bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distance learning of foreign languages: current state and ways of improvement in the context of increasing motivation and developing students' autonomy
Authors: Aleksich Ekaterina V. , Hausmann-Ushkova Nadezhda V. , Pervova Galina M.
Published: October 2022

Various aspects of the problem of distance learning of foreign languages in higher educational institutions in the context of informatization of domestic education are considered. A critical review of the current state of the problem under discussion is presented, the accumulated practical experience is summarized. Special attention is paid to how the distance format affects the change in the nature of communication between students and between a teacher and a student, as well as how the role of reflection increases in the improvement of various aspects of teaching foreign languages. The specifics of the conceptual apparatus and scenarios of interaction of participants in the educational process in the implementation of distance learning technologies are considered, their strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. Based on the reasoning about how electronic educational platforms are changing the modern educational reality in general and teaching foreign languages in particular, important observations related to the competence of this teacher and conclusions about the need to develop a distance education system capable of making the learning process lively and authentic are made.
Using Internet resources for problematization of teaching foreign languages
Authors: Murunov Sergei S. , Medvedev Nikolay V. , Shults Olga E.
Published: October 2022

In modern language education teachers are required to create conditions for professional cognitive-communication activities. It becomes possible, when the process and content are problematized. In order to achieve it, linguo-pedagogical models of problem-based learning should be implemented. These models emphasize variable attributes such as the degree of autonomy, the type of speech activity, the type of thinking and the type of task. The use of Internet resources was proposed as a tool for problematization and regulation of these attributes. The resources were divided into three groups: authentic materials, linguodidactic tools and Internet platforms. Subsequently, it has been identified that Internet platforms possess arranging and controlling tools. Via arranging tools the teacher can organize and problematize the content of learning, and via controlling tools the teacher can regulate autonomy and problematize the process. The methodological properties and functions of these tools were analyzed on the example of Google. After that the direct correlation between the tools used in different stages of problem solving and different models of problem solving was identified. The use of Internet resources allows emphasizing type of speech activity, defining the way the participants communicate with each other, and determining the strategies of problem solving. The results of the analysis of Google showed the high applicability of such resources in teaching foreign languages due to the possibilities of structuring the educational content, regulating speech activity and monitoring the process. Thus, the use of Internet resources gives an opportunity to add new tools that can help develop universal and general professional skills.
Methodical aspects of the development of the ability to speak of students of the Faculty of Foreign Languages in a blended learning format
Authors: Konovalova Olga V.
Published: October 2022

The relevance of the research is due to the necessity to form and develop the speaking skills of Faculty of Foreign Languages students with a blended form of education and insufficient development of theoretical and technological tools for the effective implementation of this process. Blended learning is considered as a special type of educational activity, in which there is an alternation of traditional and distance learning technologies. We believe that blended learning has a significant potential for organizing the process of foreign language education in general and teaching speaking to students of the Faculty of Foreign Languages in particular. The specifics and advantages of the blended form of education for foreign language education are highlighted, as well as specific methods, techniques and tasks that can be successfully implemented in the process of teaching speaking in a blended format of education are given. The purpose of the study is to present the technological aspects of teaching speaking to students of the Faculty of Foreign Languages in a blended format of training and the development of educational and methodical support aimed at the implementation of this process. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that it analyzes digital resources that can be effectively used in the process of teaching speaking in a blended educational format, and also provides examples of specially designed exercises for the development of speaking skills that can be used in the process of training future specialists in foreign language education with a combination of traditional and online forms of education.
Islamic Legislation on Wealth Acquisition: A Critical Examination of Crypto-Currency
Authors: Paramole Kabir Olawale , Sanni Mubarak Oluwadamilola
Published: October 2022

Islamic legislation on wealth acquisition is an integral part of the Islamic economic system. Crypto-currency is a new technological development in the global financial system. This development has become a contentious issue among Islamic economists, financial experts, jurists, scholars, and institutions. Many unsuspecting Muslims are also cynical about its appropriateness or otherwise in their economic and financial activities. This paper adopted a qualitative methodology, which relied on article journals, textbooks, internet sources, and fatāwā (verdicts) of Islamic scholars and Islamic bodies. The paper also derived logical deduction and conclusion from the Qur’ān and Ahādith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]). The paper found that, generally, crypto-currencies are used to acquire wealth. It revealed that, some seemingly Sharī’ah compliant crypto-currencies are used to acquire wealth. Although, most crypto-currencies do not conform to the Islamic concept of wealth acquisition, the paper concluded that Sharī’ah compliant crypto-currencies should and could be better developed to accommodate Muslims and Muslim investors in their bid to acquire wealth.
1H NMR Metabolic Profiling and Meat Quality in Three Beef Cattle Breeds from Northeastern Thailand
Authors: Phoemchalard Chirasak , Uriyapongson Suthipong , Tathong Tanom , Pornanek Pitukpol
Published: October 2022

