bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient prediction of thermal history in wire and arc-directed energy deposition combining machine learning and numerical simulation
Authors: Le Van Thao , Bui Manh Cuong , Pham Thinh Quy Duc , Tran Hoang Son , Tran Xuan Van
Published: October 2022

Among metallic additive manufacturing technologies, wire and arc-directed energy deposition (WADED) is recently adopted to manufacture large industrial components. In this process, controlling the temperature evolution is very important since it directly influences the quality of the deposited parts. Typically, the temperature history in WADED can be obtained through experiments and/or numerical simulations, which are generally time-consuming and expensive. In this research, we developed a robust surrogate model (SM) for predicting the temperature history in WADED based on the combination of machining learning (ML) and finite element (FE) simulation. The SM model was built to predict the temperature history in the WADED of single weld tracks. For this purpose, FE model was first developed and validated against experiments. This validated FE model is then used to generate the data to train the ML modes based on the feed-forward neural network (FFNN). The trained SM model can fast and accurately predict the temperature history in the cases which were not previously used for training with a very high accuracy of more than 99% and in a very short time with only 38 s (after being trained) as compared with 5 h for a FE model. The trained SM can be used for studies that require a large number of simulations such as uncertainty quantification or process optimization.
Partial least squares enhance multi-trait genomic prediction of potato cultivars in new environments
Authors: Ortoiz Rodomiro , Reslow Fredrik , Montesinos-López Abelardo , Huicho José , Perez-Rodriguez Paulino , Montesinos-López Osval , Crossa Jose
Published: October 2022

It is of paramount importance in plant breeding to have methods dealing with large numbers of predictor variables and few sample observations, as well as efficient methods for dealing with high correlation in predictors and measured traits. This paper explores in terms of prediction performance the partial least squares (PLS) method under uni-trait (UT) and multi-trait (MT) prediction of potato traits. The first prediction was for tested lines in tested environments under a five-fold cross-validation (5FCV) strategy and the second prediction was for tested lines in untested environments (herein denoted as leave one environment out cross validation, LOEO). There was a good performance in terms of predictions (with accuracy mostly > 0.5 for Pearson’s correlation) the accuracy of 5FCV was better than LOEO. Hence, we have empirical evidence that the UT and MT PLS framework is a very valuable tool for prediction in the context of potato breeding data.
Machine learning prognosis model based on patient-reported outcomes for chronic heart failure patients after discharge
Authors: Tian Jing , Yan Jingjing , Han Gangfei , Du Yutao , Hu Xiaojuan , He Zixuan , Han Qinghua , Zhang Yanbo
Published: October 2022

Background: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can be obtained outside hospitals and are of great significance for evaluation of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The aim of this study was to establish a prediction model using PROs for out-of-hospital patients.
Methods: CHF-PRO were collected in 941 patients with CHF from a prospective cohort. Primary endpoints were all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). To establish prognosis models during the two years follow-up, six machine learning methods were used, including logistic regression, random forest classifier, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), light gradient boosting machine, naive bayes, and multilayer perceptron. Models were established in four steps, namely, using general information as predictors, using four domains of CHF-PRO, using both of them and adjusting the parameters. The discrimination and calibration were then estimated. Further analyze were performed for the best model. The top prediction variables were further assessed. The Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method was used to explain black boxes of the models. Moreover, a self-made web-based risk calculator was established to facilitate the clinical application.
Results: CHF-PRO showed strong prediction value and improved the performance of the models. Among the approaches, XGBoost of the parameter adjustment model had the highest prediction performance with an area under the curve of 0.754 (95% CI: 0.737 to 0.761) for death, 0.718 (95% CI: 0.717 to 0.721) for HF rehospitalization and 0.670 (95% CI: 0.595 to 0.710) for MACEs. The four domains of CHF-PRO, especially the physical domain, showed the most significant impact on the prediction of outcomes.
Conclusions: CHF-PRO showed strong prediction value in the models. The XGBoost models using variables based on CHF-PRO and the patient’s general information provide prognostic assessment for patients with CHF. The self-made web-based risk calculator can be conveniently used to predict the prognosis for patients after discharge.
Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx; Unique identifier: ChiCTR2100043337.
VLPs Containing Stalk Domain and Ectodomain of Matrix Protein 2 of Influenza Induce Protection in Mice
Authors: Shi Lili , Long Ying , Zhu Yanyan , Dong Jingjian , Chen Yan , Feng Hao , Sun Xianliang
Published: October 2022

