bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible and customizable three-dimensional woven fabrics using dielectric- magnetic coupled polyamide-66 composite fibers for efficient and controllable electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Gao Shuang , Deng Xiuyan , Qi Xiaoming , Dai Hongbo , Fu Shaoyun , Fu Yaqin
Published: August 2023

High-performance microwave absorption materials with broad electromagnetic absorption bandwidths and scalable architectures have been increasingly demanded in the modern electric and telecommunications industries. Herein, we propose a series of large-scale microwave absorption (MA) three-dimensional (3D) woven fabrics with the customizable microwave absorption characteristics constructed using the nano-engineered carbon black (CB)-Fe3O4/polyamide-66 (PA-66) composite fibers that possess of a unique core-sheath structure. Notably, the impedance matching and microwave attenuation of the proposed 3D fabric absorbers are realized attributing to the dielectric-magnetic coupling effect of CB and Fe3O4 within the constituent fibers. The overall MA performance of these 3D fabric absorbers are then optimized by strategically modulating their macroscopic woven patterns. In this study, the reflection loss (RL) of the 3D fabric absorbers was measured following the arch test method. In specific, at the incident angle of 60°, the minimum RL (RLmin) of the 3D fabric absorber with the weft density of 250 picks/10-cm (3DF-250) reaches − 34.5 dB at the thickness of 1.68 mm and presents an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB, as RL≤-10 dB) of 4.99 GHz. Particularly, at the incident angle of 0°, the EAB of the folded 3DF-250 absorber (i.e., at the thickness of 3.36 mm) covers the entire X-band. In addition, the proposed 3D fabric absorbers show good softness (with drape coefficient of 83.1–88.8%), superior mechanical properties (i.e., an average equivalent strength of 35 MPa and fracture strain of 60%), and great air permeability (> 109 mm/s). In a word, we believe that the 3D fabric absorbers can be a strong candidate for being a viable microwave stealth material and demonstrate great application potentials for the wearable electromagnetic wave protection.
Synthesis of dimethyl carbonate from CO2 catalyzed by spherical polymeric ionic liquid catalyst
Authors: Liu Wenqiang , Wang Yajuan , Li Jiangxin , Zhang Juan
Published: August 2023

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is widely used and nontoxic and can replace more dangerous materials such as dimethyl sulfate or methyl chloride. Spherical particle catalysts (PILs-XSS) were synthesized by suspension polymerization, which was characterized by SEM-EDS, FT-IR, TG, and BET-BJH. The characterization results showed that PILs-XSS had a specific core structure, a certain pore size (14.3nm), and surface area size (71.5m2/g), and remained stable at 293.4°C. The catalyst performance was evaluated by a one-pot synthesis of dimethyl carbonate. The process conditions were optimized in detail. The optimal reaction conditions were as follows: the dosage of PILs-XSS was 2.5 wt %, the CO2 pressure was 1.5 MPa, the reaction temperature was 100°C, the reaction time was 4 h, the molar ratio of methanol to propylene oxide (PO)was 3: 1, and the dosage of cocatalyst Na2CO3 was 3 wt %. Under the optimum conditions, the conversion of PO was up to 98.8% and the yield of DMC reached 53.7%. In addition, the combined catalyst PILs-Na2CO3 was easily recovered by filtration in the reaction system. After five times of repeated use, the activity and the shape of the catalyst were almost unchanged, which meant that the catalyst had amazing mechanical strength. This study found that the transesterification catalyst Na2CO3 not only had good transesterification efficiency but also promoted the reaction of CO2.
Machine Learning-Based Prediction Models for Parathyroid Carcinoma Using Pre- Surgery Cognitive Function and Clinical Features
Authors: wang yuting , Wei Bojun , Zhao Teng , Shen Hong , Liu Xing , Wang Jiacheng , Wang Qian , Shen Rongfang , Feng Dalin
Published: August 2023

Background Patients with parathyroid carcinoma (PC) are often diagnosed postoperatively, due to incomplete resection during the initial surgery, resulting in poor outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the pre-surgery indicators of PC and try to develop a predictive model for PC utilizing machine learning. Methods Evaluation of pre-surgery neuropsychological function and confirmation of pathology were carried out in 133 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from December 2019 to January 2023. Patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 93) and a validating cohort (n = 40). Analysis of the clinical dataset, two machine learning including the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were utilized to develop the prediction model for PC. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted for comparison. Results Significant differences in elevated parathyroid hormone and decreased serum phosphorus in PC compared to (BP). The lower score of MMSE and MOCA was observed in PC and a cutoff of MMSE < 24 was the optimal threshold to stratify PC from BP (area under the curve AUC 0.699 vs 0.625). The predicted probability of PC by machine learning was similar to the observed probability in the test set, whereas the logistic model tended to overpredict the possibility of PC. The XGBoost model attained a higher AUC than the logistic algorithms and LASSO models. (0.835 vs 0.683 vs 0.607) Conclusions Preoperative cognitive function may be a probable predictor for PC. The cognitive function-based prediction model based on the XGBoost algorithm outperformed LASSO and logistic regression, providing valuable preoperative assistance to surgeons in clinical decision-making for patients suspected PC.
Structural characterization, lattice features, and optical, and magnetic properties of Ni-Cr oxide nanocomposite
Authors: Javadi Maryam , Mohammadzadeh Hurieh , Aghaeinejad-Meybodi Abbas
Published: August 2023

