bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Interaction of Avian Cryptochrome 4 with a Cone Specific G-protein
Authors: Görtemaker Katharina , Yee Chad , Bartölke Rabea , Behrmann Heide , Voß Jan-Oliver , Schmidt Jessica , Xu Jingjing , Solovyeva Vita , Leberecht Bo , Behrmann Elmar , Mouritsen Henrik , Koch Karl-Wilhelm
Published: June 2022

Background: Night-migratory birds sense the Earth´s magnetic field by an unknown molecular mechanism. Theoretical and experimental evidence support the hypothesis that light-induced formation of a radical-pair in European robin cryptochrome 4a, ErCry4a, is the primary signalling step in the retina of the bird. In the present work, we investigated a possible route of cryptochrome signalling involving the α-subunit of the cone specific heterotrimeric G protein from European robin. Methods: Protein-protein interaction studies include surface plasmon resonance, pulldown affinity binding and Förster resonance energy transfer. Results: Surface plasmon resonance studies showed direct interaction revealing high to moderate affinity for binding of non-myristoylated and myristoylated G protein to ErCry4a, respectively. Pulldown affinity experiments confirmed this complex formation in solution. We validated these in vitro data by monitoring the interaction between ErCry4a and G protein in a transiently transfected neuroretinal cell line using Förster resonance energy transfer. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ErCry4a and the G protein also interact in vivo and might constitute the first biochemical signalling step in radical-pair-based magnetoreception.
Disruption of a Conservative Motif in the C-Terminal Loop of the KCNQ1 Channel Causes LQT Syndrome
Authors: Karlova Maria , Abramochkin Denis V. , Pustovit Ksenia B. , Nesterova Tatiana , Novoseletsky Valery , Loussouarn Gildas , Zaklyazminskaya Elena , Sokolova Olga S.
Published: June 2022

We identified a single nucleotide variation (SNV) (c.1264A>G) in the KCNQ1 gene in a 5-year-old boy who presented with a prolonged QT interval. His elder brother and mother, but not sister and father, also had this mutation. This missense mutation leads to a p.Lys422Glu (K422E) substitution in the Kv7.1 protein, never mentioned before. We inserted this substitution in an expression plasmid containing Kv7.1 cDNA and studied the electrophysiological characteristics of the mutated channel expressed in CHO-K1 using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Expression of the mutant Kv7.1 channel in both homo- and heterozygous conditions, in the presence of auxiliary subunit KCNE1, results in a significant decrease in tail current densities compared to the expression of wild-type (WT) Kv7.1 and KCNE1. This study also indicates that K422E point mutation causes a dominant negative effect. The mutation was not associated with a trafficking defect, the mutant channel protein was confirmed to localize at the cell membrane. This mutation disrupts the poly-Lys strip in the proximal part of the highly conserved cytoplasmic A-B linker of Kv7.1, which was not shown before to be crucial for channel functioning.
Разработка неструктурированного кода для вращающихся зон на основе метода Кабаре с улучшенными спектральными свойствами
Authors: Солнцев И А , Solntsev I A , Карабасов С А , Karabasov S A
Published: June 2022

В этом исследовании мы разрабатываем модификацию схемы Кабаре для вращающихся сеток, окруженных внешней фиксированной зоной. Кабаре -- консервативная / характеристическая схема второго порядка по пространству и времени с компактным шаблоном, которая обладает малодиссипативными и низкодисперсионными свойствами в задачах вычислительной аэроакустики. Чтобы расширить этот метод для задачи обтекания вращающегося пропеллера, добавлена аппроксимация неинерциальных членов во вращающихся зонах для консервативных шагов и разработана соответствующая модификация характеристического шага на скользящей
контактной поверхности. Реализован эволюционный подход, обеспечивающий сохранение потоков консервативных переменных через контактную поверхность.
Разрабатываемая версия дополнена алгоритмом улучшения дисперсионных свойств
схемы с помощью введения антидисперсионного члена, выраженного через производную потоков. Процедура нелинейной коррекции расширена модифицированным ограничителем потока, позволяющим снизить уровень диссипации решения.
Выполнено тестирование кода на задачах распространения акустических плоских
волн через контактные поверхности и вращающуюся зону. Показано, что разрабатываемый метод сохраняет основные характеристики базового алгоритма Кабаре.
Pain Catastrophizing Predicts Opioid and Health-Care Utilization After Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Rhon Daniel I. , Greenlee Tina A. , Carreño Patricia K. , Patzkowski Jeanne C. , Highland Krista B.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Most individuals undergoing elective surgery expect to discontinue opioid use after surgery, but many do not. Modifiable risk factors including psychosocial factors are associated with poor postsurgical outcomes. We wanted to know whether pain catastrophizing is specifically associated with postsurgical opioid and health-care use.

Methods:

This was a longitudinal cohort study of trial participants undergoing elective spine (lumbar or cervical) or lower-extremity (hip or knee osteoarthritis) surgery between 2015 and 2018. Primary and secondary outcomes were 12-month postsurgical days’ supply of opioids and surgery-related health-care utilization, respectively. Self-reported and medical record data included presurgical Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) scores, surgical success expectations, opioid use, and pain interference duration.

