bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abdominal perfusion pressure in critically ill cirrhotic patients: a prospective observational study.
Authors: Pereira Rui , Esteves André , Cardoso Filipe , Marcelino Paulo , Perdigoto Rui , Saliba Faouzi
Published: August 2022

Introduction In critical patients, abdominal perfusion pressure (APP) has been shown to correlate with outcome. However, data from decompensated cirrhotic patients and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is scarce. Objectives We aimed to characterize APP in critically ill cirrhotic patients, analyze the prevalence and risk factors of developing abdominal hypoperfusion (AhP) and impact on outcome. Methods A prospective cohort study in a general ICU specialized in liver disease at a tertiary hospital center. Consecutive cirrhotic patients were recruited between October 2016 and December 2021. Results The study included 101 patients, with a mean age of 57.2 (±10.4) years and a female gender proportion of 23.5%. The most frequent etiology of liver disease was alcohol related (51.0%), and infection (37.3%) was the common precipitant leading to ICU admission. ACLF grading (1-3) proportion was 8.9%, 26.7% and 52.5%, respectively. A total of 1274 measurements were performed. At admission, AhP prevalence was 47.5% and mean APP was 63 (±15) mmHg. Patients with baseline AhP had higher 28-day mortality (75.0% vs. 45.2%; p=004), and longer ICU stay (days) (9 [5, 14] vs. 7 [4, 9]; p=0.03). AhP was not an independent risk factor for mortality. Paracentesis at admission was an independent protective factor (aOR 0.23, CI95% 0.06-0.85, p=0.03), while ACLF grading (aOR1.84, 96%C.I. 1.12-3.02, p=0.02) was a risk factor for AhP. Conclusion Critical cirrhotic patients present high prevalence of AhP. Paracentesis was protective and ACLF severity was a risk factor for AhP. A structured strategy for AhP should be considered in the high-risk cirrhotic patient.
The Effects of Inequality on Global Economic Growth
Authors: Greaves Gerry
Published: August 2022

Previous efforts to determine the effect of inequality on growth, which relied on comparing growth rates of countries (or the same country over time) with different levels of inequality, have met with limited success. This paper provides a novel economic model that combines a Solow growth model with a closed 3-Equation model which includes the effects of inequality on consumer demand and thus growth. It models consumer demand using four income classes with different tax rates and propensities to consume whose sizes and incomes are determined by the level of inequality. It allows a wide range of inequality to be evaluated. This quantifies the effect of inequality on growth, but it also reveals its effects on interest rates and government spending guiding fiscal and monetary policy.Among the unprecedented findings are 1) The maximum GDP growth occurs at a Gini coefficient of about 0.66 unless negative nominal interest rates or ongoing deficit spending is allowed; 2) Gini coefficients above 0.66 result in drastically reduced GDP caused by insufficient demand; 3) Below this point, there is excess demand which causes upward pressure on inflation and results in higher nominal interest rates; 4) At the current global Gini coefficient of about 0.62, real interest rates are near zero; 5) As inequality grows, the middle and upper middle classes shrink while the poor and rich classes expand.JEL classifications: D63, O40, E52, E62
Amorphous non-doped and Se, Cu, and Zn-doped Sb2S3 nanoparticles prepared by a hot-injection method: Bandgap tuning and possible observation of the quantum size effect
Authors: Valldzic Ivana L , Popović Maja , Potočnik Jelena , Graf Christina , Joschko Maximilian , Kuznetsova A. , Zatsepin Dmitry A.
Published: August 2022

The modified hot-injection method was applied for the synthesis of amorphous non-doped and copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) doped antimony (III) sulfide (Sb2S3) nanoparticles with reduced sizes. Moreover, zinc (Zn) doped Sb2S3 nanoparticles were synthesized for the first time by the same approach. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and TEM of amorphous undoped and doped samples revealed small spherical nanoparticles of a few (1-4) nanometers aggregated into larger spherical clusters, while introducing different dopant ions into the Sb2S3 structure did neither influence the spherical morphology nor the sizes of samples. The presence of the basic elements (S and Sb) and dopants (Cu, Se, or Zn) was confirmed by EDX analysis and mapping. Additionally, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was performed on the Zn-doped Sb2S3 sample, confirming spherical morphology as well as quantitative incorporation of Zn in the Sb2S3 lattice. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) results of the non-doped and doped samples revealed an amorphous structure. The crystalline Zn-doped Sb2S3 samples obtained by heating the amorphous ones revealed well-defined peaks from only the Sb2S3 phase, confirming a successful doping process. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) revealed high optical bandgap energies (2.03–2.12 eV) in comparison to the values (1.6–1.7 eV) obtained for large spherical non-doped and doped particles. It was demonstrated that there is not only a significant reduction in particle size compared to previously synthesized non-doped and doped amorphous nanoparticles of the same composition, but that there is also a significant increase in the bandgap values of 0.4-0.5 eV, which could be attributed to a quantum size effect. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements revealed pure phase composition without any impurities for the undoped sample, and characteristic peaks for copper 2p, selenium, and zinc Auger peaks for the doped samples, respectively. The XPS valence band measurements were performed due to the weak Zn Auger peak, confirming a shift towards lower binding energy compared to the non-doped sample, demonstrating the doping of the observed sample. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show that embedding Zn into the Sb2S3 host lattice suppresses the wide luminescence band with peaks at 1.7 eV, 2.0 eV, 2.2 eV, and 2.4 eV, which is related to intrinsic defects. Furthermore, the energy dependence of the light emission on the size of the synthesized nanoparticles suggests that the quantum confinement effect causes the light emission.
Enhancement of LiZnVO 4 nanoparticles incorporated with PVDF nanocomposites for high-performance lithium-ion battery application
Authors: Elashmawi I. S. , Ismail A. M. , Abdelghany A. M. , Yassin A. Y.
Published: August 2022