In the present study, the nanocomposite of Ni-Cr oxide was synthesized through the chemical co-precipitation route with different ratios of NiO to Cr2O3, including 50–50, 60 − 40, and 70 − 30 wt. %. The morphological and physical properties of products were assessed thoroughly. Moreover, the possible chemical reactions through synthesis were proposed based on FTIR and XRD results. The crystallite size, the lattice strain, and stress were evaluated through some well-known methods based on XRD diffraction. The particle size and morphology of produced powders were studied by FESEM imaging. Also, the optical and magnetic features were assessed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and VSM analysis, respectively. The results proved the presence of NiO and NiCr2O4 in the calcined products, with uniform distribution of elements and an average particle size of < 30 nm. Moreover, the crystallite size, and the lattice stress and strain decreased with increasing NiO in the product. According to the VSM curves, nanocomposite powders showed a weak ferro/ferrimagnetic signal with a fairly dominant superparamagnetic feature. While the largest coercivity of 252 Oe belonged to the sample 70 − 30, the highest magnetization saturation (0.291 emu/g) was observed for 50–50. According to the UV-Vis curves, the value of band gap energy was in the semiconductor’s domain and increased by NiO value in the hybrid oxide combination.
I know what I'm supposed to do, but I don't do it”: Patient-perceived risk factors that lead to their lower extremity amputations
Authors: chmo Marcelle Marie Ben , Matricciani Lisa , Kumar Saravana , Graham Kristin
Published: August 2023

Background
The purpose of this study is to extend on our previous research by exploring patient-perceived factors that lead to their Lower extremity amputations (LEAs). LEAs are a serious complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), LEAs are thought to be preventable with early detection and management of risk factors. Our previous study identified that these factors extend beyond the typical biological and modifiable risk factors and may also extend to patient awareness and competing priorities. Therefore, this research explored these issues in further detail, identifying patient-perceived factors that lead to their LEA.
Methods A qualitative descriptive methodology involving non-probability purposive sampling was used to recruit inpatients at a tertiary metropolitan hospital in South Australia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and data were transcribed verbatim. Data from the interviews were analysed using thematic analysis and the constant comparison approach.
Results A total of 15 participants shared their perspectives of risk factors for LEAs. Two main themes emerged: intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors identified in this study included identity, ambivalence, denial, inevitability, and helplessness. Extrinsic factors related to resources, rapport with health care professionals, and management of care.
Conclusions Through identifying that a combination of perceived personal attributes (intrinsic) and system-level (extrinsic) factors likely contribute to LEAs, this study highlights the complexity of factors that contribute to patients' perceptions of what led to their diabetes related LEA. These findings support the importance of a nuanced approach in managing patients with diabetes who are at risk of LEA as it is likely patients’ personal circumstances, day-to-day life’s requirements and responsibilities, their interaction with healthcare professionals all seemingly contribute to how risks are viewed and managed. Tackling this challenge will require reimagining diabetes care, acknowledgement of risk factors beyond the obvious and addressing persistent access and workforce issues.
Effect of low-frequency electric field on microbial community structure of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) during ice-temperature storage
Authors: Xu Lijuan , Chen Haiqiang , Liang Zuanhao , Chen Shanshan , Xia Yu , Zhu Siming , Yu Ming
Published: August 2023

Low-frequency electric field (LFEF) is a potential adjuvant technology for low-temperature preservation that can stabilize the supercooling state while delaying corruption and extending the shelf life. Changes in microbial community composition was investigated in Penaeus vannamei treated with LFEF in combination with ice temperature for 11 days. LFEF treatment increased the abundance and diversity of microbial communities in Penaeus vannamei and better maintained the relative content of original bacteria (Ralstonia), which indicates that LFEF contributes to the improvement in the species diversity. The spoilage microorganisms of shripm samples stored at ice temperature for 11 days included Aliivibrio, Pseudoalteromonas, Photobacterium, Moritella and Psychrobacter, which were also positively correlated with TVB-N and pH. However, Pseudoalteromonas and Psychrobacter were dominant in LFEF-treated samples. According to the difference analysis, LFEF treatment leaded to smaller changes in microbial structure, and the results showed that LFEF can effectively inhibit Vibrionaceae. A Spearman correlation analysis showed that Ralstonia and Faecalibacterium were positively correlated with spoilage bacteria, which may provide a reference for the improvement of LFEF assisted preservation. In conclusion, LFEF as an auxiliary technology for low temperature preservation is a reliable and potential method for preserving the quality of aquatic products.
A Comprehensive Framework of Information Technology Service Quality Assessment in a Manufacturing Company
Authors: Khamoushpour Behnam , Aboumasoudi Abbas Sheikh , Shahin Arash , Khademolqorani Shakiba
Published: August 2023

