bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioactive Calcium Phosphate Coatings for Bone Implant Applications: A Review
Authors: Drevet Richard , Fauré Joël , Benhayoune Hicham
Published: May 2023

This review article deals with the design of bioactive calcium phosphate coatings deposited on metallic substrates to produce bone implants. The bioceramic coating properties are used to create a strong bonding between the bone implants and the surrounding bone tissue. They provide a fast response after implantation and increase the lifespan of the implant in the body environment. The first part of the article describes the different compounds belonging to the calcium phosphate family and their main properties for applications in biomaterials science. The calcium to phosphorus atomic ratio (Ca/P)at. and the solubility (Ks) of these compounds define their behavior in a physiological environment. Hydroxyapatite is the gold standard among calcium phosphate materials, but other chemical compositions/stoichiometries have also been studied for their interesting properties. The second part reviews the most usual deposition processes to produce bioactive calcium phosphate coatings for bone implant applications. Plasma spraying is the main industrial process, but magnetron sputtering, pulsed laser deposition, electrospray deposition, electrophoretic deposition, and electrodeposition are also widely studied in academic and industrial research. The last part describes the main physicochemical properties of calcium phosphate coatings and their impact on the bioactivity of bone implants in a physiological environment.
Metrics for Understanding the Degraded Metagenome of Stomach Cancer Patient
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: May 2023

Metagenomics have opened our eyes to the otherwise enigmatic microbial consortia that relies on different human body niches that impact on disease pathogenesis. This work originally aims to re-analyse a public shotgun metagenomics dataset to glean insights on the microbial species that may partake in stomach cancer pathogenesis. However, a random selection of sequenced reads reveals poor percent identities (79 to 94%) of the microbial identification obtained in a BLAST search. This surprising result suggests possible stomach acid induced degradation or modification of the sequenced read that reduced the effectiveness of the metagenomics approach in microbial identification. Further analysis of the dataset highlights that poor percent identities did not arise due to highly fragmented nature of the genetic material where there is a good abundance of sequenced reads in the 100 to 1300 base pair category. More intriguingly, attempts to obtain a correlation between percent identity and read length did not reveal a correlation which meant that stomach acid did not modify all types of nucleotides. More likely, stomach acid only modified low abundance nucleotide in this case, which point to the probability of identifying a microbe in the modified gene fragment in totally unpredictable ways. Overall, data reported in this work suggests caution in the interpretation of results of shotgun metagenomics studies of stomach cancer microbiota where stomach acid likely degraded the genetic material of microbes that may result in mis-identification.
Cultural Adaptation and Pilot Testing of the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) Program for Older Adults in a Low and Middle-Income Country
Authors: Thiamwong Ladda , Tongsiri Sirinart , Suwanno Jom , Xie Rui , Ng Boon Peng , Park Joon-Hyuk , Li Wenjun , Eckstrom Elizabeth
Published: May 2023

Older adults in low-and middle-income countries experience a disproportionate burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Unintentional injuries are among the major NCDs, and falls are the second leading cause of these injuries and deaths worldwide, including in Thailand. We aimed to culturally adapt the CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries (STEADI) for Thai older adults and explore the feasibility, appropriateness, and acceptability of using STEADI in primary care via trained community health workers (CHWs) and care managers (CMs). STEADI takes a coordinated care approach that consists of three steps: screening, assessing, and intervening. In Step a, CHWs screened fall risk in 20 community-dwelling older adults using three key questions and found that all of them had fall risk, then CHWs screened with a Stay Independent questionnaire (range 0-14) and found that 100% have high fall risk (total scores 9.7± 2.4). In Step b, CMs assessed balance, vision, footwear, postural hypotension, medications, and CHWs assessed home hazards. They found that 50% had poor balance, 70% took 4+ medications,75% fell on the walkway, and 70% had no bathroom modifications. In Step c, individual participants received fall prevention interventions to mitigate their specific fall risk factors. CHWs and CMs indicated high acceptability (19.20±.1.31 of 20 total), appropriateness (18.80± 1.79 of 20 total), and feasibility (18.60±1.67 of 20 total) of the Thai-STEADI intervention. Our study showed that the community-based multifactorial Thai-STEADI delivered by CHWs and CMs is feasible and acceptable to prevent falls in older adults with limited access to health care.
Pipe Flow of Viscoplastic Fluids and Analytical Predictions of Concrete Pumping Based on the Shear-stress-dependent Parabolic Model
Authors: Zhaidarbek Balnur , Savitskaya Kristina , Wang Yanwei
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the Hagen–Poiseuille pipe flow of viscoplastic fluids, focusing on analytical predictions of concrete pumping using the shear-stress-dependent parabolic model. Research highlights encompass solving the steady laminar pipe flow for viscoplastic fluids described by the parabolic model, extending analytical studies to a nonlinear rheological model with easily accessible experimental parameters, presenting detailed results for the two-fluid parabolic model, and introducing computational apps implementing theoretical findings. The parabolic model outperforms linear models, such as the Bingham model, in accuracy by accounting for the nonlinearity in the shear stress and shear rate relations. The influence of rheological parameters on these relations is analyzed, and their versatility is demonstrated by a Wolfram Mathematica-based application program. This approach is adaptable for other models with shear stress as the independent variable, offering valuable insights into viscoplastic fluid flows.
Effects of Low-Temperature Accumulation on Flowering of Prunus mume
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Ma Kaifeng , Li Qingwei
Published: May 2023

