bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors, survival analysis, and nomograms for distant metastasis in patients with primary pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A population-based study
Authors: Song Zhuo , Zou Lijuan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rapidly progressive and easily metastatic high-grade lung cancer, with a poor prognosis when distant metastasis (DM) occurs. The aim of our study was to explore risk factors associated with DM in LCNEC patients and to perform survival analysis and to develop a novel nomogram-based predictive model for screening risk populations in clinical practice.

Methods

The study cohort was derived from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, from which we selected patients with LCNEC between 2004 to 2015 and formed a diagnostic cohort (n = 959) and a prognostic cohort (n = 272). The risk and prognostic factors of DM were screened by univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic and Cox regressions, respectively. Then, we established diagnostic and prognostic nomograms using the data in the training group and validated the accuracy of the nomograms in the validation group. The diagnostic nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, decision curve analysis curves, and the GiViTI calibration belt. The prognostic nomogram was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, the concordance index, the calibration curve, and decision curve analysis curves. In addition, high- and low-risk groups were classified according to the prognostic monogram formula, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results

In the diagnostic cohort, LCNEC close to bronchus, with higher tumor size, and with higher N stage indicated higher likelihood of DM. In the prognostic cohort (patients with LCNEC and DM), men with higher N stage, no surgery, and no chemotherapy had poorer overall survival. Patients in the high-risk group had significantly lower median overall survival than the low-risk group.

Conclusion

Two novel established nomograms performed well in predicting DM in patients with LCNEC and in evaluating their prognosis. These nomograms could be used in clinical practice for screening of risk populations and treatment planning.
Genetic architecture and selection of Anhui autochthonous pig population revealed by whole genome resequencing
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Xiaojin , Jiang Yao , Zhou Mei , Liu Linqing , Su Shiguang , Xu Chengliang , Li Xueting , Wang Chonglong
Published: October 2022

The genetic resources among pigs in Anhui Province are diverse, but their value and potential have yet to be discovered. To illustrate the genetic diversity and population structure of the Anhui pigs population, we resequenced the genome of 150 pigs from six representative Anhui pigs populations and analyzed this data together with the sequencing data from 40 Asian wild boars and commercial pigs. Our results showed that Anhui pigs were divided into two distinct types based on ancestral descent: Wannan Spotted pig (WSP) and Wannan Black pig (WBP) origins from the same ancestor and the other four populations origins from another ancestor. We also identified several potential selective sweep regions associated with domestication characteristics among Anhui pigs, including reproduction-associated genes (CABS1, INSL6, MAP3K12, IGF1R, INSR, LIMK2, PATZ1, MAPK1), lipid- and meat-related genes (SNX19, MSTN, MC5R, PRKG1, CREBBP, ADCY9), and ear size genes (MSRB3 and SOX5). Therefore, these findings expand the catalogue and how these genetic differences among pigs and this newly generated data will be a valuable resource for future genetic studies and for improving genome-assisted breeding of pigs and other domesticated animals.
Six-month humoral immune response to inactivated COVID-19 vaccine among people living with HIV
Authors: Zou Shi , Guo Wei , Wu Songjie , Ming Fangzhao , Tan Yuting , Wu Mengmeng , Tang Weiming , Liang Ke
Published: October 2022

Longitudinal humoral immune response to inactivated COVID-19 vaccines among people living with HIV (PLWH) have not yet been systematically investigated. We conducted a 6-month longitudinal study among vaccinated PLWH and HIV-Negative Controls (HNC) to determine whether the humoral immune response effects of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine are different between the two groups of people. Totally, 46 PLWH and 38 HNC who received the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine on days 0 and 28 were enrolled. The SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and total specific IgM and IgG antibodies were examined on Day 0-Day190. The level and positive seroconversion rate of nAbs peaked on Day 42 in HNC while peaked on Day 70 in PLWH, then decreased gradually with the extension of the vaccination period after the peaks. The peak level of nAbs in PLWH on Day 70, (GMC 8.07 BAU/mL, 95% CI 5.67-11.48) was significantly lower than in HNC on Day 42 (GMC 18.28 BAU/mL, 95% CI 10.33-32.33, P =0.03). The decrease in the geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of nAbs was observed as 42.9% in PLWH after peak level, which decreased from 8.07 BAU/mL [95% CI: 5.67-11.48] on Day 70 to 4.61 BAU/mL [95% CI: 3.35-6.34] on Day 190 (p = 0.02). On Day 190, only seven (18%, [95% CI: 6-40]) HNC and five (11%, [95% CI: 4-25]) PLWH maintained positive nAbs response respectively. The geometric mean ELISA units (GMEUs) and positive seroconversion rate of IgG in PLWH dropped significantly from Day 70 (GMEUs, 0.20 EU/mL, [95% CI: 0.13-0.34]; seroconversion, 52%, [95% CI: 34-69]) to Day 190 (GMEUs, 0.05 EU/mL, [95% CI: 0.03-0.08], P<0.001; seroconversion, 18%, [95% CI: 8-33], P<0.001). There was no significant difference in levels and seroconversion rates of nAbs and IgG between the two groups on Day 190. The peak immunogenicity of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was delayed and inferior in PLWH compared to HNC, while no significant difference was found in six-month immunogenicity between the two groups.
Malaria and anemia in children under 7 years of age in the western region of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Ehouman Mocket Adolphe , N’Goran Kouakou Eliezer , Coulibaly Gaoussou
Published: October 2022

