bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Mechanical and Biological Properties of FDM 3D-Printed PLA Scaffolds With Radial Gradient Porosity for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Eryildiz Meltem
Published: October 2021

Scaffolds with gradient porosity have become very promising candidates for tissue engineering and bone implants because of the combination of better mechanical and biological requirements. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to design bone scaffolds with gradient porosity similar to the structure of cortical and spongy (cancellous) bones. The radial gradient PLA scaffolds were designed to consist of three different regions with the gyroid infill and, fabricated by Fused deposition modeling (FDM). The biological and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were investigated in vitro. Dense scaffold (G100) had improved mechanical properties but showed decreased bone ingrowth properties. In addition, porous scaffolds provided enhanced biological properties but decreased in mechanical strength (G40-G20). The scaffolds with radial gradient porosity (G100-40-20) gave highest cell proliferation. Because, mean pore size is an important aspect of scaffolds for mimicking bone.
The Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction in PCOS Women in Comparison with A Control Group
Authors: Ghazi Suad M. , ismail Nadia khaleil
Published: October 2021

Background

One of the common disorders that affect females of reproductive age is the Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Thyroid dysfunction is also more prevalent in this age group. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in women with PCOS in comparison with control and to investigate the association between hypothyroidism and PCOS in women of ovulatory age.
Patients and Methods:

Eighty female subjects of fertility age were selected and divided into two equal groups. The first 40 subjects are healthy females as a control group. The second 40 group are patients with PCOS. The PCOS women were diagnosed by Rotterdam criteria and performed thyroid tests, sex hormones and lipid profile tests.
Results

The results show that PCOS women with hypothyroidism are tending have a high body mass index (BMI). Forty-five percent of PCOS patients had hypothyroidism which was investigated in TSH and T4 tests by 35% and 10%, respectively. A high level of testosterone was found in females with PCOS. The cholesterol shows a significant correlation with the alteration in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
Conclusion

There is a correlation between thyroid dysfunction especially hypothyroidism with the polycystic ovarian syndrome because both of them lead in features to metabolic syndrome and there is a high prevalence of hypothyroidism in women with PCOS
Loss of HAS2 Confers Acquired Antiestrogen Resistance by Upregulating Ezrin Expression in ER-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Sun Xiaodan , Tang Fen , Liu Yiwen , He Yiqing , Du Yan , Zhang Guoliang , Gao Feng , Yang Cuixia
Published: October 2021

Background: Resistance to endocrine therapy is a major challenge for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: Loss of hyaluronan synthase 2 (Has2) in adaptive resistant cells to tamoxifen and fulvestrant was observed by immunblotting assay. CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to knock out Has2 in MCF7 cells to verify the effect of Has2 on the expression of ER and Ezrin and Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling routes. We utilized an Ezrin small-interfering RNA and Ezrin inhibitor to inhibit Ezrin expression for evaluating Has2 and ERα expression and the Akt/MAPK signaling cascade upon tamoxifen or fulvestrant treatment.Results: In this work, we showed that a Has2-loss state was acquired from adaptive resistance to tamoxifen and fulvestrant in luminal BrCas. Notably, the adapted loss of Has2 induced acquired resistance to antiestrogens in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells through up-regulating the expression of Ezrin. Furthermore, we found that the loss of Has2 promoted while the consequent increase of Ezrin inhibited ERα expression/activity through the Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling routes, indicating an opposite effect on ERα expression during the development of antiestrogens-resistance. Inhibition of Ezrin reversed Has2 and ERα expression and the Akt/MAPK signaling cascade upon tamoxifen or fulvestrant, suggesting a Has2-Ezrin-ER negative-feedback loop in governing cellular sensitivity to tamoxifen or fulvestrant in luminal-like breast cancer cells. Finally, Knockdown or inhibition of Ezrin restored sensitivity to antiestrogens, implying that Ezrin could be a potential therapeutic target to tackle endocrine resistance. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings provide a direct relationship between ERα and Has2 implicated in resistance to endocrine therapy and a new insight into how ERα-signaling is regulated upon antiestrogens treatment, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for ER-positive breast cancer.
Effect of Climatic Gradient on Species Diversity and Structure of Faidherbia Albida Parkland in Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: TRAORE Innocent Charles Emmanuel , Zaré Alhassane , Bondé Loyapin , Doré Djaka , Hien Bossila Séraphin , Ouédraogo Oumarou
Published: October 2021