The increasing need for effective analytical tools to evaluate beef quality has prompted the development of new procedures to improve the animal sector’s performance. In this study, three beef breeds—Thai native (TN), crossbred Brahman x Thai native (BT), and crossbred Charolais x Brahman (CB)—were compared in terms of their physicochemical and metabolic profiles. The findings demonstrated that TN beef was lighter and tougher than other beef. Beef odor was stronger in BT. In addition, CB beef was the most tender and the highest intramuscular fat content. Twenty-one different metabolites were found overall through NMR and chemometric approaches. High levels of lactate and creatine were found in all species. The primary factors contributing to the difference in OPLS-DA loading plots were acetylcholine, valine, adenine, leucine, and phosphocreatine, β-hydroxypyruvate, ethanol, adenosine diphosphate, creatine, acetylcholine, and lactate. The multivariate analysis indicated that these metabolites in beef cattle breeds could be distinguished using NMR spectroscopy. The results of this study provide valuable information on the quality and meat metabolites in different breeds. This could help in the development of a more accurate assessment of the quality of beef in future research.
The Future of Targeted Treatment of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: A Focus on Extra-Glandular Pathology
Authors: Zeng Weizhen , Zhou Xinyao , Liu Ruihua , Quek Chrystie Wan Ning , Yu Vincent Ho Chit , Tay Ryan Yong Kiat , Yu Sulan , Yang Bo , Lin Xiang , Feng Yun
Published: October 2022

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease defined as exocrine gland hypofunction resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth. Recent interest in biological therapies for pSS has been garnered, however achieving FDA-approval has been challenging due to the numerous complications in the trials. Current literature lacks insight and a molecular target-based approach to the development of biological therapies. This review focuses on novel research in newly defined drug targets and latest clinical trials for pSS treatment. A literature search was conducted on ClinicalTrials.gov using the search term “Primary Sjögren's syndrome”. Articles published between 2000 and 2021 in English language were included. Our findings revealed the potential targets for pSS treatment in clinical trials and the most recent advances in understand-ing of molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of pSS. A prominent gap in current trials is overlooking the treatment of extraglandular symptoms such as fatigue, depression and anxiety which pervade most patients with pSS. Based on dryness and these symptom-directed therapies, emerging biological agents targeting inflammatory cytokines, signal pathways and immune reaction have been studied and proved the efficacy and safety. Novel therapies may complement existing non-pharmacological methods of alleviating symptoms of pSS. Better grad-ing systems adding extraglandular symptoms to gauge disease activity and severity should be created. The future of pSS therapies may lie in gene therapy, stem cell and tissue engineering ther-apy.
Semantic Relationship-based Embedding Models for Text Classification
Authors: Lezama-Sánchez Ana Laura , Tovar Vidal Mireya , Reyes-Ortiz José A.
Published: October 2022

Embedding representation models characterize each word as a vector of numbers with a
fixed length. These models have been used in tasks involving text classification, such as recommen-
dation and question-answer systems. Semantic relationships are words with a relationship between
them providing a complete idea to a text. Therefore, it is hypothesized that an embedding model
involving semantic relationships will provide better performance for tasks that use them. This paper
presents three embedding models based on semantic relations extracted fromWikipedia to classify
texts. The synonym, hyponym, and hyperonym semantic relationships were the ones considered
in this work since previous experiments have shown that they are the ones that provide the most
semantic knowledge. Lexical-syntactic patterns present in the literature were implemented and
subsequently applied to the Wikipedia corpus to obtain the semantic relationships present in it.
Several semantic relationships are used in different models: synonymy, hyponym-hyperonym, and a
combination of the first two. A convolutional neural network was trained for text classification to
evaluate the performance of each model. The results obtained were evaluated with the metrics of
precision, accuracy, recall, and F1-measure. The best values obtained with the second model were
accuracy of 0.79 for the 20-Newsgroup corpus. F1-measure and recall of 0.87 respectively for the Reuters corpus.
Spatio-Temporal and Cell Type-Specific Expression of Nrf2 Following an Acute Epileptic Seizure in Rats
Authors: Sandouka Sereen , Saadi Aseel , Olowe Rhoda , Singh Prince Kumar , Shekh-Ahmad Tawfeeq
Published: October 2022