Low-temperature accumulation is one of the essential stages in the growth process of woody ornamental plants. In this study, two different low-temperature treatments, 6℃ and 10℃, were used to analyze the effects of different low-temperature treatments on dormancy release and flowering of the 'Gulihong' plant using artificial low temperatures. Based on the experimental results, four typical early-blooming Prunus mume cultivars widely planted in Yangling area of Henan Province, China, including 'Zaoyudie', 'Zaohualve', 'Nanjing gongfen', and 'Gulihong', were selected as the experimental materials. The effects of low-temperature accumulation on the flowering characteristics of different cultivars were analyzed using a 6℃ artificial low-temperature treatment. The suitable cultivation temperature for early-blooming P. mume cultivars was screened to provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of P. mume bonsai cultivation techniques. The results showed that the flowering rate, flower diameter, flowering quantity, flowering uniformity, and bud development in the 6℃ treatment were significantly better than those in the 10℃ treatment. The flowering rate and quality of different cultivars gradually increased with the accumulation of low-temperature. Therefore, chill accumulation plays a significant role in promoting flowering quality.
Sugarcane Pulp Lunch-Boxes Produce More Microparticles in Acidic Foods
Authors: Hu Yi , Mo Chunru , Wang Zhiwei , Yu Wenwen , Hu Changying
Published: May 2023

In current study, the production of microparticles from fifteen commercial sugarcane pulp (SCP) lunch-boxes into different types of food under different conditions was investigated, where we used DI water, 4% HAc, and 95% EtOH to simulate aqueous, acidic, and fatty foods. Results showed that compared with DI water and 95% EtOH, 4% HAc caused the degradation of sugarcane fibers, resulting in the highest number of microparticles released, which was significantly greater than the specified limit value. It was estimated that consumers might intake a total number of 36,400 ~ 231,700 items per meal per lunch-box, of which the proportion of microparticles with particle size between 100 ~ 500 μm was the largest, with a number of 12,376 ~ 130,795 items. Moreover, of all SCP lunch-box except S-11, Al and Fe are the main metals, ranging between 35.16 ~ 1244.04 and 44.71 ~ 398.52 mg/kg, respectively, followed by Pb, Ti, and Sr. Interestingly, unlike other lunch-boxes, the content of Pb in S-11 was the highest, with a number of 136 mg/kg. This study provides important information that the safeness including both the production of microparticles and the metallic elements should be considered for SCP lunch-boxes when in contact with food.
Temperature Effect on the Dynamic Young’s Modulus, Shear Modulus, Internal Friction, and Dilatometric Changes in Quenched and Annealed AISI4130 Steel
Authors: Matlakhova Lioudmila A. , Pessanha Emanuel C. , Alves Henrique , Palii Natalia A. , Monteiro Sergio N.
Published: May 2023

Elastic properties of materials and their changes with temperature are important for their applications in engineering. A study on the influence of phase composition of AISI 4130 alloy on Young's modulus (Ed), shear modulus (Gd), and damping (Q-1) was carried out by Impulse Excitation Technique (IET). The material characterization was carried out using confocal microscopy, XRD, MET, HV, and dilatometry. A stable structure, composed of ferrite (BCC) and pearlite (α-Fe+Fe3C), was obtained by annealing. Metastable structure of martensite (BCT) was obtained by quenching. The Ed, Gd, and Q-1 were measured, varying the temperature from RT to 900 °C. The values of Ed and Gd, at RT, were determined as 201.5 and 79.2 GPa (annealed), and 190.13 and 76.5 GPa (quenched), respectively. In the annealed steel, the values Ed and Gd decrease linearly on heating up to 650 °C, with the thermal expansion. In the quenched steel, weak changes in the dilatometric curve, Ed, Gd, and Q-1, in the range of 350-450 °C, indicated decompositions of the martensitic phase. Sharp decrease in the moduli and high peak of Q-1, was observed for both samples around 650-900 °C, revealing low lattice elastic stability of the phases during transformations α(BCC)+Fe3C↔γ(FCC).
Optimizing Building Thermal Insulation: The Impact of Brick Geometry and Thermal Coefficient on Energy Efficiency and Comfort
Authors: Makrygiannis Ioannis , Karalis Konstantinos , Dragonas Theodosios
Published: May 2023