Background: Faidherbia albida parkland provide many ecosystem goods and services to people, ranging from provisioning to regulating services. Despite this importance, these parks are degraded due to overexploitation, which is accentuated by the adverse effects of climate change. In this context of climate change, little information exists on the state of these F. albida parkland, particularly their diversity and structure along the North-South climatic gradient. This study aims to determine the effect of climatic gradient of F. albida parklands in order to provide updated data for sustainable management. Floristic diversity and population structure were assessed through forest inventories in the three climatic zones of Burkina Faso. Thus, 99 circular plots of 1 ha were sampled in three zones, including 33 per climatic zone. The data processing concerned the calculation of diversity indices (Shannon, Piélou equitability, and species richness), importance value indices, and the calculation of the means of the dendrometric parameters. The analyses were based on the comparison of medians using the Kruskal-wallis test, and the effect of the climatic gradient on the different variables was tested using generalized linear models. All of these analyses were carried out using the R.4.0.5 software. Results: The dendrometric parameters and floristic diversity vary significantly (Pv˂0.05) according of climatic zone. Furthermore, based on ecological importance value indices and diameter class structure, the majority of dominant species (11) show a regressive dynamic in all three climatic zones characterized by abundance of old individuals at expense of young ones. This reflects an ageing and continuous destruction of these parklands. However, species such as V. tortilis (Sahelian zone) and A. indica (Sudano-Sahelian and Sudanian zones) show good dynamics. As for F. albida, its structure is regressive in all climatic zones.Conclusion: Although the climatic gradient has a significant effect on the diversity and species structure of F. albida parkland, their current dynamics are thought to be due to unsustainable management of local populations.
Potential molecular mechanism of Yishen capsule in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Authors: Hu Yaling , Liu Shuang , Liu Wenyuan , Zhang Ziyuan , Liu Yuxiang , Li Sufen , Sun Dalin , Zhang Guang , Fang Jingai
Published: October 2021

Background : Using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to explore the mechanism of Yishen capsules in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Methods: Active components of Yishen Capsules were obtained using database such as TCMSP and TCMID, and diabetic nephropathy targets were obtained from databases such as Gencards, OMIM, DisGeNET. A network of "Yishen Capsule Components-Diabetic Nephropathy Targets-Pathways" was constructed by analyzing data above to screening out core targets for molecular docking verification. Finally, a rat model of diabetic nephropathy was generated, and renal tubular epithelial cells were extracted and cultured under high glucose conditions. Based on these experimental models, the key signal pathway target protein genes screened by network pharmacology were verified both in vitro and in vivo. Results: The main active components of Yishen Capsule in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy include quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, astragaloside IV and so on. Some key targets (such as AR, AKT1, TP53, ESR1, JUN) and important signal pathways (such as AGE-RAGE signal pathway, HIF-1 signal pathway and JAK-STAT signal pathway) were included in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy of Yishen Capsule. Molecular docking assay showed that most of the targets have good binding activity with the components of Yishen Capsules. Based on the results of network pharmacology, key target proteins in HIF-1α and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways were selected for experimental verification. Results presented that HIF-1α, JAK2, STAT3, TGF-β and MCP were increased under high glucose environment. With the treatment of Yishen Capsule, the expression of HIF-1α further increased, while the expression of JAK2, STAT3, MCP-1 and TGF-β were decreased. Conclusions : This study revealed the mechanism of Yishen Capsules in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, which possesses the characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway. Further experiments confirmed that Yishen Capsules interfered with HIF-1α and JAK/STAT signaling pathways to reduce inflammation and fibrosis damage in the kidney tissue of rats with diabetic nephropathy. Key Words: Diabetic Nephropathy(DN); Network pharmacology; Molecular docking;HIF-1α; JAK/STAT
Mindfulness Training led to Catharsis and Mindfulness-To-Meaning in a Patient with Social Anxiety Disorder Comorbid with Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) - A Case Report with Patient's Personal Note -
Authors: Kaiya Hisanobu , Hasegawa Asuka , Komatsu Chika , Noda Shota , Minami Fusaka , Goldin Philippe , Hasegawa Yosuke
Published: October 2021

Background:The use of mindfulness in the treatment of anxiety and depression is becoming more and more widespread, but there are few reports that it has fundamentally changed patients' sense of life. Case Presentation:This report showed 9 year’s progress of treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder in a 41year-old female patient experiencing a long-term painful married life with a carefree husband and controlling mother-in-law. During the past 25 months, she received 180 sessions of mindfulness training, resulting in complete remission of the anxiety and depression symptoms. After the 30th session she experienced an episode of the catharsis during the mindfulness training and experienced what can be called Mindfulness-To-Meaning, which is characterized by durable eudaimonic well-being in the face of adversity. Discussion and Conclutions:The psychological mechanisms that supported arriving at Mindfulness-To-Meaning were delineated as: Heightened (1) awareness which promoted (2) verbalization of the primary theme of suppression, in which the stress was (3) appraised metacognitively. Then (4) decentering permitted integrating this painful theme into a new adaptive self and world view, which resulted in (5) emotional catharsis, or release. Furthermore (6)　positive appraisal of this experience enhanced awareness and led to the experience of (7) Mindfulness-To-Meaning .
Outcomes of A Community-Led Web-Based HIV Self-Testing Demonstration Among Cisgender Men Who have Sex with Men and Transgender Women in the Philippines During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Eustaquio Patrick C. , Figuracion Roberto , Izumi Kiyohiko , Morin Mary Joy , Samaco Kenneth , Flores Sarah May , Brink Anne , Diones Mona Liza
Published: October 2021

Introduction:

The Philippines, experiencing the fastest rising HIV epidemic globally, has limited options of HIV testing that its uptake remains low among cisgender men who have sex with men (cis-MSM) and transgender women (TGW), especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As HIV self-testing (HIVST) and web-based approaches could synergize efforts to expand its uptake, we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a community-led web-based HIVST demonstration and to explore factors associated with HIVST-related behaviours and outcomes.
Methods

