bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharacokinetics and Bioequivalence of Ezetimibe Tablet versus Ezetrol ®: An Open-Label, Randomized, Two-Sequence Crossover Study in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Sun Feifei , Liu Yanping , Li Ting , Lin Pingping , Jiang Xin , Li Xin , Wang Chenjing , Gao Xiaomeng , Ma Yaping , Fu Yao , Cao Yu
Published: August 2022

Background: Ezetimibe, a new class of antihyperlipidemic agents, the cholesterol-absorption inhibitors. To assess the bioequivalence of the ezetimibe tablet to Ezetrol ® in healthy Chinese volunteers and estimate the pharmacokinetic proﬁles of ezetimibe tablet.Methods: A single-dose randomized, open-label, two-group, two-periodcrossover study was designed in 59 healthy Chinese volunteers. They were divided into fasted and fed groups to assess the bioequivalence between two preparations. Blood samples were collected at specified time intervals. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was applied to determined the plasma concentrations of ezetimibe and ezetimibe glucuronide .PK and bioavailability parameters were estimated via non-compartmental methods. Adverse events were also recorded.Results: Under fasted conditions, the mean Cmax of ezetimibe was (3.23±1.41) ng/ml, Tmax was 5.00 h, t1/2 was (18.03±6.52) h and AUC0-t was (58.49±25.76) ng·h /ml; the mean Cmax of ezetimibe glucuronide was (63.21±47.14) ng/ml, Tmax was 1.75 h, t1/2was (20.36±11.62) h and AUC0-t was (575.78±408.26) ng·h /ml; the mean Cmax of total ezetimibe was (65.73±47.14) ng/ml, Tmax was 1.75 h, t1/2was (17.35±12.14) h and AUC0-t was (643.34±400.77) ng·h /ml, respectively, after a single dose of 10 mg ezetimibe tablet. Under fed conditions, the mean Cmax of ezetimibe was (5.94±4.12) ng/ml, Tmax was 2.50 h, t1/2was (25.89±12.01) h and AUC0-t was (72.67±36.74) ng·h /ml; the mean Cmax of ezetimibe glucuronide was (77.68±37.25) ng/ml, Tmax was 2.50 h, t1/2was (31.05±17.04) h and AUC0-t was (409.29±191.89) ng·h /ml; the mean Cmax of total ezetimibe was (83.38±38.95) ng/ml, Tmax was 2.50 h, t1/2was (22.56±12.68) h and AUC0-t was (494.21±208.65) ng·h /ml, respectively, after a single dose of 10 mg ezetimibe tablet. The PK parameters of the ezetimibe tablet were similar to those of Ezetrol ®. The 90% CI values of the GMRs of Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ under both fasted and fed conditions were within the prespeciﬁed bioequivalence range (80.00–125.00%).Conclusions: The trial confirmed that, the test ezetimibe tablet and Ezetrol® were determined to be bioequivalent under both fasted and fed conditions ,by measurement of ezetimibe, ezetimibe glucuronide and total ezetimibe.Trial registration: Trial registration: China Drug Trials Registry,CTR20170817.Registered 01 August 2017, http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/clinicaltrials.searchlistdetail.dhtml
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect inpatient care for children in Germany? An exploratory analysis based on national hospital discharge data
Authors: Panteli Dimitra , Mauer Nicole , Tille Florian , Nimptsch Ulrike
Published: August 2022

Background -
The COVID-19 pandemic created substantial disruptions in the delivery of health services around the world. Reductions in hospital admissions have been reported for several conditions in the adult population; less evidence currently exists for children. To what extent such changes reflect a risk for patients due to unmet care needs, or a “correction” of previous overprovision of care has not been thoroughly examined yet.
Methods -
Based on complete national hospital discharge data available via the German National Institute for the Reimbursement of Hospitals (InEK) data browser, we compare the top 30 diagnoses for which children were hospitalised in 2019, 2020 and 2021. We analyse the development of monthly admissions between January 2019 and December 2021 for three tracers of variable urgency and severity: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), appendicitis/appendectomy and tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy.
Results -
Total admissions were approximately 20% lower in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2019. The composition of the most frequent principal diagnoses did not change dramatically across years, although changes in rank were observed. Large decreases were observed in 2020 for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, with cases picking up again for some in 2021. The number of ALL admissions showed a slight increasing trend and a periodicity prima vista unrelated to pandemic factors. Appendicitis admissions decreased by about 9% in 2020 and a further 8% in 2021, while tonsillectomies/adenoidectomies decreased by more than 40% in 2020 and a further 30% in 2021; for these tracers, monthly changes are in line with pandemic waves.
Conclusions -
Observed variations in child hospitalisations reflect the effects of pandemic mitigation measures and/or changes in demand. In Germany, inpatient care for critical conditions appears to have been largely upheld, potentially at the expense of elective treatments. Complementary data on ambulatory care and health outcomes would enable a better understanding of change in healthcare patterns and effects on children’s health.
Enhancing cationic surfactants’ inactivation of non-enveloped viruses by sulfate ions
Authors: Saito Rei , Tobe Seiichi , Miyake Miyuki , Sekine Yukari , Takizawa Takeshi , Sugiyama Junichi , Kakizawa Yasushi , Morikawa Shigeru
Published: August 2022