With the advancement of technology, service quality has become strongly reliant on providing Information Technology (IT) services in all sections of an organization. Accordingly, a comprehensive framework is represented in this study to assess the quality of services supplied by the IT unit in a manufacturing company, which integrated the SERVQUAL model, the service quality gap, and IT service management metrics across the entire organization's supply chain. Regarding model reliability, a data-based decision model was designed in which big data analysis, including data mining and machine learning methods, was considered. The essential analytical objectives for evaluating IT unit , were figured out. A steel production company was also used to express the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed framework. The results determined SERVQUAL dimensions of reliability, responsiveness to tangible factors, sympathy, guarantee and the functional dimensions of problem-solving time, response time, and agreed service level are the most important, respectively.
Self-Reported Prescribing Behaviour of Vitamin D Prophylaxis in Healthy Children by Belgian Paediatricians
Authors: Raaijmakers Anke , De Crem Charlotte , Winckel Myriam Van , Vandenplas Yvan
Published: August 2023

Background
There is currently no consensus on the guidelines for vitamin D prophylaxis in healthy children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prescribing behaviour of vitamin D prophylaxis among Belgian paediatricians.
Methods
Between June and September 2022, a questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to all Belgian paediatricians who are members of at least one of three scientific or professional organizations, as well as to the heads of every Belgian paediatric or neonatal hospital ward.
Results
We analysed 426 completed questionnaires. All regions, age categories and subspecialties were represented. Vitamin D prophylaxis is always or frequently recommended by 98% of paediatricians. Fifty-eight percent of paediatricians advise vitamin D prophylaxis up to the age of 6 years and 66% of paediatricians advise a daily dose of 400 IU. In nearly every hospital in Belgium (96%), there is a specific protocol for vitamin D prophylaxis for newborns; but not for the paediatric unit.
Conclusions
Nearly all Belgian paediatricians prescribe vitamin D prophylaxis to infants. Although not recommended by guidelines, 25-OH-vitamin D is frequently measured by paediatricians. Practices regarding duration and dosing of vitamin D prophylaxis show large variability. Most paediatric wards do not have a protocol.
Input Price Discrimination, Horizontal Merger and Social Welfare in a Vertical Quality-Differentiated Market
Authors: Ying Bin , Wang Leonard F.S. , Tao Haisen
Published: August 2023

We consider vertical quality-differentiated products in a two-tier market in which there are two incumbent firms that produce the high-and low-quality products, and one potential new firm produces low-quality product. The upstream firm may charge uniform input price (UIP) or input discriminatory price (IDP) to the downstream firms. We show that once high-quality firm merged with the other low-quality firm, the merged firm will only produce high-quality product. What’s more, after firm 1 merged with firm 2, upstream firm adopts IPD strategy enhances social welfare if the difference of effective demand between high-quality product and low-quality product is sufficiently large.
JEL Classifications: L24; L13; D43; D12
Research on utilization and stability monitoring of mean kinetic temperature in the 21st century for pharmaceutical products
Authors: Miura Ensei
Published: August 2023

Background: The guidelines of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), which was established in 1990, streamlined and standardized drug approval review standards across Japan, the United States, and Europe. Methods: This study used an excerpt of the test conditions described in the ICH guidelines to calculate the mean kinetic temperature (MKT) for major Japanese cities based on temperature data from 1991–2020 (measured by the Japan Meteorological Agency). Results: The study confirmed that the temperature conditions prescribed by the As Figure1 shows, ICH guidelines for long-term storage tests were met. Additionally, as drugs can be exposed to temperatures outside the specified range during distribution from the manufacturer to the final customer, data logs/loggers were utilized to calculate the MKT using the temperature history during transportation and storage.
Efficacy and safety of Orelabrutinib-based regimens in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A single-center retrospective analysis
Authors: Wei Ruowen , Wu Yingying , Jiang Shan , Zhang Ao , Zhang Lu , Liu Ling , Wang Yadan , Zhang Min , Mei Heng , Liu Fang , Xia Linghui , Cui Guohui , Fang Jun
Published: August 2023

Currently, combining chemotherapy with Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKi) has demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Orelabrutinib is a second-generation BTK inhibitor and presently, there have been few reports of Orelabrutinib being used to treat DLBCL. We conducted a retrospective investigation to explore the safety and efficacy of Orelabrutinib in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The study comprised 19 patients with a median age of 61 years. The overall response rate (ORR) was 89.5% with a complete response (CR) rate of 73.7% and a partial response rate (PR) of 15.8%. The estimated two-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 78.6% (95%CI, 59.8% -100%) and 72.2% (95% CI, 52.4% -99.6%), respectively, with a median follow-up time of 11 months (range 2–24). The most prevalent grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) Neutropenia (52.6%), anemia (36.8%), thrombocytopenia (26.3%), and lung infection (10.5%) were the most common. Our results reveal that Orelabrutinib is an effective therapy for DLBCL patients. Furthermore, our first investigation of the Orelabrutinib application lays a foundation for larger retrospective studies.
The Spatial Characteristics of Yi Ethnic Traditional Villages and Dwellings Based on Spatial Syntax
Authors: Lai Qin , Liu Wei , Li Xing , Jin Qiu
Published: August 2023