We did a secondary data analysis of routinely collected data in a community-led web-based HIVST demonstration among cis-MSM and TGW in Western Visayas, Philippines. We reviewed data on demographics, sexuality-, and context-related variables and explored associations with opting directly-assisted HIVST (DAH) and willingness to distribute, using multivariable logistic regression.
Results

HIVST kits were distributed to 706 individuals (648 cis-MSM, 58 TGW), 52.1% were first-time testers, 12.5% opted DAH, and 48.2% were willing to distribute. Reporting rate was high (97.5%) with 8.4% reactivity rate. While linkage to prevention (100%) and care (87.9%) were high, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (0.3%) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) (60.4%) initiation were limited. There were no reports of adverse events. Those who opted for DAH, not willing to distribute, employed, and those who recently had anal intercourse had significantly higher proportions of testing reactive. Those who opted web-based approaches (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=0.28 [confidence interval, CI 0.14-0.57]) were less likely to opt DAH. Those living in urban areas (aOR=1.60 [CI 1.13-2.26]) and with no history of HIV test (aOR=0.45 [CI 0.32-0.61]) were associated with lower likelihood of secondary distribution than their counterparts. Maximal quarantine restrictions were associated with higher likelihood of DAH (aOR = 4.07 [CI 2.42-6.90]) and willingness to distribute (aOR=3.51 [CI 2.45-5.07]) relative to minimal restrictions.
Conclusions

HIVST could reach those who were never tested for HIV. While there is demand in accessing unassisted and web-based approaches, DAH should still be offered. Uptake of PrEP and same-day ART should be upscaled by decentralizing these services to community-based organizations. Differentiated service delivery is key to respond to preferences and values of key populations amid the dynamic geographical and sociocultural contexts they are in.
Modelling Wetland Eco-hydrological state in Pressure-State-Response framework validating it using Ecosystem service potentiality approach
Authors: Singha Pankaj , Pal Swades
Published: October 2021

The present study has tried to model the Eco-hydrological state of wetlands for both pre dam and post dam periods of the Lower Tangon river basin using Pressure-State-Response (PSR) framework with advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms and validated it with Ecosystem service potentiality (ESP) approach along with conventional approaches of validation. All the applied models have explored that 22.48–39.52% wetland under very good EHS zone has converted into 15.52–16.57% relatively lower category of EHS zones indicating the gradual degradation of EHS quality over wider parts of the wetland. The result of model validation has noted the acceptability of all the applied models but performance is found high in the case of REPtree and Bagging models. Expert-based ESP behaves accordingly with the EHS models. Based on the results, the study suggests using ML models for such modelling and used field-based validation approach like ESP.
Genome-wide Identification, Characterization, and Function Analysis Uncovered Roles of Wheat TaLIM in Responding to Adverse Stress and TaLIM8-4D Function as a Susceptible Gene
Authors: Li Yiting , Liu Xi , Xiao Yongxin , Wen Yong , Han Xiaowen , Han Shuo , Yang Lijun , Zhu Yongxing , Yin Junliang , Liu Yiqing
Published: October 2021

Background: The LIM (Lin-11, Isl-1 and Mec-3 domains) transcription factors play essential roles in regulating plant biological processes, including cytoskeletal organization, development of secondary cell wall, and cell differentiation. Despite their important roles, there lacks a fully understanding of LIMs in wheat.Results: In this study, 28 TaLIMs (Triticum aestivum LIM) were identified and designated as TaLIM1-1A to TaLIM12-7D. Phylogenetic relationship analysis showed that TaLIMs could be divided into two groups (Group Ⅰ and Group Ⅱ), and the exon/intron structure analysis suggested that members in the same group have similar gene structure. Chromosome mapping showed that 28 TaLIMs were unevenly distributed on 18 chromosomes. Motif analysis revealed that 28 TaLIMs contained 15 motifs, of which motif1 (LIM-domain) was detected in all TaLIMs. Protein characterization indicated that TaLIMs were hydrophilic proteins and most of them were unstable. They were mainly comprised by α-helix and β-turn and without signal peptides. Duplication, Ka/Ks, and synthesis analyses suggested that polyploidization played fundamental role in the expansion of TaLIM members. Function annotations indicated that all TaLIMs were annotated under GO terms “zinc ion binding” (GO:0008270). The cis-regulatory element analysis showed that TaLIMs were rich in elements related to biological/abiotic stress, growth and development, and phytohormone response. RNA-seq data analysis showed certain members of TaLIMs were responsive to biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Such as TaLIM1-1A, TaLIM3-2B, TaLIM8-4D, and TaLIM10-5D were significantly induced by heat, drought, NaCl, ABA and Fusarium graminearum stresses. The subcellular localization of TaLIM8-4D show that it was in the nucleus. Furthermore, the biological function of TaLIM8-4D was analyzed and results showed that it could induce weak cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf. Besides, overexpression of TaLIM8-4D could up-regulate plant pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, whereas promoted the infection of hemi-biotrophic pathogen, implying that TaLIM8-4D could function as susceptible gene in nucleus by up-regulating PR genes and inducing cell death to promote the colonization of hemi-biotrophic agent F. graminearum.Conclusion: The systematic identification, characterization, expression profiling, evolutionary, and function analyses provided us the fully understanding to TaLIMs and laid a foundation for the further function study of LIM family members in wheat.
Neuromedin U Induces Pulmonary Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cell Activation via NMUR1 Pathway During Acute Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Authors: LIU Weiwei , Wang Si , Wang Jia , Zheng Rui , Wang Dalu , Yu Rui , Liu Beixing
Published: October 2021