Background
Due to antigenic drift, current influenza vaccines provide limited protection against circulating influenza viruses, and vaccines with broad cross protection are urgently needed. Hemagglutinin (HA) stalk domain and ectodomain of matrix protein 2 are highly conserved among influenza viruses and have great potential for use in a universal vaccine.
Methods
In this study, we co-expressed the stalk domain and M2e on the surface of cell membranes and generated chimeric and standard virus-like particles of influenza to improve antigen immunogenicity. Then, we immunized BALB/c mice through intranasal and intramuscular routes.
Results
Results showed that vaccination with VLPs elicited high levels of serum-specific IgG (approximately 30-fold higher than that obtained with soluble protein), and T cell and mucosal immune responses were enhanced. Furthermore, HA and 4M2e-specific IgA titers in mucosal and cytokine production increased in the VLP-immunized mice more than in the mice immunized with soluble protein. The VLP-immunized group exhibited long-lasting humoral antibody responses and effectively reduced lung viral titers after the challenge. In particular, the chimeric VLP group experienced cross-protection against the lethal challenge with homologous and heterologous viruses compared to the 4M2e-VLP and mHA-VLP groups. The antibody with the stalk domain conferred better protection than the 4M2e specific antibody.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated that the cVLPs anchored with the stalk domain and M2e showed efficacy in reducing viral loads after the influenza virus challenge in the mice model and could be used in humans to broadly protect against a variety of influenza virus subtypes. The chimeric VLPs represent a novel approach to increase antigen immunogenicity and are promising candidates for a universal influenza vaccine.
Two spectrophotometric methods for the determination of cysteine in dietary supplements
Authors: Liu yi , Yuan li , Chu wen , Yuan jiayi , Ma weixing
Published: October 2022

Two rapid, sensitive, extraction-free spectrophotometric methods were developed for the determination of cysteine. The procedures were based on the addition reaction of cysteine with Aniline blue water soluble (Method A) or cysteine with Acid Fuchsin (Method B) in borax-sodium hydroxide medium, which formed a colorless thioether derivative, and resulting in a decrease in absorbance at wavelengths of 584 and 540 nm respectively. The cysteine complied with Beer's Law in the concentration range of 0.20~2.40 mg/L and 0.50~6.00 mg/L with good precision and accuracy, whose limits of detection were 0.122 mg/L at 584 nm for Method A and 0.113 mg/L at 540 nm for Method B, respectively. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to the determination of cysteine in dietary supplements. The analytical results of the actual samples were in accordance with those by the copper(II)-neocuproin reagent spectrophotometric method.
Cartilage Diversification and Modularity Presaged the Evolution of the Gnathostome Head Skeleton
Authors: Root Zachary D. , Jandzik David , Gould Claire , Allen Cara , Brewer Margaux , Medeiros Daniel M.
Published: October 2022

The vertebrate head skeleton has evolved a myriad of forms since their divergence from invertebrate chordates. The connection between novel gene expression and cell types is therefore of importance in this process. The transformation of the jawed vertebrate (gnathostome) head skeleton from oral cirri to jointed jaw elements required a diversity of cartilages. Although lampreys are a sister clade to gnathostomes, they display skeletal diversity with distinct gene expression and histologies, a useful model for addressing joint evolution. Specifically, the lamprey tissue known as mucocartilage has noted similarities with the jointed elements of jawed vertebrates. We thus asked whether the mucocartilage of jawless lampreys is homologous to gnathostome joint tissue. To do this, we characterized new genes that are involved in gnathostome joint formation and characterized the histochemical properties of lamprey skeletal types. We find that most of these genes are minimally found in mucocartilage and are likely later innovations, but we do identify new activity for gdf5/6/7b in both hyaline and mucocartilage, supporting its role as a chondrogenic regulator. Contrary to previous works, our histological assays do not find any perichondrial fibroblasts surrounding mucocartilage, suggesting that mucocartilage is non-skeletogenic tissue that is partially chondrified. Interestingly, we also identify new histochemical features of the lamprey otic capsule that diverge from normal hyaline. Paired with our new insights into lamprey mucocartilage, we propose a broader framework for skeletal evolution in which an ancestral soxD/E and gdf5/6/7 network directs mesenchyme along a spectrum of cartilage-like features.
Study on prenatal diagnosis and pregnancy outcome analysis of fetuses with cardiac rhabdomyoma
Authors: Zhai Shanshan , Liu Ling , Yuan Limin , Zhao Lanlan , Lv Yuexia , Guo Jing , Yang Xuewen
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate the prenatal imaging characteristics, genetic characteristics and pregnancy outcome of fetuses with cardiac rhabdomyoma.

Study design

The prenatal ultrasound, cranial MRI imaging information and genetic test results of 35 fetuses prenatally diagnosed with cardiac rhabdomyoma were collected and retrospectively analyzed, and the pregnancy outcome was followed up.

Result

Cardiac rhabdomyomas mainly occurred in left ventricular wall and ventricular septum; cranial MRI imaging was found abnormal in 38.1% (8/21) of the fetuses; genetic test was found abnormal in 58.82% (10/17) of the fetuses; the fetus was born alive in 12 cases and the pregnancy was terminated in 23 cases.