The thermal insulation properties of building walls are critical to the overall energy efficiency and comfort of a building. One important factor that can affect these properties is the type of bricks used in construction. Bricks can vary in their geometry and thermal coefficient, which can impact their ability to transfer heat through the wall. The geometry of a brick can affect its thermal properties by altering the amount of air trapped within it and the surface area available for heat transfer. Hollow bricks or those with complex geometries may have lower thermal conductivity than regular solid bricks due to the air pockets trapped within them. Conversely, larger surface areas on the exterior of the brick can increase heat transfer. The thermal coefficient of clay, a common material used in brick production, is another important factor. Clay has a relatively low thermal conductivity, meaning it is a poor conductor of heat. However, the quality of the clay, as well as the firing temperature and duration used in brick production, can impact its thermal coefficient. Higher firing temperatures and longer firing times can result in a more compact and dense clay brick, which can improve its thermal properties. In summary, the thermal insulation properties of building walls can be significantly affected by the type of bricks used in their construction. It is important to consider the geometry and thermal coefficient of the bricks when designing a building to achieve the desired level of thermal insulation. By selecting bricks with appropriate properties, designers can help to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of the building while reducing its environmental impact.
INTERSECTORAL COOPERATION IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN WARTIME
Authors: Nechiporuk Lyubov
Published: May 2023

Abstract: this article deals with the actuality of the problem of providing social services to internally displaced persons in wartime conditions. The necessity of organizing intersectoral cooperation for social support and assistance to the population in war conditions is substantiated, the features of interaction are analyzed: components (state sector, public sector, business sector, organization mechanisms). The features of social support of the population in the conditions of war in the partnership activities of social services of Ukraine, international and domestic volunteer, public organizations and business are analyzed.
Bilateral Knee Lyme Arthritis in Children
Authors: Gagliardi Thomas A. , Agarwalla Avinesh , Johnson Philip K. , Leong Jennifer , DelBello Damon A.
Published: May 2023

Cases:

Three patients presented with bilateral knee pain, effusion, decreased range of motion, and difficulty ambulating. Synovial analysis demonstrated leukocytosis in bilateral knees with positive serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All cases were managed with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. One patient developed chronic Lyme arthritis and underwent arthroscopic synovectomy.

Conclusion:

Bilateral knee arthritis is a possible presentation of Lyme disease in children. Accurate diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can lead to satisfactory outcomes. Arthroscopic synovectomy may be indicated if conservative treatment fails.
Magmatic and Xenogenic Zircons from Granitoids of the Kaa-Khem Batholith as Age Markers of the Crust in the Junction Zone of the Tannu-Ola Island Arc and the Tuva–Mongolian Microcontinent (Eastern Tuva)
Authors: Rudnev S.N. , Karmysheva I.V. , Semenova D.V. , Yakovlev V.A. , Sugorakova A.M.
Published: May 2023

—We present the results of study of the geologic structure, petrologic composition, and age of plagiogranitoid associations in the east of the Kaa-Khem batholith (Eastern Tuva). The batholith is located in the junction zone of the Tannu-Ola island arc (TIA) of Vendian–early Cambrian age and the Precambrian rocks of the Tuva–Mongolian microcontinent (TMM). Plagiogranitoids of this region formed in an accretion–collision setting in the period 490–450 Ma. Three stages of formation of plagiogranitoid associations have been established (~489, ~476, and ~450 Ma). The plagiogranitoid associations in the east of the Kaa-Khem batholith do not differ in petrologic composition and age from the plagiogranitoid associations (500–450 Ma) in the west. Xenogenic zircons in the studied plagiogranitoids of the eastern Kaa-Khem batholith have ages of 2335–517 Ma. Their ages are divided into several clusters (524–517, 549–536, 615–586, 684–647, 739–735, 810–794, 842–827, and 2335 Ma) reflecting the heterogeneity of the crust in the TIA–TMM junction zone. The wide range of ages and the abundance of xenogenic zircons in plagiogranitoids of the eastern Kaa-Khem batholith testify to the contribution of older crustal sources to the granite formation at all stages of accretion–collision processes (from 490 to 450 Ma). The much narrower age range of xenogenic zircon (616–474 Ma) and its low contents in coeval plagiogranitoids of the western Kaa-Khem batholith are consistent with their localization within the TIA and the relative homogeneity of the crust in the area of felsic-melt generation. In the west, the influence of older crustal sources was insignificant and manifested itself only at the final stage (~450 Ma) of accretion–collision processes.
Carbon Isotope Fractionation during Metal–Carbonate Interaction at the Mantle Pressures and Temperatures
Authors: Reutsky V.N. , Borzdov Yu.M. , Bataleva Yu.V. , Palyanov Yu.N.
Published: May 2023

—Subduction of marine carbonates is accompanied by numerous transformations and interactions, including reactions with reduced mantle rocks. At depths of 250–300 km, carbonates enter mantle zones where metallic iron can be stable. The interaction of carbonates with metals is one of the mechanisms of the release of elemental carbon and the formation of diamond. These processes are also accompanied by carbon isotope fractionation and can result in a significant isotopic heterogeneity of mantle carbon. In this work we study the partitioning of carbon isotopes between carbon and carbon-bearing phases obtained in experiments on the interaction of FeNi alloy with (Mg,Ca)CO3, which simulates mantle–crust redox reactions in the temperature range 800–1550 °C and at a pressure of 6.3 GPa. It has been established that at 800–1000 °C, the carbon of carbonate is reduced at the metal/carbonate interface and dissolves in the FeNi alloy. This process leads to a 17–20‰ depletion of the metal in the heavy carbon isotope. At temperatures above 1330 °C, the fractionation of carbon isotopes between carbonate and metal–carbon melts is reduced to 8.5‰, approaching the thermodynamic calcite–cohenite isotope equilibrium. At temperatures above 1400 °C, diamond crystallizes from metal–carbon and carbonate melts, which leads to isotopic depletion of the metal–carbon melt. As a result, the measured carbon isotope fractionation between the carbonate and metal–carbon melts increases and moves away from the thermodynamic CaCO3–Fe3C equilibrium line. The carbonate–metal redox interaction is supposed to be one of the probable mechanisms of the formation of isotopically light carbon in the mantle at the expense of the marine carbonate sediments subducted into the mantle. This mechanism also provides the formation of anomalous isotopically heavy carbonates found in kimberlites of the Siberian Platform.
CLIMA URBANO E TUBERCULOSE EM MANAUS, AMAZONAS, BRASIL
Authors: Dantas Rebeca
Published: May 2023

