bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
African Walnut (Tetracarpidium Conophorum) Seed Oil Ameliorates Ccl4 Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats
Authors: Uhunmwangho Esosa Samuel , Adewole Mulikat Adenike , Akindiose Rachael
Published: November 2023

The increase in the incidence of hepatotoxicity which results from exposure of individuals to toxic substances from the environment especially industrial hazards as well as toxicity from drug intake calls for search of more sources of hepatoprotective substances. African walnuts (Tetracarpidium conophorum) have been widely used not only as food but for various acclaimed medicinal purposes. The protective effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum seed oil against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) - induced liver injury in wistar rats was evaluated. The oil was extracted with n-hexane from the walnut seed using Soxhlet apparatus. Forty eight male albino rats (100-120g) were used, this was divided into four groups of 12 rats each, Group A and D were fed with normal rats’ feed and water throughout the experiment, Group B and C were fed with diet containing 10% extracted Tetracarpidium conophorum seed oil while rats in Group C and D received 200mg/kg CCl4 intraperitoneally once after 30 days of feeding. The administration of the African walnut oil attenuated the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and liver lipid peroxidation in CCl4 –treated rats. Histopathological studies of the rats’ liver revealed that the animals treated with African walnut oil reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl4. African walnut oil also increased the antioxidant capacity of the rats by increasing GSH content and decreased MDA that was formed due to CCl4 administration in CCl4-treated rats. The results show that Tetracarpidium conophorum seed oil have hepatoprotective effect against CCl4 induced liver toxicity.
Gentiopicroside improves the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and hypertrophy in chondrocytes
Authors: Li Longfei , Fan Qianqian , Zhao Yixuan , Zhang Qian , Qin Gaofeng , Li Chen , Li Wei
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of gentiopicroside against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced chondrocyte inflammation.
Methods: Chondrocytes were stimulated with LPS (5 μg/ml) for 24 h, and treated with different concentrations of GPS (10, 20, 40 μM) for 24 h. The toxic effects of GPS on chondrocytes were determined using a CCK-8 assay and Edu staining. Western blot, qPCR, and immunofluorescence were used to explore the protective effects of gentiopicroside on the inflammatory response of chondrocytes induced by LPS. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences between the data groups (significance level of 0.05).
Results: The CCK-8 results showed that 10, 20 and 40 μM GPS had no significant toxicity on chondrocytes; GPS effectively reduced the production of IL-1β and PGE2, reversed LPS-induced extracellular matrix degradation in cartilage by inhibiting the Stat3/Runx2 signaling pathway, and suppressed the hypertrophic transformation of chondrocytes.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that GPS has a significant inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced inflammatory response and hypertrophic cellular degeneration in chondrocytes and is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
Residual Secretion of C-Peptide in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: What is Its Metabolic Impact?
Authors: Lopes Valentim , Sousa Maria Eduarda , Lopes Sara Campos , Lages Adriana De Sousa
Published: November 2023

Background and aims: Residual C-peptide secretion, an indirect measure of endogenous insulin secretion, has been associated with better clinical outcomes. The purpose of this work was to estimate the effect, in T1DM patients, of measurable C-peptide on different CGM metrics and complications.
Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of 112 T1DM patients under intensive insulin therapy, divided into individuals with non-detectable (< 0,05 ng/ml) vs detectable (≥ 0,05 ng/ml) fasting C-peptide. Data were analysed using SPSS v.27. Adjustment for covariates was assessed via linear or logistic regression for continuous or binary outcomes, respectively. Results were considered significant if p < 0.05.
Results: Median age at diagnosis and duration of diabetes was 22 (12-34) and 18.5 (12-29) years, respectively. Patients with detectable C-peptide had shorter disease duration (14 [9-24] vs 20 [14-32] years, p = 0.004) and older age (27.5 [16.5-38.5] vs17.5 [9.8-28.8] years, p = 0.002). After adjustment for covariates (sex, disease duration, BMI and use of CSII), preserved C-peptide was associated with lower TAR (aβ = -11.03, p = 0.002), GMI (aβ = -0.55, p= 0.024), average glucose (aβ = -14.48, p= 0.045) and HbA1c (aβ = -0.41, p = 0.035). A statistically significant higher TIR was present in patients with measurable C-peptide, even before adjustment (β = 7.13, p = 0.044 vs aβ = 11.42, p = 0.001). No associations were found with TBR, CV and acute and chronic complications.
Discussion and conclusions: Persistent C-peptide secretion in T1DM patients was associated with significantly better metabolic control translated into different metrics, namely TIR, TAR, GMI, and HbA1c.
Increasing magnitude of color differences amplifies category effects
Authors: Li Kashi , Nagai Takehiro
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have identified differences in sensitivity characteristics between color discrimination and perception of suprathreshold color differences. However, it remains highly unclear how color difference sensitivity changes with increasing magnitudes of color difference along various color hues. This study aimed to quantify the sensitivity transition across various magnitudes of color differences and uncover the underlying mechanisms. Color discrimination sensitivities were measured using the PSI adaptive staircase method for 32 isoluminant pedestal colors in the u'v' chromaticity diagram. For suprathreshold color differences, we employed the Maximum Likelihood Difference Scaling (MLDS) method to measure sensitivity to various color difference levels for the same 32 colors. Our findings confirmed the differences in sensitivity characteristics between discrimination and suprathreshold color differences. Furthermore, we observed increased sensitivities at many color category boundaries in suprathreshold color differences. By investigating the relation between the category effects and the color difference size levels through a model simulation, our findings suggest that the influence of color categories on the perception of color differences may become more pronounced as the magnitude of color differences increases.
Knowledge and Practices Regarding Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women in low-income areas of China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: chen jiaojiao , Xu Wei , Zhang Ruoyi , Bai Li , Hu Dehua , Zhao Xiaowei , Nie Yuxian , Yang Siyuan , Xiang Rumei , Kang Dan , Shi Qiuling
Published: November 2023