The modulation of Nrf2 activity has been reported to be implicated in the pathology of various neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated that Nrf2 is activated in the post-status epilepticus rat model, however, the spatio-temporal, as well as cell type-specific expression of Nrf2 following brief epileptic seizures remains unclear. Here, we evaluated how an acute epileptic seizure affected the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes in the cortex and the hippocampus up to 1-week following the induced seizure. We found that after a pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure, Nrf2 significantly increased at 24 h at the mRNA level and 3 to 6 h at the protein level in the cortex. In the hippocampus, the Nrf2 mRNA level peaked at 3 h after the seizure, and no significant changes were observed in the protein level. Interestingly, the mRNA level of Nrf2 downstream genes peaked at 3-6 h after seizure in both the cortex and the hippocampus. A significant increase in the expression of Nrf2 was observed in the neuronal population of CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus, as well as in the cortex. Moreover, we observed no change in the co-localization of Nrf2 with astrocytes neither in the cortex nor in CA1 and CA3. Our results revealed that following a brief acute epileptic seizure, the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes is transiently increased and peaked at early timepoints after seizure predominantly in the hippocampus, and this expression is restricted to the neuronal population.
How far is too far? A systematic review of travel distance to delivery institutions and negative maternal and natal outcomes
Authors: Ames Heather Melanie , Forsetlund Louise , Larun Lillebeth , Hval Gyri , Muller Ashley
Published: October 2022

Background Pregnant people can experience living far away from delivery institutions as unsafe for themselves and their foetus or new-born. This systematic review examined distance to delivery institution and risks of serious complications for the pregnant person or the foetus or new-born. Methods We searched seven databases for studies from high-income countries comparing two different travel times and published from 2010 to 2020. We used a combination of manual and machine learning-assisted processes to screen 7776 references, and independently assessed 33 in full texts. We included five studies from which we extracted data, appraised risk of bias using a tool modified to be relevant to studies of exposure, performed a meta-analysis if possible or summarised the outcomes narratively, and judged our confidence in the findings using GRADE. Results Traveling more than one hour to a delivery centre may increase the risk of eclampsia/Hemolysis, Elevated Live enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) Syndrome to a small degree (adjusted RR 1.30; 95% CI 1.05–1.70, low confidence) and induction of labour for logistic reasons (OR 5,04; 95% CI 3.62–7.00, low confidence), and likely increases the odds of unplanned delivery outside a delivery centre (OR 6.37; 95% CI 5.95 to 6.81, moderate confidence). It is uncertain whether this travel distance compared to a distance less than 60 minutes is related to any changes in the risks of the remaining negative outcomes early delivery with pre-eclampsia, perinatal mortality, premature birth before 37 weeks, low or very low birth weight, or admissions to a neonatal intensive care unit, for which we have very low confidence. Conclusions For most of the complications we examined in this review, it is uncertain if a travel time of over one hour increases risks, compared to a travel time of less than one hour. Future research must use core outcome measurements and comparable designs to enable pooling results, and if possible, measure actual distance to delivery rather than using home address as a proxy. Our confidence in the evidence is too uncertain to provide an information base for policymakers to change centralization policies.
Empirical and Statistical Complexity Analysis of AES-128
Authors: Pranav Prashant , Dutta Sandip , Chakraborty Soubhik
Published: October 2022

Analysis of algorithms is an interesting topic in the theoretical computer science area of research. An algorithm analyzed with respect to its run time complexity gives an overall idea about the working of the algorithm in the practical scenario. Empirical complexity is a comparatively newer analysis approach which focuses on running the algorithm practically with varying and increasing input and then predicting the complexity of the algorithm. This is then followed by a statistical analysis of the empirical estimate to give a clearer bound on the empirical complexity. Cryptographic algorithms are the sole bearer of providing security for any application and hiding confidential information of national or personal importance. In today’s fast running world, besides security, the run time of the algorithm is also of utmost importance. Cryptographic algorithm constitutes of many complex mathematical functions. In this paper, we have analyzed the most sought after cryptographic algorithm AES-128 in terms of its computational complexity and then practically drawn an asymptotical bound through the empirical complexity approach. Then, a regression analysis on the concluded bound is done to formally settle on the empirical complexity of AES-128.
Herpes simplex type 1 UL43 multiple membrane-spanning protein increases energy metabolism in of host cells through interacting with ARL2
Authors: Deng Jianshan , Zhong Zhiying , Geng Chengxu , Dai Zhenning , Zheng Weihan , Li Ziyue , Yan Zi , Yang Jiaxin , Deng Wenfeng , Tan Wei , Sun Hanxiao , Li Shiyu
Published: October 2022

Non-essential proteins for viral replication affect host cell metabolism, while the function of the UL43 protein of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) is not clear. Herein, we performed a comprehensive microarray analysis of HUVEC cells infected with HSV-1 and its UL43-deficient mutant and found significant variation in genes associated with cellular energy metabolic pathways. The localization of UL43 protein in host cells and how it affects cellular energy metabolism pathways were further investigated. Internalization analysis showed that UL43 protein could be endocytosis mediated by YPLF motif (aa144–147) and localized to mitochondria. At the same time, more ATP was produced by coupling with mitochondrial small G protein ARF-like 2 (ARL2) GTPase, which triggered the phosphorylation of ANT1 (SLC25A4) to affect the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), and significantly promoted the aerobic oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation of glucose. Our study shows that UL43 mediates the improvement of host cell metabolism after HSV-1 infection. Also, UL43 protein could be a valuable ATP stimulating factor for mammalian cells.
Surgical management of pyogenic liver abscess: A retrospective cross-sectional multi-center study
Authors: Li Yongxia , Gao Qin , Shi Yujun , Jiang Jiamei , Zhu Xiaoguang , Wang Hairong , Feng Qiming
Published: October 2022

