher density of PD-L1+CD8+TILs (P < 0.001) and percentage of PD-1+CD8+TILs (P = 0.017) and PD-L1+CD8+TILs (P < 0.001) compared to TIME-A group. The patients in PBL-B showed a higher positivity of PD-L1+CD8+PBLs (P = 0.042), LAG-3+CD8+PBLs (P < 0.001), TIM-3+CD8+PBLs (P = 0.003), PD-L1+CD4+PBLs (P = 0.001), LAG-3+CD4+PBLs (P < 0.001) and poorer 3-year OS (HR: 0.124, 95%CI: 0.017–0.929, P = 0.015) compared to PBL-A group. In our three survival prediction models, Model 3, which was based on the percentage of TIM-3+CD8+PBLs, PD-L1+CD8+TILs and PD-1+CD8+TILs, showed the best sensitivity (0.950, 0.914), specificity (0.852, 0.857) and accuracy (κ = 0.787, P < 0.001; κ = 0.771, P < 0.001) in the internal and external cohort, respectively.
Conclusion
We established a comprehensive and robust survival prediction model based on the T cell phenotype in TIME and PBLs for the prognosis in GC.
Characterization of a novel crocetin glycosyltransferase UGTCs4 involved in two steps of glycosylation in crocin biosynthesis from crocus cultured cell
Authors: Lai Chengxia , Yang Ni , Yusuyin Mayila , Zhang Dawei , Yang Yanlong , Li Chunping , Xu Haijiang
Published: October 2022

crocins, water-soluble apocarotenoids, are a kind of crocetin glucosyl-esters that are due to the action of glycosyltransferases that are added glucose moieties to crocetin. To date, the glycosyltransferases involved in crocin biosynthesis are gradually discovered in the plant kingdom. In this work, a putative crocetin glycosyltransferase UGTCs4was first functionally characterized from cultured crocus cells. The constructed model of UGTCs4 based on the given model of UGT75L2 showed that highly structural similarity with that of UGT75L6 and UGT74AD1, suggesting a common function specializing in glycosylation of the glucose moieties of crocetin glucosides. Function characterization demonstrated that UGTCs4 could glycosylate crocetin yielding crocetin-monoglycoside(crocin 5) and crocetin-diglycoside(crocin 3) which were produced in a time-dependent manner. This work represents, to our knowledge, the first functional identification of a C. sativus crocetin glycosyltransferase involved in the crocin biosynthetic pathway employing the purified recombinant protein.
Dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition synergistically restrain hexokinase 2-dependent lymphangiogenesis and immune escape in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Peng Min , Huang Yamei , Shen Chuanlai , Yu Weiping , Li Hui , Gu Jinyang
Published: October 2022

