bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) control across the United States
Authors: Hudgins Emma J. , Hanson Jeffrey O. , MacQuarrie Chris J. K. , Yemshanov Denys , Baker Christopher M. , Chades Iadine , Holden Matthew , McDonald-Madden Eve , Bennett Joseph
Published: April 2023

The invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) causes damages to street trees estimated to reach US$ 900 million over the next 30 years.Although millions of dollars are spent annually to control this species, such approaches are often based on heuristics. Here, we reveal an optimal management strategy to protect urban trees in North America from A. planipennis. To achieve this, we embedded a pest dispersal model within a mixed integer programming framework. We discovered that optimized strategies consistently outperformed those based on heuristics, potentially resulting in the protection of an additional nearly one million street trees and savings of $ 627 million. Critically, the best management strategies always relied on quarantines and biological control (constituting 83-95% and 5-17% of the project budget, respectively), in contrast with current practices, which have shifted responsibility for quarantines to state authorities. Our findings serve to inform future pest control efforts, and can potentially protect many more trees from this invasive species.
Observation of suppressed viscosity in the normal state of 3He due to superfluid fluctuations
Authors: Baten Rakin , Tian Yefan , Smith Eric , Mueller Erich , Parpia Jeevak
Published: April 2023

By monitoring the quality factor of a quartz tuning fork oscillator we have observed a fluctuationd-driven
reduction in the viscosity of bulk 3He in the normal state near the superfluid transition
temperature, Tc. These fluctuations, which are only found within 100 μK of Tc, play a vital
role in the theoretical modeling of ordering; they encode details about the Fermi liquid parameters,
pairing symmetry, and scattering phase shifts. They will be of crucial importance
for transport probes of the topologically nontrivial features of superfluid 3He under strong
confinement. We characterize the temperature and pressure dependence of the fluctuation
signature, finding a remarkable collapse.
Characterization and typology of guinea pig breeding in the Department of Menoua-Western Region -Cameroon
Authors: Tobou Gina France Djoumessi , Tendonkeng Fernand , Kenfack Laurette Blandine Mezajoug , Miegoué Emile , Waffo David Fokom , Kuietche Herve Mube , Fondjeu Ulrich Darlin Tsafack , Moula Nassim , Hornick Jean Luc
Published: April 2023

A survey was carried out on 356 breeders in the Department of the Menoua Region of West Cameroon to characterize guinea pig breeding systems, using descriptive analysis, factorial analysis of multiple correspondences (AFCM), and upward hierarchical classification (CAH). Three types of guinea pig breeders have been identified, discriminated according to the size of the herd and the professional character of the breeding. Most of the housing systems were of the traditional type, free-ranging on the ground. Feed generally was based on fodders and food residues, and hygiene conditions were considered as good. The main difficulties faced by the farmers were mortalities resulting from diseases and predation. Guinea pig breeding was considered as a source of income for households. Sales were year-round, at age-related prices. Development of Guinea pig breeding in Cameroon would require better-addressing breeding techniques and creation of economic interest groups allowing to strengthen food security allowed by this activity.
Effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with Wuqinxi exercise on cervical motor function in patients with subacute mechanical neck pain
Authors: Lin Shaoping , Lun Tingting , Wang Shixiong , Yu Jin
Published: April 2023

Background: This study aims to observe the effects of extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with Wuqinxi exercise on cervical motor function in patients with subacute mechanical neck pain.
Methods: 70 participants with subacute mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned into an intervention or control groups.The intervention group was treated with extracorporeal shock wave therapy and Wuqinxi exercise,while the control group was received ultrasound therapy,for 4 weeks.The Visual Analogue Scale(VAS),Neck Disability Index(NDI) and Maximal Isometric Strength(MIS) were used for assessment at baseline,after one session,1st week,and 4th week after intervention.The flexion/extension ratio(F/E R)was calculated through MIS.The range of motion was measured at baseline and 4th week after intervention.
Results: 63 participants (intervention group n=32, control group n=31) completed the study.Intervention group showed more significant improvement in the Neck Disability Index after intervention[5.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.05 to 8.31,p<0.001].The improvement was more significant in intervention group on the Visual Analogue Scale[1.99，95% confidence interval (CI):1.03 to 2.93,p<0.05].Neck muscle strength recovered better in intervention group.Flexion/Extention Strength Ratio decreased more significant in intervention group [0.24，95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13 to 0.35,p<0.05].At the same time, intervention group showed greater increase in range of motion(p<0.05),except healthy side rotation (p=0.096).
Conclusions: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy combined with Wuqinxi exercise can relieve pain, increase joint range of motion and muscle strength better than ultrasound therapy.It can significantly improve the motor function of cervical spine.
Trial registration: Registration Number:ChiCTR2200064781(17/10/2022)
Efficacy and safety of Indocyanine green in the prevention of mastectomy skin flap necrosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Donglun , Chun Lin , Hu Yue , He Liqiong , Zhao Kui , Fu Zhiping , Saiding Aili
Published: April 2023