Background
Pyogenic liver abscess(PLA)is a potentially life-threatening disease associated with elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. Ultrasound or CT-guided percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) and needle aspiration (PNA) are important surgical methods for the treatment of PLA. While their comparative efficacy is still debated, the aim of the study was to compare PCD and PNA in the treatment of liver abscesses.
Methods
Taking a retrospective comparative approach, 172 patients with liver abscesses from Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Affiliated with Renji Hospital South Campus and Xinhua Hospital were studied between April 2015 and April 2021. These were modeled using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with a-priori covariates: age, sex, general health, clinical symptoms, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was collated from medical records.
Results
Liver abscess was more common in middle-aged men, occurring more frequently in the right hepatic lobe. Single abscess was common in both groups. The rate of blood culture that was positive for bacteria was higher in PCD-treated patients than those treated with PNA, with Klebsiella pneumonia the most common bacteria species identified in both groups. The side effect in PCD is worse than in PLA.
Conclusion
Patients with liver abscess use were more seriously ill, but their mortality or fever time did not significantly increase, suggesting that PLA is beneficial for severe patients for its safety.
Risk factors for cervical insufficiency in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome：a cohort study
Authors: Zhao Xueqing , Ye Shenglong , Yan Xin , Li Rong , Wang Yongqing
Published: October 2022

Background: To investigate the risk factors for cervical insufficiency (CI) in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Methods: A total of 1553 women with PCOS were selected as study group. Additionally, 1553 women without PCOS were randomly selected to comprise the control group. ①The level of androstenedione, insulin resistance (IR) and antimullerian hormone (AMH) before pregnancy were collected and analysed. ② According to whether they accepted embryo transfer and different transfer cycles, whether they accepted hysteroscopy before pregnancy and the time period before pregnancy, the impact of clinical intervention measures on the occurrence of CI in the above PCOS cases was analysed.
Main results: ①The incidence of CI in PCOS cases was 6.2%(97/1553), which was significantly higher than the 1.2%(19/1553) in the non-PCOS group (P<0.05). PCOS was a risk factor for CI (OR=4.467, 95%CI: 2.616~7.628). ②The level of androstenedione before pregnancy in PCOS cases with CI was significantly higher than that in PCOS cases without CI (15.98±7.95nmol/L vs. 13.32±6.67nmol/L, P=0.01). There was no significant difference in IR and AMH levels between the two groups. ③Embryo transfer was a risk factor for the occurrence of CI in PCOS cases (OR=3.415, 95%CI: 2.092~5.574). In embryo transfer cases, the incidence of CI in fresh cycle embryo transfer cases was 9.4%(30/382), which was higher than the 7.9%(15/159) in frozen embryo transfer cases, without statistically significant. In frozen cycle embryo transfer cases, the incidence of CI in natural cycle cases was 8.0%(2/25), which was higher than the 6.3%(11/166) in artificial cycle cases, with no statistically significant. ④The incidence of CI in women who underwent hysteroscopy within six months before pregnancy was 17.2%(5/29), which was significantly higher than the 6.0%(92/1524) in women who underwent hysteroscopy beyond six months before pregnancy or who did not undergo hysteroscopy (P=0.031).
Conclusion: ① PCOS women receiving embryo transfer and hyperandrogenemia should be included in the population at high risk of CI after pregnancy, and the monitoring of cervical length should be strengthened during pregnancy. ② Frozen cycle embryo transfer and artificial cycle embryo transfer in frozen cycle embryo transfer might reduce the incidence of CI.
Deciphering the pharmacological mechanisms of Fraxini Cortex on ulcerative colitis treatment based on Network pharmacology and in vivo studies
Authors: Wang Tianming , Su Xuyang , Peng Jing , Tan Xiaofen , Yang Guangshan , Zhang Tengyue , Chen Feng , Wang Changzhong , Ma Kelong
Published: October 2022

