bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-response Optimization of Turning Process Parameters of Ss 304 Sheet Metal Component Using the Entropy-gra-dear
Authors: Ghongade Harshvardhan P , Bhadre Anjali
Published: September 2023

The SS 304 turning operation machining specifications are thoroughly investigated. In order to find the optimum with parametric together for a minimal production time and an appropriate tool life, this research examines multi-objective turning process optimization. Turning factors include depth of cut, cutting speed, and feed rate. Traditional methods, such as manufacturing choices, professional judgement, and customer demands, lead to higher quality for one manufacturing using local solutions, while making concessions with the others. The ENTROPY technique eliminates the limitations of conventional practises outlined above and determines weight components based on exploratory data for each yield. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Gray Relation Analysis based ranking are the two approaches used for multi-target improvement (DEAR). The GRA system allows for the allocation of weight divisions for each yield by the challenging solution. Remember that the precision of the arrangement contrasts with the distribution of weight among the various yields. To calculate the ideal degrees of each factor and their commitments, the total values established by techniques DEAR and ENTROPY-GRA were employed.
Von Willebrand factor as a potential predictive biomarker of early complications of endothelial origin after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.
Authors: Vankeerbergen Marine , Vanlangendonck Nicolas , Straetmans Nicole , Lambert Catherine , Hermans Cedric , Poire Xavier , Dachy Guillaume
Published: September 2023

Transplant-associated endothelial complication (TA-EC) are life-threatening complications after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) and include thrombotic microangiopathy, systemic and pulmonary syndromes. There is no validated biomarker to predict them. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the role of von Willebrand factor (VWF) as a predictive biomarker of TA-EC on 127 adult alloHCT recipients. 28 patients (22%) had at least one endothelial-related complication within a four-week window after alloHCT. All conditioning regimens induced both synthesis and activation of VWF. VWF:RCo ≥200% on day -4 of alloHCT was associated with TA-EC, and sepsis, as well as elevated EASIX score and CRP levels in univariate analyses. Multivariate analyses showed that only VWF:RCo retained an independent impact. VWF:RCo, EASIX and CRP constituted risk factors for survival and non-relapse mortality in univariate analyses, even in patients not developing TA-EC. Multivariate analyses confirmed the impact of the biomarkers. RNA sequencing data from 113 patients from the BEAT AML cohort who underwent alloHCT confirmed the prognostic impact of VWF gene expression. Our findings show that conditioning regimens increase VWF:Ag and VWF:RCo in alloHCT. Moreover, VWF:Rco ≥200% on day -4 appears to be a biomarker of endothelial vulnerability and a risk factor for endothelial-related complications and overal survival.
African swine fever virus infected host tissue transcriptome signatures revealed differential expression of associated oncogenes
Authors: Deb Rajib , Sengar Gyanendra Singh , Sonowal Joyshikh , Pegu Seema Rani , Das Pranab Jyoti , Singh Indra , Chakravarti Soumendu , Selvaradjou Arutkumaran , Attupurum Nitin , Rajkhowa Swaraj , Gupta Vivek Kumar
Published: September 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a continual economical threat to the global piggery sector. The host immune evasion caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV) is well understood. However, the ASF virus's significance in oncogenesis is uncertain. In the present study, ASFV infected kidney tissue samples were subjected for Illumina based transcriptome analysis. A total of 2010 upregulated and 149 downregulated genes were identified to be differentially expressed (p-value < 0.05) in ASFV infected porcine kidney tissues. Review of literature survey revealed that the majority of the differentially expressed host genes in death animal tissue samples were related with oncogenic properties. Protein-protein network analysis idented that pathway associated with functional enrichment for basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer and gastric cancer. Host-viral interaction revealed that upregulated oncogenic RELA (p65 transcription factor) protein of sus scrofa can interact with A238L protein of ASFV. qRT-PCR experiments for different up and down regulated oncogenes, including MEX-3D, MAIP1, ZNF618, CCDC105, MOSPD2, FAM98B, FGFR4, GRKs, SPDYC, and SOCS, were done using H3F3A as the housekeeping gene to assess the correctness of RNA-Seq data. The levels of gene expression indicated by qRT-PCR were extremely similar to those determined by RNA-Seq. Differentially expressed host oncogene profiles in ASFV clinical symptoms may be a good indicator for the integration of additional repositories in the pathogenesis of ASFV. However, further research is needed to produce proof of concept for ASFV's oncogenic characteristic.
Characterizations and melting analysis of (amine) group functionalized graphene mixed/doped with paraffin wax as Phase change Material for thermal management and thermal energy storage applications
Authors: Nagar Sumit
Published: September 2023