Results:

Complete outcomes were analyzed for 240 participants with a median age of 42 years (34% were female, and 56% were active-duty military service members). In the multivariable generalized additive model, greater presurgical days’ supply of opioids (F = 17.23, p < 0.001), higher pain catastrophizing (F = 1.89, p = 0.004), spine versus lower-extremity surgery (coefficient estimate = 1.66 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.50 to 2.82]; p = 0.005), and female relative to male sex (coefficient estimate = −1.25 [95% CI, −2.38 to −0.12]; p = 0.03) were associated with greater 12-month postsurgical days’ supply of opioids. Presurgical opioid days’ supply (chi-square = 111.95; p < 0.001), pain catastrophizing (chi-square = 96.06; p < 0.001), and lower extremity surgery (coefficient estimate = −0.17 [95% CI, −0.24 to −0.11]; p < 0.001), in addition to age (chi-square = 344.60; p < 0.001), expected recovery after surgery (chi-square = 54.44; p < 0.001), active-duty status (coefficient estimate = 0.58 [95% CI, 0.49 to 0.67]; p < 0.001), and pain interference duration (chi-square = 43.47; p < 0.001) were associated with greater health-care utilization.

Conclusions:

Greater presurgical days’ supply of opioids and pain catastrophizing accounted for greater postsurgical days’ supply of opioids and health-care utilization. Consideration of several modifiable factors provides an opportunity to improve postsurgical outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The combined application of antibiotic-loaded bone cement and vacuum sealing drainage for sternal reconstruction in the treatment of deep sternal wound infection
Authors: Jiang Xia , Xu yong , Jiao GUOqing , Jing Zhaohui , Bu Fanyu , Zhang Jie , Wei Liuyan , Rong Xiaosong , LI Mingqiu
Published: June 2022

Background: Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is a rare but serious complication after median sternotomy, and treatment success depends mainly on surgical experience. Traditional treatment methods for DSWI include complete debridement, vacuum sealing drainage wound therapy and sometimes transposition of muscle flap. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage on DSWI and explore the effect of this treatment on lung function.Methods: Between January 2018 and December 2019, We treated 12 patients suffering a mediastinitis and open thorax using antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage. Subsequently, the blood and local concentration of antibiotic were measured. The patient characteristics, pulmonary function, were retrospectively analyzed. Subjects were followed up for 12 months. Results: There were no intraoperative deaths. All patients’ healing wounds were first-stage healing without complications and reoperation, the mean hospital stay was 20.2±3.5 days. Local vancomycin concentrations largely exceeded the ones needed for their efficacy while little antibiotic was found in the blood. Pulmonary function testing was improved 2 weeks after the operation. No infection reoccurred in12-month follow-up.Conclusions: The antibiotic-loaded bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage might be an effective method for the sternal reconstruction of deep sternal wound infection and it can improve the patient's lung function in a short time.
Small nodules (≤ 6 mm in diameter) of multiple primary lung cancers: Prevalence and management
Authors: Cheng Hua , Li Wenhao , Li Xiaojian , Zhong Hongcheng , Wang Xiaojin , Lin Yujing , Liu Xueguo , Wu Xiangwen , Cao Qingdong
Published: June 2022

Background: Synchronous multiple primary lung cancers associated with small non-dominant nodules are commonly encountered. However, the incidence, follow-up, and treatment of small non-dominant tumors have been but little studied. We explored the prevalence and management of small non-dominant tumors and factors associated with interval growth.Methods: This observational, consecutive, retrospective single-center study enrolled patients diagnosed with synchronous multiple primary lung cancers and small non-dominant tumors (≤ 6mm in diameter) who underwent resection of the dominant tumor. The incidence, follow-up, and management of small non-dominant tumors and predictors of nodule growth were analyzed. Results: There were 88 patients (12% of all lung cancer patients) with pathological diagnoses of synchronous multiple primary lung cancers. A total of 131 (18%) patients were clinically diagnosed with at least one small (≤ 6 mm in diameter) multiple primary lung cancer non-dominant tumor. 94 patients with 125 small-nodule non-dominant tumors clinically diagnosed as multiple primary lung cancers were followed-up for at least 6 months. A total of 29 (29/125, 23.2%) evidenced small pulmonary nodules (≤ 6 mm in diameter) that exhibited interval growth on follow-up computed tomography (CT). On multivariate analysis, a part-solid nodule (compared to a pGGN) (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.08–1.40) or a solid nodule (compared to a pGGN) (OR 3.50; 95% CI 1.94–6.30) predicted small nodule interval growth.Conclusions: We found a relatively high incidence of multiple primary lung cancers with small non-dominant tumors exhibiting interval growth on follow-up CT, suggesting that resection of non-dominant tumors at the time of dominant tumor resection, especially when the nodules are part-solid or solid, is the optimal treatment.
Identification of SNP of VDR and VDBP gene and its Dysregulated pathway through VDR-VDBP interaction network analysis in Vitamin D deficient Infertile Females
Authors: Rubab Zil e , Ashraf Mussarat , Naz Sumaira , Shahid Saba , Rehman Rehana
Published: June 2022