Background
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer. However, this can be prevented through vaccination and screening. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between behavior, knowledge, and attitude toward cervical cancer and regular screening and HPV infection among women in Lueyang County.
Methods
Women who underwent cervical cancer screening at the outpatient department of a maternal and child health center between September and December 2021 were invited to participate. In total, 2,326 women completed the questionnaire. Women who underwent regular or irregular screening were 1:1 matched for age. Differences in knowledge of HPV and attitudes toward HPV vaccination among different populations were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing HPV infection.
Results
In total, 417 pairs of women who underwent regular and irregular screening were successfully matched. Age was a risk factor for HPV infection, whereas regular screening was a protective factor against HPV infection. In the regular screening group, 84 individuals tested positive for HPV, which was lower than the 216 individuals in the irregular screening group. Additionally, compared with the irregular screening group, the regular screening group had a higher level of knowledge about HPV and a greater willingness to receive the HPV vaccination.
Conclusions
Women in Lueyang County have low levels of knowledge regarding HPV and cervical cancer. Regular screening is a protective factor against HPV infection. The regular screening group demonstrates a higher level of HPV knowledge compared with the irregular screening group. These findings highlight the importance of regular screening and the need to strengthen public health education.
Jasmonic acid signaling induced by caterpillar damage causes reduced resistance to target insect feeding by the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), in rice
Authors: Wang Xingyun , Zhang Xinqiang , Tzin Vered , Han Lanzhi
Published: November 2023

A newly developed breeding variety of crops shows high resistance in laboratory conditions but exhibits low resistance to target insects in the field. This research aims to explain this phenomenon from inter-species interactions in insects as the herbivory by one insect species can induce physiological changes in plants that enhance attraction other insect species. The striped stem borer (SSB),Chilo suppressalis(Walker), and the brown planthopper (BPH),Nilaparvata lugens(Stål), are pests of rice (Oryza sativaL.) that cause major losses in grain production. This study examines how BPH feeding behavior on rice is affected by SSB herbivory. BPH performance and behavior were tested on the planthopper-resistant rice variety ‘Mudgo’ with pre-feeding of SSB. BPHs showed better growth and development, as well as feeding behavior, on SSB-damaged plants when compared to healthy/undamaged plants. Analysis of gene expression and phytohormone level revealed changes in the jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis in response to SSB feeding. The analysis of central metabolites and volatiles showed that SSB-damaged stem induced the volatiles emission, which benefits planthopper development or attracts BPH. In summary, we found that the JA biosynthesis was triggered by SSB and played a vital role in rice defense against BPH. This provides insight into the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of BPH preferences for SSB-damaged rice plants. Our study emphasizes the crucial role of inter-species interactions in enhancing host plant resistance to insect pests and evaluating germplasm resistance. These findings can serve as a basis for controlling BPH.
Exploration of the Mechanism of Treating Retinal Vein Occlusion with Channeling Pulse and Increasing Vision Decoction Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhang Li , Tong Jing-an , Wu Xue-mei
Published: November 2023

Objective
To explore the pharmacological mechanism of channeling pulse and increasing vision decoction (CPIVD) in the treatment of retinal vein occlusion (RVO) by using the method of network pharmacology and Molecular Docking.
Method
Active ingredients and effective targets of CPIVD were collected by using TCMSP database, the related targets of RVO from GeneCards and DisGeNET databases, the cross targets from VENNY diagram, the medicine-composition-target network mutual-aid map from Cytoscape, Searching for genes by retrieving the input proteinthe in Uniprot database, PPI analysis in STRING database and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis from DAVID database. Molecular docking of the main active components and key targets of CPIVD was verified by AutoDock software.
Result
We screened 24 active components and 210 effective targets from CPIVD, 181 gene targets from RVO and 39 cross targets. PPI network analysis shows the core targets of RVO. GO enrichment analysis had 66 related items, and KEGG enrichment analysis obtained 52 signaling pathways, among which HIF-1, TNF, PI3K-Akt and other signaling pathways were significantly enriched. Molecular docking results showed that the binding energy between quercetin and kaempferol and the five target proteins, including IL6, TNF, IL1B, AKT1 and VEGFA, were all less than-5.0kcal / mol, suggesting good binding activity.
Conclusion
CPIVD realizes the therapeutic effect on RVO through multi-target, multi-pathway and multi-pathway and predicts the underlying therapeutic mechanisms. It provides theoretical value for further exploring the treatment of RVO with CPIVD.
The possible effects of the MTOR polymorphisms on Preeclampsia susceptibility, severity, and onset: A case-control study and in silico analysis
Authors: rezaei Mahnaz , Ghasemi Marzieh , Saravani Mohsen , Ghahghayi Fatemeh , Shahraki-Ghadim Hossein , Salimi Saeedeh
Published: November 2023