Herein, the energy storage performance of amine (NH2) functionalized graphene mixed with paraffin wax (PW) which is phase change material (PCM) is studied .This advanced energy material is also characterized using techniques like FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDS, TGA, DSC, thermal conductivity and, thermal diffusivity tests which helps in determining the structure and properties and without which no understanding of this advance engineering materials could be done. The amine functionalized graphene is mixed with PW in four different volume percentages like 0.25 volume %, 0.5 volume %, 0.75 volume %, and, 1 volume %. and its thermal performance is measured in terms of accumulated or stored energy at three different flow rates 6.25 ml/s, 12.5 ml/s and 25ml/s of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) which is water, passing through the spiral coiled heat exchanger surrounded by this hybrid PCM. This apparatus for measuring the thermal energy stored is known as Thermal energy storage system (TESS). In case of NH2 functionalized graphene mixed with paraffin wax the charging(melting) time decreases by 12.5–43.75% for the HTF flow rate 6.25 ml/s, 13.33–53.34% for HTF flow rate 12.5 ml/s, and 23.07–61.5% for the HTF flow rate 25 ml/s over pure paraffin wax owing to increasing percentage and thermal conductivity of NH2 group functionalized graphene in paraffin wax.
Enhanced sensitivity to disease progression using digital health technologies in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Czech Matthew , Badley Darryl , Yang Liuqing , Shen Jie , Crouthamel Michelle , Kangarloo Tairmae , Dorsey Ray , Adams Jamie , Cosman Josh
Published: September 2023

Digital health technologies show promise for improving the measurement of Parkinson’s disease in clinical research and trials. However, it currently isn’t clear whether digital measures demonstrate enhanced sensitivity to disease progression compared to traditional measurement approaches. To this end, we develop a wearable sensor-based digital algorithm for deriving features of upper and lower-body bradykinesia and establish clinical validity by investigating convergent validity with appropriate clinical constructs, known groups validity, and test-retest reliability. Importantly, we demonstrate superior sensitivity of digital measures for distinguishing 1-year longitudinal change in early-stage PD relative to corresponding clinical constructs. Our results demonstrate the potential of digital health technologies to enhance sensitivity to disease progression relative to existing measurement standards and may constitute the basis for use as drug development tools in clinical research.
A Naturalistic Study Comparing the Efficacy of Unilateral and Bilateral Sequential Theta Burst Stimulation in Treating Major Depression – The U-B-D Study Protocol
Authors: Watson Molly , Chaves Arthur R. , Gebara Abir , Desforges Manon , Broomfield Antoinette , Landry Noémie , Lemoyne Alexandra , Shim Stacey , Drodge Jessica , Cuda Jennifer , Kiaee Nasim , Nasr Youssef , Carleton Christophe , Daskalakis Zafiris J. , Taylor Reggie , Tuominen Lauri , Brender Ram , Antochi Ruxandra , McMurray Lisa , Tremblay Sara
Published: September 2023

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition affecting millions worldwide, leading to disability and reduced quality of life. MDD poses a global health priority due to its early onset and association with other disabling conditions. Available treatments for MDD exhibit varying effectiveness, and a substantial portion of individuals remain resistant to treatment. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), applied to the left and/or right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), is an alternative treatment strategy for those experiencing treatment-resistant MDD. The objective of this study is to investigate whether this newer form of rTMS, namely theta burst stimulation (TBS), when performed unilaterally or bilaterally, is efficacious in treatment-resistant MDD. Methods: In this naturalistic, randomized double-blinded non-inferiority trial, participants with a major depressive episode will be randomized to receive either unilateral (i.e., continuous TBS [cTBS] to the right and sham TBS to the left DLPFC) or bilateral sequential TBS (i.e., cTBS to the right and intermittent TBS [iTBS] to the left DLPFC) delivered 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks. Responders will move onto a 6-month flexible maintenance phase where TBS treatment will be delivered at a decreasing frequency depending on degree of symptom mitigation. Several clinical assessments and neuroimaging and neurophysiological biomarkers will be collected to investigate treatment response and potential associated biomarkers. A non-inferiority analysis will investigate whether bilateral sequential TBS is non-inferior to unilateral TBS and regression analyses will investigate biomarkers of treatment response. We expect to recruit a maximal of 256 participants. This trial is approved by the Research Ethics Board of The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research (REB# 2019071) and will follow the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Discussion: Comprehensive assessment of symptoms and neurophysiological biomarkers will contribute to understanding the differential efficacy of the tested treatment protocols, identifying biomarkers for treatment response, and shedding light into underlying mechanisms of TBS. Our findings will inform future clinical trials and aid in personalizing treatment selection and scheduling for individuals with MDD. Trial Registration: The trial is registered on https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/home (#NCT04142996).
Developmental toxicity and metabolomics analyses of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl
Authors: ZHAO FENG , Lin Lu , Zhao Yihao , Wu Jingjing , Zhu Junqi , Zhang Tengfei , Tan Huihua
Published: September 2023

Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (FEN) is an aryloxy phenoxy propionate herbicide that has been widely used in paddy fields. Previous studies indicated FEN exhibited highly toxic to aquatic organism, but little is known about developmental effects of FEN. In present study investigated the acute toxic and developmental toxic effects of zebrafish embryos, content of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the metabolomics profiling in zebrafish embryos after 96h exposure. FEN exhibited high acute toxicity to zebrafish embryos and larvae. Exposure to FEN could reduce heartbeat and hatching rates, and increased malformation rates in embryos. Oxidative damage was also caused in embryos. The results of metabolomics analysis showed that 102 differential metabolites were found in zebrafish embryos in 0.05 mg/L FEN treatment group, and 60 differential metabolites found 0.2 mg/L FEN treatment group. These differential metabolites mainly belonged to 9 metabolic pathways, of which folate pathways and ABC transport protein pathways have the greatest impact. These results suggested that FEN induced high acute toxicity and developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos.
The Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Significanceof NCAPD2 in Pan-Cancer, and Its Relationship With the Proliferation and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Wenjing , Tian Yao , Shen Wanbo , Song Zhengrui , Yang Bo , Ye Daowen
Published: September 2023