Background：The activated group 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s) play a crucial role in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced airway inflammation by secreting large amount of type 2 cytokines. Although the classical activator IL-33 is the key factor for ILC2 activation, a regulatory effect of neurotransmitter-neuromedin U (NMU) has also been reported. However, whether and how NMU can be elicited by RSV infection and regulate pulmonary ILC2 activation remains unclear.Methods： The regulatory effect and underlying mechanisms of NMU on ILC2 activation were determined by using RSV-infected wild-type and NMU-knockout mice. The expression of NMU in the lungs and NMUR1 on ILC2s were measured by Real-time PCR and Western blot. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the proliferation and activation of ILC2s. The type of neurons secreting NMU and its possible secretion mechanism during RSV infection were also analyzed.Results：Acute RSV infection induced the production of NMU in the lungs of mice and up-regulate the expression of NMUR1 on the pulmonary ILC2s. In vivo administration of NMU exacerbated RSV-induced airway inflammation by promoting the proliferation and activation of pulmonary ILC2s via NMUR1 pathway. In this process, PI3K, MEK and NFAT signal proteins might be involved. Furthermore, pulmonary neurons responded to the stimulation of RSV and secreted NMU in TLR4 and TLR7-dependent manners.Conclusion：Our data suggest that NMU is an ILC2 activator other than the classical activator, revealing a novel effect of neurotransmitter on RSV-induced airway inflammation.
Colistin Sulfate for Decontamination of Preservation Fluid to Decrease Donor-derived Infections Caused by Multi-drug Resistant Gram-negative Pathogens
Authors: Sui Mingxing , Zheng Nanxin , Lu Hanlan , Li Yanhua , Zhao Wenyu , Zhang Lei , Zhu Youhua , Xu Da , Zeng Li
Published: October 2021

Background: Preservation fluid (PF) contamination, especially contamination with multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative pathogens, poses a high risk of donor-derived infections (DDIs) and severe clinical outcomes. We sought to determine whether the use of colistin sulfate to decontaminate PF in kidney transplantation can decrease probable DDIs (p-DDIs) caused by MDR Gram-negative pathogens.Methods: In a retrospective study of 916 recipients who received deceased donation, 864 PF samples were collected and cultured, and microbiological contaminants were recorded with the recipients’ clinical data and outcomes. From March 2016 to May 2019, 624 samples were decontaminated with ceftizoxime; from June 2019 to March 2021, colistin sulfate was administered for PF decontamination in 240 samples. Between-group comparisons were performed to assess the ability of the two decontamination regimens to decrease p-DDIs, especially MDR Gram-negative pathogen-related infections.Results: The overall PF contamination rate was 53.36% (461/864), and 80 samples had MDR Gram-negative pathogen contamination. All p-DDIs occurred in the ceftizoxime group (p<0.001), and 67.65% of p-DDIs were MDR Gram-negative pathogen-related. In the ceftizoxime group, 23 of 61 cases of MDR Gram-negative pathogen contamination led to related p-DDIs, while none occurred in the colistin sulfate group (p=0.002). Among these 23 patients with p-DDIs, 5 died of severe infections, and 2 experienced graft loss.Conclusions: The goal of decontamination should be decreasing MDR Gram-negative pathogen-related p-DDIs, and colistin sulfate could be an effective and feasible option.
Network Pharmacology and Experiment Verification to Explore the Potential Mechanism of Yin-Huo-Tang for Lung Adenocarcinoma Recurrence
Authors: Liu Dianna , Lin Shicheng , Li Yuan , Zhou Tian , Hu Kaiwen , Li Quanwang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common malignancies with a rise in new cases worldwide each year. Recurrence significantly influences the survival in patients with LUAD. Yin-Huo-Tang (YHT) is a classic traditional Chinese prescription, used to prevent lung cancer relapse by “nourishing yin and clearing heat”. MethodsIn this study, the mechanism of YHT in LUAD recurrence was investigated. Firstly, the bioactive compounds-targets network and the protein–protein interaction network were constructed, and functional annotation and pathway enrichment analyses were performed. Pivotal compounds and hub genes were selected from the networks. Subsequently, the effectiveness of YHT was confirmed in lewis lung carcinoma mice. RNA sequencing was used to explore the mRNA expression differences between tumor tissues in the model mouses and YHT-treated mouses. The pathways screened by network pharmacology and RNA sequencing analysis at the same time were considered the most important pathways. At last, qualitative phytochemical analysis, molecular docking technology, PCR and WB analysis were used to validate the pivotal active ingredients, hub genes and main pathways.ResultsThere were 128 active compounds, 419 targets interacting with LUAD recurrence. Network analysis identified 4 pivotal compounds, 28 hub genes and 30 main pathways. Target genes mainly focused on inflammation, metabolism, immune responses and apoptosis. We confirmed that YHT could inhibit the recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma through animal experimental study. Sphingolipid signaling pathway was the common main pathway in network pharmacology and RNA sequencing results. The hub genes related with the sphingolipid signaling pathway was S1PR5. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of the water extract of YHT confirmed the presence of 3 pivotal compounds, namely stigmasterol, nootkatone and ergotamine. The results of molecular docking verified the pivotal compounds of YHT could good affinity with the S1PR5. The PCR and WB analysis verified YHT suppressed lewis lung cancer cells proliferation by inhibiting S1P/S1PR5/Gi/Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, and inhibited migration through S1P/S1PR5/Gi/PI3K/RAC pathway.Conclusion﻿The results confirmed the therapeutic effect of YHT on the recurrence of LUAD by multi-component-multi-target mode, the sphingolipid signaling pathway was one of the most relevant potential signaling pathways.
Hydrogen Phosphate Selectively Induces MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Death in vitro
Authors: Shanti Aya , Adem Kenana Al , Stefanini Cesare , Lee Sungmun
Published: October 2021

