bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the potential risks under a hazardous gas leakage accident: Effects of source characteristics and ambient wind velocities
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Zhang Guangwei , Wu Mei , Wu Zhengwei
Published: July 2022

In this study, a full scale storage tank was established to investigate the potential risks of leakage accident. We have developed a series of leak scenarios that close to real accidents, and have divided the ambient areas according to relevant regulations. Considering the variety and complexity of real-life accident scenarios, the presented work revealed the combined effect of source release intensity and ambient wind speed on dispersion features by classifying leakage scenarios into active or passive release. The Environmental hazards in each area is evaluated under various leak scenarios. The results show that when the approaching wind speed is low, the leakage on the windward side is the most dangerous release pattern. With the increase of the wind speed, the case with jet angle perpendicular to the incoming wind produces the largest cloud volume. Top release is the least dangerous way among the studied leak scenarios. However, the results illustrate that under some release angles, the cloud volume near the tank is not sensitive to wind speed. In leak accidents, quantitatively analysis reveals that the commonly used dimensionless concentrations (Kc) cannot be used as a suitable parameter to discuss the concentration field except under top/leeward passive release conditions. This study will be beneficial to on-site rescue and decision-making when leakage accidents occur, and provide reasonable suggestions for subsequent research on the environmental impact of container leakage and the diffusion of pollutants.
Effectiveness of Maternal Referral System in Tanzania: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Bugomola Monica Alex , Leshabari Sebalda , Mkoka Dickson , Mbekenga Columba K.
Published: July 2022

Background: Poor accessibility of emergency obstetric care services contributes to severe morbidity and high maternal mortality. Variations in the capacity of providing Emergency obstetric care by different levels of public health facilities highlights the fundamental role of maternal referral system. There has being no significant changes in the maternal mortality for the past 15 years despite the feasibility of interventions within the limited resources hospital settings. There is still a paucity of evidence on the effectiveness of the obstetric referral process in reducing maternal mortality. This study was conducted to determine referral reasons, referral delays and communication barriers influencing referrals of women with obstetric complications in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the maternal referral system.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design employing mixed methods approach was used to evaluate effectiveness of the maternal referral system. A 7 weeks prospective study was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital. Quantitative data were collected through reviewing referral slips of 426 women referred from various health facilities due to obstetric complications in the peripartum period and admitted in the labour ward, postnatal ward, ICU and high dependant ward. Analysis was done using SPSS. Qualitative data was collected using 9 semi-structured in-depth interviews with nurse-midwives and obstetricians who were selected purposively, and data was analysed with qualitative content analysis.Results: A total of 426 records of referred women with obstetric complications were reviewed. Most documented reasons for referral were hospital based (62%), which included theatre being busy (25.1%), unavailability of blood (11.3%) and lack of equipment and inadequate supplies (10.3%). 60.3% accounted for delayed referrals. The study identified referral-receiver communication barriers which include inconsistent use of phones before referral, unsatisfactory referral form documentation and inadequate feedback mechanism.Conclusion: The study demonstrates lack of both human and non-human resources required for provision of health care services in the referring facilities. It identifies high proportion of late referrals and deficiencies in the referral process which illustrate ineffective referral system.
Machine learning-derived gut microbiome signature predicts fatty liver disease in the presence of insulin resistance
Authors: Ryu Dongryeol , Kang Baeki E , Park Aron , Yang Hyekyung , Jo Yunju , Oh Tae Gyu , Jeong Seung Min , Ji Yosep , Kim Hyung-Lae , Kim Han Na , Auwerx Johan , Nam Seungyoon , Park Cheol-Young
Published: July 2022

A simple predictive biomarker for fatty liver disease is required for individuals with insulin resistance. Here, we developed a machine learning-based classifier for fatty liver disease using faecal 16S rDNA sequencing data. Based on the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital cohort (n = 777), we generated a random forest classifier to predict fatty liver diseases in individuals with or without insulin resistance (n = 166, n = 611, respectively). The model performance was evaluated based on metrics such as accuracy, area under receiver operating curve (AUROC), kappa, and F1-score. The developed classifier for fatty liver diseases performed better in individuals with insulin resistance (AUROC = 0.80). We further optimized the classifiers using genetic algorithm. The improved classifier for insulin resistance, consisting of 10 microbial genera, presented an advanced classification (AUROC = 0.88), whereas the improved classifier for insulin-sensitive individuals failed to distinguish participants with fatty liver diseases from the healthy. The classifier for individuals with insulin resistance was comparable or superior to previous methods predicting fatty liver diseases (accuracy = 0.88, F1-score = 0.93, and kappa = 0.54), such as the fatty liver index. We identified the 10 genera as a core set from the human gut microbiome, which could be a diagnostic biomarker of fatty liver diseases for insulin resistant individuals. Collectively, these findings indicate that the machine learning classifier for fatty liver diseases in the presence of insulin resistance is comparable or superior to commonly used methods.
Nutritional Intake of Sport Undergraduates in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rupasinghe W. A.W.S. , Perera T. S.H. , Silva K. D.R. , Samitha S. , Wickramaratne Merita
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND
Nutritional intake plays an important role in determining energy availability which is vital to health, wellbeing, and sports performance in an active population. This research assessed the sports undergraduates' nutritional intake compared to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and nutrition goals provided by WHO.
METHODS
A total of one hundred and one (n = 101) sports undergraduates aged between 20 to 23 years were recruited and the nutrient intake was assessed by the three-day food diary method and quantified the macro and micronutrients by the food composition database.
RESULTS
Though most undergraduates were able to meet the dietary requirements in carbohydrates, they were deficient in their protein intake and excess in fats intake. Further, both male and female students were deficient in their daily energy intake (1723kcal, 1607 kcal) and dietary fiber intake (8 g, 11 g). The fat intake as saturated fat was met by all students’ intake a 20% of males and 21% of females was higher than the recommendations (< 10%). The micronutrient intake of vitamins such as C, B1, B2, B9, and B12 and minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, and Potassium, were significantly below the recommendations (p < 0.05) except for vitamin B3 niacin.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that Sri Lankan sports undergraduates do not have an adequate daily intake of energy, proteins, and micronutrients. Hence, it is recommended that the students must be provided with proper nutritional guidance and further increase their accessibility to cafeterias and food outlets that provide nutritionally valuable meals which are essentially required to maintain both the physical and mental fitness of the students.
Heterogeneous Photocatalytic degradation of Nevirapine in wastewater using the UV/TiO2/H2O2 process
Authors: Ncube Pauline , Zvinowanda Caliphs , Belaid Mohamed , Ntuli Freeman
Published: July 2022