Background Present studies indicated that NCAPD2 has emerged as an essential participant of condensin I involved in the mitotic chromosome assembly and dissociation. Simultaneously, NCAPD2 has an enormous potent to interpret the tumor progression in a broader perspective. Due to the superficial comprehensive analysis of NCAPD2 in pan-cancer, lacking of detailed studies was to explore the underlying pathogenesis and the potential regulatory mechanism. Herein, this study systematically provided the prognostic landscape visualization of NCAPD2 in pan-cancer, and further investigate the function and the correlation with immune infiltration characteristics in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method In this study, using the online databases TCGA, TIMER2.0, OPENTARGET, GeneMANIA, HPA, UCSC, TCIA. This analysis suggested that the relevance between NCAPD2 and oncogenesis, progression, prognosis, methylation, immune infiltration and function. Subsequently, RT-qPCR, western blotting assays were performed to detect the NCAPD2 expression. Additionally, the proliferation of NCAPD2 silenced cells was evaluated using BrdU assay. Transwell assays further confirmed the effect of knock down NCAPD2 on migration and invasion capacity. Flow cytometry assay was finally performed to assess cell cycle and apoptosis in indicated cells. Result NCAPD2 was aberrant active in multiple cancers. NCAPD2 upregulation was related with poor prognosis in pan-cancer. Meanwhile, NCAPD2 gene mutation, the methylation level of NCAPD2 promoter and MSI increase occurred in a series of cancers. In addition, the results exhibited that a significant association between abnormal expression of NCAPD2 and immune infiltration cells and immune therapy response in HCC. Furthermore, this study clarified the utility of NCAPD2 that knock down its expression could result in suppressing proliferation, invasion and migration capacity, and induce the accumulation of G0/G1 cells and the apoptosis occurrence in HCC cells. Conclusion This study revealed that NCAPD2 could participate in the carcinogenic progression of various cancers. It used as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in pan-cancer, especially HCC patients, and contributed to the NCAPD2-based estimation of immune-therapy response for HCC, which might provide a new strategies into immune therapy and precision medicine.
Single-cell and spatial analyses revealed the co-location of cancer stem cells and SPP1+ macrophage in hypoxic region that determines the poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Yuankai , Fan Guangyu , Xie Tongji , Li Lin , Tang Le , Han Xiaohong
Published: September 2023

In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), classical cancer stem cells (CSC) markers were shared by normal stem cells, targeting which may hinder hepatic regeneration and cause liver failure. Additionally, the spatial structure of CSC still remained elusive. To address these limitations, we undertook a comprehensive study combining single-cell data (81,508 cells from 45 samples) and spatial data (38,191 spots from eight samples) to obtain CSC signature and uncover its spatial structure. Utilizing the CytoTRACE algorithm, we discretely identified CSC, which displayed upregulated proliferation pathways regulated by HIF1A. A CSC signature of 107 genes was then developed using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). Notably, HCC patients with high CSC levels exhibited an accumulation of SPP1+ macrophages (Macro_SPP1) expressing metalloproteinases (MMP9, MMP12, and MMP7) regulated by HIF1A, suggesting a hypoxic tumor region connecting Macro_SPP1 and CSC. Both CSC and Macro_SPP1 correlated with worse prognosis and undesirable immunotherapy response. Spatial analysis revealed the co-location of CSC and Macro_SPP1, with CD8 T cells excluded from the tumor region. The co-location area and non-tumor area of boundary exhibited a high level of hypoxia, with the HAVRC2 checkpoint highly expressed. Within the co-location area, the SPP1 signaling pathway was most active in cell-cell communication, with SPP1-CD44 and SPP1-ITGA/ITGB identified as the main ligand-receptor pairs. This study successfully constructed a CSC signature and demonstrated the co-location of CSC and Macro_SPP1 in a hypoxic region that exacerbates the tumor microenvironment in HCC.
Characterization of bacterial and viral pathogens in the respiratory tract of children with HIV-associated chronic lung disease: a case‒control study
Authors: Mushunje Prince K. , Dube Felix S. , Odland Jon Ø , Ferrand Rashida A , Nicol Mark P. , Abotsi Regina E.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Chronic lung disease is a major cause of morbidity in African children with HIV infection; however, the microbial determinants of HIV-associated chronic lung disease (HCLD) remain poorly understood. We conducted a case-control study to investigate the prevalence and densities of respiratory microbes among pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)-naïve children with (HCLD+) and without HCLD (HCLD-) established on antiretroviral treatment (ART).
Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from HCLD+ (defined as forced-expiratory-volume/second<-1.0 without reversibility postbronchodilation) and age-, site-, sex- and duration-of-ART-matched HCLD- enrolled in Zimbabwe and Malawi (BREATHE trial-NCT02426112) were tested for seven bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Haemophilus influenzae (HI), Moraxella catarrhalis (MC), and five viruses, including human rhinovirus (HRV), respiratory syncytial virus A or B, and human metapneumovirus, using qPCR (Fluidigm). Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used for between-group comparisons and risk factors associated with common respiratory microbes, respectively.
Results: A total of 345 participants (287 HCLD+, 58 HCLD-; median age, 15.5 years [IQR=12.8–18], females, 52%) were included in the final analysis. SP (40%[116/287] vs. 21%[12/58], p = 0.005) and HRV (7%[21/287] vs. 0%[0/58], p = 0.032) were more prevalent in HCLD+ patients than in HCLD- patients. Viruses (predominantly HRV) were detected only in HCLD+ participants. HI (1.55x104 CFU/ml vs. 2.55x102 CFU/ml, p = 0.006) and MC (1.14x104 CFU/ml vs. 1.45x103 CFU/ml, p = 0.031) densities were higher in HCLD+. Bacterial codetection (≥ any 2 bacteria) was higher in the HCLD+ group (36% [114/287] vs. (19% [11/58]), (p = 0.014), with SP and HI codetection (HCLD+: 30% [86/287] vs. HCLD-: 12% [7/58], p = 0.005) being the most frequent. In 128 SP-positive participants (116 HCLD+, 12 HCLD-), 66% [85/128] of participants had non-PCV-13 serotypes detected. Serotypes 13 and 21 (9% [8/85] each) and PCV-13 serotypes (4, 19A, 19F: 16% [7/43] each) were more prevalent. Study participants with a history of previous tuberculosis treatment were more likely to carry SP or HI, while those who used ART for ≥2 years were less likely to carry HI and MC.
Conclusion: Children with HCLD+ were more likely to be colonized by SP and HRV and had higher HI and MC bacterial loads in their nasopharynx. The role of SP, HI, and HRV in the pathogenesis of CLD, including how they influence the risk of acute exacerbations, should be studied further.
Exploration of appetite regulation in Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) during dietary transition
Authors: Zhou Bo , Wang Bin , Chen Shuhuang , Liu Youlian , Tang Ni , Chen Defang , Li Zhiqiong , Zhang Xin
Published: September 2023

