bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early detection of variants of concern via funnel plots of regional reproduction numbers
Authors: Milanesi Simone , Rosset Francesca , Colaneri Marta , Giordano Giulia , Pesenti Kenneth , Blanchini Franco , Bolzern Paolo , Colaneri Patrizio , Sacchi Paolo , De Nicolao Giuseppe , Bruno Raffaele
Published: August 2022

Tools to early detect the emergence of a new variant of concern are essential to develop strategies that contain epidemic outbreaks and their health-economic-social consequences. For example, knowing in which region a variant of concern appears or starts spreading enables prompt actions to circumscribe the diffusion area. This paper presents ‘funnel plots’ as a statistical process control method that can quickly identify regions of a country where the reproduction number is anomalous with respect to the national one, while keeping false alarms under control. Unlike tools whose purpose is to identify rises of Rt, the proposed method detects when a regional Rt behaves differently from the national average and thus represents an abnormal situation that needs to be investigated through cross-cutting research. The method is validated on public COVID-19 data demonstrating its efficacy in the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in India, South Africa, England, and Italy, as well as of a malfunctioning episode of the diagnostic infrastructure in England.
The effect of inflammation and oxidative stress on DNA damage in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Tepebaşı Muhammet Yusuf , İlhan İlter , Temal Esra Nurlu , Sancer Okan , Öztürk Önder
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 disease, which spreads all over the world, is a disease characterized by widespread inflammation and affecting many organs, especially the lungs. The resulting inflammation triggers the formation of reactive oxygen radicals and may cause oxidative DNA damage. A total of 95 patients with positive RT-PCR test and hospitalization were divided into three groups according to the severity of pneumonia as mild, moderate and severe/critical. Inflammation markers (Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, serum reactive protein, procalcitonin etc.), IL-10 and IF γ levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. In the evaluation of oxidative damage, thiol, disulfide and IMA levels were measured spectrophotometrically. In the evaluation of oxidative DNA damage, the tail DNA percent parameter obtained by the comet assay method was used. As a result, we found that total thiol, native thiol and disulfide levels decreased significantly due to the increase in inflammation markers and cytokine levels in the severe/critical group. At the same time, we determined that there was an increase in the tail DNA percent level, that is, DNA damage, due to the increased oxidative effect. As a result, we found that increased inflammation and reactive oxygen species due to the increase in pneumonia increased in those with severe and severe pneumonia, which in turn damaged DNA. We think that it would be useful to follow up the DNA damage in these patients in terms of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer development.
Analysis of atypical orbits in one dimensional linear piecewise-smooth discontinuous map
Authors: Metri Rajanikant , Rajpathak Bhooshan , Pillai Harish K
Published: August 2022

In this paper, boundary regions of 1-D linear piecewise-smooth discontinuous map are examined analytically. It is shown that, under certain parameter conditions, the map exhibits atypical orbits like a continuum of periodic orbits and quasi-periodic orbits. Further, we have derived the conditions under which such phenomena occurs. The paper also illustrate that there exists a specific parameter region in which as parameter is varied, there is a smooth transition from stable to unstable periodic orbits. Moreover, we have derived the expression for the value of parameter at which this transition from stable to unstable periodic orbits occurs. Additionally, the dynamics that exist at this value of parameter is also found out.Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 39A23 · 39A28 · 39A33
VMPS: A Vector Map Protection Framework Supporting Dynamic Game and Local Desensitization
Authors: Hua Weihua , Xu Heng , Duan Jianchao , Song Jun , Yang Fan
Published: August 2022

Secure sharing of geospatial information has attracted widespread attention in recent years. As a typical geospatial data, vector maps can be used in many fields of national economic and social development. However, there are many security threats to data sharing of vector digital maps, such as tampering, forgery, infringement, data leakages. Due to the complex spatial relation nature, existing data protection solutions are either infeasible or ineffective in such scenarios, especially for the exchange, sharing, and publishing of map data. To address these real security problems, in this paper, we propose a novel vector map protection framework, which introduces the idea of dynamic game and local desensitization. Two basic models and a specific scheme, including an important information protection model, an optimal data desensitization model, and a game-based local desensitization scheme, are presented in this framework. Dynamic game strategies are adopted to effectively measure the utility of players under different decisions. Furthermore, important or sensitive map elements in vector maps are desensitized locally in a controlled and reversible manner, thereby achieving more efficient data protection and secure sharing. A comprehensive evaluation, including desensitization strategies, performance and time consumption, accuracy control and reversibility, is given to show the security and feasibility of the proposed framework.
Production Performance, Defensive, Hygienic, Swarming, and Foraging Behavior of Apis mellifera scutellata bee race
Authors: Tarekegn Alayu , Faji Mulisa , Abebe Alemayehu , Bezabeh Amssalu
Published: August 2022