This work sought to study the elimination of NVP from simulated wastewater using the UV/TiO2/H2O2 system. The main objectives were to evaluate the influence of operating parameters, reaction kinetics, contributing reactive species, degradation pathway, and catalyst reusability. The research surface methodology (RSM) was utilized for optimizing process variables and for statistical analysis. Five process variables (pH, NVP concentration, TiO2 dosage, H2O2 concentration, and irradiation time) were optimized with the responses set as NVP and Total organic carbon (TOC) removals (%), respectively. 89.23% (NVP) and 85.71% (TOC) removals were achieved under optimum conditions. All the experimental factors were significant for NVP removal. pH was the most dominant factor, with the highest removals obtained under acidic conditions (pH 3). NVP removal conformed to the pseudo-first-order model with a rate constant (k1) of 0.03676 min-1. Increasing pH reduced the rate constant by 75.38%, while there was an increase of 43.55% with H2O2. NVP degradation was largely driven by the •OH and h+VB. The photocatalyst demonstrated good stability against NVP loss over four cycles. Although the UV/TiO2/H2O2 process has shown promising results in the removal of pharmaceuticals and dyes in wastewater, its application for the degradation of ARVs remains limited. As far as the authors know, the UV/TiO2/H2O2 process and RSM have not yet been reported for the degradation and optimization of NVP in wastewater, respectively. The findings of this work illustrate that the UV/TiO2/H2O2 system, applied with RSM can effectively degrade and mineralize NVP in wastewater.
RCAN1 deficiency aggravates sepsis-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction through accelerating mitochondrial pathological fission
Authors: Zhuang Jinqiang , Chen Liming , Li Gongke , Xia Le , Wu Shaohong , Leng Junling , Tao Xuefei , Hong Jiang , Wu Yong , Wang Shijun , Yuan Ruijun
Published: July 2022

Background Cardiac dysfunction and remodeling are serious complications of sepsis and are correlated with high mortality. RCAN1 is a feedback regulator of cardiac hypertrophy. Here we aim to investigate role of RCAN1 in septic cardiomyopathy. Methods RCAN1-/- mice and WT mice were randomly divided into control and LPS-induced groups, some with Midiv-1 or KN93 treatment. The protein levels of RCAN1, p-ERK1/2, NFAT3, Drp1, p-Drp1, p-CaMKII in cardiac tissue or cultured cardiomyocytes were detected by Western blotting. Myocardial function was assessed by echocardiography. Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were detected by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. Mitochondrial morphology was examined by transmission electron microscope. Serum level of LDH was detected by ELISA. Results Our data showed that RCAN1 was downregulated in septic mouse heart and LPS-induced cardiomyocytes, and RCAN1-/- mice had impaired cardiac function and severe myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. NFAT3 and p-ERK1/2 were significantly increased in heart tissue of RCAN1-/- mice. Further, RCAN1 deficiency aggravated sepsis-induced cardiac mitochondrial injury as indicated by increased ROS production, pathological fission and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Inhibition of fission by Mdivi-1 reversed LPS-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction in RCAN1-/- mice. Moreover, RCAN1 depletion caused mitochondrial translocation of CaMKII, which promoted fission and septic hypertrophy. Inhibition of CaMKII with KN93 reduced excessive fission, improved LPS-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in RCAN1-/- mice. Conclusions Our finding demonstrated that RCAN1 deficiency aggravated mitochondrial injury and septic cardiomyopathy through activating CaMKII. RCAN1 serves as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of sepsis-related cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.
Obestatin Levels in Basal Conditions and During Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in male subjects with Prediabetes and Diabetes
Authors: Bounias Ioannis , Antonoglou Cristos , Papazoglou Dimitrios , Papanas Nikolaos , Tripsianis Gregory , Kotsianidis Ioannis , Stakos Dimitrios A
Published: July 2022