Este estudo buscou analisar as condições climáticas e sua influência na ocorrência da Tuberculose no município de Manaus (AM). Para isso, foi feito uma correlação entre a variação climática (as variáveis pluviosidade, temperatura do ar e umidade relativa) e os casos confirmados de Tuberculose disponibilizados pela Secretária Municipal de Saúde (SEMSA), nos anos de 2007 a 2018. O presente estudo foi fundamentado a partir da análise sistêmica de Monteiro e Mendonça na integração das variáveis climáticas com as ocorrências de Tuberculose. Os resultados identificaram relações entre a distribuição e intensidade das variáveis climáticas com a doença, no qual os casos confirmados oscilaram entre 978 a 1480 casos, no periodo chuvoso com chuvas de 145,9 mm a 351,4 mm, quando comparado ao período seco, identificamos um aumento na amplitude de casos, tornando-se o período com maior quantidade de casos, variando de 1.163 a 1.447 casos. A partir das abordagens sistêmicas do plano de análise do estudo, foi possível identificar que os elementos do clima atuam como condicionante no desenvolvimento da Tuberculose, e deve ser considerado nos planejamentos de combate e controle da doença.
Sensoriamento remoto e clima urbano na Amazônia: Análise de Alvarães, Amazonas, Brasil
Authors: Vidal Bruno Sarkis , Silva Neto João Cândido André da
Published: May 2023

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar os fatores que influenciam o clima urbano da cidade de Alvarães através da utilização de dados de sensoriamento remoto. O sensoriamento remoto proporciona o estudo das transformações e a construção de cenários sobre a paisagem terrestre, podendo auxiliar e identificar inúmeros problemas baseados na localização dos fenômenos geográficos, no qual menciona-se a mudança no uso e ocupação do solo, e alterações do microclima. Utilizou-se das imagens de satélites do PlanetScop para o mapeamento do uso da terra e cobertura vegetal e índice de vegetação, a banda do infravermelho termal do Landsat 8 TIRS para elaboração do mapa de temperatura de superfície, além das bandas do vermelho e infravermelho próximo do Sentinel 2. Os resultados mostraram que as maiores temperaturas dos alvos observadas estão relacionadas às áreas descobertas de vegetação, uma variação entre 30°C a 32°C, principalmente na área urbana do município, onde a densidade de construção, tipo de material construtivo e arborização da cidade que influencia diretamente nos valores registrados. Mesmo que o município de Alvarães esteja localizado na Amazônia profunda, como uma área de baixo desmatamento e possuindo dificuldade de acesso por estradas, verificou-se a ausência de políticas públicas para efetivação do planejamento urbano adequado às características socioambientais, sendo necessário incluir estudos sobre clima aplicados ao ordenamento do território e planejamento urbano, proporcionando uma melhoria na qualidade de vida dos moradores da cidade de Alvarães.
Real-Time Control Algorithm of Well Trajectory for Push-the-Bit Rotary Steering Drilling System
Authors: Wang Ge , Huang Wenjun , Gao Deli
Published: May 2023

A “push-the-bit” rotary steering system (RSS) is one kind of advanced steering technology widely used in the drilling of extended-reach wells and horizontal wells. However, some problems, including instability of buildup rate and large deviation of well trajectory, still occur frequently in directional drilling with push-the-bit RSS due to the drillability anisotropy of formation rock, external disturbance, and so on, especially under complex operating conditions. In this paper, we build a compound control algorithm for well trajectory of push-the-bit RSS to solve this problem. The compound control algorithm includes two novel control modules—slight hole deviation control and severe hole deviation control. The slight hole deviation control can improve the smoothness of well trajectory, and the severe hole deviation control can ensure high control accuracy. The comprehensive performances of the compound control algorithm are compared with other control algorithms, including severe hole deviation control, slight hole deviation control, and intelligent switch control, in terms of trajectory smoothness, trajectory control accuracy, control smoothness of pushing force, and computational efficiency. The results indicate that the compound control algorithm is the best. This algorithm is also applicable for trajectory correction in cases of severe hole deviation and azimuth drift on different well sections.
The effects of short-term climate change on the range of species: the case of the expanding European dwarf mantis in Italy
Authors: Anselmo Luca
Published: May 2023