Honey bee colonies exhibit a wide range of behavioral variations depending on genetic origin and environmental factors. Therefore, the performance evaluation of honey bee races is critical to laying a foundation for future selection and improvement in Ethiopia. Thirty colonies of Apis mellifera scutellata (A.m.scutellata) similar in resources contained in the hive were kept in improved box hives and evaluated through reproductive swarming tendency, foraging activity, defensive behavior, hygienic behavior, brood population, honey production, and absconding behavior during the active season and dearth season. In the study area, the A.m.scutellata race has a higher swarming tendency in the active season, with up to 3.24 queen caps per hive prepared per year. Defensive behavior during the active season takes an average of 25.41second after disturbances and follows up to a 212.20-meter distance. But during the dearth season, the colony slightly took a long time to reach aggressiveness after disturbance (31.28 seconds) and followed the observer for a short distance (45.58 meters). The closed brood production is higher (149 units per hive) during the active season and nectar production units per hive are reduced by 50% as compared to the dearth season. The yielding performance of the race per frame ranged from 1.3 kg to 1.5 kg, and an average of 14 kg of honey per harvest. The A.m.scutellata exhibited an absconding tendency of 34.5% if there was any disruption. A.m. scutellata showed good performance in hygienic behaviors (>95%), but undesirable behaviors in defensive behavior and swarming tendency make it difficult to manage honey bees. However, the race has good performance in foraging and hygienic behaviors. Further, studies of the honey bee race through selection and breeding could be conducted to reduce the higher aggressiveness and swarming tendency of A. m. scutellata to improve production performance.
Fine Structure of the Defense System of Synanceia verrucosa from the Red Sea Egypt.
Authors: Abd-Elrheem Ali
Published: August 2022

The stonefish has an advanced poisonous gland that has a lumen and medulla consisting of connective tissue types. All authors have studied the poisonous gland of stonefish and they give attention to two types of cells only careless transmission semithin. In the present study, we give attention to the whole structures of this gland by an accurate examination of Electron Micrographs in all gland areas. Also, some authors give attention to secretions only and do not give any attention to the complete structure of the poisonous defense system of an animal. In the present study, the sections were taken in different areas as the front gland, and mid, surround the spine for covering all areas to discover any new structure. This study revealed that the stonefish poisonous gland Synanceia verrucosa in the Red Sea has four types of cells called T.A, T.B, T.C, and T.D appear as (first evidence) in semithin only.
Differential binding of CREB and REST/NRSF to NMDAR1 promoter is associated with the sex-selective cognitive deficit following postnatal PBDE-209 exposure in mice
Authors: Gupta Priya , Gupta Rajaneesh K. , Gandhi Behrose S. , Singh Poonam
Published: August 2022

Neonatal exposure to decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-209), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, affects cognitive performances in the later stage of life in a sex-dependent manner. PBDE-209 interferes with glutamatergic signaling and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits with unresolved regulatory mechanisms. This study exposed male and female mice pups through postnatal day (PND) 3–10 to PBDE-209 (oral dose: 0, 6, or 20 mg/kg body weight). The frontal cortex and hippocampus, collected from neonate (PND 11) and young (PND 60) mice, were analyzed for cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and RE1-silencing transcription factor/ Neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) binding to NMDAR1 promoter and expression of NMDAR1 gene by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and semi-quantitative RT-PCR respectively. Behavioral changes were assessed using spontaneous alternation behavior and novel object recognition tests in young mice. In neonates, the binding of CREB was increased, while REST/NRSF was decreased significantly to their cognate NMDAR1 promoter sequences at the high dose of PBDE-209 in both the sexes. This reciprocal pattern of CREB and REST/NRSF interactions correlates with the up-regulation of NMDAR1 expression. Young males followed a similar pattern of CREB and REST/NRSF binding and NMDAR1 expression as in neonates. Surprisingly, young females did not show any alteration when compared to age-matched controls. Also, we found that only young males showed working and recognition memory deficits. These results indicate that early exposure to PBDE-209 interferes with CREB- and REST/NRSF-dependent regulation of the NMDAR1 gene in an acute setting. However, long-term effects persist only in young males that could be associated with cognitive impairment.
The Role of Systemic Immune Inflammation Index in Predicting Treatment Success in Tuboovarian Abscesses
Authors: kose caner , korpe busra , korkmaz vakkas , ustun yaprak engin
Published: August 2022

Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine the predictability of the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) on the response to medical treatment in tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA).
Methods
296 patients with TOA in a tertiary center were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: Group1 (n = 165) included patients in whom medical treatment was successful, and Group2 (n = 131) included patients in whom surgery was required. Demographic, sonographic and laboratory findings were compared between groups. SII was calculated using peripheral blood parameters [SII= (platelets*neutrophils)/lymphocytes].
Results
Age, BMI, gravida, parity, smoking and menopausal status, CRP levels of patients were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Mass size (4.398 ± 0.306 vs 7.683 ± 0.689, p < 0.001), white blood cell (WBC) (8685.08 ± 3981.98 vs 9994.35 ± 4468.024, p = 0.008), Hb (12.18 ± 1.65 vs 11.68 ± 1.65, p = 0.010), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) (151.26 ± 74.83 vs 230.77 ± 140.25, p < 0.001), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (4.21 ± 3.27 vs 6.07 ± 6.6, p = 0.003), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) (0.300 ± 0.177 vs 0.346 ± 0.203, p = 0.041) and SII (1014.18 ± 781.71 vs 2094.088 ± 2117.58, p < 0.001) were statistically higher in group 2. ROC Analysis was used to determine the predictability of the variables and PLR (AUC = 0.718, p < 0.001), NLR (AUC = 0.593, p = 0.593), MLR (AUC = 0.576, p = 0.024), SII (AUC = 0.723, p < 0.001) and size of mass (AUC = 0.670, p < 0.001) were found to be significant. The SII, size of mass and bilateral involvement of adnexa were found to be the strongest prognostic factors for surgical intervention (OR:1.004 (1.002–1.005), OR:1.018 (1.010–1.027), OR:3.397 (1.338–8.627); p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.010 respectively).
Conclusion
SII, size of mass and bilaterality can be used to predict medical treatment success in patients with TOA.
Dietary Choline and Sphingomyelin Choline moiety Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Case Control Study
Authors: Rossi Marta , Khalifeh Malak , Fiori Federica , Parpinel Maria , Serraino Diego , Pelucchi Claudio , Negri Eva , Giacosa Attilio , Crispo Anna , Collatuzzo Giulia , Hannun Yusuf , Luberto Chiara , Vecchia Carlo La , Boffetta Paolo
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Phospholipids are possible favorable agents for colorectal cancer (CRC). Choline has been inversely related to CRC risk but findings are inconsistent. Our study aimed to assess the effect of dietary sphingomyelin (SM) choline moiety and total choline on risk of CRC.Method: This analysis is based on a multicenter case–control study conducted between 1992 and 1996 in Italy. A total of 6107 subjects were enrolled, including 1225 colon cancer cases, 728 rectal cancer cases and 4154 hospital-based controls. We applied data on the composition of foods in terms of SM choline moiety and choline intake on dietary information collected through a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Odds ratio (OR) for energy-adjusted tertiles of SM choline moiety and choline were estimated through logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, center, education, alcohol consumption, body mass index, family history of CRC, and physical activity.Results: Choline was inversely related to CRC risk (OR=0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.99). This association was consistent in colon and rectal cancer. SM choline moiety was not associated with CRC risk (OR=0.96, 95% CI 0.84-1.11).Conclusion: This study shows an inverse association between choline intake and CRC, while no association was found with SM choline moiety.
Increasing Muscle Hypertrophy with a Natural Product Designed to Inhibit SIRT1
Authors: Pathak Suraj J. , Wallace Marita , Athalye Sonia , Schenk Simon , Langer Henning T. , Baar Keith
Published: August 2022

We have previously identified a series of molecular brakes that slow muscle growth. One potential molecular brake is SIRT1, which is activated by a negative caloric balance. In this work, we identified natural product inhibitors of SIRT1 and tested their effects on load-induced increases in muscle fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA) using an incomplete factorial design. Supplying varying amounts of three natural products during two-week overload resulted in increases in fCSA that varied from − 2 to 113%. Using these data, we produced a model that predicted the optimal combination and concentration of each natural product and validated this model in a separate cohort of animals. Following two-week overload, fCSA in the optimal group increased 62%, whereas in the placebo fCSA increased only 3%. The greater increase in fCSA was associated with decreased ribosomal RNA synthesis, and a trend for decreased total RNA. Despite the lower ribosome biogenesis, the increase in protein synthesis was similar, suggesting that the natural product cocktail may be increasing ribosomal efficiency rather than capacity. These data suggest that inhibition of SIRT1, together with exercise, may be useful in increasing muscle fCSA.
Assessment of some physical, chemical and biological parameters of Lake Dangana, Nigeria
Authors: Adamu K. M. , Mohammed Y. M. , Ibrahim U.F , Abdullahi I.L , Jimoh Y.O
Published: August 2022

In maintaining health aquatic ecosystem, there is the need to have a balance biotic and abiotic factors thus this study was conducted to assess some physical, chemical and biological parameter of Lake Dangana in Lapai, Niger State for period of eight (8) month (January-August, 2020) in identified sample stations using standard protocols and procedures. The result revealed mean Temperature (23.5-26.5ºC), Dissolved oxygen concentration (3.96-4.13mg/l), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (3.00-3.12mg/l), pH value (6.88-7.11), conductivity (86.43-94.80µS/cm), nitrate (0.67-0.76mg/l) and phosphate (0.85-1.04mg/l). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the monitored Water temperature, Dissolved Oxygen, Biochemical oxygen Demand and pH between sampling station. However, electrical conductivity, nitrate and phosphate differs significantly (p<0.05) among sampling stations. Similarly, significant difference (p<0.05) was noticed among sampling months in all the physicochemical parameters measured. A total of 318 individuals from 13 species and 10 families of macroinvertebrates were encountered during the study period. Percentage occurrence revealed; Hemiptera (35.52%), Coleopterans (34.59%), Odonata (22.95%), dipterans (5.03%) and Oligochaetes (1.87%). The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) ordination plot showed a good relationship between measured physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrates distribution and composition. Six (6) species of bacteria were isolated, four Gram positive bacteria and two (2) Gram negative bacteria. The Gram-positive bacteria were Bacillus sp. Escherichia coli, Micrococcus sp and Staphylococcus aureus. Whilst, the two Gram-negative bacteria were Klebsiella sp and Pseudomonas sp. Five (5) species of fungi were isolated; Aspergillus fumigates, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp and Mucor sp. All the fungi isolates were found in all the sampling stations of the lake. The presence of some of these microorganisms is an indicator of contamination which implies that the water body is contaminated with fecal matter; thus, the pathogenic bacteria and the low water quality constitutes danger to public health.
Liquid level indication and Control system using arduino
Authors: Mohamed Khalifa Dai Elnour
Published: August 2022