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate circulating plasma obestatin levels and its’ secretory dynamics in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) as well as in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in basal conditions and in response to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Furthermore we wish to investigate possible associations between obestatin and several metabolic parameters in T2DM. Methods: The study comprised 73 male adults aged 40 - 72 years (31 with T2DM, 17 with IGT and 25 control healthy individuals). Plasma obestatin, insulin and glucose levels were measured at 0, 60, 120 and 180 min following an OGTT. Total area under response curve was determined and calculated for glucose, insulin and obestatin. Results: Significant differences in the kinetics of obestatin levels during OGTT were observed only in the control group (p=0.012), where specifically shown that plasma obestatin concentrations decreased significantly at 120΄ (p=0.005) and 180΄ (p=0.050) compared to 60΄. Plasma obestatin concentrations were significantly lower in the T2DM group compared to controls at baseline (p<0.001) and at 60΄ following OGTT (p=0.007). At 60΄, plasma obestatin concentrations were also significantly lower in the T2DM compared IGT (p=0.044). In addition, both AUC and nadir obestatin levels were lower in T2DM compared to controls (p=0.039 and p=0.001 respectively). In T2DM basal obestatin levels showed a statistically significant positive correlation with triglycerides, fasting insulin, HOMA–IR, HOMA2–IR, HΟΜΑ–β and a negative correlation with Quicki and Matsuda Index. Similarly in the IGT group, basal obestatin levels showed a positive correlation with fasting insulin, HOMA–β and HOMA2–IR. Conclusion: We observed significantly lower plasma obestatin levels in patients with T2DM and those with IGT compared to normoglycemic individuals both in basal conditions and during an OGTT. Moreover, significant associations of obestatin with several metabolic profile indices were also found in T2DM.
Supramolecular Complexes Built of Octahedral [Ta6Cl12(CN)6]3-/4- Clusters and Terpyridine-Metal Complexes
Authors: Zhang JianJun , Zhou H. Andrew , Lachgar Abdessadek
Published: July 2022

The preparation and characterization of two supramolecular complexes from octahedral [Ta6Cl12(CN)6]4-/3- units and 2, 2’: 6’, 2’’-terpyridine (Terpy) metal complexes as building blocks are reported. Single crystal analyses revealed [Mn(Terpy)]2[Ta6Cl12(CN)6]•MeOH (1) features a neutral two-dimensional (2D) framework composed of layers based on [Ta6Cl12(CN)6]4- and [Mn(Terpy)]2+. Each layer is built of 6-connected [Ta6Cl12]2+ and 3-connected Mn(II) nodes bridged by cyanide ligands. The layers are held together by MeOH molecules. The layered structure is maintained after the removal of solvent molecule (MeOH) upon heating, leading to the formation of [Mn(Terpy]2[Ta6Cl12(CN)6] (1’). In the case of using Gd3+, the resultant product was revealed by single-crystal analyses to be an ionic compound [Gd(Terpy)(H2O)4(DMF)2][Ta6Cl12(CN)6]•DMF •3H2O (2). 2 has a three-dimensional (3D) framework built of [Gd(Terpy)(H2O)4(DMF)2]3+ and [Ta6Cl12(CN)6]3- ions connected to each other via extensive hydrogen bonds and p-p interactions between the cations, anions, and solvent molecules. Thermal stabilities of 1‒2 are reported.
Integrative systems vaccinology identification of shared gene signatures between natural dengue infection and vaccination trials
Authors: Plaça Desireé , Fonseca Dennyson , Marques Alexandre , Pour Shahab Zaki , Usuda Júlia , Baiocchi Gabriela , Prado Caroline , Salgado Ranieri , Filgueiras Igor , Freire Paula , Rocha Vanderson , Câmara Niels Olsen Saraiva , Cabrel-Miranda Gustavo , Jurisica Igor , Calich Vera , Giil Lasse , Rivino Laura , Ochs Hans , Schimke Lena , Cabral-Marques Otavio
Published: July 2022

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is a global health problem with no specific therapy or vaccine currently available to combat it. Here we performed a comprehensive analysis of publicly available transcriptome data of patients with natural DENV infection (NDI) and DENV vaccine trials (DVT1, DVT2, and DVT3), identifying common transcriptional signatures according to the time of infection in NDI and DVTs, and disease severity in NDI. We identified 237 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NDI and DVT1. Of those, 20 were commonly affected by dengue vaccination during DVT2 and DVT3. Machine learn analysis ranked the 10 NDI's most critical predictors for disease severity, e.g., IFIT5, ISG15, and HERC5, which play an essential role in the anti-viral immune response. Hence, this work provides new insight into the NDI and vaccine-induced overlapping immune response and suggests novel targets for developing anti-dengue-specific therapies and monitoring the effectiveness of vaccination.
Nutritional status, health risk behaviors, and eating habits are correlated with physical activity and exercise of older hypertensive adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Silva Leonardo Santos Lopes Da , Batalhão Daniel De Freitas , Carvalho Anderson Dos Santos , Bohn Lucimere , Ramos Nilo César , Abdalla Pedro Pugliesi
Published: July 2022

