bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognizing Microcirculatory Disorders in Musicians to Preserve a Good State of Health and the Best Artistic Performance
Authors: Sirufo Maria Maddalena , Magnanimi Lina Maria , Ginaldi Lia , De Martinis Massimo
Published: March 2022

We read with great interest, in the December 2021 issue of the journal, three papers by Clorinda Panebianco, Ari Cantuária Vilela et al., and Tamara Borger et al. concerning musculoskeletal complaints in musicians. These authors have successfully addressed the topic of the highly
prevalent complaints and disorders among musicians that impact their wellbeing and performance abilities. Unfortunately, even if musculoskeletal disorders are among the most frequent and painful, we must also remember other occupational disorders that affect musicians, often overlooked and
underestimated, can have the same clinical and performance impact. Among these “forgotten” diseases, it seems important to remember the microcirculation disorders.
Experimental Study on the Performance of Electrical Submersible Pump Operating with Ultraviscous Oil
Authors: Porcel Cristhian , Biazussi Jorge Luiz , Monte Verde William , Estevam Valdir , Bannwart Antonio Carlos , Tavares Alexandre , Santos Marcelo Paulino de Lima , Rocha Paulo Sérgio de M. V.
Published: March 2022

The production of high-viscosity crude oil can be challenging owing to portfolio limitations and lack of energy efficiency in artificial lift systems, especially for ultraheavy oil in deepwater fields. In recent decades, the electrical submersible pump (ESP) has improved significantly, and this technology is commonly applied in this context. However, few studies in the literature discuss the behavior of these pumps with nonconventional oils such as ultraviscous ones. This work investigates the performance of a 10-stage ESP, when it operates with a single-phase flow of ultraviscous oil. For this purpose, an experimental circuit was set up; the pump was submitted to tests in which the viscosity of the fluid varied from 8 to 4,170 cp and rotational speed between 1,200 and 3,500 rev/min. A subsequent analysis compared the pump’s experimental viscous performance and the theoretical performance calculated by the methods available in the literature. This analysis highlighted the lack of precision of the existing correction performance models, and new empirical correlations are proposed to correct the ESP performance with viscous fluid. There were doubts at first as to the possibility of ultraviscous block, but the ESP model tested handled fluid with a viscosity up to 4,170 cp. Finally, the performance parameters of the ESP were calculated using a phenomenological 1D model based on the loss analysis developed by the authors, which revealed good results and a powerful tool to adjust the size of the ESP for definitive production system.
Trends in Treatment of Ankyloglossia: A Survey Based, Provider Perspective on Current Practice Trends
Authors: Goosmann Madeline , Aviles Claudia I. Cabrera , Shah Jay
Published: March 2022

Background
Ankyloglossia, “tongue tie,” is a condition in which the lingual frenulum is shortened. Ankyloglossia can interfere with speech articulation as well as tasks like chewing or playing an instrument; however, the biggest factor is difficulty breastfeeding. To treat ankyloglossia, providers perform frenectomy or frenotomy. With minor bleeding and recurrence as the common complications, frenotomies are generally well received by providers and parents. This survey polled provider preferences and views on the ankyloglossia treatments.
Methods
Proceeding IRB approval. A 22-question survey on treatment and trends for ankyloglossia was sent to SENTAC (Society for Ear Nose Throat Advancement in Children) members. Questions addressed area of sub-specialization, years in practice, type of practice, performance of frenotomy and frenectomy, criteria for surgical repair, procedure frequency and change over time, and individual comments.
Results
Of the 62 respondents, there was a difference between use of frenotomy vs frenectomy (94.3% vs 38.6%) p<0.001. Common provider criteria for the procedure were improvement of pain with breastfeeding and improvement latching, followed by future speech concerns. Of respondents, 94% reported that they would repair anterior ties; 63% of respondents perceived an increase of frenotomies in the past five years both in their practice and in the practice of colleagues. Respondents also reported an increase in parents asking about tongue ties.
Conclusion
Treatment of this condition tends to be very provider dependent/regional. The results from this survey in association with the new consensus statement will lead towards the creation of a clinical care pathway that would stabilize these numbers and create a stream-lined process.
Effectiveness of The Fixtoe Device® In Plantar Pressure Reduction: A Preliminary Study.
Authors: Ruiz-Ramos Maria , Orejana-García Ángel Manuel , Vives-Merino Ignacio , Bravo-Llatas Carmen , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis , Molines-Barroso Raúl Juan
Published: March 2022