Background
The Yangtze sturgeon is an endangered fish species, and artificial breeding is an effective means of restoring its population. However, after transitioning to an artificial diet, several Yangtze sturgeons are reluctant to eat. Therefore, the objectivity of the current study was to investigate the response of appetite regulatory factors and analyze their expression throughout various stages of dietary transition.
Results
The body length and body weight of Yangtze sturgeons failed transiting diet were significantly lower than those succeed transiting diet sturgeons. Since the brain is the center of appetite regulation, RNA-seq of the brain was employed to analyze the differentially expressed genes and their biological functions in successfully and unsuccessfully transit diet fry. After that, 82,151 unigenes and 3222 DEGs were obtained. Based on the results of RNA-seq, appetite factors, including pomc, cart, npy and agrp, were cloned, and then a diet transiting experiment was designed to explore the changes in appetite after feeding a microcapsule diet (dietary transition group). The results showed that during the dietary transition period, the expression of cart was increased on the 1st and 3rd days but decreased on the 5th, 6th, 8th and 10th days. The expression of agrp was downregulated on the 1st and 3rd days but upregulated on the 5th, 6th, 8th and 10th days.
Conclusions
The results of this study can provide information for a better understanding of the appetite change during the dietary transition of Yangtze sturgeon and improve their survival rate after the dietary transition.
Performance Analysis of an Asymmetric Damper Suspension on Rough Roads and Steps
Authors: Ribeiro Jose Geraldo Telles
Published: September 2023

This paper analyzes the advantages of employing an asymmetric suspension compared to a symmetric suspension. The road profiles considered are rough roads and steps, and the optimization parameters include comfort and safety. The optimal suspension is achieved using the Cross-Entropy method, and the obtained results for each profile are contradictory. Asymmetric dampers confer specific advantages over symmetric counterparts, notably in their ability to mitigate transient vibrations experienced during steps. However, their advantage becomes less pronounced during steady-state vibrations induced by rough road conditions. The results obtained show that if a suspension is optimized for steps, the resulting configuration is asymmetric. On the other hand, for rough roads, the resulting configuration is symmetric. This disparity indicates that the optimization of an asymmetric suspension must consider a combination of both scenarios.
Synthesis and Characterization of Material Derived from Chitosan, Malic acid and Urea
Authors: Sharma Richa , Dhamodharan Raghavachari
Published: September 2023

The synthesis of chitosan-based material (CHMAUR) of different forms (foam, porous and non-porous tough gels, porous dry) through crosslinking, facilitated by using urea in the presence of malic acid as the organic acid, is explored. The new material is characterized extensively using FT IR spectroscopy, CP MAS solid state NMR spectroscopy, powder x-ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The porosity of the material is determined using helium gas pycnometry, ethanol displacement method while its morphology is examined using scanning electron microscopy. The new material absorbs water to the extent of 5000 to 8000% which in turn arises partly from the porosity and partly from the ionic crosslinks. In the foam form CHMAUR is found to be suitable for smaller compressive loads. In the porous dry form, CHMAUR is observed to support compressive load of up to 15 MPa, with the ability to be machined using conventional tools.
Draft Genome Sequence of Novel Candidatus Ornithobacterium hominis Carrying Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Egypt
Authors: Ahmed Nada , Azab Marwa , Enany Shymaa , Hanora Amro
Published: September 2023