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease. Due to the elusive pathogenesis, safe and effective treatment strategies are still lacking.Fraxini Cortex(FC) has been widely used as a medicinal herb to treat various diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanisms of FC for UC treatment are still unclear. Methods An integrated platform combining network pharmacology and experimental studies was introduced to decipher the mechanism of FC against UC. The active compounds, therapeutic targets, and the molecular mechanism of action were acquired by network pharmacology, and the interaction between the compounds and target proteins were verified by molecular docking. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model was employed to assess the therapeutic effect of FC on UC, and validate the molecuar mechanisms of action predicted by network pharmacology. Results A total of 20 bioactive compounds were retrieved, and 115 targets were predicted by using the online databases. Ursolic acid, fraxetin, beta-sitosterol, and esculetin were identified as the main active compounds of FC against UC. PPI network analysis achieved 28 FC-UC hub genes which were mainly enriched in IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and Pathways in cancer. Molecular docking confirmed that the active compounds had high binding affinities to the predictive target proteins. GEO dataset analysis showed that these target genes were highly expressed in the UC clinical samples compared with that in the healthy controls. Experimental studies shown that FC alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms, reduced inflammatory cytokines release, and suppressed the expression levels of IL1β, COX2, MMP3, IL-17 and RORγt in colon tissues. Conclusion FC exhibits anti-UC properties through regulating multi-targets and multi-pathways with multi-components.In vivoresults demonstrated that FC alleviated DSS-induced colitis.
Sex differences in dementia with Lewy bodies: an imaging study of neurotransmission pathways
Authors: Boccalini Cecilia , Nicastro Nicolas , Peretti Debora Elisa , Caminiti Silvia Paola , Perani Daniela , Garibotto Valentina
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is characterized by a wide clinical and biological heterogeneity, with sex differences reported in both clinical and pathologically confirmed DLB cohorts. No research evidence is available on sex differences regarding molecular neurotransmission. This study aimed to assess whether sex can influenceneurotransmitter systems in patients with probable DLB (pDLB).
Methods: We included 123 pDLB patients (male/female: 77/46) and 78 control subjects (male/female: 34/44) for comparison, who underwent 123I-FP-CIT-SPECT imaging. We assessed sex differences in the dopaminergic activity of the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic systems using regional-based and voxel-wise analyses of 123I-FP-CIT binding. We tested whether sex-specific binding alterations would also pertain to the serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems by applying spatial correlation analyses. We applied molecular connectivity analyses to assess potential sex differences in the dopaminergic pathways.
Results: We found comparable 123I-FP-CIT binding decreases in the striatum for pDLB males and females compared to controls. However, females showed more severe alterations in the extrastriatal projections of the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems. According to the spatial correlation analysis, sex-specific molecular alterations were also associated with serotonergic and noradrenergic systems. Nigrostriatal and mesolimbicsystems’ connectivity was impaired in both groups, with males showing local alterations and females presenting long-distance disconnections between subcortical and cortical regions.
Conclusions: pDLB females showed different patterns of monoaminergic depletion and dopaminergic systems’ connectivity compared to males, mostly involving extrastriatal regions. The results indicate distinct sex-related regional vulnerabilities possibly due to the high prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease co-pathology, as reported in pDLB females.
Morphological and Biochemical Modification of Guava Processing Industrial Bio-mass by Dielectric Barrier Discharge Atmospheric Plasma Treatment and Effect on Yield of Bio-materials
Authors: U Gnana Moorthy Eswaran , SRIVAS PREM PRAKASH
Published: October 2022

The potential effect of dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric (DBDA) plasma pre-treatment of the guava pomace powder on the evolution of physicochemical, structural and functional properties have been investigated. By single-factor experiments using response surface methodology (RSM), the Box–Behnken experimental results showed that optimum extraction conditions as follows: DBDA plasma treatment condition as 35 kV for 15 min and solvent extraction conditions was determined as 80°C for 360 min caused an increment of the oil yield up to 16.54% when extracted using solvent extractor with ethanol as a solvent. These results indicate that the DBDA plasma treatment previous to the extraction step in the edible oil extraction process can contribute to reduce the duration, increase the oil yield and improves the nutritional quality of the oil. This research helps to develop a novel and economical method for improving the extraction efficiency of oil and to fully valorize the guava fruit processing industrial waste into biomaterial.
Genetic overlap between cortical brain morphometry and frontotemporal dementia risk
Authors: Diaz-Torres Santiago , Ogonowski Natalia , García-Marín Luis M. , Bonham Luke W. , Duran-Aniotz Claudia , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Rentería Miguel E.
Published: October 2022

