bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Methodological Problems of the Research of N. Berdyaev’s Heritage
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Pavlov Ilia I.
Published: October 2021

The article works out the methodology of intellectual history applicable to the complex approach to the philosophy of N. Berdyaev. The current discussions on Berdyaev’s heritage consider Berdyaev’s work in the context of the world history of thought. Nevertheless, there is no consensus not only on the question of which philosophical school Berdyaev belongs to, but even on the problem of attributing Berdyaev’s figure to certain discipline. Thus, a comprehensive methodology of intellectual history, based on the ideas of the Cambridge school (Q. Skinner) and secularization theories, is relevant to tackle this task. The ap­proach developed by the author aims to consider the texts of the philosopher as real actions carried out in a particular social and political context to make a valuable impact on it. In contrast to the political texts traditionally considered in Cambridge approach, in the case of studying religious philosophy this metho­dology should also consider the relationship of philosophical discursive practices with religious discourse, religious practices and institutional church relations regulating them. The application of these methodological considerations to the research of Berdyaev’s philosophy demonstrates prospects of study the influ­ence of political and religious discussions at the beginning of the 20th century on the formation of the late doctrine of the philosopher
Vyacheslav Ivanov’s “Russian Idea” in the Context of his Philosophy of Culture: an Attempt of Interpretation “The Tale of Tsarevich Svetomir”
Authors:   National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, Doronina Anna A.
Published: October 2021

The author refers to the most “mysterious” work of Vyacheslav Ivanov which was essentially his testament. It is shown that “The Tale of Tsarevich Svetomir” is the quintessence of Ivanov’s philosophical worldview. The author maintains that some key concepts of Ivanov’s cultural philosophy find their artistic embod­iment in the “Tale”: symbol, myth, Russian idea, element. The author examines the genre classification of the “Tale” and concludes that the Ivanov’s choice of the genre of the work was determined by the use of folklore material in the framework of modernist literary experiments, which is characteristic of the poet­ics of Silver Age. The distinctive features of Ivanov's symbolism in relation to the artistic trends of the Silver Age are also indicated. The mythological form of the “Tale” reflects Ivanov's philosophy of mythology which can be therefore un­derstood as a structure-forming principle of the artwork. This makes it possible to use the basic concepts of Ivanovs’s symbolism as hermeneutic keys to “The Tale of Tsarevich Svetomir”. The final part of the article justifies the hy­pothesis that the Russian idea qua myth constitutes the main content of “The Tale of Tsarevich Svetomir”
The Concept of Artificial Intelligence and its Prospects from the Perspective of the Living Ethics’ Philosophy
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Falev Egor V.
Published: October 2021

The article considers the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) using categories and basic principles of the consciousness theory developed in the Living Ethics (LE). The latter is a modern form of the ancient tradition of exploring conscious­ness in Indian philosophy and spiritual practice. Categorial apparatus of Indian philosophy contains rich variety of distinction which may be successfully imple­mented also in the modern cognitive researches. The article shows that more pre­cise definitions of the basic concepts allow to fulfill strict delimitation between “strong” and “weak” AI as well as between what is possible and what completely impossible regarding AI. Strong AI in a sense of possessing “subjective presenta­tions” appears to be impossible. But, a deeper understanding of nature of con­sciousness in LE allows to move the limits of what is considered as possible for the weak AI. First, LE asserts mechanical mode of operation underlying the most of intellectual operations. Hence, even “weak AI” may fulfill many functions which were before attributed only to “strong AI”. Second, LE defines conscious­ness and intelligence as inherent inner potential powers of material systems, manifesting also in their ability and tendency to self-organization. Therefore, some features of “artificial” intelligence may be reconsidered as manifestations of intrinsic “intelligence” of matter, which also implies wider possibilities for AI systems. Some parallels appear with major Western philosophers such as G. Bruno, Leibnitz, H. Bergson, E. Husserl, including recent approaches of N. Luhmann’s systems theory and B. Latour’s actor-network theory
The Transhumanism, the Science and the Pseudoscience: in Search of Neomodern
Authors:   Saratov State University, Tikhonova Sophia V.
Published: October 2021

The article deals with transhumanism searches of Neomodern. In our opinion, re­turn to humanistic ideals of the Modern, their revival and search of their new quality become a vector of modern researches of understanding of consequences of techno-science development. A Neomodern searches transhumanism tend to revive the belief in human Mind. The contradictory, polemical and equivocal re­lations between the academic philosophy and marginal transhumanism don’t stop their mutual enrichment as result the forming of the reciprocal discourse field of human nature. The goal-setting in transhumanistic thinkers projects of autoevolu­tion is determined by two poles – 1) science as a source of advanced technologies and 2) a pseudoscience, producing primitive and vulgar representations about op­portunities of modern technologies. The history of transhumanism shows experi­ence of continuous revision of ideas about the new scientific research directions. Philosophical searches of transhumanists have got the ambivalent character; it gives the grounds for opposite estimates of this trend (optimism/pessimism, hu­manism/antihumanism), however people steadily are transhumanistic target audi­ence, and free finding of human happiness – the main subject.
The Evolution of Anthropocentrism in the Perspective of the Complexity Approach
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Arshinov Vladimir I.
Published: October 2021