Quaternary cationic surfactants with bactericidal activity such as didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) show an inactivation effect on enveloped viruses, but they have little effect on non-enveloped viruses such as noroviruses. Therefore, we examined additives that enhance the inactivation effect of cationic surfactants by using feline calicivirus (FCV) as a representative of a non-enveloped virus. The result was that SO42- ions, which are a general-purpose salt, had a strong salting-out effect that reduced the solubility of proteins, greatly enhancing the inactivation ability of DDAC. The SO42- ions also enhanced FCV inactivation by other cationic surfactants such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and benzalkonium chloride (ADBAC). To clarify the mechanism, we evaluated the denaturation and binding process of DDAC to bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein by means of circular dichroism (CD) spectrum and isothermal titration calorimeter (ITC), respectively. The SO42- ions disturbed the protein structure by their salting-out effect and promoted cooperative binding from lower DDAC concentrations by reducing the critical micelle concentration (cmc), indicating that these synergistic effects caused a large structural change in the protein. These results suggested that increasing the protein denaturation of the cationic surfactants by adding SO42- ions enhanced the inactivation effect on the non-enveloped virus.
PIK3CA mutations associated with a poor postoperative prognosis in patients with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kojima Kensuke , Imai Saki , Samejima Hironobu , Fujiwara Ayako , Tokunaga Toshiteru , Yoon Hyungeun , Okishio Kyoichi
Published: August 2022

Background
Pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma (PPC) is a rare type of non-small cell lung cancer characterized by high malignancy and a poor prognosis. PPC is associated with a high frequency of postoperative relapse, and shows resistance to chemotherapy. The high malignancy of cancers is associated with genomic instability, which is related to mutations of tumor suppressor genes, such as tumor protein p53 (TP53) and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM). In addition, signaling pathways involving the oncogenes such as phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are associated with resistance to chemotherapy. However, the association of PPC with these gene mutations remains unknown. We investigated the impact of TP53, ATM, PIK3CA, and EGFR mutations on the postoperative prognosis of PPC.
Methods
Fifty-five patients with PPC who underwent complete resection were studied. A gene mutation analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing. Postoperative overall survival of patients with gene mutations was evaluated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model in which the explanatory variables were the presence of each gene mutation, and the confounding factors were pathological stage and age. The robustness of the results was evaluated by a sensitivity analysis.
Results
The frequencies of pathogenic mutations in TP53, ATM, PIK3CA, and EGFR were 47%, 0%, 7%, and 9%, respectively. A multivariate analysis adjusted for pathological stage and age showed a significant difference for only PIK3CA mutations. The hazard ratio (HR) for overall survival in cases with pathogenic mutations of PIK3CA for wild type or non-pathogenic mutations was 4.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–18.8). Likewise, sensitivity analyses adjusted for pathological stage and sex (HR, 7.5; 95% CI 1.7–32.4) and for age and sex (HR, 5.4; 95% CI 1.4–21.7) resulted in similar findings. Although three patients with pathogenic mutations of PIK3CA that recurred postoperatively were treated by chemotherapy or immunotherapy, they survived for less than two years.
Conclusions
The postoperative prognosis of PPC with PIK3CA pathogenic mutations is particularly poor. Pathogenic mutations of PIK3CA may be a postoperative prognostic marker. Inhibition of signaling pathways associated with PIK3CA mutations may also be a target for chemotherapy after relapse of PPC.
Clinical outcome of patients with isolated central nervous system progression on first-line Pertuzumab and Trastuzumab treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in a real life cohort.
Authors: COLLET Laetitia , Eberst Lauriane , Ludovic Gauthier , Debled Marc , Hrab Loana , Mouret-Reynier Marie-Ange , Desmoulins Isabelle , Goncalves Anthony , Campone Mario , Ferrero Jean-Marc , Brain Etienne , Uwer Lionel , Eymard Jean-Christophe , Dieras Veronique , Simon Gaetane , Leheurteur Marianne , Dalenc Florence , Vanlemmens Laurence , Darlix Amelie , Arnedos Monica , Bachelot Thomas
Published: August 2022