Conclusion

TRIO whole exome sequencing (TrioWES) is recommended as the genetic test regime for cardiac rhabdomyoma. The comprehensive evaluation of prognosis of fetuses needs to consider the genetic results and whether the brain is involved; The prognosis of fetuses with simple cardiac rhabdomyoma is good.
The association between preoperative anemia, blood transfusion need, and postoperative complications in adult cardiac surgery, a single center contemporary experience
Authors: Mufti Hani Nabeel , Alsharm Faisal , Bahawi Mohanad , Almazmumi Mohammed , Alshaikh Yazeed , Abushouk Amir , Algarni Abdullah , Jamalallail Sahal , Almohammadi Mohammed
Published: October 2022

Background
The impact of preoperative anemia on postcardiac surgery outcomes is an area of great debate. Although several large-scale studies have been conducted, they have demonstrated conflicting results. A limited number of studies have been conducted in the Middle East. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the association between preoperative anemia and the need for blood transfusions, as well as major postoperative complications.
Methods
Adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery at King Faisal Cardiac Center (KFCC) in Jeddah between June 2016 and January 2020 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The study excluded patients with hereditary preoperative anemia. Among the variables studied were variables related to demographics, comorbidities, laboratory data, operation-related data, in-hospital complications, and mortality.
Results
The mean preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level was 13.2 g/dL (SD ± 1.8). The overall mortality rate was 4.6%. A lower preoperative Hb level (p value = 0.016), postoperative day 1 WBC count (p- value = 0.003), and prolonged cross clamp time (p value < 0.001) were significantly associated with mortality. A lower Hb level during the preoperative period or within the first three days of surgery was associated with a higher blood transfusion requirement. However, there was no significant association between blood transfusion and postoperative complications.
Conclusion
Based on our single center study, patients with preoperative lower Hb levels are at higher risk of mortality. However, blood transfusion does not seem to increase the risk of postoperative complications.
Inflammatory CSF profiles and longitudinal development of cognitive decline in sporadic and GBA-associated PD
Authors: Brockmann Kathrin , Lerche Stefanie , Zimmermann Milan , Roeben Benjamin , Wurster Isabel , Fries Franca , Deuschle Christian , Waniek Katharina , Lachmann Ingolf , Jakobi Meike , Joos Thomas , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole , Knorpp Thomas
Published: October 2022

Inflammation modifies incidence and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). By using 30 inflammatory markers in CSF in 498 people with PD and 67 people with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) we show that: 1) levels of ICAM-1, Interleukin-8, MCP-1, MIP-1 beta, SCF and VEGF were associated with clinical scores and neurodegenerative CSF biomarkers (Aβ1–42, t-Tau, p181-Tau, NFL and α-synuclein). 2) PD patients with GBA mutations show similar levels of inflammatory markers compared to PD patients without GBA mutations, even when stratified by mutation severity. 3) PD patients who longitudinally developed cognitive impairment during the study had higher levels of TNF-alpha at baseline compared to patients without development of cognitive impairment. 4) Higher levels of VEGF and MIP-1 beta were associated with a longer duration until development of cognitive impairment. We conclude that the majority of inflammatory markers is limited in robustly predicting longitudinal trajectories of developing cognitive impairment.
Killing vector fields for some meromorphic affine connections
Authors: Garcia Alexis , Alexis Pierre Garcia
Published: October 2022

We give a geometric condition on a meromorphic affine connection for its Killing vector fields to be single valued. More precisely, this condition relies on the pole of the connection and its geodesics, and defines a subcategory. To this end, we use the equivalence between these objects and meromorphic affine Cartan geometries. The proof of the previous result is then a consequence of a more general result linking the distinguished curves of meromorphic Cartan geometries, their poles and their infinitesimal automorphisms. This enables to extend the result of [1] to the subcategory of meromorphic affine connection described before. 2010 MSC Classification: 53B21, 53C56, 53A55
Clinical and Prognostic Significance of KIT exon 11 Mutation and Ki-67 Expression in Primary Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Xie Wenjie , Abbey Eugene , Peng Sanfei , Liu Qi , Jiang Jianwu , Yang Ge , Fu Yang
Published: October 2022