Traditional villages and dwellings are an essential component of cultural heritage, closely associated with the distinctive cultural characteristics of ethnic regions. This study focuses on traditional Yi ethnic villages in Liangshan and employs spatial syntax analysis and quantification methods. The research explores the cultural factors behind the spatial characteristics of towns and dwellings. The findings reveal that the selected village exhibits weak recognizability, strong independence, and an inward and closed spatial configuration centered in the middle section. Homes are typically arranged with a main building and two side buildings revolving around a central courtyard and a main hall. Internally, the arrangement of rooms shows flexibility and diversity, with the rooms of younger generations surrounding those of the elders and functional spaces organized around the hearth. These spatial characteristics are influenced by various cultural factors, including the mountainous terrain, lineage system, semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral production methods, emphasis on family harmony, use of lightweight local materials, and reverence for nature and the hearth. This research provides insights into the conservation and inheritance of Yi ethnic architectural and cultural heritage.
Application research of artificial intelligence technology in smart stadium management under the background of low carbon economy
Authors: Hou Xiaobo
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the use of AI in stadium management systems. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is essential for fundamentally addressing the issues of optimum energy consumption, cost-effectiveness, and low carbon emissions in huge sports stadiums, which may utilise up to 10,000 kW of electricity on the day of any sporting event. Due to its intricate internal operations and comprehensive functioning, the Stadium's Electricity (SE) is both costly and crucial in meeting the stadium's capacity requirements. Due to the huge and variable nature of electrical consumption at a stadium, efforts to increase energy efficiency are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Whenever a sporting event concludes, the stadium's information feed is disconnected and emptied. For use in the event of a power failure during sporting events, the system is always prepared. Accurate representations and human-structure interaction models, as well as identifying acceptable facility vibration serviceability restrictions of crowd activities, are only two of the many factors that need to be carefully assessed. There are a number of challenges associated with large crowds, both in terms of coordinated movement and random motion, in a stadium setting. The term "Artificial Intelligence" (AI) is used in the field of computer science to describe the attempt to create computers with intelligence similar to that of human beings. Several fields may benefit from AI's versatility, including NLP, SR, and CV. In addition to improving stadium control in a number of ways, this paper also provided a novel approach to (SE-AI). The smart stadium design integrates construction machinery into the building process efficiently. The smart sports concept is established in the electrical layout of the stadium. The engineering design concepts are used to investigate the stadium's electrical design system in order to give useful information for the stadium's electrical design work. Because of scientific and technological progress and digitization, the stadium's equipment is evolving toward artificial intelligence. A greater societal effect is possible if the findings of this study can be used as a manual for improving the electrical design of stadiums.
Transcriptome-Wide identification and characterization of regulatory landscape of NAC Genes in Drimia indica.
Authors: Shit Vivek , Dhakar Mahesh Kumar , Kumar Manoj
Published: August 2023

Drimia indica, a medicinal plant with promising therapeutic potential, aimed to understand the role of the NAC gene family in plant development and stress responses to enhance its medicinal properties and agronomic traits. We identified and characterized sixty-one non-redundant putative NAC genes, analyzing their physicochemical properties, which exhibited variations in amino acid composition, length, molecular weight, and isoelectric points. Subcellular localization prediction revealed diverse protein distributions, mainly within the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis classified the NAC genes into 17 subgroups, showing distribution differences between Drimia indica and Arabidopsis. Gene structure analysis unveiled a conserved intron-exon organization within each subfamily. Motif analysis identified ten conserved motifs, with 'Motif 5' being the most prevalent. Promoter analysis detected cis-elements responsive to light, abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and MYB transcription factors. Additionally, transcription factor binding site analysis revealed several families potentially regulating NAC gene expression. MiRNA target analysis highlighted the significant role of miRNAs in the post-transcriptional regulation of NAC genes. Our findings offer valuable insights into the structural characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and potential functions of the NAC gene family in Drimia indica, advancing our understanding of plant stress responses and suggesting future research avenues for stress tolerance and secondary metabolite production.
Exogenous jasmonic acid alleviates Cu damages in guinea grass by enhancing photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes activity and modifying associated metabolites
Authors: Ren Jian , Wei Chenjie , Zhang Yan , Wang Bao , Dai Weiran
Published: August 2023