Background

Anemia is a major public health problem, affecting nearly one-quarter of the world’s population. It is defined as a reduction in the hemoglobin level in the peripheral blood to below the normal threshold set for a particular population. Very often in the subtropics, helminths or malaria co-infect an individual, causing morbidities that vary by age and region. This study aims to characterize the type of anemia observed in children under 7 years of age infected with malaria in the western region of Côte d’Ivoire, to recommend a better strategy of care.

Methods

The study was carried out from March 2020 to May 2021 in 22 villages in Man, Tonkpi Region, with a cohort of 451 children, both male and female, aged from 3 months to 6 years. The children provided venous blood samples for the diagnosis and characterization of anemia (full blood count), and Giemsa staining (GS) (thick and thin smears) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were used for the diagnosis of malaria. Risk factors and morbidity profiles were assessed using a questionnaire. Logistic regressions models were employed to identify independent risk factors and morbidity patterns associated with Plasmodium falciparum mono-infection and co-infections.

Results

Of the 451 children who completed the study, 221 (49.0%) were female and 230 (51.0%) were male. The prevalence of anemia was 55.0%, distributed as 30.7% mild, 66.1% moderate, and 3.2% severe anemia. The characterization of anemia revealed that hypochromic microcytic anemia (HMA) was the predominant type, being found in 195 (78.63%) children. It was followed by normochromic microcytic anemia (29 children, 11.69%), normochromic normocytic anemia (14 children, 5.65%), and, finally, hypochromic normocytic anemia (10 children, 4.03%). The prevalence of malaria was 66.7% and 78.3% based on GS and RDTs, respectively. The closed association between malaria (Plasmodium) and anemia led to P. falciparum alone causing 56.7% of mild, 51.3% of moderate, and 37.5% of severe anemia in children.

Conclusion

Malaria infection was highly prevalent among children aged ≤ 7 years in both sex and in different age groups, although the number of Plasmodium parasites present during infections was greatest in younger children. Similarly, the prevalence of anemia was high, with moderate anemia and HMA being more prevalent in children ≤ 7 years of age in the western region of Côte d’Ivoire.
Survival virulent characteristics and transcriptomic analyses of Vibrio mimicus exposed to starvation
Authors: Jiang Ziyan , Gu Shuwen , Qian Qieqi , Li Jie , Ji Peng , Wu Congcong , Zhang Yingjie , Gao Xiaojian , Jiang Qun , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

Vibrio mimicus is a global causative agent of vibriosis in a variety of aquatic animals and causes major economic losses to aquaculture. It could survive in water for extended periods of time under environmental stress, but its survival strategy remains unknow. This study described the survival, virulent and gene expression changes of V. mimicus cells undergoing starvation stress. After 4 weeks’ cultivation in media without nutrients, V. mimicus Y4 showed reduced rates of activity with marked changes in morphology and physiological activities. The culturable cell counts declined gradually to 104 CFU/mL and the shape changed from rod-shaped to coccoid with short rods or spherical. The motility of starved cells decreased after starvation and the biofilm production was significantly lower than wild cells. The starved cells still produced β-hemolysis, lecithinase and caseinase, but its infectivity to Macrobrachium nipponense was weakened. To investigate the mechanism behind morphological and physiological changes, we further analyzed differently expressed genes (DEGs) between starved and wild cells at the whole transcriptional level. The RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that large-scale DEGs were involved in transferase, membrane, dehydrogenase, synthase, flagellar, hemolysin, pilus assembly, and starvation, etc. Among them, the well-known virulence-related genes were downregulated significantly, including vmh, pilA, vipA, capB, tadC, huvX, ompA, etc. These data provide a key resource to understand the regulatory mechanisms of V. mimicus to starvation stress.
Piscine predation rates vary relative to habitat, but not protected status, in an island chain with an established marine reserve
Authors: Kough Andrew S. , Belak Carolyn A.
Published: October 2022