Purpose
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) are rare and heterogeneous, and there are no large-scale clinical and prognostic analyses of different mutation types in KIT exon combined with Ki-67 levels, we aimed to explore the clinical feature and prognostic significance of different types of KIT exon 11 mutations combined with the different expression levels of Ki-67 in GIST.
Methods
In this research, 444 specimens of primary GISTs were collected from the largest single-center sample bank in China and genetically tested to confirm the mutations in KIT exon 11, and the expression of Ki-67 was determined by immunohistochemical methods. The pertinence between KIT exon 11 mutation, Ki-67 expression status, and clinicopathological features was analyzed using the chi-square test. Influencing factors of survival were evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analysis and the Log-Rank test was used to analyze differences between survival curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox regression model. The ROC curve was used to compare the NIH risk classification with the new risk classification that included ki-67 and exon 11 mutations.
Results
There is a significant correlation between mutation in KIT exon 11 and risk classification (P = 0.04), Mitotic figures (P = 0.049), and CD34 positivity (P = 0.033). Besides, the expression level of Ki-67 was significantly correlated with tumor diameter (P = 0.008), tumor shape (P = 0.017), risk classification (P < 0.0001), and Mitotic figures (P < 0.0001). In the no-imatinib treatment group, Ki-67 expression (P = 0.001) and KIT exon 11 mutation type (P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with recurrent metastasis. In the imatinib treatment group, Ki-67 expression (P = 0.01) and KIT exon 11 mutation type (P = 0.003) were significantly correlated with recurrent metastasis. Both Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with a Ki-67 score of ≥ 10 combined with deletion mutations in KIT exon 11 had a worse prognosis and shorter RFS than the patients with lower Ki-67 score and non-deletion mutations. The ROC curves showed that the new risk grading criteria containing Ki-67 and KIT exon 11 mutations better assessed patient prognosis (AUC = 0.715) compared to the NIH risk grading criteria (AUC = 0.715).
Conclusions
GIST patients with high Ki-67 expression levels combined with KIT exon 11 deletion mutation had a worse prognosis and could serve as a valuable prognostic marker complementary to the modified (2008) National Institute of Health (NIH) grading criteria for the prediction of the prognosis of high-risk GIST.
Assessment of Peripheral Perfusion in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (Sars-cov-2) Infection: An Exploratory Analysis With Near-infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: de Souza Guilherme Martins , Galindo Vinícius Barbosa , Rocha Daniel Lima , Vianna Felipe Souza Lima , Chaves Renato Carneiro Freitas , Malossi Carla Dantas , Vieira Alice Medeiros , Midega Thais Dias , Freitas Flávia Fernandes Manfredi , Assunção Murillo Santucci Cesar , Andari Leonardo Wiel Barros Urbano , Filho Roberto Rabello , Corrêa Thiago Domingos
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate clinical and laboratory tissue perfusion in addition to near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) static and dynamic-derived parameters in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional single-center exploratory study was performed. Twenty adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 hours were prospectively included in this study. A control group without COVID-19 was composed by forty patients included in recently published study. Accessed NIRS-derived parameters included basal tissue oxygen saturation (StO2), descending slope (%/min), ascending slope (%/min), maximum value of StO2 (StO2max), recovery time (s) and the area under the curve of reactive hyperemia.
Results: The median (IQR) age of included patients was 58 (46-69) years. Patients with COVID-19 presented higher SAPS III score [50 (46-53) vs. 45 (30-53), p=0.04] compared with control patients. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection showed higher StO2 min [60 (49-79) vs. 54 (48-58) %; p=0.04] and lower descending slope [5.7 (3.4-8.8) vs. 8.1 (6.4-9.7) %/min; p<0.01] compared with ICU patients without COVID-19. Basal StO2 [80 (74-90) vs. 82 (76-86) %; p=0.89], StO2 max [(91 (83-95) vs. 90 (84-94) %; p=0.86], ascending slope [2.0 (1.1-2.9) vs. 2.2 (1.5-3.3) %/min; p=0.43], recovery time [14.5 (12.0-22.0) vs. 21.5 (14.3-28.3) s; p=0.13] and hyperemia area [10.3 (5.8-13.0) vs. 8.6 (4.0-14.3); p=0.55] did not differ between, respectively, COVID-19 and control groups.
Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 patients exhibited a lower rate of oxygen extraction by peripheral tissues than non-COVID-19 critically ill patients, which may represent an adaptive mechanism to hypoxemia. This hypothesis needs to be further investigated.
Dopamine-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling in mPFC is mediated by MAO-B in young mice, but by dopamine receptors in adult mice
Authors: Kim Sunpil , Kwon Jea , Park Mingu Gordon , Lee C. Justin
Published: October 2022

Dopamine (DA) plays a vital role in brain physiology and pathology such as learning and memory, motor control, neurological diseases, and psychiatric diseases. In neurons, it has been well established that DA increases or decreases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) through D1-like or D2-like dopamine receptors, respectively. In contrast, astrocytes respond to DA via Ca2+ signaling and regulate synaptic transmission and reward systems. Previous studies suggest various molecular targets such as MAO-B, D1R, or D1R-D2R heteromer to modulate astrocytic Ca2+ signaling. However, which molecular target is utilized under what physiological condition remains unclear. Here, we show that DA-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling pathway switches during development: MAO-B is the major player at a young age (5 - 6 weeks), whereas DA receptors (DARs) are responsible for the adult period (8 - 12 weeks). DA-mediated Ca2+ response in the adult period was decreased by either D1R or D2R blockers, which are primarily known for cyclic AMP signaling (Gs and Gi pathway, respectively), suggesting that this Ca2+ response might be mediated through Gq pathway by D1R-D2R heterodimer. Moreover, DAR-mediated Ca2+ response was not blocked by TTX, implying that this response is not a secondary response caused by neuronal activation. Our study proposes an age-specific molecular target of DA-induced astrocytic Ca2+ signaling: MAO-B in young mice and DAR in adult mice.
Neural mechanisms by which facial attractiveness influences the judgments of immoral behaviors
Authors: chengqiuping Qiuping , Zhou Ying , Zhang Yuman , Zhou Mi , Mo Lei
Published: October 2022