PurposeMore than 10% of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) will develop Central Nervous System (CNS) metastases as first and isolated site of relapse on trastuzumab and pertuzumab first line therapy. However, few clinical data are available to guide the best strategy in this setting.MethodsPatients experiencing isolated CNS progression on trastuzumab and pertuzumab first line therapy were retrospectively identified from the French Epidemiological Strategy and Medical Economics (ESME) real life database between 2008 and 2016. ResultsAmong 995 patients treated with first line trastuzumab and pertuzumab for HER2-positive mBC, 132 patients (13%) experienced isolated CNS progression with a median time of 12 months after mBC diagnosis. Twelves patients did not received any treatment and were excluded from the analysis. Among the 120 patients considered, 76 (63%) received CNS-directed local therapy, 73 (60%) continued trastuzumab and pertuzumab whereas 47 (39%) started another systemic treatment. After a median follow up of 21 months, there was no difference in progression free survival for patient who continued trastuzumab-pertuzumab or switched to another systemic treatment. In multivariate analysis, trastuzumab-pertuzumab continuation was associated with longer OS (HR 0,28 IC95%: 0,14-0,54 p<0,001). mOS was not reached (95% 37.6-NE) and was 23.2 months (95%CI 15.5-53.6) in patients who continued trastuzumab and pertuzumab therapy and in patients who switched for another systemic therapy, respectively.ConclusionIn this real-life cohort, trastuzumab-pertuzumab continuation after local treatment for isolated CNS progression did not negatively impact PFS and OS. Prospective trials and assessment of new strategies are warranted in this specific situation.
Quantitative analysis of morphological characteristics of chronic idiopathic macular hole on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography
Authors: Zhao Lu , Dai Aiai , Yang Lei , Wang Yanling
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This study’s impetus is to make a quantitative analysis on the characteristics of chronic idiopathic macular hole (IMH) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Methods
IMH persisting for ≥ 1 year confirmed by OCT was defined as chronic IMH. Symptom duration of macular hole for ≤ 6 months and/or macular hole persisting for ≤ 6 months was shown by preoperative OCT, which was defined as acute IMH. OCT parameters were compared between the two groups.
Results
A total of 95 eyes were included in the study, including 16 eyes with chronic IMH and 79 eyes with acute IMH. Statistically significant differences were noted in minimum linear diameter (MLD), hole height (HH), macular hole index (MHI), tractional hole index (THI) and hole form factor (HFF) (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, p = 0.003, p = 0.002, p < 0.001, ANCOVA test, respectively) between the two groups. MLD (OR 0.992, 95% CI from 0.987 to 0.996) and HH (OR 1.012, 95% CI from 1.003 to 1.021) was identified as a factor closely associated with the diagnosis of chronic IMH after logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.880 and 95% CI from 0.830 to 0.957, p < 0.001.
Conclusion
Chronic IMH has a larger MLD, smaller HH, MHI, THI, and HFF. MLD and HH is closely correlated with the diagnosis of chronic macular holes, which is easy to apply in clinical practice and does not require complex measurements or calculations.
A Study Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Assessing the Activity of Marrow Edema of Sacroiliac Joints in Early Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Shi Zhaojuan , Wang Baojian , Yang Zhe , Zheng Hui , Ran Rongli , Zhang Yue , Han Jiankui , Li Changqin , Qin Jian
Published: August 2022

Purpose
This paper aimed to investigate the value of SPARCC score and ADC value in evaluating the activity of sacroiliac arthritis in early AS, and to explore the correlations between SPARCC score and clinical activity evaluation indexes. These results can provide more reliable reference for clinical evaluation of AS activity.
Methods
A total of 43 patients with early AS underwent MR examinations using T1WI, T2WI, STIR and DWI sequences, included 30 males and 13 females, with a median age of (26.52 ± 3.28) years.All patients were divided into the active group and stable group by the BASDAI scoring. The values of ASDAS-ESR and ASDAS-CRP were calculated according to the values of ESR and CRP combined with clinical pain score. The non-parametric test was used as the main statistical method, and the Spearman Correlation Analysis was used to analyze the correlations between MRI parameters and clinical activity indicators. In addition, ROC curves were drawn to evaluate MRI effective parameters and clinical inflammatory indexes.
Results
The values of BASDAI, ESR, CRP, ASDAS-ESR and ASDAS-CRP were 5.60 ± 1.10scores,21.00 ± 16.25mm/h,12.60 ± 15.92mg/l,2.73 ± 1.25 and 3.13 ± 1.64 in the active group, while 4.90 ± 0.80scores,14.00 ± 11.00mm/h,3.03 ± 2.46mg/L, 1.27 ± 0.57 and 1.41 ± 0.77 in the stable group(p < 0.05). The SPARCC scoring and ADC values in the active group were higher than those in the stable group (p < 0.05). SPARCC scoring had the highest correlation with ASDAS-CRP (r = 0.806), while the ADC values were moderately correlated with ASDAS-CRP. Furthermore, we founded that ASDAS-CRP had the highest efficacy (AUC = 0.933) in clinical indexes, while SPARCC scoring was the most effective (AUC = 0.887) for the evaluation on MRI.
Conclusions
It can be concluded that MRI evaluation indexes were more reliable than clinical indicators for the AS activity. ASDAS-CRP had the highest efficacy and specificity for the evaluation of early AS, while SPARCC scoring had the highest efficacy and best sensitivity on MRI.
Geochemistry and origin of natural gas in the Arctic area of West Siberia
Authors: Novikov D. A. , Dultsev F. F. , Borisov E. V. , Chernykh A. V. , Fursenko E. A.
Published: August 2022

Results obtained in the studies of gas composition in the hydrocarbon pools of the Jurassic-Cretaceous sediments in the Arctic regions of West Siberia are reported. The specific features of gas composition in hydrocarbon pools are shown. The main features of the vertical and lateral gas zoning in the Aptian-Albian-Cenomanian, Berriasian-Hauterivian and Jurassic oil and gas bearing complexes are revealed. Generalization of the data on the geochemistry of hydrocarbon gases (the features of component composition, the isotope composition of methane), along with the published data of the geological and geochemical investigation of the Arctic regions of West Siberia, allows us to consider the highly mature Triassic - Middle Jurassic coaly matter as the source of the dry hydrocarbon gases of the Lower and Middle Jurassic complex. Either the Triassic - Middle Jurassic sediments or the Upper Jurassic beds, enriched with the aquatic organic matter, could be involved in the formation of Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous pools. The low-maturity terrestrial (carbonaceous) organic matter of the Cretaceous sediments generated the major amount of light-isotope gases in the Aptian-Albian-Cenomanian sediments. In addition, the source of those gases could be methane formed during oil biodegradation.
Simulation-based Characterization of Tube-cap Resistance Butt Welding of Nuclear Fuel for Light Water Reactors and Development of Melted-volume Prediction Models
Authors: Lee Jong-Jung , Park Young Whan , Na TaeHyung
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Magnitude of Malaria and Associated Factors Among Febrile Patients Visiting Public Health Facilities in Olanchity Town, East Shewa, Central Ethiopia, 2022. Crosssectional Study Design.
Authors: Gudeta Yosef , Daniel Radiet , Aman Dureti
Published: August 2022