Research QuestionIs there an association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of VD Binding Protein (VDBP), VD receptor (VDR) with the dysregulated pathways and gene enrichment of VDR-VDBP in VD defecient unexplained infertile females ?DesignA cross sectional study was conducted on VD deficient ; fertile and unexplained infertile female subjects. VDBP and VDR were assessed by Enzyme Linked Immuno Assay and genotyping performed. FunRich version 3.1.3 employed for analysis of the identified proteins: VDR and VDBP a with their mapped gene data sets, enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network.ResultsThe mean VD values of infertile females were lower than fertile females (p=0.006). The mean VDR values of infertile females 27.32 ± 7.45 was less than fertile females 41.25 ± 8.1 (p<0.001). Levels of VDBP in infertile females [Median (IQR)]; [296.05 (232.58 – 420.23)] were lower than fertile females [ 469.9 (269.57 – 875.55)], (p=0.01).On sequence analysis a mutation rs 4588 SNP (Thr 436 Lys) was found in exon 11 of VDBP gene of infertile females and no mutation was found in exon 8 and 9 of VDR gene, however some intronic variants which were insignificant. The proteins: plasma membrane estrogen receptor signalling pathway (p ˂ 0.001) . VDR, SMAD3, NCOR1, CREBBP, NCOA1, STAT1, GRB2, PPP2CA, TP53 and NCOA2 were enriched after biological pathway grouping when VDR was made focused gene and directly interacting with VDBP .ConclusionUnexplained infertile females exhibited significantly low VD, VDBP and VDR. Plasma membrane estrogen receptor signaling pathway was enriched in VDD infertile females.
Using Game Theory to Identify Critical Watersheds based on Environmental Flow Components and Hydrological Indicators
Authors: Khiavi Ali Nasiri , Mostafazadeh Raoof , Talouki Fatemeh Ghanbari
Published: June 2022

Improper use of water resources has caused significant changes in Natural River Flow (NRF), which indicates the need to assess changes in Hydrological Indicators (HI) and Environmental Flow Components (EFC). Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify critical watersheds using HI and EFC under the influence of the dam and without the impact of the dam using the Borda Scoring Algorithm (BSA) based on Game Theory (GT) in Nir-Chay, Balkhlou-Chay and Qareh-Sou Rivers as consequent stations in northern Iran. Indicators of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) software was used to quantify river flow indices. 26 HI and 21 EFC have been quantified and were used to identify critical watersheds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the most significant indicators. After the data reduction, the initial matrix and comparative preferences of Game Theory (GT) were used, and the scores were assigned to watersheds based on Borda Scoring Algorithm (BSA). Based on the results, it can be said that in the Doost-Beiglou watershed, the small flood peak in the pre-dam period was 14.08, which was reduced to 3.5 in the post-dam period. As a concluding remark, in the watersheds of Pol-e-Almas and Doost-Beiglou, which were affected by Yamchi and Sabalan dams, significant changes were observed in HI and EFCs. Therefore, in terms of NRF, Balkhlou-Chay and Qareh-Sou Rivers were categorized as critical conditions, which highlights the importance of these watersheds for managers and decision-makers in making optimal decisions.
Study on evaluation system of collaborative governance degree of universities in the GBA based on AHP and FCE
Authors: Shiqian Gu , shuxian Hao , Hongfei Guo
Published: June 2022

Under the background of national strategy and policy, the key to support Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA)’s construction is the main role of active governance of colleges and universities. How to play the main role and promote the governance of colleges and universities in GBA has gained extensive attention. For catching up on the missing of the evaluation system of university collaborative governance degree in GBA and promote the improvement of university collaborative governance in GBA, this paper puts forward a new university collaborative governance path model in GBA, and establishes a relatively perfect evaluation system framework of university collaborative governance degree in GBA. By collecting a large number of 2754 questionnaires in GBA, Then the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to determine the weight of each level index of the collaborative governance degree of colleges and universities in GBA. According to the data, the Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation method (FCE) is used to evaluate the current collaborative governance degree of colleges and universities in GBA. Finally, detailed improvement suggestions are given on the weak links. Based on the evaluation results, this paper concludes that the improvement order of the current collaborative governance degree of universities in GBA is the collaboration between the government and universities, the market and universities, the internal collaboration between universities, and the society and universities, We should focus on optimizing the power of the Development Advisory Committee of colleges and universities and promoting the innovation of higher education system and mechanism in an all-round way. Using this method, we can accurately evaluate the current situation of university collaborative governance in GBA from both qualitative and quantitative aspects, and provide a scientific basis for improving the degree of university collaborative governance in GBA.
Segmentation of Restored Colour Texture Images Using MRF with Cellular Automata and Colour Block Matching 3D Algorithms
Authors: Kinge Sanjaykumar Ramchandra , Rani B. Sheela , Sutaone Mukul
Published: June 2022