Background: Metatarsalgia is a common foot condition. The metatarsophalangeal stabilizing taping technique described by Yu et al. has shown good clinical results as a provisional treatment in propulsive metatarsalgia. 35 The Fixtoe Device®, a novel orthopedic device, intends to simulate stabilizing tape. However, to date, there is no evidence of its effectiveness.Methods: The aim of this study was to assess plantar pressure changes using the Fixtoe Device®, in comparison with the traditional method (stabilizing tape) in a young, healthy sample thorough a cross-sectional study. Maximal pressure (Kpa) and pressure-time integral (Kpa/s) in the second metatarsal head were measured in twenty-four healthy volunteers. Registers were taken in four different conditions: barefoot, traditional stabilizing tape, Fixtoe Device® without metatarsal pad, and Fixtoe Device® with metatarsal pad. Results: Mean second metatarsal head maximal pressure and mean pressure-time integral showed statistical difference among the four analyzed conditions (p < 0.0001 in both cases). The improvement in maximal pressure and pressure-time integral obtained in each intervention also showed significance (p < 0.0001 in both cases). Comparing the improvement of the Fixtoe Device® with and without metatarsal pad with that of tape condition showed a moderate to high and moderate effect size for both peak pressure and pressure-time integral reduction.Conclusions: The Fixtoe Device® reduces median maximal pressure and median pressure-time integral under the second metatarsal head in healthy young individuals. The Fixtoe Device® shows higher effectiveness than the traditional second metatarsophalangeal joint stabilizing taping technique. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation proving the effectiveness of the recently developed Fixtoe Device® in terms of plantar pressure modification, which leads the way to its use in clinics.
Papaver decaisnei: GC-MS alkaloids profiling, in vitro antioxidant, and anticancer activity
Authors: Aj.abduljabbar Ahmed , O.Abdullah Fuad , K.Abdulrahman Kamaran , Galali Yaseen , Sh.Sardar Abdullah
Published: March 2022

The Papaver L. plant have been well known as a source of pharmaceutically valuable alkaloids (noscapine, thebaine, codeine, roemerine, papaverine and morphine). The current study investigates the phytochemical, in-vitro antioxidant, and anticancer activities of papaver decaisnei, an endemic plant species to the flora of Kurdistan-Iraq. The chemical analysis of the methanolic (MeOH) extracts of flowers, leaves, and roots of papaver decaisnei were made by using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS), and the antioxidant activity evaluation done by radical scavenging [on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2j-azino-bis (3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)], and reducing power [cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)] assays. The anticancer actions were presented as IC50 (inhibitory concentration at 50%) on human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), mammary cancer cells (MCF-7), and human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. The results of the phytochemical analysis showed 17, 19, and 22 chemical compounds for flowers, leaves, and roots of P. decaisnei, respectively. The prevalent organic compounds of P. decaisnei were alkaloids, phenolics, fatty acids, esters, and phytosterols, namely Roemerine (70.44%), Decarbomethoxytabersonine, 9,12,15-Octadecatrien-1-ol, Hexadecanoic acid, 6,8-Dioxa-3-thiabicyclo(3,2,1)octane 3,3-dioxide, and γ-Sitosterol. The antioxidant activity of plant organ extracts was within 39.1-143.5 μg/ml for DPPH and 123.12-276.4 μg/ml for ABTS assays, while, the FRAP and CUPRAC values ranged within 12.4- 34.3 and 42.6-75.8 μg/ml, respectively. The anticancer action of P.decaisnei organ extracts was found against all tested human cell lines (Caco-2, MCF-7, HeLa) with inhibitory concentrations (IC50) values between 125.3-388.4 μg/ml. The presented data on alkaloid contents and biological activity of P. decaisnei can serve a ground knowledge for the future biomedical synthesis and cancer research projects.
Adherence, physical limitation and social participation in leprosy patients in a high-complexity hospital
Authors: Cavalheiro Amanda Henriques , Frade Marco Andrey Cipriano , Ungari Andrea Queiroz
Published: March 2022

Background: Therapies and procedures to improve the quality of life of patients and adherence to treatment is a concern for the health systems and for health professionals. More studies related to preventive and therapeutic education, using educational technologies for health purposes are needed. Objectives: To demonstrate the educational instruments developed by the researcher, as animated videos and posts, as well as the pharmacotherapeutic monitoring of pharmaceutical care, increase the adherence to the treatment of patients diagnosed with leprosy in a high-complexity hospital. Methods: This is a longitudinal study, using quantitative and qualitative assessment tests to assess adherence to treatment and general knowledge about the disease and quality of life. From the data, educational materials were produced and tested on patients. Then, the impact of follow-up and instructional materials on treatment adherence was evaluated. Results: Treatment adherence increases after the intervention of pharmaceutical care and health education, as per the Morisky-Green treatment test. The methodology was more effective in male patients with low education than in women, who already had high adherence. In addition, it was possible to identify that the Morisky-Green and Haynes-Sackett adhesion tests, used in the work, completely differed in their results, they occur to reflect the use of such tools in research in the area. Conclusion: It is possible to increase patient treatment adherence through health education programs and pharmaceutical care.
Osteopontin expression in the invasive front stroma of colorectal adenocarcinoma is associated with tumor budding and prognosis
Authors: Uehara Takeshi , Nakajima Tomoyuki , Iwaya Mai , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Wada Megumi , Nagaya Tadanobu , Miyagawa Yusuke , Ohta Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2022

Background: Tumor budding (TB) is an important prognostic factor in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Osteopontin (OPN) functions in various processes such as immune response, migration and invasion, angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. However, the involvement of OPN and CD44v6, which is a receptor for OPN, in TB has not been clarified. Therefore, we examined the relationship of OPN with TB in CRC and compared the clinicopathological features. Methods: We investigated the expression of OPN and CD44v6 in 83 cases of CRC by immunostaining and analyzed the clinicopathological features.Results: OPN expression was observed only in the cytoplasm of stromal cells such as macrophages and fibroblasts, and not cancer cells. There was a significant correlation between OPN positivity and the degree of differentiation at the invasive front and TB grade. CD44v6 was positive in cancer cells in 72 cases (86.7%) and negative in 11 cases (13.3%). A statistically significant effect on overall survival (OS) was identified between the OPN-positive group [median OS: 1586 (range, 30–2749) days] and the OPN-negative group [median OS: 1901 (range, 8–2665) days] (log-rank test, p=0.011).Conclusions: OPN analysis may reveal factors that influence prognosis.
Mitochondrial hTERT rewires glucose metabolism to confer cancer chemoresistance by binding to MT-ND1
Authors: Li Xinzhe , Chang Xing , Hu Weichao , Zhao Yongbing , Xu Zhengguo , Gao Mengyuan , Ouyang Qin , Zhang Shengwei , Tang Qingyun , He Junjian , Wang Liting , Ling Xianlong , Yang Shiming , Hu Changjiang
Published: March 2022