Overflow from Liquid tank is a common problem which leads to the wastage of Liquid. Though there are many solutions to it like ball valves which automatically stop the Liquid flow once the tank gets full. So a simple device has been created. This device allow to detect the Liquid level and will raise an alarm upon getting the Liquid tank full or a preset level show the level percentage on LCD, then controlling the process of turn pump on and turn it off operation. Liquid level indicator is a modern way of measuring the liquid level using latest technologies like Arduino as as a programming unit and many different types of sensors like Ultrasonic, LDR,PIR, ……etc. The main aim of the project is to calculate the Liquid level at any instant of time and to turn the pump on when the tank is empty or at specific level and turn it off if the tank is filled completely. As a result of this project the percentage of liquid’s level has shown on a display unit (16*2 Liquid Crystal Display), and the fuel pump has been automatically controlled.
A Novel Loss of Function Variant of SLC19A1 Presented with Immunodeficiency and Benefited from Folinic Acid Treatment
Authors: Unal Ekrem , GOK Veysel , Erdem Serife , Haliloglu Yesim , BISGIN Atil , Belkaya Serkan , Basaran Kemal , Ozcan Alper , Yılmaz Ebru , Acıpayam Can , KARAKUKCU Musa , Canatan Halit , Per Hüseyin , Patıroglu Türkan , Eken Ahmet
Published: August 2022

Insufficient dietary folate intake, hereditary malabsorption, or defects in folate metabolism may lead to combined immunodeficiency (CID). Although loss of function mutations in the major intestinal folate transporter PCFT/SLC46A1 was shown to be associated with CID, the evidence for pathogenic variants of RFC/SLC19A1 resulting in immunodeficiency was lacking. We report two cousins carrying a homozygous pathogenic variant c.1042G>A, resulting in p.G348R substitution who showed symptoms of immunodeficiency associated with defects of folate metabolism. SLC19A1 expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was quantified by real-time qPCR and immunostaining. T cell proliferation, methotrexate resistance, NK cell cytotoxicity, Treg cells and cytokine production by T cells were examined by flow cytometric assays. Patients were treated with and benefited from folinic acid (FA). Studies revealed normal NK cell cytotoxicity, Treg cell counts, and naive-memory T cell percentages. Although SLC19A1 mRNA and protein expression were unaltered, remarkably, mitogen induced-T cell proliferation was significantly reduced at sub- and supraoptimal folic acid concentrations. In addition, patients’ PBMCs were resistant to methotrexate-induced apoptosis supporting a functionally defective SLC19A1. This study presents the second pathogenic SLC19A1 variant in the literature, providing the first experimental evidence that loss of function mutations in SLC19A1 may present with symptoms of immunodeficiency.
Dynamic effect of electromagnetic induction on epileptic waveform
Authors: Sun Yuqin , Chen Yuting , Zhang Hudong , Chai Yuan
Published: August 2022

Background: Electromagnetic induction has recently been considered as an important factor affecting the activity of neurons. However, as an important form of intervention in epilepsy treatment, few people have linked the two, especially the related dynamic mechanisms have not been explained clearly. Methods: Considering that electromagnetic induction has some brain area dependence, we proposed a modified two-compartment cortical thalamus model and set eight different key bifurcation parameters to study the transition mechanisms of epilepsy. We compared and analyzed the application and getting rid of memristors of single-compartment and coupled models. In particular, we plotted bifurcation diagrams to analyze the dynamic mechanisms behind abundant discharge activities, which mainly involved Hopf bifurcations (HB), fold of cycle bifurcations (LPC) and torus bifurcations (TR). Results: The results show that the coupled model can trigger more discharge states due to the driving effect between compartments. Moreover, the most remarkable finding of this study is that the memristor shows two sides. On the one hand, it may reduce tonic discharges. On the other hand, it may cause new pathological states. Conclusions: The work explains the control effect of memristors on different brain regions and lays a theoretical foundation for future targeted therapy. Finally, it is hoped that our findings will provide new insights into the role of electromagnetic induction in absence seizures.
On the Use of Mega Constellation Services in Space
Authors: Capez Gabriel Maiolini , Caceres Mauricio , Bridges Christopher , Frey Stefan , Armellin Roberto , Garello Roberto , Bargellini Pier
Published: August 2022

Mega-constellations are being deployed to offer innovative services to Earth's users. Our work shows how they can provide seamless connectivity to LEO spacecrafts too, and transform them into highly responsive nodes of a space-to-space network characterized by high throughput, low latency, and low cost. For realizing the new mega-constellation services in space paradigm, we present a complete design of the LEO space terminal. By focusing on existing mega-constellations, we derive the service performance under realistic scenarios, and compare it with existing services like Ground Station Networks and Data Relay Systems. All the results show that the new approach can be potentially disruptive for the space ecosystem, by transforming each satellite into a 24/7 available node of a high performance space network, thus enabling a myriad of innovative applications.
Ginsenoside Rh2 attenuates myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 signalling pathway
Authors: Fan Zhixing , Yang Chaojun , li yahui , Yang jian , huang congxin
Published: August 2022

