bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lethal and Sublethal effects of Novaluron and Spinosad on developmental biology of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller)
Authors: Wabhitkar Mayur , Chandel R S , Sanjta Suman , Thakur Himanshu
Published: February 2023

Phthorimaea operculella(Zeller) is one of the most serious pests of potatoes. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of novaluron and spinosad on different life stages, developmental period and persistence of these insecticides in storage againstP. operculella. The bioassay studies revealed the LC50values of novaluron and spinosad against eggs were calculated to be 0.003 and 0.004 per cent, respectively. Against larvae, the LC50values of novaluron for I-IV instar larvae ofP. operculellawere calculated to be 0.001, 0.003, 0.009 and 0.01 percent, respectively. In case of spinosad, the LC50values for I-IV instar larvae were determined to be 0.0003, 0.0006, 0.001 and 0.002 per cent, respectively. Both novaluron and spinosad also revealed sublethal effects when one-day old eggs were treated. Maximum incubation period of 5.43 days and total larval period was observed with novaluron (0.0003%), compared to 4.20 days in control. The adult longevity was significantly affected, and the male and female longevity in novaluron treatment ranged 4.73 and 4.64 days. In control, the male and female longevity has been found to range from 6.2 and 5.56 days, respectively. The fecundity range was also significantly affected when treated with these two compounds. In storage experiment, minimum tuber damage (2.63%) was recorded in spinosad (0.01%), and novaluron (0.007%) registered 54.39 per cent tuber infestation, after 30 days of exposure.
Peripheral blood routine parameters-based MLP-ANN model discrimination of ulcerative colitis from Crohn's disease and prediction of disease activity
Authors: Pei Jingwen , Wu Yu , Li Yi , Shu Jing , Wang Guobing , Li Lan , Li Guangrong , Liu Jinbo , Tian Gang
Published: February 2023

Objective Peripheral blood routine parameters (PBRPs) are promising markers to reveal inflammatory response and immune function of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Therefore, this study aimed to discriminate ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), and predict the disease activity using a PBRPs-based multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (MLP-ANN) model. Methods An MLP-ANN model was established using 18 PBRPs from 146 CD patients, 88 UC patients and 505 healthy controls. The performance for UC and CD discrimination and prediction were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results The lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) is the most useful candidate marker in 18 PBRPs for screening IBD patients [AUC = 0.815, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.780–0.851, sensitivity 79.4%, specificity 73.5%]. The MLP-ANN model based on five optimal PBRPs exhibited well performance for UC and CD prediction (AUC = 0.971, 95% CI: 0.928–1, sensitivity 97.8%, specificity 98.6%, accuracy 97.5%). Besides, the MLP-ANN model exhibited superior performance on correctly predicting active and remissive UC patients (AUC = 0.979, 95% CI: 0.943–1.00, sensitivity 100%, specificity 85.3%, accuracy 95.5%) based on four optimal PBRPs, as well as active and remissive CD patients (AUC = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.737–0.927, sensitivity 78.0%, specificity 78.3%, accuracy 80.8%) based on five optimal PBRPs. Conclusion The PBRPs-based MLP-ANN model provides a simple, rapid and reliable tool for discriminating UC and CD and predicting the activity of both UC and CD patients.
Electro-Fenton process at semi-pilot scale. A study to scale up the reactor for industrial applications.
Authors: Chmayssem Ayman , AlChoubassi Ghaya , Taha Samir , Hauchard Didier
Published: February 2023

In this study, we report the development of the electro-Fenton (EF) process at a semi-pilot scale plant using an open undivided electrochemical reactor design. To do so, a series of three-dimensional (3D) cathodes constituted of packed and fixed bed of glassy carbon pellets and dimensionally stable anodes (DSA) are employed. To highlight the treatment efficiency of the EF process, bisphenol A (BPA), that is known to be a persistent molecule, is used as model molecule. First, the applied current intensity was studied and optimized in order to determine the limiting current of O2 reduction under hydrodynamics conditions of 0.6 m3.h-1. Then, the effect of cathode’s number on the removal efficiency of BPA versus time of electro-Fenton treatment was investigated. Many parameters were carried out using the EF reactor i.e., the effect of the initial pollutant concentration as well as the effect of the treatment flow rate. The obtained results demonstrate that the degradation efficiency of BPA increases with the cathode’s number increases and the pollution charge the decreases. Only few seconds of treatment by EF process were needed to eliminate BPA for the dilute solutions (≤ 10 mg.L-1). The biodegradability of the treated solution and its mineralization were also investigated by refereeing to the measurements of COD, TOC and BOD5. Finally, the scale-up strategy of the reactor design to an industrial pilot plant is discussed.
Downward migrating microplastics in lake sediments is a tricky indicator for the onset of the Anthropocene
Authors: Dimante-Deimantovica Inta , Saarni Saija , Barone Marta , Buhhalko Natalja , Stivrins Normunds , Suhareva Natalija , Tylmann Wojciech , Vianello Alvise , Vollertsen Jes
Published: February 2023