Climate change is altering the distribution of many species, which shift their range chasing the suitable conditions to survive and reproduce. Within a few years, the European dwarf mantis (Ameles spallanzania) seems to have expanded its range towards northern Italy, settling in the Po Valley and reaching the Alps. Our goal was to investigate the relationship between the climate of the last four decades in Italy and the distribution of this species in the current period and in the past. The results indicate that during the last decades, a rapid and remarkable increase of suitable area for this species in northern Italy has occurred, while in the range of historical presence it has remained rather constant. However, the existence of corridors such as railway embankments and roadsides may have accelerated its dispersal. These results suggest that a short-term climate change may contribute significantly to the expansion of a thermophilic species, with unknown consequences on the ecological communities reached by it.
Estimating shifts in fuel stacking among solid biomass fuels and liquified petroleum gas in rural households: A pan-India analysis
Authors: Habib Gazala , Kumari Jyoti , Khan Mohd , Imran Mohd. , Zaidi Kumail , Yogesh Aadi , Nagendra S. M. Shiva , Navinya Chimurkar , Phuleria Harish , Arya Rahul , Mandal Tuhin , Muthalagu Akila , Qureshi Asif , Bhat Ruqia , Jehangir Arshid , Jain Supreme , Goel Anubha , Rabha Shahadev , Saikia Binoy , Chaudhary Pooja , Sinha Baerbel , Das Anusmita , Raman Ramya Sunder , Dhandapani Abisheg , Kumar R. , Lian Yang , Pandithurai Govindan , Mukherjee Sauryadeep , Chatterjee Abhijit , Venkataraman Chandra
Published: May 2023

Over 95% of Indian households have liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections, however, cooking with solid biomass fuel (SBF) still persists, with calamitous consequences for air pollution and climate. Here, we make country-wide surveys on fuel, stove technology and practices and exploit them in a regression model framework to estimate fuel stacking, energy demand, and cooking fuel use in Indian households. We find overwhelming persistence of SBF cooking, with 68% of India’s rural population cooking exclusively or with a fuel mix predominant in SBF. We estimate a cooking energy demand of 1240 PJ y− 1, over half of which is met by SBF (291 MT y− 1). Despite a national initiative for LPG dissemination, below poverty level households have experienced a decline in purchase parity of 7 kg consumer− 1 y− 1 LPG during 2018–2022. A complete shift to clean cooking energy is key in a portfolio of clean air and climate solutions for India.
A Bayesian network-based framework to uncover the causal effects of genes on complex traits based on GWAS data
Authors: Yin Liangying , Feng Yaning , Lau Alexandria , Qiu Jinghong , Sham Pak , SO Cheong
Published: May 2023

Deciphering the relationships between genes and complex traits could help us better understand the biological mechanisms leading to phenotypic variations and disease onset. Univariate gene-based analyses are widely used to characterize gene-phenotype relationships, but are subject to the influence of confounders. Furthermore, while some genes directly contribute to traits variations, others may exert their effects through other genes. How to quantify individual genes’ direct and indirect effects on complex traits remains an important yet challenging question. We presented a novel framework (BN-GWAS) to decipher the total and direct causal effects of individual genes using imputed gene expression data from GWAS and raw gene expression from GTEx. The study was partially motivated by the quest to differentiate “core” genes (genes with direct causal effect on the phenotype) from “peripheral” ones. Our proposed framework is based on a Bayesian network (BN) approach, which produces a directed graph showing the relationship between genes and the phenotype. The approach aims to uncover the overall causal structure, to examine the role of individual genes and quantify the direct and indirect effects by each gene. An important advantage and novelty of the proposed framework is that it allows gene expression and disease trait(s) to be evaluated in different samples, significantly improving the flexibility and applicability of the approach. It uses IDA and jointIDA incorporating a novel p-value-based regularization approach to quantify the causal effects (including total causal effects, direct causal effects, and medication effects) of genes. The proposed approach can be extended to decipher the joint causal network of 2 or more traits, and has high specificity and precision (a.k.a., positive predictive value), making it particularly useful for selecting genes for follow-up studies. We verified the feasibility and validity of the proposed framework by extensive simulations and applications to 52 traits across 14 tissues in the UK Biobank (UKBB). Split-half replication and stability selection analyses were performed to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of our proposed method to identify causally relevant genes. The identified (direct) causal genes were found to be significantly enriched for genes highlighted in the OpenTargets database, and the enrichment was stronger than achieved by conventional univariate gene-based tests. Encouragingly, many enriched pathways were supported by the literature, and some of the enriched drugs have been tested or used to treat patients in clinical practice. Our proposed framework provides a powerful way to prioritize genes with large direct or indirect causal effects and to estimate the ‘variable importance’ of such genes.
Research on Control Methods for Aviation Rapid Decompression Protection System
Authors: Shi Yan , Han Chengwei , Wang Yixuan , Yang Liman
Published: May 2023