The evolution of human civilization in the 21st century is increasingly recog­nized as a convergent-divergent coevolution of a hybrid anthropo-techno-socio-reality, in the context of which digital reality plays a special role, the epistemo­logical-ontological status of which is still poorly understood. The hypothesis is put forward, according to which the digital reality is nothing more than an addi­tion or extension of the semiotic reality. Possible approaches to its comprehen­sion in the context of the emerging paradigm of complex thinking in the optics of a second-order network observer are discussed. This approach implies, among other things, the rejection of hierarchically understood anthropocentrism in favor of a new network-centric anthropocentrism, the restart of the dialogue between man and nature (Prigogine), in which nature is endowed, among other things, with an agent-subject status in a certain sense, on an equal footing with man. Quite often, this transition is referred to as the transition of human civilization to a new state of posthumanism or transhumanism, while linking the latter with the coming era of total digitalization. However, these terms are obviously insuffi­cient to characterize the “here and now” state of the earth’s civilization. Perhaps a more appropriate term-concept would be the concept of metahumanism
Digital Technologies: Reality and Centaurs of Imagination
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Gerasimova Irina A.
Published: October 2021

The article combines historical, cultural and systematic approaches to the analysis of digital transformations of society and man. Digital technologies play a crucial role in the transformation of economy, politics and society at the new stage of technologization. Developments and strategic projects for the introduction of arti­ficial intelligence, robotics, augmented and hybrid realities are implemented not only in the areas of dangerous, labor-intensive and routine work (i.e. in military affairs, industry, financial and economic operations), but also in the intellectual and creative spheres. The global time of change requires a global-system analysis. The invention of high information technologies and the interest of big business in the one-sided technologization of society disrupted the balanced co-evolution of computer technology and society. The author offers a noo-eco-geosystem ap­proach to the analysis of the crisis of technogenic civilization and the search for ways out of it. The complex grid of coordinates of the analysis includes planetary-physical, geo-ecological, geopolitical, geo-economical, geo-social, national socio-cultural, ethical and anthropological dimensions. The noo-eco-geosystem ap­proach makes it possible to reveal the catastrophic risks of digital economy and society strategies. The author considers energy and information and communica­tion technologies as catalysts for the accelerated transformation of society and the individual. These catalysts allow us to identify both the negative and positive as­pects of the global processes of evolution, as well as the “positive in the nega­tive”. The system analysis of digital transformations of society and man assumes consideration of methodological aspects of opportunities and limitations of tech­nologies. The destructive and purifying character of the transformations of nature and society is considered as a self-organizing process of the formation of the global world order, the future picture of the world and the qualitative transforma­tions of the mind on the basis of the values of noospheric ethics and geosociality
The Finite Fractional Hilbert Transform
Authors: Abdullah Naheed , Iqbal Saleem
Published: October 2021

In the present paper, we introduce the finite fractional Hilbert transform. Parseval-type identities concerning finite fractional Hilbert transform are proved. Moreover, we obtain inequality for finite fractional Hilbert transform of β— Hölder continuous functions. Applications for some functions are also provided.
A Real World Study: What is The Proper Dose of PEG-rhG-CSF for Grade IV Myelosuppression in Asian Cancer Patients?
Authors: Fu Changfang , Li Yan , Han Xinhua
Published: October 2021

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of different doses of PEGylated recombinant human granulocyte stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-SF) for grade IV myelosuppression in Asian cancer patients.Methods One hundred and thirty-two cases of patients with malignant tumors who had grade IV myelosuppression after chemotherapy from January 2019 to December 2020 were collected. According to the different doses, they were divided into two groups: 76 cases in group A (3mg PEG-rhG-CSF) and 56 cases in group B (6mg PEG-rhG-CSF). Clinical efficacy and adverse reactions were compared, and treatment cost was calculated so that cost-effectiveness analysis in pharmacoeconomic was compared between two groups.Results There was no significant difference in clinical efficacy between group A and group B (p > 0.05). There were no death, febrile neutropenia (FN) and hospitalization during the chemotherapy cycles. The incidences of adverse reactions were 15.79% and 32.14% in group A and group B and showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). The cost of these two regimens was RMB 1713 for group A and RMB 3418 for group B, the regimen in group A was more economical.Conclusion The regimen in group A (3mg PEG-rhG-CSF) is the proper option for grade IV myelosuppression in Asian cancer patients, considering the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness analysis.
Circularly Polarized (CP) Wideband on Fabric (Textile) Stealth MIMO Antenna for Wearable Wireless UWB Applications
Authors: Laxman Pillalamarri , JAIN ANUJ
Published: October 2021