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) has a complex genetic aetiology, with mutations in several genes associated with different forms of the disease. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the selective vulnerability of the frontal and temporal brain regions remain unknown.
Methods: We leveraged summary-based data from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and performed LD-score regression to estimate pairwise genetic correlations between FTD risk and cortical brain imaging phenotypes. Then, we followed up strongly-correlated brain measures with GWAS-pairwise analyses to isolate specific genomic loci with a shared aetiology between FTD and brain structure. We also performed functional annotation and summary-based-data Mendelian randomisation for eQTL data for genes within the overlapping genomic loci of interest using human peripheral blood and brain tissue. We evaluated the gene expression in mice targeted brain regions to better understand the dynamics of the FTD candidate genes.
Results: Pairwise genetic correlation estimates between FTD and brain morphology measures were high but not statistically significant. We identified five brain regions with a strong genetic correlation (rg > 0.45) with FTD risk. A genomic region in chromosome 17 was aetiologically shared between FTD, the right inferior parietal surface area, and the right medial orbitofrontal cortical thickness. Functional annotation identified eight protein-coding genes and NSF gene expression shared between FTD and variation in the two brain structure phenotypes. Building upon these findings, we show in a mouse model of FTD that cortical NSF expression decreases with age, corresponding closely with the steadily increasing burden of tau pathology in the cortex.
Conclusions: Our results highlight the molecular and genetic overlap between brain morphology and higher risk for FTD, specifically for the right inferior parietal surface area and right medial orbitofrontal cortical thickness. In addition, our findings implicate NSF gene expression in the aetiology of FTD and elucidate how NSF expression changes uniquely contribute to risk for and the pathophysiology of frontotemporal lobar degeneration independent of its association with the MAPT locus.
A Real Time Adaptive Odometric System based on Variable Covariance Sensor Fusion
Authors: Fariña Bibiana , Toledo Jonay , Acosta Leopoldo
Published: October 2022

This paper presents a new method to increase odometric sensor accuracy by systematic and non-systematic errors processing. Mobile robot localization is improved combining this technique with a filter that fuses the information from several sensors characterized by their covariance. The process focuses on calculating the odometric speed difference respect to the filter to implement an error type detection module in real time. The correction of systematic errors consists in an online parameter adjustment using the previous information and conditioned by the filter accuracy. This data is also applied to design a variable odometric covariance which describes the sensor reliability and determines the influence of both errors on the robot localization. The method is implemented in a low-cost autonomous wheelchair with a LIDAR, IMU and encoders fused by an UKF algorithm. The experimental results prove that the estimated poses are closer to the real ones than using other well-known previous methods.
Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis is a protective factor for lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Yu Jian , Li Xiaoyang , He Zhijian , He Jie , Rao Shangrui
Published: October 2022

Background: Several previous studies have been investigated the relationship between chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) and lymph node (LN) metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, effect of CLT for lymph node metastasis in PTC remains controversial. In order to explain the relationship between CLT and lymph node metastasis more convincingly, we aimed to retrospectively reviewed clinical data to investigate the correlation between CLT and lymph node metastasis in PTC by propensity score matching.
Methods: We retrospectively collected the data of PTC patients in Wenzhou Central Hospital from 1 Jan 2018 to 31 March 2022. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the with or without CLT. A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to compare the clinicopathological differences between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to quantify the association between CLT and LN metastasis.
Results: A total of 773 PTC patients were collected and analyzed, and 213 had coexistent CLT. The prevalence of LN metastasis (34.3% vs 44.8%, p=0.008) and the metastatic LN ratio was significantly less (0.12±0.22 VS 0.19±0.30, p=0.001) and the dissected LN number was significantly more (9.39±7.39 VS 6.36±6.34, p＜0.001) in patients with CLT before PSM. Finally, 208 matched pairs were successfully matched by PSM. The prevalence of LN metastasis between two groups remained show a significantly difference after PSM(35.0% vs 44.7%, p=0.045). The metastatic LN ratio was significantly less (0.12±0.22 VS 0.19±0.29, p=0.007) and the dissected LN number was significantly more (9.35±7.43 VS 6.03±5.48, p＜0.001) in patients with CLT after PSM just like that before PSM. In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that CLT was a protective factor of LN metastasis in both the unmatched patients(OR, 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.91; P=0.014) and the matched subset (OR, 0.62; 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.96; P=0.032).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that CLT may protect against LN metastasis in patients with PTC. Patients with PTC with coexistence CLT have fewer lymph node metastasis, more lymph node dissection, and a smaller metastatic LN ratio.
Emergent oscillations during cellular directional decision-making on junctions
Authors: Ron Jonathan E. , Cresanti Michele , Kux Johan-Moritz , Liu Jiayi , Al-Dam Nabil , Monzo Pascale , Gauthier Nils C. , Saez Pablo J. , Gov Nir
Published: October 2022

Motile cells inside living tissues often encounter junctions, where their path branches into several alternative directions of migration. We present a theoretical model of cellular polarization for cells migrating along one-dimensional lines, arriving at a symmetric Y-junction and extending protrusions along the different paths that emanate from the junction. The model predicts the spontaneous emergence of deterministic oscillations between competing protrusions, whereby the cellular polarization and growth alternates between the competing protrusions. The oscillations are modified by cellular noise, but remain as a dominant feature which affects the time it takes the cell to migrate across the junction. These predicted oscillations in the cellular polarization during the directional decision making process at the junction are found experimentally for two different cell types, noncancerous endothelial and cancerous glioma cells, migrating on patterned network of thin adhesive lanes with junctions.
Group a Streptococcal Disease in Paediatric Inpatients: a European Perspective
Authors: Boeddha Navin P. , Atkins Lucy , De Groot Ronald , Driessen Gertjan , Hazelzet Jan , Zenz Werner , Carrol Enitan D. , Anderson Suzanne T. , Martinon-Torres Federico , Agyeman Philipp , Galassini Rachel , Herberg Jethro , Levin Michael , Schlapbach Luregn J. , Emonts Marieke
Published: October 2022