This work aims to prepare LiZnVO4 nanoparticles and incorporate them into PVDF as a host polymeric material using the casting method for rechargeable Li-battery applications. The effect of LiZnVO4 on the structural and optical properties of the samples was studied using XRD, FT-IR, and UV-is techniques. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of the prepared films was studied. The XRD spectra show the semicrystalline structure of PVDF and the rhombohedral structure of LiZnVO4. Scherer's equation was used to determine the crystallite size of LiZnVO4 which is nearly 83 nm. The interaction between PVDF and LiZnVO4 was approved by shifting some FT-IR bands. The band gap energies were decreased by increasing LiZnVO4 due to the density in the localized states in the mobility band gap in PVDF. The AC parameters as a function of frequency and temperature were investigated in detail. Both ε' and ε" had their maximum values at low frequencies and decreased as the frequency and temperature increased. The XRD and FT-IR findings corroborate the increased dielectric characteristics and tan δ at 5 wt. percent LiZnVO4, suggesting their potential use as a basic material in the development of cutting-edge energy storage devices and lithium-ion batteries.
Effect of Cold Metal Transfer Parameters during Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing of Ti6Al4V Multi-layer Walls
Authors: Reyes-Gordillo Emmanuel , Gómez-Ortega Arturo , Morales-Estrella Ricardo , Pérez-Barrera James , Gonzalez-Carmona Juan , Escudero-García Ramiro , Alvarado-Orozco Juan
Published: August 2022

This study analyzed the effect of process parameters on Ti6Al4V thin walls additively manufactured by cold metal transfer (CMT). An experimental procedure methodology was stablished to develop the process parameters with the most significance on the morphological aspects of the deposits. The maximum working temperature for Ti6Al4V multilayer deposits was defined using differential scanning calorimetry. A difference of 100°C was found between the maximum working temperature of the substrate plate and that of the deposited wall. The experimental results showed overheating above 450°C, which is the maximum recommended working temperature for Ti6Al4V, in the four previous layers during processing. The aspect ratio and metallurgical dilution were compared between single and multi-layer deposits; values of 1.5 and 20%, respectively, were ideal for obtaining continuous thin walls. Furthermore, a continuity factor along the construction walls was defined by 3D measurements, as 1.9 taking into account all deposited layers. In addition, it was observed that the oxygen concentration on the walls rises with increasing power regardless the interpass time used. Finally, microhardness measurements values showed more dispersion as the heat input increased.
Novel in-situ observation of the grease constituents in elastohydrodynamic contacts by fluorescence microscopy.
Authors: Kostal David , Okal Michal , Fryza Josef , Krupka Ivan , Hartl Martin
Published: August 2022

Grease is important lubricant for ball bearings as it is used much more often than oil. However, mechanism of the lubrication is not completely clear, especially concerning the role of the thickener in the lubricating process. It was shown that contribution of the thickener to film thickness build-up varies with operating conditions. Also, its influence on the resistive torque of the bearing was proved. However, all studies were in-direct showing its effects. This paper presents new in-situ fluorescence method of the grease constituents’ observation, where both, thickener, and base oil can be observed independently. Two different fluorescence dyes are used to distinguish grease constituents with the use of different microscope setup. Moreover, the new method was tested on two different test rigs. First is typical ball on disc test rig widely used for study of elastohydrodynamic lubrication. Second is ball on ring test rig which more closely represents radial ball bearing conditions. It was shown that thickener engagement is very different for each geometrical configuration.
Theoretical insights into chelated metal complexes of herbacetin for the application in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Puthanveedu Vinduja , Ahamed T. K. Shameera , Muraleedharan K.
Published: August 2022

Herbacetin is a potential phytochemical that is proposed to treat various diseases. In this study, density functional theory is used to characterize the metal-chelating ability of herbacetin, with Cu2+ and Zn2+ metal ions. In general, metal chelation improved the reactivity of herbacetin. Interaction energies suggest that HER1-Zn2+ is more stable than HER1-Cu2+ in both gas and DMSO media. Efficient charge transfer occurs via the lone pair of oxygen atoms in herbacetin to the anti-bonding orbital of metal ions through non-covalent interactions, particularly electrostatic. The influence of metal chelation on the anti-oxidant activity of herbacetin was analyzed. Further, the anti-Alzheimer’s property of herbacetin was explained using molecular docking technique. Our results suggest that herbacetin is a potential contender in chelation therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease due to its metal chelating and antioxidant properties. More importantly, an outstanding bioactivity score of 0.55 was obtained for the herbacetin molecule.
In situs Efficiency evaluation of a Photovoltaic Irrigation System in West Africa rural area, input current oversizing effect on the pump efficiency
Authors: FAVI Segbedji , IBRAHIM Boubacar , YAHAYA Saleye , ADAMOU RABANI
Published: August 2022