Background Skin flap necrosis is a common complication after mastectomy, and indocyanine green (ICG) has been used successfully to visualization for intraoperative evaluation. The effect of ICG on postoperative skin flap necrosis after mastectomy remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the prevention of ICG versus no ICG on postoperative flap necrosis.
Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library from Jan 1900 to Nov 2022 for retrospective cohort studies (RCSs) to assess the effect of ICG versus no ICG on postoperative skin flap necrosis. This meta-analysis system review was performed by the PRISMA guideline.
Results Our meta-analysis identified six RCSs, including 858 patients after mastectomy and breast flap reconstructive. Compared with the control group for mastectomy, we found that ICG may significantly reduce skin flap necrosis (OR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.94; I2 = 51%; P = 0.02), severe flap necrosis (OR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.58; I2 = 0%; P = 0.0008), reoperation rates (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.64; I2 = 10%; P = 0.0003). ICG had no difference in infection (OR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.55; I2 = 0%; P = 0.72) and seroma (OR = 1.37; 95% CI 0.76 to 2.49; I2 = 0%; P = 0.30).
Conclusions We found that the incidence of breast skin flap necrosis was statistically lower in the ICG group than that in the control group. ICG is effective to prevent the flap necrosis risk after breast surgery.
Prediction of post-operative clinical parameters in posterior scoliosis surgery through an adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface system
Authors: ABEDI Rasoul
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective: Postoperative clinical indices should be estimated accurately in scoliosis correction surgeries, which have been analyzed in various studies such as experimental (in vitro or in vivo) trials through different modeling methods (finite element or multibody analysis). These costly and time-consuming methods can only be conducted on a large number of scoliotic patients. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) is used in this study to estimate the postoperative cobb and thoracic kyphosis angles in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior scoliosis correction surgeries.
Methods: Four groups of 55 patients with distinct preoperative clinical indices (thoracic cobb and pelvic incidence) were considered the ANFIS inputs, whereas postoperative thoracic cobb and kyphosis angles were used as the outputs. For robustness evaluation, the predicted values of postoperative angles were compared with measurements by calculating the root mean square errors and clinical correction deviation indices (the relative deviation of postoperative predicted angles from the real angles).
Results: The least root mean square errors (3.0º and 6.3° for the main thoracic cobb and thoracic kyphosis estimations, respectively) were recorded in the group with the main thoracic cobb, pelvic incidence, thoracic kyphosis, and T1 spinopelvic inclination used as inputs. The clinical correction deviation indices were calculated 0.0086 and 0.0641 for cobb angles in two cases and 0.0534 and 0.2879 for thoracic kyphosis in two other cases.
Conclusion: Greater differences between preoperative and postoperative cobb angles compared with those of thoracic kyphosis decreased the root-mean-square errors and clinical deviation indices but improved accuracy.
Interconnection between Inter Tropical Convergence Zone Migration and Variation of Anomalous Radio Propagation in Tropical Region
Authors: Emmanuel Israel , Adedayo K.D.
Published: April 2023

Seasonal cycle of radio refractivity aloft the tropical region have been studied in relation to the migration of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Radio refractivity values were calculated from meteorological parameters obtained from the archive of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim). ITCZ position is obtained using maritime and continental winds. Refractivity conditions of anomalous radio propagation were evaluated from refractivity using ITU-recommendation. Multilinear empirical model was developed from ITCZ position determinant factors and refractivity values. The performance of the model was evaluated against ITU-R values using standard metrics. The result showed that the values of refractivity gradient and the position of the ITCZ vary seasonally across Nigeria. ITCZ reached its maximum position northward in August with highest value of refractivity gradient ranges between − 100 N-units/km and − 50 N-units/km across the regions. with the movement of ITCZ across Nigeria. High values of refractivity gradient ranges between Southward position of ITCZ correlate with minimum position of refractivity gradient, which typified ducting. Ducting occurrence prevailed around the ITCZ position.
Titrimetric micro determination of hydroxyzine using Oxone
Authors: Iurchenko Ivan , Blazheyevskiy Mykola , Yaremenko Vitaliy , Moroz Valeriy , Kryskiv Oleg
Published: April 2023

The kinetics of the oxidation reaction of hydroxyzine hydrochloride with potassium hydrogen peroxomonosulfate was studied depending on the pH of the medium. It was established for the first time that the kinetics of the reaction of N-oxidation of hydroxyzine obeyed the general laws of the mechanism of specific acid-base catalysis, proceeded quantitatively and stoichiometrically according to the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution of the β-oxygen atom of the peroxyacid group of peroxomonosulfate ions. It was shown that quantitative oxidation was achieved in 1–1.5 minutes at pH 8.0–8.5. The only reaction product was hydroxyzine N-oxide. A scheme of the oxidation process was proposed. Techniques were developed and the possibility of quantitative determination of hydroxyzine hydrochloride in the substance and tablets of 25 mg by iodometry using Oxone as an analytical reagent was shown. A known excess of reagent was added, and after a predetermined time, the residual reagent was determined iodometrically. RSD ≤ 1.52%. (x̅ - µ)· 100 / µ < RSD. The procedures had several advantages such as speed, simplicity, accuracy, selectivity, and cost-effectiveness, and therefore could be easily adapted by quality control laboratories for routine analysis.
Barnacle Cement Protein: An Efficient Bioinspired Corrosion Inhibitor
Authors: Bui My Hanh , Hiew Shu Hui , Saw Wuan-Geok , Webster Richard , Mu Yuguang , Grüber Gerhard , Miserez Ali
Published: April 2023

