bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LINC00937 acts bi-function in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell growth and immune cell infiltration regulated FGR/IL10RA axis
Authors: LI Yue-Ying , Liu Dong Xu , ZANG Xi-Yan , LU Jia-Yi , WU Ke-Han , Ma Chen-Hao , LI Jin-Liang , WU Zi-Han , ZHAO Shu-Ning , WANG He , SUN Hui , GAO Li
Published: January 2023

LINC00937 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) up-regulated in multiple human carcinomas, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, the significance and potential mechanisms of LINC00937 in OSCC progression are still primarily need discussed. In our study, we first showed the part of LINC00937 in OSCC progress, and our data showed that LINC00937 has up-regulated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and OSCC tissues. At the same time, LINC00937 is located in the cell nucleus. Up-regulate level of LINC00937 was correct with advanced clinical survival as well as HPV expression. Receiver operating curve (ROC) results showed the diagnostic ability of LINC00937 (AUC = 0.712) in OSCC patients. Meanwhile, LINC00937 is positively correct with FGR and IL10RA expression, downstream genes for LINC00937 in OSCC progress by PPI. In addition, pathway analysis showed LINC00937 was correlated with immune infiltrated cells relative-singling pathways. Finally, the silence of LINC00937 suppresses OSCC cell growth, induces apoptosis, inhibits migration, and invades in vitro. Our findings demonstrated that LINC00937 regulates expression of the downstream gene (FGR/IL10RA) and then regulates cell growth as well as metastasis in OSCC. Our data proved a piece of evidence that LINC00937 could serve as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC controlling immune infiltration.
Altered IGF2 imprint leads to accelerated adipogenesis and early onset of metabolic syndrome in mice following prenatal arsenic exposure
Authors: Koshta Kavita , Chauhan Anchal , Singh Sukhveer , Gaikwad Anil Nilkanth , Kumar Mahadeo , Srivast Vikas
Published: January 2023

Developmental exposure to environmental pollutants has been shown to promote adverse health outcomes in offspring. Exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic which also has endocrine disrupting activity is being increasingly linked with cancers, diabetes and lately with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). In this work we have assessed the effects of only prenatal arsenic exposure on developmental programming of MetS in offspring. In our study, only prenatal arsenic exposure led to reduced birth weight which was followed by catch-up growth, adiposity, elevated serum triglycerides levels and hyperglycemia in male offspring. Significant adipocytes dysfunction was observed in offspring with increased hypertrophy, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation in epididymal white adipose tissue. Adipose tissue regulates the metabolic health of individual and its dysfunction resulted in elevated serum levels of metabolism regulating adipokines (Leptin, Resistin) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (PAI-1, TNFα). The progenitor adipose derived stem/stromal cells (AdSCs) from exposed progeny had increased proliferation and adipogenic potential with increased lipid accumulation. We also found increased activation of Akt, ERK1/2 & p38 MAPK molecules in arsenic exposed AdSCs along with increased levels of phospho-Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and its upstream activator Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF2). Overexpression of IGF2 was found to be due to arsenic mediated DNA hypermethylation at ICR region located − 2kb to -4.4kb upstream of H19 Transcription start site (TSS) which caused reduction in the conserved zinc finger protein (CTCF) occupancy. This further led to persistent activation of AKT & MAPK signaling cascade and enhanced adipogenesis leading to early onset of metabolic syndrome in the offspring.
Unilateral levator avulsion increases the risk of de novo stress urinary incontinence after cystocele repair surgery
Authors: HU Pan , LIU Lubin , WEI Linna , WANG Ying , LEI Li
Published: January 2023