Jasmonic acid (JA) has the potential to alleviate excess copper (Cu) toxicity in plant, but the underlying regulating mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, guinea grass (Panicum maximum) seedlings were treated with Cu (300 µM), JA (10 µM) or their combinations via Hoagland solution in controlled growth chambers for 30 days. Our study showed that excess Cu stress significantly decreased leaf length, leaf width, plant height, and biomass due to lower chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate (Pn). Moreover, Cu stress inhibited the activation of oxidative defense mechanisms, manifested by the increased malondialdehyde and the reduced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). In contrast, exogenous JA application significantly alleviated Cu-induced adverse effects by deceasing of membrane damage, increasing chlorophyll content, Pn and antioxidant enzymes, which lead to biomass accumulation. Metabolic profiling analysis showed that a total of 63 metabolites with differential accumulations were identified when exposed to JA and Cu, mainly including amino acids, organic acid, and carbohydrates. Among the metabolites, the accumulation of capric acid, salicylic acid and glucosaminic acid was significantly reduced due to excess Cu exposure while malic acid and serine content were stimulated, mainly associated with the regulation of the citrate cycle, alanine-aspartate and glutamate metabolism. In contrast, a total of 20 differential metabolites were detected in Cu-treated seedlings when subjected to JA, which were closely related to the pentose phosphate pathway, tricarboxylic acid cycle and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. Overall, these results suggest that excess Cu toxicity to guinea grass could be alleviated by exogenous JA through enhancing photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymes activity and modifying associated metabolites and pathways.
Research on Optimization and Risk Control of E-commerce Supply Chain Logistics Management Mode Based on the Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology
Authors: Jun Chen , Lan Jiang
Published: August 2023

To maintain their position as market leaders in the dynamic business climate, e-commerce businesses must successfully improve their supply chains and logistical processes. Due to complex networks, a lack of information transparency and traceability, and security risks, the information flow management in traditional logistics supply chains using centralized databases is now facing several difficulties. By combining the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain Technology (BT), it may be possible to collect information intelligently, store it decentralized, and allow for reliable, cost-effective information flow. Even while IoT-integrated blockchain-based systems offer sufficient benefits across industries, e-commerce supply chain logistics management has so far had a very low acceptance rate. Therefore, in this research, we suggested an IoT-integrated Blockchain approach for improving information security and traceability in the logistics of the e-commerce supply chain. Utilizing an IoT monitoring module, the data is gathered and processed by a smart contract before being entered into a blockchain. ILAES, an improved logistic advanced encryption method, is used to encrypt the data and generate a new data block. The Proof of Logistic Information Share (PoLIS) consensus mechanism is used to validate the data block before it is uploaded to the blockchain. Throughput, block execution time, encryption time, and avalanche impact are used to assess the proposed system's performance. The findings demonstrated how well the suggested solution improved the security and openness of logistical information.
Parkinson’s disease is associated with an imbalance in circular RNA expression
Authors: Hudson Gavin , Whittle Ben , Izuogu Osagie , Lowes Hannah , Deen Dasha , Pyle Angela , Coxhead Jonathon , Lawson Rachel , Yarnall Alison , Jackson Michael , Santibanez-Koref Mauro
Published: August 2023

Neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) precedes diagnosis by years. Early neurodegeneration may be reflected in RNA levels and measurable as a biomarker. Here, we present the largest quantification of whole blood linear and circular RNAs (circRNA) in early-stage PD, using RNA sequencing data from two cohorts (PPMI = 259 PD, 161 Controls; ICICLE-PD = 48 PD, 48 Controls). We identified a replicable increase inTMEM252andLMNB1gene expression in PD. We identified novel differences in the expression of circRNAs fromESYT2,BMS1P1andCCDC9, and replicated trends of previously reported circRNAs. Overall, using circRNA as a diagnostic biomarker in Parkinson’s did not show any clear improvement over linear RNA. More interestingly, we observed a general reduction in circRNA expression in both PD cohorts, accompanied by an increase inRNASELexpression. This imbalance implicates the activation of an innate antiviral immune response and suggests a previously unknown aspect of circRNA regulation in PD.
Treatment goal achievement and association with 10-year and 30-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risks in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Taiwan: The Taiwan Diabetes Registry
Authors: Lin Hsuan-Wei , Yeh Yun-Kai , Wu Tsung-Hui , Sheu Wayne Huey-Herng , Lo Su-Huey , Yeh Yen-Po , Huang Chien-Ning , Hsieh Chang-Hsun , Hwu Chii-Min
Published: August 2023

Background.
Guidelines for diabetes care recommend specific treatment goals for blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid control to prevent long-term complications of diabetes. However, there are few reports on the achievement of goals and its association with cardiovascular risks in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).
Methods.
We analyzed data for patients with T1D from the Taiwan Diabetes Registry to examine the status of goal attainments and 10- and 30-year risk estimates for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Univariable and multivariable linear regression were performed to evaluate factors associated with ASCVD risk estimates. Treatment goals were defined as A1C < 7.0%, blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg, and LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dl or total cholesterol < 160 mg/dl.
Results.
The percentage of subjects fulfilling all targets was 9.9%. Meeting more treatment goals was associated with decreased ASCVD risk estimates (geometric means [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 10-year risk estimate with none to all three goal attainments: 4.6% [3.2-6.5], 3.4% [2.7-4.2], 2.1% [1.7-2.6], and 1.7% [1.1-2.6]). Association was found between waist circumference and higher 10-year ASCVD risk in the multivariable regression analysis (β-coefficient 0.24, 95% CI 0.09-0.40; P=0.002).
Conclusions.
Attainment of two or more treatment goals is associated with lower short- and longer-term risk estimates for ASCVD in patients with T1D.
Human cases of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infections in Hungary
Authors: Pankovics Peter , Nagy Arnold , Nyul Zoltán , Juhász Annamária , Takáts Károly , Boros Ákos , Reuter Gábor
Published: August 2023