Plastics are a particulate novel material in Earth’s history. Due to its persistence and wide-range presence, it has a great potential of being a global age marker and correlation tool between sedimentary profiles. Hence, microplastics are currently considered among the array of proxies to delimit the Anthropocene Epoch (starting from the year 1950 and above). Here we present a study of microplastics deposition history inferred from sediment profiles of three lakes in north-eastern Europe. The sediments were dated with independent proxies from nowadays back to the first half of the 18th century. Surprisingly, regardless of the sediment layer age, we found microplastic particles throughout the cores in all sites. The factor driving microplastic particles to penetrate deeper in sediment layers appears to be particles' dimensional (aspect) ratio: less elongated particles tend to be transported deeper while more elongated particles and fibres have a decreased ability to be mobile. We conclude that interpretation of microplastics distribution in sediment profiles is ambiguous and does not strictly indicate the beginning of the Anthropocene Epoch.
The Relationship between Dietary Fat Intake and Depression: A Cross-sectional Study from NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Yang Ruifeng , Dong Yumei , Xie Yuan , Jing Qi , Song Xia , Liu Yan , Dang Xiangji
Published: February 2023

Background

Depression is a serious public mental health problem, and the mechanism of depression is not unequivocal. Previous studies show a detrimental relationship between trans fatty acid intake and depression risk. Furthermore, it is still unclear how diet-related fat intake and depression are related. Consequently, this study aimed to create a formula and scale to forecast the association between diet-related fat intake and depression.

Methods

A total of 5,746 samples from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in the study. Fat intake was assessed by 24h dietary recalls and summed for two days to prevent data bias. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9). Multivariate logistic regression and the generalized additive model (GAM) were used to analyze the relationship between dietary fat intake and depression.

Results

It was negatively correlated with a segmented regression model, and the threshold was 155.45 [β= -0.0077 (-0.0115, -0.0039), p < 0.0001]. After re-selecting the data (fat intake < 155.45 g/2 days) according to the inflection point (n = 3,391), the formula was y = y0 + Ae^(2x/t) (R-Square was 0.72967). The y is the PHQ9, and x is the dietary fat intake (g/day). The difference between the scale value and the actual PHQ9 score was not statistically significant in this investigation, which used a scale based on the Polychoric correlation (p=0.22499).

Conclusions

This study illustrates a negative association between fat intake and depression. Moreover, this negative association was explored in terms of quantitative relationships. The fitted formulas and scales were reasonable consistency, and both can be used for the dietary evaluation of depressed patients. By adjusting the diet, we can provide nutritional advice to depressed patients and reduce the risk of medication and the psychological stress of patients. Although Proper fat intake can reduce the severity of depression, we need to be alert to other problems caused by excessive fat intake, such as hypertension, diabetes, or atherosclerosis.
Genetic control factors of dense sandstone in the middle and deep layers of fault basin- Take the sub-member of Es1L in Suning area of Raoyang sag in Bohai Bay basin as an example
Authors: PU Qiongyao , WANG Ping , WANG Hongmei , XIE Jun , GUO Fajun , GUAN Huajiao , LI Ping , CUI Jie
Published: February 2023

This study takes the tight sandstone of the Es1L Submember in the Suning area, Raoyang Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, furthermore, it determines the rock type of the mid-deep tight sandstone through lithologic profiling, core observation and log data analysis. The genetic control factors of tight sandstone in the study area are analysed using conventional thin section, casting thin section and scanning electron microscope, and the characteristics and genetic control factors of tight sandstone reservoirs are summarised. The research results show that the tight sandstone rocks in this area are primarily feldspathic and lithic sandstone, with high quartz contents. The reservoir space is dominated by primary and secondary pores, which are characteristics of low-porosity and low-permeability reservoirs. Compaction is the primary reason for the poor physical properties of reservoir space, and the influence of cementation on reservoir physical properties differs in different periods. Sedimentary facies, reservoir physical properties and diagenesis control the development and distribution of tight sandstone reservoirs in this area. The results provide an important basis for guiding the exploration and development of tight sandstone oil and gas in the submember of Es1L in the Suning area.
Longitudinal changes in bone mineral density are associated with long-term survival in patients with cirrhosis: A proof of concept study
Authors: Agarwal Samagra , Sharma Sanchit , Grover Indu , Singh Namrata , Ahmed Syed , Saraya Anoop
Published: February 2023