Background
Preeclampsia (PE) is a gestational complication with developed hypertension and proteinuria. Evidence showed the role of mTOR in various cellular processes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of MTOR polymorphisms on susceptibility, severity, and onset of Preeclampsia (PE).
Methods and Results
A total of 250 PE pregnant women and 258 age-matched control subjects were recruited in this study. To genotype MTOR polymorphisms, the PCR-RFLP method was used. The SpliceAid 2 and PROMO tools were used for in silico analysis. The maternal MTOR rs17036508T/C polymorphism was associated with PE risk in various genetic models. There was no relationship between rs2536T/C and rs2295080T/G polymorphisms and PE. The TTC and TGC haplotypes of rs2536/ rs2295080/ rs17036508 polymorphisms were significantly higher in PE women. Subgroup analysis revealed the association between the MTOR rs2295080 variant and an increased risk of Early-onset PE (EOPE). However, the MTOR rs17036508 was associated with a higher risk of EOPE and Late- Onset PE. In addition, the MTOR rs2295080 could increase the risk of severe PE. The results of the in silico analysis showed that rs17036508 disrupted several binding motifs in the mutant sequence. The PROMO database revealed that the T to C substitution leads to the loss of TFII-I binding site in the mutant allele.
Conclusion
The MTOR rs17036508T/C polymorphism was associated with PE risk. There was an association between the MTOR rs2295080 variant and an increased risk of EOPE. The MTOR rs17036508T/C and rs2295080T/C variants could disrupt several binding motifs and TFII-I binding respectively.
Influence of Point Mutations on PR65 Conformational Adaptability: Insights from Nanoaperture Optical Tweezer Experiments and Molecular Simulations
Authors: Bahar Ivet , Banerjee Anupam , Mathew Samuel , Naqvi Mohsin , Yilmaz Sema , Zachoropoulou Maria , Doruker Pemra , Kumita Janet , Yang Shang-Hua , Gur Mert , Itzhaki Laura , Gordon Reuven
Published: November 2023

PR65 is the HEAT-repeat scaffold subunit of the heterotrimeric protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and an archetypal tandem-repeat protein, forming a spring-like architecture. PR65 conformational mechanics play a crucial role in PP2A function by opening/closing the substrate-binding/catalysis interface. Using in-silico saturation mutagenesis we identified “hinge” residues of PR65, whose substitutions are predicted to restrict its conformational adaptability and thereby disrupt PP2A function. Molecular simulations revealed that a subset of hinge mutations stabilized the extended/open conformation, whereas another had the opposite effect. By trapping in nanoaperture optical tweezer, we characterized PR65 motion and showed that the former mutants exhibited higher corner frequencies and lower translational scattering, indicating a shift towards extended conformations, whereas the latter showed the opposite behavior. Thus, experiments confirm the conformations predicted computationally. The study highlights the utility of nanoaperture-based tweezers for exploring structure and dynamics, and the power of integrating this single-molecule method with in silico approaches.
Imaging characteristics relevant to pulmonary perfusion improvement after balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yao Dandan , Wu Jiaoyan , gong juanni , yang yuanhua , wang jianfeng , Yang Min-Fu
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has been proven to be an effective alternative treatment for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, the segmental lung perfusion (LP) improvement after BPA may be inapparent. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the characteristics of BPA-targeted vessels related to segmental perfusion improvement after BPA.
Methods
Twenty-seven patients with CTEPH who underwent ≥ 4 BPA sessions and had both pre- and post-BPA LP single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) were retrospectively analyzed. The baseline perfusion defect score (PDs), location, and angiographic characteristics of BPA-targeted vessels were collected to evaluate their correlations with the efficacy of BPA assessed by LP-SPECT.
Results
The percentage of overall PDs improvement correlated with the percentage of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) improvement after BPA (r values of 0.479, P = 0.012). Lesions in the upper lobe had the lowest perfusion improvement rate (upper lobe vs middle or lingual lobe, P < 0.001; upper lobe vs lower lobe, P < 0.001). Moreover, lesions with baseline PDs ≥ 0.5 had a lower perfusion improvement rate than those with PDs < 0.5 (all P < 0.05). Nevertheless, angiographic characteristics of target vessels had no association with the perfusion improvement rate. Based on these results, a 3-point scale was constructed for predicting segmental perfusion improvement after BPA. The perfusion improvement rates of vessels with scores of 0, 1, and 2 were 76.5%, 62.3%, and 8.3%, respectively (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that LP-SPECT can effectively evaluate the efficacy of BPA in patients with CTEPH. Lesions located in the upper lobe with mild perfusion injury are unsuitable for BPA.
Predictive value of ultrasound classification for autologous arteriovenous fistula stenosis in short-term efficacy of ultrasound- guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
Authors: Lin Jie , Chen Li , Ding Hong , Wang Yong , Lv Renhua , Huang Zhifang , Tan Jinyun , He Qing
Published: November 2023