Background Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) patients often lose the chance of radical resection due to early lymphatic metastasis. And most of the therapy in cholangiocarcinoma has been limited and ineffective. Herein, we examined the role of FGF and VEGF pathways in regulating lymphangiogenesis and PD-L1 expression. We also validated the possibility to achieve a powerful anti-lymphangiogenesis effect and improve the immunocompetence with combination therapy in iCCA. Methods The expression of FGFR1 and VEGFR3 in primary lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) were detected by Flow cytometry. The lymphngiogenic function of FGF and VEGF were evaluated in LECs and iCCA xenograft mice model. The relationship between VEGF and hexokinase2 (HK2) was validated in LECs by western blot, immunofluorescence and luciferase reporter assays. The therapeutic efficacy of infigratinib in combination with SAR131675 were assessed in LECs and xenograft models. Microarray analysis was used to evaluate the pathological relevance between FGFR1 and VEGFR3 with HK2 in human lymphatic vessels. PD-L1 expression in LECs affected by combined treatment were analysis by flow cytometry and western blot. Results FGF promoted lymphangiogenesis through c-MYC-dependent modulation of HK2. In addition, VEGFC also upregulated HK2 expression. Mechanically, VEGFC phosphorylated PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis to upregulate HIF-1α expression at the translational level, HIF-1α then bind to the HK2 promoter region for transcriptional activation. More importantly, dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition with infigratinib and SAR131675 almost completely inhibited lymphangiogenesis in LECs and iCCA xenograft mice model. Histologically, high HK2 expression in lymphatic vessels were significantly associated with poor iCCA prognosis and the expression of HK2, FGFR1 and VEGFR3 in lymphatic vessels were related to lymph node metastasis in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Meanwhile, FGFR1 and VEGFR3 were significantly correlated with HK2 in lymphatic vessels. Furthermore, the combination of infigratinib and SAR131675 significantly reduced PD-L1 expression in LECs through inhibiting lactic acid production. Conclusions Dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition restrain lymphangiogenesis through suppression c-MYC-dependent and HIF-1α-mediated HK2 expression respectively. Decreased HK2 down-regulated glycolytic activity and further attenuated PD-L1 expression. Our findings suggest that dual FGFR and VEGFR blocking is an effective novel combination strategy to inhibit lymphangiogenesis and improve the immunocompetence in iCCA.
Unparalleled details of soft tissues in a Cretaceous ant
Authors: Zhuang Yuhui , Xu Wenjing , Zhang Guojie , Mai Huijuan , Li Xiaoqin , He Hong , Ran Hao , Liu Yu
Published: October 2022

For social insects such as ants, the internal organs are important in understanding their eusocial behaviour and evolution. Such organs, however, are rarely preserved on fossils. In each of the few cases reporting exceptionally fossilized soft tissues in arthropods, only one of the nervous, muscular or cardiovascular systems was described. Here, we report a female specimen (gyne) of the extinct ant group – †Zigrasimecia – included in a Cretaceous amber piece from Kachin, Myanmar, with an almost complete system formed by various internal organs. These include the brain, the main exocrine system, part of the digestive tract, and several muscle clusters. Our findings expand the knowledge of fossil ants to their internal anatomy. As the gyne bears a morphologically unique labrum, the internal and external features of our specimen suggest that the early ant may have special ecological habits during the Cretaceous period.
Toward precision biomarker RAI therapy of well-differentiated thyroid cancer: linking administered radioactivity (MBq) to a prescribed lesion radiation-absorbed dose (cGy)
Authors: Mauguen Audrey , Grewal Ravinder , Augensen Finn , Abusamra Murad , Mahajan Sonia , Jayaprakasam Vetri Sudar , Osborne Joseph , Pentlow Keith , Haque Sofia , Fagin James , Schoder Heiko , Tuttle Michael , Ho Alan , Humm John , Larson Steven
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To introduce a biomarker-based dosimetry method for radioactive iodine 131I therapy (RAI) of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (mDTC), adapted to the underlying heterogeneity of lesions’ radiation-absorbed dose (RAD) in cGy, and permitting 1) estimates of RAD/lesion with known precision and 2) optimization of patient-specific administered amount of radioactive iodine (131I) in MBq.

Methods

Patients referred for RAI therapy of mDTC were enrolled in institutionally approved protocols. A total of 208 mDTC lesions (in 21 patients) with SUV > 1 underwent quantitative PET scans at 24, 48, 72, and 120 hours post-administration of 222 MBq of theranostic NaI-124I to determine the individual lesion RAD (in cGy) based on MIRD 2020 guidance. Using a general estimating equation, a prediction curve for biomarker development was generated in the form of a best-fit regression line and 95% prediction interval, correlating individual predicted lesion RAD metrics, with candidate biomarkers (“predictors”) such as SUV and activity in microcurie per gram, from a single imaging timepoint.

Results

In the 169 lesions (in 15 patients) that received 131I therapy, individual lesion cGy varied over 3 logs with a median of 22,000 cGy, confirming that heterogeneity of lesion RAD was profound. Initial findings from the prediction curve on all 208 lesions confirmed that 48h SUV was the best predictor of lesion RAD and permitted calculation of the 131I required (in MBq) to achieve a lesional threshold dose for response (2,000 cGy) in more than 95% of lesions.