At high altitudes, the pilot is subject to a rapid loss of pressure in the case of cockpit rupture, when, the human body will possibly suffer from a sudden drop in air pressure, exposed to the risks of lung expansion, lung injury, and alveolar rupture. In this case, it is particularly important to control the oxygen supply system to avoid similar situations. Herein, a mathematical model of the human lung respiratory system and the oxygen supply system under pressure loss conditions is established based on aerodynamics by taking into account the dynamic model and nonlinear relationship, and the simulation of the oxygen supply system and the human respiratory system under pressure loss conditions is realized. Besides, the Aviation rapid decompression protection system (ARDPS) is hereby established and verified through experiments and simulations, which proves the efficiency of the experimental platform in effectively simulating the oxygen supply system and respiratory process in extreme environments of pressure loss. Finally, the entire model is controlled based on PID control and cascade PID control. A comparison of control effects is obtained, verifying the stronger anti-interference ability, faster control speed, and higher accuracy of cascade PID control compared to PID control in terms of voltage loss protection.
Bicarbonate Ringer’s solution could improve the intraoperative acid-base equilibrium and reduce hepatocellular enzyme levels after liver transplantation: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Qingkai , Liu Ying , Wang Yanan , Shan Xin , Liu Chunxiao , Li Zhihua , Cao Jinglin , Dou Jian , Xu Guanjie , qie xiaojuan
Published: May 2023

Background Bicarbonate Ringer’s (BR) solution is a direct, liver and kidney metabolism-independent HCO3− buffering system. We hypothesized that BR solution is more effective in acid-base equilibrium and more conducive to better liver function than acetate Ringer’s (AR) solution in liver transplantation (LT).Methods Sixty-nine adult patients underwent orthotopic LT. Patients in the bicarbonate and acetate groups received BR and AR solutions, respectively. The primary outcome was the effect on pH and BE levels. The secondary outcome measures were the intraoperative 5% sodium bicarbonate infusion incidence and volume and liver and kidney function laboratory indicators.Results The pH and absolute BE values changed significantly during the anhepatic stage and immediately after transplanted liver reperfusion in the bicarbonate group compared with the acetate group (all P < 0.05). Five-percent sodium bicarbonate infusion incidence and volume were lower in the bicarbonate group than in the acetate group (all P < 0.05). The postoperative 7-day AST level and 30-day creatine level were significantly higher in the acetate group than in the bicarbonate group (all P < 0.05).Conclusion Compared with AR solution, BR solution was associated with improved intraoperative acid-base balance, protected early postoperative liver graft function and reduced late-postoperative renal injury.
Comparison of the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil in sedation, analgesia, and vital signs in patients undergoing stereotactic brain biopsy: a single-blind control trial
Authors: Behnaz Faranak , Asgari Sogol , Bazgir Narges , Kordjazi Mohammadsmaeil , Sezari Parisa
Published: May 2023

Background: stereotactic frame-based brain biopsy is a minimally invasive neurosurgical procedure. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and stress response. Remifentanil is a short-acting opioid receptor agonist. In this study, we aim to compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on sedation, hemodynamic alterations, analgesia, and recovery profile of patients who underwent stereotactic brain biopsy.
Method: a single-blind clinical trial was conducted. Forty patients with American society of anesthesiology(ASA) class II were included. Initially, local anesthesia was administered and stereotactic frames were installed, then patients were transferred for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations. Afterward, patients were randomly divided into two groups: The R group which received remifentanil, and the D group which received dexmedetomidine. Blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) of all included cases were recorded throughout the operation. After transferring to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), the visual analog score (VAS) and the amount of consumed morphine by each patient were measured.
The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Descriptive analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and independent t-test were performed. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.
Results: forty consecutive patients consisting of 22 males and 18 females were included. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. After conducting statistical analysis, it was revealed that RSS was higher in the R group. Indicating a higher level of sedation. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were all higher in the D group. Furthermore, the VAS and consumed morphine were lower in the D group.
Conclusion: The RSS was higher in the R group, indicating a higher level of sedation in patients who received remifentanil. All recorded vital signs were higher in the D group. implicating that the vital signs were more stable during the operation in patients who received dexmedetomidine.
In addition, the VAS and dose of consumed morphine in PACU were lower in the D group.
Trial registration: the current study was registered in The Iranian registry clinical trial (code =IRCT20210415050983N2).
Global Sensitivity Analysis and Uncertainty Quantification for Design Parameters of Shallow Geothermal Systems
Authors: Richter Simon , Lubashevsky Katrin , Randow Jakob , Henker Steve , Bucher Anke
Published: May 2023

To improve the design process of geothermal systems, it is important to know which design parameters particularly affect the performance of the system. This article presents investigations on design parameters for borehole heat exchangers in the shallow subsurface. The study is based on numerical simulations with a double U-tube borehole heat exchanger and approximated models obtained using machine learning. As a result of the global sensitivity analysis, relevant parameters are identified and their respective influence on the performance of a borehole heat exchanger is compared. For example, according to this analysis, the three parameters with the highest sensitivity are: the initial temperature, the heat demand and the share of the borehole heat exchanger that is surrounded by groundwater flow. Finally, the effects of uncertainties in the parameters identified as relevant for the design of a borehole heat exchanger are considered in an uncertainty quantification for a fictitious site. Uncertainties for regulatory compliance with respect to temperature limits as well as a large probability of oversizing the system were identified for the considered example. The results of the exemplary uncertainty quantification indicate that it has the potential to be a useful tool for planning practice.
Unleashing the Power of Mother Nature: Investigating the Memory- Boosting Properties of Luteolin in Male Rats with Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia
Authors: Amini Niloufar , Chegini Azin , Zarrabian Shahram , Chegini Hamidreza
Published: May 2023