Resistance to chemotherapy represents a bottleneck in clinical cancer treatment and demands urgent solutions. Dysfunction of glucose metabolism including the Warburg effect is an outstanding hallmark of aberrant cancer metabolism which remarkably fosters chemoresistance. Targeting disordered mitochondrial metabolism have paved the road for enhancing chemosensitivity. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase
(hTERT) is tightly associated with cancer initiation and progression. Notably, hTERT can unconventionally translocate from nucleus to mitochondria. However, the influence of mitochondrial hTERT on glucose metabolism and the subsequent contribution to chemoresistance remains largely elusive. Here, we uncovered that mitochondrial hTERT level is negatively with chemotherapy response in patients, and disclosed the undocumented role of mitochondrial hTERT in reprogramming cancer metabolism towards Warburg effect independent of RT activity which authentically promoted chemoresistance. Mitochondrial hTERT boosted Warburg effect and weakened oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) specifically via suppressing Complex I activity.Interactome profiling by mass spectrometry revealed that mitochondrial hTERT physically interacted with Complex I core subunit MT-ND1 (ND1) through its matrix loop region to hinder Complex I functions. A novel TAT-Pep designed on the basis of their interacting region effectively abrogated the hTERT-ND1 interplay, which substantially rejuvenated Complex I activity and rewired cancer metabolism from Warburg effect towards OXPHOS thereby strengthening chemosensitivity in both
resistant cancer lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models. Collectively,our study reveals the interaction between MT-ND1 and hTERT as an essential mechanism that underlies the rewiring of cellular glucose metabolism and chemoresistance. Targeting mitochondrial hTERT-governed adverse metabolic
remodeling sheds light on the avenue towards better chemotherapeutics efficacy.
Effects of plasma-derived exosomes from the normal and thin camels on hepatocellular carcinoma and their differences at transcriptome and proteomics levels
Authors: Yao Hongqiang , Yu Siriguleng , Luo Yuchen , Wang Ming , Wang Xiuying , Bai Zhaoxing , Zhang Yawen , Zhang Guangjie
Published: March 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant primary tumor. Camels have high economic and social values, but their potential medical value has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of thin and normal camel plasma-derived exosomes on HCC.
Methods
Plasma was obtained from thin and normal camels, and used to isolate exosomes by ultracentrifugation. The exosomes were then characterized by transmission electron microscopy and Nano particle tracking analyzer. In vivo imaging of nude mice and hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining of liver tissues were used to explore the effects of the exosomes on tumor growth. Finally, the differences of the two exosomes were further analyzed using small RNA sequencing and proteomics.
Results
In vivo imaging and HE staining showed that no significant differences were found in fluorescence value and liver tissue morphology between the control mice and the mice treated with the exosomes from thin camels; while the fluorescence value and the live histology changes were alleviated in the mice with the exosomes from normal camels. After sequencing and proteomic analysis, 40 DE-miRNAs (15 down-regulated and 25 up-regulated) and 172 DEPs (77 up-regulated and 95 down-regulated) were identified in the plasma-derived exosomes from normal camels. These identified DE-miRNAs and DEPs were significantly enriched in many signaling pathways.
Conclusions
Normal camel plasma-derived exosomes may inhibit the growth of HCC cells through regulating pathways of Ras, Rap1, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, AMPK, and canonical Wnt signaling pathways.
Thermal Analysis Of Graphene Based Nanofluids For Energy System And Economic Feasibility
Authors: Mohammad Reem Sabah , Aldlemy Mohammed Suleman , Falah Mayadah W. , Homod Raad Z , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: March 2022