To prevent corrosion damage in aggressive environments such as seawater, metallic surfaces are usually coated with corrosion inhibitors typically made of organic molecules. Unfortunately, these inhibitors generally exhibit environmental toxicity, affecting living organisms and leaving harmful chemicals in natural habitats. Thus, there is a strong need to develop greener corrosion inhibitors that are chemically and mechanically robust but do not leach toxic chemicals. Here, we show that the recombinant protein rMrCP20 from the adhesive cement protein of the barnacle Megabalanus rosa efficiently protects AH36 steel against corrosion under high salt conditions mimicking the marine environment. We reveal that these anti-corrosion properties are linked to the protein’s biophysical properties, namely its strong adsorption to surfaces combined with its interaction with free Fe ions released by steel substrates, which form a stable layer that increases the coating’s impedance and delays corrosion. Our findings highlight the synergistic action of rMrCP20 in preventing corrosion and provide molecular-level guidelines to develop alternative green corrosion inhibitor additives.
Performance Analysis of Wireless Compressed-Image Transmission over DST-Based OFDMA Systems
Authors: Soufy Khaled Abdullah Al , Al-Ashwal Nagi H. , Al-Kamali Faisal S. , Swillam Mohamed
Published: April 2023

This work aims to analyze the performance of the transmission of wireless compressed-image over Discrete Sine Transform (DST)-Based OFDMA (DST-OFDMA) systems. When multimedia data, such as images, is sent over OFDMA it consumes a huge bandwidth during the transmission. Therefore, it is suitable to compress the transmitted images to reduce the required bandwidth. Research on image compression over wireless communication systems is necessitated by the need to improve the bandwidth utilization and energy efficiency of the systems. This work evaluates the performance of wireless compressed-image transmission over DST-OFDMA systems and considers different modulation schemes including 16QAM and QPSK, as well as different subcarriers mapping schemes (localized and interleaved) over vehicular A, SUI3 and uniform channels. The minimum Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) required to recover the compressed image that was transmitted is computed. Nine standard compression techniques are used for analyzing the performance. Generally, the obtained results shown that the performance of DST-OFDMA is better than DFT-OFDMA especially when QPSK modulation is used over SUI3 channel model. Simulation results also demonstrate that the smallest value of SNR required to recover a compressed transmitted image obtained by the interleaved DST-OFDMA (DST-IOFDMA) system using the SPIHT_3D compression method and QPSK modulation over the SUI3 channel model is approximately 18 dB.
Fetal brain response to worsening acidosis: an experimental study in a fetal sheep model of umbilical cord occlusions
Authors: Lacan Laure , Garabedian Charles , De Jonckheere Julien , Ghesquiere Louise , Storme Laurent , Dyuti Sharma , Tich Sylvie Nguyen The
Published: April 2023

Introduction
Perinatal anoxia remains an important public health problem as it can lead to hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cause significant neonatal mortality and morbidity. The mechanisms of the fetal brain’s response to hypoxia are still unclear and current methods of in utero HIE prediction are not reliable. In this study, we directly analysed the brain response to hypoxia in fetal sheep using in utero EEG.
Methods
Near-term fetal sheep were subjected to progressive hypoxia induced by repeated umbilical cord occlusions (UCO) at increasing frequency. EEG changes during and between UCO were analysed visually and quantitatively, and related with gasometric and haemodynamic data.
Results
EEG signal was suppressed during occlusions and progressively slowed between occlusions with the increasing severity of the occlusions. Per-occlusion EEG suppression correlated with per-occlusion bradycardia and increased blood pressure, whereas EEG slowing and amplitude decreases correlated with arterial hypotension and respiratory acidosis.
Conclusion
The suppression of the EEG signal during cord occlusion in parallel with the cardiovascular adaptation appears to correspond to a rapid cerebral adaptation mechanism with a neuroprotective effect. The progressive alteration of the signal with the severity of the occlusions would reflect the cerebral hypoperfusion due to the failure of the cardiovascular adaptation mechanisms.
Development and validation of a post-operative delirium prediction model for patients undergoing abdominal surgery: A retrospective, observational, single-center study
Authors: Huang Zhi-Hua , Beeharry Maneesh Kumarsing , Xu Xiao-Ying , Bao Cheng-Rong , Tao Lei , Luo Yan
Published: April 2023