Stealth wearable wireless devices gained popularity in the personal security and fashion design industry. A multiple-input-output (MIMO) wideband circularly polarized textile is described in the present paper, where a wearable application uses a multiple-input-output (M.I.M.O). It consists of two MIMO antennas, the resonating elements are shaped like a peacock, and the ground plane is similar to a beautiful peacock. A voltage is applied to each antenna element; the ground plane contains a a Peacock-shaped small strip antenna used for circular polarizing. The antenna covers 3dB Axial Ratio Band-Width (A.R.B.W.) of 5.0–7.0 GHz and impedance bandwidth (S11 ≤ −10.5 dB) of 3.7–13.5 GHz. The improved fabric-textile Multple-input-multiple-output antenna showing Channel-Capacity-Loss about (C.C.L) <0.20 bits/sec/Hz, & Envelope-Correlation-Coefficient (E.C.C) less than 0.021, Total Active-Reflective-Coefficient (T.A.R.C) close to -10.4 dB , DiversityGain (D.G) close to 9.96, Mean-Effective-Gain (M.E.G) ratio close to ±0.5 dB . A Specific-Absorption-Rate(S.A.R) of the proposed antenna for tissues of human specimens is also discussed for different situations pertaining to the human body. The final dimention of the presented Circularly-Polarized textile wearable Multple-input-multiple-output antenna is 34:5×41×1.1mm3. The proposed antenna can make unrecognizable because of the beautiful peacock design that can easily mix with the designs of fabric.
Development and Validation of a Simple-to-Use Nomogram to Predict 3-Year Recurrence rate of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Lin Yaduan , Zhu Shuo , He Fanchen , Wei Jiachun , Lu Han , Huang Chenlingzi , Shu Shanrong
Published: October 2021

Objective: To establish a reliable nomogram model to predict the recurrence rate of ovarian cancer after surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 216 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer in our hospital, of which 164 cases were considered valid. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the possible predictors. After that, a nomogram model based on those significantly related predictors was established. We used the bootstrap to internally validate the predictive ability of the nomogram model and used the decision curve analysis (DCA) to compare the performance of the FIGO stage with this model. Results: The nomogram included seven significant recurrence predictors: age, histology type, FIGO stage, omentum involvement, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), liver metastasis, and serum CA125. The measurement values for accuracy were Brier score 0.131, correction slope 1.00, and c-index 0.870. which demonstrated this model had a good predictive ability. Compared with the FIGO stage, this hybrid model is more superior in predicting recurrence risk in ovarian cancer patients. Conclusions: We developed and validated a non-invasion and user-friendly nomogram model to predict the recurrence risk of patients with ovarian cancer after surgery.
Aizoon Extract As a Novel Eco-friendly Corrosion Inhibitor For Stainless Steel430 in HCl Solution
Authors: Molouk Ahmed F. , Atia Mohamed F. , Fouda Abd El-Aziz  S.
Published: October 2021

Aizoon extract used as anti-corrosion for stainless steel430 (SS430) in 2M hydrochloric acid solution. The mass reduction, electrochemical impedance, and potentiodynamic polarization were carried out to demonstrate the performance of Aizoon extract as corrosion resistance for SS430. Polarization revealed that the Aizoon extract is mixed type inhibitor with superiority to inhibiting the cathodic reaction. The inhibition percentage reaches 93% at 300 ppm extract. Adsorption of the extract on SS430 surface is regular with Langmuir adsorption model. Thermodynamic factors for adsorption and activation processes for SS430 dissolution were estimated and discussed. Furthermore, the SS430 surface is characterized using different techniques. The surface morphology of SS430 was tested utilizing several techniques. The experimental data were supported by the theoretical data.
Understanding Saffron Biology using Omics- and Bioinformatics Tools- A Step Towards Genome Modified Crocus sp.
Authors: Husaini Amjad M. , Haq Syed Anam ul , Jiménez Alberto José López
Published: October 2021

Saffron is a unique plant in many respects and its cellular processes are regulated at multiple levels. The genetic makeup in the form of eight chromosome triplets (2n = 3x = 24) with a haploid generic content (genome size) of 3.45 Gbp is decoded into different types of RNA by transcription. The RNA then translates into peptides and functional proteins, sometimes involving post-translational modifications too. The interactions of genome, transcriptome, proteome and other regulatory molecules ultimately result in the complex set of primary and secondary metabolites of saffron metabolome. These complex interactions manifest in the form of a set of traits ‘phenome’ peculiar to saffron. The phenome responds to the environmental changes occurring in and around saffron and modify its response in respect of growth, development, disease response, stigma quality, apocarotenoid biosynthesis, etc. Understanding these complex relations between different yet interconnected biological activities is quite challenging in saffron where classical genetics has a very limited role owing to its sterility, and the whole genome sequencing has not been done. Omics-based technologies are immensely helpful in overcoming these limitations and develop a better understanding of saffron biology. In addition to creating a comprehensive picture of the molecular mechanisms involved in apocarotenoid synthesis, stigma biogenesis, corm activity, flower development, etc. omics-technologies will ultimately lead to the engineering of saffron plants with improved phenome. In this review, we discuss the role of omics-technologies and bioinformatics tools in studying saffron biology, and in its improvement.
Associations Between Corpus Callosum Damage, Clinical Disability, and Surface-Based Homologous Inter-Hemispheric Connectivity in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Russo Andrew W. , Stockel Kirsten E. , Tobyne Sean M. , Ngamsombat Chanon , Brewer Kristina , Nummenmaa Aapo , Huang Susie Y. , Klawiter Eric C.
Published: October 2021