Purpose To estimate whether levator ani injuries increase the risk of de novo urinary stress incontinence after cystocele repairing surgery.
Methods A total of 1124 women who were underwent cystocele repaired surgeries were recruited and assessed for eligibility from January,1,2012 to April,30,2021. All data related to patients and surgeries was collected and followed-up, which included general conditions, clinical examination, ultrasound results and follow-up results. Data was compared according to the follow up results. The relative risk (RR) of de novo urinary stress incontinence (SUI) with levator avulsion was calculated.
Results 336 women were involved eventually. They were divided into no complication group (n=249), de novo SUI group (n=68) and other complications group (n=19). It seemed elder or obese women were more likely to get poor results after TVM repair (p＜0.05). In de novo SUI group, incidence of levator avulsion before surgery were higher than the other two groups(p=0.001). TVM can significantly change a prolapse to point Aa and Ba on POP-Q (p＜0.05). RR ratios of de novo SUI with unilateral avulsion group is 2.60 (95%CI 1.39-4.87), and 2.58(95%CI 0.82 -8.15) for bilateral group.
Conclusion Unilateral levator avulsion is a risk factor of de novo SUI after cystocele repair surgery.
Fruit Residues as Biomass for Bioethanol Production Using Enzymatic Hydrolysis as Pretreatment
Authors: Favaretto Danúbia Paula Cadore , Rempel Alan , Lanzini Julia Roberta , Silva Ana Carolina Mattana , Lazzari Tauane , Barbizan Luiza Desengrini , Brião Vandré Barbosa , Colla Luciane Maria , Treichel Helen
Published: January 2023

The commercialization of fruits in the market generates a large amount of waste because they are perishable and have a short shelf life; thus, they are discarded. This study aimed to provide a noble end to discarded fruits that have fermentable sugars. These fruits were collected from supermarkets in the city of Passo Fundo, Brazil, and underwent an enzymatic hydrolysis process. The ability of four pectinases, two amylases, one xylanase and one cellulase to release reducing sugars from fruit biomass before fermentation with two yeast strains (S. cerevisiae CAT-1 and S. cerevisiae Angel) for bioethanol production was investigated, obtaining a total of RS (Reducing sugar) of 359.38 mg/L. A fermentation with yeast S. cerevisiae CAT-1 resulted in 98% consumption of RS and the production of a total of 28.02 g/L of ethanol. Furthermore, fermentation with the yeast S. cerevisiae Angel, resulted in 97% RS consumption and 31.87 g/L ethanol production, which was the best result obtained throughout all the tests of hydrolysis.
Radical polymerisation synthesis of novel poly(propranolol) acrylate and methacrylate polymers possess antibacterial activity and metal ion grabbing ability
Authors: Kumar S. John Santhosh , Kamaraj P. , Vivekandan P. A. , Periyasami Govindasami , Rahaman Mostafizur , Karthikeyan Perumal
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Study on the Joint Entropy Theory of Droplet Spectrum Information and Microstate of Water Drops
Authors: Peng Yan-xiang , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2023

When the water jet impinges on the downstream water surface at a high speed, a large number of moving droplets will be formed in the downstream space. The probability distribution of these droplets with different sizes along with the particle size constitutes the droplet spectrum distribution problem of flood discharge atomization. Gamma distribution is commonly used to fit the spectrum of all kinds of precipitation drops. In modeling the particle size distribution of flood discharge atomized droplets, Gamma distribution is often used to simulate the droplet spectrum distribution. However, This method is lack of physical significance, and the calculation accuracy is controversial. In order to overcome the shortcomings of Gamma distribution, a joint distribution model (JDM) of droplet size information entropy and micro state in the non-equilibrium open system was proposed based on the maximum entropy increase method. The results show that compared with the gamma distribution, the JDM model can more accurately describe the variation of droplet spectrum of atomized flow caused by jet overflow.Under different working conditions, the determination coefficient of JDM model calculation results is the highest, 3.5% and 25.3% higher than that of Gamma and Previous maximum entropy principle distribution respectively. The root mean square error of JDM model is the lowest, which is 72.4% and 79% lower than that of Gamma and Maximum Entropy Principle distribution. Therefore, JDM model not only has the physical significance of maximum entropy increase, but also improves the calculation accuracy of droplet spectrum.
Electrospun zein/polyvinyl alcohol nanofabrics incorporated with nanosized hydroxyapatite for efficient heavy metal ion adsorption
Authors: Ma Na , Li Ke , Xu Bo , Tian Huafeng , Ma Songbai , Li Jinlong , Ouyang Yuge , Liu Qian , Liu Dagang
Published: January 2023