Background
The impact of longitudinal changes in different body components measured via body composition analysis(BCA) on liver related outcomes in patients with cirrhosis is poorly understood. We evaluated the prognostic relevance these changes in body composition over 1 year in patients with cirrhosis with regard to their long-term outcomes.
Methods
This was a follow-up study of a randomised controlled trial evaluating changes in bone density measured via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA) upon vitamin-D supplementation. Patients with available anthropometric indices, fat mass(FM), fat-free mass(FFM), bone-density at lumbar spine(LD) and left femur-neck(FD)(assessed by T-score) at two time points 1 year apart were assessed for outcomes. The prognostic relevance of change in parameters like ΔFM, ΔFFM, ΔLD and ΔFD over 1 year was assessed and compared with baseline model for end stage liver disease(MELD) score.
Results
Patients with cirrhosis(n = 112) (mean age-41.8 ± 12 years, 58.5% males) were followed up for median duration of 5.7 years(IQR:3.5–5.7), with 5-year survival rate of 77%. On serial BCA, ΔLD(p = 0.029) and ΔFD(p = 0.003) emerged as significant predictors of survival whereas ΔFM(p = 0.479), ΔFFM(p = 0.245) and ΔBMI (p = 0.949) were not. The area under curve of ΔLD and MELD score for predicting survival was 0.636(0.5-0.773) and 0.664(0.555–0.773), respectively. ΔFD < 0.1 over 1 year had sensitivity and specificity of 70.4% and 56.5% to predict poor survival. Combination of ΔFD, MELD and ascites predicted 5-yr survival with an optimism-corrected c-statistic of 0.785.
Conclusion
Among body composition parameters, changes in bone mineral density correlate best with long-term survival with prognostic relevance similar to that of ascites and MELD score.
The Impact of Sex and Biological Maturation on Physical Fitness in Youth Badminton Players
Authors: Fernandez-Fernandez Jaime , Alvarez-Dacal Francisco , Hernández-Davó Jose Luis , Granacher Urs
Published: February 2023

Background.The main objective of this study was to examine the impact of maturity-status and sex on physical fitness in young badminton players.Methods.Eighty-one badminton players were enrolled in this study (39 boys, 42 girls; age: 12.7±1.4 years, body height: 153.5±10.5 cm, body mass: 48.3±13.2 kg) participated in the study and were divided into Pre-PHV (n=31), Circa-PHV (n=29) and Post-PHV (n=21) groups. Fitness tests included speed (5, 10-m), modified 5-0-5 CoD test (CoD deficit (CODD%)), an on-court CoD test, and countermovement jump (CMJ) test.Results.Pre-PHV players presented lower levels of performance (p<0.001; ES: 1.81-1.21) than Post-PHV in CMJ, linear sprints (5, 10-m) and both CoD tests. In addition, compared to Circa-PHV, Pre-PHV players demonstrated moderately lower performances in 10-m sprint and CoD tests (p<0.05; ES: 0.65-1.00). Regarding the CODD%, no between-group differences were found. Irrespective of the maturity status, boys outperformed girls in CMJ (p=0.01; ES: 0.71), linear sprint speed (p<0.05, ES:0.52-0.77), and the modified 505 test (p=0.01; ES: 0.71). Findings showed significant sex-by-maturity interactions only for the Pre-PHV group, with higher training volumes in boys than girls. In addition, sex-related performance differences were large for most measures, except for CODD%.Conclusions.Our results imply that maturity status (i.e., PHV) and not chronological age should be used to design training programs. Finally, female youth badminton players should receive specifically targeted exercise interventions based on their fitness status and needs.
Possible involvement of silent mutations in cancer pathogenesis and evolution
Authors: Kikutake Chie , Suyama Mikita
Published: February 2023

Background Recent studies have shown that some silent mutations can be harmful to various processes. In this study, we performed a comprehensivein silicoanalysis to elucidate the effects of silent mutations on cancer pathogenesis using exome sequencing data derived from the Cancer Genome Atlas. We focused on the codon optimality scores of silent mutations, which were defined as the difference between the optimality of synonymous codons, calculated using the codon usage table. Results The relationship between cancer evolution and silent mutations showed that the codon optimality score of the mutations that occurred later in carcinogenesis was significantly higher than of those that occurred earlier. In addition, mutations with higher scores were enriched in genes involved in the cell cycle and cell division, while those with lower scores were enriched in genes involved in apoptosis and cellular senescence. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that some silent mutations can be involved in cancer pathogenesis.
Clinical Efficacy of Anti-programmed Death Ligand 1 Immunotherapy Combined with Chemoradiotherapy in the Treatment of Limited-stage Small Cell Lung Cancer and Its Effect on Serum Tumor Markers and T Lymphocyte Subsets
Authors: Lu Zhaoxue , Li Shuai , Li Ying , Zhang Xuguang
Published: February 2023