Axonal damage in the corpus callosum is prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although callosal damage is associated with disrupted functional connectivity between hemispheres, it is unclear how this relates to cognitive and physical disability. We investigated this phenomenon using advanced measures of microstructural integrity in the corpus callosum and surface-based Homologous Inter-hemispheric Connectivity (sHIC) in the cortex. We found that sHIC was significantly decreased in primary motor, somatosensory, visual, and temporal cortical areas in a group of 36 participants with MS (29 relapsing-remitting, 4 secondary progressive MS, and 3 primary progressive MS) compared with 42 healthy controls (cluster level, p < 0.05). In participants with MS, global sHIC correlated with fractional anisotropy and restricted volume fraction in the posterior segment of the corpus callosum (r = 0.433, p = 0.013; r = 0.325, p = 0.021). Lower sHIC, particularly in somatomotor and posterior cortical areas, was associated with cognitive impairment and higher disability scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). We demonstrated that higher levels of sHIC attenuated the effects of posterior callosal damage on physical disability and cognitive dysfunction, as measured by the EDSS and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (interaction effect, p < 0.05). We also observed a positive association between global sHIC and years of education (r = 0.368, p = 0.018), supporting the phenomenon of “brain reserve” in MS. Our data suggests that preserved sHIC helps prevent cognitive and physical decline in MS.
Features of Sepsis With Worse Outcomes in the ICU Admissions: a Cohort Study From Quick Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Tong Dao-Ming. , Zhou Ye-Ting. , Wang Shao-Dan. , Wang Guang-Sheng. , Wang Yuan-Wei. , Wang Ying. , Zhou Jin-Jin.
Published: October 2021

Background: Sepsis is still a global public health priority. We aimed to investigate the features of sepsis with worse outcomes in a single ICU of China..Methods: We enrolled patients with acute critically ill with sepsis from ICU in China (Jan 1, 2018 to Nov 30, 2019). All patients underwent quick diagnostic tests before and after on admission. We collected data on the features of sepsis cases from hospital medical records and follow-up information. Outcomes were compared between patients who were survivors and those who were not.Results: Of 520 ICU admissions, 214 (41.2%) critically ill adults with sepsis were analyzed. The median age was 66 years (range 18-91 years) and 140 (65.4%) patients were males. 144 (78.3%) community-acquired pneumonia in 184 pneumonia cases were identified by quick chest CT and need mechanically ventilation in ICU. The rate of community- acquired sepsis was 73.8% (158/214) and was associated with a high risk of dynamic profile of inflammatory mediators for nonsurvivors. The initial common symptoms 0f sepsis were fever (42.5%), altered mental status/delirium (41.1%), acute coma (34.1%), and cough/dyspnea (29.9%). Based on data with significant univariate at initial 24 hours in ICU, the multivariate logistic analysis revealed a higher SIRS score (OR,4.7; 95% CI, 2.004-14.37), a higher SOFA score which mainly showed higher prevalent lungs and brain failure (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.299- 2.298), and a lower GCS score (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.673- 0.987) were established as early risk factors for sepsis in nonsurvivors. The mortality of sepsis was 55.6% at 28 days.Conclusions and relevance: Sepsis cases are mainly from community-acquired pneumonia. Severe SIRS and lungs/brain failure are related to the high mortality of sepsis.
An Uncharacterized Protein from the Metagenome with no Obvious Homology to known Lipases Shows Excellent Alkaline Lipase Properties and Potential Applications in the Detergent Industry
Authors: Li Gang , Xiao Yue , Liu Yi-De , Yuan Ge , Mao Run-Qian
Published: October 2021

A novel lipase, Lip486, which has no obvious homology with known lipases, was discovered using functional metagenomics technology. Phylogenetic tree analysis suggested that the enzyme belongs to a new subfamily called lipolytic enzyme family II. To explore the enzymatic properties, lip486 was expressed heterologously and efficiently in Escherichia coli. The recombinant enzyme displayed the highest activity on the substrate p-nitrophenyl caprate with a carbon chain length of 10, and its optimum temperature and pH were 53 °C and 8.0, respectively. The recombinant Lip486 showed good activity and stability in strong alkaline and medium-low -temperature environments. The results of compatibility and soaking tests showed that the enzyme had good compatibility with 4 kinds of commercial detergents, and an appropriate soaking time could further improve the enzyme activity. Oil stain removal test results for a cotton cloth indicated that the washing performance of commercial laundry detergent supplemented with Lip486 was further improved. In addition, as one of the smallest lipases found to date, Lip486 also has the advantages of high yield, good stability and easy molecular modification. These characteristics reflect the good application prospects for Lip486 in the detergent and other industries in the future.
A Novel Defined Pyroptosis-Related Gene Signature For Predicting the Prognosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hu Ding , Cao Qingfei , Tong Ming , Li Zizhi , Huang Weichao , Jin Yanyang , Tong Guangquan , Wang Yutao , Li Pengfei , Zhang Huashan
Published: October 2021