Background
Moral judgments are influenced by facial attractiveness. Moral behavior of good-looking people is more judged as morally beautiful and specifically activates brain regions involved in the representation of emotional meaning. In moral judgments, immoral behavior is more diagnostic than moral behavior. However, it is not clear whether the implied relationship between face and moral traits affects people's judgments of immoral behavior. The present study is the first to investigate the neural responses to facial attractiveness in the judgments of moral badness and ugliness.
Results
Experimental materials consisted of scenarios depicting behaviors at different levels of immorality acted by good- or ugly-looking males in daily life. Subjects were asked to rate how bad and how ugly the male immoral behavior was on a 4-point scale. A parametric general linear model (GLM) was performed to estimate neural response to face attractiveness that varies with the levels of immorality in the judgments of moral badness and moral ugliness. Results showed that ugly faces both in the judgments of moral badness and moral ugliness activated the anterior cingulate/medial prefrontal cortex and bilateral inferior occipital gyrus, suggesting that ugly faces in evaluation of immoral behavior elicited activity in brain regions associated with underlying general emotions and automatically processed visual features of faces. In addition, compared with ugly faces in moral badness judgment, ugly faces in moral ugliness judgment showed stronger activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, left insula, left middle temporal gyrus and cortical midline structures, and specifically activated bilateral frontal poles. These brain regions are mainly involved in the representation of emotional meaning of faces, suggesting that emotional information carried by ugly faces only affects moral aesthetic judgment. And no differential activation was found for the opposite contrast.
Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrate that facial attractiveness is task-specific as well as task-general in evaluating the badness and ugliness of immoral behavior. The findings provide more experimental and neurological evidence for the impact of implied relationships between faces and moral traits on higher moral decision-making. Our findings are of great significance to the understanding of the essence between morality and aesthetics.
Mangiferin relieves CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Liu Chuhe , Yin Liufang , Fan Shengjie , Huang Cheng
Published: October 2022

Background: Hepatic fibrosis is a late stage process of many chronic liver diseases. Blocking the fibrosis process will be beneficial to the treatment and recovery of the diseases. Mangiferin has many biological and pharmacological activities. Recently, it has been reported that mangiferin may relieve tissue fibrosis, including renal, myocardial, pulmonary fibrosis via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in animal models.
Purpose: Here, we investigate the therapeutic effects of mangiferin on CCl4 induced liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanism in mice.
Materials/Methods: Thirty-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 in each group), injected with carbon tetrachloride (10% CCl4) for 8 weeks and oral administrated with mangiferin (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) from fifth week. The serum levels of ALT, AST were analyzed to evaluate liver function, H&E staining and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to assess liver morphology and the degree of liver fibrosis. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to assay the gene expression.
Results: Mangiferin alleviated the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP, TBA and TBIL, reduced liver lesions, prevented hepatic parenchymal necrosis and ameliorated collagen accumulation in the liver of mice. Meanwhile, mangiferin inhibited the expression of inflammatory genes IL-6 and IL-1β, fibrogenic genes α-SMA, TGF-β and MMP-2 and bile acid metabolism genes ABCB4, ABCB11, SULT2A1 in the liver of CCl4-treated mice.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that mangiferin could alleviate liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice and mango consuming may have beneficial effects to hepatic fibrosis.
Knowledge on diabetic retinopathy and associated factors among diabetic patients, Southern Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Gessese Kalkidan Atnafu , Adimassu Nebiyat Feleke , Mersha Getasew Alemu , Ayele Fisseha Admasu
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of diabetic retinopathy and associated factors among adult diabetic patients at Adare General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, Hawassa.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Adare General Hospital on 419 adult diabetic patients. Systematic random sampling was applied to select the study participants. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire, checklist, and physical examination. Binary logistics regression and descriptive statistical analyses were done using SPSS version 20. Variables having p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to determine the strength of association between the dependent and independent variables.
Results: Among the total participants, 41.3% [95% CI (36.8-46.1)] had good knowledge about diabetic retinopathy. Urban residence [AOR=3.01, 95% CI; (1.39-6.52)], high income [AOR=4.68, [95% CI; (1.40-4.62)], type II diabetes [AOR=3.18,95% CI; (1.15-8.80)], long duration of diabetes [AOR=6.28,95% CI (3.26-12.10)], family history of diabetes [AOR=2.54, 95% CI (1.40-4.62)], history of eye disease [AOR=2.64,95% CI (1.45-4.80)] were significantly associated with knowledge on diabetic retinopathy.
Conclusions: The proportion of diabetic patients with good knowledge in this study was found to be low (41.3%). Health education and promotion interventions on diabetic retinopathy and eye check-ups could enhance their knowledge and practice.
AWARE. A web application to rapidly assess cardiovascular risk in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Authors: Berra Cesare Celeste , Manfrini Roberto , Mirani Marco , Bucciarelli Loredana , Zakaria Amhed S , Piccini Sara , Ghelardi Renata , Lunati Maria Elena , Rodovalho Sylka , Bifari Francesco , Fiorina Paolo , Folli Franco
Published: October 2022