Background: Mortality and Morbidity caused by malaria is a major public health problem in developing countries like Ethiopia. Despite efforts to reduce its impact on community, the disease is still a projecting health problem in Ethiopia. In the study area, there is no study done that indicated extent of malaria and predisposing factors related as far as our knowledge concerned. This study, therefore, was undertaken to assess the magnitude of malaria and associated factors among febrile patient visiting public health facilities in Olanchit Town.Objectives: to assess the magnitude of malaria and associated factors among febrile patients visiting public health facilities in Olanchit Town, East Shewa, Central Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from April 1st - June 30th, 2022. Every other febrile patient from all patients visiting the health facilities during the data collection period were interviewed using structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The collected data was coded, edited and entered in to Epi-Info version 7.1 and analyzed SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics was performed to describe the magnitudes of malaria. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associated factors at 95% confidence interval and P -value <0.05 was used as cut-off points to declare significance in the final model.Result: in the study 306 respondents were involved making response rate 100%. Among febrile cases visited public health 85 (27.8%), (95% CI;17.0, 26.1) were positive for malaria cases and P. Vivax 43 (14.1%) were dominant species followed by mixed 26 (8.5%) and more cases 47 (15.4%) were observed in male. Malaria infection were associated with Sex who are male in gender (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI. 2. 74 – 16.1; P= 0.021), Age (AOR =7.7, 95% CI; 2.191 – 27. 321, P= 0.007), family members ever contracted malaria in their life (AOR = 3.7; 95% CI 1.469, 7.108; P = value 0.004).Conclusion and Recommendation: malaria cases found in this report was high when compared with strategies being followed now by MOH. To lower the prevalence of malaria infection there should be strong community mobilizer and active case search which might contribute to elimination goal that targeted clearing new and existing cases.
Factors Influencing COVID-19 Health Protective Behaviours in Zambian University Students with Symptoms of Low Mood
Authors: Ncheka Joyce Msumba , Menon J. Anitha , Davies E Bethan , Paul Ravi , Mwaba Sydney O C , Mudenda John , Wharrad Heather , Toutouchi Parisa , Glazebrook Cris
Published: August 2022

Background
Health protective behaviours are crucial in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, particularly in university students who typically live and study in large groups. Depression and anxiety are common in students and can impact young people’s motivations to follow health advice. The study aims to assess the relationship between mental health and COVID-19 health-protective behaviours in Zambian university students with symptoms of low mood.
Methods
The study was a cross-sectional, online survey of Zambian university students. Invitation emails were sent explaining the study aims and directed students who self-identified as having low moods in the past two weeks to an online survey. Measures included COVID-19 preventive behaviours, COVID-19-related self-efficacy and Hospital and Anxiety Depression scale.
Results
A total of 620 students (n = 308 female, n = 306 male) participated in the study, with a mean participant age of 22.47 ± 3.29 years (range 18–51). Students reported a mean protective behaviour score of 74.09/105 and only 168 (27%) said they would accept vaccination against COVID-19, with male students being twice as likely to be willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination (p < 0.001). Over half the students (54%) scored above the threshold for depression and nearly three-quarters (74%) scored above the threshold for possible anxiety disorder. Three-way ANOVA showed lower COVID-19 protective behaviours in students scoring above the threshold for anxiety (p = .024) and those with low self-efficacy (p < 0.001). Gender was non-significant.
Conclusion
Students who self-identify as having symptoms of depression have high levels of anxiety. The results suggest that interventions to reduce anxiety and promote self-efficacy might enhance students’ COVID-19 protective behaviours. Further qualitative research is needed to understand the high rates of vaccine hesitancy in this population.
Mental Stress Recognition on the fly using Neuroplasticity Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Weerasinghe Mahima Milinda Alwis , Wang Grace , Whalley Jacqueline , Crook-Rumsey Mark
Published: August 2022

Mental stress is found to be strongly connected with human cognition and wellbeing. As the complexities of human life increase, the effects of mental stress have impacted human health and cognitive performance across the globe. This highlights the need for effective non-invasive stress detection methods. In this work we introduce a novel, artificial spiking neural network model called, Online Neuroplasticity Spiking Neural Network (O-NSNN) that utilizes a repertoire of learning concepts inspired by the brain, to classify mental stress using Electroencephalogram (EEG) data. These models are personalized and tested on EEG data recorded during sessions in which participants listen to different types of narratives designed to induce acute stress. Our O-NSNN models learn on the fly producing an average accuracy of 90.76% (σ = 2.09) when classifying EEG signals of brain states associated with these audio comments. The brain-inspired nature of the individual models makes them robust and efficient and has the potential to be integrated into wearable technology. Furthermore, this article presents an exploratory analysis of trained O-NSNNs to discover links between perceived and acute mental stress. The O-NSNN algorithm proved to be better for personalized stress recognition in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and model interpretability.
EHTT2022: Multi-physical modeling and adjusting for ultrasonic assisted soft abrasive flow processing
Authors: Ni Yesha , Tan Yunfeng , Tan Dapeng
Published: August 2022