Background
Postoperative delirium (POD) is considered as a relatively common and serious problem after major abdominal surgery procedures. It is presumed to be preventable in most of cases. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a POD prediction model for patients undergoing abdominal surgery.
Methods
From July 2019 to December 2019, patients underwent elective abdominal surgery in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and their demographics, pre-operative evaluation, intra-operative and anesthesiologic factors were recorded. Based on the results of the multivariate regression analyzes using P < 0.05 and P < 0.001 as two significance level, we obtained 2 different prediction models comprising of 10 and 4 factors respectively. After factorizing the risk of overfitting and cross-validation, we proposed a final POD prediction model consisting of 4 predictors. From January 2021 to December 2021, 346 more qualifying patients were enrolled for the external validation of the 4-factor model. The study was retrospectively registered on the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP) with ID ChiCTR2100047405.
Results
After screening, 838 patients were included as the training cohort and 10.9% (91/838) of the patients manifested POD. Those patients who developed POD were more likely to be aged more than 60 years (OR = 1.345, P =0.005), with history of diazepam usage (OR = 3.622, P =0.003), history of cerebrovascular disease (OR = 2.150, P = 0.012) and intraoperative positive fluid balance (OR = 1.41, P <0 .001). The optimum cut-off point of the predicted probability that maximized the sum of sensitivity and specificity was 0.12. The fitting set AUC was 0.703 (95%CI: 0.637–0.753). The cross validation set AUC was 0.684 (SD = 0.068) and the external validation AUC of the model was 0.63 (95%CI: 0.511–0.758), quite closed to that of the fitting set, which indicated that the selected model was robust.
Conclusions
The 4-factor POD prediction model shows good prediction efficiency and can prompt for prophylactic intervention in patients at risk for POD.
Trial registration
: A retrospective registration of the study has been submitted to the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO-ICTRP) with Registration ID ChiCTR2100047405 (18/06/2021).
Role of high-precision real-time digital image based on data simulation in the construction of rural public space environment
Authors: Yin Chunran , Zhang Xiaojing
Published: April 2023

Building a livable rural environment is the main process to achieve rural revitalization. An ideal rural environment contains many factors, such as health, safety, convenience and comfort. On the basis of livability, it can also be transformed into a livable ecological environment by promoting harmony between man and nature, thus responding to the policies and calls for sustainable development. At present, the research on ecological and livable environment mainly focuses on environmental improvement and ecological regulation, thus neglecting the research on space environment itself. Under this background, this paper completes the optimization of rural environment public space by introducing data simulation technology and combining high-precision real-time digital images, and then uses HLA to design the system to complete the simulation. The system can receive the data and configuration parameter information of each subsystem, and also can apply the system entity data and information of both sides of space confrontation to complete the target processing. The system itself is mainly divided into three parts: visual display, visual representation and data analysis modules. It can effectively complete the population calculation, building area calculation, living area calculation and proportion analysis of the target rural areas, so as to facilitate decision-makers to conduct reasonable regulation on the design of public space environment by studying data characteristics. This paper analyzes the transformation of rural public space environment by combining data simulation technology with high-precision digital real-time images.
Transvaginal Cervical Length To Predict Delivery Latency in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membrans
Authors: Agaoglu Merve Ozturk , Agaoglu Zahid , Yucel Kadriye Yakut , Ozturk Filiz Halici , Celen Sevki
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To investigate the association between transvaginal cervical length (TVCL) and delivery latency in pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).
Methods: A prospective study was conducted with a total of 72 pregnancies diagnosed with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation. Maternal characteristics, TVCL, time between diagnosis of PPROM and delivery, obstetric outcomes were documented. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent prediction of significant parameters for delivery within 7 days. Patients were divided into two groups with a cutoff of 25 mm TVCL. The two groups were compared for maternal characteristics and neonatal outcome. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for the combination of TVCL, presence of a cervical funneling and maternal BMI to show the predictive effect of the risk of delivery within 7 days
Results: Overall, 44% of the 72 PPROM cases delivered within the first 7 days after PPROM. The median gestational age at diagnosis of PPROM and median body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher in the group who delivered within 7 days after PPROM (p= 0.021, p=0.002, respectively). Presence of cervical funneling and short TVCL were associated with shorter latency (p= 0.001 and p=0.000). In logistic regression analysis, gestational week of PPROM and TVCL were found to be the parameters affecting the risk of delivery with a latency of ≤7 days. (OR =1.402, p=0.039; OR=0.46, p=0.045 respectively). The combination of < 25 mm TVCL and presence of cervical funneling had a sensitivity of 38% and a specificity of 97.5% in predicting latency ≤7 days with an accuracy of %71. The PPV was 92% and the NPV was 66%. When BMI was added to the combination, the PPV reached 100% in predicting latency ≤7 days with 18% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Conclusion: Higher gestational age at diagnosis of PPROM and a short TVCL might help predict delivery within 7 days in pregnancies with PPROM. The combination of the presence of a cervical funneling, TVCL < 25 mm, and maternal obesity clearly demonstrated the potential for delivery within 7 days of PPROM. These findings may be useful for counseling and optimizing maternal and neonatal care in women with PPROM.
Construction of ultra-stable and high-performance sodium-ion hybrid capacitors via CoMoO4 nanorods anode
Authors: Zhao Yue , Li Yang , Zhang Wei-bin , Liu Hong-bin , Zhao Zhi-yun , Li Kai , Wang Yun-kai , Kong Ling-bin
Published: April 2023