Background The present study aimed to determine the effect of luteolin on the performance of memory and learning in scopolamine-induced Alzheimer in male rats using a Y-shaped maze.Result The mean of spatial memory score declined in the scopolamine group with no change in the motor activity. In addition, luteolin prevented the decline in spatial memory with no alterations in the motor activity.Conclusion Luteolin prevented the scopolamine-induced declines of learning and memory in male rats.
The effects of etidronate on brain CALCIfications in FAhr’s DiseasE or syndrome: rationale and design of the randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind CALCIFADE trial
Authors: Snijders Birgitta MG , Mathijssen Gini , Peters Mike JL , Emmelot-Vonk Marielle H , de Jong Pim A , Bakker Susan , Crommelin Heleen A , Ruigrok Ynte M , Brilstra Eva H , Schepers Vera PM , Spiering Wilko , Valen Evelien van , Koek Huiberdina L
Published: May 2023

Background Fahr’s disease and syndrome are rare disorders leading to calcification of the small arteries in the basal ganglia of the brain, resulting in a wide range of symptoms comprising cognitive decline, movement disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms. No disease-modifying therapies are available. Studies have shown the potential of treatment of ectopic vascular calcifications with bisphosphonates. This paper describes the rationale and design of the CALCIFADE trial which evaluates the effects of etidronate in patients with Fahr’s disease or syndrome.Methods The CALCIFADE trial is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial which evaluates the effects of etidronate 20 mg/kg during 12 months follow-up in patients aged ≥ 18 years with Fahr’s disease or syndrome. Etidronate and placebo will be administered in capsules daily for two weeks on followed by ten weeks off. The study will be conducted at the outpatient clinic of the University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands. The primary endpoint is the change in cognitive functioning after 12 months of treatment. Secondary endpoints are the change in mobility, neuropsychiatric symptoms, volume of brain calcifications, dependence in activities of daily living, and quality of life.Results Patient recruitment started in April 2023. Results are expected in 2026 and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals as well as presentations at national and international conferences.Conclusions Fahr’s disease and syndrome are slowly progressive disorders with a negative impact on a variety of health outcomes. Etidronate might be a new promising treatment for patients with Fahr’s disease or syndrome.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05662111. Registered 22 December 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01585402.
Structural differences between the closely related RNA helicases, UAP56 and URH49 fashions distinct functional apo-complexes
Authors: Masuda Seiji , Fujita Ken-ichi , Ito Misa , Irie Midori , Harada Kotaro , Fujiwara Naoko , Ikeda Yuya , Yoshioka Hanae , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Kojima Masaki , Mikami Bunzo , Mayeda Akila
Published: May 2023

Messenger RNA export is a regulated pathway that control gene expression and specific physiological events. In humans, closely related RNA helicases, UAP56 and URH49 shape selective mRNA export pathways through distinct apo-complex formation and remodeling to similar ATP-complex to achieve precise gene regulation. The difference in apo-complex is the key to functional divergence. However, the profile of the apo-complex formed by URH49 (named apo-AREX complex) and why UAP56 and URH49 exhibit distinct complex formation remain unknown. Here, we investigated unidentified apo-AREX components. RUVBL1, RUVBL2, ILF2, ILF3, and HNRNPM were physically and functionally associated with URH49, indicating the key components of the apo-AREX complex. Integrating analysis of crystal structure and complex formation of UAP56/URH49 chimera mutants demonstrated that their structural features contribute to respective complex formation. This study provides insights into the specific function of two helicases and into how two helicases diverged from a single ancestral gene, Sub2.
Science Teachers’ Perceptions of Social Media Platforms: An Exploration of Educational Instagram Pages
Authors: Doğru M. Said , Yüzbaşıoğlu Fatih
Published: May 2023

Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms around the world. It is not only a platform for users who want to spend time on social media, but also a platform where educators come together. This study aims to examine the views of science teachers on educational Instagram accounts. The sample was composed of 972 secondary science teachers and the data were collected through an online survey. The findings obtained from the online survey revealed the types of Instagram pages the participants valued the most, the criteria they used to select them, and the features they liked and disliked on these pages. The findings indicate that the participants generally benefit from Instagram in sharing resources related to science, communicating with their colleagues, following current information about their field of science, and contributing to their professional development. In addition, some of the features disliked by the participants about Instagram included late responses from administrators, off-topic posts and comments on the pages, and some limitations imposed by the platform. Overall, most of the participants find science-related Instagram pages valuable because they think that these pages increase their field-specific competencies. In conclusion, Instagram pages can be considered as a platform that can contribute to the professional development of science teachers specifically, and all teachers in general.
Integrating genome-wide association and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analyses identifies genes affecting fertility in cattle and suggests a common set of genes regulating fertility in mammals
Authors: Forutan Mehrnush , Engle Bailey , Chamberlain Amanda , Ross Elizabeth , Nguyen Loan , D’Occhio Michael , Snr Alf Collins , Kho Elise , Fordyce Geoffry , Speight Shannon , Goddard Michael , Hayes Ben
Published: May 2023