Background: Ginsenoside Rh2 (GRh2) is a monomer isolated from red ginseng that has extensive pharmacological effects. However, whether GRh2 has a protective effect on ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) in the myocardium has yet to be elucidated. The present study aimed to identify the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of GRh2 on I/R in the myocardium and its underlying mechanism. Methods and results: A rat model of myocardial I/R injury was constructed by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, which was subsequently treated with GRh2. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups: The sham group, the I/R group, the I/R + GRh2 (10 mg/kg) group and the I/R + GRh2 (20 mg/kg) group. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were also used to evaluate the protective effect of GRh2 on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced myocardial injury in vitro. The GRh2 pre-treatment reduced the I/R- or H/R-induced release of myocardial enzymes and the production of IL-1β, IL-18 and TNF-α. GRh2 reduced the area of myocardial infarction and the histological changes in the myocardium and improved cardiac functions. In addition, GRh2 reduced the expression levels of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein, caspase-1, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species and increased the expression levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study confirmed that GRh2 could reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiomyocytes after reperfusion, and its mechanism of action may be related to its regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NLRP3 signalling pathway.
The clinical influence of nasal surgery on PAP compliance and optimal application among OSA subjects uncomfortable with PAP device wear
Authors: Cha Hyunkyung , Oh Heonjeong , Han Sun-A , Kim Seo Young , Kim Jeong Kyou , Park Hae Chan , Han Doo Hee , Kim Dong-Young , Kim Hyun Jik
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the alteration of PAP compliance after nasal surgery and to determine the optical indications of nasal surgery in OSA subjects. Among OSA subjects using PAP devices, 29 subjects who underwent septoturbinoplasty due to nasal obstruction were included and their pre- and postoperative medical and PAP records were reviewed retrospectively. The data showed that 55.56% (10/18 patients) of subjects in the good compliance group complained of nasal obstruction as the only barrier to using a PAP device and about 88.89% (16/18 patients) reported experiencing the efficacy of PAP usage. Both the mean and peak average PAP pressures were significantly reduced in the good compliance group following nasal surgery. The bad compliance group had multiple subjective problems that interfered with wearing a PAP device and reported a lack of experiencing the efficacy of PAP usage. Preoperative nasal cavity volume values were smaller and absolute blood eosinophil counts were significantly lower in the good compliance group. The current data demonstrate that nasal surgery might increase the compliance of PAP device wear in OSA subjects who complained of only nasal obstruction as a barrier to wearing PAP and who had small nasal cavity volumes combined with allergic inflammation.
Accumulation and release of organic pollutants by conventional and biodegradable microplastics in the marine environment
Authors: Carteny Camilla Catarci , Amato Elvio Diego , Pfeiffer Fabienne , Christia Christina , Estoppey Nicolas , Poma Giulia , Covaci Adrian , Blust Ronny
Published: August 2022

The issue of microplastic (MP) litter in the aquatic environment and its capability of accumulating and/or releasing pollutants has been brought to light in recent years. Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as one of the different solutions to decrease environmental input of discarded plastics; however, their ability to accumulate and release pollutants once in the marine environment has not been assessed yet. In this study, we compare the accumulation and the release of a wide range of compounds by biodegradable (polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and conventional (polyethylene (PE)) MPs following exposure to natural seawater for 64 days. We quantified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), phthalates, and alternative plasticizers in MPs, before and after exposure. Results indicated that PBS- and PHA-MPs accumulated the largest amount of PAHs and PFRs, respectively. Leaching of PFRs and plasticizers was observed for all polymers and was approximately two-fold greater for PE- when compared to PBS- and PHA-MPs. Overall, our study suggests that biodegradable MPs may release less additives and accumulate a larger amount of contaminants from seawater compared to conventional ones: these findings may have implications on the risk assessment of biodegradable polymers for marine biota; and on potential widespread adoption of these types of plastics.
Brain metastasis as the first and only metastatic relapse site portends worse survival in patients with advanced HER2+ breast cancer
Authors: Noteware Laura , Broadwater Gloria , Dalal Nicole , Alder Laura , Herndon James E. , Floyd Scott , Swearingen Amanda E. D. Van , Anders Carey K. , Sammons Sarah
Published: August 2022