Phosphate ions are the most abundant anions inside the cells, and they are increasingly gaining attention as key modulators of cellular function and gene expression. However, little is known about the effect of inorganic phosphate ions on cancer cells, particularly breast cancer cells. Here, we investigated the toxicity of different phosphate compounds to triple-negative human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and compared it to that of human monocytes (THP-1). We found that, unlike dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4−), hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) at 20 mM or lower concentrations induced breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cell death more than immune (THP-1) cell death. We correlate this effect to the fact that phosphate in the form of HPO42− raises pH levels to alkaline levels which are not optimum for transport of phosphate into cancer cells. The results in this study highlight the importance of further exploring hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of breast cancer.
Volume Dependence of Hydrogen Sorption and Desorption Diffusion in Cylindrical Polymers
Authors: Jung Jae Kap , Kim Kyu-Tae , Baek Un Bong , Nahm Seung Hoon
Published: October 2021

We have investigated the volume effects on hydrogen diffusion properties in both sorption and desorption processes by employing a volumetric analysis technique. The total uptake (𝐶∞), total desorbed content (𝐶0), sorption diffusion coefficient (Ds), desorption diffusion coefficient (Dd), sorption and desorption equilibrium time of hydrogen in two rubbery polymers are determined relative to the diameter and thickness of the cylindrical sample in the two processes. 𝐶∞ and 𝐶0 do not demonstrate the appreciable volume dependence for all rubbers. The identical values in 𝐶∞ and 𝐶0 indicate the reversibility between sorption and desorption, which is interpreted by the occurrence of physisorption rather than chemisorption by introducing hydrogen molecules. The larger Dd values in the desorption process than Ds may be attributed to increased amorphous phase and volume swelling caused by increased hydrogen voids and polymer chain scission after decompression. The time to reach equilibrium in both sorption and desorption processes was found to be linearly proportional to the square of thickness above an aspect ratio of 3.7, which is consistent with the numerical simulations based on the solution of Fick’s law. This finding could be used to predict the equilibrium adsorption time depending on the sample size in the polymer.
Synthesis and Characterization of Graphitic Carbon Nitride Supported Tris(Hydroxymethyl)Aminomethanem) G-C3N4/ THAM) as Novel Catalyst for the Synthesis of Poly Hydroquinoline and Pyranopyrazole Derivatives
Authors: jamnani Mohammad taghi bagherian , Hajinasiri Rahimeh , Ghafuri Hossein , Hossaini Zinatossadat
Published: October 2021

Here, an impressive heterogeneous catalytic system, graphitic carbon nitride supported tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethanem) g-C3N4/ THAM) is presented. The novel g-C3N4/ THAM nanocatalysts was characterized by analyzing methods such as FT-IR, EDX, XRD, TGA, and FESEM. Afterward, the performance of fabricated nanocatalyst g-C3N4/ THAM was suitably investigated in multicomponent reactions (MCRs) for the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine and pyranopyrazole derivatives. By optimizing reported nanocatalyst, the corresponding reaction products were obtained with excellent efficiency and then the reversibility process was exanimated. The g-C3N4/ THAM nanocatalyst is environmentally friendly and was catalyzed the reactions in the presence of ethanol as a green solvent.
Utilizing Inter-Subject Variability to Assess Performance and Brain Activity During Complex Task Learning
Authors: Reddy Pratusha , Shewokis Patricia A , Izzetoglu Kurtulus
Published: October 2021