Thermal and economic evaluation using covalent functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelets (CF-GNPs) were performed inside a heated-pipe under turbulent conditions. The current nanofluids were produced from CF-GNPs added and distilled water in different mass percentages such as 0.025,0.05,0.075 and 0.1wt.%. The thermal system was under the condition of fully-developed turbulent flow in the range of 6,401 ≤ Re ≤ 11,907 and heated up to 11,205 W/m2. The characterization and morphological properties were done through different examinations and techniques such as zeta potential, nanoparticle sizer, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscope (FE-TEM). Moreover, the economic performance was evaluated to estimate the price-operation of the current thermal system. The heat exchanger size reduced by 16.10%, 21.92%, 25.37% and 29.35% for 0.025wt.%, 0.05wt.%, 0.075wt.% and 0.1wt.%, respectively. Furthermore, the required power for base fluid was 422W then reduced to 354W, 326W, 315W and 298W for 0.025wt.%, 0.05wt.%, 0.075wt.% and 0.1wt.%, respectively.
Aqueous Preparation of Self-Supported Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose-Polyaniline Conducting Films and the Evaluation of Their Electrical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Maeda Vinicius Cavalheiro , Correa Cintia Marques , Hamanaka Marcos Henrique Mamoru Otsuka , Hamanaka Viviane Nogueira , Molina Celso , Camilo Fernanda F
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this work was to develop a simple method to produce self-supported and homogeneous films composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and polyaniline (PANI) by the simple mixture of aqueous solutions of both polymers with subsequent drying. The addition of HPMC, a cellulose derivative with an excellent film-forming capacity, was fundamental to overcoming the poor processability of pristine PANI film, which impairs its use in many technological applications. Despite being an insulating polymer, the addition of HPMC did not significantly decrease the conductivity and all hybrid films showed conductivity in the order of 10− 2 − 10− 3 S cm− 1, which is in the range for metals or semiconductors. The typical electroactivity of PANI was also maintained with the addition of HPMC. Also, as a beneficial, adding HPMC the thermal stability and the mechanical properties of the pristine PANI were improved. Cellulose-containing conducting polymers with electroactive activity can be considered as a material of the future, with possible applications in several areas, such as smart wallpapers, e-papers, and sensors.
Design and properties of new dendritic macromolecules substituted by several triarylamines for organic photovoltaic applications based on Carbazole and Thiophene
Authors: Saidi Wafae , AGDA FATIMA , ABRAM TAYEB , Bejjit Lahcen , Bouachrine Mohammed
Published: March 2022

This work proposes a theoretical study of the geometric and optoelectronic properties of some dendritic macromolecules consisting mainly of thiophene and carbazole. First, calculations were performed on a basic molecule called G2TTPG2 3T using the density functional theory (DFT) and varying between 5 different quantum methods to be able to choose the most appropriate which will then be applied to the derivatives of this molecule during the rest of this work, these derivatives were obtained by grafting the following groups: CN, EDOT-S, OH, OHOH, EDOT, F. The objective of this work is to study the effect of this chemical modification, better explore the structure-property relationship and also to search for compounds with the best optoelectronic properties in order to present them for synthesis. The results obtained reveal that the substitution by some groups has reduced the energy of the gap, decreased inter-cyclic distances and increased the value of the open circuit voltage.
Small Bowel Cleanliness in Capsule Endoscopy: A Case-control Study Using Validated Artificial Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Oh Dong Jun , Hwang Youngbae , Nam Ji Hyung , Lim Yun Jeong
Published: March 2022

Background: Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) may need to be performed immediately after colonoscopy without additional bowel preparation if active small bowel diseases are suspected. However, it is unclear whether the small bowel cleanliness is adequately maintained in SBCE immediately after colonoscopy. Methods: Cases of SBCE in which polyethylene glycol were used were included retrospectively. We compared the small bowel cleanliness scores using a validated artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm (cut-off score > 3.25 for adequate). Results: Among 85 enrolled cases, 50 cases (58.8%) were the study group. The mean time from last dose of purgative administration to SBCE was 6.86 ± 0.94 hours in study group and 3.00 ± 0.18 hours in control group. Seventy-five cases (88.2%) were adequate small bowel cleanliness, which was not different between the two groups. The mean small bowel cleanliness score for study group was 3.970 ± 0.603, and for control group was 3.937 ± 0.428. In the study group, better colon preparation resulted in higher the small bowel cleanliness score (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Small bowel cleanliness was also adequately maintained in SBCE immediately after colonoscopy. There was no difference between the time and volume of purgative administration and small bowel cleanliness.
Tumor-activated Neutrophils Promote Metastasis in Breast Cancer via the G-CSF-RLN2-MMP-9 Axis
Authors: Sheng Youjing , Peng Weidong , Huang Yan , Cheng Lanqing , Meng Ye , Kwantwi Louis Boafo , Yang Jiezhen , Xu Jiegou , Xiao Han , Kzhyshkowska Julia , Wu Qiang
Published: March 2022

Immune component of tumor microenvironment is essential for the regulation of cancer progression. Tumor mass is frequently infiltrated by neutrophils (tumor-associated neutrophils, TANs) in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, the role of TANs and the mechanisms of their action in BC are still unclear. Using quantitative IHC, ROC and Cox analysis, we demonstrate here that high density of TANs infiltrating tumor parenchyma is predictive for poor prognosis and for the decreased progression-free survival of patients with BC that underwent surgical tumor removal without previous neoadjuvant chemotherapy in all 3 cohorts (training cohort, n = 170; validation cohorts, n = 130, independent cohorts, n = 95). Conditioned medium of human breast cancer cell lines prolonged life span of healthy donor neutrophils ex vivo. Neutrophils, activated by supernatants of breast cancer lines, demonstrated the increased ability to stimulate proliferation, migration and invasive activity of breast cancer cells. Cytokines involved in this process have been identified by antibody array. Relationships between these cytokines and density of TANs were validated by ELISA and IHC in fresh breast cancer surgical samples. Identified by antibody arrays, tumor-derived G-CSF significantly prolonged the lifespan and increased the metastasis-promoting activities of neutrophils via PI3K-AKT and NFκB pathway. Simultaneously, TAN-derived RLN2 promoted the migratory abilities of MCF-7 cells via PI3K-AKT-MMP-9. Analysis of tumor tissues from 20 BC patients and RNA-seq from TCGA BC patients identified a positive correlation of density of TANs with the activation of G-CSF-RLN2-MMP-9 axis. Our data indicate that TANs in human breast cancer have detrimental activity supporting malignant cells invasion and migration.
High-normal alanine aminotransferase as a Predictor of significant liver histological injury in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection with different HBV DNA levels
Authors: shan Ren , Junfeng Lu , Kefei Wang , Lina Ma , Yanhong Zheng , Sujun Zheng , Xinyue Chen
Published: March 2022