Establishing marine reserves can increase biomass and diversity relative to surrounding areas. However, such changes presumably alter species compositions, interactions, and associated demographic processes such as predation. We investigated relative predation pressure by fish inside and outside of a well-established no-take reserve using standardized predation tether units: Squidpops. We deployed Squidpops (N = 990) monitored by cameras to examine predation, as estimated by consumption rates, between paired seagrass and patch reef habitat sites proximate to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, a well-enforced no-take Bahamian reserve since 1986. Surprisingly, there was no significant park effect on consumption nor observed diversity. Significantly higher consumption rates were found at patch reef sites relative to seagrass sites, occurred in association with higher fish diversity and with longer soak times. Observed fish diversity was predicted by habitat and distance inshore with more species found on patch reefs and further from the deep water Exuma Sound. Recorded fish bites were positively associated with patch reef habitat, with reef dwelling fish, and increased as the species became more commonly encountered. Deployment-specific factors, including temperature, depth, and time of day had little impact on measured predation, an expected result as the experiments occurred in similar locations over a fine temporal scale. In our experiment, ecosystem-based factors outweighed the place-based management effects that we expected from being within the oldest well-enforced no-take marine reserve in the Caribbean versus the surrounding actively fished waters. Despite well-documented increases in abundances across trophic levels from primary consumers to apex predators within the reserve, predation rates were not significantly different than adjacent areas. Evaluating the efficacy of a marine reserve in protecting vital ecosystem processes requires studies beyond abundance and diversity surveys. By focusing on predation on two of the most ubiquitous habitats throughout the region and on common species, rather than on exceptional sites and charismatic species, we reveal a process that seems relatively unchanged by strict marine conservation management.
Hydroxyapatite-collagen- carboxylic carbon quantum dot composite loaded with chrysin supported the proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhou Ao , Chen Sinan , Mickymaray Suresh , Alqurashi Yaser E. , Jeraud Mathew , Chen Biao , Hu Yunjiu
Published: October 2022

Developing a bioactive scaffold with biocompatible material is a substantial approach to bone regeneration and functional healing. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the main component in bone formation as an inorganic component and regeneration due to its osteoconductive properties. In this study, we prepared a scaffold material composed of HAP and collagen (COL) cross-linked via carboxylic carbon quantum dots (CCQD) with a chrysin (CRN) molecule. CRN is a flavonoid that has been shown to encourage the bone development of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. It is loaded for enhancing bone regeneration and HAP’s growth ability. XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and TEM analysis have characterized the prepared composites for their crystalline nature, functional behavior, and morphological evaluations. The HAP has retained its original crystalline lattice confirmed from XRD analysis in the prepared composites. The addition of CRN molecule has decreased the length of HAP rods from ∼932 nm to ∼459 nm, as confirmed by TEM images. The increased particle sizes have been observed for the prepared composites. It reaches the maximum at 938.0 nm for the final HAP/COL/CCQD/CRN composite, which was confirmed by particle size analysis. The in-vitro CRN release behavior shows that the CRN molecule has controlled release up to 23% for 48 h. The biocompatibility of prepared material was investigated and confirmed on human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). This examination has proven that the prepared material is good for bone cell regeneration. The material may apply for bone regeneration applications after in-vivo and clinical investigations.
Auditory attentional load modulates the temporal dynamics of audiovisual integration in older adults: An ERPs study
Authors: Yang Weiping , Li Shengnan , Guo Ao , Li Zimo , Yang Xiangfu , Ren Yanna , Yang Jiajia , Wu Jinglong , Zhang Zhilin
Published: October 2022

As older adults experience degenerations in perceptual ability, it is important to gain perception from audiovisual integration. Due to attending to one or more auditory stimuli, performing other tasks is a common challenge for older adults in everyday life. Therefore, it is necessary to probe the effects of auditory attentional load on audiovisual integration in older adults. The present study used event-related potentials (ERPs) and a dual-task paradigm [Go / No-go task + rapid serial auditory presentation (RSAP) task] to investigate the temporal dynamics of audiovisual integration. Behavioral results showed that both older and younger adults responded faster and with higher accuracy to audiovisual stimuli than to either visual or auditory stimuli alone. ERPs revealed weaker audiovisual integration under the no-attentional auditory load condition at the earlier processing stages and, conversely, stronger integration in the late stages. Moreover, audiovisual integration was greater in older adults than in younger adults at the following time intervals: 60–90, 140–210, and 430–530 ms. Notably, only under the low load condition in the time interval of 140–210 ms, we did find that the audiovisual integration of older adults was significantly greater than that of younger adults. These results delineate the temporal dynamics of the interactions with auditory attentional load and audiovisual integration in aging, suggesting that modulation of auditory attentional load affects audiovisual integration, enhancing it in older adults.
MScanFit motor unit number estimation of abductor pollicis brevis: Findings from different experimental parameters
Authors: Zong Ya , Lu Zhiyuan , Xu Peipei , Chen Maoqi , Deng Lianfu , Li Sheng , Zhang Yingchun , Xie Qing , Zhou Ping
Published: October 2022