With tasks becoming more mentally focused and operators being required to conduct multiple tasks simultaneously, it is important to not only acquire direct measurements from the brain, but also account for changes in performance and brain activity as a function of intersubject variability and task demands. Such methodology is particularly important when evaluating skill acquisition and transfer during training on a complex and ecologically valid task. To evaluate the aforementioned factors, we implemented a search and surveillance task (scanning an assigned area and identifying targets) using a high-fidelity Unmanned Aerial System operator training simulator, acquired brain activity changes via a portable functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) sensor array, and had novice participants (N = 13) undergo three sessions of easy difficulty followed by two harder difficulty sessions. Behavioral performance results indicated no significant change in scan or target find performance across easy sessions when intersubject variability was not accounted for. However, accounting for intersubject variability indicated that some individuals improved their scan performance, and they deteriorated their target find performance (Attention-focused group), while others deteriorated their scan performance, and they improved their target find performance (Accuracy-focused group). fNIRS results displayed that both groups exhibited a decrease in brain activity across easy sessions within the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) and right anterior medial PFC (RAMPFC), while activity in left anterior medial prefrontal cortex (LAMPFC) increased in the Attention-focused group and decreased in the Accuracy-focused group. In both groups, transitioning to hard sessions resulted in a decrease in performance. The Attention-focused group displayed an increase in brain activity within LDLPFC, RAMPFC and LAMPFC, while the Accuracy-focused group displayed an increase in brain activity within LDLPFC, no change within RAMPFC and a decrease within LAMPFC. These results suggest that the Attention-focused group was able to acquire and transfer the skills needed to efficiently complete the scan task, while remaining engaged in a target find task. Alternatively, the Accuracy-focused group was engaged only on acquiring the skills needed to efficiently complete the target find task. In conclusion, these results suggest that utilizing intersubject variability as relevant information rather than noise improves assessments of skill acquisition and transfer during training on a complex task.
Cellular and Molecular Genetic Analysis of 1980 Male Infertility Patients
Authors: Fu Meimei , Chen Meihuan , Guo Nan , Lin Min , Li Ying , Huang Hailong , Cai Meiying , Xu Lingpu
Published: October 2021

Background The aims of this study were to investigate the distribution of chromosome karyotype abnormality and azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletion on Y chromosome in male infertility patients and its effect on infertility. Further, the study aimed to guide fertility in patients. Methods A total of 1980 azoospermic and oligoospermic male infertility patients were selected from the male outpatient department of our hospital from January 2016 to December 2019. Peripheral blood was collected from the patients for karyotype analysis. Further, AZF microdeletion analysis on Y chromosome was performed by capillary electrophoresis. Results Among the patients of male infertility, 178 had chromosomal abnormality (8.99%, 178/1980). Among them, 98 had an abnormal chromosome number. Among the 98 patients, 47, XXY was the most common (80 cases), accounting for 44.99 % (80/178) of abnormal karyotypes. There were 211 cases of AZF microdeletion on Y chromosome, with a total deletion rate of 10.66% (211/1980). The most common type was AZFb/c deletion (sY1192 140 cases), accounting for 66.3 % (140/211). Conclusion Karyotype abnormality and AZF gene microdeletion are important causes of male infertility. Men with Yqh-, del(Y) (q11) have a higher risk of AZF microdeletion. Infertility patients should routinely undergo cell and molecular genetic tests to guide patient fertility.
Reducing Thoracic and Lumbar Radiographs in an Urban Emergency Department Through a Clinical Champion Led Quality Improvement Intervention
Authors: Sapadin Joshua , Campbell Linelle , Bajaj Komal , Moskovitz Joshua
Published: October 2021

Background: Low back pain is a common emergency department (ED) complaint that does not always necessitate imaging. Unnecessary imaging drives medical overuse with potential to harm patients. Quality improvement (QI) interventions have shown to be an effective solution. The purpose of this QI intervention was to increase the percentage of appropriately ordered radiographs for low back pain while reducing the absolute number. Methods: A multi-component intervention led by a clinician champion including staff education, patient education, electronic medical record modification, audit and peer-feedback, and clinical decision support tools was implemented at an urban public hospital Emergency Department. In addition to the total number ordered, Choosing Wisely and American College of Radiology recommendations were used to assess appropriateness of all ED thoracic and lumbar conventional radiographs by chart review over eight months. Results: The percent of appropriately ordered radiographs increased from 5.8% to 53.9% and the monthly number of radiographs ordered decreased from 86 to 47 over the eight-month initiative. There were no compensatory increases in thoracic or lumbar computed tomography (CT) scans during this time frameConclusion: A multi-component QI intervention led by a clinician champion is an effective way to reduce the overutilization of thoracic and lumbar radiographs in an urban public hospital emergency department.
Chronic and cumulative adverse life events in patients of premature ovarian insufficiency with unknown cause: an exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Sun Junyan , Fan Yihui , Guo Ying , Pan Huiying , Zhang Chen , Mao Guoping , Huang Yating , Li Boning , Gu Tingting , Wang Lulu , Zhang Qiuwan , Wang Qian , Zhou Qian , Li Bai , Lai Prof Dongmei
Published: October 2021