Objective.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of chemoradiotherapy combined with anti-programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunotherapy in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 42 patients treated at Xuzhou Cancer Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from June 2020 to February 2022. Patients receiving CRT were included in the control group(n = 22), whereas patients receiving PD-L1 combined with CRT were enrolled in the study group(n = 20). The Progression free survival (PFS), adverse reactions (AEs), and short-time clinical effectiveness of the two groups were observed.
Results
. Compared with the control group, the disease-control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR) in the study group were substantially higher than that of control group (95.00% vs 90.9%,90.00% vs 72.73%; p > 0.05). The serum of levels of Pro GRP, NSE and CYFRA21-1 in the two groups considerably lower after treatment (p < 0.05), and the serum levels of Pro GRP and NSE in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). whereas CEA and CYFRA21-1 were not significantly changed (p > 0.05). Following therapy, CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in both groups increased dramatically (p < 0.05), whereas CD8+ were not significantly changed, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The incidence of gastrointestinal, respiratory, blood and immune-related adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups (p > 0.05). The median follow-up time was 14.2 months (study group) and 15.3 months (control group). Anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy significantly improved PFS (p < 0.05). The median PFS in the control group for the first-line treatment patients was 8.7months [95% CI,7.5–10.5 months], whereas for the study group median PFS was not reached. The mean PFS of study group substantially longer than of the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
. our data support that anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy plus chemoradiotherapy has a good and safe and curative effect on LS-SCLC patients and it can be worth of clinical application.
Deferiprone Promoted Remyelination and Functional Recovery through Enhancement of Oligodendrogenesis in Experimental Demyelination Animal Model
Authors: Rayatpour Atefeh , Foolad Forough , Javan Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Remyelination refers to myelin regeneration, which reestablishes metabolic supports to axons. However, remyelination often fails in multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to chronic demyelination and axonal degeneration. Therefore, pharmacological approaches toward enhanced remyelination are highly demanded. Recently, deferiprone (DFP) was reported to exert neuroprotective effects, besides its iron-chelating ability. Since DFP exerts protective effects through various mechanisms, which share several factors with myelin formation process, we aimed to investigate the effects of DFP treatment on remyelination. Focal demyelination was induced by injection of lysolecithin, into the optic nerve of male C57BL/6J mice. The animals were treated with DFP/vehicle, starting from day 7 and continued during the myelin repair period. Histopathological, electrophysiological and behavioral studies were used to evaluate the outcomes. Results showed that DFP treatment enhanced remyelination, decreased g-ratio and increased myelin thickness. At the mechanistic level, DFP enhanced oligodendrogenesis and ameliorated gliosis during the remyelination period. Furthermore, our results indicated that enhanced remyelination led to functional recovery as evaluated by the electrophysiological and behavioral tests. Even though the exact molecular mechanisms by which DFP enhanced myelin repair remain to be elucidated, these results raise the possibility of using deferiprone as a therapeutic agent for remyelination therapy in MS.
Blue light exposure promotes reactive oxygen stress, apoptosis and suppresses viability, migration and wound healing of cornea via inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in corneal epithelial cells.
Authors: Chen Kuangqi , Yang Qianjie , Li Jiafeng , Xia Yutong , Jin Le , Yu Xin , Zhang Liyue , Wen Yingying , Li Xiang , Xie Chen , Shan Suyan , Wang Xiawei , Tong jianping , Shen Ye
Published: February 2023

Background
Blue light (400 nm -480 nm), is a main source of eye damage emitted by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Excessive blue light exposure has been shown to cause damage in cornea. This study aimed to investigate the effects of blue light exposure on phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway and metabolic abnormalities and tissue damage via PI3K/AKT signaling in human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs) and mice corneal tissues.
Method
The effects on blue light damage in hCECs were investigated by using qRT-PCR, WB, cell scratch assay, and cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay. The effects on blue light damage in vivo were investigated by using corneal fluorescein sodium staining.
Result
We revealed that blue light exposure caused the promotion of cell apoptosis, the increase of ROS and suppression of cell migration, proliferation and viability through the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/protein 70 kDa S6 Kinase (p70S6K) signaling pathway in hCECs in vitro. Furthermore, blue light exposure also induced the corneal epithelial defects and delayed corneal epithelial wound healing in mice cornea in vivo.
Conclusion
Collectively, this study suggests that PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be an important target for the treatment of corneal epithelial damage caused by blue light exposure.
Performance Analysis and Direction of Arrival(DOA) Estimation of various Beamforming schemes for Quality Signal Reception in 5G Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Amin Zareena , Kumar Naresh , Dubey Subhash
Published: February 2023

Fifth Generation (5G) wireless communication is an ecosystem of technological advancements involving a multitude of domains. These domains include Augmented Reality (AR), Internet of Things (IoT), Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communication, Health IoT (H-IoT), Financial Technology (FinTech) etc. A multi-gigabit network architecture capable of offering data rates of the order of Gigabits per second (Gbps) is expected due to the enormous increase in the number of connected devices. 5G wireless communication systems are enough to accommodate the unavoidable explosion in user data traffic and area-wise connection densities. New and advanced signal processing techniques are used at both the transmitter and receiver sides to meet the growing data needs of the end-users without any outage. These techniques include precoding, zero forcing, Diversity, Beamforming, Relaying, Filtering, Combining, etc. In this paper, we studied and verified different beamforming techniques like Minimum Variance Distortionless Response (MVDR) Beamformer, Beamscan or Beam steering technique Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) algorithm, and Linearly Constrained Minimum Variance (LCMV) Beamformer. The diversity order of the antenna elements has also been taken care of and the Direction of Arrival (DOA) estimation of the incoming signals at the receiver’s end is carried out. Also, simulations are carried out to determine DOA estimation in presence of positional errors and multiple closely placed signal sources for the above-mentioned algorithms. While carrying out the simulation, we considered the two spatial geometries of the phased antenna array system viz-a-viz Uniform Linear Array (ULA) and Uniform Rectangular Array (URA). We also calculated the Bit Error Rate (BER) of the modulation schemes employed and visualized the effect of beamforming on BER at the receiver’s end.
The Annual Quality Assurance of Linear Accelerator using a Stealth Chamber: A Comparison between a Transmission-type and Farmer-type Chamber
Authors: Choi Donghyeok , Kim Jin Sung , Lee Rena , Ahn Sohyun , Ahn Woo Sang
Published: February 2023