MScanFit motor unit number estimation (MUNE) based on the recording of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan has wide applications. This study evaluated the effect of different CMAP scan settings on MScanFit MUNE. CMAP scan of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle was performed in 10 healthy subjects at a United States (US) research center using different stimulus pulse widths (0.1, 0.2 ms) and total number of stimuli or steps (500, 1,000), and in 12 healthy subjects at a China research center using a 0.1 ms pulse width and 500 steps. MScanFit MUNE was derived using the default model parameters. A significantly higher MUNE was obtained using the shorter than longer pulse width; 84.70 ± 21.56 (500 steps) and 77.90 ± 27.62 (1,000 steps) at a pulse width of 0.1 ms vs. 67.60 ± 18.72 (500 steps) and 62.20 ± 15.82 (1,000 steps) at a pulse width of 0.2 ms (p < 0.05). However, MUNE was unrelated to the number of steps (500 vs. 1,000, p > 0.1). MUNE was significantly higher in persons studied in the China center (136.42 ± 32.46) than the US center (84.70 ± 21.56) despite each center using the same pulse widths and steps (p < 0.001). After excluding the ethnicity, age and experimenter factors, this significant difference is speculated to be partly related to different electrode size used in the two centers. The findings suggest that CMAP scan experimental parameters should remain consistent, so the MScanFit MUNE will not be compromised by non-physiological factors.
Complete remission of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in a pediatric patient with TTN gene mutation treated with brentuximab vedotin combined chemotherapy without anthracyclines: A case report
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Ligang , Sun Hao , Li Nan , Huang Shuang , Olinger Alexander , Xu Xiaolin , Wang Xiaoling , Duan Yanlong
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There is no guideline for the treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) in pediatric patients with titin (TTN) gene mutation and heart failure. We explored the feasibility of using brentuximab vedotin (BV) plus chemotherapy without anthracyclines to treat one pediatric HL patient with TTN mutation.

Case presentation

A 5-year and 7-month male patient was admitted to the hospital due to high fever and shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with stage IV IVB high-risk Hodgkin’s lymphoma (lymphocyte-depleted type) at admission. Echocardiography showed that the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 27%. The gene sequencing revealed a pathogenic variant in the TTN gene. Due to the risk of cardiotoxicity of anthracycline, he received 6 cycles of chemotherapy (no anthracyclines), 4 cycles of them plus BV with dosing 1.8 mg/kg, q3w. The tumor was reduced by 77% after 2 cycles of BV and 4 cycles of chemotherapy. At the end of 4 cycles of BV and six courses of chemotherapy, with complete remission achieved, the tumor was reduced by 85%. After 11 months of follow-up, the patient was still in complete remission with no adverse events reported, and his LVEF improved to 62%.

Conclusion

The combination of BV with chemotherapy is effective and well-tolerated for pediatric HL patients with TTN gene mutation.
How to improve adherence of guidelines for localized testicular cancer surveillance: A Delphi consensus study
Authors: Da Silva Angélique , Fléchon Aude , Coquan Elodie , Planchamp François , Culine Stéphane , Murez Thibaut , Méjean Arnaud , Pasquier David , Chevreau Christine , Fizazi Karim , Thiery-Vuilemin Antoine , Joly Florence
Published: October 2022

Stage-I testicular germ-cell tumor (TGCT) has excellent cure rates. Surveillance is fully included in patient’s management, particularly during the first years of follow-up. Surveillance guidelines differ between the academic societies, mainly concerning imaging frequency and long-term follow-up. We evaluated surveillance practice and schedules followed by French specialists and set up a DELPHI method to obtain a consensual surveillance program with an optimal schedule for patients with localized TGCT. First, an online survey on surveillance practice of stage-I TGCT based on clinical-cases was conducted among urologists, radiation-oncologists and medical-oncologists. These results were compared to ESMO/EAU and AFU guidelines. Then a panel of experts assessed surveillance proposals following a Delphi-CM. Statements were drafted after analysis of the previous survey and systematic literature review, with 2 successive rounds to reach a consensus. The study was conducted between July 2018 and May 2019. Concerning the first step: 61 participated to the survey (69% medical-oncologists, 15% urologists, 16% radiation-oncologists). About 65% of practitioners followed clinico-biological guidelines concerning 1 to 5 years of follow-up, but only 25% stopped surveillance after the 5th-year. No physician followed the EAU/ESMO guidelines of de-escalation chest imaging. Concerning the second step: 32 experts (78% medical-oncologists, 16% urologists, 6% radiation-oncologists) participated to the Delphi-CM. Thanks to Delphi-CM, a consensus was reached for 26 of the 38 statements. Experts agreed on clinico-biological surveillance modalities and end of surveillance after the 5th-year of follow-up. For seminoma, abdominal ultrasound was proposed as an option to the abdominopelvic (AP) scan for the 4th-year of follow-up. No consensus was reached regarding de-escalation of chest imaging. To conclude, the survey proved that French TGCT-specialists do not follow current guidelines. With Delphi-CM, a consensus was obtained for frequency of clinico-biological surveillance, discontinuation of surveillance after the 5th-year, stop of AP scan on the 4th-year of follow-up for seminoma. Questions remains concerning type and frequency of chest imaging.
Characterization of m6A-related lncRNA signature in neuroblastoma
Authors: Li Liming , Chen Sisi , Li Jianhong , Rong Guochou , Yang Juchao , Li Yunquan
Published: October 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) constitutes one of the most common modifications in mRNA, rRNA, tRNA, microRNA, and long-chain noncoding RNA. The influence of modifications of m6A on the stability of RNA depends upon the expression of methyltransferase (“writer”) and demethylase (“eraser”) and m6A binding protein (“reader”). In this study, we identified a set of m6A-related lncRNA expression profiles in neuroblastoma (NBL) based on the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) program. Thereupon, we identified two subgroups of neuroblastoma (high-risk group and low-risk group) by applying consensus clustering to m6A RNA methylation regulators (“Readers,”, “Writer,” and “Erase”). Relative to the low-risk group, the high-risk group correlates with a poorer prognosis. Moreover, the present study also revealed that the high-risk group proves to be significantly positively enriched in the tumor-related signaling pathways, including the P53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, and DNA repair. This finding indicates that these molecular prognostic markers may also be potentially valuable in early diagnosis, which provides a new research direction for the study of molecular mechanisms underlying the development of NBL. In conclusion, this study constructed a new model of NBL prognosis based on m6a-associated lncRNAs. Ultimately, this model is helpful for stratification of prognosis and development of treatment strategies.
Association between nutritional status, physical fitness and executive functions in preadolescents: A person-centered approach
Authors: Zhu Yuxin , Sun Fenghua , Tao Sisi , Cooper Simon B. , Gao Tian-Yu
Published: October 2022