As a perfect example of Water-Energy-Food nexus, photovoltaic-powered irrigation is a suitable system for farmers of the semi-arid countries of Sahel. This system can be one of the excellent ways to achieve some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) regarding food access, water access and energy access. Mastering the installation, configuration and operation of the solar PV water pumping system regarding the environmental conditions is crucial for resource-saving and efficient use. This study's main objective is to evaluate the efficiency of a direct-coupled photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) through the case study of the most common and demonstrator system installed in a rural area. The equipment has been installed within the CIREG (Climate Information for Integrated Renewable Electricity Generation) project as a demonstrator site at Bonkoukou in Niger (West Africa). The PVWPS efficiency assessment demonstrated that the PV array has been oversized twice. The increasing PV array capacity (i.e., the electric input current) over the manufacturer's prescription of the pumps does not substantially improve the system's performance but leads to lower pump efficiency. Indeed, by doubling the PV array power from 1.5 kWp as suggested by the manufacturer to 3 kWp, the maximum pump output is not significantly different from the one obtained with 1.5 kW (4.2 m3/h versus 3.5 m3/h with just an increase of 20%).
Integrated absolute full energy peak efficiency: a measure of photon registration efficiency
Authors: Slawomir Jednorog , Bartlomiej Klis , Kamil Szewczak
Published: August 2022

Integrated absolute full energy peak efficiency (IAFEPE) is the measure of photon registration efficiency by means of the γ-ray spectrometry method. For the first time, we derive appropriate formulas and theoretical explanations of IAFEPE. IAFEPE is a definite integral (Riemann integral) of the photon registration efficiency function within the detection energy range. IAFEPE, in common with associated quantities, i.e., mass integrated absolute full energy efficiency (MIAFEPE) and surface integrated absolute full energy peak efficiency (SIAFEPE), allows for the quantitative validation of measurement conditions in terms of finding the best solution and for several analytical considerations previously unavailable. MIAFEPE is the product of sample mass and IAFEPE, while SIAFEPE represents the product of surface area and IAFEPE. They both consider changes in the count rate due to the total activity of a sample. In applied neutronics and radiation monitoring, we successfully used IAFEPE and derivative quantities to validate the correctness of the measurement process. The IAFEPE, MIAFEPE, and SIAFEPE allow the selection of the proper measurement conditions before starting measurements. Thus, for planning spectrometry, knowledge about sample activity in most cases is no longer needed.
Active monitoring of residential radon in Rome: a pilot study
Authors: Soldati Gaia , Ciaccio Maria Grazia , Piersanti Antonio , Cannelli Valentina , Galli Gianfranco
Published: August 2022

To address the issue of residential radon risk we conducted two distinct experiments actively monitoring radon in 25 apartments in Rome and suburban areas for two weeks, and in 3 apartments in the historic center for several months. The action levels of 300 and 100 Bq/m3 are overcome in 17% and 60% of the cases, respectively, and these percentages rise to 20% and 76% for average radon measured overnight (more relevant for residents’ exposure). Active detectors allowed us to identify the seasonal behavior of radon, strongly dependent on the gradient of indoor-to-outdoor temperature, and of the way it travels from the ground to upper floors. High levels of radon are not limited to the lowest floors when the use of heating and ventilation produces massive convection of air. The importance of these factors is also evidenced by the very different values of gas concentration measured at different floors of the same building or in distinct rooms of the same apartment, that cannot be ascribed to the characteristics of the premises. However, the finding that high residential radon levels tend to concentrate in the historic center proves the significant influence of building age, typology, construction materials, and geogenic radon.
Effect of gender on psychological distress and fatigue over time in a prospective cohort of cancer survivors
Authors: Rondanina Gabriella , Siri Giacomo , Marra Domenico , DeCensi Andrea
Published: August 2022

BackgroundStudies indicate a higher level of distress in women than men with cancer, but whether this difference is retained during time is unknown. We studied the frequency and level of distress and fatigue during time according to gender in a cohort of cancer survivors. Patients and methodsIn this prospective study cancer survivors were invited to undergo a psychological session immediately before the medical visit. Distress was assessed by the Distress thermometer and fatigue by the ESAS-r scale. Patients underwent follow-up visits to assess changes over time.ResultsA total of 305 patients and 568 visits were performed with a median follow up of 15.8 months. At baseline, female, young age and breast cancer had a significantly higher distress. However, there was an increase of distress of 0.29 points every 6 months in males (95% CI, 0.09-0.50) versus no change in females (0.03 points, 95% CI, -0.09-0.15; p-interaction=0.01). The different behavior of cancer distress during time according to gender was more evident in subjects aged 68 or older due to increasing physical problems in men (p-interaction=0.005). There was no change in fatigue with time according to gender.ConclusionsWomen, younger age and breast cancer have increased cancer distress at initial visit. However, women tend to stabilize during follow-up whereas men tend to worsen their distress, especially because of physical and emotional problems, suggesting different coping capabilities.Implications for Cancer Survivors Interventions aimed at improving recognition of emotions related to disease experience in male cancer survivors appear necessary.
Brazilian methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains carrying a diversity of mupirocin-resistance plasmids
Authors: Giambiagi-deMarval Marcia , Cardozo Ana Paula Marques , Coimbra-e-Souza Viviane , Santos Katia Regina Netto dos , Bastos Maria do Carmo Freire , Rossi Ciro César
Published: August 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are widespread causative agents of hard-to-treat infections in the nosocomial environment, with increasingly narrower treatment possibilities. Mupirocin is an antibiotic commonly used to promote nasal decolonization and prevent transmission of MRSA in hospitals. Resistance to high levels of mupirocin is emerging globally, being mainly conferred by the product of the mupA gene. In this study, we analyzed the levels of resistance to mupirocin, the presence of the mupA gene, the transmissibility and diversity of plasmids among Staphylococcus isolated from nosocomial infections. Five mupA-carrying and mupirocin-resistant MRSA strains were studied in terms of the plasmidial origin of mupA, which was confirmed by curing during heat stress, plasmid extraction and PCR. Resistance was associated with high-molecular weight plasmids, which were transferred by conjugation to methicillin-sensitive S. aureus, and then to a MRSA strain. The plasmids were shown to be diverse by analysis of the presence, orientation, and distance of the insertion sequence IS257 from the mupA gene, and by their restriction patterns. This study reinforces that, given the decline of possibilities to treat MRSA infections and the easy transfer of mupirocin-resistance plasmids among Staphylococcus, the use of this antibiotic must be carefully monitored.
PH-CNN for PE Malware Detection Using Enhanced Image
Authors: Gu Fan , Li Hongjiao
Published: August 2022