In recent years, research on electrode materials of sodium-ion hybrid capacitors (SIHCs) that contain the advantages of batteries and capacitors have begun to emerge. And the transition metal oxides with high specific capacity that can be used as anodes for SIHCs have attracted great attention. Herein, one-step facile hydrothermal synthesis of the CoMoO4 nanorods as the transition metal oxides were successfully obtained. Due to the well bear to the volume change, the SIHCs exhibit superior electrochemical performance and stability with CoMoO4 nanorods anode during charge and discharge. At a current density of 0.05 A g-1, with an expanded potential from 0 to 3.0 V, the specific capacitance and the high energy density of CoMoO4//AC are 37.2 F g-1 and 63.3 Wh kg-1, respectively. Meanwhile, the stability of the CoMoO4//AC in the long cycle is as expected. After 6000 cycles, the capacity retention of the CoMoO4//AC SIHC is 90% while the coulombic efficiency is always around 99%.
Application of English education big data system based on multi-source information fusion and machine learning
Authors: DU Kehan
Published: April 2023

For administrators in the field of education, the data generated in the actual education process is difficult to achieve effective management due to its large amount of information, complex structure and multiple types. However, in the actual construction of education informatization, it is impossible to explore the laws and development trends of education information only by manual analysis, so it is difficult to obtain effective concepts and relevant views. College education administrators can not fully optimize the process of teaching diagnosis and reform through education informatization. Based on this background, this research introduces machine learning technology to achieve technical support for the integrated application of educational data. This paper focuses on the design and construction of an English teaching management data analysis system for college teaching, which combines machine learning technology with multi-source information technology. The system is mainly composed of hardware layer, data layer, service layer and application layer, which can assist teaching and realize learning career planning, faculty authority management, curriculum data modification, teaching resource allocation and scientific research review. The simulation results show that this big data system has high processing efficiency, and is superior to other algorithms in terms of mean value and FVDF extreme value, so it can effectively assist English teaching management. This paper completes the design of English education big data system by introducing machine learning and multi-source information fusion into the field of education.
Whole mitochondrial genomes reveal the relatedness of the browsing ant incursions in Australia
Authors: Prodhan M. Asaduzzaman , Widmer Marc , Kinene Tonny , Kehoe Monica
Published: April 2023

Global trade and human movements outspread animal species, for example ants, from their native habitats to new areas. This causes biosecurity concerns because an exotic ant might have adverse impacts on agriculture, the environment, or health; thus, incurring economic losses. The browsing ant, Lepisiota frauenfeldi, was first detected in 2013 at the Perth Airport. Since then, more discrete browsing ant infestations have been found in Perth and at the Ports of Darwin and Brisbane. This exotic ant has been deemed a significant pest in Australia and eradication efforts are underway. However, tackling this invasion requires an understanding of how these infestations are related. Are they same or separate or a combination of both? Here, we carried out a phylogenetic analysis using high-throughput sequencing data to determine their relatedness. Our results showed that each interstate incursion was separate. Furthermore, the Western Australian incursions might have two introductions. These findings are critical in devising effective biosecurity measures. However, we discovered that this information could only be revealed by analysing the whole mitochondrial genome; not by a single mitochondrial gene as typically done for species identification. Here, we sequenced 51 whole mitogenomes including three of its congener L. incisa for the first time, for tracing future infestations.
Comparative analysis of whole blood transcriptomics between European and local Caribbean pigs in response to feed restriction in a tropical climate
Authors: Poullet Nausicaa , Devarieux Orianne , Beramice David , Dantec Laurent , Félicité Yoann , Feuillet Dalila , Gourdine Jean-Luc , Bambou Jean-Christophe
Published: April 2023