Background
Some behaviors can influence compliance to physical activity and exercise during aging. Nutritional status, health risk behaviors, and eating habits may be associated with recommended amounts of physical activity and exercise in healthy older adults. However, these associations are still not clear for older hypertensive adults, that require greater care from health professionals. We aimed to associate the nutritional status, health risk behaviors, and eating habits with recommended amounts of physical activity and exercise practice of older hypertensive adults.
Methods
10,789 older hypertensive adults (70.9 ± 7.4 years) from VIGITEL survey were classified according to physical activity/exercise practice. Binary logistic regression was used to observe the odds ratio (OR) between nutritional status, risk behaviors (screen time, alcohol, and tobacco consumption), and eating habits (minimally/ultra-processed foods consumption score) with recommended amounts of physical activity/exercise.
Results
Highest nutritional status (ORPHYSICAL−ACTIVITY=-2.7%; OREXERCISE=-2.1%), screen time (ORPHYSICAL−ACTIVITY=-10.2%), alcohol consumption (ORPHYSICAL−ACTIVITY=-31.1%; OREXERCISE=-29.4%), tobacco (ORPHYSICAL−ACTIVITY=-38.4%; OREXERCISE=-53.2%) and ultra-processed foods consumption score (ORPHYSICAL−ACTIVITY=-10.1%; OREXERCISE=-11.2%) reduced the odds of being sufficiently active/practicing exercise (p < 0.05). Minimally processed foods consumption score increased the odds of being sufficiently active/practicing exercise (ORPHYSICAL−ACTIVITY=13.2%; OREXERCISE=16.8%, respectively; p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Nutritional status, health risk behaviors, and eating habits influence the odds of older hypertensive adults complying with physical activity and exercise recommendations. The results help outline the adoption of objective strategies aimed at risk factor behaviors in the treatment/control of arterial hypertension in older adults.
Synergistic roles of the phospholipase B homolog Plb1 and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase Pka1 in the hypertonic stress response of Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Matsuo Yasuhiro , Marcus Stevan , Kawamukai Makoto
Published: July 2022

The phospholipase B homolog Plb1 and the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) pathway are required by fission yeast, also known as to Schizosaccharomyces pombe, to grow under KCl stress conditions. Here, we report the relative contributions of Plb1 and the cAMP/PKA pathway during the hypertonic stress response. We show that the plb1∆, cyr1∆, and pka1∆ single mutants are sensitive to high concentrations of KCl but insensitive to sorbitol-induced osmotic stress. In contrast, the plb1∆ cyr1∆ and plb1∆ pka1∆ double mutants are hypersensitive to KCl and sorbitol. The cyr1∆ pka1∆ double mutants showed the same phenotype of each single mutant. Growth inhibition due to hypertonic stress in the plb1∆, plb1∆ cyr1∆, and plb1∆ pka1∆ strains was partially rescued by cgs1 deletion—cgs1∆ has constitutively active Pka1—or by the deletion of transcription factor Rst2, which is negatively regulated by Pka1. Pka1-GFP localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm in plb1∆, whereas it localized only in the cytoplasm in cyr1∆, indicating that Plb1 does not regulate Pka1 localization. Glucose limitation downregulates the PKA pathway, and it was accordingly observed that glucose limitation in plb1∆ further increased the strain’s sensitivity to KCl. Growth inhibition by KCl in plb1∆ under glucose-limited conditions was significantly rescued by cgs1∆ and slightly rescued by rst2∆. These findings indicate that, in fission yeast, the glucose-sensing cAMP/PKA pathway is mainly responsible for responding to stressful hypertonic conditions induced by high levels of KCl, and that Plb1 has a subsidiary role in this stress response.
Absence of KLK4-KLKP1 Fusion Corroborate with PTEN Loss in Characterizing Men at Higher Risk for Biochemical Recurrence in Middle Eastern Prostate Cancer Cohort
Authors: Bakker Andrea , Slack Jonathan , Palanisamy Nalla , Carskadon Shannon , Ghosh Sunita , Khalifeh Ibrahim , Bismar Tarek A.
Published: July 2022

Background: KLK4-KLKP1 fusion is a recently described molecular event in prostate cancer (PCa). This new biomarker has not been characterized in the Middle Eastern (ME) population. Objective: We assessed the incidence, characterization, and prognostic value of KLK4-KLKP1 fusion in a ME cohort of men with PCa and assessed the relationship of this marker to commonly known biomarkers (PTEN, ERG, SPINK1). Design, setting and participants: We interrogated a cohort of ME men with localized PCa treated by radical prostatectomy between 2005 and 2015 (n=340). KLK4-KLKP1 fusion status was assessed by RNA Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) and correlated to pathological and clinical parameters.Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: RNA-CISH expression of KLK4-KLKP1 was correlated with prognostic factors, ERG, PTEN and SPINK1 expression and with biochemical recurrence (BCR) post radical prostatectomy.Results and limitations: 51.7% of patients’ samples were positive for KLK4-KLKP1; with the expression more commonly found in cores of PCa (38%) versus non-cancer (20.6%) (p <0.0001) and in lower Gleason Grade Group tumors (1-3) vs (4-5). KLK4-KLKP1 positivity was associated with ERG positivity and inversely associated with PTEN loss. No association was noticed with SPINK1 expression, seminal vesicle invasion, positive surgical margin, pathological stage, or patient age (<50 or ³ 50). When correlating to BCR, only PTEN loss was associated with BCR, and this effect became more pronounced when combined with KLK4-KLKP1 negativity (HR: 2.31, CI: 1.03-5.20, p=0.042). Conclusions: KLK4-KLKP1 expression is more common in ME vs North American (NA) populations. It is associated with ERG positivity and inversely with PTEN loss. KLK4-KLKP1 positivity showed no association with any clinical or pathological parameters, however, it demonstrated a somewhat protective effect when combined with PTEN status. Patient Summary: KLK4-KLKP1 is a newly discovered biomarker expressed in PCa with a higher incidence in the ME population. KLK4-KLKP1 positivity is associated with certain molecular subtypes (ERG-positive, PTEN intact).
SSAR-GNN: Self-Supervised Artist Recommendation with Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Menghan , Rao Xuan , Chen Lisi , Shang Shuo , Zhang Binbin
Published: July 2022