Objective
We aimed to assess significant liver histological injury(SLHI) of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal ALT in order to select clinical threshold of ALT.
Methods
We retrospectively examined 347 patients who underwent liver biopsy in Beijing You an hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2018 to January 2021. Univariate analysis of the clinical parameters versus inflammation and fibrosis was carried out.
Results
Of these 347 patients met the inclusion criteria, 174(50.1%) patients had SLHI totally.The AUROC of the ALT associated with the diagnosis of SLHI was 0.572 for female and 0.6 for male with a cut-off value of 20U/L and 25U/L, respectively (p = 0.04, p = 0.013).Among HBeAg-positive patients,the proportion of SLHI in the high-normal ALT group (ALT > 20 U/L for female,>25 U/L for male) with low HBV DNA loads(< 7log10 IU/ml)was higher(66.7% vs 33.3%, p < 0.001); also the proportion in the HBeAg-negative with high-normal ALT and HBV DNA ≧ 2000 IU/ml was significantly higher(70% vs 37.7%, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Clinical threshold of ALT to distinguish SLHI was 25U/L for male and 20U/L for female.The CHB patients with high-normal ALT and certain HBV DNA level ( ≧ 2000 IU/ml for HBeAg-negative and < 7log10 IU/ml for HBeAg-positive) were suggested to perform liver biopsy or noninvasive methods for histopathology assessment, then to be determined for antiviral therapy.
Cortical Correlates of Increased Postural Task Difficulty in Young Adults: A Combined Pupillometry and EEG Study
Authors: Kahya Melike , Liao Ke , Gustafson Kathleen , Akinwuntan Abiodun , Manor Brad , Devos Hannes
Published: March 2022

Objective
Pupillary response reflects mental effort (or cognitive workload) during challenging cognitive and postural control conditions. EEG is more established as a non-invasive measure to assess cortical involvement of postural control. The purpose of this study was to understand the pupillary response under increasing postural task difficulty and its relationship between EEG outcomes in young adults.
Methods
Fifteen adults [age: 25.6 ± 2.9; sex: 10 males] completed multiple trials of standing: eyes-open, eyes-open and performing a dual-task (auditory 2-back), eyes-occluded, and eyes-occluded with a dual task. Participants stood on a force plate and wore an eye tracker and 256-channel EEG cap during the conditions. The power spectrum was analyzed for theta (4–7 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) frequency bands in pre-defined fronto-central of electrocortical sources.
Results
Increased postural task difficulty was associated with greater responses for pupillary response (p < 0.0001), fronto-central alpha power (p = 0.001), and theta/beta power ratio (p = 0.01). Greater pupillary response correlated with lower fronto-central EEG alpha power during standing eyes occluded (r=-.58, p = .04) and dual-task eyes occluded (r=-.56, p = .04). Lastly, a greater pupillary response was associated with lower CoP displacement in the anterior-posterior direction during dual-task eyes occluded (r = − .60, p = .04)
Conclusion
Pupillary response and fronto-central EEG outcomes appear to capture the same cortical processes that are increasingly utilized during increased postural task difficulty. In addition, these results validate pupillary response against EEG during increased postural task difficulty. In the future, pupillary response may be a potential tool to understand the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of postural control in aging and disease populations.
Screening and analyzing of Genes and Signaling Pathways Associated with Size differentiation of Adult Male Prawn Macrobrachium nipponense
Authors: Jiang Gang , Zhu Yongming , Xue Yucai , Lu Ying , Liu Zhiwei , Huang Xuxiong
Published: March 2022