In the current malware family classification, gray images converted frombinary PE files are subject to code shelling, obfuscation, and other variant techniques, which undermine the similarity of malware images between same family. To solve this problem and improve detection efficiency, a method by enhancing the gray image and using PH-CNN as the detection model is proposed. First, the original image is enhanced by discarding the subjectively set machine code (DSMD) and adding section distribution information (ASDI), and then the enhanced imageis detected by PH-CNN model. Among them, the PH-CNN model consists of Perceptual Hashing detection module and CNN detection module. Malware images are first detected by Perceptual Hashing module to quickly divide the samples of specific malware families and uncertain malware families, and then, the samples of uncertain malware families are detected by the CNN detection module. The experimental results on Microsoft Malware Classification Challenge dataset show that compared with the original gray image, the detection accuracy using enhanced image is higher, reaching 98.68%. Meanwhile, compared with using only CNN module, the proposed detection model has higher detection efficiency and the detection speed is improved by 79%.
Quality of life in patients with tunnel vision and its influencing factors：a cross- sectional study
Authors: Xu Dongye , Zheng Changyue , Yu Manrong , Ji Shunmei , Chen Han , Dai Jinhui
Published: August 2022

Background: Tunnel vision can reduce a patient’s QoL. Little research has targeted patients with tunnel vision and deeply studied the influencing factors of QOL and the effect of visual field (VF) defect degree on QOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and quality of life (QoL) of patients with tunnel vision and summarize the influencing factors.Methods: Fifty-two patients with tunnel vision and 35 controls (normal VF; BCVA>16/20) were enrolled. Relevant clinical data and Low Vision Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (LVQoL) scores were recorded and analyzed. Products: The LVQoL scores were 62.63±21.34 in tunnel vision group and 112.42±11.90 in controls (P<.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a negative correlation (R2=0.52) between patient LVQoL scores and presenting visual acuity (PVA)(logMAR) and a positive correlation with VF diameter. “Distant vision, mobility, and lighting” and “activities of daily living” subscale scores were associated with PVA and VF diameter (R2=0.50 and 0.39), “adjustment” score was correlated with age (R2=0.08), and “reading and fine work” was correlated with PVA (R2=0.40). LVQoL scores indicated mild impairment in the ≥20° groups and moderate-to-severe impairment in the <20°group. “Distant vision, mobility, and lighting” scores indicated mild impairment in the ≥30° group, and moderate-to-severe impairment in the <30° groups. In this subscale, the scores for "seeing steps or curbs" of all 3 tunnel vision groups indicated moderate-to-severe impairment. “Activities of daily living” score indicated mild impairment in the ≥20° groups and moderate-to-severe impairment in the <20°group. Conclusion: PVA and VF diameter influenced QoL in tunnel vision patients. VF diameters <30° significantly impaired outdoor activities, and “seeing steps” was the first to be affected. VF diameters <20° significantly restricted indoor activities. Patients with no significant PVA impairment showed few VF effects on near work. Identification of the impacts of tunnel vision can be used to clarify the development and direction of tunnel vision rehabilitation.Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000028859; Date of registration: 2020/1/5
Prevalence of mismatch repair genes mutations and clinical activity of PD-1 therapy in Chinese prostate cancer patients
Authors: Fang Bangwei , Wei Yu , Zeng Hao , Li Yonghong , Chen Shouzhen , Zhang Tingwei , Pan Jian , Wang Beihe , Wu Junlong , Jin Shengming , Gan Hualei , Hu Mengna , Zhang Ding , Ye Dingwei , Zhu Yao
Published: August 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) patients with mismatch repair (MMR) genes mutations are potentially responsive to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, aberrations in MMR genes were rare in PCa and there is evidence that MMR genes mutations are highly ethnic-specific. Thus, the prevalence and clinical characteristics of this subgroup in Chinese PCa patients are largely unknown. Furthermore, why some of these patients do not respond to ICB also remains unclear. Here, we analyzed the sequencing data from 3338 Chinese PCa patients to profile the mutation spectrum of the MMR genes. We found that in metastatic disease, the pathogenic mutation frequency of MMR genes in Chinese PCa patients was higher than that in the Caucasus population (4.8% vs 2.2%, P = 0.006) and the mutation carriers responded poorer to androgen deprive therapy (ADT) and abiraterone than non-carriers. Besides, we reported a multi-institutional cases series of 11 PCa patients with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) who received programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors, and performed multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIF) to explore the relationship between tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and response to ICB. The results showed that the responders had higher density of intratumoral CD8 + T cells than non-responders. Our data suggested MMR genes mutations may be more common in Chinese PCa patients and it is associated with poorer response to hormonal therapies. We propose that the density of intratumoral CD8+ T cells could be a promising predictor to help further subdivide the population of PCa patients who can benefit from immunotherapy.
Vigorous growth through neonatal period to early childhood in offspring born after frozen embryo transfer: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Wei , Gao Shanshan , Ban Miaomiao , Hu Jingmei , Ding Lingling , Cui Linlin , Chen Zi-Jiang
Published: August 2022