Background
Candidatus Ornithobacterium hominis (O. hominis), which was found in Egyptian nasopharyngeal swabs but remains unidentified, has been associated with respiratory disorders in humans. Herein, we presented two draft genome assemblies of O. hominis that were extracted from metagenomic data using the Illumina sequencing method. The primary goal of this study was to present the first O. hominis genome sequence from Egyptian populations.
Results
The genome size was estimated to be 1,931,660 base pairs (bp), with 1,837 predicted coding regions and a G + C content of 35.62%. The toxA gene, 20 antibiotic resistance genes, and gliding motility genes were found in the genome assembly. Gliding motility lipoproteins (GldD, GldJ, GldN, and GldH) and the gliding motility-associated ABC transporter substrate-binding protein, which acts as a crucial virulence mechanism in Flavobacterium species, were identified. The genome contained unique proteins, such as the ParE1 toxin, that exhibit a defense mechanism against quinolone and other antibiotic actions. The cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistance protein CzcB, which is necessary for metal resistance, urease regulation, and colonization, was also detected. Several multidrug resistance proteins were identified, such as MexB, mdtK, yheI, and VanC.
Conclusion
Numerous virulence factors such as toxA and gliding motility genes, were present in the core O. hominis genome. Additionally, the draft genome contains several antibiotic-resistance genes. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the genomic landscape of O. hominis and the identification of genes involved in virulence and antibiotic resistance.
Optimization of Solar Tree Performance in Egypt: A Simulation-Based Investigation
Authors: Rabie Ahmed , Thabet Doha , Elsayed Kariman , Elbadawy Marwa , Abdellatif Ibrahim , Shalaby Raafat
Published: September 2023

The paper discusses the orientation and positions of solar panels in solar tree. Solar energy contributes to the most available and abundant energy source in Egypt. Hence, The PV system is considered a promising solution to generate power from this source. However, its energy density is low. Therefore, the solar tree is considered in this paper as it has higher density and fits the urban cities of Egypt. The design of the solar tree is divided into two sections: the study of the solar panel's orientation and positions. For the solar tree orientation, a single-objective genetic algorithm is used to maximize the total incident irradiance on a tilted solar panel. The output of this optimization problem is 20 optimal angles for the tilt angle (beta) and surface azimuth angle of the solar panel (yaw). These angles are inputted to the second methodology to determine their positions. In this methodology, a multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to trade between the area occupied by the solar tree representing the cost and the power loss due to the shading of the solar panels on each other, the output is the coordinates of the center of each solar panel. The proposed solar tree design increased the incident irradiance from 4427.389 to 4496.584 watt/m^2year using the optimal angles and the output power increased as the shadow loss decreased from 904.685 watts to 300 watts The final design of the solar tree is 5m height and 1.13m Wide.
Genetic analysis of de novo 17q terminal partial trisomy
Authors: Zheng Huiling , Zheng Lin , Li Guangping , Tang Daili , Tian Tian , Li Yuquan , Liu Mei , Yang Xue
Published: September 2023

Background
Chromosomal trisomy syndromes are associated with diverse clinical phenotypes, including intellectual disabilities. Partial trisomy of distal 17q is a rare anomaly with similar clinical features, including psychomotor and growth deficits, facial dysmorphism, and microcephaly. Here, we describe three patients from two unrelated families with terminal trisomy of 17q detected using chromosomal karyotype analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis.
Results
The child in Family 1 had a 31.3 Mb mosaic duplication on chromosome 17. Family 2 included dizygotic twins with a 263 kb deletion on chromosome 15 and 9.2 Mb duplication on chromosome 17, despite normal karyotyping results for both parents. We also analyzed the genetic mechanisms underlying the occurrence of this chromosomal aberration and summarized the literature describing known genotype–phenotype correlations.
Conclusion
Given the rarity of partial trisomy of terminal 17q, these cases provide new insights into the diagnosis of the condition and genotype–phenotype correlations, which can aid in detection and genetic counseling.
Deforestation Policies in the Brazilian Legal Amazon: An Analysis of the PPCDAm using the Triple Difference Method
Authors: Benevit Bruno , Trindade Carolina S. da , Junior Roberto B. de M. , Uhr Daniel de Abreu Pereira , Uhr Júlia Gallego Ziero
Published: September 2023

This study evaluates the effects of the synergy between monitoring technologies and deforestation control policies promoted by the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Legal Amazon (PPCDAm) during its initial stage. The triple difference method is employed to explore the differences between the non-metropolitan municipalities with indigenous lands and other regional municipalities. The findings indicate a reduction of approximately 16.1 km² per municipality between 2004 and 2007. This reduction corresponds to a decrease of 10,293 km² in the area of deforestation and a total of 498 million tons of CO2. The results indicate that the policy was cost-effective. To ensure the robustness of the results, placebo tests, analyses of heterogeneous effects, and flexibility in the composition of the groups were conducted. The robustness tests substantiate the findings. These results emphasize the significance of remote monitoring policies for controlling deforestation in isolated regions and indigenous lands.
JEL: C31, Q51, Q58
Application of Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Facial Nerve in Preoperative Planning for Large Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Bubeníková Adéla , Vlasák Aleš , Fík Zdeněk , Sedlák Vojtěch , Tesařová Michaela , Bradáč Ondřej
Published: September 2023