Objective

In the current study, a person-centered approach was adopted to investigate the relationship between nutritional status and physical fitness profiles and executive functions (EF) in preadolescents.

Methods

Participants (Mage = 10.8 years; Male = 50.8%) were recruited from two primary schools in Hong Kong. Nutritional status [body mass index (BMI)], physical fitness including cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, predicted VO2max, multi-stage fitness test) and speed-agility (20-m sprint) were measured on school days. EF performance was measured using the Flanker task (inhibition) and the Sternberg task (working memory).

Results

Data from 120 preadolescents were considered valid. Three distinct profiles were identified by a person-centered approach. Profile 1 was featured by high BMI (21.61 ± 3.38 kg/m2), poor VO2max (33.29 ± 23.96 ml/kg/min), and slow 20-m sprint (4.51 ± 0.13 s). Profile 2 was featured by low BMI (15.99 ± 3.38), fair VO2max (44.98 ± 23.96) and fast 20-m sprint (3.97 ± 0.13). Profile 3 was featured by low BMI (15.63 ± 3.38), poor VO2max (32.37 ± 23.96), and slow 20-m sprint (4.48 ± 0.13). Wald chi-square test revealed preadolescents in profile 1 and profile 2 performed better than profile 3 in accuracy of Flanker task (1 vs. 3: χ2 = 12.23, P < 0.001; 2 vs. 3: χ2 = 10.86, P = 0.001). That is, for normal weight preadolescents with poor CRF and speed-agility, those with superior nutritional status performed better in inhibition. For normal weight preadolescents with poor nutritional status, those with superior CRF and speed-agility had better inhibitory capacity.

Conclusion

Compared to the commonly used variable-centered approach, this person-centered approach is a valuable addition that expands the understanding of the association between nutritional status, physical fitness and EF in preadolescents. Results are discussed with regards to maximizing health behaviors and implications for educational policy.
Significance of multiple solutions on the dynamics of ethylene glycol conveying gold and copper nanoparticles on a shrinking surface
Authors: Naveed Khan Muhammad , Alhowaity Sawsan , Wang Zhentao , Alqahtani Aisha M. , Tag-eldin Elsayed , Yassen Mansour F.
Published: October 2022

All previously published data on the dynamics of ethylene glycol conveying copper and gold nanoparticles over a convective surface, nothing is known about the importance of dual branch solutions. Hybrid nanofluids improve the thermal conductivity of the fluid. The nanoparticles copper and gold having ethylene glycol as a base fluid are used here. The flow problem is described over a stretching/shrinking surface with the influence of Ohmic heating, non-linear radiation, and a convectively heated surface. Furthermore, the magnetic field strength is applied perpendicular to the direction of the flow. To control the fluid, flow-governing equations are numerically solved by using bvp4c, a built-in approach in MATLAB. For hybrid nanomaterials, the consequence of different physical parameters is discussed graphically and with tabular data. A comparison with previous findings reveals that the present findings are in good agreement. The results revealed that the coefficient of skin friction for the physically stable branch declines over a certain range of shrinking parameters; nonetheless, for the unstable branch, the reverse pattern is discovered. The magnetic force diminishes the flow field and energy dispersion in the upper branch but improves it in the lower branch.
Genome-wide identification of the mango CONSTANS (CO) family and functional analysis of two MiCOL9 genes in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Yuan , Luo Cong , Liang Rongzhen , Lan Moying , Yu Haixia , Guo Yihang , Chen Shuquan , Lu Tingting , Mo Xiao , He Xinhua
Published: October 2022