Artist recommendation plays a vital role in the artist domain. Accurate recommendation can help avoid ineffective searches and acquire comprehensive knowledge regarding relationships among artists. However, existing studies mainly focus on artists themselves or artistic works. They are incapable of exploring the relationships among artists in an effective way. In this paper, we study the problem of artist recommendation for the first time. We propose a artist dataset to analyze the similarity relationship from spatial and temporal aspects between artists. Specifically, based on the dataset, we propose a self-supervised learning approach to construct the artist graph. To incorporate the learned graph into existing models, we propose a novel network, SSAR-GNN for recommendation. SSAR-GNN applies a simplified Graph Convolution Network (GCN) on the artist graph to enrich the representation of each artist. Experimental results on the dataset show the effectiveness of our proposed method SSAR-GNN in terms of accuracy.
Identifying Challenges to Critical Incident Decision-Making through a Macro-, Meso-, Micro- Lens: A Systematic Synthesis and Holistic Narrative Analysis
Authors: May Brandon , Milne Rebecca , Shawyer Andrea , Meenaghan Amy , Ribbers Eva
Published: July 2022

It is predicted that emergency response to critical incident events will likely increase in the coming decades, as society faces unique and dynamic challenges (e.g., pandemics, migrant crises, terrorism). As such, it is necessary to breakdown, identify and evaluate the unique barriers associated with decision-making in the context of critical incident response. Current research has often framed the factors that influence critical incident-related decision-making in respect to independent singular sociological and psychological characteristics. The aim of this study was to synthesise the bibliographic characteristics of the research and present a holistic narrative analysis of the multi-layered factors associated with decision-making. The systematic synthesis of evidence also facilitated a critical appraisal of the quality and distribution of evidence across macro-, meso-, and micro- levels. Results suggested that research was moderately heterogeneous, as the synthesis of evidence captured diverse narrative factors. However, eligible research remained sparse and often focused on singular factors. Further, micro-centric characteristics (e.g., cognitive-related factors) were not well represented. Research primarily focused toward intermediate meso-level characteristics, capturing factors such as ‘interoperability’ and ‘organisation policy and procedure’ as critical challenges to decision-making. Six key narratives were also identified and discussed. Both the quality appraisal and narrative findings suggested that research should seek opportunities to experimentally assess, evaluate and validate decision-making. In practice, whilst this has in the past appeared ethically and practically problematic, advances in technology, research and analysis have allowed high-fidelity simulation experimentation to recreate critical incident events.
Polarizing properties of lipoxin A4 on THP-1 macrophages in vitro
Authors: Aubeux Davy , Tessier Solene , Perez Fabienne , Geoffroy Valerie , Ga Alexis PhD
Published: July 2022

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a specialized pro-resolving mediator involved in the resolution phase of inflammation that is crucial for the return of tissues to homeostasis, healing, and regenerative processes. LXA4 acts via its receptor, formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), to promote macrophage polarization. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of LXA4 on macrophage activity and on the phenotype modulation of polarized M1 and M2 macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytes. Once differentiated, human macrophages were incubated with interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-13 to obtain M2-polarized macrophages or with interferon gamma and lipopolysaccharide for classical macrophage activation. The mRNA and protein expression of M1 and M2 markers confirmed the polarization of THP-1-derived macrophages. LXA4 (0-100nM) did not affect the viability of M1 and M2 macrophages or the phagocytic activity of these cells. Gene expression of FPR2, referred as a receptor for the LXA4, was higher in M1 compared with M2, and was not modified by the LXA4 at the doses used. Moreover, LXA4 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1β) in M1 and increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10) in M2. These results provide new insights regarding the potential of LXA4 to switch the polarization state of macrophages.
The occurrence of primary REE minerals and their paragenesis within S-type granite and quartz vein, South Bangka, Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia
Authors: Tampubolon Armin , Syafri Ildrem , Rosana Mega Fatimah , Yuningsih Euis Tintin
Published: July 2022