Objective: The accurate identification and preservation of the facial nerve (FN) during vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery is crucial for maintaining facial function. Investigating the application of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in preoperative planning for large VS surgery is provided.
Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, ISI Web of Science, Embase and additional sources were searched to identify cohort studies about the preoperative DTI usage for the FN tracking before large VS (≥ 2.5 cm) surgery published between 1990 and 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed; the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias and to evaluate limitations based on selection/outcome biases.
Results:A total of 8 publications yielding 149 VS (mean size 3.66 ± 0.81 cm) were included. Surgical concordance with preoperative DTI FN tracking was 91.67% (range 85–100%). Overall DTI reliability was 88.89% (range 81.81–95.83%). Larger tumor size predicted either DTI inaccurate finding and complete DTI failure (p=0.001). VS size above > 3.5 cm was associated with a higher risk of DTI failure (p=0.022), with a higher risk of inaccurate DTI finding preoperatively (p=0.033), and with a higher House-Brackman score postoperatively (p=0.007).
Conclusion: Application of DTI in larger VS surgery is a valuable FN identification along with electrophysiological monitoring and neuronavigation, therefore also in its preservation and in lowering risk of complications. DTI represents a valuable adjunct to electrophysiological monitoring and neuronavigation in FN identification, applicable not only for smaller, but also larger VS.
What are the top predictors of students’ well-being across cultures? Combining machine learning and conventional statistics
Authors: King Ronnel B. , Wang Yi , Fu Lingyi , Leung Shing On
Published: September 2023

Alongside academic learning, there is increasing recognition that educational systems must also cater to students’ well-being. Hence, understanding the different factors that predict students’ well-being is a critical educational issue. The objective of this study is to examine the key factors that predict students’ subjective well-being, indexed by life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect across the globe. Data from 522,836 secondary school students from 71 countries across eight different cultural contexts were analyzed. Underpinned by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological system theory, both machine learning (i.e., light gradient-boosting machine) and conventional statistics (i.e., hierarchical linear modeling) were used to examine the roles of person, process, and context factors in predicting students’ well-being. Results indicated that life satisfaction was best predicted by the sense of meaning, school belonging, parental support, fear of failure, and country affluence. Positive affect was most influenced by resilience, sense of meaning, belonging, parental support, and country wealth. Negative affect was most strongly predicted by the general fear of failure, gender, being bullied, school belonging, and sense of meaning. Supplementary analyses indicated that the determinants of student well-being demonstrated remarkable cross-cultural similarity across the world.
Polynomials and Chemical Structures
Authors: Yasmeen Farhana , Afzal Farkhanda , Shahid Muhammad , Ali Kashif , Afzal Deeba , Mehmood Adnan
Published: September 2023

The use of M-polynomials to represent chemical compounds and chemical networks is a revolutionary idea that results in topological Invariants These findings are utilized to link the chemical characteristics and bioactivities of chemical compounds and chemical networks.The M-polynomial, denoted as $M(X;x,y)$, is obtained by summing the products of the number of edges, denoted as $m_{pq}(X)$, with a specific property involving the coordinates of the vertices. More precisely, we consider edges $ab$ in the structure $X$ where the coordinates of the vertices $\zeta^a$ and $\zeta^b$ satisfies $\zeta^a,\zeta^b=(p,q)$, where $p$ and $q$ are both greater than or equal to 1. The M-polynomial is given by $M(X;x,y)=\sum\limits_{p\leq q}m_{pq}(X)x^{p}y^{q}$.\\ We will use a general approach based on topological polynomials to compute important properties of chemical structures, specifically the Trans-Pd-$(NH_2)S$ lattice $TPL[m,n]$ and Metal-Organic Super lattice $(MOS[m,n])$. These properties include various topological invariants such as the Zagreb indices, Randic indices, harmonic index, symmetric division index, forgotten index, and inverse index. We use M-polynomial, which counts the number of edges with specific vertex coordinates, to calculate these invariants.
An R package for Survival-based Gene Set Enrichment Analysis
Authors: Deng Xiaoxu , Thompson Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2023

Functional enrichment analysis is usually used to assess the effects of experimental differences. However, researchers sometimes want to understand the relationship between transcriptomic variation and health outcomes like survival. Therefore, we suggest the use of Survival-based Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (SGSEA) to help determine biological functions associated with a disease’s survival. We developed an R package and corresponding Shiny App called SGSEA for this analysis and presented a study of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) to demonstrate the approach. In Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), the log-fold change in expression between treatments is used to rank genes, to determine if a biological function has a non-random distribution of altered gene expression. SGSEA is a variation of GSEA using the hazard ratio instead of a log fold change. Our study shows that pathways enriched with genes whose increased transcription is associated with mortality (NES > 0, adjusted p-value < 0.15) have previously been linked to KIRC survival, helping to demonstrate the value of this approach. This approach allows researchers to quickly identify disease variant pathways for further research and provides supplementary information to standard GSEA, all within a single R package or through using the convenient app.
Response of distinct soil types to cyanobacterial biofertilizer inoculation
Authors: Kour Babanpreet , Sharma Preeti , Ramya S , Gawdiya Sandeep , Sudheer K , Ramakrishnan Balasubramanian
Published: September 2023