CONSTANS/CONSTANS-like(CO/COL) transcription factors play a vital role in the photoperiodic flowering pathway. However, the biological functions ofCOLgenes in mango are unclear. In this study, we identified 31COLgenes from the ‘Jin Huang’ mango genome and divided them into three groups according to the specific gene structure and protein domain characteristics. These 31MiCOLgenes were heterogeneously distributed on 14 chromosomes. Expression pattern analysis showed that mostMiCOLgenes were mainly expressed in leaves and stems and during the floral induction period, followed by the floral differentiation period. The expression ofCOLgenes was induced by drought and salt stress, but the expression patterns of different genes were different, which may suggest thatMiCOLgenes are involved in the abiotic stress response of mango. Under salt and drought conditions, twoMiCOL9genes can improve the resistance ofArabidopsisby improving the scavenging ability of ROS and proline accumulation and reducing the MDA content. Additionally, overexpression ofMiCOL9genes significantly inhibited flowering in transgenicArabidopsis. This work provides an important foundation for understanding the biological roles of mangoCOLgenes in plant growth, development and stress responses.
Effects of Asian cultural values on parenting style and young children’s perceived competence: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yim Eunice Pui-Yu
Published: October 2022

Authoritarian parenting has long been associated with Western individualism and improved child development. This study examined the relationship between cultural values, parenting styles, and children’s perceived competence in Hong Kong. A total of 48 parents from local Chinese families, 49 parents from South Asian families, and 105 children (24 local Chinese and 81 South Asian) aged 5–6 years participated in the study. Self-report questionnaires on adherence to Asian cultural values and parenting style were administered to parents. The Pictorial Survey on Children’s Perceived Competence was administered to children by trained research assistants. The results contradicted two long-standing assumptions on Asian cultural values and parenting styles. First, higher adherence to Asian cultural values increased the likelihood of having an authoritarian parenting style. Second, authoritative parenting practices were more likely be associated with improved social–emotional competence in children. Multiple regression analyzes revealed a strong positive correlation between Asian cultural values and authoritative parenting style (R2 = 0.597). There was no association between parenting style and the development of competence in young children. However, a positive correlation was found between Asian cultural values and young children’s perceived competence. This study showed that components of collectivism and humility in Asian cultural values could have functional values that are essential for developing competencies in South Asian young children but not in local Chinese young children. This study discussed the implications of cultural values sin the terms of contextualization, functional relevance of cultural values for ethnic minorities, and ideal parenting practices.
Knowledge, practice and attitude toward anabolic hormones and nutritional supplements among people practicing sports in the MENA region before and during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Eltewacy Nael Kamel , Nabil Soha , Sweedy Rahma , Marzo Roy Rillera , Hamza Nouran ,   The EARG Group
Published: October 2022

Introduction

During the COVID-19 lockdown, people's lifestyles have changed including their habits and physical activities. There has been an increase in anabolic hormones and nutritional supplement use among people who regularly do exercise in the MENA region. This study aims to assess knowledge, practice, and attitude toward the use of anabolic hormones and nutritional supplements among people who regularly exercise in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and to compare their exercise habits and hormones and supplements usage between before and during COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods

A self-administrated online Google form survey was carried out between February 2021 and April 2021. Five thousand eight hundred forty-five participants who regularly exercise and aged ≥18 years responded to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms and included five sections: demographic, training characters, knowledge, practice, and attitude.

Results

The participants mean age was 27.4 ± 8.6 years. Males represented 58.2 % of participants. 75.3% of the study participants had not used either hormones or supplements, and about 19% used supplements only. The mean percent score for knowledge, practice, and attitude were 39.3 ± 30.5, 1.1 ± 9.5, and 21.3 ± 23.8, respectively. Level of knowledge was higher among participants who worked in the medical field or as sports coaches. The practice was higher among male participants. The most commonly used anabolic hormones and nutritional supplements were steroids and proteins with bodybuilding being the most common purpose. Internet was the main source of information and pharmacy was the main source for procuring these substances. There was a significant decrease in proteins, carbohydrates, and sports drinks used during the COVID-19 lockdown compared to before the COVID-19 lockdown, while a statistically significant increase in vitamins used during the COVID-19 lockdown compared to before COVID-19 lockdown.

Discussion

In the MENA region, there has been an increase in the use of anabolic hormones and nutritional supplements. Most of the population has low knowledge of the harmful effect of uncontrolled, uninformed and unmonitored use of these substances Therefore, increasing the awareness level of participants and sports coaches should be a priority to limit the unsupervised use of hormones and supplements.
Develop and validate nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival for patients with testicular yolk sac tumors
Authors: Li Maoxian , Wang Jinkui , Li Jinfeng , Zhang Yongbo , Zhao Xing , Lin Yang , Deng Changkai , Li Fulin , Peng Qiang
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Testicular yolk sac tumor (TYST) is a rare malignant germ cell tumor that mainly occurs in young men. Due to the low incidence of yolk sac tumors, there is a lack of prospective cohort studies with large samples. We aimed to develop a nomogram to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with TYST.

Materials and methods

Patient information was downloaded from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. We enrolled all patients with TYST from 2000 to 2018, and all patients were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify independent risk factors for patients. We constructed a nomogram based on the multivariate Cox regression model to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS in patients with TYST. We used a series of validation methods to test the accuracy and reliability of the model, including the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

619 patients with TYST were enrolled in the study. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, T stage, M stage and chemotherapy were independent risk factors for CSS. A nomogram was constructed to predict the patient's CSS. The C-index of the training set and the validation set were 0.901 (95%CI: 0.859–0.847) and 0.855 (95%CI: 0.865–0.845), respectively, indicating that the model had excellent discrimination. The AUC showed the same results. The calibration curve also indicated that the model had good accuracy.