Rare earth elements (REE) is categorized as a part of critical mineral resources because of their important uses in modern technology and the limited resources that are dominated by China. The indication of primary REE minerals was identified in some localities in South Bangka, Indonesia. Such minerals were investigated using various methods such as petrography, ore microscopy, XRF, ICP-MS/OES, SEM-EDS/EDX, EPMA, fluid inclusion study, and stable isotope O and S analysis. Two types of REE minerals have been classified, i.e., carbonate and phosphate. The carbonate type consists mainly of parisite, allanite, and bastnasite, while REE phosphate group comprises mainly monazite and xenotime. The presence of such REE types is also accompanied by other REE-bearing minerals such as thorite and zircon in both granite and quartz veins. The granite with the highest REE values has a lesser negative anomaly of Eu. In other words, it is a less perfectly fractionation than the others, it belongs to biotite granite. In contrast, REE-bearing quartz vein is associated with cassiterite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and tourmaline. Based on homogenization temperatures and incorporated with stable isotope O and S analyses, and fluid inclusion study results, the hydrothermal fluid that plays a role in REE mineral precipitation is subdivided into three stages, i.e., early (> 316oC − 316oC), intermediate (< 316oC – 210oC), and late (< 210oC- 190oC). The isotopic analysis shows that the δ18O range of 12,7‰ – 13‰ and δ34S range of 3,9‰ – 5,5‰ indicate that the origin of hydrothermal fluid comes from mixing fluids of both meteoric and magmatic sources, and also influenced by metamorphic waters. While the source of sulfur is granitic and sedimentary rocks. REE phosphate is thought to have formed in the early magmatic crystallization stage except for monazite which is formed in the intermediate magmatic-hydrothermal and late hydrothermal stages. Primary REE carbonate may have formed in an intermediate hydrothermal-magmatic stage except for parasite and allanite, they may have formed in late-stage hydrothermal. Sulfide minerals such as chalcopyrite and sphalerite seem to be associated with REE minerals in the intermediate and late hydrothermal stages.
Experience with the Utilization of New Generation Shared Control Robotic System for Spinal Instrumentation
Authors: Haider Ghani , Shah Vaibhavi , Lopez Ivan , Wagner Katherine Elizabeth , Stienen Martin , Veeravagu Anand
Published: July 2022

PurposeRobotic assistance in spine surgery is emerging as an accurate, effective and enabling technology utilized in the treatment of patients with surgical spinal pathology. Robotic systems have a wide range of applications in spine surgery from the planning and execution of spinal instrumentation to intra-operative navigation. The safety and reproducibility of robotic assistance in the placement of pedicle screw instrumentation is still being investigated, and here we present our experience of instrumented spinal fusion utilizing an intra-operative robotic guidance system. Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed all cases of spinal instrumentation of the thoracic and lumbo-sacral spine using the Mazor X robotic system (Medtronic Inc, USA), performed at our institution by one surgeon between July 2017 and June 2020. Clinical variables in addition to operative details and complications were recorded. To replicate clinical relevance, screw accuracy was assessed on postoperative antero-posterior and lateral x-rays by two independent neurosurgeons. Wilcoxon Rank test was used to compare time taken to place each screw during the first 20 cases and the cases thereafter.ResultsA total of 28 patients were included. A total of 159 screws were placed using the Mazor X robotic system. The overall mean time for screw placement was 7.8 ± 2.3 minutes and there was a significant reduction in the mean time for screw placement after the 20th case (8.70 min vs. 5.42 minutes, p=0.008). Mean follow-up was 13.0 ± 12.9 months. No post-operative neurologic deficit or new radiculopathy was noted to occur secondary to hardware placement. No revision surgery was required for replacement or removal of a mispositioned screw. No post-operative hardware complications such as hardware migration, or failure were noted within the follow-up period. ConclusionsFrom this single-center, single-surgeon series we conclude that robot-assisted spine surgery can be safely and efficiently integrated into the operating room workflow, which improves after a learning curve of approximately 20 operative interventions. We found robot-assisted spinal instrumentation to be reliable, safe, effective and highly precise.
Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention with Vacuum Sealing Drainage in Deep Portion for Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection of the Hip
Authors: Gu Lingchuan , Peng Yang , Zhang Ying , Lin Yangjing , Su Tiao , Yang Liu , Chen Guangxing
Published: July 2022

Background
The treatment of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a great challenge. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) used as an adjunct to debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) for acute periprosthetic joint infection of the hip.
Methods
Patients undergoing debridement, irrigation with component retention, and application of vacuum seal drainage in the deep portion surrounding the infected sites from January 2014 to February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The definition of failure included the requirement of prosthesis removal; persistent infection-related symptoms; suppressive antibiotics therapy due to failure of controlling the infection; infection-related death.
Results
11 patients were included in this study with a mean follow-up of 32.3 ± 18.3 months. There were 9 males and 2 females with a mean age of 58.6 ± 16.3 years. Eight had sinus tract. The overall success rate was 81.82% with 2 failures. The Harris Hip Scores (HHS) improved in the last follow-up compared with preoperative evaluation (83.0 ± 11.6 vs 43.9 ± 11.8, t=-13.58, P༜0.001).
Conclusion
The addition of VSD in the deep portion does improve the outcome of DAIR, which might be a safe and effective option for acute PJI.
Leukocyte telomere length, allelic variations in related genes and risk of coronary heart disease in people with long-standing type 1 diabetes
Authors: Sanchez Manuel , Kannengiesser Caroline , Hoang Sophie , Potier Louis , Fumeron Frédéric , Venteclef Nicolas , Scheen André , Gautier Jean-François , Hadjadj Samy , Marre Michel , Roussel Ronan , Mohammedi Kamel , Velho Gilberto
Published: July 2022