Conclusions

Based on MIRD lesion RAD estimates and regression statistics, we propose and report initial feasibility for an 124I-PET-based dosimetry biomarker for RAI in patients with mDTC. This approach enables clinicians to select personalized (precision) therapeutic administration of radioactivity (MBq) to achieve a desired target lesion-absorbed doses (cGy) for > 95% of all lesions using a single 48-hour measurement 124I-PET image.
NCT04462471, Registered July 8, 2020.
NCT03647358, Registered Aug 27, 2018.
Large-scale analysis of sheep rumen metagenome profiles captured by reduced representation sequencing reveals individual profiles are influenced by the environment and genetics of the host
Authors: Hess Melanie K. , Hodgkinson Hannah E. , Hess Andrew S. , Zetouni Larissa , Budel Juliana C.C. , Henry Hannah M. , Donaldson Alistair , Bilton Timothy P. , Stijn Tracey C. van , Kirk Michelle R. , Dodds Ken G. , Brauning Rudiger , McCulloch Alan F. , Hickey Sharon M. , Johnson Patricia L. , Jonker Arjan , Morton Nickolas , Hendy Shaun , Oddy V. Hutton , Janssen Peter H. , McEwan John C. , Rowe Suzanne J.
Published: October 2022

Background
Producing animal protein while reducing the animal’s impact on the environment, e.g., through improved feed efficiency and lowered methane emissions, has gained interest in recent years. Genetic selection is one possible path to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, but these traits are difficult and expensive to measure on many animals. The rumen microbiome may serve as a proxy for these traits due to its role in feed digestion. Restriction enzyme-reduced representation sequencing (RE-RRS) is a high-throughput and cost-effective approach to rumen metagenome profiling, but the systematic (e.g., sequencing) and biological factors influencing the resulting reference based (RB) and reference free (RF) profiles need to be explored before widespread industry adoption is possible.
Results
Metagenome profiles were generated by RE-RRS of 4,479 rumen samples collected from 1,708 sheep, and assigned to eight groups based on diet, age, time off feed, and country (New Zealand or Australia) at the time of sample collection. Systematic effects were found to have minimal influence on metagenome profiles. Diet was a major driver of differences between samples, followed by time off feed, then age of the sheep. The RF approach resulted in more reads being assigned per sample and afforded greater resolution when distinguishing between groups than the RB approach. Normalizing relative abundances within the sampling Cohort abolished structures related to age, diet, and time off feed, allowing a clear signal based on methane emissions to be elucidated. Genus-level abundances of rumen microbes showed low-to-moderate heritability and repeatability and were consistent between diets.
Conclusions
Variation in rumen metagenomic profiles was influenced by diet, age, time off feed and genetics. Not accounting for environmental factors may limit the ability to associate the profile with traits of interest. However, these differences can be accounted for by adjusting for Cohort effects, revealing robust biological signals. The abundances of some genera were consistently heritable and repeatable across different environments, suggesting that metagenomic profiles could be used to predict an individual’s future performance, or performance of its offspring, in a range of environments. These results highlight the potential of using rumen metagenomic profiles for selection purposes in a practical, agricultural setting.
A Zur-mediated transcriptional regulation of the zinc export system
Authors: Ducret Verena , Gonzalez Diego , Leoni Sara , Valentini Martina , Perron Karl
Published: October 2022

The control of cellular zinc (Zn) concentrations by dedicated import and export systems is essential for the survival and virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The transcription of its many Zn transporters is therefore tightly regulated by a known set of transcription factors involved in either the import or the export of Zn. In this work, we show that the Zur protein, a well-known repressor of Zn import, plays a dual role and functions in both import and export processes. In a situation of Zn excess, Zur represses Zn entry, but also activates the transcription of czcR, a positive regulator of the Zn export system. To achieve this, Zur binds at two sites, located by DNA footprinting in the region downstream the czcR transcription start site. In agreement with this regulation, a delay in induction of the efflux system is observed in the absence of Zur and Zn resistance is affected. The discovery of this regulation highlights a new role of Zur as global regulator of Zn homeostasis in P. aeruginosa disclosing an important link between Zur and zinc export.
Uncertainty based Regional-Decision Fusion of Multispectral and nDSM for Ultra-High Resolution UAV Imagery
Authors: Soni Ashish , Koner Radhakanta , Villuri Vasant Govind Kumar
Published: October 2022