The polishing efficiency of the soft abrasive flow (SAF) method is low, which is not in line with the concept of carbon emission reduction in industrial production. To address the above issue, a two-phase fluid multi-physics modeling method for the ultrasonic assisted SAF processing is proposed. The turbulence kinetic energy at different ultrasonic frequencies are studied. Simulation results show that the ultrasonic vibration can induce cavitation effect in the constrained flow channel and promote the turbulence intensity and uniformity of the abrasive flow. A set of comparative polishing experiments with or without ultrasonic vibration are conducted to explore the performance of the proposed method. It can be found that the ultrasonic assisted SAF method can improve the machining efficiency and uniformity, so as to achieve the purpose of carbon emission reduction.
Anthropogenic fingerprints in daily precipitation revealed by deep learning
Authors: Ham Yoo-Geun , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Min Seung-Ki , Kim Daehyun , Li Tim , Timmermann Axel , Stuecker Malte
Published: August 2022

According to 21st century climate model projections, greenhouse warming will, on average, intensify rainfall variability and extremes. However, verifying this prediction using observations has remained a major challenge owing to large natural rainfall fluctuations at regional scales. In this study, we demonstrate that deep learning successfully detects the emerging climate change signals in daily precipitation fields during the observed record. Accordingly, we trained a convolutional neural network with daily precipitation variability and annual mean global mean surface air temperature data obtained from an ensemble of present-day and future climate model simulations. After applying the algorithm to the observational record, we found that the daily precipitation data represented an excellent predictor for the observed planetary warming, as they have showed a clear deviation from natural variability since the mid-2010s. Furthermore, we probed the machine learning model with an interpretability framework and observed that daily precipitation variability over the tropical eastern Pacific and mid-latitude storm track regions was most sensitive to anthropogenic warming. Our results highlight that, although the long-term shifts in annual mean precipitation were non-emergent above the natural background variability, the daily hydrological fluctuations already carry a detectable example of human interference.
Associations of thiocyanate, nitrate, and perchlorate exposure with dyslipidemia: a cross-sectional, population-based analysis
Authors: Shi Mengsha , Zhu Xu , Cheang Iokfai , Zhu Qingqing , Guo Qixin , Liao Shengen , Gao Rongrong , Li Xinli
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the associations of urinary thiocyanate, nitrate, and perchlorate concentrations with dyslipidemia, individually and in combination, which has not previously been studied. Data from the 2001–2002 and 2005–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. The dependent variables were continuous serum lipid variables (triglycerides [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B [Apo B]) and binary serum lipid variables, with the latter reflecting dyslipidemia (elevated TG, ≥ 150 mg/dL; elevated TC, ≥ 200 mg/dL; elevated LDL-C, ≥ 130 mg/dL; lowered HDL-C, < 40 mg/dL in men and < 50 mg/dL in women; elevated non-HDL-C, ≥ 160 mg/dL; and elevated Apo B, ≥ 130 mg/dL). Multivariate logistic, linear, and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses were used to explore the associations of thiocyanate, nitrate, and perchlorate with the continuous and binary serum lipid variables. The linearity of the associations with the binary serum lipid variables was assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. A total of 15,563 adults were included in the analysis. The multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses showed that thiocyanate was positively associated with multiple continuous (TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and Apo B, but not HDL-C) and binary (elevated TG, TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C) serum lipid variables, whereas perchlorate was negatively associated with elevated LDL-C. Multivariate RCS logistic regression revealed a linear dose–response relationship between thiocyanate and elevated TG, TC, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and Apo B, but a nonlinear relationship with lowered HDL-C (inflection point = 1.622 mg/L). WQS regression showed that a mixture of thiocyanate, nitrate, and perchlorate was positively associated with all binary serum lipid variables except for Apo B. Our findings indicate that urinary thiocyanate, nitrate, and perchlorate concentrations, individually and in combination, were associated with dyslipidemia.
Critical Parameters of Pure Substances
Authors: İbrahimoglu Beycan , Sarikaya Yuksel , Ibrahim Beycan Jr.
Published: August 2022

Solid, liquid, gas and plasma phases of pure substances were being studied in detail for over a century. There are liquid-solid, liquid-vapor and solid-vapor thermodynamic equilibrium curves on the conventional p-T phase diagram. However, location of the plasma phase, liquid-solid, solid-vapor equilibrium curves and critical parameters limiting those equilibriums are not provided since they haven’t yet been measured experimentally. Determination of the absent equilibrium curves, critical parameters, and the thermodynamic conditions for plasma phase occurrence with its location on the phase diagram were set to be the purpose of this study.
Economical Chemical Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional Bi36Fe2O57polycrystalline Ceramic catalyst
Authors: Verma Manish Kumar , Kumar Vinod , Patel Upakar , Rai Vishnu Shankar , Prajapati Dinesh , De Arup Kumar , Prajapati Aditya Kumar , sahoo Kedar , Das Tapas , Singh N.B. , Mandal K. D.
Published: August 2022