Background
Type 1 diabetes is associated with accelerated vascular aging and advanced atherosclerosis resulting in increased rates of cardiovascular disease and premature death. We evaluated associations between Leukocyte telomere length (LTL), allelic variations (SNPs) in LTL-related genes and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in adults with long-standing type 1 diabetes.
Methods
In the present investigation we assessed associations of LTL, measured at baseline by RT-PCR, and of SNPs in 11 LTL-related genes with the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD: myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization) and all-cause death during follow-up in two multicenter French-Belgian prospective cohorts of people with long-standing type 1 diabetes.
Results
In logistic and Cox analyses, the lowest tertile of LTL distribution (short telomeres) at baseline was associated with the prevalence of myocardial infarction at baseline and with increased risk of CHD (Hazard ratio 3.14 (1.39–7.70), p = 0.005, for shorter vs longer tertile of LTL:) and all-cause death (Hazard ratio 1.63 (95% CI 1.04–2.55), p = 0.03, for shorter vs combined intermediate and longer tertiles of LTL) during follow-up. Allelic variations in six genes related to telomere biology (TERC, NAF1, TERT, TNKS, MEN1 and BICD1) were also associated with the incidence of CHD during follow-up. The associations were independent of sex, age, duration of diabetes, and a range of relevant confounding factors at baseline.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that short LTL is an independent risk factor of CHD in people with type 1 diabetes.
Chaotic Gas Accretion by Black Holes Embedded in AGN Disks as Cause of Low-spin Signatures in Gravitational Wave Events
Authors: Chen Yixian , Lin Douglas
Published: July 2022

Accretion disks around super-massive black holes (SMBH) not only power active galactic nuclei (AGNs) but also host single and binary embedded stellar-mass black holes (EBHs). The merger of these EBHs provides a promising mechanism for the excitation of some gravitational wave events observed by LIGO-Virgo. In addition to their mass and mass-ratio distribution, their hitherto enigmatic small spin-parameters (χeff) carry important clues and stringent constraints on their formation channels and evolutionary pathways. Here we show that, after each coalescence, the typical rapid spin of the merged EBHs is suppressed by their subsequent accretion of gas from a turbulent environment, due to its ability to randomize the flow’s spin orientation with respect to that of the EBHs on an eddy-turnover timescale. This theory provides supporting evidence for the prolificacy of EBH mergers and suggests that their mass growth is dominated by gas accretion rather than their coalescence in AGN disks. In addition to their contributions to the mass and χeff distribution observed by LIGO-Virgo, EBHs’ gas accretion also provides auxiliary powers to the heating of the global disk in AGNs.
Constitutive Modeling of the Permeability Behavior of Compacted Clay Liners in Landfills by Using Factorial Design
Authors: Silva Thiago Fernandes , Lyra Marcus Vinícius Melo , Paiva William , Melo Marcio Camargo , Monteiro Veruschka Escarião Dessoles
Published: July 2022

Compacted clay liners (CCL) are structures designed for waterproofing in landfills in order to avoid contamination of the subsoil, rivers and adjacent aquifers. These liners are not always able to meet the permeability requirements demanded by technical standards. For this, the addition of materials, such as bentonite, and the alteration of geotechnical parameters can be viable alternatives to achieve this permeability. The objective of this research was to obtain predictive models of water permeability in landfill liners and analyze the significance of the studied factors. Mixtures were made of sand from the Sanitary Landfill in the municipality of Campina Grande-Paraiba-Brazil (Soil 1) and bentonite (Soil 2), from the municipality of Boa Vista-Paraiba. For the execution of these CCL, a factorial design was carried out, having as independent variables compaction energy, water content and bentonite percentage. The dependent variable was the water permeability coefficient for the CCD and CCRD models. The model that presented the best fit, the significance of these models, the predictive equation of permeability and the response surfaces were verified. The models were significant and showed that compaction energy and Soil 2 percentage are the factors that most influenced the permeability behavior. Constitutive permeability equations were obtained for each design tested. It was found that the DCCR model better explains the process of obtaining permeability. Thus, knowing the geotechnical characteristics of the soil, the selection of new deposits that meet the technical criteria would be facilitated by the application of the models.
How the Fintech ecosystem changes with the entry of Big Tech companies
Authors: Bethlendi András , Szőcs Árpád
Published: July 2022

The digitalization of financial services has led to the emergence of new, innovative services and providers. This paper first examines which actors are defined in the related literature as members of the Fintech ecosystem and what their roles and responsibilities are. A common element in the literature reviewed is that traditional financial institutions, startups, regulators, the investment community, and technology developers are identified as actors in Fintech ecosystems. The analysis then highlights how the large technology companies that are referred to in the literature as Big Tech (Meta (Facebook), Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Baidu, Alibaba, and Tencent) have become active in the financial services sector. It also examines which comparative advantages have led to the possibility for Big Tech companies to become third-party and then independent providers of financial services. As a result of their previous activities (software development, marketing, social media, online retail, and content services), they have acquired both a significant global customer base and outstanding IT development capabilities. These factors have enabled them to interact with former members of the Fintech ecosystem. They have formed partnerships with traditional financial institutions, then become their competitors, and they look to Fintech startups as acquisition targets. These factors determine Big Tech companies to become part of the Fintech ecosystem as a competitive service provider. From a practical point of view, these phenomena emphasize the need for the regulatory efforts on Big Tech companies.
Changes in the microvasculature with active retinopathy of prematurity as evidenced by OCT angiography
Authors: Trifanenkova I. G. , Tereshchenko A. V. , Erokhina E. V.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: to evaluate the degree of structural lesions of the microvasculature, depending on the stage and type of active ROP with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in angio-mode (OCTA).