Cyanobacterial biofertilizers provide soil fertility and productivity gains at varying levels in rice cultivation. The influences of distinct soil types with the characteristic composition of native cyanobacteria on the colonization of introduced strains remain largely unknown. In this work, seven soil types with the composition of indigenous cyanobacteria described by amplicon sequencing were inoculated with the cyanobacterial biofertilizer. The cyanobacterial growth was evaluated under light-dark and continuous dark cycles using marker-gene-based assays. The copies of cyanobacterial-16S rRNA gene markers varied from 5.65 × 106 to 9.22 × 107 g− 1 soil, and their abundance increased significantly in the soils with inoculant. The soils of KAR (Karnal, Typic Natrustalf) and IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Typic Haplustepts) showed the highest abundances of cyanobacteria under both light-dark and continuous dark cycles on 15 days after incubation (DAI) and 30 DAI. On 30 DAI, the cyanophage population in the soils tested ranged from 3.04 × 108 to 9.24× 108 g− 1 soil. The beneficial marker traits of C- (cbbL) and N (nifH) cycles and overall microbial abundances (bacteria, archaea, cyanobacteria, and cyanophage) showed a strong and positive correlation with the soil inoculation. At the same time, those genes related to nitrification and denitrification were clustered more closely in the uninoculated soils. These results indicate the potential for cyanobacterial biofertilizers to improve microbial contribution, in a soil-specific way, to fertility gains.
Integrating scRNA-seq to explore novel macrophage infiltration-associated biomarkers for diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Li Shengnan , Ge Tiantian , Xu Xuan , Xie Liang , Song Sifan , Li Runqian , Li Hao , Tong Jiayi
Published: September 2023

Objective: Inflammation and immune cells are closely intertwined mechanisms that contribute to the progression of heart failure (HF). Nonetheless, there is a paucity of information regarding the distinct features of dysregulated immune cells and efficient diagnostic biomarkers linked with HF. This study aims to explore diagnostic biomarkers related to immune cells in HF to gain new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of HF and to provide novel perspectives for the detection and treatment of HF.
Method: The CIBERSORT method was employed to quantify 22 types of immune cells in HF and normal subjects from publicly available GEO databases (GSE3586, GSE42955, GSE57338, and GSE79962). Machine learning methods were utilized to screen for important cell types. Single-cell RNA sequencing (GSE145154) was further utilized to identify important cell types and hub genes. WGCNA was employed to screen for immune cell-related genes and ultimately diagnostic models were constructed and evaluated. To validate these predictive results, blood samples were collected from 40 normal controls and 40 HF patients for RT-qPCR analysis. Lastly, key cell clusters were divided into high and low biomarker expression groups to identify transcription factors that may affect biomarkers.
Results: The study found a noticeable difference in immune environment between HF and normal subjects. Macrophages were identified as key immune cells by machine learning. Single-cell analysis further showed that macrophages differed dramatically between HF and normal subjects. This study revealed the existence of five subsets of macrophages that have different differentiation states. Based on module genes most relevant to macrophages, macrophages differentiation-related genes (MDRGs), and DEGs in HF and normal subjects from GEO datasets, four genes (CD163, RNASE2, LYVE1, and VSIG4) were identified as valid diagnostic markers for HF. Ultimately, a diagnostic model containing two hub genes was constructed and then validated with a validation dataset and clinical samples. In addition, key transcription factors driving or maintaining the biomarkers expression programs were identified.
Conclusion: The analytical results and diagnostic model of this study can assist clinicians in identifying high-risk individuals, thereby aiding in guiding treatment decisions for patients with HF.
A Fluorescent Chemosensor for Detection Ph and Cu 2+ Ion Base on 7-((2- Aminoethyl)amino)-5-bromo-6-hydroxy-1-methylquinolin-1-ium-3- Sulfonate: Experimental and Dft Calculation
Authors: Mai Phuong Chi , Ngo Tuan Cuong , Nguyen Thi Hai , Le Thi Hong Hai
Published: September 2023

A quinoline derivative 7-((2-aminoethyl)amino)-5-bromo-6-hydroxy-1-methylquinolin-1-ium-3-sulfonate (QEt) containing quinoline ring, - sulfonate, -OH phenol, and amine groups was synthesized and studied luminescence properties. The aqueous solutions QEt 10µM change luminescence color from green (λem=490nm) to yellow (λem=563nm) as increasing pH and the intensity at a peak of 563 nm is linearly proportional with pH value in the range of pH = 3,0 – 4,0. The QEt solutions can be used as chemosensor for Cu2+ with LOD value at 0.66 . Along with the experiment, the structure, the absorption and emission spectra of QEt have been investigated by TD-DFT calculation. The result shows that the absorption band centered at 420 nm is due to the electron transition from HOMO to LUMO (π → π*). The results also help to assign emission band centered at 490nm is due to the S1 → S0 transition (LUMO → HOMO singlet transition), at 563 nm is due to the T2 → S0 transition (LUMO → HOMO-1 triplet transition). The dependence of relative intensity of each emission peak on pH, which is experimentally recorded, is explained based on the results of theoretical TD-DFT calculation.
Pricing of Options on Futures under a monopolistic environment
Authors: boughabi houssam
Published: September 2023