PurposeCurrent guidelines for patients with HER2+ breast cancer brain metastases (BCBrM) diverge based on the status of extracranial disease (ECD). An in-depth understanding of the impact of ECD on outcomes in HER2+ BCBrM has never been performed. Our study explores the implications of ECD status on intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) and overall survival (OS) after first incidence of HER2+ BCBrM and radiation.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of 153 patients diagnosed with initial HER2+ BCBrM who received radiation therapy to the central nervous system (CNS) at Duke between 2008 and 2020. The primary endpoint was iPFS defined as time from first CNS radiation treatment to intracranial progression or death. OS was defined as time from first CNS radiation or first metastatic disease to death. Systemic staging scans within 30 days of initial BCBrM defined ECD status. ResultsIn this cohort, >70% of patients had controlled ECD with either isolated intracranial relapse (27%) or stable/responding ECD (44%). OS from initial metastatic disease to death was markedly worse for patients with isolated intracranial relapse (median=28.4m) compared to those with progressive or stable/responding ECD (48.8m and 68.1m, respectively, p=0.0035). OS from first CNS radiation to death was significantly worse for patients with progressive ECD (17.8m) versus stable/responding (36.6m) or isolated intracranial relapse (28.4m, p=0.008). iPFS did not differ statistically.ConclusionOS in patients with HER2+ isolated BCBrM was inferior to those with concurrent progressive or stable/responding ECD. Studies investigating initiation of brain penetrable HER2-targeted therapies earlier in the disease course of isolated HER2+ intracranial relapse patients are warranted.
Role of the Maritime Continent in the remote influence of Atlantic Niño on the Pacific
Authors: Liu Siying , Chang Ping , Wan Xiuquan , Yeager Stephen , Richter Ingo
Published: August 2022

Atlantic Niño, a dominant mode of climate variability in the equatorial Atlantic on seasonal-to-interannual timescales, is known to remotely force a La Niña-like response in the tropical Pacific, potentially affecting climate predictions. Using both observations and large-ensemble simulations, this work explores the underlying physical mechanism linking the Atlantic variability to the Pacific. Results persuasively show that the eastward propagating atmospheric Kelvin wave from the Atlantic, through the Indian Ocean, to the Pacific is the primary pathway for the Atlantic-to-Pacific teleconnection. Furthermore, the orography and land friction effects over the Maritime Continent (MC) play an important role in this teleconnection. On one hand, the interaction between MC orography and the Kelvin wave induces orographic moisture convergence, contributing to the generation of a local Walker Cell over the MC-Western Pacific area. On the other hand, land friction over the MC causes Kelvin wave energy to dissipate, affecting the strength of the Bjerknes feedback, and thus the development of the La Niña-like response in the Pacific. The present study indicates that improving the representation of land-atmosphere-ocean interactions over the MC may be critical to realistically simulating Atlantic Niño’s impact on El Niño-Southern Oscillation. This may have important implications for improving climate predictions.
Expression and significance of MTA2 and CPNE1 in cervical cancer tissue
Authors: Wang Lixin , Chen Gang , Zhou Chen , Wu Chao , Jiang Jingui
Published: August 2022

Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of MTA2 and CPNE1 proteins in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, High-risk HPV typing was performed on all cervical cancer tissues.RT-PCR and immunochemical EliVision method were used to examine the expressions of MTA2 and CPNE1 in the cervix and their relationship with clinicopathological features. Results: We found that it is mainly distributed in these types, namely 16(23.8%), 18(20.9%), 53(17.1%), 52(15.5%), 82(11.7%), 56(10.8%). The expressions of MTA2 and CPNE1 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissues were significantly higher than those in normal tissues, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01). The expressions of MTA2 and CPNE1 were correlated with FIGO stage, degree of differentiation, and lymph node metastasis of cervical cancer (P<0.05), but not with patient age (P>0.05）the rank correlation coefficient of MTA2 and CPNE1 protein expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma was 0.668 (P<0.01), and the two expressions were positively correlated.Conclusions: MTA2 and CPNE1 are closely related to the occurrence and development of cervical squamous cell carcinoma, and may play a synergistic role in the evolution of cervical squamous cell carcinoma.
Heterogeneous circulating tumor cells correlate with responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prognosis in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.
Authors: Ma Ge , Wang Jingyi , Fu Jingyue , Chen Rui , Liang Mengdi , Li Minghui , Xia Tiansong , Liu Xiaoan , Wang Shui
Published: August 2022