Adult male prawn Macrobrachium nipponense exhibits heterogeneous individual growth (HIG), they could polarize into large size males and small size males which have sizes smaller than females. Therefore, obtaining the large size prawns will increase the profit of farming. To better understand this size differentiation mechanism, we performed transcriptome sequencing from the second pereiopod, hepatopancreas, and muscle of adult male prawn M. nipponense with significant differences in size (large: 1.47±0.12g; small: 0.28±0.04g). We identified 46,557 unigenes with an average length of 1312 bp. A total of 805, 473, and 1037 significantly up-regulated DEGs were identified based on LP versus SP, LM versus SM, and LH versus SH, respectively. These data indicated that hepatopancreas played stronger regulatory roles than other two tissues on size differentiation in male M. nipponense. The KEGG pathway analysis indicated that pathways PI3K-Akt pathway, cAMP pathway, Hippo pathway, and Ras signaling pathway were enriched in all three comparisons, which may be key size regulators in adult male prawn M. nipponense. Furthermore, twenty-eight DEGs involved in these pathways and their expression was verified by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR). These four pathways and twenty-eight predicted potential size-related genes may be strong candidates for size differentiation in adult male M. nipponense. Finding of the study have potential applications for improving the commercial size of cultured male prawn M. nipponense.
Security-enhanced Watermark Embedding and Transmission Based on Synchronized Chaotic Semiconductor Lasers
Authors: Wang Jun , Tang Xi , Wang Fei , Lin Xiao-Dong , Zheng Qiu-Lan , Xia Guang-Qiong , Wu Zheng-Mao , Deng Tao
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose and numerically demonstrate a chaotic watermarking encryption and secure transmission scheme based on two synchronized response lasers (RLs) subject to identical injection from a driving laser (DL). In this proposed system, the chaos signals from DL can be optimized after passing through a phase modulator and a dispersion component, then the chaotic signal with large bandwidth and low TDS is obtained. Simultaneously injecting this chaotic signal into two identical RLs, high-quality chaos synchronization between two RLs can be realized. Both synchronized chaotic signals are respectively divided into two parts. One is used to generate shared keys required by the watermarking encryption, and the other is used as chaotic carrier to realize the secure message transmission. After introducing the synchronized optical chaos into the watermarking encryption algorithm, the normalized correlation of the extracted watermark without long-distance transmission is 0.9554 and can still maintain above 0.9 over 200km transmission fiber. The message transmission and watermark extraction have good robustness to the fiber parameter mismatches, and excellent performances can be maintained even within 20% mismatches range. Moreover, the security of the watermarking encryption algorithm and the message transmission can be guaranteed simultaneously.
Glucose transporter 9 regulates hepatic steatosis through modulating intrahepatic uric acid contents in mice
Authors: Zeng Hang , Tang Chenxi , Lin Bingru , Yu Chaohui
Published: March 2022

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The important role of urid acid (UA) in NAFLD has been widely investigated. Our previous studies unveiled the elevation of serum UA levels independently predicts an increased risk of incident NAFLD. However, the role of intrahepatic UA in NALFD has not been investigated yet. Glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) is a key transporter that mediates the uptake of UA in hepatocytes. Methods: In this study, we first explored the clinical association between GLUT9 polymorphism and NAFLD. Blood samples of 247 male Chinese (127 were NAFLD patients) were collected and tested for the blood UA levels and genotype of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of GLUT9 (rs1014290). Next, Glut9 hepatic-specific knockout mice (Glut9Hep-ko) were generated to investigate the role of hepatic GLUT9 in NAFLD in male mice. Results: We found that the GA/AA genotypes (rs1014290) were associated with elevated serum UA levels in NAFLD patients. Meanwhile, we found that Glut9Hep-ko mice displayed lower intrahepatic UA levels, down-regulated lipogenesis genes expressions, and attenuated NAFLD symptoms after 12 weeks of high fat diet feeding, compared with Glut9Fl/Fl littermates. However, Glut9Hep-ko mice and wild type littermates showed no significant difference on hepatic fatty acid oxidation or inflammation. Conclusions: our results suggested that GLUT9 polymorphism was significantly associated with NAFLD, and hepatic-specific knockout of Glut9 significantly decreased intrahepatic contents and ameliorated diet-induced NAFLD in mice.
Spin Coated Ag NPs SERS substrate: Role of electromagnetic and chemical enhancement in trace detection of methylene blue and congo red
Authors: Shaikh Imran , Haque Mohammed Abdul , Pathan Habib , Sartale Shrikrishna Dattatraya
Published: March 2022

This work demonstrates a simple low cost and reproducible spin coating method followed by thermal reduction for the uniform growth of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate. In this work, cationic dye MB and anionic dye CR are selected as two different kinds of SERS probe molecules to investigate the differences between EME and CE mechanism. The results indicate that SERS spectra of MB molecule on AgNPs SERS substrate exhibit the shift in the Raman peak positions and high sensitivity (LOD ~ 10− 10 M) with large GSERS (~ 109) value, which can be attributed to the contribution from both EME and CE mechanism. It is found that Cl− halide ions present in the MB molecule are forming surface complex (AgNPs@Cl−) on the surface of AgNPs SERS substrate which is confirmed by the XPS investigation, which might be responsible for the CE enhancement in MB molecule. Whereas Congo red being anionic dye showed no shift in Raman peak positions and less sensitivity (LOD ~ 10− 8) with GSERS (~ 107) value on AgNPs SERS substrate, which can be attributed to EME mechanism only. The obtained results suggest that Cl− halide ions present in the MB molecule plays important role by giving large SERS enhancement for MB molecule on AgNPs SERS substrate. It is expected that this work will provide insight into role of EME and CE mechanisms for cationic dye MB and anionic dye CR.
The influence of sagittal angle of posterior malleolus fracture on ankle joint stability：a retrospective study of 87 cases
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Yuening , Su Fan , Peng Xiaoyao , Xiong Jixiang , Sun Xinghao , Xia Zhangrong , Wu Duolu , Chen Hongren , Xiong Bin , Wang Guoyou
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPrevious studies have studied more factors on the ankle stability of the posterior ankle fracture, which is related to a stereostructure of the fracture fragment. Previous studies have shown that the ankle stability may be affected by the sagittal surface of the fracture block, with less research in this field. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of the sagittal angle(SA) on ankle joint stability by scanning and reconstructing three types of posterior malleolus fractures(PMFs) with different sagittal angle (SA).MethodsThe CT data of 87 patients with PMFs were collected retrospectively and reconstructed. PMFs were divided into three types: posterolateral-oblique type (type I), medial-extension type (type II) and small-shell type (type III).The collected sagittal angle data were statistically analyzed with the posterior fragment area, fragment area ratio (FAR), fragment transverse diameter ratio (FWR), fragment length ratio (FLR), fragment height (FH), and contact area (CA).Results(1)SA was positively correlated with posterior fragment area(r = 0.804,P < 0.01),with regression equation s = 0.085*SA + 0.34;(2)SA was positively correlated with FAR(r = 0.392,P < 0.01),with regression equation FAR = 0.004*SA + 0.092;(3)SA was positively correlated with FWR(r = 0.261,P < 0.05), with regression equation FWR = 0.03*SA + 0.4624;(4)SA was positively correlated with FLR(r = 0.481,P < 0.01), with regression equation FLR = 0.05*SA + 0.209;(5) SA was positively correlated with CA (r = 0.474, P < 0.01),with regression equation CA = 7.942*SA + 160.866;(6)SA was positively correlated with FH(r = 0.474,P < 0.01), with regression equation FH = 0.046*SA + 1.406.ConclusionThe sagittal angle was positively correlated with posterolateral-oblique type (type I) of Posterior malleolus fractures, and SA could be considered to reflect the ankle joint stability of PMFs.Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.
The Effect of Strategy Performance Management Methods on Employee Wellbeing: A Case Study Analyzing the Effects of Balanced Scorecard
Authors: CIGNITAS CEREN PERI , Arevalo Juan Antonio Torrents , Crusells Jordi Vilajosana
Published: March 2022