To analyze the efficacy of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with ultrasound for different types of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis. Methods: Clinical data of 51 ESRD patients admitted to the Hemodialysis Center of Huashan Hospital for PTA due to AVF stenosis from January 2018 to May 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the location and etiology of stenosis, AVF stenosis were divided into type I to III and type A to C. The postoperative stenosis recovery, flow improvement, technical success rate and short-term restenosis rate of different types after treatment were observed. Results: The success rate of PTA was 96.2%, and the 9 cases relapsed within 6 months. After operation, the flow volume was significantly increased(P<0.005), in which the type A and C were more markedly than type B (P<0. 05). Two cases without technical success were type AII, and the main short-term relapse stenosis were related to intimal hyperplasia. Conclusion: PTA is an effective treatment for AVF stenosis. The drainage vein was the predilection site of stenosis. The postoperative flow volume of type A and C were not as high as that of type B, while the type with intimal hyperplasia was easy to relapse, and open surgery might be considered if necessary.
Exploring the barriers and enablers of the self-management ability in colorectal cancer patients with enterostomy: a qualitative study based on social ecological model
Authors: WANG WENTING , XU MENGYA , XING ZHAOWEI , LU FEI , ALISWAG EMERSON GALANG , WU JIANGHUA
Published: November 2023

Background:Since enterostomy surgery changes the way a patient defecates, it is essential for the patient to be self-managing in order to adapt to this change.
Objective:We aimed to explore the barriers and enablers affecting the self-management ability of colorectal cancer patients with enterostomy from the perspectives of social ecological model, to provide insight for developing self-management intervention programs to better meet the needs of patients.
Methods:An exploratory qualitative study guided by social ecological model and followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines was conducted . A total of 11 colorectal cancer patients with enterostomy from in the gastrointestinal surgery ward and ostomy clinic of a Grade A tertiary hospital in Shandong Province from January 2023 to April 2023 were recruited, and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Colaizzi data analysis and Nvivo 11.0 software were used to analyze the interview data.
Results:Facilitators relating to self-management ability included perceived benefits of self-management, acquisition of enterostomy knowledge and skills, positive psychological adjustment, family responsibility drive, and improvement of the health care system. Barriers included lack of ostomy knowledge and skills, adverse experience of the disease, family barriers, social negative environmental influences, limited access to medical care, and barriers to information access.
Conclusion:This study indicated that factors from the aspects of microsystem(e.g.,lack of ostomy knowledge and skills, adverse experience of the disease), mesosystem(e.g.,family barriers, social negative environmental influences), macrosystem(e.g.,limited access to medical care, and barriers to information access) would potentially affect the self-management ability of the colorectal cancer patients with enterostomy, interventions taget n these aspects might improve patients' self-management ability.
Isolated Overburden Grout Injection Technology Mining and Grouting Parameters Discussion and Redesign
Authors: LI Ya-xing , MA Jun , YANG Ke-ming , JIANG Ke-gui , GU Xin-ru , PENG Li-shun , CHEN Xin-yang
Published: November 2023

The "Three down" coal resource mining, ground subsidence management, and fly ash waste treatment are carried out using the Isolated Overburden Grout Injection Technology, which embodies the idea of green mining. The concurrent mining and grouting of bed-separation voids beneath key strata are intricately intertwined and subject to space and time constraints. Isolated Overburden Grout Injection Technology may be successfully analyzed using the large-deflection inclined thin plate mixed with the slurry model. Nevertheless, the diversity in stratigraphic parameters, including main roof and principal key strata (PKS), across various mines, as well as variations in design parameters such as working face dimensions, mining height, coal seam angle of inclination, mining speed, and grouting parameters like the number of grouting holes, start and finish times, and slurry consistency, ultimately contribute to discrepancies in outcomes such as PKS deflection and Bed-separation development, as well as the maximum subsidence and extent of the ground subsidence basin. To ensure the precise and efficient protection of village structures, the extraction of coal resources, and the proper disposal of fly ash waste, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the impact of each parameter of the model. This analysis will help elucidate the mining and grouting process and facilitate the rational design of the relevant parameters. This paper categorizes and discusses the impact of each parameter on the outcomes, using the case study of the 7221 work face grouting operations in Huaibei, Anhui Province, China. In order to fulfill the protection needs of the Gaochangying and Houlou Gaojia villages, modifications were made to the mining and grouting sections' parameters. These modifications evaluated the potential benefits of increasing the original design of coal seam resources and implementing fly ash backfill.
Comparative analysis of three types of EMAT detection performance in high-temperature aluminum alloy laser electromagnetic ultrasound
Authors: Xu Zisheng , Shi Wenze , Lu Chao , Hu Bo , Qiu Fasheng , Liu Yuan
Published: November 2023