The recent advancement in the pattern recognition technique has demonstrated the superiority in remote sensing technology, where Deep neural network uses the spatial feature representation such as convolution neural network (CNN), to provide better generalization capability. Regardless of any CNN structure, the prediction always involves uncertainty and imprecision while classifying the ultra-high resolution (UHR) image. Our aim is two-fold: firstly, increase the reliability feature by performing the Dual-scale fusion via a modified Markov random field known as DuCNN-MMRF. Secondly, an integration framework was introduced to combine the multispectral image classification produced by DuCNN-MMRF and normalized-Digital Surface Model (nDSM) information, using a novel approach known as constraint-based Dempster Shafer theory (C-DST). C-DST targeted DuCNN-MMRF’s uncertain information (ambiguous information) and rectified it with complementary information. The complementary information (i.e., nDSM) was processed using conventional machine learning (ML) techniques such as Multilayer perceptron (MLP), Support vector machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF). The integration approach also uses the Shannon entropy function to exploit the uncertain information of model prediction (i.e. DuCNN-MMRF) at the regional level and subdivide into the positive and negative regions. The positive region is trusted by DuCNN-MMRF, and the negative region was combined with DuCNN-MMRF and MLP (and others ML) in a restricted manner. An ultra-high resolution (UHR) images was collected with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the semi-urban region of IIT, Dhanbad, India, and labeled with building features. In addition, ISPRS Potsdam dataset with five land cover classes (Tree, building, grassland, impervious surface, and car) was used. The proposed framework was tested with several combinations i.e. MMRF-SVM, MMRF-RF, MMRF-MLP, along with max-voting fusion. The MMRF-MLP yielded highest accuracy with 85.24% (Fmeasure) and 97.79%(OA), and 76.12%(Fmeasure) and 91.09%(OA), for study area and Potsdam dataset, respectively.
Roles considered important for hospitalist and non-hospitalist generalist practice in Japan: A survey study
Authors: Miyagami Taiju , Shimizu Taro , Kosugi Shunsuke , Kanzawa Yohei , Nagasaki Kazuya , Nagano Hiroyuki , Yamada Toru , Fujibayashi Kazutoshi , Deshpande Gautam A. , Kisuule Flora , Tazuma Susumu , Naito Toshio
Published: October 2022

Background: An increased focus on quality and patient safety led to the evolution of the hospitalist specialty. The number of hospitalists, who cover ward and outpatient care, is on the rise in Japan. However, it is unclear what roles hospitalists themselves consider important in their practice. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate what hospitalists and non-hospitalist generalists in Japan consider important for the practice of their specialty.
Methods:This was an observational study that included Japanese hospitalists (1) currently working in a general medicine (GM) or general internal medicine department and (2) working at a hospital. Using originally developed questionnaire items, we surveyed what they think are important to hospitalists and what are important compared to that for non-hospitalist generalists.
Results: There were 971 participants (733 hospitalist, 238 non-hospitalist) in the study. The response rate was 26.1％. Both hospitalists and non-hospitalists ranked evidence-based medicine as most important for their practice. Hospitalists ranked diagnosis and patient management as the second and third most important roles for their practice while non-hospitalists ranked patient management and elderly care as second and third.
Conclusions: This is the first study investigating what roles Japanese hospitalists consider important and compare those to that of non-hospitalist generalists. Many of the items that hospitalists responded to that they actually consider important were those that hospitalists in Japan are actually working on within and outside of academic societies. We found that diagnostic medicine, and quality and safety are likely to be evolved by hospitalists because they specifically emphasized them, while the care of the elderly is an issue that hospitalists should be more concerned about. Future expected research includes proposals on how to further enhance items that hospitalists emphasize and should focus on, as well as international comparisons regarding the items.
A fairness assessment of mobility-based COVID-19 case prediction models
Authors: Erfani Abdolmajid , Frias-Martinez Vanessa
Published: October 2022