The study investigates the effect of the Balanced Scorecard, one of the performance measurement systems, on employee well-being (EWB) in organizations. As a result of the literature research, it is seen that employee welfare is examined in 3 different areas: Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, and Job Engagement. One of the most important factors for the success of an organization is the happy employees who contribute tremendously to the improvement of the organization's performance. Both qualitative and quantitative measurement methods were used for this study. The surveys that have used for this study included 27334 employees in the state of Michigan and the surveys data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 28. The study revealed that the BSC strategies implemented in the State of Michigan improved organizational performance in the four perspectives of financial, customer, internal process, and learning & growth. The statistical results of employee satisfaction surveys show that BSC increases job satisfaction by 68.30% (R-squared: 0.683), work engagement by 71.00% (R-squared: 0.710), and organizational commitment by 21.30% (R-squared: 0.213). With the BSC strategy and learning-growth perspective that has been in effect for 20 years, employee satisfaction has been increased, organizational commitment and job engagement have been prioritized in the State of Michigan. The result of this study will help leaders and HR departments measure and increase employee well-being with performance measurement tools.
The Impact of Brain Lesion Characteristics and the Corticospinal Tract Wiring on Mirror Movements in Unilateral Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Simon-Martinez Cristina , Decraene Lisa , Zielinski Ingar , Hoare Brian , Williams Jacqueline , Mailleux Lisa , Steenbergen Bert , Ortibus Els , Feys Hilde , Klingels Katrijn
Published: March 2022

Background. Mirror movements (MM) influence bimanual performance in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP). Whilst MM are related to brain lesion characteristics and the corticospinal tract (CST) wiring pattern, the combined impact of these neurological factors remains unknown.Methods. Forty-nine children with uCP (mean age 10y6mo) performed a repetitive squeezing task to quantify similarity (MM-similarity) and strength (MM-intensity) of the MM activity. We used MRI data to evaluate lesion type (periventricular white matter, N=30; cortico-subcortical, N=19), extent of ipsilesional damage, presence of bilateral lesions, and damage to basal ganglia, thalamus and corpus callosum. The CST wiring was assessed with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (17 CSTcontralateral, 16 CSTipsilateral, 16 CSTbilateral). Data was analyzed with regression analyses. Results. In the more-affected hand, MM-similarity was higher with more damage to the corpus callosum. MM-intensity was higher in children with a CSTcontralateral wiring pattern with damage to the basal ganglia and thalamus. In the less-affected hand, MM-similarity was related with the interaction between lesion type and CST wiring pattern, with higher MM-similarity in children with cortico-subcortical lesions in the CSTcontralateral group. MM-intensity was higher with larger damage to the corpus callosum and unilateral lesions. Conclusions. A complex combination of neurological factors influences MM characteristics, and the mechanisms differ between hands.
Impact of initial explants on in vitro propagation of native potato (Solanum tuberosum, Andigena group)
Authors: Mora Lenny Yojana Correa , Tarazona Daicy Yaneth Galvis , Quintero Maria de los Angeles Bohórquez , Barrera Eyda Johanna Araque , Ruíz Johan Sebastian Urquijo , Moreno Diana Marcela Arias , Pérez Zaida Zarely Ojeda
Published: March 2022

The high nutritional potential of native potatoes makes them an invaluable genetic resource for breeding. However, pathogens have caused both yield and industrial quality losses, and plant tissue culture is a promising alternative to obtain clean plant material. We compared distinct segments excised from apical and lateral sprouts taken from tubers as initial explants for in vitro culture of sixteen native potato genotypes. Thus, apical-distal (AD), mid-apical (MA), lateral-distal (LD), and mid-lateral (ML) segments were all grown on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium. These explants were aseptic, reactive, and viable for all genotypes (with a probability greater than 30%), yielding cumulative proliferation rates of up to 1:10 individualizable segments, and about 86% of in vitro plants with 2 to 11 roots of up to 117 mm long. Responses were genotype-dependent during all stages of cultivation, and the best responding genotypes were Maravillosa, Duraznillo and Pepina Rodeo. On the other hand, AD sprouts were the best sprout type and segment for in vitro establishment, regardless of genotype. This is the first study of its kind with such a large range of Andean potato genotypes and should contribute to their germplasm conservation and increased multiplication efficiency.
Predictive value of peripheral neutrophil count on admission for in- hospital adverse events in young patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Li Tingting , Zang Xiwen , Liu Xiangchun , Li Qi , Li Zhuqing , Yin Xuemei , Lu Chengzhi
Published: March 2022