Background
Cardiovascular (CV) risk assessment may result unpractical in real-world clinical practice, although being considered a key step for choosing appropriate therapies for patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). In order to streamline this process in the diabetes clinic, we have developed the web application “AWARE”.
Methods
The AWARE App is based on 2019 ESC/EASD criteria for cardiovascular risk (CVR) stratification in T2DM, which divides patients into 3 categories: very high (VHCVR), high (HCVR) and moderate (MCVR) CV risk. In this retrospective clinical study, we employed the AWARE App to assess CV risk of consecutive T2DM patients attending Diabetes Clinics in Lombardy (Italy).
Results
Overall, 2243 T2DM patients underwent CV risk assessment with the AWARE App. 1619 patients (72.2%) had a VHCVR, 199 (8.9%) an HCVR, and only 17 (0.8%) had an MCVR. 408 patients (18.2%) did not fit into any of the ESC/EASD risk categories and we included them in the additional “moderate-to-high” (MHCVR) group. Patients with VHCVD were more frequently ≥ 65 years old (68.9%), with a longer disease duration (≥ 10 years [56.8%]), history of CV disease (41.4%), organ damage (35.5%) and higher numbers of CV risk factors compared with other risk groups. Patients with MHCVD generally had disease duration < 10 years (96%), younger age (50–60 years [55%]), no history of CV disease and no organ damage, and 1–2 CV risk factors (89%). GLP-1 RA or SGLT-2i were prescribed only to 26.3% of the patients with VHCVR and to 24.7% of those with HCVR. Glycaemic control was unsatisfactory, both in the overall population and in each CV risk group (mean A1c level of 58.7 ± 13.44 mmol/mol [7.5 ± 3.4%]).
Conclusions
The AWARE App is a practical tool for CV risk stratification of T2DM patients in real-world clinical practice. Despite a generally severe CV risk and unsatisfactory glycaemic control, T2DM patients are rarely treated to achieve HbA1c < 7% and with newer cardioprotective medications.
Tetramethylpyrazine protects mitochondrial function by upregulating TFAM and alleviating nerve cell apoptosis in SBI rats
Authors: Wang Chaoyu , Huang Yaqian , Gong Yating , Wu Muyao , Jiang Lei , Xu Jianguo , Dang Baoqi , Chen Gang
Published: October 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage and mutation is widely accepted as one of the pathological processes of neurodegenerative diseases. As an mtDNA binding protein, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) maintains the integrity of mtDNA through transcription, replication, nucleoid formation, damage perception, and DNA repair. In recent works, the overexpression of TFAM increased the mtDNA copy count, promoted mitochondrial function, and improved the neurological dysfunction of neurodegenerative diseases. The role of TFAM in neurodegenerative diseases has been well explained. However, the role of TFAM after surgical brain injury (SBI) has not been studied. In this work, we aimed to study the role of TFAM in the brain after SBI and its mechanism of action. One hour after the occurrence of SBI, tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) was injected into the abdominal cavity of rats, and the brain was collected 48 hours later for testing. The evaluation included neurobehavioral function test, brain water content measurement, immunofluorescence, western blot, TUNEL staining, FJC staining, ROS test, and ATP test. The results showed that after SBI, the content of TFAM on the ipsilateral side increased and reached a peak at about 48 h. After intraperitoneal injection of TMP in rats, 48 hours after SBI, the concentration of TFAM, Bcl-2, and ATP increased; the content of caspase-3, ROS, and cerebral edema decreased; and the nerve function significantly improved. We conclude that TMP inhibited cell apoptosis after surgical brain injury in rats by upregulating TFAM and protecting brain tissues.
Study on evolution law of bearing stress of coal pillar in steeply inclined coal seam section of mountain topography
Authors: Tang Long , Tu Shihao , Tu Hongsheng , Liu Xun , Miao Kaijun , Li Wenlong , Zhao Hongbin , Ma Jieyang , Li Yan
Published: October 2022

The stability of section coal pillar in steeply inclined coal seam under mountain landform is beneficial to the stability of surface and mountain. Based on the engineering background of N2821 working face in Fengchun coal mine, the force model of the steeply inclined coal pillar under the mountain and the three-dimensional numerical model of the landform characteristics of the mountain are established; the necessary conditions and reasonable size calculation of the steeply inclined coal pillar under the mountain are analyzed; the bearing stress evolution law of the steeply inclined coal pillar under the mountain is studied. The research shows that when the dip angle of coal seam is greater than the arctangent value of the sum of friction coefficients of upper and lower surfaces of coal pillar, the coal pillar has sliding instability ; the reasonable coal pillar size of N2821 working face is 12 m. After working face mining, due to the short size of coal pillar, there is no obvious elastic core area ; with the advancement of the working face, the coal pillar in the middle of the goaf is most affected by the stress superposition, and the shear stress of the coal and rock mass gradually increases and concentrates on the coal pillar ; although the coal pillar is plastically damaged by mining, it still has good supporting capacity. The field monitoring data analysis is consistent with the simulation conclusion, and the coal pillar size is reasonable. The research results have certain reference and reference significance for coal pillar retention under similar conditions.
Free Entry into a Co-opetitive Mixed Oligopoly
Authors: Yoshikawa Takeshi
Published: October 2022

We investigate the socially desirable number of entrants in a free-entry co-opetitive mixed market. Our study simulates a public firm and private firm engaging in Cournot competition with a homogeneous good while sharing common property resources that affect industry-wide demand. To this end, we introduce a strategic commitment competition stage between market entry and production, where firms pursue demand-enhancing investments. We find that the relationship between the number of firms entering and the profit of incumbent private firms is nonmonotonic (inverted U-shape) when the investment cost parameter is sufficiently small. Moreover, free private firm entry can lead to either socially excessive or insufficient entry.
JEL Code: C72, L13, L33
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Reveals Molecular Subsets of ASXL1-Mutated Myeloid Neoplasms
Authors: Johnson Steven , Haberberger James , Ramkissoon Lori , Galeotti Jonathan , Coombs Catherine , Richardson Daniel , Foster Matthew , Duncan Daniel , Zeidner Joshua , Ferguson Naomi , Montgomery Nathan
Published: October 2022