Background
Feed restriction occurs frequently during pig growth, either due to economic reasons or stressful environmental conditions. Local breeds are suggested to have better tolerance to periods of feed restriction. However, the mechanisms underlying the response to feed restriction in different breeds is largely unknown. The aims of the present study were 1) to compare the transcriptome profile in response to feed restriction and refeeding of two contrasted breeds, Large White (LW), which has been selected for high performance, and Creole (CR), which is adapted to tropical conditions, and 2) to investigate the effect of a moderate feed restriction and refeeding on whole blood transcriptome. Analysis of blood transcriptome allows to study the response to feed restriction and refeeding in a dynamic way. RNAseq was performed on blood samples of growing LW and CR pigs at two time points: after 3 weeks of feed restriction and after 3 weeks of refeeding. The data was compared with samples from control animals offered the same diet on an ad libitum basis throughout the whole experiment.
Results
In terms of performance (body weight and feed efficiency), CR pigs were less impacted by feed restriction than LW. The transcriptional response to feed restriction and refeeding between CR and LW was contrasted both in terms of number of DEGs and enriched pathways. CR demonstrated a stronger transcriptional response to feed restriction whereas LW had a stronger response to refeeding. Differences in the transcriptional response to feed restriction between CR and LW were related to cell stress response (Aldosterone Signalling, Protein ubiquitination, Unfolded Protein Signalling) whereas after refeeding, differences were linked to thermogenesis, metabolic pathways and cell proliferation (p38 MAPK, ERK/MAPK pathway). In both breeds, transcriptional changes related to the immune response were found after restriction and refeeding.
Conclusions
Altogether, the present study indicates that blood transcriptomics can be a useful tool to study differential genetic response to feed restriction in a dynamic way. The results indicate a differential response of blood gene expression to feed restriction and refeeding between breeds, affecting biological pathways that are in accordance with performance and thermoregulatory results.
Untargeted urinary metabolomics for bladder cancer biomarker screening with ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Nizioł Joanna , Ossoliński Krzysztof , Płaza-Altamer Aneta , Kołodziej Artur , Ossolińska Anna , Ossoliński Tadeusz , Nieczaj Anna , Ruman Tomasz
Published: April 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common urological malignancy with a high probability of death and recurrence. Cystoscopy is used as a routine examination for diagnosis and following patient monitoring for recurrence. Repeated costly and intrusive treatments may discourage patients from having frequent follow-up screenings. Hence, exploring novel non-invasive ways to help identify recurrent and/or primary BC is critical. In this work, 200 human urine samples were profiled using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-UHRMS) to uncover molecular markers differentiating BC from non-cancer controls (NCs). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses with external validation identified metabolites that distinguish BC patients from NCs disease. More detailed divisions for the stage, grade, age, and gender are also discussed. Findings indicate that monitoring urine metabolites may provide a non-invasive and more straightforward diagnostic method for identifying BC and treating recurrent diseases.
What are the determinants of older people adopting communicative e-health services: A meta-ethnography
Authors: Aslan Ayse , Mold Freda , Marwijk Harm van , Armes Jo
Published: April 2023

Background: Gradually, society has shifted more services online, with Covid-19 highlighting digital inequalities in access to services such as healthcare. Particularly older adults can experience such digital inequalities, yet this group is also more likely to need medical appointments, compared to younger people. With the growing digitalisation of healthcare, it is increasingly important to understand how older people can best use communicative e-health services to interact with healthcare services. This is especially if older adults are to access and actively interact with health professionals/clinicians due to their general health decline. This review aims to synthesise older adults’ experiences and perceptions of communicative e-health services and, in turn, to identify barriers and facilitators to using communicative e-health services.
Methods: A meta-ethnography was conducted to qualitatively synthesise literature on older adults’ experiences of using communicative e-health services. A systematic search, with terms relating to ‘older adults’, ‘e-health’, ‘technology’, and ‘communication’, was conducted on six international databases between January 2014 and May 2022. The search yielded a total of 10 empirical studies for synthesis.
Results: The synthesis resulted in 10 themes that may impact older adults’ perceptions and/or experiences of using communicative e-health services. These were: 1) health barriers, 2) support networks, 3) application interface/design, 4) digital literacy, 5) lack of awareness, 6) online security, 7) access to digital devices and the internet, 8) relationship with healthcare provider(s), 9) in-person preference and 10) convenience. These themes interlink with each other.
Conclusion: The findings suggest older adults’ experiences and perceptions of communicative e-health services are generally negative, with many reporting various barriers to engage with online services. However, many of these negative experiences are related to limited support networks and low digital literacy, along with complicated application interfaces. This supports previous literature identifying barriers and facilitators in which older adults experience general technology adoption and suggests a greater emphasis is needed on providing support networks to increase the adoption and usage of communicative e-health services.
Non-thermal effect of terahertz wave radiation on DNA damage repair in living cells
Authors: Harata Masahiko , Ueno Yuya , Yamazaki Shota , Hoshina Hiromichi
Published: April 2023

DNA damage, which is constantly caused by exogenous and endogenous factors, is subject to immediate repair processes; delays in these repair processes cause diseases. Here, we demonstrated that terahertz irradiation enhances the repair processes of DNA double-strand break by a non-thermal effect. The modulation of DNA damage repair by terahertz irradiation provides a non-invasive method with potential medical applications, such as prevention and suppression of diseases caused by DNA instability.
Bidirectional LED as an AC-driven visible-light source
Authors: Żak Mikołaj , Muziol Grzegorz , Siekaz Marcin , Bercha Artem , Hajdel Mateusz , Szkudlarek Krzesimir , Lachowski Artur , Chlipała Mikołaj , Wolny Paweł , Turski Henryk , Skierbiszewski Czeslaw
Published: April 2023

The GaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) brought a revolution in the lighting market by becoming the most energy-efficient light sources. However, the power grid, i.e. electricity delivery system, is built based on alternating current (AC), which raises problems for directly driving LEDs that require direct current (DC) to operate effectively. In this paper, we demonstrate a proof of concept device that addresses this fundamental issue – a GaN-based bidirectional light emitting diode (BD LED). The BD LED structure is symmetrical with respect to the active region, which, depending on the negative or positive bias, allows for the injection of either electrons or holes from each side. It is composed of two tunnel junctions that surround the active region. The optical and electrical properties of such BD LEDs under DC and AC conditions are investigated. We find that the light is emitted in both directions of supplied current, contrary to the standard LEDs, hence BD LEDs can be considered as a semiconductor light source powered directly with AC. In addition, we show that BD LEDs can be stacked vertically to multiply the optical power achieved from a single device.
Fetal mosaicism, should conventional karyotype always be performed?
Authors: Su Linjuan , Wu Xiaoqing , Liang Bin , Lin Na , Xie Xiaorui , Cai Meiying , Zheng Lin , Wang Meiying , Xu Liangpu
Published: April 2023

The application of classical cytogenetic and DNA-based molecular techniques to detect cell lineages of mosaicism derived from cultured or non-cultured fetal cells may result in discordant results. This retrospective study aimed to assess the inconsistent diagnostic outcomes, technical availability, and limitations of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and karyotyping for mosaicism. A total of 75 fetuses diagnosed with mosaicism by karyotype analysis or CMA were selected, and the results from both the methods were compared and further analyzed.A total of 42 (56%, 42/75) CMA results were consistent with karyotypes, consisting of 22 cases of mosaic sex chromosomal abnormalities, eight routine autosomal aneuploidy cases, eight other autosome aneuploidy cases, three large cryptic genomic rearrangements, and one small supernumerary marker chromosome. Discrepancy between karyotype analysis and CMA was observed in 33 (44%, 33/75) mosaicisms involving 15 sex chromosomal abnormalities, one routine autosomal aneuploidies, five other autosome aneuploidy cases, eight large cryptic genomic rearrangements and four small supernumerary marker chromosomes. Considering the disparities between methods as well as the cell populations analyzed, both CMA and karyotype analysis have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, CMA should ideally be used in combination with karyotyping to detect more cases of mosaicism than using either test alone.
Case report: Takotsubo syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lu Rui , Wang Min , He Shangfei , Lu Jing , Liao Yi , Cui Tongtao , Lu Mingjun
Published: April 2023

Background
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), which is frequently secondary to severe emotional (fear, anxiety, etc.) or physical stress, is an acute reversible heart failure syndrome characterized by temporary left ventricular regional systolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, TTS after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare, and its clinical characteristics are easily confused with complications after PCI.
Case presentation
This article reports a case of TTS induced by psychological and physical pressure after successful PCI in our institution. She had symptoms comparable to complications after PCI, including electrocardiogram (ECG) deviation and troponin elevation. Coronary angiogram, left ventricle contrast echocardiography (LVO), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) were performed to exclude postoperative complications. Definite diagnosis of TTS was eventually achieved.
Conclusion
We cannot dismiss the risk of TTS in patients who have unexplained ECG deviation and troponin elevation following successful PCI. Meanwhile, medical personnel should provide mental, cultural, and emotional services to patients in addition to essential diagnostic and treatment technical services during the perioperative period.
Surface characterization of pulp fiber from mixed old newspaper and magazine deinked-pulp with combined cellulase and laccase-violuric acid system (LVS)
Authors: Akbarpour Iman
Published: April 2023

The pulp and paper industry is looking for eco-friendly solutions in the field of enzymatic deinking for ink elimination from different recycled papers. The current research aimed at deinking secondary fibers containing mixed 70% old newsprint (ONP) and 30% old magazine (OMG) by combining cellulase with the laccase-violuric acid system (LVS). Optical and strength properties, surface chemical composition, fiber crystallinity, fiber morphology changes during the deinking process, and pulp water retention value (WRV) were assessed by electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA), fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the centrifuge method. Results revealed the synergistic delignification and deinking effects of cellulase and LVS making enzymatic treatment a promising alternative for chemical deinking. Pulp deinked with cellulase-LVS indicated a lower ERIC (effective residual ink concentration), better optical and strength properties, a higher oxygen/carbon (O/C) ratio of the fiber surface, a lower surface lignin, higher fiber crystallinity index, and improved pulp WRV. Furthermore, FESEM photographs demonstrated that more fibrils appeared on the fiber surface due to synergistic effects between enzymes. Among the combined cellulase-LVS trials, the C2L2trial (0.1% cellulase and 20 min; 40u laccase and 120 min) gave a paper with the best quality, the minor lignin surface coverage (or more lignin degradation), and higher cellulose crystallinity, compared to the chemically deinked pulp.
Effects of stocking density on the homeostasis of uric acid and related liver and kidney functions in ducks
Authors: Lin Peiyi , Liufu Sui , Wang Jinhui , Hou Zhanpeng , Liang Yu , Wang Haiyue , Jin Shaobing , Jiang Danli , Liu Wenjun , Tian Yunbo , Xu Danning , Huang Yunmao , Li Xiujin , Fu Xinliang
Published: April 2023