Background: Pyroptosis can not only inhibit the occurrence and development of tumors but also develop a microenvironment conducive to cancer growth. However, pyroptosis research in prostate cancer (PCa) has rarely been reported.Methods: The expression profile and corresponding clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Patients were divided into different clusters using consensus clustering analysis, and differential genes were obtained. We developed and validated a prognostic signature for biochemical recurrence (BCR) of PCa using univariate Cox analysis, LASSO-COX analysis, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves.Results: The expression levels of most pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) are different not only between normal and tumor tissues but also between different clusters. Cluster2 patients have a better prognosis than cluster1 patients, and there are significant differences in immune cell content and biological pathway between them. Based on the classification of different clusters, we constructed an eight genes signature that can independently predict the progression-free survival (PFS) rate of a patient, and this signature was validated using a GEO data set (GSE70769). Finally, we established a nomogram model with good usability.Conclusions: In this study, PRGs were used as the starting point and based on the expression profile and clinical data, a prognostic signature with a high predictive value for biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy (RP) was finally constructed, and the relationship between pyroptosis, immune microenvironment, and PCa was explored, providing important clues for future research on pyroptosis and immunity.
Application of Crude Enzymatic Extract In Mushroom Processing To Recover High Value Products
Authors: Otieno Ojwang Daniel , Jakim Mulaa F. , Obiero George , Midiwo Jacob
Published: October 2021

In the present study, a fungal strain was isolated from mushroom waste dump-site and was described based on the morphological and molecular characteristics. The crude enzymatic extract was prepared by fermenting pineapple peels using the newly isolated fungal strain under solid-state condition. The enzymatic saccharification conditions of mushroom were optimized using the central composite design based on the response surface methodology. The isolate had black colony color, conidial head biseriate and small conidia which are synonymous with Aspergillus niger. The phylogenetic analysis using the rDNA ITS sequencing further revealed that the isolate was identical (≥99%) to A. niger. The crude extract displayed CMCase, Fpase and xylanase activities of 20.73U/mL, 34.57U/mL and 118.03U/mL respectively. The saccharification using the crude extract at optimal conditions of pH 6.5, temperature 50oC, enzyme loading of 5% (v/v) and time of 12h achieved maximum glucose yield of 1.639 mg mL-1 which is 1.1 folds higher than the predicted value. This study demonstrated the potential use of crude enzymatic extract from the newly isolated A. niger as a viable and efficient low-cost approach to mushroom processing using enzymes.
IL35 Attenuated LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Regulating Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Chen Shengsong , Xia Jingen , Zhang Yi , Zhan Qing Yuan
Published: October 2021

Interleukin 35 (IL35) has been reported to play a role in acute lung injury (ALI); however, the current results on the relationship between IL35 and ALI are inconsistent. Therefore, we will further determine the function of IL35 in mouse ALI and its potential mechanism in this paper. HE staining and Masson staining were used to evaluate lung injury in mice. Immunohistochemical staining was used to calculate the expression of IL35 p35, TLR4 and MD2 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 and p-P65/P65. The expression levels of IL35 EBi3, CD68, CD206 and MPO were detected by immunofluorescence staining. RT–PCR was used to examine the expression levels of IL1β and IL6. TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptotic cells. Overexpression of IL35 alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice. IL35 overexpression decreased the expression of CD68 and increased the expression of CD206 in ALI mice. Furthermore, upregulation of IL35 expression obviously reduced the expression of MPO, IL1β and IL6 in lung tissues of mice with ALI. Mechanistically, IL35 suppressed the TLR4/NFκB-P65 pathway, leading to the promotion of M1 to M2 macrophage transition and inflammation relief in ALI in mice.
Nitrogen-Doped Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Inhibit Fat Deposition via Immunomodulatory Actions
Authors: Li Haifang , Xiao Xue , Hu Geng , He Dalin , Zhang Wenqian , Yu Guanliu , Liu Yan , Lin Yun , Lin Hai , Li Xianyao , Diao Youxiang , Tang Yi
Published: October 2021