In light of the outbreak of COVID-19, analyzing and measuring human mobility has become increasingly important. A wide range of studies have explored spatiotemporal trends over time, examined associations with other variables, evaluated non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), and predicted or simulated COVID-19 spread using mobility data. Despite the benefits of publicly available mobility data, a key question remains unanswered: are models using mobility data performing equitably across demographic groups? We hypothesize that bias in the mobility data used to train the predictive models might lead to unfairly less accurate predictions for certain demographic groups. To test our hypothesis, we applied two mobility-based COVID infection prediction models at the county level in the United States using SafeGraph data, and correlated model performance with sociodemographic traits. Findings revealed that there is a systematic bias in models’ performance toward certain demographic characteristics. Specifically, the models tend to favor large, highly educated, wealthy, young, urban, and non-black-dominated counties. We hypothesize that the mobility data currently used by many predictive models tends to capture less information about older, poorer, non-white, and less educated regions, which in turn negatively impacts the accuracy of the COVID-19 prediction in these regions. Ultimately, this study points to the need of improved data collection and sampling approaches that allow for an accurate representation of the mobility patterns across demographic groups.
Wear Properties Evaluation of Extruded Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite Processed by Stir Casting
Authors: Kumar Ashok , G Vijaya
Published: October 2022

Many research investigations have been carried out to study the influence of various lubricating material and processing parameters on the behavior of these materials under different operating conditions have been of a keen interest. The present investigation aims to study the influence of composition of constituent materials on tribological characteristics of the composite materials. The investigation also aims to study the influence of secondary extrusion process on the mechanical and tribological characteristics of the composite materials. In the present work particulate reinforced metal matrix material is processed through stir casting method. Initially, preliminary studies were carried out to select the appropriate percentage of Aluminium (A356) and Al2O3 particulates for the composite material. Based on the literature study composite material with Aluminium A356 and 10% Al2O3 particulates of 23µm size is selected for further study. In the present work, MoS2 which is recognized as a solid lubricating material has been added in particulate form along with Al2O3 particulates to process Al–Al2O3–MoS2 hybrid composites. A356 Aluminium and 10% of 23µm Al2O3 particulates are common and 1%, 3% & 5% of 5µm MoS2 particulates are included in the three categories of hybrid composites processed for the study. The hybrid composites are processed by stir casting and further subjected to secondary extrusion process with extrusion ratios of 12.25, 16 and 20.25 at an extrusion temperature of 3000C to study the influence of extrusion ratio on their tribological behavior. Results of the present experimental work indicates that wear loss has decreased by up to 22% in case of extruded hybrid composites compared to cast composites of identical composition. Coefficient of friction has also been found to decrease marginally with extrusion of hybrid composites in comparison to cast composites.
Feasibility of simultaneous drying and blanching inshell hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.) using hot-air assisted radio frequency heating (HARF)
Authors: Dag Damla , Farmanfarmaee Azin , Kong Fanbin , Jung Jooyeoun , McGorrin Robert J. , Zhao Yanyun
Published: October 2022

Hot-air assisted radio frequency (HARF) heating was used to dry and blanch inshell hazelnuts with high (19%) and low (11%) moisture content (MC) simultaneously. The effects of target temperature (70, 80, and 90 °C) and holding time (0 or 5 min at target temperature) on heating uniformity and inactivation of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) were investigated. The dielectric properties of kernels, shells, and inshell hazelnuts were measured at 3 MCs (6–22%), 2 frequencies (13.56 and 27.12 MHz), and 7 temperatures (25–95 °C). Hazelnut kernels showed higher dielectric constant and loss factor than that of shells and inshell hazelnuts. Target temperature did not affect heating uniformity for inshell hazelnuts. A 5-min holding time at target temperature resulted in better heating uniformity and lower POD and PPO activities (15–35% and 24–45% reduction, respectively). This study demonstrated the feasibility of simultaneous rapid drying and blanching of inshell hazelnuts using HARF technology.
Emotional Sentiment Analysis of Social Media content for Mental Health Safety
Authors: Benrouba Ferdaous , Boudour Rachid
Published: October 2022