Currently there are three forms of probe configurations for laser electromagnetic ultrasonic inspection of high-temperature aluminum alloys. They are Meander line coil (MLC) electromagnetic ultrasonic transducer (EMAT), in-plane EMAT, and out-of-plane EMAT. However, there are challenges, such as poor signal-to-noise ratio of echo signal and unclear application occasions of the three types of Laser-EMAT in the process of high-temperature detection. Therefore, a finite element model of multi-physical field coupling analysis of high-temperature aluminum alloy laser electromagnetic ultrasonic detection process was established. Subsequently, the influence of temperature on the reception efficiency of the three types of EMAT was analyzed, and the capability of the three types of EMAT for the detection of surface defects was explored. By conducting surface wave detection studies of the three types of EMAT for Laser-EMAT of aluminum alloy plates at high temperatures, the applications of the three types of EMAT were determined. The results established that the out-of-plane EMAT has the best reception performance, and the received surface wave signal has the highest amplitude, the best resolution. Then the out-of-plane EMAT was designed to optimize parameters such as the permanent magnet height and width, coil width, coil-wire diameter, and coil pitch. Finally, high-temperature aluminum alloy crack detection was carried out, and the experiments established that the out-of-plane EMAT can receive a defect wave of 86 mV at 500 ℃.
Ferroptosis typing of osteosarcoma and the screening and verification of its markers
Authors: Li Yankun , Li Xian , Liu Qi , Li Bo , Sun Li , Luo Rui , Yuan Fei , Ye Chuan , Li Guoming , Zhao Quanming
Published: November 2023

Osteosarcoma (OS) is an aggressive cancer characterized by a poor prognosis.It primarily affects young individuals and has a survival rate of less than five years.Lately, there has been an increasing fascination with the involvement of ferroptosis, a cell death pathway that relies on iron, in cancer stem cells(CSCs) and its potential as a focus for enhancing the effectiveness of cancer treatment.Nonetheless, the role of the iron death pathway in OS is still unclear. In our investigation, we employed WGCNA and PPI network analysis to discover pivotal hub genes (YRDC,ARPC5,EIF2S1, CAPZA1).Subsequently, we examined the correlation between the expression of these genes in protein samples from tissue chips and the clinical information of osteosarcoma using immunohistochemistry.In addition, we confirmed the levels of YRDC, ARPC5, EIF2S1, and CAPZA1 expression in OS and healthy osteoblasts through rt-PCR and Western Blot methods.In order to assess the influence of these four genes on the growth and ability to form colonies of cells, we performed MTT and clonogenic tests. Our findings strongly indicate a notable correlation between the levels of protein expression of YRDC, ARPC5, EIF2S1, and CAPZA1 and the Enneking stage of OS, along with the occurrence of lymph node metastasis.Furthermore, these proteins showed a direct association with the growth and ability of OS cells to form colonies.To summarize, the genes YRDC, ARPC5, EIF2S1, and CAPZA1 show potential as diagnostic indicators and targets for treatment in the iron death pathway of osteosarcoma.
Single Emitter Localization
Authors: Bhattacharyya Tamoghna
Published: November 2023

Understanding the relationships between molecular organization and dynamics of a complex system is very important to understand the photophysical properties of such system. This paper focuses on a novel strategy based on single molecule spectroscopy and single molecule localization microscopy to elucidate the organization, photostability and localization of a single molecule on a 2D biomembrane. Improvement of in-plane resolution of a signal in a nano-dimension within the diffraction limit has been discussed in a new way. And, how this better in-plane resolution information can be used for precise localization of a single molecule on a 2D system has also been discussed.
RAS mutation nomograms to predict prognosis after radiofrequency ablation of recurrent colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Wang Ji-Chen , Jiang Bin-Bin , Zhang Zhong-Yi , Liu Yu-Hui , Shao Li-Jin , Wang Song , Yang Wei , Wu Wei , Kun Yan
Published: November 2023

Objectives: This study was conducted to develop nomograms for predicting repeat intrahepatic recurrence (rIHR) and overall survival (OS) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment in patients with recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CLMs) after hepatectomy based on RAS mutation and clinicopathologic features.
Methods: A total of 160 consecutive patients with recurrent CLMs after hepatectomy who were treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous RFA from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively included. Potential prognostic factors associated with rIHR and OS after RFA, identified by the competing-risks model and Cox proportional hazard model, respectively, were used to construct nomograms. The performance of each nomogram was evaluated by Harrell’s C-index and calibration curve with bootstrapping.
Results: The 1-, 2-, and 3-year rIHR rates after RFA were 59%, 69%, and 74%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 96.2%, 66.7%, and 47.0%, respectively. Four predictive factors, RAS mutation, interval from hepatectomy to intrahepatic recurrence, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level at ablation, and ablation margin, were incorporated in the rIHR nomogram with a C-index of 0.694. Five predictive factors, RAS mutation, largest CLM at hepatectomy, CEA level at ablation, extrahepatic disease, and ablation margin, were incorporated intothe OS nomogram with a C-index of 0.743. The calibration curves presented good agreement between thenomograms and actual observations.
Conclusions: The established nomograms can predict the individual risk of rIHR and OS after RFA for recurrent CLMs and contribute to better individualized management.
Advances in knowledge: This study highlights the predictive value of RAS mutation for rIHR and OS after RFA of recurrent CLMs.
Machine learning radiomics models based on B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasound for assisted diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules: A prospective study
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Jiahui , Gao Xuemeng , Zhu Tiantong , Zhao Aoxue , Huang Ying
Published: November 2023