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) offer immense opportunities to deliver drug and biomolecules to targeted tissues. However, it’s unclear for us about their effects on fat metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that nitrogen-doped carboxylate-functionalized MWCNTs (N-MWCNTs) inhibit fat deposition both in vivo and in vitro primarily by suppressing adipogenesis. N-MWCNTs show good biocompatability in HEK293 mammalian cells. Intramuscular administration of N-MWCNTs does not affect the body weight gain and feed intake of mice, but reduces the fat mass. In in vitro-cultured adipocytes, N-MWCNTs suppress fat accumulation, accompanying with decreased and increased expression of adipogenic and lipolysis genes, respectively. Transcriptome analysis further certified the N-MWCNT alteration of fat metabolism-related genes. Interestingly, we observed the phagocytosis of N-MWCNTs by macrophage-like cells via TEM imaging. The mRNA sequencing data also showed remarkable variation of the genes involved in TLRs pathway, ultimately leading to down- or up-regulation of inflammatory factors, of which Tnfα, Il1, Il7, Il10, and Il12 are decreased, whereas Il6 and Il11 are increased. In conclusion, N-MWCNTs induce the production of inflammatory cytokines through immune responses, which trigger the reduction of fat deposition. These findings support the usage of N-MWCNTs as a promising delivery for anti-obesity agents.
Learning Models for Forecasting Hospital Resource Utilization for COVID-19 Patients in Canada
Authors: Zhang Jianfei , Pathak Harini , Snowdon Anne , Greiner Russell
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed health systems and hospital capacity in Canada. Hospitals are facing a crisis-level shortage of critical supplies (e.g., hospital and ICU beds) and equipment (e.g., ventilators). This motivates our need for models that can accurately forecast regional demand for hospital resources. This work aims to create predictive models that can use Canada COVID-19 data and pandemic-related factors to accurately forecast 5 quantities -- three related to hospital resource utilization (i.e., number of hospital beds, ICU beds, and ventilators that will be needed by COVID-19 patients) and two to the pandemic progress (i.e., number of COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths) -- several weeks in advance. We developed a machine learning method that can use information (i.e., resource utilization, pandemic progress, population mobility, weather condition, and public policy) currently known about a region since March 2020, to learn 116 temporal convolutional network (TCN) models every week; each used for forecasting the weekly average of one of these 5 quantities in Canada (respectively, in six specific provinces) for each of the next 4 weeks -- e.g., on 20 Nov 2020, forecasting the average number of ICU beds that will be needed by COVID-19 patients in the region of Ontario for the week ending on 18 Dec 2020. We compared our method, versus other standard models, on the COVID-19 data and hospital resource data, on the tasks of predicting these 116 values, every week from Oct 2020 to July 2021. Experimental results show that our 4640 TCN models (each forecasting a regional target for a specific future time, on a specific date) can produce accurate forecasts of demand for every hospital resource (i.e., hospital beds, ICU beds, and ventilators) and pandemic progress (i.e., number of COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 deaths) for each week from 2 Oct 2020 to 2 July 2021. Compared to other state-of-the-art predictive models, our TCN models yield the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). We developed and validated an accurate COVID-19 forecasting method based on the TCN models that can effectively forecast the hospital resource utilization and pandemic progress for Canada and for each of six provinces.
The Pharmacological Effect of Tangshan Spring Water On HaCaT Cells Treated With TNF- α
Authors: Yue Shi , Xia Zheng , Minjie Shan , Fang Chen , Jia Liu , Cheng Tan , Shun Guo
Published: October 2021

Background

Patients with psoriasis were respond to balneotherapy clinically. The mechanism remains uncertain.
Objective

To explore the pharmacological effect of Tangshan Spring Water (TSW) on HaCaT cell pre-treated with TNF-α.
Materials and Methods

A psoriasis-like model was constructed from HaCaT cell line by treatment with TNF-α for 48h in vitro and validated by determination of K17 expression. Then the modelled cells were treated with TSW and sodium hydrosulfide (NAHS), respectively. The MTT assay and flow cytometric assay were conducted to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The mRNA level of K17 was quantified using qPCR. The expression of proteins associated with MAPK pathway was quantified by Western blot assay.
Results

TNF-α treatment promoted HaCaT cell proliferation and increased K17 expression. Results of the MTT assay showed that TSW and NAHS inhibited the proliferation of HaCaT cells and abolished the effects of TNF-α. Moreover, TSW and NAHS induced cell apoptosis and decreased K17 mRNA levels in the model. Interestingly, the effect of NAHS was superior to that of TSW. Western blot assay results revealed that p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK levels were elevated by TNF-α treatment, especially the expression of p-p38. Both TSW and NAHS decreased the phosphorylation level of p38 but not JNK. Treatment with NAHS decreased p-ERK but not TSW treatment.
Conclusion

TSW inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in TNF-α-treated HaCaT cells. Treatment with TSW inhibits K17 expression via suppressing the activity of MAPK signaling pathway. These pharmacological effects may be attributed to the fact that NAHS is enriched in TSW.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Childhood Revisited: Not Common, But Not Unknown- Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Leong Alison , Ramachandran Rajeev , Varughese Sajini Mary , Goh Lee Gan
Published: October 2021

Lethargy is a common non-specific complaint to primary care and has a broad range of differentials. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) should be considered when there is persistent fatigue affecting function and post- exertional malaise six months or longer and initial workup is not suggestive of other organic causes; it is a debilitating condition that would benefit from diagnosis and treatment. We present an adolescent with CFS, the disease timeline, its impact and outcome.
Prevalence and Awareness of Ergonomics and Physical Activities in Controlling Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sabbagh Heba , Shagagi Asma , Basheer Hanin , Mahmoud Rawa
Published: October 2021