Background Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) has serious physical and psychological consequences due to estrogen deprivation, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. However, the causes of most POI cases remain unknown (idiopathic POI). Environmental factors play an important role in the occurrence of complex diseases. To explore whether chronic and cumulative adverse life events occur in patients before POI diagnosis. Searching for the potential relative risk factors may find an intervention strategy to prevent POI in young women.Results Forty-three women (mean age=33·8 years) were recruited who were newly- diagnosed with idiopathic POI in a Chinese Ob/Gyn hospital to participate in semi-structured interviews through convenience sampling. The main questions covered by the topic guide were designed to explore adverse life events prior to POI diagnosis. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically. Data were analyzed from June 2019 to August 2020. Among the POI patients, the mean age at diagnosis of POI was 33·8 years (range from 19 to 39 years), and the average time between the onset of irregular menstruation and POI diagnosis was 2.3 years. These patients had a relatively normal menstrual cycle before the diagnosis of POI. A number of stressful life events prior to POI diagnosis were discussed by them as important factors influencing their health and well-being. Four core themes emerged: 1) persistent exposure to workplace stress, 2) persistent exposure to family stress, 3) chronic sleep problem/disturbance existed in patients before POI diagnosis, and 4) participants' general cognition and concerns about POI. Conclusions Persistent exposures to adverse life events related to work stress, family stress and sleep disturbance exist in idiopathic POI patients. In addition, patients and their families generally have incorrect cognition of POI disease and its treatment. Future case-control studies should demonstrate whether chronic and cumulative adverse life events are risk factors of POI disease. Provision of tailored interventions (i.e. preventing or mitigating impact of adverse life events) aimed at high-risk populations is urgently needed to prevent new POI cases and promoting understanding of disease may improve health conditions of POI patients.
WITHDRAWN: MH370 Eastward Descent After the 6th Arc
Authors: Lyne Vincent
Published: October 2021

Past analyses of satellite and phone signals from missing Malaysian Airlines MH370 reconciled Burst Frequency Offset (BFO) errors up to the 6th of 7 arcs for a southerly track. After the 6th arc, the Satellite Data Unit (SDU) power-up or reboot resulted in settling errors. Investigators bounded these but needed to invoke a high-speed descent for nominal errors that remained from assuming the southerly track continued to the 7th arc. However, the implied violent-crash site was not found nor supported by damage found on debris, which instead suggested a glided landing. In our reanalysis, we relaxed the south track assumption and used the “Penang Longitude” (PL) theory that predicted a similar southerly track to the 6th arc, and that MH370 subsequently veered eastwards and descended. In essence, we simply replaced the Doppler Shift from vertical motions with horizontal veering of a high-speed aircraft. Our results suggests that veering predicted by the PL theory plus controlled descent plausibly accounts for nominal 7th arc BFO discrepancies. Synergistic resolution of observation by this theory suggests that MH370 did not violently crash at the 7th arc. Instead MH370 headed east towards a glide landing, predicted by the PL theory to be where the longitude of Penang intersects the 33oS latitude at a deep hole. The main lesson to learn is that all plausible scenarios need to be considered for complex high-uncertainty problems.
Contributions of disordered eating behaviours and mindful eating to obesity among young female adults
Authors: Bagcilar Seliz , Gezer Ceren
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between disordered eating behaviours, level of mindful eating and obesity amongst young female adults.
Methods

Two hundred and twenty-seven female young adults aged 19-35 living in Famagusta in North Cyprus participated in this current study. Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) and Eating Attitudes Test (EAT)-26 were used for data collecting through face-to-face interviews. Weight and body composition were obtained by body composition analyser and height were obtained by stadiometer. The measurements of neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) were measured by using a non-stretching tape according to standard techniques. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated.
Results

The majority of participants (66.5%) had less than 20 points on the EAT-26. Overall, the participants with BMI below 18.5 kg/m2 had the highest MEQ scores, while the participants with BMI above 30.0 kg/m2 had the lowest MEQ scores (p < 0.05). Similarly, statistical significance was found between the MEQ scores of obese and normal weighted participants (p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was found between MEQ scores and BMI, fat mass, WHR, WHtR, NC and WC (r=-0.216, p < 0.01; r=-0.234, p < 0.01; r=-172, p < 0.01 and r=-0.244, p < 0.01, r=-0.145, p < 0.05; r=-0.238, p < 0.05, respectively).
Conclusion

Our findings suggest that there is a negative relationship between the level of mindful eating and BMI. The evidence from this study also suggests a positive relationship between the risk of eating disorders and BMI.
Level of Evidence
Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study
Levetiracetam Alleviates Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease Animal Model by Ameliorating the Dysfunction of the Neuronal Network
Authors: Zheng Xiang-yu , Lv Yu-Dan , Jin Feng-Yan , Zhang Hai-Chen , Wu Xiu-Juan , Zhu Jie , Ruan Yang
Published: October 2021

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have a significantly higher risk of seizures than other individuals in an age-matched population, suggesting a close association between epilepsy and AD. We aimed to examine the effects of levetiracetam (LEV)—a drug for treating seizures—on learning and memory and neuropathological features of AD. We bred APP23 mice with MAPT transgenic mice to generate APP23/MAPT mice. These were treated with different concentrations of LEV in the presence of kainic acid (KA) for 3 months. The results revealed that low, but not high concentrations of LEV alleviated the effects of KA on memory defects in APP23/MAPT mice. Mechanistic investigations showed that low concentrations of LEV decreased tau phosphorylation by reducing the activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3α/β, thus rescuing neurons from synaptic dystrophy and apoptosis. Low concentrations of LEV inhibited the effects of KA (i.e., inducing neuroinflammation and impairing the autophagy of amyloid β-peptide), thus improving cognitive decline. High concentrations of LEV decreased the production and deposition of Aβ by reducing the expression of β site APP cleavage enzyme 1 and presenilin 1. However, high concentrations of LEV also induced neuronal apoptosis, decreased movement abilities in mice, and did not improve cognitive decline in AD mice. Our results support the hypothesis that aberrant network activity contributes to the synaptic and cognitive deficits in APP23/MAPT mice. Low, but not high concentration of LEV may help ameliorate abnormalities in people who have or are at risk of AD.
Emergence of the first manic episode in recovered COVID-19 patients: A case series from Egypt
Authors: Elgohary Hayam M. , Sehlo Mohammad G. , Youssef Usama M. , Abdelghani Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Objective