Objectives To develop a radiomics model for differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules based on B-mode ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound images. To determine if the diagnostic efficiency of radiologists is improved by the use of this radiomics model.
Methods In this prospective single-center study, from October 2021 through January 2023, patients scheduled for thyroidectomy or fine-needle aspiration cytology have been preoperatively examined using a standardized B-mode ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination. Radiomics models were developed based on B-mode and contrast-enhanced ultrasound images. Two rounds of reader studies were performed to verify the clinical application value of the model.
Results A total of 404 patients were enrolled, and the 412 nodules were split into training and test sets. The AUCs in differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules were 0.799 for the B-US radiomics model, 0.766 for the CEUS radiomics model, and 0.890 for the B-US+CEUS radiomics model. The sensitivity of the B-US+CEUS radiomics model in diagnosis was higher than that of the three radiologists, and the accuracy of the model was higher than the diagnoses of the intermediate and junior radiologists. The diagnostic sensitivity of all radiologists was further improved with the aid of the B-US+CEUS radiomics model.
Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that both B-mode ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound radiomics features offer a high clinical value. Using them in combination leads to improved diagnostic performance. Our B-US+CEUS radiomics model is an effective tool to assist radiologists in differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
Risk for waterborne transmission and environmental persistence of avian influenza virus in a wildlife/domestic interface in Mexico
Authors: Mateus-Anzola Jessica , Gaytán-Cruz Liliana , Espinosa-García Ana Cecilia , Martínez-López Beatriz , Ojeda-Flores Rafael
Published: November 2023

Aquatic habitats provide a bridge for influenza transmission among wild and domestic species. However, water sources pose highly variable physicochemical and ecological characteristics that affect avian influenza virus (AIV) stability. Therefore, the risk of survival or transmissibility of AIV in the environment is quite variable and has been understudied. In this study, we determine the risk of waterborne transmission and environmental persistence of AIV in a wild/domestic bird interface in the Central Mexico plateau (North America) during the winter season using a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). A total of 13 eco-epidemiological factors were selected from public-access databases to develop the risk assessment. The MDCA showed that the Atarasquillo wetland presents a higher persistence risk in January. Likewise, most of the poultry farms at this wild-domestic interface present a high persistence risk (50%). Our results suggest that drinking water may represent a more enabling environment for AIV persistence in contrast with wastewater. Moreover, almost all poultry farms evidence a moderate or high risk of waterborne transmission especially farms close to water bodies. The wildlife/domestic bird interface on the Atarasquillo wetland holds eco-epidemiological factors such as the presence of farms in flood-prone areas, the poultry access to outdoor water, and the use of drinking-water troughs among multiple animal species that may enhance waterborne transmission of AIV. These findings highlight the relevance of understanding the influence of multiple factors on AIV ecology for early intervention and long-term control strategies.
Measuring the Kapitza Resistance between a Passivated Semiconductor and Liquid Helium
Authors: Mohammadian Babak , McCulloch Mark , Gilles Valerio , Sweetnam Thomas , Piccirillo Lucio
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we describe an experimental investigation into the effect of passivation layer thickness on heat dissipation between a quartz substrate and liquid helium. We have observed that by depositing SiN from 0 to 240 nm, the Kapitza resistance increases by ∼ 0.0365 m2.K/W per nanometer more than for unpassivated semiconductor. We hypothesize that this increase in Kapitza resistance represents an additional barrier to the cooling of semiconductor devices in liquid helium.
Biotransformation of docosahexaenoic acid into 10R,17S- dihydroxydocosahexaenoic acid as protectin Dx 10-epimer by serial reactions of arachidonate 8R- and 15S-lipoxygenases
Authors: Lee Tae-Eui , Ko Yoon-Joo , Shin Kyung-Chul , Oh Deok-Kun
Published: November 2023

Protectins, 10,17-dihydroxydocosahexaenoic acids (10,17-DiHDHAs), are belonged to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). Protectins are generated by polymorphonuclear leukocytes in humans and resolve inflammation and infection in trace amounts. However, the quantitative production of protectin Dx 10-epimer (10-epi PDX, 10R,17S-4Z,7Z,11E,13Z,15E,19Z-DiHDHA) has been not attempted to date. In this study, 10-epi PDX was quantitatively produced from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by serial whole-cell biotransformation of Escherichia coli expressing arachidonate (ARA) 8R-lipoxygenase (8R-LOX) from the coral Plexaura homomalla and E. coli expressing ARA 15S-LOX from the bacterium Archangium violaceum. The optimal bioconversion conditions to produce 10R-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (10R-HDHA) and 10-epi PDX were pH 8.0, 30°C, 2.0 mM DHA, and 4.0 g/L cells; and pH 8.5, 20°C, 1.4 mM 10R-HDHA, and 1.0 g/L cells, respectively. Under these optimized conditions, 2.0 mM (657 mg/L) DHA was converted into 1.2 mM (433 mg/L) 10-epi PDX via 1.4 mM (482 mg/L) 10R-HDHA by the serial whole-cell biotransformation within 90 min, with a molar conversion of 60% and volumetric productivity of 0.8 mM/h (288 mg/L/h). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first quantitative production of 10-epi PDX. Our results contribute to the efficient biocatalytic synthesis of SPMs.
Occupational exposure to heavy metals (Cd, Co, Zn) associated with DNA oxidative stress: a cross-sectional study among urban green space workers; Tehran, Iran
Authors: Jalaldehi Pourya Ahmadi , Abbaslou Hossein , Shahtaheri Seyed Jamaleddin , Malekshahi Ziba Veisi , Derav Nasim Farahmand , Azam Kamal , Khadem Monireh
Published: November 2023