Purpose: Group A streptococcal (GAS) disease shows increasing incidence worldwide. We characterised children admitted with GAS infection to European hospitals and studied risk factors for severity and disability.
Methods: Prospective, multicenter, cohort study (embedded in EUCLIDS and the Swiss Pediatric Sepsis Study) including 320 children, aged 1 month to 18 years, admitted with GAS infection to 41 hospitals in 6 European countries from 2012-2016. Demographic, clinical, microbiological and outcome data were collected.
Results: 195 (61%) patients had sepsis. 236 (74%) patients had GAS detected from a normally sterile site. The most common infection sites were the lower respiratory tract (LRTI) (22%), skin and soft tissue (SSTI) (23%), and bone and joint (19%). Compared to patients not admitted to PICU, patients admitted to PICU: more commonly had LRTI (39 vs 8%), infection without a focus (22 vs 8%) and intracranial infection (9 vs 3%), less commonly had SSTI and bone and joint infections (p<0.001), and were younger (median 40 (IQR 21-83) vs 56 (IQR 36-85) months, p=0.01). Six PICU patients (2%) died. Sequelae at discharge from hospital were largely limited to patients admitted to PICU (29 vs 3%, p<0·001; 12% overall) and included neurodisability, amputation, skin grafts, hearing loss and need for surgery. More patients were recruited in winter and spring (p<0.001).
Conclusions: In an era of observed marked reduction in vaccine-preventable infections, GAS infection requiring hospital admission is still associated with significant severe disease in younger children, and short and long term morbidity. Further advances are required in the prevention and early recognition of GAS disease.
Direct determination of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline in rice by ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Peng Jinfeng , Zhu Yin , Lin Fang , Qi Tianlong , Yang Yang , Hu Yawei , Li Tao , Zhao Hong
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present a novel direct detection method for the characteristic fragrant component 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) in rice by using ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction (UASE) coupled with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS). No tedious derivatization procedures and toxic solvents were involved in the sample preparation process. 2-AP was extracted with ethanol by UASE from rice samples, and remained good stability within 27 hours. By direct injection to UPLC-MS-MS, accurate results were obtained through matrix matched internal standard calibration. Under optimized conditions, good repeatability (2.8%), reproducibility (7.6%), and recoveries (85.3–108%) were achieved with the limit of detection down to 0.15 µg/kg. The results of 2-AP in 13 rice samples determined by the present method were in the range of 19.4–124.0 µg/kg. The sensitivity and reliability of the developed UASE UPLC-MS-MS method are comparable with previously published SPME GC-MS-MS methods or derivatization based HPLC-MS-MS method. High analysis throughput, low laboriousness, excellent accuracies, and low toxic solvent consumption are the main characteristics of the newly presented method.
Soliton propagation with cross-phase modulation and its Modulation Instability in a Nonlinear Chiral Fiber
Authors: Junqing Li , Gelmecha Demissie
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present the stable evolution and instability of left- and right-handed circularly polarized (LCP and RCP) components through single core nonlinear chiral fiber. Considering Maxwell’s equations, and Post’s constitutive relations we derive generalized coupled chiral nonlinear Schrödinger equations (CCNLSEs) which govern the evolution of LCP and RCP components. Simulations are based on split-step Fourier method and numerical results reveal the role of GVD and nonlinearity with cooperation to chirality playing in the formation of solitons for LCP and RCP components. The stable evolution of solitons with weak chirality and coupling is discussed. Finally, we have investigated modulation instability (MI) in nonlinear chiral fiber starting from CCNLSEs. Based on theoretical models and numerical simulations, the difference on the modulation instability gain spectrum in LCP and RCP components through chiral fiber is analyzed. We have included loss and chirality into account in our analysis and found that loss distorts the sidebands of the MI gain spectrum while chirality modulates the gain for LCP and RCP components, in fact, differently.
Oral Absorption, Distribution and Excretion of Selenium-Enriched Peptides from Cardamine violifolia in Miniature Bama pigs
Authors: Hu Xiaoyu , Qu Wen , Fu Shaohua , Li Yanmei , Cong Xin , Zhang Yue , Shi Aihua , Guo Huailan , Fan Bolin
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the absorption, distribution, excretion of Selenium-enriched peptides(SeP) in miniature Bama pigs via oral route. Two different dosage groups of SeP was designed given 0.2 and 0.02 mg selenium per kilogram body weight respectively, and one control group was set given basic diet. A single administration of SeP was finished following with 2 weeks washout period and then a 7-day repeated administration of SeP was given. The concentrations of Se in plasma, tissues, urine and feces were measured by ICP-MS/MS, the activity of Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and content of selenium protein (SelP) in plasma were determined by ELISA Kit. Toxicokinetic parameters were calculated by fitting data with metabolic dynamics model using WinNonlin (6.3) software. Selenium from SeP was absorbed to plasma to maximum concentration with hours, mostly accumulated in the liver and kidney and mostly excreted by the gastrointestinal tract than by urine. Compared with control group, GSH-PX activity in SeP groups increased significantly after single or repeated administration, but no significant change were observed in SelP content, biochemical or hematological parameters.
Effects of biochar feedstock type and rate on soil properties, soybean nodulation and nitrogen fixation
Authors: Zeka Mirriam , Njira Keston O. W. , Bailey Liz , Chimungu Joseph G. , Ligowe Ivy S. , Nalivata Patson C.
Published: October 2022