The purpose of our study is to establish an efficient quality assurance (QA) procedure using a Stealth Chamber—a reference signal detector—as a field chamber. Among the annual QA items, relative dosimetry items such as monitor unit linearity, output constancy according to dose rate, and output constancy according to gantry angle, and the output factor according to the field size were measured and compared with the results of the Farmer-type chamber for True Beam and Halcyon. In addition, output measurement was performed for each field size to evaluate the applicability to small fields. The results obtained using the Stealth Chamber for all items, except for the output constancy according to the gantry angle, were in good agreement with that obtained using the Farmer-type chamber within 1.0%. In the measurement of output constancy items according to gantry angle, the stealth chamber had an error of up to 1.1%, while the Farmer-type chamber had an error of up to 2.7%. The Stealth Chamber had a difference of up to 6% output factor, and in the case of CC13 Ionization Chamber, there was a difference of up to 13% output factor in a small field of 1 x 1 cm2. Our study confirmed the possibility of performing relative dosimetry measurement items among QA items using stealth chambers, especially useful for small field dosimetry of equipment without light fields such as halcyon.
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: Risk Factors, Severity and Quality of Life Among Patients with Cancer
Authors: Omran Suha , Al-Shara Abdel Razzaq
Published: February 2023

Purpose A significant side effect of cancer treatment is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN). CIPN can have a serious negative impact on the patient’s quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to assess the severity, risk factors, and QOL in cancer patients with CIPN.
Methods A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Military Oncology Center/ Royal Medical Services. A total of 175 oncology patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Data on demographic and clinical characteristics, CIPN severity, risk factors, and QOL were collected through structured questionnaires.
Results The average age of the participants was 53.31 years (SD= 14.98), and 54% of them were females. Most had undergone numerous toxic chemotherapies as part of their treatment. Participants reported a moderate level of QOL. The following factors were identified as predictors of QOL by multivariable linear regression analyses: (F=8.635; R2 = 3.328; P <.00), including Fact/GOG-Ntx total score (β=.259; P< .00), sites of cancer metastasis (β=-.318; P .00), previous radiotherapy treatment (β= -.177; P<.02), and alcohol consumption (β=-.246; P< .00). Predictors of CIPN severity were: (F=8.635; R2 = .504; P <.00), Fact/GOG-Ntx total score (β=0.37; P< .00), sites of cancer metastasis (β=.265; P .00), current radiotherapy treatment (β= -.325; P<.00), and current chemotherapy (β=-.131; P< .03).
Conclusions Participants with a heavy burden of severe CIPN symptoms had worse overall health and quality of life. To enable the establishment of further preventative and therapeutic management measures, it is crucial to recognize risk factors.
An investigation of the expression of the NKX2-1 gene in nodular goiter
Authors: Javadirad Seyed-Morteza
Published: February 2023

Background
The reported risk of papillary thyroid cancer among patients with benign nodular goiter is variable. Therefore, understanding the cause of goiters can assist in their management. No consensus has been reached regarding the genetic factors that influence the development of nodular goiter. The objective of this study was to determine the expression level of NKX2-1 in benign goiter tumors.
Methods
A case-control study was conducted on 18 samples of fresh goiter tissue collected during thyroidectomy in Isfahan, Iran and 18 samples of healthy tissue around the goiter. Following extraction of RNA, cDNA was synthesized. RT-qPCR was used to determine the expression of NKX2-1 using specific primers (exon-junction and intron-spanning).
Results
The extracted RNAs were intact and suitable for cDNA synthesis. Melting curve analysis revealed distinct amplifications of the NKX2-1 gene. A significant difference was observed in the level of expression of NKX2-1 between nodular goiter and adjacent healthy tissues (relative expression = 1.172, p = 0.04).
Conclusion
It was found that the expression of NKX2-1 was different between nodular goiter tissues and adjacent healthy tissues.
Single-cell sequencing reveals the optimal time window for anti-inflammatory treatment in spinal cord injury
Authors: Ye Jingjia , Wen Zhengfa , Wu Tianxin , Chen Liangliang , Sheng Lingchao , Wang Chenhuan , Teng Chong , Wu Bingbing , Xu Jian , Wei Wei
Published: February 2023