heavy metals impact the urban population, the environment, and workers exposed to these pollutants. Green space workers during the day shift and peak city traffic hours have constant exposure to air pollutants. This study aimed to determine the concentration of heavy metals including, Cd, Co, and Zn in urine and breathing air samples among green space workers of Tehran Municipality and investigate the associations between heavy metal exposure and DNA oxidative stress. In addition, a comparative analysis was conducted between green space workers and office employees (as the control group). NIOSH-7300 and NIOSH-8310 were used to collect and prepare air and urine samples. The final sample concentration was measured by ICP-OES. Furthermore, two 96-test ZellBio GmbH kits assessed urinary 8-OHDG, a biomarker of DNA oxidative stress. The mean concentration of urinary and air heavy metals and urinary 8-OHDG exhibited a statistically significant increase in the exposed group compared to the control group (except for Cd in the air). Moreover, the Pearson correlation coefficient (R) between urinary heavy metals and 8-OHDG values in the exposed group revealed that there are significant relations between urinary Cd, Co, and Zn with 8-OHDG: R = 0.734, R = 0.836, and R = 0.584 respectively (P˂0.001). No correlations were observed between heavy metals and 8-OHDG in the control group. Findings revealed that cobalt and cadmium exhibit the most significant influence on changes in oxidative stress, as indicated by the dependent variable 8-OHDG. This study showed a strong association between exposure to heavy metals and 8-OHDG levels in workers with low airborne metal exposure, however, future studies should also recognize the indisputable role of heavy metals in oxidative stress and examine other factors like diet, lifestyle, habits (smoking and exercising), and other pollutants in affected workers' environment.
Early start, early finish – Migration strategy of tropical Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica)
Authors: Tian Li , Liu Yu , Wu Yang , Feng Zimei , Hu Dan , Zhang Zhengwang
Published: November 2023

Background
Bird migration patterns exhibit high diversity and are influenced by various ecological factors. While birds breeding in tropical regions exhibit multiple migration patterns, research on these patterns, particularly in the Indomalayan realm, is still scarce. Thus, conducting studies on tropical bird migration and comparing them with similar studies in temperate regions can enhance our understanding of bird migration behaviour and its underlying mechanisms.
Methods
We tracked the migration routes of a breeding population of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) in the northern tropical region of Asia using light-level geolocators. From 2021 to 2023, we deployed geolocators on 92 breeding swallows (44 males and 48 females) and retrieved geolocators successfully from 23 individuals (9 males and 14 females).
Results
The studied breeding swallows all exhibited migratory behaviour and were local summer residents, mostly wintering on various islands in Southeast Asia, with a migration distance of 5,275.78 ± 916.52 km (mean ± SD, n = 20). They migrated from February to March in spring and from June to September in autumn, with migration timing earlier than that of temperate populations. The studied population of Barn Swallows adopted a seasonal migration strategy of "easy in autumn, hard in spring", bypassing the ecological barrier of the South China Sea in autumn and tending to directly cross the South China Sea in spring. The wintering distribution of female Barn Swallows was more scattered compared to males, and no protandry phenomenon was observed in the studied population.
Conclusions
In the study site, tropical breeding Barn Swallows exhibited an intra-tropical migration pattern; compared to temperate Barn Swallows, the tropical population adopted an "early start, early finish" migration strategy. Considering both summer and winter residents of the Barn Swallow utilise the study area, it is speculated that Barn Swallows in East Asia follow a chain migration pattern. The formation of their migration strategy may be limited by physiological factors such as moulting, and this migration strategy helps alleviate intraspecific competition.
Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Management of Generalized Cancer Pain: A Systematic Evaluation Using the AGREE II Instrument
Authors: Rizvi Fatima , Rizvi Anza , Chorath Kevin , Suresh Neeraj , Ng Jinggang , Harris Jacob , Lakshmipathy Deepak , Barrette Louis-Xavier , Rajasekaran Karthik
Published: November 2023