In order to solve the problem of heavy metal treatment in water pollution, the biodegradable film based on zein/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) were fabricated through electrospinning in this study, and the copper ion was taken as the representative of heavy metal ions. The result showed that the fiber morphology, hydrophobicity and thermal performance were influenced by the contents of nHAP. The incorporated nHAP nanoparticles were dispersed within the zein/PVA matrix and strong hydrogen bonding interactions were formed between the filler and matrix. The adsorption capacities of nanofibrous films for Cu2+ were greatly increased after the addition of nHAP. When the nHAP content was 20% (based on the weight of the solid content), the adsorption capacity could reach up to 23.86 mg/g, and the adsorption efficiency was 13.94% higher than that of neat zein/PVA nanofibers. In the system of copper ion adsorption, based on the electrostatic interaction and complexation of zein/PVA, the ion exchange effect, electrostatic interaction and complexation of nHAP significantly increased the adsorption capacity of the whole system. This work suggests the potentials of the electrospun zein/PVA/nHAP nanofibrous films as desirable ecofriendly materials in metal removal applications.
“Dancing with Atoms”: A tribute to Sheila Tinney
Authors: Knight Silvin P. , Refojo Jose , Newman Louise , Rizzo Rossella , Tinney Hugh , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: January 2023

In this study, a short dynamic visualization titled “Dancing with Atoms” was produced in honor of the late Irish mathematical physicist Sheila Tinney (1918–2010), who was the first Irish-born and -raised woman to receive a doctorate in the mathematical sciences. The visualization was inspired by Tinney’s ground-breaking work on crystal lattice vibrations and consisted of an animation showing an atomic lattice structure vibrating in three-dimensions based on data derived from a musical piece performed by her son, award-winning pianist Hugh Tinney. The acoustic signal processing and visualization were conducted in the new Science Foundation Ireland-funded “Tinney” high-performance computing cluster in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Potential applications of this type of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) interdisciplinary work include its use as a novel visual aid to hearing tests or as a tool for training musicians.
In situ growth and characterization of lubricious carbon-based films using colloidal probe microscopy
Authors: McClimon J. Brandon , Hilbert James , Koshigan Komlavi Medard , Fontaine Julien , Lukes Jennifer , Carpick Robert W.
Published: January 2023

Silicon oxide-doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H:Si:O) is an important form of diamond like carbon (DLC) for tribological applications, primarily because of its enhanced thermal stability and reduced dependence of friction on environmental humidity. As with other DLCs, its mechanisms of lubrication are still an active area of research, though it is now known that surface passivation and tribofilm growth are important factors. In this study, tribofilm formation for a-C:H:Si:O is examined at the microscale by using steel colloid atomic force microscopy probes as the sliding counterface. This approach provides some inherent advantages over macroscale tribology experiments, namely that the tribofilm thickness and stiffness can be tracked in situ and correlated directly with the friction response. The results of these experiments show that the tribofilm grows rapidly on the steel colloid following a period of counterface wear and high friction. The friction drops more than 80% upon nucleation of the tribofilm, which is attributed to a decrease of more than 80% in adhesion combined with a decrease in the estimated interfacial shear strength of at least 65%. Approximately 80% of the friction decrease occurs before the tribofilm reaches a thickness of 2 nm, suggesting that only the near-surface properties of the tribofilm provide the needed functionality for its effective lubrication mechanisms.
Agro-ecological intensification for climate change adaptation: Tales on soil and water management practices of smallholder farmers in rural Ghana
Authors: Naazie Godwin K. , Dakyaga Francis , Derbile Emmanuel K.
Published: January 2023

Globally, following the rising impacts of climatic stressors on humanity, climate change scholars have argued for alternative approaches towards adapting food crop production to climate change in sustaining smallholder farmers’ livelihood. This study used qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Inspired by generational farming practices of smallholder farmers, drawing on their Agro ecological Intensification (AEI) practices, we contribute to climate change adaptation debates in Sub-Saharan Africa. We explore traditional AEI practices of smallholder farmers and their potential of adapting food crop production to climate change in the age of technology. We explored the link between smallholder farmers self-initiated soil and water management practices and AEI and discussed the implications for adapting food crop production to climate change via AEI practices. The study realized that smallholder farmers engaged in varied agronomic practices including the preparation and application of organic manure and compost ridging, crop rotation and cover cropping. Farmers applied multiple practices across different farms; compound and bush farms, valley fields, and gardens. Although these practices bear a resemblance to AEI in the form of improve soil fertility, health and water retention, we realized that smallholder farmers complemented self-initiated AEI practices with the application of chemical fertilizers to adapt food crop production to climate change. In sustaining food production, we argue that although AEI practices offer potential for sustaining soil and water, a concerted effort in the form of a climate change adaptation planning policy is imperative to ensure holistic adoption of AEI by smallholder farmers.
The effect of exercise on blood concentrations of angiogenesis markers in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Bing Xin , Azhar Laiba , Koo Grace Ka Yi , Marzolini Susan , Gallagher Damien , Swardfager Walter , Chen Clara , Ba Joycelyn , Herrmann Nathan , Lanctôt Krista
Published: January 2023