Role of texture segmentation is vital due to its diversified applications in image analysis and understanding. Noise is an integral part of measurements and affects the performance of segmentation algorithms. Recently, researchers have initiated the work on noisy textures to address automatic quality evaluation of fruits and vegetables, diagnosis of thyroid cancer images, recognition of facial expressions, texture-based image retrieval and texture analysis, after restoring the noisy images. With these motivations, benchmark images from the Prague and Brodatz texture dataset are tainted with salt pepper and Gaussian noise and restored using recent cutting edge performance algorithms. A novel Markov Random Field based approach using a custom Median filter is developed for segmentation of restored texture images. A maximum improvement of 16% segmentation accuracy for salt pepper noise with 70% noise density and 15.1% accuracy for Gaussian noise with variance 50 has been achieved over recent approaches on Brodatz textures. An improvement of 8% accuracy for Gaussian noise with variance 50 and 4.47% accuracy improvement for salt pepper with 70% noise density is achieved on Prague texture benchmark images. The proposed approach can be applied for satellite and medical image analysis, industrial applications, remote sensing.
Characterization of drilling cuttings generated in oil and gas pre-salt drilling activities and leaching studies of contaminants present in these samples employing saline and aqueous solutions
Authors: Soares Andréia Silveira Freire , Marques Mônica Regina da Costa , Costa Luciana da Cunha
Published: June 2022

This article describes the characterization of pre-salt drilling cuttings generated during offshore activities. Samples were submitted to leaching by employing saline and aqueous solutions to evaluate the leaching of contaminants in marine and aqueous environments. The results of tests on samples indicated that some of the heavy metals had high levels of contamination. The metals present in the highest concentrations in saline and aqueous leachates were Si and Ba. Probably, the presence of Ba in the leachates was associated with leaching of barite. The metals Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn were present in varied concentrations in the saline leachates, and the metals Si, Ba, Cu and Zn were found in the aqueous leachates. There was a tendency of higher concentration of TOC in saline leachates derived from samples containing aqueous-based fluids, which may be related to the greater leaching tendency of polymers and emulsifiers in this medium.
Flood Hazard Assessment using Morphometry in Geospatial Environment
Authors: Ahad Ummar , Ali Umair , Ali Syed Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Morphometric analysis has been applied in flood assessment in selective catchment damaged in 2014 Kashmir flood. Sukhnag-Ferozpur catchment being located in hilly terrain of Kashmir basin, during heavy rainfall events all the water flows towards plainer low lying area causing floods in the urban areas along different drainage pathways. The drainage analysis of catchment helps to understand the physical behaviour with respect to floods. The sub-basins which contribute most in bringing floods in downstream plainer area were delineated. The analysis of 14 sub-basins (coded from SF1- SF14) reveal that SF1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 lying in hilly terrain with high relief ratio (Rh), high drainage density (Dd), high ruggedness number (Rn), and less time of concentration (Tc) has greater peak discharge in a shorter time period to the plainer low lying areas. The low lying downstream area of SF10, 12, 13, and 14 are found most vulnerable to floods enhanced by other factors like anthropogenic activities, chaotic construction on the banks of waterways, and death of drainage streams. The mud and silt coming with flood water ultimately causes siltation problems to population and other aspect of life in low lying areas. The other ill effects of siltation with time leads to river course change, rise in bed level, change in rate of flow, and occurrence of frequent floods in the area. Thus, systematic evaluation of morphometric parameters using DEM in Geospatial environment helps to assess the flood behavior of catchment and apply suitable mitigation measures to reduce the hazard.
WITHDRAWN: A transferable force field for gallium nitride crystal growth from the melt using on-the-fly active learning
Authors: Clancy Paulette , Chen Xiangyu , Shao William , Le Nam
Published: June 2022

Atomic-scale simulations of reactive processes have been stymied by two factors: the general lack of a suitable semi-empirical force field on the one hand, and the impractically large computational burden of using ab initio molecular dynamics on the other. In this paper, we use an “on-the-fly” active learning technique to develop a non-parameterized force field that, in essence, exhibits the accuracy of density functional theory and the speed of a classical molecular dynamics simulation. We developed a force field suitable to capture the crystallization of gallium nitride (GaN) using a novel additive manufacturing route and a combination of liquid Ga and ammonia gas precursors to grow GaN thin films. We show that this machine learning model is capable of producing a transferable force field that can model all three phases, solid, liquid and gas, involved in this additive manufacturing process. We verified our computational results against a range of experimental measurements and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation, showing that this non parametric force field shows excellent accuracy as well as a computationally tractable efficiency. The development of this transferable force field opens the opportunity to simulate liquid phase epitaxial growth more accurately than before, analyze reaction and diffusion processes, and ultimately establish a growth model of the additive manufacturing process to create gallium nitride thin films.
Concrete Compressive Strength Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Turkey Firas Abed. , Beddu Salmia Bt. , Ahmed Ali Najah , Al-Hubboubi Suhair
Published: June 2022