Background: Millions of births worldwide were conceived by assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the proportion of frozen embryo transfer (FET) was increasing in recent years. The health of offspring born after FET has been of much concern. But the impact of FET on long-term growth of children was still unknown. The purpose of our study was to compare perinatal outcomes and subsequent growth through childhood between siblings conceived by frozen versus fresh embryo transfer. The results would provide additional evidence to evaluate the long-term safety of FET.Methods: This cohort study was conducted among participants recruited from 2008 to 2019. Participants were 413 singleton sibling pairs conceived by assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in a single reproductive center. One was born after fresh embryo transfer and the consecutive sibling was born after FET, or vice versa. Pregnant and neonatal complications were obtained through medical records. Children height, weight and head circumference were measured using a stadiometer and scale with calibrated electronic scale.Results: The prevalence of large for gestational age (LGA) were significantly higher in FET group [adjusted OR = 2.42 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39, 4.24)]. We further divided our cohort into two groups, first Fresh/second FET siblings (n=756) and first FET/second Fresh siblings (n=70). The risk of LGA were still higher in frozen embryo transfer children in both groups. The z-score of children length was significantly higher in frozen embryo transfer group (adjusted β 0.96, 95% CI: 0.38,1.54). The z-score of height, BMI as well as HC were comparable between two groups.Conclusion: This study found that the risk of LGA in newborns and z-score of children length are significantly higher in children born from FET than their siblings born from fresh embryo transfers. Long-term follow-up studies should be performed on children born after FET to evaluate their metabolic and growth status. Also, caution should be exercised in freezing all embryos in ART.
High miR-99b expression is associated with cell proliferation and worse patient outcomes in breast cancer
Authors: Oshi Masanori , Tokumaru Yoshihisa , Benesch Matthew G.K. , Sugito Nobuhiko , Wu Rongrong , Yan Li , Yamada Akimitsu , Chishima Takashi , Ishikawa Takashi , Endo Itaru , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: August 2022

Background: Although miR-99b is a known suppressive microRNA in several cancer types, its role in breast cancer is not elucidated. In this study, we examine the clinical relevance of miR-99b expression in breast cancer. Methods: We analyzed microRNA and messenger RNA expressions and their relationships with clinical parameters for 1,961 breast cancer samples from two independent large cohorts, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). Several algorithms including Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and xCell were used to investigate biological function and the tumor microenvironment. Results: High miR-99b expression significantly enriched the mTORC1 signaling gene set in breast cancer (normalized enrichment score (NES)=1.63, false discovery rate (FDR)=0.03, and NES=1.58, FDR=0.10, in METABRIC and TCGA, respectively). No other mechanisms including the epithelial mesenchymal transition, or nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling, were consistently enriched consistently in both cohorts. miR-99b-high breast cancer was associated with high homologous recombination deficiencies, intratumor heterogeneity, and higher rates of mutation and neoantigens. Further miR-99b-high specimens have increased E2F targets, G2/M checkpoint, and mitotic spindle signaling, and are significantly associated with pathogenesis in both cohorts (p = 0.011, <0.001). High miR-99b was also associated with low stromal cell fractions in the tumor microenvironment, including adipocytes, keratinocytes, and lymphatic endothelial cells (p < 0.001). However, in both cohorts, miR-99b expression was not associated with significant infiltration of immune cells, except for dendritic cells (p = 0.006, 0.020). Finally, in both cohorts, breast cancer with high miR-99b expression was significantly associated with worse and disease-free survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS), particularly in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive/human epidermal growth factor (HER)2-negative breast cancer (DSS hazard ratio (HR) 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.51, p < 0.001 in the METABRIC cohort, and HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.12-2.98, p = 0.017 in the TCGA cohort). Conclusions: Breast cancer with high miR-99b expression was significantly associated with mTORC1 signaling, cell proliferation, and decreased patient survival, particularly in ER-positive/HER2-negative subtype.
A Qualitative Meta-synthesis of the Post-Traumatic Growth Experiences among Female Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors
Authors: He Longtao , Wu Han , Jean Jason Allan , Lyu Jianxia , Li Menghua , Zhang Nike , Liu Jiamin , Zhou Chenyan
Published: August 2022

Objective: Female breast cancer patients do not only experience trauma, but also positive growth. Yet, there has been few qualitative reviews. This study aims to synthesize the results of relevant qualitative studies to comprehensively interpret the PTG experiences of female breast cancer patients.Methods: We utilized the qualitative meta-synthesis approach including literature search, quality evaluation, data abstraction, and data synthesis.Results: Forty English studies and four Chinese studies were included in the final analysis. The PTG experiences among female breast cancer patients and survivors are summarized into five primary themes in line with the PTGI tool: personal strength, new possibilities, growth relating to others, appreciation of life, as well as spiritual and existential changes. Their subthemes expanded the meanings of three principle themes in the PTGI tool: personal strength (the addition of a sub-theme “better emotional control”), appreciation and change of life (the addition of a sub-theme “new health awareness/behavior”), and spiritual and existential change (the addition of a sub-theme “more willing to explore spiritual activities”). Conclusion: A gendered nature and cultural feature were identified from these expanded themes. Additionally, we also identified that the importance of family members over the patients’ PTG experiences as being cross-cultural. Implication for Cancer Survivors: Our results can enlighten a multidisciplinary team of health professionals, to provide tailored interventions to facilitate PTG experiences of female breast cancer patients.
Representation of soil hydrology in permafrost regions may explain large part of inter-model spread in simulated Arctic and subarctic climate
Authors: de Vrese Philipp , Georgievski Goran , Rouco Jesus Fidel Gonzalez , Notz Dirk , Stacke Tobias , Steinert Norman Julius , Wilkenskjeld Stiig , Brovkin Victor
Published: August 2022