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a “neglected” rodent-borne viral zoonotic disease caused by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) (family Arenaviridae). The aim of this retrospective clinical and laboratory study was to detect LCMV viral RNA using RT-PCR method from cerebrospinal fluid samples collected from patients with central nervous system (CNS) infections of unknown aetiology from over the past 12 years in Hungary. Between 2009 and 2020, a total of 74 blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples were tested using HHV1/2 serological (blood) and “in-house” HHV1/2-specific and LCMV-specific (RT)-PCR-based (cerebrospinal fluid) methods in Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs. The mean age of the 74 patients included in our study was 24 years [min. 5 - max. 74], with a predominance of men [44 (59.5%); women: 30 (40.5%)]. Two-two (2.7%-2.7%) cerebrospinal fluid samples were revealed to be positive for HHV1/2 DNA and LCMV RNA by (RT)-PCR and sequencing. The first LCMV case was a 5-year-old preschool boy who had a hamster bite on his left-hand finger and the second LCMV case was a 74-year-old man who was living in a village had incipient dementia and a previous permanent functional CNS impairment. The two detected LCMV strains (MW558451 and OM648933) from year 2020 belonged to two different genetic lineages (I and II). A “neglected” LCM was reported from two cases with a CNS inflammation of unknown origin representing the first human LCMV infections confirmed by molecular methods in Hungary.
Deubiquitinase OTUD5 Promotes Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Removing K48-linked Ubiquitination of HBV core/precore and Up-regulating HNF4ɑ Expressions through Inhibiting the ERK1/2 /Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway
Authors: Lou Bin , Ma Guanghua , Yu Xiaopeng , Lv feifei , Xu fanjie , Sun chengdi , Chen Yu
Published: August 2023

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide, causing nearly one million deaths annually. OTUD5 is a deubiquitinase associated with cancer development and innate immunity response. However, the regulatory mechanisms of OTUD5 underlying HBV replication need to be deeply elucidated. In the present investigation, we found that HBV induced significant up-regulation of OTUD5 protein in HBV-infected cells. Further study showed that OTUD5 displayed interaction with HBV core/precore, removing their K48-linked ubiquitination chains, and protecting their stability. Meanwhile, overexpression of OTUD5 could inhibit the MAPK pathway, and then increase the expression of HNF4ɑ, and ERK1/2 signaling was required for OTUD5-mediated activation of HNF4α, resulting in the promotion of HBV replication. Together, these data indicate that OTUD5 could inhibit HBV core protein degradation by its deubiquitinase function and promote HBV activity by up-regulating HNF4α expression via inhibition of ERK1/2 pathway. These results might present as a novel therapeutic strategy against HBV infection.
Pathogenic Variants in SHROOM3 Associated with Hemifacial Microsomia
Authors: wang bingqing , Li Qin , Zhang Bing-Hua , Chen Qi , Fu Yaoyao , Zuo Xiang , Lu Peng , Zhang Weiwei
Published: August 2023