The most widely utilized construction material is concrete. Concrete's physical qualities differ depending on the kind. In this paper, we predicted the compressive strength of four types of lightweight aggregate geopolymer concretes (LWAGC), namely, lightweigh expanded clay Leca, recycled foam masonry aggregate RFA, Porcelanite aggregate PA and recycled brick aggregate RBA. For predictions, we used seven models, specifically, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Regressor (SVR) and Linear Regression (LR). For evaluation, we employed six metrics, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Squared Logarithmic Error (MSLE), Mean Square Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Logarithmic Error (RMSLE) and Coefficient of Determination R². The results of predictions demonstrate that RF offers high accuracy for Leca type (MSE= 2,6697; RMSE= 1,6339; MSLE= 0,0072; RMSLE= 0,0851; MAE= 1,3434; R²=0,8687), Porcelanite type (MSE= 2,9650; RMSE= 1,7219; MSLE= 0,0065; RMSLE= 0,0805; MAE= 1,5693; R²=0,8437) and RFA type (MSE= 1,7028; RMSE= 1,3049; MSLE= 0,0059; RMSLE= 0,0768; MAE= 1,1300; R²=0,8099) because the predictions are closer to the real values, and DT offers better predictions than other models for RBA type (MSE= 3,3069; RMSE= 1,8185; MSLE= 0,0066; RMSLE= 0,0812; MAE= 1,5610; R²=0,8764). İn order to test the models in predicting new value we gave them a 675° as new temperature and we found that that LR is more accurate than other models in predicting the CS of Leca, RBA and Porcelanite types. However, CNN outperformed other models in predicting RFA type.
IUNet-UCD: Improved U-Net with weighted binary cross-entropy loss function for urban change detection of Sentinel-2 satellite images
Authors: Gomroki Masoomeh , Hasanlou Mahdi , Reinartz Peter
Published: June 2022

Detecting changes in urban areas have always been an important element of urban planning and resource management. With the widening impacts of human activities on the ground terrain and landscapes, in recent decades the analysis of remote sensing data, including satellite images, has become a method of choice for rapid tracking of changes in the ground surface over wide geographical areas. However, this approach requires automated and semi-automated methods with the ability to detect changes in remote sensing data. In this study, Sentinel-2 satellite images taken in 2017 and 2021 were used for binary change detection in urban areas of ​​northern Iran. This change detection was performed with a supervised deep learning method, which was used to generate a detailed change map of the area. Considering the generally good performance of convolutional neural networks in change detection applications, this study used an improved U-net with a weighted binary cross-entropy loss function, this function considers unequal weights for positive and negative targets so it performs better in detecting changes in complex urban areas especially small changes rather than binary cross-entropy. In addition to Sentinel-2 satellite images of northern Iran, Onera Satellite Change Detection (OSCD) dataset was also used to evaluate our proposed method. Experimental results showed the good performance of the method on both datasets, with the accuracy and F1score of final change maps reaching above 97%.
Establishment Of A Novel Glycolysis-Immune-Related Diagnosis Gene Signature For Endometriosis By Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Qizhen , Jiao Yufan , Yin Zhe , Fu Xiayan , Guo Shana , Xiang Jun , Wang Yanqiu
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the key glycolysis-related genes linked to immune cell infiltration in endometriosis and to develop a new endometriosis(EMS) predictive model.Methods: A training set and a test set were created from the NCBI GEO public database. We identified five glycolysis-related genes using LASSO and the Random Forest method. Then we developed and tested a prediction model for EMS diagnosis. The method CIBERSORT was used to compare the infiltration of 22 different immune cells. We looked into the relationship between key glycolysis-related genes and immune factors in eutopic endometrial of women with endometriosis. Besides, GO-based semantic similarity and logistic regression model analyses were used to investigate core genes.Results: The five glycolysis-related hub genes (CHPF, CITED2, GPC3, PDK3, ADH6) were used to establish a predictive model for EMS. In the training and test set, the AUC of the ROC prediction model was 0.777, 0.824, and 0.774, respectively. Additionally, there was a remarkable difference in the immune environment between EMS and control. Conclusion: The glycolysis-immune-based predictive model was established to forecast EMS patients’ diagnosis, and a detailed comprehension of the interactions between endometriosis, glycolysis, and the immune system, may be vital for the recognition of potential novel therapeutic approaches and targets for EMS patients.
New dual-function in situ bone repair scaffolds promote osteogenesis and reduce infection
Authors: Changsheng Yang , Lei Zhou , Xiaodan Geng , Hui Zhang , Baolong Wang , Bin Ning
Published: June 2022

Background The treatment of infectious bone defects is a difficult problem to be solved in the clinic. In situ bone defect repair scaffolds with anti-infection and osteogenic abilities can effectively deal with infectious bone defects. In this study, an in situ polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold containing ampicillin (Amp) and Mg microspheres was prepared by 3D printing technology.Results Mg and Amp were evenly distributed in PCL scaffolds and could be released slowly to the surrounding defect sites with the degradation of scaffolds. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the PCL scaffold containing Mg and Amp (PCL@Mg/Amp) demonstrated good cell adhesion and proliferation. The osteogenic genes collagen I (COL-I) and Runx2 were upregulated in cells grown on the PCL@Mg/Amp scaffold. The PCL@Mg/Amp scaffold also demonstrated excellent antibacterial ability against E. coli and S. aureus. In vivo experiments showed that the PCL@Mg/Amp scaffold had the strongest ability to promote tibial defect repair in rats compared with the other groups of scaffolds.Conclusions This kind of dual-function in situ bone repair scaffold with anti-infection and osteogenic abilities has good application prospects in the field of treating infectious bone defects.
Spotted leaf 11 (SPL11) contributes plant growth and adaptation to nitrogen limitation in rice
Authors: Thein Amy , Cao Yaqian , Shi Jia , Xue Mengyu , Wei Yiming , Yu Chao , Yang Fenghuan , Tian Fang , Chen Huamin
Published: June 2022