The current generation of Earth system models exhibits large inter-model differences in the simulated climate of the Arctic and subarctic zone, with differences in model structure and parametrizations being one of the main sources of uncertainty. One particularly challenging aspect in modelling is the representation of terrestrial processes in permafrost-affected regions, which are often governed by spatial heterogeneity far below the resolution of the models' land surface components. Here, we use the MPI Earth System model to investigate how different plausible assumptions for the representation of the permafrost hydrology modulate the land-atmosphere interactions and how the resulting feedbacks affect not only the regional and global climate, but also our ability to predict whether the high latitudes will become wetter or drier in a warmer future. Focusing on two idealized setups that induce comparatively "wet" or "dry" conditions in regions that are presently affected by permafrost, we find that the parameter settings determine the direction of the 21stcentury trend in the simulated soil water content and result in substantial differences in the land-atmosphere exchange of energy and moisture. The latter leads to differences in the simulated cloud cover and thus in the planetary energy uptake. The respective effects are so pronounced that uncertainties in the representation of the Arctic hydrological cycle can help to explain a large fraction of the inter-model spread in regional surface temperatures and precipitation. Furthermore, they affect a range of components of the Earth system as far to the south as the tropics. With both setups being similarly plausible, our findings highlight the need for more observational constraints on the permafrost hydrology to reduce the inter-model spread in Arctic climate projections.
Transcriptional landscapes and signaling pathways of LDHA inhibitor treated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chang Tingxiang , Qian Zhiwen
Published: August 2022

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) is a metabolism-related enzyme that is involved in the progression of several cancers such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the mechanism of LDHA regulates the PDAC is largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the RNA-seq data of LDHA inhibitor-treated PDAC cells and identified the transcriptional landscapes of these cells. We used the gene enrichment assays including KEGG and GO to further analyzed the potential signaling pathways. In addition, we constructed the PPI network and Reactome map to further identified the biological processes. We found the TNF signaling pathway and Cellular senescence are the major signaling pathways that involve the LDHA inhibitor-treated PDAC cells. We identified the top ten interactive genes including FN1, CCND1, HDAC1, NFKBIA, PPARG, HSPA5, AURKB, CXCR4, RUNX2, and IRF1. Our study may provide novel mechanisms for the treatment of PDAC.
Jet modifications from colour rope formation in dense systems of non-parallel strings
Authors: Bierlich Christian , Chakraborty Smita , Gustafson Gösta , Lönnblad Leif
Published: August 2022

We revisit our rope model for string fragmentation that has
been shown to give a reasonable description of strangeness and
baryon enhancement in high-multiplicity pp events at the LHC. A
key feature of the model is that the enhancement is driven by the
increased string tension due to strings overlapping in dense
systems. By introducing an improved space--time picture for the
overlap between fragmenting strings, where also non-parallel strings
are properly taken into account, we are now able to investigate the
enhancement both in jets and in the underlying event in a consistent
way.
ALTKÜLTÜR BAĞLAMINDA TAYYAR AHMET’İN SONSUZ SAYILI GÜNLERİ’Nİ OKUMAK
Authors: TURAN Taner
Published: August 2022

Yazın ve yazın incelemelerinin her geçen gün farklı bir boyut kazandığını söylemek mümkündür. Bugün bakıldığında yazın ve özellikle dilbilim alanına ait olan kavramlar pek çok farklı alana ait yöntemlerin geliştirilmesi için kullanılmaktadır. Şüphesiz bu durum, dilbilim kavramlarının sahip olduğu evrensel boyuttan kaynaklanır. Özellikle yapısal dilbilim aracılığıyla bu alanın kavramları, pek çok disiplin tarafından alıntılanmış ve dönüştürülmüştür. Yazını da bu bağlamda ele almak mümkündür. Malzemesi dil olan yazının dilbilim kavramlarıyla ilişkilendirilebileceği de oldukça açıktır. Bu çalışmanın nesnesi olan Tayyar Ahmet’in Sonsuz Sayılı Günleri isimli parça da bu kavramlar ışığında ele alınıp sorgulanabilir. Çünkü bir şarkı da her şeyden önce bir söylemdir. Bu yüzden bir şarkı, bir söylem olarak ele alınıp özellikle metinlerarasılık, göstergebilim ve dilbilim kavramları aracılığıyla çözümlenebilir. Bu çalışmanın amacı da bir söylem olarak bir şarkının bu bağlamda çözümlenebileceğini kanıtlamaktır. Buna ek olarak bu şarkının izleksel olarak anlamlandırılması için alt-kültüre de başvurmak gerekir. Çünkü Tayyar Ahmet’in Sonsuz Sayılı Günleri, kurgusal bir kişi olan Tayyar Ahmet’in tipleşme sürecini anlatır. Bu çalışma da yukarıda sayılan alanların kavramlarını alıntılayarak alt-kültür bağlamında bir şarkının bir söylem olarak çözümlenmesidir.
RİZE MÜZESİNDE BULUNAN BİR GRUP İSKİT TİPİ OK UCU
Authors: GÜNAŞDI Yavuz , BİNGÖL Burak
Published: August 2022