Neuroinflammation is a necessary response to spinal cord injury (SCI) as it helps to clear antigens and promote tissue repair. However, excessive inflammation can result in the death of cells and axon dieback. The efficacy of anti-inflammatory medication in clinical treatment is still up for debate due to inappropriate therapeutic scheduling that does not align with the biological process of immune response. A better understanding of the immune process is crucial for effective anti-inflammatory therapeutics, but it is challenged by cellular heterogeneity and complex cellular functions. To address this, we conducted a single-cell RNA sequencing study and profiled tissue proximity to the injury site at various time points after SCI. Based on our analysis of single-cell data and histochemistry observations, we recommend an appropriate time window of 1-3 days post-injury for anti-inflammatory medication treatment. We also verified the mechanism of MPSS, a typical anti-inflammatory medication, which was found to inhibit the activation of cells with pro-inflammatory phenotypes by downregulating pathways such as TNF, IL2, and MIF. These pathways could be potential targets for anti-inflammatory treatment. In summary, we recommend a therapeutic schedule of 1-3 days post-injury to argue against classical early pulse therapy and provide potential pathways for target therapy in the future.
Prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria and recommendations for therapeutic appropriateness in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Suárez María Del Mar Sánchez , Roldán Alicia Martín , Cuenca Maria Rosa Cantudo , Morales Alberto Jiménez
Published: February 2023

Purpose
The ageing population with multiple sclerosis could be related to potentially inappropriate medication prescriptions, drug-drug interactions and therapeutic non-adherence. The PIMDINAC criteria aim to jointly analyse these problems. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in a multiple sclerosis population aged 55 years or older.
Methods
Observational, cross-sectional study that included patients over 55 years of age in pharmacotherapy follow-up between November 2022 and January 2023. The main variable was the percentage of compliance with the PIMDINAC criteria.
Results
95 patients were included, detecting the presence of PIMDINAC criteria in 67.4%. The most frequently detected was non-adherence to concomitant treatment in 84.4% of cases followed by drug-drug interactions in 56.2% and potentially inappropriate medication in 25%. The number of drugs and polypharmacy were related to a higher occurrence of PIMDINAC criteria. A total of 20 pharmaceutical interventions were performed in 17 patients (17.9%), PIM criteria were responsible for 11 interventions, NAC for 7 and DI for 2. Of the 11 interventions on PIM criteria, 9 (81.8%) were accepted resulting in the discontinuation of 15 drugs that were appropriately prescribed.
Conclusion
The prevalence of PIMDINAC criteria in elderly MS patients is high.
Dietary intake of recreational cyclists: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Cruz Grazielle Sardeiro , Silva Danielle Cristina Guimarães da , Cunha Marcela de Sá Barreto da
Published: February 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the dietary intake of recreational cyclists.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 34 recreational cyclists of both sexes, aged between 20 and 59 years, from Western Bahia, who had practiced cycling for over a year. Food intake was evaluated by performing two sets of 24-hour food recall. The data of nutrient intake were compared with the existing recommendations for the sport and the Dietary Reference Intakes for micronutrient.
Results: Women had low intake of carbohydrates and lipids, while men had low intake of carbohydrates. Cyclists of both sexes had low intake of dietary fiber. As regards micronutrient intake, men had prevalence of inadequacy higher than 50% for calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, and vitamin E intake. Meanwhile, women had high prevalence of inadequacy calcium, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin E intake.
Conclusion:Our data show that recreational cyclists tend to have inadequate dietary intake, which can influence their health and sports performance.
Study on the effect of excavation sequence of three-hole shield tunnel on surface settlement and segment deformation
Authors: wang you , Dai Fang , Ding Bosong , Zhong Ming , Zhang Heng
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of excavation sequence of three-hole parallel shield tunnel on surface settlement and segment convergence, this paper conducts theoretical analysis and numerical simulation to find the optimal excavation sequence of three-hole parallel shield tunnel. Firstly, a "three-stage analysis method" is proposed to calculate the surface settlement of the three-hole parallel tunnel. This method is based on Peck’s formula and uses the first tunnel monitoring values as the base data to obtain the single tunnel surface settlement curve. The additional settlement curve is determined by the relationship between the repeat disturbance range and the line spacing. The single tunnel settlement curve and the additional settlement curve are offset and superimposed to obtain the total settlement curve. Then, using a shield interval in Jiangsu, China as the engineering background, FLAC3D was used to simulate the three-hole parallel shield tunnel in "right-center-left", "right-left-center", "center-left-right ", "right-center (reverse)-left", and analyze the surface deformation law and segment deformation law caused by these four working conditions. For the surface settlement law, it is found that the width of settlement trough caused by different excavation sequences is basically the same. However, there are differences in the maximum settlement values caused by the ground surface. The maximum settlement value obtained by numerical simulation is -11.8 mm, while the maximum settlement value predicted by the formula of "three-stage analysis method" is -11.66 mm, and the error is 1.46% and 0.25% respectively compared with the maximum settlement value of -11.63 mm obtained by fitting the measured fitting data. For the segment deformation law, the tunnel deformation caused by different excavation sequences changed from the standard circular shape to an ellipse with flat top and bottom and wide ends. However, there are differences in the offset process and the final segment convergence values. To integrate the surface settlement and segment convergence offset, and to consider economic factors such as construction efficiency and efficiency, the excavation sequence selection in the actual construction process gives priority to the excavation sequence of Case 4, i.e., the three tunnels are excavated in S-shaped sequence. The second choice is Case 1, i.e., the three tunnels are excavated sequentially. It can provide reference for the actual construction.
Pollutant concentration prediction from traffic data analysis for concrete durability studies in Madrid Calle 30 urban tunnels
Authors: de Abajo Lucia Lopez , Alberti Marcos G. , Galvez Jaime C.
Published: February 2023