Background
Physical exercise has positive impacts on health and can improve angiogenesis, which is impaired during aging, but the underlying mechanisms of benefit are unclear. This meta-analysis and systematic review investigated the effects of exercise on several peripheral angiogenesis markers in older adults to better understand the relationship between exercise and angiogenesis.
Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched for original, peer-reviewed reports of peripheral concentrations of angiogenesis markers before and after exercise interventions in older adults (> 50 years). The risk of bias was assessed with standardized criteria. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated from random-effects models. Publication bias was assessed with Egger’s test, funnel plots, and trim-and-fill. A priori subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed to investigate heterogeneity where possible.
Results
Of the 44 articles included in the review, 38 were included in meta-analyses for five proteins. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was found to be higher after exercise (SMD[95%CI] = 0.18[0.03, 0.34], p = 0.02), and e-selectin (CD62E) was found to be lower after exercise (SMD[95%CI]= -0.72[-1.42, -0.03], p = 0.04). Endostatin (SMD[95%CI] = 0.28[-0.56, 1.11], p = 0.5), fibroblast growth factor 2 (SMD[95%CI] = 0.03[-0.18, 0.23], p = 0.8), and matrix metallopeptidase-9 (SMD[95%CI] = -0.26[-0.97, 0.45], p = 0.5) levels did not change after exercise.
Conclusions
Of the five angiogenesis blood markers evaluated in this meta-analysis, only VEGF and CD62E changed with exercise. Although more studies are needed, changes in angiogenesis markers may explain the beneficial effects of exercise on angiogenesis and health in older adults.
Minimally Rigid Clusters in Dense Suspension Flow
Authors: Naald Mike van der , Singh Abhi , Eid Toka , Tang Kenan , de Pablo Juan , Jaeger Heinrich
Published: January 2023

Dense suspensions are a prototype of fluid that can dynamically enhance its viscosity to resist strong forcing. Recent work established that the key to a large viscosity increase, often in excess of an order of magnitude, is the ability to switch from lubricated, frictionless particle interactions at low stress to a network of frictional contacts at higher stress. However, to isolate network features responsible for the large viscosity has been difficult, given the lack of an appropriate physics inspired network measure. Here we apply rigidity theory to simulations of dense suspensions in two dimensions and identify from the frictional contact network the subset of mechanically rigid clusters at each strain step. We find that rigid clusters emerge at large shear stress well before the onset of jamming and that the continual break-up and reconfiguration of system spanning rigid clusters is responsible for the flow states of the highest viscosity. By showing how viscosity is correlated with the rigidity of the underlying network of contact forces our results provide new insight beyond mean-field models and uncover a new contribution to dissipation in dense suspensions
Rice husk reuse as a sustainable energy alternative. Case Study: Tolima, Colombia.
Authors: Ramírez Angie Tatiana Ortega , Tovar Miriam Reyes , Silva-Marrufo Oscar
Published: January 2023