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) involves in many plant processes and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. SPL11 (spotted leaf 11, SPL11) encoding a U-box E3 ligase negatively regulates flowering, plant defense and lesion-mimic phenotype. Our previous study discovered the up-regulation of SPL11 under limited nitrogen (LN) condition. However, it is little known that whether SPL11 mediates plant growth and adaptation to LN stress. Here, we further investigated the growth including height, biomass accumulation, nitrate content and NRT gene expression in spl11 mutant and SPL11 OX plants under HN and LN conditions. The spl11 mutant showed impaired growth compared with the wild type (WT) IR64 regardless of nitrogen supply conditions. SPL11 OX plants showed increasing growth compared with the WT TP309 only under HN but not LN condition. The expression of NRT genes supported the above phenotypes. In addition, under LN condition, the spl11 mutant showed earlier and severer senescence than the WT IR64, while no significant difference was found in the other three tested varieties. All these results suggested that SPL11 is essential to plant growth, adaption to LN stress, and repression of LN-caused early senescence. Moreover, the E3 ligase activity of SPL11 possibly inhibited by LN stress may also be required for the above regulatory functions. This study unveils novel regulatory functions of SPL11 on plant growth, adaption to LN stress and LN-caused early senescence.
METTL3 affects FLT3-ITD+ Acute Myeloid Leukemia by mediating autophagy by regulating PSMA3-AS1 stability
Authors: wu shenghao , Weng Shanshan , Zhou Wenjin , Chen Yuemiao , Liu Zhen
Published: June 2022

Objective
The study was designed to explore the role of PSMA3-AS1 in initiation and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and investigate its action mechanism.
Methods
Expression of PSMA3-AS1, miR-20a-5p and ATG16L1 both in vitro and in vivo was measured by qRT-PCR. The expression of protein was detected by western blot assay. Edu staining and flow cytometry were utilized to measure cell proliferation and apoptosis. Potential target was predicted by bioinformatics and was verified by dual-luciferase report gene assay and RNA pull down assay. QRT-PCR was used to quantify autophagy (LC3, Beclin1, P62) related genes. The m6A modification test is used to verify the effect of METTL3 on PSMA3-AS1. Tumor model was used to identify the effect of PSMA3-AS1 on tumor growth in vivo, and immunohistochemistry was applied to detect expression of ki67 and TUNEL.
Results
The results indicate that PSMA3-AS1 was upregulated in FLT3-ITD + AML patients. Si-PSMA3-AS1 can inhibit the proliferation, autophagy and inhibit the apotosis in MV4-11 cells. METTL3 could enhances the PSMA3-AS1 RNA stability. In addition, this study revealed that PSMA3-AS1 affected FLT3-ITD + AML by targeting expression of miR-20a-5p, and miR-20a-5p further modulated expression of ATG16L1, an mRNA that down-regulated in AML, to affect disease advancement.
Conclusion
PSMA3-AS1 could promote FLT3-ITD + AML progression by regulating the level of autophagy through the miR-20a-5p/ATG16L1 pathway. In addition, the increase of PSMA3-AS1 may be caused by the involvement of METTL3 in regulating its stability. This discovery will provide new horizons for early screening and targeted therapy of FLT3-ITD + AML.
Does Indian real estate regulation protect urban homebuyers? policy implications
Authors: Chawla Neelam , Kumar Basanta , Patel Gokulananda
Published: June 2022

With the passage of the Indian Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERDA, 2016/Act), the previously unregulated urban housing and real estate market scenario began to change. According to the promoters' evasive and aggressive approach, the Act has saved homebuyers from exploitation and impacted society. The paper examines relevant statutory provisions and judicial decisions protecting urban homebuyers' interests. It examines their impact on them in particular and society as a whole. The study examines the reactions of 751 respondents comprising 540 homebuyers, 87 unsuccessful buyers, 59 builders, 56 officials, and nine experts using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. The findings show that builders frequently take advantage of homebuyers. The builders' lobby and regulatory capture are on the horizon. Political willpower and strained interstate relations work with homebuyers. The findings demonstrate that timely judicial interventions have removed bottlenecks created by builders, benefiting both builders' and governments' efforts to protect homebuyers' interests. Nonetheless, even six years after its implementation, the Act's performance remains uneven. The study has research implications for the theory, policy, and socioeconomic practice in the real estate market.
Platinum Shortage Threatens China's Hydrogen Ambition for Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Wang Peng , Yang Fan , Wang Chenyang , Hubacek Klaus , Sun Laixiang , Chen Wei-Qiang , Feng Kuishuang , Li Jiashuo
Published: June 2022