The possibility of assessing and predicting the concrete damage is essential in order to apply an adequate and accurate maintenance and reparation policy for infrastructure management. In urban tunnels, concrete is exposed to pollutant emissions from the engines of the vehicles which can cause neutralization issues that may lead to the corrosion of the steel reinforcement. As pollutant concentration is an indispensable parameter to evaluate and forecast concrete neutralization damage, the aim of this work was to quantify gas concentrations inside an urban tunnel based on available traffic intensity data. This study was carried out performing in-situ concentration measures, comparing these values with available traffic data during the same period and developing a traffic intensity study to obtain the total concentrations at which the infrastructure had been exposed since its construction. This analysis was performed in a ventilation gallery of the Madrid Calle 30 tunnels as a part of a study in development with the aim of determining the service lifespan of the structure based on a predictive numerical model for concrete carbonation.
Examination of Current Landslide Areas and Improving the Landslide Inventory Map With the Multi-sar Images
Authors: Kadi Fatih , Saralioglu Ekrem
Published: February 2023

This study aims to examine current landslide areas, improve the landslide inventory map (LIM) and identify new unreported landslide areas with the help of SNAP-StaMPS/MTI integration. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the PSI points in the region had velocity values between -19 mm/year and +20 mm/year. Statistical analyses of the PSI points falling into the landslide areas were revealed by overlaying the PSI points with the existing landslide inventory map produced. There are a total of 3653 PSI points falling into landslide areas. In addition, the surface model was produced with the help of kriging interpolation using the position and velocity information of the PSI points. Eight new landslide areas with a total of 832 hectares have been identified. In addition, these new landslide areas were examined in terms of slope degree and soil groups by overlapping with land use capability maps. As a result of the examination, it was observed that all new landslide areas were located on landslide-prone areas. In this way, using the methodology specified in this study, SAR images and existing landslide areas have been updated in a low-cost, wide area and accurately.
The structure-activity interactions of Cu/Zn, In/Pd and Fe/K catalysts supported on mesoporous SBA-15; CO2 Hydrogenation at Low Pressure
Authors: Abelniece Zane , Cutrufello Maria Giorgia , Rombi Elisabetta , Stanke Agija , Piirsoo Helle-Mai , Mändar Hugo , Tamm Aile
Published: February 2023

To minimize greenhouse gas emissions, efficient carbon dioxide capture and utilization need to be addressed. In this study, to determine the structure-activity interplay, three different promising catalytic systems for the CO2 hydrogenation process were synthesized using mesoporous silica SBA-15 as a support material: copper-based catalyst with zinc, indium-based catalyst with palladium and iron-based catalyst with potassium. The role of metal–metal oxide interaction has been showed. The use of Cu/Zn catalytic system and SBA-15 allowed to obtain very small crystallite size of tenorite and zinc oxide, good dispersion of active phases with strong basic sites. In order to find the most effective catalyst providing the maximal methanol yield and selectivity, these catalytic systems were compared under the same reaction conditions (250°C, 20 bar, H2 to CO2 molar ratio 4 to 1) using fixed-bed tubular micro-activity reactor. Results showed that the highest methanol yield can be obtained with Cu/Zn/SBA-15 catalyst as might be expected according to obtained characterization.
Ulinastatin Ameliorates Cardiac Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting the tissue kallikrein-kinin system
Authors: Ran Xiao , Ruan Hang , Li Shu-sheng , Wu Rongxue , Luo Ailin , Zhang Qin
Published: February 2023

Endothelial cells (ECs) are considered more sensitive to cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury compared to cardiomyocytes. However, current research is mainly focused on molecular mechanisms and preventive strategies targeting cardiomyocyte I/R injury, whereas insufficient attention is placed on protecting endothelial function. In this study, we established an interlink among ulinastatin (UIT; a serine protease inhibitor), the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), and EC injury in response to cardiac reperfusion for the first time, using in vitro and in vivo experiments, and bioinformatic analysis. Our data indicated that UTI affected I/R by inhibiting the activation of KKS and simultaneously down-regulating both bradykinin receptor 1 (Bdkrb1) and bradykinin receptor 2 (Bdkrb2) related signaling such as extracellularsignal–regulated kinase (ERK)/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), thereby reducing infarct size, attenuating inflammation and edema, and improving cardiac function and mortality. Interestingly, UIT significantly suppressed KLK1 activity but did not down-regulate the KKS in normal conditions, suggesting inhibition of KLK1 might be the crucial mechanism for UIT-induced cardioprotection in reperfusion injury. Moreover, knockdown of Bdkrb1 in reperfusion-induced cardiac endothelial cells (MCECs) injury significantly prevented ERK translocation into the nucleus, reducing apoptosis, junction disruption, and expression levels of cytokines, whereas Bdkrb2 deletion could not protect MCECs against I/R injury. Thus, our findings imply that inhibition of KLK1/Bdkrb1 is a critical target for UIT in the treatment of reperfusion-induced cardiac endothelial inflammation, apoptosis, and leakage and might be a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiac reperfusion injury.
Stability analysis of integer-order and fractional-order malware spread models on WSNs
Authors: Hoang Manh Tuan
Published: February 2023