Background: In recent years, the incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in young people has been increasing gradually. Although the reperfusion strategy has improved the therapeutic effect, the prognosis of ACS is still not satisfactory.The relationship between neutrophil level and cardiovascular adverse events and left heart function during hospitalization in young patients with ACS has been rarely reported. This study explored the relationship between neutrophil count at admission and in-hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events ( MACEE ) and left ventricular ejection fraction ( LVEF ) in young ACS.Methods：This study included 207 young ACS patients (＜45 years old) who underwent coronary angiography. According to the median neutrophil count at admission, the patients were divided into two groups. The relationship between neutrophil count and MACEE and LVEF during hospitalization was analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve analysis was adopted.Results：Neutrophil count was an independent risk factor of in-hospital MACEE (OR: 1.446, 95% CI: 1.136-1.842, P = 0.003) and LVEF＜50%(OR: 1.381, 95% CI: 1.117–1.708, P = 0.003).The cutoff value of neutrophil count for predicting the occurrence of in-hospital MACEE was 6.94*10^9/L with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 54% (AUC: 0.798,95% CI: 0.714-0.881, P < 0.001), and for identifying the LVEF＜50% was 8.36*10^9/L with a sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 76% (AUC: 0.748, 95% CI: 0.648-0.848, P < 0.001).Conclusion：Peripheral blood neutrophil count at admission is an independent predictor of MACEE and LVEF in young ACS patients during hospitalization, providing important information for predicting the poor prognosis of young ACS patients.
Prognostic Value of LDHD and Its Correlation With Immune Infiltrates in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Tang Weiqiang , Chen Zuyao , Liao Yajie , Fang Yuan , Xia Min , Zu Xuyu , Wen Gebo , Zhong Jing
Published: March 2022

Background: LDHD is a subtype of the LDH family that can participate in D-lactate metabolism. However, the expression of LDHD in tumors and its role in tumor immunity currently unknown. The objective of this research was to estimate the expression and prognosis of LDHD in pan-cancer, and to explore the communication between LDHD expression level and tumor immune infiltration.Methods: LDHD expression level in pan-cancer was explored by TIMER and UALCAN databases and the prognostic value of LDHD was explored by Kaplan Meier plotter and PrognoScan databases. Then, the correlation between LDHD expression level and immune cell infiltration was evaluated by TIMER database. In addition, the relationship between LDHD expression and clinical features of THCA was verified in TCGA database. Results: The expression of LDHD mRNA or protein is downregulated in varied tumor types, and LDHD expression level is significantly related to the prognosis in tumors. Moreover, the downregulation of LDHD was found related to increased immune-cell infiltration and worse clinical features, especially in thyroid cancer.Conclusion: LDHD may be a potential pan-cancer prognostic biomarker. In thyroid cancer, loss of expression of LDHD may mediate tumor initiation and progression by affecting immune cell infiltration.
BCG revaccination qualitatively and quantitatively enhances SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific neutralizing antibody and T cell responses induced by the COVISHIELDTM vaccine in SARS-CoV-2 seronegative young Indian adults
Authors: Rakshit Srabanti , Adiga Vasista , Ahmed Asma , Parthiban Chaitra , Kumar Nirutha , Shivalingaiah Sudarshan , Rao Srishti , D'Souza George , Dwarkanath Pratibha , Dias Mary , Maguire Thomas , Doores Katie , Dasgupta Prokar , Babji Sudhir , Ottenhoff Tom , Stuart Kenneth , De Rosa Stephen , McElrath M. Juliana , Vyakarnam Annapurna
Published: March 2022

This study tested if prior BCG revaccination can further boost immune responses subsequently induced by an otherwise efficacious Oxford/AstraZeneca ChAdOx1nCoV-19 vaccine, referred to as COVISHIELDTM in India. We compared COVISHIELDTM induced longitudinal immune responses in 21 BCG re-vaccinees (BCG-RV) and 13 BCG-non-revaccinees (BCG-NRV), all of whom were BCG vaccinated at birth and latent tuberculosis negative, after COVISHIELDTM prime and boost with baseline samples that were collected pre-pandemic and pre-BCG revaccination. Compared to BCG-NRV, BCG-RV displayed significantly higher magnitude of spike-specific Ab and T cell responses, including a greater proportion of high responders; better quality polyfunctional CD4 and CD8 T cells that persisted and a more robust Ab and T cell response to the Delta mutant of SARS-CoV-2 highlighting greater breadth. Mechanistically, BCG adjuvant effects on COVISHIELDTM induced adaptive responses was associated with more robust innate responses to pathogen-associated-molecular-patterns through TNF-α and IL-1β secretion. This study highlights the potential of using a cheap and globally available vaccine as an adjuvant to enhance heterologous adaptive immune responses induced by COVIDSHIELDTM and other emerging vaccines.