ASXL1 is a dynamic epigenetic regulator frequently mutated in myeloid neoplasia. However, a large-scale analysis of patients with ASXL1-mutated myeloid disease has not been performed to date. We retrospectively analyzed comprehensive genomic profiling results from clinical samples from 6,043 adult patients to characterize the spectrum of ASXL1 mutation sites, co-mutation patterns, and to investigate for clinicopathologic differences between ASXL1-wild type patients. ASXL1 mutations occurred in 1,414 patients (23%). Patients with the hotspot c.1934dupG mutation had phenotypic and co-mutational distinctions from those with other ASXL1 mutations. Notably, TP53 (p < 0.01) and SETBP1 (p = 0.04) mutations more often occurred with non-c.1934dupG mutations in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). ASXL1 cohesin-binding motif (CBM) mutations were generally, but not mutually exclusive with cohesin mutations. Co-mutation patterns further suggested that non-cohesin driver mutations may be selectively favored when the CBM is compromised. Overall, ASXL1-mutated and ASXL1-wild type patients had significant differences in age, sex, ancestry, and co-mutation burden (p < 0.01). Mutation co-occurrence and mutual exclusivity testing revealed strong co-occurrence (q < 0.01) between mutations in ASXL1 and nine genes (SRSF2, U2AF1, RUNX1, SETBP1, EZH2, STAG2, CUX1, CSF3R, CBL), and we further analyzed patients with these co-mutations. We found that in spliceosome co-mutated patients, mutational characteristics suggested that ASXL1/SF3B1 co-mutation may be distinct from ASXL1/non-SF3B1 spliceosome co-mutation. In ASXL1/SRSF2 co-mutated AML, STAG2 (42%) and SETBP1 (16%) mutations were common and dependent on the presence of both ASXL1 and SRSF2 mutations (p < 0.05). STAG2 and SETBP1 mutations were mutually exclusive in ASXL1/SRSF2 co-mutated patients and were associated with divergent phenotypes in chronic myeloid neoplasms. Our findings in a large cohort support that ASXL1 mutation site and certain ASXL1 multi-mutant genotypes may be biologically relevant in patients with myeloid neoplasia, and further study is warranted to assess for therapeutic or prognostic impacts in these molecular subsets.
Concentration of biogenic and risk elements in wild boar testes and their interactions with sperm quality
Authors: Halo Marko , Solár Dušan , Tirpák Filip , Miškeje Michal , Albrycht Marzena , Massányi Martin , Dianová Lucia , Zemanová Jiřina , Binkowski Lukasz J. , Stawarz Robert , Massányi Peter
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to monitor concentration of selected biological and risk elements in testes and later epididymal spermatozoa motility of wild boars (Sus scrofa scrofa) as well as their association. Wild boars were hunted in region Žuhračka - Levice branch plant, Slovak Republic. Testes were surgically removed post-mortem and were transported to the laboratory. Spermatozoa were obtained by dissecting the distal portion of the cauda epididymis and were analysed by Computer assisted semen analyzer (CASA) system. Concentration of elements were measured by inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and by cold vapor absorption spectrometer (MA-3 Solo Mercury Analyzer). Total spermatozoa motility was at the level of 44.29% and progressive motility was 18.47%. Concentration of elements in testes was in following order: K > Na > Mg > Ca > Fe > Zn > Al > Cu > Se > Mn > As > Cr > Pb > Mo > Sr > Ni > Ba > Cd > Li > Hg. Negative association was observed between Se and motility, progressive motility, further between As and velocity curved line and beat cross frequency. Mercury showed positive correlation with beat cross frequency. Our results suggest that some chemical elements accumulated from polluted environment can affect reproduction of wild animals.
Trace metals in the Arabian seawater and freshwater samples in Oman by using by ICP-OES
Authors: Alsaid Ayman Alsaid Ibrahim , Ahmed Aya Mohammed Amin , Qamshouai Rayyan Hamed Al , Akhtar Mohammad Sohail , Touby Salem Said Jaroof Al , Hossain Md Amzad
Published: October 2022

Water is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, colorless liquid which is the main component of the earth and living organisms. Trace metals are elements that usually occur at very low levels in the environment. These metals are needed for life. However, at high concentrations of the trace metals can be toxic. The contamination with trace metals in water samples are health hazards and it can create many health problems such as liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, anaemia, and cancer. Therefore, the aim of this work was to assess the levels of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd) in the sea and freshwater samples, which was collected from five major seaport areas in Oman and one fresh water canal by using sensitive Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). To achieve these objectives, sixty-four water samples were collected from six different locations in Oman. A total sixty seawater samples were collected from Matrah port, Al Mouj Marina, Sohar port, Salalah port, and Al Duqm port and four freshwater samples were collected from Falaj Daris. The conductivity of the collected seawater samples were very high therefore, the seawater samples were diluted 200 times and analyzed by ICP-OES. The results obtained from ICP-OES showed that the level of all analyzed water samples, the concentrations of trace metals (As, Ni, Cd, and Cr) in sea and freshwater samples were within the permissible limit except the concentration of Pb, which exceeded the permissible limit in several samples. The toxic Pb contaminated water samples can create a health risk therefore appropriate water treatment should be applied to reduce the concentration of Pb within the safe limit so the accumulation of toxic waste in both humans and animals can be avoided. So far of our knowledge, the ICP-OES method is the first analytical technique for the detection of toxic heavy metals in water samples. In conclusion, the developed method could be used routinely for the detection of heavy metals in water samples.
Characterization of 940 Chinese patients with triple-positive breast cancer by clinicopathological and treatment outcomes
Authors: Liang Ying , Jia Yongsheng , Zhao Weipeng , Tong Zhongsheng , Shi Yehui
Published: October 2022