Polycrystalline Bi36Fe2O57 (BFO) ceramic was prepared by an economical chemical route. The X-ray powder diffraction analysis shows the formation of single-phase BFO ceramic. Nanosized formation of BFO ceramic particles was characterized by XRD as well as TEM and had particle size 76 ± 10 nm range. The sillenite type Bi36Fe2O57 shows better photocatalytic activity for the methylene blue (MB) dye degradation under visible light exposure than the perovskite-based BiFeO3 due to the low band gap(1.8eV) of the former. The photocatalytic mechanism of MB degradation over Bi36Fe2O57 ceramic can be explained by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model which reflects the adsorption-controlled photocatalytic process.
Purified neuronal populations of regenerating retinal ganglion cells reveal DNA methylation-mediated role of Na+/K+-ATPase in axon regeneration
Authors: Madrid Andy , Rizk Elias , Koueik Joyce , Sun Dandan , Stewart Krista , Chen David , Luo Susan , Hong Felissa , Papale Ligia , Hariharan Nithya , Alisch Reid , Iskandar Bermans
Published: August 2022

While embryonic mammalian central nervous system (CNS) axons readily grow and differentiate, only a minority of fully differentiated mature CNS neurons are able to regenerate injured axons, leading to stunted functional recovery after injury and disease. To delineate DNA methylation changes specifically associated with axon regeneration, we developed a Fluorescent-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)-based methodology in a rat optic nerve transection model to segregate the injured retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) into regenerating and non-regenerating cell populations. Whole-genome DNA methylation profiling of these purified neurons revealed known and novel genes and pathways linked to mammalian RGC regeneration. Moreover, whole-methylome sequencing of purified uninjured adult and embryonic RGCs identified embryonic molecular profiles reactivated after injury in mature neurons, and others that correlate specifically with embryonic or adult axon growth, but not both. The results highlight the contribution to both embryonic growth and adult axon regeneration of subunits encoding the Na+/K+-ATPase. In turn, both biochemical and genetic inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump significantly reduced RGC axon regeneration. These data provide critical molecular insights into mammalian CNS axon regeneration, pinpoint the Na+/K+-ATPase as a key regulator of regeneration of injured mature CNS axons, and suggest that successful regeneration requires, in part, reactivation of embryonic signals. Identification of the specific role of DNA methylation in CNS regeneration promises novel therapeutic targets for CNS injury and disease.
Investigation of 3D printed bearing cage with pentamode metamaterial structure
Authors: Xue Shuai , Li Zheng , Zheng Jiahui , Wu Dongbo , Meng Yonggang
Published: August 2022

Cage is the core component of a rolling element bearing, and its dynamic characteristics directly determine the performance and service life of a bearing. Metamaterial is a new structural material with topology optimization design, which has many special physical properties that traditional materials do not possess. Utilizing 3D printing technology to prepare metamaterials can increase manufacturing flexibility, give full play to its advantages in complex structure manufacturing, and realize the integrated manufacturing of structure and function. In this paper, a bearing cage with pentamode metamaterial structure was designed and fabricated by using selective laser sintering (SLS), and its deformation simulation and experimental tests were carried out. The results show that the 3D printed metamaterial structure cage has desired mechanical properties, and is workable in preliminary tests. Compared with the original commercial cage, the quality factor increased by one order of magnitude, which means it is easier to deform under shear force than pressure. This characteristic is beneficial to the high speed operation of rolling element bearings. In addition, due to its unique holes structure, its weight was reduced by 50% and more grease could be stored, resulting in a lower friction coefficient. When running steadily under the same condition, the power consumption of the bearing assembled with the 3D printed cage is 25% lower than that of the bearing assembled with the original cage. The study has demonstrated that 3D printed cages are of great research significance and broad application prospects.
Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension and Healthy Eating Index 2015, Modify the Association between FTO polymorphisms and Obesity Phenotypes
Authors: Hosseini-Esfahani Firoozeh , Rezaei Mahshid , Koochakpoor Glareh , Daneshpour Maryam S. , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate the interaction of the Healthy eating index (HEI) and the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diets with FTO polymorphisms in relation to obesity traits. A total of 4480 subjects aged ≥18 years were selected from participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study and followed-up 3 years. Selected polymorphisms (rs1421085, rs1121980, rs8050136) were genotyped. HEI and DASH scores were computed. The interaction of diet quality scores with FTO gene variants concerning changes in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) was assessed. Higher adherence to both DASH and HEI diets were seen in older adults. Individuals with minor allele carriers of rs1121980 had a lower change in BMI when they had higher adherence to HEI, compared to subjects with lower HEI score (P trend=0.01). Change in WC in participants in the fourth quartile of HEI score in minor allele carriers of FTO variants was lower compared to the first quartile. No significant interaction was seen between FTO genetic variations and DASH and HEI diets regarding changes in any of obesity indices. Adherence to HEI and DASH diets modified the association between FTO genetic variations and obesity phenotypes. In minor allele (risk allele) carriers of FTO polymorphisms, low change in BMI and WC were seen with high adherence to the HEI. Conversely, high adherence to the DASH diet by this genotypic group was related to increase WC.
Reliable heatwave attribution based on successful operational weather forecasts
Authors: Leach Nicholas , Roberts Christopher , Heathcote Daniel , Mitchell Dann , Thompson Vikki , Palmer Tim , Weisheimer Antje , Allen Myles
Published: August 2022