Purpose: Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a rare congenital disorder that affects facial symmetry, ear development, and other congenital features. However, known causal genes only account for approximately 3% of patients, indicating the need to discover more pathogenic genes.
Methods: We performed target capture sequencing on SHROOM3 in 320 Chinese HFM patients and evaluated the expression pattern of SHROOM3 and the consequences of deleterious mutations.
Results: Our study identified 9 deleterious mutations in SHROOM3 in 320 Chinese HFM patients. These mutations were predicted to significantly impact SHROOM3 function. Furthermore, the gene expression pattern of SHROOM3 in pharyngeal arches and the presence of facial abnormalities in gene-edited mice suggest important roles of SHROOM3in facial development.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SHROOM3 is a likely pathogenic gene for HFM.
Development of handheld optical coherence tomography based on commercial intra-oral scanner for extended clinical utility in dentistry
Authors: Kim Hayoung , Cho Hoseong , Lee Weonjoon , Son Keunbada , Lee Kyubok , Jeon Mansik , Kim Jeehyun
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this study is to develop a handheld dental optical coherence tomography (OCT) system capable of imaging the target area of the teeth in the oral cavity and demonstrate the applicability of the developed system to in vivo dental disease diagnosis based on a user-friendly scanner form. The design of the developed system is based on mimicking the shape of a commonly used commercial intra-oral scanner (IOS) so that the system users do not feel awkward when using it. A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) scanning unit was used to optimize the overall size of the system, and the optical axis was designed in a Z-shape to maximize the beam size reflected by the MEMS mirror. A pre-study of in vivo oral scanning was performed to demonstrate the enhanced clinical feasibility of the developed system. Furthermore, the main experiment classified teeth with worn cervical regions into two groups according to the cervical abrasion shape. The developed dental OCT system produced a three-dimensional image of the scanning area and quantitatively analyzed the margin gap through an A-scan profile based on cross-sectional images. This study confirms the effectiveness of the developed handheld dental OCT system in actual dental clinical practice, and we expect our system to be utilized for various dental diseases, not only for diagnosing and cervical abrasions.
Potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as a biological agent in control of Bemisiatabaci under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Shafiei Fateme , Shahidi-Noghabi Shahnaz , Sedaghati Ebrahim , Smagghe Guy
Published: August 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are one of the environment-friendly organisms that increase soil fertility. Hence, AMF affect the herbivorous insect community by indirectly modifying host plant nutrient uptake, growth and defense, also known as priming. Here in the current study, we investigated under greenhouse conditions the effect of inoculation of tomato seedlings with four species of AMF (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus intraradices, Rhizophagus irregularisandGlomus iranicus) on tomato plant growth parameters, plant defense enzymes, total phenol content, and the life table parameters of whiteflies,Bemisia tabaci(Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), that are important phloem-feeding pest insects. The results indicated that the growth parameters of tomato plants (including plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root volume, leaf surface area and weight root and aerial organs) were greater and larger in the mycorrhizal plants compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. Twenty days after exposing the plant toB. tabacithe largest amounts of defense enzymes comprising of peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase and total phenol contents were measured in the mycorrhizal plants compared to non-mycorrhizal plants. Furthermore, the life table parameters of the whitefly pest insects (net reproduction rate, R0; intrinsic rate of natural increase in insect population, r; finite rate of population increase, λ; and the mean generation time, T) were decreased in the mycorrhizal plants compared to the non-mycorrhizal plants. Altogether, we believe that our plant-based results obtained here under greenhouse conditions are indications that AMF colonization enhanced tomato resistance toB. tabaciby improving plant growth parameters and increasing defense enzymes.
Brown sugar as a carbon source can make agricultural organic waste compost enter the secondary thermophilic stage and promote compost decomposition
Authors: Xu Peng , Li Xue , Zhao Shiwen , Shu Luolin , Zhang Guanzhi , Wu Yongjun , Yang Zhenchao
Published: August 2023

The utilization of microbial agents can enhance the composting process of agricultural organic waste and enhance the quality of compost products. However, several challenges persist in the composting of such waste, including the limited degradation capacity of the introduced microbial agents and the short duration of the high-temperature phase during composting. To enhance the composting efficiency of agro-organic waste, this study investigated the impact of inoculating tomato straw compost with two microbial agents: ZZ, a complex microbial agent, and EM, a commercial microbial agent. Additionally, 10% brown sugar was added as a carbon source to the compost after the initial high-temperature phase, aiming to assess its effect on the composting process. The findings revealed that compared to the control (CK) group, the ZZ and EM treatments extended the first high-temperature phase by 2 and 1 day, respectively. Furthermore, with the addition of 10% brown sugar, the ZZ and EM treatments remained in the second high-temperature phase for 8 and 7 days, respectively, while the CK treatment had already entered the cooling stage by then. Notably, the inoculation of microbial agents and the addition of brown sugar substantially augmented the activity of lignocellulose-related hydrolases, thereby promoting the degradation of lignocellulose in the ZZ and EM treatment groups. This was confirmed by FTIR analysis, which demonstrated that the addition of microbial agents facilitated the degradation of specific substances, leading to reduced absorbance in the corresponding spectra. XRD analysis further indicated a notable reduction in cellulose crystallinity for both the ZZ (8.00%) and EM (7.73%) treatments. Hence, the incorporation of microbial agents and brown sugar in tomato straw compost effectively enhances the composting process and improves the quality of compost products.
Chemical Modification and Characterization of Cotton Pulp as Cationic Material for Protiens Separation
Authors: abbas Shuja , Aasim Muhammad , Bibi NowShad , Bibi Noor Shad
Published: August 2023

The present study aims to chemically modify low-cost polymer to value-added products and to
test the newly synthesized material efficacy for protein purification. Different procedures were used for the introduction of anionic and cationic exchangers to the un-modified materials. The study focus on
modification of cellulose present in cotton pulp. The material was chemically modified by with
glycidyltrimethyl ammonium chloride (GTMAC) and 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpipiridine 1-oxyl radical
(TEMPO) to enhance their binding capacities with different proteins. The physical and chemical
properties of unmodified biopolymers and modified biopolymers were characterized by degree of
swelling, extent of modification, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-
Ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Molecular interaction studies were done in MOE using triangle matcher and refinement approaches. To see the binding capacity of the modified materials sorption experiments were performed using spectrometer. Lysozyme and Bovine
serum albumin were used to check the binding properties of the modified substances. Very reasonable
binding capability for proteins for found.
Antidiabetic Activity, Molecular Identification and In silico Docking of Compounds in Chromatographic Fractions of Tephrosia bracteolata Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae) Leaves
Authors: Idakwoji Precious Adejoh , Oniemola Joan Mayowa , Onoyima Samson Chinekwu , Onoja Andrew Omachoko , Oniwon Wisdom Otaru , Zakari David Adeiza , Momoh Theophilus Boniface , Iliya Rahamatu Shamsiyyah
Published: August 2023