Most genetic variants associated with fertility in mammals fall in non-coding regions of the genome and it is unclear how these variants affect fertility. Here we used genome-wide association (GWAS) summary statistics for heifer puberty (pubertal or not at 600 days) from 27,707 cattle; multi-trait GWAS signals from 2,119 cattle for four fertility traits, including days to calving, age at first calving, heifer pregnancy status, and foetus age in weeks; and expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) for whole blood from 489 cattle, to identify 87 putatively functional genes affecting cattle fertility. Our analysis revealed a significant overlap between the set of cattle and human fertility-related genes. This finding implies the existence of a shared pool of genes that regulate fertility in mammals. These findings have important implications for the development of novel approaches to improve fertility in cattle and potentially in other mammals as well.
PPM1G dephosphorylates eIF4E to reduce selective mRNA translation.
Authors: Sonenberg Nahum , Wang Peng , Li Zixian , Kim Sunghoon , Huang Hao , Choi Jung-Hyun , Xu Haijin , yang chutong , Snape Abby , Bermudez Sara , Boivin Marie-Noëlle , Ferry Nicolas , Sood Rapita , Sharma Vijendra , Ryan Joel , Park Morag , Karamchandani Jason , Nagar Bhushan
Published: May 2023

The mRNA 5’cap-binding eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) plays a major role in control of mRNA translation in health and disease. One mechanism of regulation of eIF4E activity is via phosphorylation of eIF4E by MNK kinases, which promotes the translation of a subset of mRNAs encoding pro-tumorigenic and pro-inflammatory proteins. Work on eIF4E phosphatases has been paltry. Here, we show that PPM1G is the phosphatase that dephosphorylates eIF4E. We describe the binding motif in PPM1G that shares an eIF4E binding site with eIF4G and 4E-binding proteins (4E-BPs). We show that PPM1G is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein that dephosphorylates eIF4E in the cytoplasm. We demonstrate that PPM1G inhibits cell proliferation and the phospho-eIF4E-dependent synthesis of several proteins involved in cell proliferation, survival, and inflammatory response.
Usefulness of fat-containing agents in research: an initial study of approximate bone fat content for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Takatsu Yasuo , Ohnishi Hiroshi , Tateyama Tomoko , Nohara Yuriko , Yamamura Kenichiro , Yabe Kunihiro , Miyati Tosiaki
Published: May 2023

Purpose To investigate the usefulness of commercially available fat-containing agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on bone mineral measurement.Methods The proximal femurs obtained from 14 volunteers were analyzed by 0.3T MRI with a fat-containing nutrient solution (based on soybean oil, 10% and 20%), 100% soybean oil and saline as reference substances. Fat content was estimated based on the relationship between the intensities of the signals of the reference substances. Since this was an approximate value, it was set as the estimated fat fraction based on signal intensity (SIeFF, %). The SIeFF values of the femoral bone marrow, including the femoral head, neck, shaft, and trochanter area, were measured. Reference substances were set as close as possible to the outside of both proximal femurs. MRI data were compared in terms of bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in the proximal femur. MRI and DXA data were obtained on the same day.Results According to Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the SIeFF and total BMC and BMD data revealed strong and moderate inverse correlations in the femoral head (r < − 0.74) and other sites (r = − 0.66 to − 0.45), respectively.Conclusion Commercially available fat-containing agents may be useful in estimating the bone marrow fat content for bone mineral measurement by MRI. SIeFF and BMC and BMD showed a strong inverse correlation in the femoral head. Nevertheless, a more thorough study is warranted before this method can be used as an alternative to DXA.
Transfer Learning with CNNs for Efficient Prostate Cancer and BPH Detection in Transrectal Ultrasound Images
Authors: Huang Te-Li , Lu Nan-Han , Huang Yung-Hui , Twan Wen-Hung , Yeh Li-Ren , Liu Kuo-Ying , Chen Tai-Been
Published: May 2023

Purpose Early detection of prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of aging male populations. This study aims to evaluate the performance of transfer learning with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for efficient classification of PCa and BPH in transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) images.Methods A retrospective experimental design was employed in this study, with 1,380 TRUS images for PCa and 1,530 for BPH. Seven state-of-the-art deep learning (DL) methods were employed as classifiers with transfer learning applied to popular CNN architectures. Performance indices, including sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), Kappa value, and Hindex (Youden's index), were used to assess the feasibility and efficacy of the CNN methods.Results The CNN methods with transfer learning demonstrated a high classification performance for TRUS images, with all accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, PPV, NPV, Kappa, and Hindex values surpassing 0.9400. The optimal accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity reached 0.9987, 0.9980, and 0.9980, respectively, as evaluated using two-fold cross-validation.Conclusion The investigated CNN methods with transfer learning showcased their efficiency and ability for the classification of PCa and BPH in TRUS images. Notably, the EfficientNetV2 with transfer learning displayed a high degree of effectiveness in distinguishing between PCa and BPH, making it a promising tool for future diagnostic applications.