In December 2019, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection was first reported in Wuhan city, China, which had rapidly spread as a global pandemic. This infection was commonly presented by respiratory and /or gastrointestinal symptoms. However, it is still unclear whether COVID-19 infection could be associated with central nervous system (CNS) damage which would result in development of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Method

A total of five cases of suddenly emerged manic episodes during the pandemic of COVID-19 were extensively described. We presented the symptoms and described the diagnosis, clinical course, and treatment of each case.
Results

All patients had positive findings of ribonucleic acid (RNA) tests for COVID-19 in specimens of their sputum. The patients later developed manic symptoms during and after the recovering period of their illness.
Conclusions

The case series of newly emerged manic symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection highlights the essential need for evaluation of mental health status and would contribute to our understanding of the potential risk of CNS affection by COVID-19 infection. The limited number of cases would limit the generalizability of association. Future research should investigate the behavioral changes accompanying and following COVID-19 infection.
Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Free and Forced Vibrations of Cellular Plates Having Triangularly Prismatic Metamaterial Cores: A Strain Gradient Plate Model Approach
Authors: Torabi jalal , Niiranen Jarkko
Published: October 2021

The main objective of this paper is to develop a theoretically and numerically reliable and efficient methodology based on combining a finite element method and a strain gradient shear deformation plate model accounting for the nonlinear free and forced vibrations of cellular plates having equitriangularly prismatic metamaterial cores. The proposed model based on the nonlinear finite element strain gradient elasticity is developed for the first time to provide a computationally efficient framework for the simulation of the underlying nonlinear dynamics of cellular plates with advanced microarchitectures. The corresponding governing equations follow Mindlin’s SG elasticity theory including the micro-inertia effect applied to the first-order shear deformation plate theory along with the nonlinear von Kármán kinematics. Standard and higher-order computational homogenization methods determine the classical and strain gradient material constants, respectively. A higher-order \({C}^{1}\)-continuous 6-node finite element is adopted for the discretization of the governing variational formulation with respect to the spatial domain, and an arc-length continuation technique along with time periodic discretization is implemented to solve the resulting nonlinear time-dependent problem. Through a set of comparative studies with 3D full-field models as references, the accuracy and efficacy of the proposed dimension reduction methodology are demonstrated for a diverse range of problem parameters for analyzing the large-amplitude dynamic structural response.
Study on the Effect of Size on InGaN Red Micro-LEDs
Authors: Horng Ray-Hua , Ye Chun-Xin , Chen Po-Wei , Iida Daisuke , Ohkawa Kazuhiro , Wu Yuh-Renn , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: October 2021

In this research, five sizes (100⊆100, 75⊆75, 50⊆50, 25⊆25, 10⊆10 µm2) of InGaN red micro-light emitting diode (LED) dies are produced using laser-based direct writing and maskless technology. It is observed that with increasing injection current, the smaller the size of the micro-LED, the more obvious the blue shift of the emission wavelength. When the injection current is increased from 0.1 to 1 mA, the emission wavelength of the 10×10 µm2 micro-LED is shifted from 617.15 to 576.87 nm. The obvious blue shift is attributed to the stress release and high current density injection. Moreover, the output power density is very similar for smaller chip micro-LEDs at the same injection current density. This behavior is different from AlGaInP micro-LEDs. The sidewall defect is more easily repaired by passivation, which is similar to the behavior of blue micro-LEDs. The results indicate that the red InGaN epilayer structure provides an opportunity to realize the full color LEDs fabricated by GaN-based LEDs.
ASCoVPred: a machine learning-based platform for quantitative prediction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and human cell toxicity of molecules
Authors: Sharma Arun , Chaturvedi Neeraj , Gupta Dinesh
Published: October 2021

There is an urgent need to accelerate the discovery of effective drugs for COVID-19. We have developed machine learning models for rapid discovery of molecules potentially inhibitory to SARS-CoV-2 and negligible or no human cell toxicity. The machine learning (ML) QSAR models were trained and optimized with features (descriptors and fingerprints) of the experimentally validated SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory compounds. Several molecular descriptors and fingerprints were calculated to select the decisive ones for the training and evaluation of thousands of ML models. The best-optimized models are deployed as ASCoVPred webserver and standalone software, that provides easy and free access to the models. The feature selection for selecting the best descriptors for ML models training helped identify a set of decisive descriptors and fingerprints that correlate positively or negatively with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and toxicity of the compounds. Systematic prediction and optimization of compounds with the help of ASCoVPred can facilitate the discovery of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 compounds. The ASCoVPred web server and standalone software are freely available at http://14.139.62.220/ascovpred/.