Hydrogen is gaining tremendous traction in China as the fuel of the future to support the country’s carbon neutrality ambitions. The promising role of hydrogen for use as fuel is heavily reliant on platinum (Pt) and the interactions between hydrogen fuel industry and Pt supply constraints have been largely overlooked. In this research, we develop an integrated assessment model to explore China’s demand for hydrogen fuel and the associated Pt needs under different climate targets. The results indicate that China’s annual demand for hydrogen fuel would reach 20 million tons (mt) under the business-as-usual baseline scenario and 38 mt under the carbon-neutrality scenario until 2060, being 111–211 times the amount in 2020. This booming demand would lead China’s cumulative demand for Pt metal produced from virgin ore to reach 2,500-3,258 tons (cost of 86–112 billion USD), which is 38–50 times of China’s indigenous Pt reserve. Although reduction of Pt loading and enhanced recycling are identified as effective measures to alleviate the Pt supply constraint, their efforts alone are far from sufficient to fill the large demand-supply gap under both baseline and carbon-neutrality scenarios. Thus, joint efforts from global sustainable Pt sourcing as well as domestic material innovations are urgently needed so that China will be able to address Pt supply risks and achieve her hydrogen ambition towards carbon neutrality.
Genome analyses provide insights into epidermal pigmentation and adaptability to the hygrothermal environment in Youzhou dark goat (Capra Hircus)
Authors: Ren Hangxing , Wang Meng , Jiang Jing , Fu Lin , Li Jie , Sun Xiaoyan , Lin Yu , Mao Ke , Liu Liangjia , Chen Cancan , Zhang Li , Dong Xianwen , Zhao Jinhong , Li Nianfu , Jiang Wenkai , Li Ruiqiang , Wang Gaofu , Zhou Peng
Published: June 2022

Background
Youzhou dark goat is a rare indigenous goat breed that features its two outstanding characters including the dark skin with the white coat hair and the excellent adaptability to hygrothermal environment. Elucidation of the mechanisms of domestication and selection for these two traits on genome-wide level would greatly benefit medical and agricultural production. In the present study, we first de novo assembled and characterized the reference genome of the Youzhou dark goat on the Illumina HiSeqX platform. Then we identified its variation, selection signatures and the geographical events to reveal the phenotypic evolution and speciation in goat by comparative genomics and whole-genome resequencing methods. In addition, we also investigated the population structure and domestication of goat with different purpose of production in 11 populations of domestic goat.
Results
We achieved the reference genome in Youzhou dark goat (Contig N50 = 94 kb, size = 2.62Gb) and identified the gene families that contribute to their phenotypic characteristics. Comparative genome analysis illustrated that a single base mutation in MC1R gene (c.676A > G) and structural variation in ASIP gene are most likely the candidate causative genes for the phenotype of epidermal hyperpigmentation in Youzhou dark goat. Strong selection of PIK3R3, GNAS, and GNA11 genes suggests a coevolution of the melanogenesis and the resistance to parasite, which further contributes to the excellent adaptability to the hygrothermal environment for Youzhou dark goat. Population genetic analysis indicated that Youzhou dark goat was a relative ancient goat population and that the domestication of dairy trait occurred ahead of cashmere and meat trait in goat.
Conclusions
The Youzhou dark goat was a relative ancient goat population and the MC1R-ASIP signaling is most likely the candidate signaling pathway of epidermal pigmentation. Strong selection of PIK3R3, GNAS, and GNA11 genes play key roles in its excellent adaptability to the hygrothermal environment for Youzhou dark goat.
“I am alive because of her”: Factors Affecting Adherence to Combination Antiretroviral Therapy among People living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Loveday Marian , Furin Jennifer , Hlangu Sindisiwe , Naidoo Tasneem
Published: June 2022

Background: People living with HIV need to take lifelong, combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for, but there have been only limited explorations of how factors affecting adherence can change over the course of an individual’s lifetime. Methods: We carried out a qualitative study of men and women living with HIV in KwaZulu, Natal, South Africa who were prescribed cART and who had periods of higher and lower adherence. Results: 18 individuals participated in open-ended interviews. Using a dynamic theory of adherence, we identified factual, relational, and experiential factors that were associated with adherence and non-adherence to cART. Periods of non-adherence were commonly reported. Participants described relationships and experiences as being important influences on their ability to adhere to cART throughout their treatment journeys. Conclusions: Periods of non-adherence to cART are common. While many cART counseling models are based on conveying facts to people prescribed cART, providing opportunities for supportive relationship where people can process their varied experiences is likely important to maintaining health for people living with HIV.
High-speed train derailment detection under complex track irregularities using a dynamic vehicle-track interaction model
Authors: Fei Yang , Jialin Sun , Zilong Wei , Zhou Yunlai , Wahab Magd Abdel
Published: June 2022