Background

To assess the prevalence and awareness of ergonomics and physical activities in controlling work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among dental students, interns, and postgraduates at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University through a validated self-administered questionnaire. It was distributed among dental students from the fourth academic year to postgraduate level.
Results

A total of 402 students responded to the questionnaire; 337 (83.8%) reported suffering from musculoskeletal pain with 67.7% of participants did not take any measures to alleviate their symptoms and the majority reported limited physical activity. Females reported significantly higher MSD symptoms than males. Based on the location of the MSD pain, lower back pain (56.5%), neck pain (56.2%) and shoulder (50%) were the most frequently reported MSDs. There was a statistically significant difference in pain at various academic levels with undergraduate students reporting more pain than interns and postgraduate students (P= 0.009). The dental students' awareness of ergonomics and MSDs was found to be insufficient.
Conclusion

The prevalence of work-related MSDs is high among dental students at King Abdulaziz University, and awareness of ergonomics and MSDs among dental students is limited.
Optimization of DMD-based independent amplitude and phase modulation: a spatial resolution and quantization
Authors: Georgieva Alexandra , Belashov Andrey , Petrov Nikolay
Published: October 2021

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive statistical study on the optimization of the optical system for independent amplitude and phase wavefront manipulation, which is implemented on a binary digital micromirror device. Based on a statistical analysis of the data, an algorithm for selecting parameters (binary pattern carrier frequency, and aperture for first-order diffraction filtering) that ensures the optimal quality of the modulated wavefront was developed. This algorithm takes into account the type of modulation, i.e. amplitude, phase, or amplitude-phase type, the size of the coded distribution, and its requirements for spatial resolution and quantization. The results of this study will greatly contribute to modulated wavefront quality improvement in various applications with different requirements to spatial resolution and quantization.
A Novel lncRNA ENST00000530525 Affects ANO1 Contributing to Blood-Brain Barrier Injury in Cultured hCMEC/D3 Cells Under OGD/R Conditions.
Authors: Jiang Wen , Li Jie , Cai Yuefang , Liu Wenchen , Chen Mei , Xu Xiaoying , Deng Minzhen , Sun Jingbo , Zhou Lihua , Huang Yan , Wu Shuang , Cheng Xiao
Published: October 2021

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major neurological disease with high fatality and residual disability burdens. Increasing amount of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been revealed to play an important role in ischemic stroke. However, the roles and significances of most lncRNAs in ischemic stroke are still unknown.This study was performed to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs using a lncRNA microarray in whole blood samples of patients suffered from acute cerebral ischemia. Bioinformatics analyses including GO, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and proximity to putative stroke risk location analysis were performed. A novel lncRNA ENST00000530525 significantly decreased after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, we evaluated lncRNA ENST00000530525 expression in cultured hCMEC/D3 cells under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R) conditions using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. To investigate the function of lncRNA ENST00000530525, the plasmid of overexpression(OE) and negative control(NC) were transfected into hCMEC/D3, then cell viability was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) Assay after OGD/R,lncRNA ENST00000530525 and ANO1 expression were investigated using RT-qPCR and Immunofluorescence. For blood-brain barrier(BBB) permeability,FITC-dextran transendothelial permeability assay and Tight junction(Tj) protein was detected.There were 3352 differentially expressed lncRNAs in blood samples of acute ischemic stroke patients. The validation results were consistent with gene chip data.GO and KEGG results showed these lncRNAs were mainly related to oxygen and glucose metabolism, leukocyte transendothelial migration,mitophagy and cellular senescence.Among these, lncRNA ENST00000530525 was the highly down-regulated lncRNA and mapped within the ischemic stroke associated gene anoctamin-1 (ANO1). We furtherly found lncRNA ENST00000530525 was down-regulated in hCMEC/D3 cells under 4h OGD and 20h reoxygenation(OGD4/R20) conditions. Up-regulating lncRNA ENST00000530525 decreased the cell viability while increased ANO1 expression and contributed to BBB injury of hCMEC/D3 cells after OGD4/R20.The lncRNA ENST00000530525 might plays deleterious roles in post-stroke pathogenesis. The results show light on some differentially expressed lncRNAs in human certainly participate through characteristic roles in post-stroke pathogenesis, thus, the roles and significances of some novel lncRNAs in ischemic stroke thereby warranting further study.
Machine learning algorithms to identify cluster randomized trials from MEDLINE and EMBASE
Authors: Al-Jaishi Ahmed A , Taljaard Monica , Al-Jaishi Melissa D , Abdullah Sheikh S , Thabane Lehana , Devereaux PJ , Dixon Stephanie N , Garg Amit X
Published: October 2021

Background: Cluster randomized trials (CRTs) are becoming an increasingly important design. However, authors do not always adhere to requirements to explicitly identify the design as cluster randomized in titles and abstracts, making retrieval from bibliographic databases difficult. Machine learning algorithms may improve their identification and retrieval. Therefore, we aimed to develop machine learning algorithms that accurately determine whether a bibliographic citation is a CRT report.