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). The predictive value of heterogeneous circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in NCT response has not been determined. All patients were staged as LABC, and blood samples were collected at the time of biopsy, and after the first and eighth NCT courses. Patients were di-vided into High responders (High-R) and Low responders (Low-R) according to Miller-Payne system and changes in Ki-67 levels after NCT treatment. A novel SE-i•FISH strategy was applied to detect CTCs. Heterogeneities were successfully analyzed in patients undergoing NCT, for the first time. Total CTCs increased continuously and were higher in Low-R group; while in High-R group, CTCs increased slightly during NCT before returning to baseline levels. Triploid and tet-raploid chromosome 8 increased in Low-R but not High-R group. The number of small CTCs in Low-R group increased significantly until the last sample, however, remained constant in High-R group. The patients with more CTCs had shorter PFS and OS than those with less CTCs after the 8th course of NCT. Total CTCs following NCT could predict patients’ responses. More detailed characterizations of CTC blood profiles may improve predictive capacity and treatments of LABC.
De-identified Bayesian personal identity matching for record linkage despite errors: development and validation
Authors: Cardinal Rudolf N. , Moore Anna , Burchell Martin , Lewis Jonathan R.
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND. Epidemiological research may require linkage of information from multiple organizations. This can bring two problems: (1) the information governance desirability of linkage without sharing direct identifiers, and (2) a requirement to link databases without a common person-unique identifier. METHODS. We develop a Bayesian matching technique to solve both. We provide an open-source software implementation capable of de-identified probabilistic matching despite discrepancies, via fuzzy representations and complete mismatches, plus de-identified deterministic matching if required. We validate the technique by testing linkage between multiple medical records systems in a UK National Health Service Trust, examining the effects of decision thresholds on linkage accuracy. We report demographic factors associated with correct linkage. RESULTS. The system supports dates of birth (DOBs), forenames, surnames, three-state gender, and UK postcodes. Fuzzy representations are supported for all except gender, and there is support for additional transformations, such as accent misrepresentation, variation for multi-part surnames, and name re-ordering. Calculated log odds predicted a proband’s presence in the sample database with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.997–0.999 for non-self database comparisons. Log odds were converted to a decision via a consideration threshold θ and a leader advantage threshold δ. Defaults were chosen to penalize misidentification 20-fold more than linkage failure. By default, complete DOB mismatches were disallowed for computational efficiency. At these settings, for non-self database comparisons, the mean probability of a proband being correctly declared to be in the sample was 0.965 (range 0.931–0.994), and the misidentification rate was 0.00249 (range 0.00159–0.00429). Correct linkage was positively associated with male gender, Black or mixed ethnicity, and the presence of diagnostic codes for severe mental illnesses or other mental disorders, and negatively associated with birth year, unknown ethnicity, residential area deprivation, and presence of a pseudopostcode (e.g. indicating homelessness). Accuracy rates would be improved further if person-unique identifiers were also used, as supported by the software. Our two largest databases were linked in 44 min via an interpreted programming language. CONCLUSIONS. Fully de-identified matching with high accuracy is feasible without a person-unique identifier and appropriate software is freely available.
Role of occupation on hypertension among women in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Kawsarul , Rabbi Ahbab Mohammad Fazle , Haque M. Ershadul , Shabuz Zillur Rahman
Published: August 2022

Background: Hypertension is a major non-communicable disease all over the world. This study determines the role of occupation along with other potential covariates on hypertension for Bangladeshi women.Methods: The analysis had been used the data from Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2017-18. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to check patterns and correlates of hypertension. To explore the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and biological factors affecting hypertension, binary logistic regression models were used.Results: The prevalence of hypertension among non-working women was 30.31%. The role of occupation on hypertension was significant in both the unadjusted and adjusted models. Women who were not working during the survey were 1.176 times more likely to have hypertension than physically working women while controlling for other variables. In Bangladesh, after controlling the effect of occupation other significant risk factors for hypertension were age, BMI, marital status, education, and region.Conclusion: Occupation is an essential subject for our life and livelihood. Since physically active women were less likely to be hypertensive than non-working women, occupation could be utilized as a significant tool to prevent hypertension.
Analytical modeling and simulation of lattice-matched Ferro PZT AlGaN/GaN MOSHEMT for high-power and RF/Microwave applications
Authors: Khan Abdul Naim , Mishra S. N. , Routray S. , Chatterjee Gaurav , Jena K.
Published: August 2022

In this paper we have developed an analytical model for Ferro PZT Al2O3/AlGaN/AlN/GaN MOSHEMT involving the solution of Poisson and Schrodinger equations. This analytical model covers most of the operating¨ regimes of the Ferro PZT MOSHEMT. The two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) sheet charge density (ns), threshold voltage (Vth), drain current (Ids), gate capacitance (Cgs and Cgd), and unit gain cut-off frequency(fT) model equations are generated and simulated with MATLAB tool. It is also observed that the insertion of the Ferro Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 PZT (lead zirconium titanate) material can also improve the device performance. The proposed Ferro PZT MOSHEMT model accurately produces a higher drain current of 1.14A/mm, a high transconductance of 362S/mm, the gate-to-source capacitance of 50.99pF, the gate-to-drain capacitance of 38.25pF, and high cut-off frequency of 0.033THz for 20nm AlGaN barrier layer. The proposed model results show good agreement with the TCAD-Atlas simulation results and were satisfactory for the different AlGaN barrier layer thickness. The generated model and simulation results show the potential of using the Ferro PZT MOSHEMT for high-power and RF/Microwave applications.
Differences in pulmonary function improvement after once-daily LABA/LAMA fixed-dose combinations in patients with COPD
Authors: Huang Wei-Chun , Chen Chih-Yu , Liao Wei-Chih , Wu Biing-Ru , Chen Wei-Chun , Tu Chih-Yen , Chen Chia-Hung , Cheng Wen-Chien
Published: August 2022