The track geometry is essential for the safety, stability and comfort of passing trains. Track irregularities, which have been extensively studied with specified single irregularity type, frequently exist in complex form, leading to potential derailment accidents especially in curved lines. This study investigates the dynamic vehicle-track interaction considering a series of complex irregularities. Furthermore, the safety indices indicating the possibility of derailment, e.g., derailment coefficient, wheel unloading rate and wheelset lateral force, are obtained for both C70 freight train track and 25 tons passenger train. The results indicate that the most dangerous situation is continuous multi-wave reverse complex irregularity of cross level and alignment on the high rail at the point of curve to spiral. We also found that the most unfavorable wavelength of complex irregularity is 10 m, and derailment risk of light freight train passing is obviously greater than that of passenger trains and heavy freight trains. Certain results can give further guideline for the condition monitoring and maintenance of the rail management.
Effects of Goal-oriented Prenatal Education on Birth Preparedness, Complication Readiness and Institutional Delivery Among Semi-urban Pregnant Women in Nigeria: a Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Akinwaare Margaret Omowaleola , Oluwatosin Oyeninhun Abimbola
Published: June 2022

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth periods are critical in the lives of women, and Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) has been proven to be effective in reducing maternal mortality globally. However, high maternal mortality, in Nigeria, is associated with inadequate BPCR and non-institutional delivery. This study evaluated the effects of Goal-Oriented Prenatal Education (GOPE) on pregnant women's BPCR and institutional delivery. Methods: The study adopted a quasi-experimental two-group pre and post-test design. Four hundred pregnant women were randomly selected from two out of six semi-urban Local Government Areas of Ibadan and were randomized into the Intervention group and Control group. John Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynaecology and Obstetrics questionnaire was adapted for the data collection on knowledge and attitude of BPCR at baseline, two weeks, and six weeks post-intervention. The pregnant women in the intervention group received GOPE focusing on knowledge and attitude of BPCR. A checklist was used for assessment of BPCR practice at twelve weeks post-intervention. The place of birth was documented at delivery. Data were analyzed using, descriptive statistics, and the Mann-Whitney U test at α0.05. Results: Good knowledge of BPCR was found in 65.5% of pregnant women at baseline and 91.8% post-intervention. A positive attitude to BPCR was found in 22.5% of pregnant women at baseline and 54.7% post-intervention. Good BPCR practice was found in 95.3% and 73.1% of women in the intervention and control groups respectively. At delivery, 93.5% and 53.5% had institutional delivery in the intervention and control groups respectively. A significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in BPCR knowledge and attitude post-intervention, as well as in BPCR practice and institutional delivery between women in the intervention and control group.Conclusions: Goal-oriented prenatal education improved birth preparedness and complication readiness as well as institutional delivery among pregnant women. This should be integrated into routine prenatal education in Nigeria.
An Evaluation of The Impact of Increased Lyme Disease Prevalence on New York State Public Health Department Action in the Face of Climate Change
Authors: Krevlin Zoe A. , Strong Aaron L.
Published: June 2022

Lyme disease is a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans from black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi that can cause serious complications if not detected and treated in a timely manner. While Lyme disease has only been present in the United States since 1970, it has quickly become endemic to the northeast United States. And since 1990, caseloads have dramatically risen and are estimated to be close to 400,000 cases a year. The increase in incidence rates is attributable to climate change. As the planet warms, the number of tick vectors increases, vector mortality rates lessen, vector life cycles become shorter, and vector active seasons become longer. In New York State there has been a northward expansion of ticks and Lyme disease cases from hyperendemic areas (like the Hudson Valley) to emerging areas (like the Adirondacks.) Public health action has the potential to halt the spread of Lyme disease into areas where incidence is currently low. This study aims to evaluate barriers to New York State county-level public health departments taking action to prevent and combat the spread of Lyme disease. Through a confidential survey, it was determined that financial and human resources are consistently the greatest barriers to county-level Lyme disease prevention activities. Data availability was found to be significantly more of a barrier in counties where Lyme disease is still emerging than in counties where Lyme disease is already hyperendemic. To prevent counties where Lyme disease is emerging from becoming hyperendemic, it is imperative to establish robust and accurate data surveillance systems. Appropriate data systems would also be essential in preventing the spread of other tick-borne diseases in the face of climate change, such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis in New York State.
Anatomic variations of the hepatic arterial irrigation in a Mexican population: CT evaluation, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Castillo-Martínez Daniel B. , Palacios-Rivera D. Michelle , Serratos Jorge Boy
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Knowledge and mastery of the anatomical variability of the hepatic arteries are essential for surgical disciplines and, given their complexity and importance over time, they have been extensively studied and described.Material and method: A retrospective, cross-sectional, analytical study was carried out in which contrasted tomographic studies carried out during 2021 at the North Central PEMEX Hospital were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with the statistical software IBM® SPSS© Statistics.Results: 207 CT scans were analyzed, and Uflacker type I CT was found in 90.8%, the Michel class I hepatic arterial irrigation in 70.5%, and the origin of CA was documented in the RHA in 90.3%. Multiple CAs were identified in 1% and Moynihan's hump in 0.5%. The mean length of the CHA was 53 millimeters.Conclusions: The study by tomography of the anatomical variants of hepatic irrigation is an accessible and non-invasive tool. The nomenclature described in the present work allows a precise and straightforward understanding of clinical-surgical utility.