Background
This study aims to evaluate the clinicopathological features, prognosis, and related prognosis factors of triple-positive breast cancer, to develop more scientific and individualized treatment plans.
Methods
We collected pathological and clinical data from 960 patients with early-stage triple-positive breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (2012–2017). The Cox regression model was used for prognostic univariate analysis and multifactor analysis. Kaplan-Meier was used to plot survival curves, and the log-rank test was used to analyze survival differences between groups.
Results
T-stage, N-stage, whether to receive adjuvant targeted therapy, and whether to receive adjuvant endocrine therapy were independent influencing factors of prognosis (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that sequential tamoxifen treatment alone in the targeted therapy group did not significantly improve the prognosis of patients (P < 0.05). The benefit of endocrine treatment was not significant in low ER-positive breast cancer (P > 0.05). The prognosis of T1abN0M0 patients was not significantly altered by the use of trastuzumab or not (P = 0.439). There was no significant difference in OS with or without trastuzumab in the HR ≥ 30% group (P = 0.212) and in DFS and OS in the HR ≥ 50% group (P = 0.082, P = 0.978).
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that HR expression influences the biological behavior and treatment outcome of TPBC. We should choose individualized, targeted treatment programs, based on patients’ HR expression and pathological staging to benefit patients with TPBC.
“A glimmer of hope” - Perceptions, barriers, and drivers for medicinal cannabis use amongst Australian and New Zealand people with endometriosis: A qualitative study.
Authors: Sinclair Justin , Abbott Jason , Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Ng Cecila , Sarris Jerome , Armour Mike
Published: October 2022

Previous quantitative research has shown that cannabis use, mostly illicit, is used for symptom management amongst those with endometriosis living in Australia or New Zealand, but the drivers and barriers for use of legal, medicinal cannabis in this population are currently unclear. This study sought to investigate, via online focus-groups, the perceptions, barriers, drivers, and experiences associated with cannabis use, whether legal or illicit, amongst 37 Australians and New Zealanders, aged 18–55, with a medical diagnosis of endometriosis. Previous cannabis usage was not required to participate. Discussion topics included strategies employed to manage symptoms, exploration of current medications, previous use of cannabis for pain management, and interest in using medicinal cannabis as a management strategy. Barriers to medicinal cannabis were also explored. Audio was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a content analysis approach. Of the 37 participants, 73% had used cannabis previously, either recreationally, for symptom management or both. Participants with moderate to severe symptoms of medically diagnosed endometriosis reported inadequacies with their current medical and self-management strategies and were inclined to try medicinal cannabis, both as part of their medical management and as part of a clinical trial. Barriers to medicinal cannabis adoption identified in this cohort included high costs of legal cannabis products, lack of clarity and fairness in current roadside drug testing laws and workplace drug testing policies, concern over the impact of stigma affecting familial, social and workplace life domains, and subsequent judgement and the lack of education/engagement from their medical providers regarding cannabis use. Given the interest in medicinal cannabis and the reported lack of effective symptom management, clinical trials are urgently required to determine the potential role that medicinal cannabis may play in reducing the symptoms of endometriosis.
Preparation of Nanofluid of Lanthanum Borate Nanosheets and Investigation of Its Tribological Properties and Tribomechamisms in Different Base Oils
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Guangbin , Zhang Shengmao , Zhang Yujuan , Sun Lu , Sun Tianhua , Yu Laigui , Zhang Pingyu
Published: October 2022

Oleic acid-modified lanthanum borate nanosheets (OA-LBNs) were prepared by simple surface modification technology combined with precipitation method. The structure of the as-prepared light yellow transparent nanofluid of OA-LBNs was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and its thermal stability was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, the tribological properties of OA-LBNs nanofluid as the lubricant additive in diisooctylsebacate (DIOS), poly-α-olefin (PAO4), and rapeseed oil (RO) were evaluated with a four-ball friction and wear tester, and its tribomechanisms in the three kinds of base oils were also discussed. The results show that OA-LBNs nanofluid exhibits good antiwear ability in the three kinds of base oils; and in particular, OA-LBNs nanofluid added in PAO4 shows the best antiwear ability. The tribological properties of the OA-LBNs nanofluid as the lubricant additive are dependent on the nature of the base oils. Namely, the polarity of the base oil influences the adsorption of the OA-LBNs nanofluid on the rubbed steel surface, thereby affecting the composition of the tribofilm formed on the rubbed steel surface and resulting in changes in tribological properties.