   Material and methods. 63 premature infants (63 eyes) with active ROP were tested by OCT of the retina, of which 30 were tested by OCTA. Additionally, 10 premature infants (10 eyes) without signs of ROP were tested by OCTA. We assessed the area and perimeter of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), the thickness of the retina in the fovea, the density of the superficialand deep plexuses in the fovea and parafovea, the presence or absence of intraretinal, epiretinal and retinovitreal neovascular complexes.   Results. We revealed gross structural and microvascular retinal pathology in children with ROP, which was more pronounced in children with an unfavorable course of the disease. Of these, the most affected were children with a shorter gestational period, i. e , more immature. In children with a favorable type of ROP course, a severe general condition has a serious impact on the child’s microvasculature state. The analysis of the correlation dependences of OCTA on the gestational age, stage and type of active ROP, showed a strong direct correlation between the retinal thickness in the fovea, the density of superficial plexus vessels in the fovea, the area and perimeter of the FAZ, on the one hand, and the course of the disease, which is crucial for the correct choice of management and treatment tactics.

   Conclusion. The OCTA data allow an objective assessment of the severity of the changes in the retinal vasculature, including its microcirculatory component. The data effectively supplement the clinical picture and help identifying the progressive course o f active ROP at the earliest stages of the pathological process, thereby contributing to timely treatment and good clinical and functional results.
A comparative analysis of intraocular pressure measurement results by the TVGD-02 tonometer (EASYTON) and the Goldman tonometer in ethnic Asians residing in Kazakhstan
Authors: Shusterov Yu. A. , Akhmadyarova B. S. , Toksambaeva D. E. , Makhanbetzhanova A. K. , Dakibayev N. S. , Lyubchenko M. Yu.
Published: July 2022

Purpose.  To compare the results of IOP measurement by the TVGD-02 transpalpebral tonometer (EASYTON) and the Goldman to­ nometer in ethnic Asians of Kazakhstan in order to assess the influence of epicanthus on the results of transpalberal tonometry.

   Material and methods.  A total of 150 patients (150 eyes) aged 39 to 65years were examined, including 120 patients (120 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and 30 patients (30 eyes) with high astigmatism and no POAG. All patients had their (IOP) measuredfirst with a Goldman tonometer, and then with a TVGD-02 transpalpebral tonometer (EASYTON). The correlation between the two methods was determined by the Pearson correlation coefficient.

   Results.  According to the EASYTON tonometer, the average IOP over the whole group was 20.20 ± 0.45 mm Hg, whilst the respective figure for the Goldman tonometer was 19.90 ± 0.43 mm Hg, the difference being statistically insignificant (p>0.05). In both groups and in varied IOP ranges the results of Easyton and Goldman tonometer data were comparable. No peculiarities in IOP mea­ surements taken from patients with epicanthus have been revealed.  

   Conclusion.  The absence of statistically significant differences between the data obtained by EASYTON and the Goldman tonometer in Asians implies that epicanthus does not affect the results of transpalpebral tonometry. The EASYTON tonometer may be considered an effective screening device in routine clinical practice. It is easy to use and can be recommended to ophthalmologists, general practitioners, nurses, optometrists, as well as glaucoma patients for IOP monitoring at home.
Distinctive features of eye pathology in elderly and senile people in Arkhangelsk region
Authors: Zelentsov R. N. , Popov V. V. , Novikova I. A. , Trofimova A. A.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: to identify the features of the pathology of the eye in elderly and senile people in the Arkhangelsk region.

   Material and methods. Annual reports of medical eye care facilities for the 2009 to 2019 who offered ophthalmological assistance to individuals aged 60 or older were analyzed. To estimate the differences infrequency of occurrence Pearson's Chi-square was used.

   Results. The incidence of eye pathologies in elderly and senile people amounts to 20.74% (17.83 % male and 22.29 % female). The most common conditions included the pathology of the lens that occurred in almost 50 % of the old people, glaucoma was diagnosed in about 20 % and retinal conditions in one out of seven people. In the age group of 60 to 74 years, the most common pathologies included glaucoma, diabetic angioretinopathy, retinal conditions and refractive errors; in the people of advanced age (75—89 years), lens pathologies and age-related macular degeneration occurred more frequently than in the younger age group while glaucoma, diabetic angioretinopathy, retinal conditions and refractive errors occurred less frequently. The oldest age group (90 years and older) showed a different pathology distribution than people of the younger age groups: they have higher occurrence of lens pathologies, age-related macular degeneration, optic disc pathology. In contrast, they have a rarer occurrence of retinal diseases, whilst diabetic angioretinopathy or refractive errors were not diagnosed at all. Gender differences of eye pathology distribution are revealed in the fact that, among people aged 60 to 89, women have a higher occurrence of age-related macular degeneration, retinal diseases and refractive errors, while men are more often diagnosed with glaucoma.

   Conclusion. The identified features of eye pathology in elderly and senile people living in the Arkhangelsk region should be taken into account when medical care for advanced age groups is developed and improved.