Yazılı ve arkeolojik kaynaklardan edindiğimiz bilgilere göre MÖ 8. yüzyıldan itibaren savaşçı atlı kavimler olarak bilinen Kimmerler ve İskitler, Kafkasya üzerinden Anadolu’ya girmeye başlamıştır. Doğu Anadolu’da ilk önce Urartular ile karşılaşan bu kavimler, Asur, Frig ve Lidya devletleri ile siyasi ve askeri mücadelelere girmişlerdir. Bu devletlerin yazılı belgelerinde kendilerine yer bulan Kimmerler ve İskitler, arkalarında çeşitli arkeolojik malzemeler de bırakmışlardır. Bu malzemelerden birisi de çalışmanın konusu olan ve “İskit Tipi” olarak bilinen ok uçlarıdır. Anadolu’da Kimmer ve İskitlerin yayılım alanını gösteren arkeolojik verilerin başında gelen ok uçlarının bir grubu da Rize Müzesi envanterine kayıtlıdır. Bir kısmının Tokat/Zile’den geldiği bilinen bu ok uçlarının bir kısmının da buluntu yeri bilinmemektedir. Bu ok uçları satın alma yolu ile Rize Müzesine kazandırılmıştır. Çalışmada temel olarak Rize müzesinde bulunan 12 adet İskit tipi ok ucunun kataloglaması yapılmış, tipolojisi incelenmiş ve Anadolu’daki diğer İskit tipi ok uçları ile analojisi yapılmıştır.
SULTAN MELİKŞAH’IN AKDENİZ’E İLK ADIMININ TÜRK KÜLTÜR ÖGELERİ AÇISINDAN DÜŞÜNDÜRDÜKLERİ
Authors: GÜNGÖR Zeynep , GÜNGÖR Engin
Published: August 2022

Büyük Selçuklu sultanı Melikşah, Türk cihan hâkimiyeti mefkûresini bütünüyle benimsemiş ve küçük yaşta kendisine güvenen babası Alparslan’ın bu kutlu mirasına başarıyla sahip çıkmıştır. Tarihte önemli galibiyetler elde etmiş olan Sultan Melikşah, 1086 yılında Antakya üzerine sefer düzenlemiş ve Süveydiye sahilinde Akdeniz’e ilk adımını atmıştır. Sultan’ın buraya gelişi esasen siyasi bir meseleyi çözmek amacı taşımaktadır. Fakat Akdeniz’le karşılaşması ve duyduğu heyecanla burada sergilediği davranışlar incelenmeye değer görülerek çalışmamıza konu olmuştur. Sultan, ilk olarak atını denize sürmüş, ardından kılıcını üç kez suya batırmış, deniz kıyısında namaz kılarak kıyıdan aldırdığı toprağı da babasının mezarına götürmüştür. Geleneklere ait uygulamaların milli kimliği yaşatmadaki önemi düşünüldüğünde, Büyük Selçuklu Devleti’nin en parlak döneminin sahibi olan Melikşah’ın Orta Asyalı atarını yâd edercesine sergilediği bu davranışların her biri Türk kültür tarihi açısından önemlidir. Çalışmamızda Türk kültürünün önemli ögelerinden olan at, kılıç ve toprak sembolleri çerçevesinde incelenmeye çalışılan hadise ile Melikşah özelinde Selçuklu sultanlarının eski Türk geleneklerine hâkim oldukları ve bunları sürdürdüklerini göstermek amaçlanmıştır.
Impacts of climate change on crop and irrigation water requirement in the Savannah regions of Ghana
Authors: Incoom Awo Boatemaa Manson , Adjei Kwaku Amaning , Odai Samuel Nii , Akpoti Komlavi , Siabi Ebenezer Kwadwo
Published: August 2022

Irrigation is important for food security, however, water requirements for sustainable irrigation may be affected by climate change. The study analysed water requirements of two commonly cultivated crops in the dry season in the Ghanaian Savannah regions under baseline and future periods. Crop water requirement (CWR) and crop irrigation requirement (CIR) were lowest in baseline periods and increased in the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 at all locations. CIR was higher for tomato as compared to onions for most locations. Seasonal changes in the CWR ranged from 2–9, 3–12, and 3–12% and 2–8 3–12% and 5–18% for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively, for both the crops. Bole and Zuarungu recorded highest increases in CWR for tomato, whereas the least change was observed at Yendi for onions. Changes in seasonal CIR ranged from 3–19, 2–21, and 6–22%, respectively, for the 2020s, 2050s and 2080s for RCP 4.5. Under RCP 8.5, changes in seasonal CIR ranged from 3–23, 5–23, and 6–27% were observed for the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s, respectively. Highest increases in CIR were noticed at Bole and Zuarungu for tomato, whereas the least change was observed at Wenchi for onions. Findings of the study support zero hunger and climate action, goals 2 and 13 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

HIGHLIGHTS The study analysed water requirements of two commonly cultivated crops in the dry season in the Savannah regions of Ghana. Crop and irrigation water requirements were generally lowest in baseline periods and increased in the 2020s, 2050s, and 2080s under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Highest increases in irrigation requirement were noticed at Bole and Zuarungu for tomato, whereas the least change was observed at Wenchi for onions.
Nanosponges-based Drug Delivery System for the Cosmeceutical Applications
of Stabilized Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Zuberi Sadia Ahmed , Sheraz Muhammad Ali , Ali Syed Abid , Shah Muhammad Raza , Mujahid Sumbul , Ahmed Sofia , Anwar Zubair
Published: August 2022

Background:

L-Ascorbic acid (AA) is a highly unstable compound, thus, limiting its use in
pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, particularly at higher concentrations.