Extreme weather attribution, quantifying the role of human influence in specific weather events, is of interest to scientists, adaptation planners and the general public. However, the devastating 2021 Pacific Northwest heatwave challenged conventional statistical approaches to attribution due to the absence of similar events in the historical record, and model-based approaches due to poor representation of key causal processes in current climate models. Here we use state-of-the-art operational medium-range and seasonal weather prediction systems, applied for the first time to this kind of climate question and unequivocally able to simulate the detailed physics of the heatwave in question, to show that human influence on the climate made this event at least 8 [2--30] times more likely to occur. Quantifying the absolute probability of such an unprecedented event is more challenging, but the length of the observational record suggests at least a multi-decade return-time in the current climate, with the likelihood doubling every 17 [10--50] years at the current rate of global warming. Our forecast-based approach synthesises the storyline approach, which examines human influence on the physical drivers of an event in a deterministic manner, and the probabilistic approach, which assesses how the frequency of a class of events has been affected by human influence. If developed as a routine service in a number of forecasting centres, it could provide reliable estimates of the changing probabilities of all extreme events that can be represented in forecast models, which is critical to supporting effective adaptation planning.
Longitudinal change of reticular pseudodrusen area in ultrawide-field imaging
Authors: Yoon Je Moon , Choi Young Joo , Ham Don-Il
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal change in the reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) area in the fundus and its association with late age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 91 RPD eyes (55 patients; age 67.9 ± 7.3 years) with > 5 years’ follow-up (6.8 ± 0.9 years) from a single medical center were enrolled. Ultrawide-field photography images were analyzed using the concentric rings method, and the RPD area was semi-quantitatively classified according to the affected segment number into central, intermediate, and extensive types. Correlations of longitudinal changes in the RPD area and late AMD risk were investigated. RPD area increased significantly during the follow-up (p < 0.001). The increase rate correlated with age (r = 0.207; p = 0.048), RPD area at first visit (r = -0.222; p = 0.035), and the decrease rate of subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (r = 0.217; p = 0.039). Many central (18/49, 36.7%) and intermediate (15/23, 65.2%) types switched to the more advanced type during the follow-up. Macular neovascularization and geographic atrophy developed in 12.3% and 18.7% of patients by 7 years. Late AMD incidence was significantly higher in eyes with large than in those with small RPD areas (p = 0.002). Larger RPD area at baseline, faster increase in RPD area, thinner SFCT, rapid decrease in SFCT, and the presence of late AMD on fellow eye were associated with late AMD. All RPD areas progressively increase over time. The regular assessment of RPD area may help to predict late AMD risk in RPD eyes.
Prevalence of Immunoglobulin (G (IgG) and M (IgM)) Against SARS-COV-2 and risk factors for positivity among Students at tertiary education institution, Malawi
Authors: Mwale Saul Eric , Chisale Master , Chimenya McLenelious , Tandwe Twalibu N.G. , Chapeta Yankho , Nkosi Michael Mzirekelenge , Nyambalo Billy Wilson , Ngonga Jomo , Munyenyembe Paul , Kayange Winfred , Chikakuda Yusuf S. , Kumwenda Pizga
Published: August 2022

Objective
The aim of our study was to determine the extent of exposure of the student population to SARS-CoV-2 and its associated factors. 166 students were enrolled in our study representing a 100% response rate.
Results
The SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence in the sampled student population was 78%. Gender of the respondents was a significant modulator of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity (p < 0.05). Adherence to the institution’s SARS-CoV-2 containment measures by students was very low (6.6%) which numerically amplified the seropositivity among students. There were proportional differences in the use of a particular Covid-19 mitigation strategy by the students such as face masks (60.2%), hand sanitizers (38.6%), Social distancing (25.9%), handwashing with soap (7.8%) and self-isolation (5.4%) (Cochran Q = 155.39, p < 0.001). Our study has shown a very high exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among students which positively suggests a near attainment of herd immunity and negatively unreliability of the current mitigation measures. We recommend such evidence-based results should guide policy directions and decisions in the current and future pandemics.
Combined Iodine-125 Seed Strand, Transarterial Chemoembolizaiton, Lenvatinib and Anti-PD-1 Antibodies Therapy for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Vp4 Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus: A Real-world Study
Authors: Zhang Zi-Han , Hou Si-Nan , Yu Jia-Ze , Zhou Xin , Zhang Wen , Ma Jing-Qin , Yang Min-Jie , Liu Qing-Xin , Liu Ling-Xiao , Luo Jian-Jun , Qu Xu-Dong , Yan Zhi-Ping
Published: August 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of interventional therapy (iodine-125 seed strand [with or without stent] implantation plus transarterial chemoembolization) combined with systemic therapy (lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 antibody) as first-line treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Vp4 portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT).
Methods
From December 2018 to June 2021, 75 patients with HCC and Vp4 PVTT were included in this single-center retrospective study. Forty-one patients underwent interventional therapy combined with lenvatinib and anti-PD-1 antibody (group A; n = 41), while 34 cases underwent interventional therapy combined with lenvatinib (group B; n = 34). Stent occlusion rates and overall response rates (ORRs) for intrahepatic tumors and PVTT were compared. Median overall survival (mOS) and median progression-free survival (mPFS) were compared by using Kaplan-Meier method.
Results
The technique was performed successfully in all patients. ORRs for intrahepatic tumors (58.5% vs 11.8%, p < .001) and PVTT (76.9% vs 33.3%, p < .001) were significantly higher in group A compared with group B. Stent occlusion rates were 17.8% and 39.3% in groups A and B, respectively (p = .076). The mOS and mPFS were significantly longer in group A compared with group B (mOS, 17.7 ± 1.7 vs 11.2 ± 0.9 months, p = .003; mPFS, 16.8 ± 1.6 vs 7.0 ± 1.0 months, p < .001). Multivariate analysis found that treatment regimen and sex were two independent prognostic factors of OS.
Conclusions
Interventional therapy (iodine-125 seed strand [with or without stent] implantation plus transarterial chemoembolization) combined with systemic therapy (lenvatinib plus anti-PD-1 antibody) is safe and effective as first-line treatment for HCC patients with Vp4 PVTT.
Elite Oppositional Tuna Swarm Algorithm with 5D Chaotic Map Based Secure Video Transmission in Cloud Environment
Authors: Geetha N. , Mahesh K.
Published: August 2022