Background
Recent efforts for the complementary treatment of diabetes have focused on medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds. Tephrosia bracteolata is one of such plants used in the management of diabetes but its anti-diabetic principles are yet to be identified. This study was aimed at identifying the compounds responsible for the antidiabetic activity of the ethylacetate fraction of Tephrosia bracteolata leaves and subsequently, carryout an in silico molecular docking of these compounds against key targets in the pathophysiology of diabetes.
Methods
The ethylacetate fraction (EAF) of T. bracteolata leaves was fractionated using Silica gel column chromatography to yield 100 fractions. Pooling together of fractions with similar thin layer chromatographic (TLC) mobility profile afforded seven major fractions (SF1- SF7). Preliminary phytochemical studies were carried out on the fractions using standard methods. The antidiabetic activity of the fractions was subsequently evaluated (at a dose of 200 mg/kg) against alloxan- induced diabetes in adult mice. GC-MS analysis was carried out on the fraction with the highest activity. Subsequently, some of the identified active compounds were docked against key targets in the pathology of diabetes using Auto Dock tool.
Results
Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids in varying proportions in the fractions. The sub-fractions produced varying degrees of significant (p < 0.05) decrease in FBS at 12h and 24h- post-treatment. GC-MS analysis of the most active fraction (SF5) revealed the presence of thirty- six compounds among which are some that have been reported to possess direct or indirect antidiabetic properties. These are Mome-inositol, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 1-D-thio-glucitol, 4-Piperidinone, Hexadecanoic acid, 9- octadecanoic acid, n- hexadecanoic acid and D- allose. Molecular docking studies (Auto Dock tool) between Mome inositol, 1-D-thio-glucitol and alpha-glucosidase showed that Mome inositol (− 6.7 kcal/mol) had a stronger affinity to the enzyme. Similarly, for sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT 2), Mome inositol (− 6.5 kcal/mol) had a stronger affinity than 1-D-thio-glucitol.
Conclusions
The identified compounds in the fraction could be responsible for the observed antidiabetic properties of the fraction of T. bracteolata.
Are financial regulations impairing the transition to net zero carbon emissions?
Authors: Gasparini Matteo , Ives Matthew , Carr Ben , Fry Sophie , Beinhocker Eric
Published: August 2023

The debate around what role the financial system should play in fostering the green transition has been steadily growing. Companies are increasingly being required to quantify and disclose climate risks. However, the influential role played by existing accounting and financial reporting requirements, and broader financial regulation, has not been broached as issues of concern in this debate. Analyzing data and classifications from the European Banking Authority, we test whether existing frameworks might inadvertently be disincentivizing divestments from brown assets. We find that a significant bias exists – differences in the provision coverage ratio (PCR) reveal that banks must account for nearly double loan loss provisions for lending to non-brown sectors as compared to brown. We argue that this bias could be present in other model-based regulations, such as capital requirements, and possibly impact the ability of banks to fund green investments. Finally, we analyze the evidence and possible underlying mechanisms of this bias in risk-based regulations and present some avenues for further research.
Design and synthesis of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids as anticonvulsants
Authors: Abd-Allah Walaa , El-Maksoud Mohamed Samir Abd , Elbaset Marawan A. , Hessin Alyaa F. , Hassan Rasha Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Aiming to develop novel anticonvulsant agents a new series of novel cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrids series 8, 9 and 10 possessing the essential structure requirements for anticonvulsant activity was synthesized starting from cycloalkanones. All final target compounds were primary screened for chemically and electrically induced seizures using pentylenetetrazole “scPTZ” and maximal electroshock seizure “MES” models. In phase I anticonvulsant evaluation compounds 8b and 10b exhibited the highest potency among all the target compounds with 100% protection towards chemically induced seizures. Results of phase II anticonvulsant screening showed that compounds 8b and 10b are more potent than standard drug ethosuximide by about 11 and 9 fold, respectively. Regarding MES test, compounds 8b and 9a-d exhibited 100% protection with ED50 values ranged between 0.107–0.177 mmol/Kg. All final compounds did not display any signs of motor impairment in the neurotoxicity screening test. Also, compounds 8a, 9a-d and 10b were devoid of hepatotoxicity as shown by measurement of serum levels of liver enzymes, albumin as well as total protein. Moreover, the cyclohexyl derivative 10b produced a significant increase of Gamma-aminobutyric acid “GABA” brain’s content of mice compared to control group confirmed its GABAergic modulating activity. Molecular docking, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties were carried out for all compounds as well. These outcomes support that cycloalkanecarboxamide parabanic acid hybrid is a promising scaffold to pave the way towards further development of novel class of antiepileptic drugs.