Objective: This real-world study evaluated the efficacy of once-daily long-acting β2-agonist (LABA)/long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) for improving spirometry in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods: We conducted this retrospective study at a single medical center in Taiwan from December 2014 to September 2020. Patients with COPD who were treated with once-daily LABA/LAMA FDCs for 12 months were enrolled. We evaluated their lung function improvement after 12 months treatment with different LABA/LAMA FDCs. Results: A total of 198 patients with COPD who were treated with once-daily LABA/LAMA FDCs were analyzed. A total of 114 patients were treated with umeclidinium/vilanterol (UMEC/VIL); 34 patients were treated with indacaterol/glycopyrronium (IND/GLY) and 50 patients were treated with tiotropium/olodaterol (TIO/OLO). The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%) was significantly increased in the patients treated with all three once-daily FDCs (55.2% to 60.9%; Δ = 5.74%, p=0.012 for UMEC/VIL, 58.2% to 63.6%; Δ = 5.37%, p=0.023 for IND/GLY, and 54.1% to 57.7%; Δ = 3.61%, p=0.009 for TIO/OLO). Treatment of COPD patients with TIO/OLO resulted in a significant improvement in both forced vital capacity (FVC%) (71.7% to 77.9%; Δ = 6.16%, p=0.009) and residual volume (RV%) (180.1% to 152.5%; Δ = -27.55%, p<0.01) compared with those treated with UMEC/VIL (FVC%: 75.1% to 81.5%; Δ = 6.45%, p < 0.001; RV%:173.8% to 165.2%; Δ = -8.67%, p=0.231) or IND/GLY (FVC%: 73.9% to 79.3%; Δ = 5.42%, p = 0.08; RV%:176.8% to 168.3%; Δ =- 8.47%, p=0.589).Conclusions: Patients with COPD who were treated with different once-daily LABA/LAMA FDCs all had pulmonary lung function improvement in FEV1. Patients treated with UMEC/VIL or TIO/OLO showed better improvement in FVC compared to those treated with IND/GLY. On the other hand, those receiving TIO/OLO had better improvement in RV compared to those who received UMEC/VIL or IND/GLY.
Learning effects in visual grading assessment of new reconstruction algorithms in abdominal Computed Tomography
Authors: Kataria Bharti , Sandborg Michael , Öman Jenny , Smedby Örjan
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesImages reconstructed with higher strengths of iterative reconstruction algorithms impair radiologists’ subjective perception and diagnostic performance due to changes in the amplitude of different spatial frequencies of noise. The hypothesis was that there was a change in radiologists´ assessments towards a more positive attitude to the higher strengths of Advanced modeled iterative reconstruction algorithm (ADMIRE). Can radiologists learn to adapt to the unusual appearance of images produced by higher strengths of ADMIRE?MethodsThe present study is based on two ethical board, previously published, studies that evaluated the performance of ADMIRE in non-contrast and contrast-enhanced abdominal CT. Images from 25 (first material) and 50 (second material) clinical examinations, were reconstructed with ADMIRE strengths 3, 5 and filtered back projection (FBP). These images were assessed by local radiologists using image criteria obtained from the European guidelines for quality criteria in CT. To ascertain if there was a learning effect as the reviews progressed, results from these two studies were used in the new analyses of existing data by introducing a time variable in the mixed-effects ordinal logistic regression model.ResultsFor the highest strength (5) of the ADMIRE algorithm, the significant negative attitude for both liver parenchyma and overall image quality for diagnostic purposes, at the beginning of the reviews was strengthened during the progress of the reviews in both materials. For ADMIRE strength 3, an early positive attitude for the algorithm was perceived with no significant change over time for majority of the criteria except for one criterion, i.e., the overall image quality, where a significant negative trend over time was seen in the second material. ConclusionsAs the reviews in both materials progressed, an increasing dislike for ADMIRE 5 images was apparent for at least two image criteria. In the time perspective of weeks or months, no learning effect towards accepting the new algorithm could be demonstrated.
Aloe Extracts Inhibit Skin Inflammatory Responses by Regulating NF-κB, ERK, and JNK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wang Fei , An Quan , Wang Yiming , Yang Yang , Huo Tong , Liu Jitao , Yang Simin , Ju Ruijun , Quan Qianghua
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Inflammation generally refers to the body’s defensive response to stimuli, and skin inflammation is still one of the major problems that affect human physical and mental health. While current pharmacological treatments are reported to have cytotoxicity and various side effects, herbal medicines with few side effects and low cytotoxicity are considered as alternative therapeutic approaches. Methods In order to investigate anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of ALOE, the potential cytotoxicity ofA. veraextracts (ALOE) was determinedin vitroat first. The production of the pro-inflammatory proteins (i.e. IL-6, TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and ultraviolet A (UVA)-stimulated HaCaT and RAW264.7 cells were then treated with ALOE to test its inhibitory effects using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To further explore the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ALOE, quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of inflammatory genesiNOS、COX-2and NO production. For NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways analysis, western blotting and nuclear fluorescence staining were used to evaluate the expression of key factors. Results ALOE did not exhibit obvious cytotoxicity (0–3 mg/mL)in vitro. ALOE was able to inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and functioned more prominently in LPS-induced model. ALOE could also suppress the mRNA expression of LPS-inducediNOSandCOX-2and further down-regulate NO level. Furthermore, ALOE reduced the protein expression of P65 in NF-κB signaling pathway and suppressed LPS-induced activation of ERK and JNK, instead of p38 MAPK pathway. Conclusions Taken together, these results demonstrated that ALOE is a potential treatment in suppressing LPS-stimulated inflammation reactions targeting NF-κB, JNK and ERK signaling pathways. The anti-inflammatory effects of ALOE indicated that it has the potential to become an effective cosmetic ingredient.