Recently, cloud computing becomes familiar for easier, inexpensive, and on-demand data storage where the persons are uploading videos to the cloud server. But the data comes count from the client-side that would traditionally manage as well as control the data. So, it is essential to assure integrity and reliability of the video transmitted and saved to the cloud environment using encryption techniques. This article designs an elite oppositional tuna swarm algorithm with 5D chaotic map-based secure video transmission (EOTSA-CMSVD) technique in the cloud environment. The presented EOTSA-CMSVD technique aims to achieve secure and privacy-preserving video transmission in the cloud environment. In addition, the videos are transformed into a set of frames which are then decomposed using the dual-tree complex wavelet transform (D-TCWT) technique. The decomposed subbands are afterward diffused by the use of secret keys generated by the optimal 5D chaotic map. Besides, the hyperparameter tuning of the 5D chaotic map takes place using the EOTSA. Lastly, the inverse D-TWCT is used to generate the resultant encrypted frames which are then integrated to produce the final encrypted video for secure transmission. The experimental validation of the EOTSA-CMSVD technique using benchmark test videos shows the promising performance of the EOTSA-CMSVD technique over the other recent approaches in terms of several measures.
Different niches for mutant stem cells affect pathogenesis and therapy response in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Mendez-Ferrer Simon , Grockowiak Elodie , Korn Claudia , Rak Justyna , Hallou Adrien , Lysenko Veronika , Panvini Francesca , Fielding Claire , Williams Matthew , Khatib-Massalha Eman , Fang Zijian , García-García Andrés , Khorshed Reema , González-Antón Sara , Li Juan , Baxter E , Kusumbe Anjali , Wilkins Bridget , Green Anna , Simons Benjamin , Harrison Claire , Green Anthony , Celso Cristina Lo , Theocharides Alexandre
Published: August 2022

Aging facilitates the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) carrying clonal hematopoiesis (CH)-related somatic mutations and the development of myeloid malignancies, such as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). While cooperating mutations can cause transformation, it remains unclear whether distinct bone marrow (BM) HSC niches can influence the growth and therapy response of HSCs carrying the same pathogenic driver. Here we found different BM niches for HSCs in MPN subtypes. JAK-STAT signaling differentially regulates CDC42-dependent HSC polarity, niche interaction and mutant cell expansion. Asymmetric HSC distribution causes differential BM niche remodeling: sinusoidal dilation in polycythemia vera (PV), and endosteal niche expansion in essential thrombocythemia (ET). MPN development accelerates in a prematurely aged BM microenvironment, suggesting that the specialized niche can modulate mutant cell expansion. Finally, dissimilar HSC-niche interactions underpin variable clinical response to JAK inhibitor. Therefore, HSC-niche interactions influence the expansion rate and therapy response of cells carrying the same CH oncogenic driver.
GIS and Remote Sensing Based Land Degradation Assessment and Mapping: Case Study Adea Woreda
Authors: Kumsa Amanuel , Assen Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Land degradation is an increasing problem in many parts of the world. Success in fighting land degradation requires an improved understanding of its causes, impact, degree and acquaintance with climate, soil, water, land cover and socio-economic factors. The present study aimed to assess the advanced of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) to quantify land degradation risk in Adea woreda. Remotely sensed data provide timely, accurate and reliable information on degraded lands at certain time intervals in a cost-effective method. This paper presents the effect of land-use changes on land degradation by utilization of remote sensing and GIS methods due to un wise agriculture and urbanization activities in the period 2000–2022. The analysis is based on the processing of Landsat 7 and Landsat OLI 8 satellite images from 2000 and 2022. In the analysis of satellite images, the supervised classification maximum likelihood method was used. The study demonstrated that about 42.77% of the study area has undergone very high risk of degradation, whereas 44.26% of the area has undergone moderate degradation. About 12.50% of the total area was characterized by marginally degraded. The results indicated that the salinity, alkalinity and water logging are the main common degradation hazards of the Adea woreda.