Methods: We trained, internally validated, and externally validated two convolutional neural networks and one support vector machines (SVM) algorithms to predict whether a citation is a CRT report or not. We exclusively used the information in an article citation, including the title, abstract, keywords, and subject headings. The algorithms' output was a probability from 0 to 1. We assessed algorithm performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves. Each algorithm's performance was evaluated individually and together as an ensemble. We randomly selected 5000 from 87,633 citations to train and internally validate our algorithms. Of the 5000 selected citations, 589 (12%) were confirmed CRT reports. We then externally validated our algorithms on an independent set of 1916 randomized trial citations, with 665 (35%) confirmed CRT reports.

Results: In internal validation, the ensemble algorithm discriminated best for identifying CRT reports with an AUC of 98.6% (95% confidence interval: 97.8%, 99.4%), sensitivity of 97.7% (94.3%, 100%), and specificity of 85.0% (81.8%, 88.1%). In external validation, the ensemble algorithm had an AUC of 97.8 % (97.0%, 98.5%), sensitivity of 97.6% (96.4%, 98.6%), and specificity of 78.2% (75.9%, 80.4%)). All three individual algorithms performed well, but less so than the ensemble.

Conclusions: We successfully developed high-performance algorithms that identified whether a citation was a CRT report with high sensitivity and moderately high specificity. We provide open-source software to facilitate the use of our algorithms in practice.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Resistance to the Sugarcane Aphid in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Punnuri Somashekhar , Ayele Addissu , Harris-Shultz Karen , Knoll Joseph , Coffin Alisa , Tadesse Haile , Armstrong Scott , Wiggins Trahmad , Li Hanxia , Sattler Scott , Wallace Jason
Published: October 2021

Since 2013, the sugarcane aphid (SCA), Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), has been a serious pest that hampers all types of sorghum production in the U.S. Our understanding of sugarcane aphid resistance in sorghum is limited to knowledge about a few genetic regions on chromosome SBI-06. In this study, a subset of the Sorghum Association Panel (SAP) was used along with some additional lines to identify genetic and genomic regions that confer sugarcane aphid resistance. SAP lines were grown in the field and visually evaluated for SCA resistance during the growing seasons of 2019 and 2020 in Tifton, GA. In 2020, the SAP accessions were also evaluated for SCA resistance in the field using drone-based high throughput phenotyping (HTP) and visual scoring under greenhouse conditions. Plant height and flowering time were also recorded in the field to confirm that our methods were sufficient for identifying known quantitative trait loci (QTL). This study combined phenotypic data from field-based visual ratings, reflectance data, and greenhouse evaluations to identify genome-wide associated (GWAS) marker-trait associations (MTA) using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data. Several MTAs were identified for sugarcane aphid-related traits across the genome, with a few common markers that were consistently identified on SBI-08 and SBI-10 for aphid count and plant damage as well as for reflectance indices-based traits on SBI-02, SBI-03, and SBI-05. Candidate genes encoding leucine-rich repeats (LRR), Avr proteins, lipoxygenases (LOXs), calmodulins (CAM) dependent protein kinase, WRKY transcription factors, flavonoid biosynthesis genes, and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductase are identified near SNPs that had significant associations with different SCA traits. In this study, plant height and flowering time-related genes were also identified. The total phenotypic variation explained by significant SNPs across SCA-scored traits, plant height, and flowering time ranged from 0 to 74%, while the heritability value ranged from 4 to 74%. These results supported the existing literature, and also revealed several new loci. Markers identified in this study will support marker-assisted breeding for sugarcane aphid resistance.
S100A Family Proteins and Mesothelin in Tear Proteome Are Associated With Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Stepanov Alexander , Usharova Svetlana , Malsagova Kristina , Moshetova Larisa , Turkina Ksenia , Kopylov Arthur , Kaysheva Anna
Published: October 2021

Tear samples were collected from 88 subjects and analyzed using absolute quantitative and comparative proteomic approach. We found a large proportion (505 proteins) of tear proteome between healthy donors and subjects with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Comparative proteomic analysis revealed 30 proteins (p<0.05) significantly differed in their quantitative property. Among them S100A6 (3.7 fmoles/ng, p<0.001), S100A8 (0.68 fmoles/ng, p<0.001), and S100A9 (2.06 fmoles/ng, p<0.001) are the most overrepresented proteins. Mesothelin was found as tear-specific protein with significant increase (1.08 fmoles/ng versus 0.54 fmoles/ng in the control, p<0.001) in the RVO group. The selected altered proteins were combined to reconstruct the customized map of protein-protein interactions with the burden of quantitating property and the context of RVO-related association. The customized interactions map (FDR<0.01) emerged inflammation and impartment of retinal hemostasis as the main RVO-associated processes. The semantic analysis of customized map encouraged the prevalence of core biological processes encompassing dysregulation of mitochondrial organization and utilization of topologically incorrect folded proteins as a consequence of oxidative stress and inflammation caused by the retinal ischemic condition. Significantly differed proteins (S100A6, S100A8, S100A9, MSL, B2M) were applied for the ROC plotting with AUC varied from 0.772 to 0.952 suggesting their association with the CRVO.