Conclusions

In this study, we constructed the nomogram for the first time to predict the CSS of patients with TYST, which has good accuracy and reliability and can help doctors and patients make clinical decisions.
Prevalence and determinants of smoking behavior among physicians in emergency department: A national cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Zong Qiao , Li Hui , Jiang Nan , Gong Yanhong , Zheng Jianwei , Yin Xiaoxv
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To understand the current status of smoking behavior among emergency physicians in China and to explore its determinants.

Background

The emergency department is considered a more appropriate setting for tobacco interventions. However, the smoking behavior of emergency physicians can reduce the effectiveness of interventions for patient smoking behavior.

Methods

From July to August 2018, we conducted a structured online questionnaire among Chinese emergency medicine physicians. We used descriptive analysis with binary logistic regression to analyze the current smoking status of Chinese emergency physicians and its determinants.

Results

A total of 10,457 emergency physicians were included in this study. The prevalence of smoking among physicians was 25.35% (with 34.15 and 1.59% among male and female physicians, respectively). Results of logistic regression showed that postgraduate education (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.41–0.66), chief-level title (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.97), and regular exercise habits (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.76–0.92) were associated with a lower risk of smoking behavior. However, being over 50 years old (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.29–2.27), being fixed-term (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10–1.42), and having depressive symptoms (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.28–1.61) were associated with a higher risk of smoking.

Conclusion

The prevalence of smoking behavior among emergency physicians in China is high. Hospital management could reduce the incidence of smoking behavior among emergency physicians by strengthening smoking cessation training, paying attention to physicians' psychological health, reducing pressure on physicians in fixed-term positions, and encouraging physicians to develop regular exercise habits.
Nano-intrinsic security primitives with redox-based resistive memory
Authors: Kim Jeeson
Published: October 2022

Physical unclonable function (PUF) exploits advantages of otherwise undesirable non-idealities to create physical systems that are difficult to copy even with the same manufacturing process. Nano-intrinsic PUFs use the variability of nanotechnology per hardware instance as a source of cryptographic randomness. Among various emerging memories, redox-based resistive memory (ReRAM) is a promising candidate for providing next-generation low-cost, low-power, ultra-small PUF-based security solutions. This review shows various ReRAM-based PUF implementations and their key features. We compare their performance and discuss which properties of ReRAM to focus on for effective PUF implementation.
Estimation of the Optimal Spherical Harmonics Order for the Interpolation of Head-Related Transfer Functions Sampled on Sparse Irregular Grids
Authors: Bau David , Arend Johannes M. , Pörschmann Christoph
Published: October 2022

Conventional individual head-related transfer function (HRTF) measurements are demanding in terms of measurement time and equipment. For more flexibility, free body movement (FBM) measurement systems provide an easy-to-use way to measure full-spherical HRTF datasets with less effort. However, having no fixed measurement installation implies that the HRTFs are not sampled on a predefined regular grid but rely on the individual movements of the subject. Furthermore, depending on the measurement effort, a rather small number of measurements can be expected, ranging, for example, from 50 to 150 sampling points. Spherical harmonics (SH) interpolation has been extensively studied recently as one method to obtain full-spherical datasets from such sparse measurements, but previous studies primarily focused on regular full-spherical sampling grids. For irregular grids, it remains unclear up to which spatial order meaningful SH coefficients can be calculated and how the resulting interpolation error compares to regular grids. This study investigates SH interpolation of selected irregular grids obtained from HRTF measurements with an FBM system. Intending to derive general constraints for SH interpolation of irregular grids, the study analyzes how the variation of the SH order affects the interpolation results. Moreover, the study demonstrates the importance of Tikhonov regularization for SH interpolation, which is popular for solving ill-posed numerical problems associated with such irregular grids. As a key result, the study shows that the optimal SH order that minimizes the interpolation error depends mainly on the grid and the regularization strength but is almost independent of the selected HRTF set. Based on these results, the study proposes to determine the optimal SH order by minimizing the interpolation error of a reference HRTF set sampled on the sparse and irregular FBM grid. Finally, the study verifies the proposed method for estimating the optimal SH order by comparing interpolation results of irregular and equivalent regular grids, showing that the differences are small when the SH interpolation is optimally parameterized.
Natural Computing-Based Designing of Hybrid UHMWPE Composites for Orthopedic Implants
Authors: Arulraj Vinoth , Datta Shubhabrata , Davim João Paulo
Published: October 2022