Restricted nutrient availability in the soil directly limits vital processes like biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in legumes. Biochar is reported to have some positive effects on soil properties and nutrient availability. However, its feedstock type and application rate affect its performance. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of different biochar application rates (equivalents of 0, 5, 10, and 15 tonnes ha-1) and locally available feedstock types (maize core and groundnut shell), on soil properties, nodulation and nitrogen fixation in a greenhouse experiment using a split-plot randomised design, with three replicates. Biochar improved (p < 0.05), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total zinc (Zn) and potassium (K). At 15 tonnes ha-1, groundnut shell biochar significantly (p < 0.05) increased the amount of N2 fixed by 22% as compared to maize cores biochar. Biochar application rate significantly affected nodule numbers, dry weight and effectiveness (assessed based on nodule colour). Groundnut shell biochar significantly increased (p < 0.05) nodule dry weight when compared to maize core biochar by 21.1% which implied that both rate and type of biochar are important factors in soybean nodulation. Both groundnut shell and maize core biochar amendments positively enhance soil properties and N2 fixation in soybean, and hence are good amendments to be considered for sustained soil health with implications on crop productivity.
Xpert MTB_RIF assay for the differential diagnosis between sarcoidosis and tuberculosis intrathoracic lymphadenopathy
Authors: He Xian , Zhang Yuan , Zhou Ying , Li Li , Li Qiuhong
Published: October 2022

It is difficulty in differentiating sarcoidosis and tuberculosis intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. 119 patients who were suspected as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis intrathoracic lymphadenopathy at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital between 1 October 2020 and 30 June 2021 were enrolled in this study. All patients received EBUS-TBNA and Xpert analysis. The differences of clinical and radiological features were analyzed. Diagnostic performances of EBUS-TBNA Xpert, AFB, culture and serum QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT) were analyzed in differentiating SAIL from TBIL. Of these patients, 83 patients were finally diagnosed as 50 sarcoidosis intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and 33 tuberculosis intrathoracic lymphadenopathy. Young persons were more likely to have tuberculosis than sarcoidosis (P = 0.006). Markers of inflammation including fever, leukocyte and serum ferritin were significantly higher in tuberculosis than in sarcoidosis (P < 0.01). Bilateral lungs involved, symmetry intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and the longest diameter of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy (CM) were significantly higher in sarcoidosis, but significantly shorter of the largest diameter of lung lesions (P < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity of Xpert and QFT in differentiating the sarocidosis and tuberculosis were 69.70%, 100% and 96.43%, 91.84% respectively. The area under the ROC curve of QFT was 0.973 (95% CI, 0.938-1.000) in differentiating the two diseases. tuberculosis patients were more likely to have infection characterizations than sarcoidosis. EBUS Xpert is recommended for the diagnosis of tuberculosis intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and QFT for excluding the diagnosis of tuberculosis compared with sarcoidosis.
Allelopathic Effects of Oldeania alpina (K. Schum.) Leaves Aqueous Extract on Seed Germination and Initial Seedling Growth of two selected crops
Authors: Mamude Chala , Asfaw Zebene
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to investigate the allelopathic effects of Oldeania alpina leaves aqueous extract on germination and initial growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) test crops in a laboratory experiment. To this end, different aqueous extract concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%) were prepared and used to irrigate seeds of test crops. The effect of the extract was tested by placing a set of 50 seeds of barley and wheat separately in six replicates of Petri dishes using a completely randomized design. Besides, four different solvents (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) were used to prepare O. alpina leaves extracts and subjected to qualitative analysis of nine selected allelochemical compounds namely; flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, quinones, coumarins, saponin and, anthraquinones. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS software version 27. The study results showed a significant (p < 0.05) concentrations-based inhibitory effect of O. alpina leaves extract on germination parameters and initial growth of the two tested crops. In addition, it showed the presence of all tested allelochemicals except Anthraquinones in O. alpina leaves extracts. However, further field study would be necessary to evaluate and confirm the findings on a natural soil condition.