Monopoly is a form of institution: the pre-requisites regarding this form of companies is that prices are dictated by the capital makers, however in our finding we have argued about the behavior of monopolistic companies regarding the derivatives markets, Futures for instance; first of all we can swiftly show that once in a time the expectations of companies for the general price under a suitable filtration must be higher even though this price itself isn't high if the monopoly form would be great for customers, namely what is the behavior of monopolies to avoid raising prices in the Future, this went to consider that since they have a higher expectation for general prices they must long Futures contracts.
The Option on Futures Market was the target of our study, we have been interested in the behavior of such a market under this situation where the only form of companies operating in the country is monopolies, with our empirical study we have shown bluntly that under a monopolistic environment the Option on Futures Market is cheaper and behaves almost like the Crude Oil WTI Futures, we have taken our price and Futures data from investing.com. The research question lies in defining a new insight in a big government economy where monopolies come to rein in dictating prices, our finding is crucial because the Option on Futures Market could be a solution for traders when the economy doesn't allow competition.
JEL Classification. D42, G13.
Whole transcriptomic analysis reveals overexpression of salivary gland and cuticular proteins genes in insecticide-resistant Anopheles arabiensis from Western Kenya.
Authors: Omoke Diana , Impoinvil Lucy , Derilus Dieunel , Okeyo Stephen , Saizonou Helga , Mulder Nicola , Dada Nsa , Lenhart Audrey , Djogbénou Luc , Ochomo Eric
Published: September 2023

Background Effective vector control is key to malaria prevention. However, this is now compromised by increased insecticide resistance due to continued reliance on insecticide-based control interventions. In Kenya, we have observed heterogenous resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates inAnopheles arabiensiswhich is one of the most widespread malaria vectors in the country. We investigated the gene expression profiles of insecticide resistantAn. arabiensispopulations from Migori and Siaya counties in Western Kenya using RNA-Sequencing. CDC bottle assays were conducted using deltamethrin (DELTA), alphacypermethrin (ACYP) and pirimiphos-methyl (PMM) to determine the resistance status in both sites. Results Mosquitoes from Migori had average mortalities of 91%, 92% and 58% while those from Siaya had 85%, 86%, and 30% when exposed to DELTA, ACYP and PMM, respectively. RNA-Seq analysis was done on pools of mosquitoes which survived exposure (‘resistant’), mosquitoes that were not exposed, and the insecticide-susceptibleAn. arabiensisDongola strain. Gene expression profiles of resistant mosquitoes from both Migori and Siaya showed an overexpression mainly of salivary gland proteins belonging to both the short and long form D7 genes, and cuticular proteins (including CPR9, CPR10, CPR15, CPR16). Additionally, the overexpression of detoxification genes including cytochrome P450s (CYP9M1, CYP325H1, CYP4C27, CYP9L1 and CYP307A1), 2 carboxylesterases and a glutathione-s-transferase (GSTE4) were also shared between DELTA, ACYP, and PMM survivors, pointing to potential contribution to cross resistance to both pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides. Conclusion This study provides novel insights into the molecular basis of insecticide resistance inAn. arabiensisin Western Kenya and suggests that salivary gland proteins and cuticular proteins are associated with resistance to multiple classes of insecticides.
Prophylactic and long-lasting efficacy of senolytic CAR T cells against age-related metabolic dysfunction
Authors: Amor Corina , Fernández-Maestre Inés , Chowdhury Saria , Ho Yu-Jui , Nadella Sandeep , Graham Courtenay , E.Carrasco Sebastian , Nnuji-John Emmanuella , Feucht Judith , Hinterleitner Clemens , J.A.Barthet Valentin , A.Boyer Jacob , Mezzadra Riccardo , G.Wereski Matthew , A.Tuveson David , L.Levine Ross , W.Jones Lee , Sadelain Michel , Lowe Scott W
Published: September 2023

Senescent cells accumulate in organisms over time because of tissue damage and impaired immune surveillance and contribute to age-related tissue decline1,2. In agreement, genetic ablation studies reveal that elimination of senescent cells from aged tissues can ameliorate various age-related pathologies, including metabolic dysfunction and decreased physical fitness3-7. While small-molecule drugs capable of eliminating senescent cells (known as ‘senolytics’) partially replicate these phenotypes, many have undefined mechanisms of action and all require continuous administration to be effective. As an alternative approach, we have developed a cell-based senolytic therapy based on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting uPAR, a cell-surface protein upregulated on senescent cells, and previously showed these can safely and efficiently eliminate senescent cells in young animals and reverse liver fibrosis8. We now show that uPAR-positive senescent cells accumulate during physiological aging and that they can be safely targeted with senolytic CAR T cells. Treatment with anti uPAR CAR T cells ameliorates metabolic dysfunction by improving glucose tolerance and exercise capacity in physiological aging as well as in a model of metabolic syndrome. Importantly, a single administration of a low dose of these senolytic CAR T cells is sufficient to achieve long-term therapeutic and preventive effects.