The current study deals with the design of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) composites by integrating various micro and nanoparticles as reinforcements for enhanced performance of acetabular cups in hip prostheses. For the design, a data-driven design approach was implemented, exploiting natural computing techniques such as Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Genetic Algorithm (GA). Experimental data related to UHMWPE reinforced with carbon nanotube, graphene, carbon fiber, and hydroxyapatite were gathered from the published works of previous researchers. To study the relationship between the volume fraction and the morphology of the particles with the tribological and mechanical properties of the composites, ANN modeling and sensitivity analyses were used. Optimization of the properties was done with the developed ANN models as objective functions in order to find the optimal combinations of reinforcements, which helps to achieve enhanced tribo-mechanical properties of the composites. This natural computing approach of designing the UHMWPE composites paved a way for experimentation.
Wholesale Electricity Price Forecasting Using Integrated Long-Term Recurrent Convolutional Network Model
Authors: Sridharan Vasudharini , Tuo Mingjian , Li Xingpeng
Published: October 2022

Electricity price forecasts have become a fundamental factor affecting the decision-making of all market participants. Extreme price volatility has forced market participants to hedge against volume risks and price movements. Hence, getting an accurate price forecast from a few hours to a few days ahead is very important and very challenging due to various factors. This paper proposes an integrated long-term recurrent convolutional network (ILRCN) model to predict electricity prices considering the majority of contributing attributes to the market price as input. The proposed ILRCN model combines the functionalities of a convolutional neural network and long short-term memory (LSTM) algorithm along with the proposed novel conditional error correction term. The combined ILRCN model can identify the linear and nonlinear behavior within the input data. ERCOT wholesale market price data along with load profile, temperature, and other factors for the Houston region have been used to illustrate the proposed model. The performance of the proposed ILRCN electricity price forecasting model is verified using performance/evaluation metrics like mean absolute error and accuracy. Case studies reveal that the proposed ILRCN model shows the highest accuracy and efficiency in electricity price forecasting as compared to the support vector machine (SVM) model, fully connected neural network model, LSTM model, and the traditional LRCN model without the conditional error correction stage.
Age-Related Changes in Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Utilization
Authors: Salvatore Sabrina S. , Zelenski Kyle N. , Perkins Ryan K.
Published: October 2022

The cardiovascular and skeletal muscle systems are intrinsically interconnected, sharing the goal of delivering oxygen to metabolically active tissue. Deficiencies within those systems that affect oxygen delivery to working tissues are a hallmark of advancing age. Oxygen delivery and utilization are reflected as muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and are assessed using near-infrared resonance spectroscopy (NIRS). SmO2 has been observed to be reduced by ~38% at rest, ~24% during submaximal exercise, and ~59% during maximal exercise with aging (>65 y). Furthermore, aging prolongs restoration of SmO2 back to baseline by >50% after intense exercise. Regulatory factors that contribute to reduced SmO2 with age include blood flow, capillarization, endothelial cells, nitric oxide, and mitochondrial function. These mechanisms are governed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the cellular level. However, mishandling of ROS with age ultimately leads to alterations in structure and function of the regulatory factors tasked with maintaining SmO2. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the current state of the literature regarding age-related effects in SmO2. Furthermore, we attempt to bridge the gap between SmO2 and associated underlying mechanisms affected by aging.
Russian ballet of the early 20th century in Europe
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Culture of the Russian State University named after A.N. Kosygin, Vladimirova Eu.L.
Published: October 2022

Familiarization of Europeans with Russian culture through ballet (ballets “Petrushka” by M. Fokine, “The Rite of Spring” by V. Nijinsky, artistic design / scenery by A.N. Benois (“The World of Art”) and N.K. Roerich.
“Paradoxical” Alexey Losev in essay-dialogue “The Weightlessness”
Authors:   Institute of Philology of Moscow Pedagogical State University, Kislitsyna E.А.
Published: October 2022

In the article, the author turns to the analysis of the multifaceted talent of the Russian philosopher Alexey Fedorovich Losev, who, in addition to well-known works on philosophy and aesthetics, left a considerable corpus of artistic and journalistic works. The article analyzes the so-called “conversation” of Losev, a publication for the newspaper “Soviet Culture”, prepared by him in 1971 and representing a somewhat fictionalized story about himself, built in the form of a conversation between Losev himself and a certain guest and intended for young people.
Thunderstorm motif in creativity of Konstantin Paustovsky
Authors:   Institute of Philology of Moscow Pedagogical State University, Borisova D.M.
Published: October 2022

In the paper the author refers to the motive method of analysis of fiction in relation to the prose of Russian author Konstantin Paustovsky, whose 130-th anniversary is celebrated this year. It is noted that the image of a thunderstorm has become a stable motif of Russian prose and poetry since the 18th century. An attempt is made to show that Paustovsky’s thunderstorm motif is associated not only with a virtuoso description of a natural phenomenon, but is associated with the emergence of a whole range of thoughts, experiences, allusions that make up the socio-psychological background of the perception of nature, in which Paustovsky follows the tradition of Russian literature of the 19th century.
High-rise building on Kotelnicheskaya as a cultural monument of Moscow in the 20th century
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Culture of the Russian State University named after A.N. Kosygin, Oytseva A.S.
Published: October 2022

The article tells about the history of construction and architecture of a high-rise building on Kotelnicheskaya embankment. It also describes the features of the furnishings of high-rise apartments. It tells about the public institutions located in the house. The names of people who lived in the skyscraper are also mentioned.