In a recent work [J. D. Hernández Guillén, A. Martín del Rey, A mathematical model for malware spread on WSNs with population dynamics, Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications 545(2020) 123609], an integer-order model for the spread of malicious code on wireless sensor networks was introduced and analyzed. The global asymptotic stability (GAS) of the disease-endemic equilibrium (DEE) point was only resolved partially under technical hypotheses. In the present work, we use a simple approach, which is based on a suitable family of Lyapunov functions in combination with characteristics of Volterra-Lyapunov stable matrices, to establish the GAS of the DEE point. Consequently, we obtain a simple and easily-verified condition for the DEE point of the integer-order model to be globally asymptotically stable. In addition, we generalize the inter-order model by considering it in the context of the Caputo fractional derivative. After that, the proposed approach is utilized to analyze the GAS of the fractional-order model. The result is that the GAS of the DEE point of the fractional-order model is also established. As an important consequence, the advantage of the present approach is shown. Finally, the theoretical findings are supported by numerical and illustrative examples, which indicate that the numerical results are consistent with the theoretical ones.
2010 MSC: 34C60, 34D05, 33C75, 37N99
Single-center Experience of Robotic-Assisted Donor Nephrectomy with Transvaginal Extraction
Authors: Rofaiel George , Forandi Katalin , Aviles-Ovalle Leonardo , Baker Nick , Molnar Miklos , Hall Isaac , Adelman Marisa , Hopwood Caleb
Published: February 2023

Purpose
Living donation provides the best available treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This technique has slowly evolved over the years. Continued innovation is still needed to provide safe, low-complication, and less-invasive surgery for living donors. In this descriptive paper we aim to report on our center’s experience.
Methods:
101 female patients donating their kidney between July 2019 and June 2022 were included in this single center retrospective study. 64 patients had hand assisted donor nephrectomy (HDN), 29 robotic assisted donor nephrectomy (RDN) and 8 patients received RDN with transvaginal extraction (TVE). Therapeutic donors (n=4) were excluded from this cohort. Demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data including short term, 6 months and 12 months donor and recipient outcomes were collected from electronic health records.
Results:
This cohort consisted of mostly Caucasian women with a mean BMI of 27±5 kg/m2. RND-TVE patients were older, had more history of abdominal surgeries, were more likely postmenopausal and all of them had simple hilar anatomy. Only the HDN group included patients with complex hilar anatomy. Mean operative time and total post-operative opioid usage was higher in the HDN-TVE group. Estimated median blood loss was comparable in all groups. There were minimal procedurally related intraoperative or postoperative complications reported in the cohort.
Conclusions:
Overall, RDN with TVE seems to offer low morbidity risk for a very highly functional, female patients. The utilization of computer-assisted surgery has provided an advantage in making this surgery more achievable with few complications for living donors.
Role of nerve growth factor on cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease patients carrying apolipoprotein E ε4
Authors: He Mingyue , Lian Tenghong , Guo Peng , Zhang Wenjing , Huang Yue , Zhang Yanan , Liu Gaifen , Zhang Weijiao , Li Jinghui , Guan Huiying , Zhang Weijia , Luo Dongmei , Qi Jing , Yue Hao , Liu Zhan , Wang Xiaomin , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

Background
Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 and neurotrophic factors are related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to investigate roles of neurotrophic factors on cognition in AD patients carrying APOE ε4.
Methods
173 AD patients were divided into the APOE ε4 carrier and the APOE ε4 non-carrier groups. Demographics, cognition, and neurotrophic factors in CSF were compared between two groups. Correlations among APOE ε4, neurotrophic factors, and cognition were analysed.
Results
55 AD patients carried APOE ε4. Global cognition and multiple domains were impaired in the APOE ε4 carrier group. Nerve growth factor (NGF) in CSF from the APOE ε4 carrier group were decreased. NGF correlated with global cognition and multiple domains. NGF mediated associations between APOE ε4 and language, attention/executive function. All P < 0.05.
Conclusion
In AD, APOE ε4 is associated with cognitive impairment and patients carrying APOE ε4 have decreased NGF in CSF. Declined NGF correlates with compromised cognition. NGF mediates APOE ε4-related cognitive impairment.