Objective:

This study aimed to stabilize the highly sensitive molecule (AA) by encapsulating it in β-
cyclodextrin nanosponges (β-CD NS) that can be used further in preparing cosmeceuticals products
with higher AA concentrations and enhanced stability.

Methods:

The NS has been synthesized by the melting method. The AA was encapsulated in β-CD NS
by the freeze-drying process. The prepared NS were characterized by FTIR spectrometry, SEM, Atomic
Force Microscopy (AFM), zeta sizer, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and the physical flow
characteristics were also studied. The in vitro drug release was carried out on the Franz apparatus using
a combination of two methods: sample & separate and dialysis membrane. The assay was performed
using a validated spectrometric method.

Results:

The entrapment efficiency of AA in β-CD NS indicated a good loading capacity (83.57±6.35%).
The FTIR, SEM, AFM, and DSC results confirmed the encapsulation of AA in β-CD NS. The particle
size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential results ascertained the formation of stabilized monodisperse
nanoparticles. The physical flow characteristics showed good flow properties. Around 84% AA
has been released from the NS in 4 h following the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The AA-loaded NS remained
stable for nine months when stored at 30±2°C/65±5% RH.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that the prepared NS can protect the highly sensitive AA from degradation
and provide an extended-release of the vitamin. The prepared AA-loaded β-CD NS can be used to formulate
other cosmeceutical dosage forms with better stability and effect.
FA-HA-Amygdalin@Fe2O3 and/or γ-Rays Affecting SIRT1 Regulation of
YAP/TAZ-p53 Signaling and Modulates Tumorigenicity of MDA-MB231
or MCF-7 Cancer Cells
Authors: Abdel-Rafei Mohamed K. , Azab Khaled S. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Askar Moustafa A. , El Kodous Mohamed Abd , El Fatih Neama M. , Tawill Ghada El , Thabet Noura M.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) has a complex and heterogeneous etiology, and the emergence of resistance to conventional chemo-and radiotherapy results in unsatisfactory outcomes during BC treatment. Targeted nanomedicines have tremendous therapeutic potential in BC treatment over their free drug counterparts.

Objective:

Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the newly fabricated pH-sensitive multifunctional FA-HA-Amygdalin@Fe2O3 nano-core-shell composite (AF nanocomposite) and/or γ-radiation for effective localized BC therapy.

Methods:

Methods: The physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were examined, including stability, selectivity, responsive release to pH, cellular uptake, and anticancer efficacy. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with AF at the determined IC50 doses and/or exposed to γ- irradiation (RT) or were kept untreated as controls. The antitumor efficacy of AF was proposed via assessing anti-proliferative effects, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and determination of the oncogenic effectors.

Results:

Results: In a bio-relevant medium, AF nanoparticles demonstrated extended-release characteristics that were amenable to acidic pH and showed apparent selectivity towards BC cells. The bioassays revealed that the HA and FA-functionalized AF markedly hindered cancer cell growth and enhanced radiotherapy (RT) through inducing cell cycle arrest (pre-G1 and G2/M) and increasing apoptosis, as well as reducing the tumorigenicity of BCs by inhibiting Silent information regulation factor 1 (SIRT1) and restoring p53 expression, deactivating the Yes-associated protein (YAP)/ Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling axis, and interfering with the tumor growth factor- β(TGF- β)/SMAD3 and HIF-1α/VEGF signaling hub while up-regulating SMAD7 protein expression.

Conclusions:

Collectively, the novel AF alone or prior RT abrogated BC tumorigenicity.
Cytotoxicity Effects of Miltefosine and Niosomal form on Human Umbilical
Vein Endothelial Cells: Colorimetric Assay, Apoptosis, and Gene Expression
Profiling
Authors: Sharifi Fatemeh , Seyedi Fatemeh , Mohamadi Neda , Sharifi Iraj , Pardakhty Abbas , Khosravi Ahmad , Kamali Ali
Published: August 2022

Background:

Miltefosine (MIL), hexadecyl phosphocholine, is the only oral medicine used to
treat leishmaniasis. This drug has a major limitation and is expensive and potentially teratogenic. Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the toxic effect of MIL and its niosomal form on human umbilical vein
endothelial cells (HUVECs), the expression genes, and the profile associated with apoptosis in the mitochondrial
permeabilization regulated.

Methods:

Miltefosine niosome (MN) prepared by the thin-film hydration method and characterized. HUVECs
were treated with MIL (100–1000μg/ml), and MN (10-50μg/ml) for 24, 48, and 72 h, and the persistence
was assessed by colorimetric assay flow cytometry and real-time PCR.

Results:

Lesser toxicity was detected on cell proliferation for MN while both forms decreased Bcl-2 and
elevated the expression of Bak/Bax and caspases-3, -8, and -9. The data demonstrated that MIL significantly
exerted its cytotoxicity on HUVECs compared to MN.

Conclusion:

This drug should be considered embryotoxic during pregnancy, while in niosomal form, it
released slowly and remained safe. The mechanism of action of MIL associated with programmed cell
death.