Purpose
While several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) exist to guide clinical decision-making in patients presenting with generalized cancer pain, to date there has been no comprehensive review of their methodological rigor and quality. Our aim was to address this deficiency by using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool.
Methods
A systematic literature search to identify relevant CPGs was performed over the following databases from inception to March 3, 2021: Embase, MEDLINE via PubMed, and Scopus. Four authors (FR, AR, JN, and JH) independently performed assessments and evaluations of the selected CPGs using the AGREE II instrument. Scaled domain percentage scores were calculated and 60% was defined as the satisfactory quality threshold. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were also calculated to assess interrater reliability and consistency.
Results
12 guidelines were selected for inclusion. Two guidelines were classified high quality, three guidelines were classified as average quality, and seven were classified as low quality. Domains 4 (clarity of presentation) and 1 (scope and purpose) received the highest mean scores (82.41% ± 18.20% and 56.48% ± 30.59%), while domains 5 (applicability) and 2 (stakeholder involvement) received the lowest (44.53% ± 26.61% and 36.81% ± 21.24%). ICC statistical analysis showed high consistency between reviewers (range 0.85–0.98).
Conclusion
Based on the AGREE II instrument, the majority of CPGs for generalized cancer pain were of low or average quality. Future guidelines for generalized cancer pain can be improved by better defining stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, applicability, and editorial independence during development.
An Arrow-Hurwicz iterative method based on charge-conservation for the stationary inductionless magnetohydrodynamic system
Authors: Xia Yande , Yang Yun-Bo
Published: November 2023

In this paper, an Arrow-Hurwicz iterative finite element method based oncharge-conservation for solving the stationary inductionless magnetohydrodynamic equations is proposed and analyzed. The current density and electric potential are discretized by \mathbf{H}_0(\mathrm{div},\Omega)\times L^2(\Omega)-conforming finite element pairs,respectively, which maintains charge-conservation. The hydrodynamic unknowns are discretized by stable velocity-pressure finite element pairs. Furthermore, we use the Arrow-Hurwicz iterative method to decouple the velocity and pressure, which leads to that there are no any large-scale saddle-point system need to be solved at each iteration step except for determination of the initial functions. It has been proven that the proposed method converges geometrically with a contraction number independent of the mesh width. Numerical results are presented to verify the results of theoretical analysis and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 65N15 · 65N30 · 65N12 · 65M12
Lithospheric imaging in the west Africa craton using receiver function modelling
Authors: Sharma Swati , Chakraborty Alolika , Borah Kajaljyoti
Published: November 2023

Lithospheric structure beneath West African Craton (WAC) is presented in this study, with an aim to understand the oldest parts of the continent. The velocity structure, associated composition (felsic/intermediate/mafic) and nature of crust (sharp or flat) at depth provides the link between the age these formed and reworked in, formulating models of their evolution. This work using data from 8 broadband seismic stations, shows significant variation of crustal properties in the Precambrian WAC. The shear-wave velocity (Vs) at depth reveals 42-47 km thick crust of felsic-to-intermediate composition near the boundary of the Precambrian old lithosphere and ~39 km thick felsic crust in the cratonic interior. The thick crust near the margins is also synchronous with thick (~10-21 km) layer as lower crust with high Vs (4.0-4.3 km/s). Contrarily thin crust accommodates thin (~4-6 km) high Vs layer in the cratonic interior. This high velocity composition laminated as the base layer of crust is linked with evolution, from the time of lamination of high velocity base, to dissolving reworking and delamination over time until stabilisation and leaving a thin felsic crust. Upper mantle Vs is found to be similar to the other Precambrian cratons (≥4.5 km/s).
Local strain heterogeneity associated with Al/Si ordering in anorthite, CaAl2Si2O8, with implications for thermodynamic mixing behavior and trace element partitioning in plagioclase feldspars
Authors: Atkinson Alison J. , Ballaran Tiziana Boffa , Carpenter Michael A.
Published: November 2023

Hard Mode IR powder absorption spectroscopy has been used to characterize local strain relaxation associated with Al/Si ordering in a suite of synthetic anorthite samples with structural states that vary from a high degree of Al/Si order through a metastable incommensurate structure at intermediate states of order to long-range order with I1 symmetry. The dominant feature accompanying the changing structural states is line broadening, which has been quantified by autocorrelation analysis and is attributed to local heterogeneous strain variations on a length scale of at least 1–5 unit cells. The autocorrelation results are consistent with contributions to the line broadening as being due to order parameters for both the C1 → I1 and I1 → P1 transitions, which couple biquadratically, λQod2Qdispl2. Close correlation with enthalpy variations from previously published calorimetric data indicates that the driving force for ordering can be understood in terms of elimination of strain fields arising from accommodating more or less rigid AlO4 and SiO4 tetrahedra in the feldspar framework. The metastable incommensurate structure of anorthite is closely analogous to the stable incommensurate structure that develops at intermediate compositions in the plagioclase solid solution, confirming that the same strain relaxation mechanism dominates the properties and behavior of all structural states across the solid solution. Elimination of strain heterogeneity by ordering on the basis of I1 symmetry determines the form of non-ideal mixing shown by the solid solution at high temperatures, and changes in elastic properties may contribute to a break in the slope of partitioning of trace elements between crystals and melt.
GrassmannTN: A Python package for Grassmann tensor network computations
Authors: Yosprakob Atis
Published: November 2023

We present GrassmannTN, a Python package for the computation of the Grassmann tensor network. The package is built to assist in the numerical computation without the need to input the fermionic sign factor manually. It prioritizes coding readability by designing every tensor manipulating function around the tensor subscripts. The computation of the Grassmann tensor renormalization group and Grassmann isometries using GrassmannTN are given as the use case examples.