Background: Avian gout is a common metabolic disease characterized by hyperuricemia and urate deposits in the joints, and it is caused by the overproduction of uric acid by hepatic metabolism or renal underexcretion. However, the effects of stocking density on the metabolism of uric acid are unknown. In the present study, the effects of stocking density on the metabolism and homeostasis of uric acid as well as the related functions of the liver and kidney in ducks were examined. A total of 180 healthy 56-day-old Shan-ma ducks were randomly divided into the low stocking density (LSD; n = 30, density = 5 birds/m2), medium stocking density (MSD; n = 60, density = 10 birds/m2) and high stocking density groups (HSD; n = 90, density = 15 birds/m2). Samples were collected in the 3rd, 6th and 9th weeks of the experiment for analysis.
Results: The results showed that the serum levels of uric acid, LPS and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α) were increased significantly in the HSD group. Serious histopathological lesions, including acute cellular swelling and vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes in the liver, swelling of glomeruli, necrosis and abscission of renal tubular epithelial cells, and infiltration of inflammatory cells, could be seen in both the livers and kidneys in the HSD group in the 9th week. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and TNF-α) and related pathway components (TLR-4, MyD88 and NF-κB) were increased significantly in both the livers and kidneys in the HSD group. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of enzymes (ADA, XOD, PRPPAT and PRPS1) related to the synthesis of uric acid increased significantly in the livers in the HSD group. However, the mRNA expression level of SLC2A9, which is responsible for the excretion of uric acid by the kidney, was decreased significantly in the kidneys in the HSD group. The effects of stocking density on the functions of the liver and kidney in the HSD group as described above might result in hyperuricemia, which might further induce gout.
Conclusions: In conclusion, these results indicated that a higher stocking density could cause tissue inflammatory lesions in the liver and kidney and subsequently affect the metabolism and homeostasis of uric acid, and is helpful for guiding decisions related to the breeding and production of ducks.
Semi-synthesis and in vitro anti-tumor effects evaluation of novel xanthohumol derivatives
Authors: Sun Xiaolong , Chen Jie , Huang Di , Ding Feng , Zhao Long , Li Hong-Mei , Wang Xiang-Shu , Zhang Yu-Xin , Wu Cheng-Zhu
Published: April 2023

Xanthohumol (Xn) is a chalcone compound isolated from Humulus lupulus Linn. and has various biological activities. In this study, eight Xn derivatives were synthesized by Williamson, Mannich, Reimer-Tiemann, and Schiff base reactions, and five cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, CNE-2Z, SMMC-7721, H1975) were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity. Among these, 2-((E)-2,4-dihydroxy-5-((E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acryloyl)-6-methoxy-3-(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)benzylidene)hydrazine-1-carboximidamide (8) exhibited the best potent cytotoxic activity against the five cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 4.87 to 14.35 µM. Wound-healing and transwell assays also showed that compound 8 could better inhibit the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells, and western blotting assays showed that it could reduce protein expression of HIF-1α, MMP-2 and MMP-9. In addition, flow cytometry assays showed that compound 8 could induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells by up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2 and Akt expression.
Calibration Method of Clinical Type Infrared Thermometers and Estimation Uncertainty in Different Blackbody Cavities
Authors: Alper Melda Patan
Published: April 2023

In recent years, radiation thermometers or infrared thermometers are frequently preferred in many different sectors from the health sector to the iron and steel industry, food, agriculture, chemistry and automotive, due to their fast measurement capabilities, reasonable prices, wide measurement ranges and practical use. In this study, the calibration systems of infrared clinical radiation thermometers, which are widely used in our hospitals and homes and become more important with the sudden expansion of their usage areas (closed areas, meeting rooms, shopping malls, schools and offices), especially during the Covid-19 period, were investigated. The measurement of human body temperature is an important physiological measurement used primarily for diagnosis, surgery, especially during pandemic diseases such as covid-19, intensive care and treatment procedures. Different types of clinical thermometers are used in body temperature measurement and we can examine these thermometers in two groups: contact thermometers and non-contact thermometers. To have confidence in the accuracy of the measurements of the temperature measuring device, clinical thermometers, it is important that the device is calibrated traceable to the 1990 International Temperature Scale (ITS-90).
Chaotic coexistence of librational and rotational dynamics in the averaged planar three--body problem
Authors: Ruzza Sara Di
Published: April 2023

Through an appropriate change of reference frame and rescalings of the variables and the parameters introduced, the Hamiltonian of the three--body problem is written as a perturbed Kepler problem. In this system, new Delaunay variables are defined and a suitable configuration of the phase space and the mass parameters is chosen. In such a system, wide regions of librational and rotational motions where orbits are regular and stable are found. Close to the separatrix of these regions, the existence of chaotic motions presenting a double rotational and librational dynamics is proved, numerically, through Poincaré sections and the use of FLI.
MSC Classification: 37N05 , 37J12 , 37J40 , 37J46 , 37D10
Outsmarting Android Malware withCutting-edge Feature Engineering andMachine Learning Techniques
Authors: wajahat Ahsan , He Jingsha , Zhu Nafei , Mahmood Tariq , Nazir Ahsan , Qureshi Siraj uddin , Ullah Fahim , Pathan Muhammad Salman
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.