Text sentiment analysis is mostly used for the assessment of the author’s mood depending on the context. The purpose of sentiment analysis (SA) is to discover the exactness of the underlying emotion in a given situation. It has been applied to various fields, including stock market predictions , social media data on product evaluations, psychology, the judiciary, forecasting, illness prediction, agriculture, and more. Many researchers have worked on these topics and generated important insights. These outcomes are useful in the field because they (outcomes) help people comprehend the general summary quickly, Additionally, SA aids in limiting the harmful effects of some posts on various social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. For these reasons and more, we are proposing an approach to filter the social media content that could be emotionally harmful to the user, through getting the SM content(we will refer to social media as SM), for that we have used Twitter API to get the user posts (Twitter as an example of SM), then we have used API natural understanding language API tool to extract and classify the emotions of the Twitter content into five basic emotional categories: Joy, sadness, anger, fear, disgust. into an array of emotions, after that, we have defined a perfect emotion array from over 450 words from the English language. The main purpose of this comprehensive research article is to examine the proposed solution that we have conducted to improve the quality of content displayed to users emotionally.
Clinical observation of Methazolamide in the treatment of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus patients
Authors: Yang Qiong , Liu Chunyan , Li Hongliang , Wei Youping , Wu Yubing , Li Jian , Zhang Jie , Liu Xing , Kong Shuangyan , Shi Zhe , Sun Jie , Yang Chenhui , Liu Lijuan , Liu Nan , Zhou Ying , Li Yanfeng , Li Xuexin , Xing Yan
Published: October 2022

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt intervention is currently the standard and most effective treatment for idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). However, many patients do not undergo surgery due to various reasons. The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of methazolamide (MTZ) in the treatment of iNPH.
Methods: A 12-week randomized, double-blind, drug-placebo clinical studywas conducted at the Aviation General Hospital. Participants with a diagnosis of possible or probable iNPH according to Japanese second iNPH guidelines were consecutively recruited from September 2019 to May 2021. All patients were inoperable or had refused surgical treatment due to various reasons. The patients were assigned (2:1) to the MTZ or placebo group via a computer-generated randomization list. The gait and cognition function were assessed, and brain MRI scans were taken before and 12 weeks after drug administration. The primary endpoint was the difference change in the Boon gait sum score relative to baseline between the drug and placebo groups. Secondary endpoints were differences in MMSE and MOCA scores. In addition, the adverse reactions were also monitored.
Results: Twenty participants were randomly included in the MTZ group and 12 in the placebo group. A total of 26 patients, 17 in the MTZ and 9 in the placebo group, were included in the final efficacy analysis. The difference in Boon sum score relative to baseline between the groups was -6.06 points (95% CI, -9.37 to -2.75; p =0.001) after 12 weeks of treatment. However, there was no significant difference in the MMSE and MoCA scores between the drug and placebo groups (MMSE 0.36, 95% CI, -2.36 to 3.09; p = 0.78; MoCA 0.001, 95% CI, -1.98 to 1.98; p = 1.00). No serious adverse reactions such as hypokalemia or acidosis occurred in any of the patients.
Conclusions: MTZ significantly improved the gait of iNPH patients without any adverse effects. Large sample studies are needed for further confirmation of our results.
Suppressive effect of Thymoquinone on NLRP3 pathway in breast cancer: a novel multi-strike CALR and sec-PD-L1 inhibitor
Authors: Elgohary Sawsan , Eissa Reda A , Tayebi Hend M. El
Published: October 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.