Background
Colombia has great potential for the production of clean energy through the exploitation of residual biomass produced in the agricultural sector, such as residues obtained from the life cycle of rice production. This document presents a study to examine the combustion of rice husks as a strategy for an energy alternative in the Tolima department of Colombia. Through a mixed approach methodology, the physicochemical characteristics of the rice husk were analyzed to characterize the raw material. Subsequently, through the use of the System Advisor Model (SAM) software, a bioenergy plant was modeled to obtain biochar, bio-oil, and biogas from the combustion of rice husks and generate performance matrices, such as thermal efficiency, heat rate, and capacity factor. Then, the project was evaluated for financial feasibility using a mathematical model of net present value (NPV) with a planning horizon of 5 years. Finally, the population was surveyed to assess perspectives on the project in the region.
Results
The results of the rice hulk physicochemical properties were: nitrogen content (0.74%), organic carbon (38.04%), silica (18.39%), humidity determination (7.68%), ash (19.4%), presence of carbonates (< 0.01%) and pH (6.41). These properties are adequate for the combustion process. The simulation in SAM showed that the heat transferred in the boiler was 3180 kW, maintaining an efficiency between 50–52% throughout the 12 months of the year, meaning that the rice husk can generate electricity and thermal energy. The financial analysis showed that the internal rate of return (IRR) was 6% higher than the opportunity interest rate (OIR), demonstrating the economic feasibility of the project.
Conclusion
The design and creation of a rice husk processing plant is socially and environmentally viable with the potential to contribute to the economic development of the Tolima community and reduce greenhouse gases. Likewise, this activity has the potential to promote energy security for consumers and environmental sustainability while at the same time being economically competitive.
Sodium aescinate ameliorates chronic neuropathic pain in mice via suppressing JNK/p-38-mediated microglia activation
Authors: Xie Wenqiang , Li Changke , Hou Jie , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2023

A study confirmed that sodium aescinate (SA), a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from the dried ripe fruits of the aescin plant chestnut, can effectively relieve bone cancer pain, but its role in neuropathic pain (NP) remains confused. This study aimed to investigate whether SA has a protective effect on NP and its underlying mechanisms. Thirty mice were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10 per group): sham + vehicle, chronic contraction injury (CCI) + vehicle, CCI + SA. SA (40 µg/L, intrathecal injection) was administered once daily for 5 consecutive days starting on day 7 after surgery. The mechanical withdrawal thresholds (paw withdraw threshold, PWT) of the contralateral and ipsilateral paws of mice in each group were subsequently detected daily. The results displayed that repeated SA treatment could prominently increase the reduction of PWT induced by CCI in the ipsilateral paw of mice. Downregulation of p- c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p-p38 protein levels and reduction of microglial activation marker Iba-1-positive ratio, M1/M2 ratio of microglia, and proinflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6, in the spinal cords of CCI-mice was observed after intrathecal SA. The above data illustrated that SA might suppress the activation of microglia and neuroinflammation by selectively inhibiting the JNK/p38 signaling pathway, which in turn alleviated CCI-induced NP in mice.
The efficacy of hypofractionated preoperative chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer
Authors: Cho Ick Joon , Jeong Jae-Uk , Nam Taek-Keun , Kim Yong-Hyub , Song Ju-Young , Yoon Mee Sun , Ahn Sung-Ja , Cho Shin Haeng
Published: January 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of hypofractionated preoperative chemoradiotherapy (HPCRT) combined with oral capecitabine in patients with rectal cancer.
Methods
HPCRT was delivered by an intensity-modulated radiotherapy of either 33 Gy to the whole pelvis or 35 Gy in 10 fractions to the primary tumor and 33 Gy to the surrounding pelvis. Surgery was performed 4–8 weeks after HPCRT completion. Oral capecitabine was administered concurrently. Tumor response, toxicity, and survival were analyzed.
Results
Seventy-six patients were eligible for this study. Patients number of clinical stage I, II, III, and IVA were 5, 29, 36, and 6, respectively. Nine patients (11.8%) achieved a pathological complete response. Sphincter preservation was achieved in 23/32 (71.9%) and 44/44 (100%) of patients with a distal extent from anal verge of ≤ 5 cm and > 5 cm, respectively. Twenty-eight patients (36.8%) achieved T-downstaging, and 25 (32.9%) achieved N-downstaging. Five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 73.6% and overall survival was 90.6%. In the multivariate analysis for DFS, significant prognostic factors were pathologic nodal stage and lymphovascular space invasion. Six patients with stage IVA underwent salvage treatments after HPCRT completion, and all survived to the final follow-up. Three patients experienced grade 3 postoperative complications. No grade 4 toxicities were observed.
Conclusion
HPCRT of 33 Gy or 35 Gy in 10 fractions showed similar results to those of long-course fractionation. This fractionation scheme could be beneficial for patients with early stage disease, locally advanced rectal cancer, simultaneous distant metastasis requiring early intervention, or for patients who wish to avoid multiple hospital visits.
Formulation and Performance Assessment for Multiple Server Queueing Models
Authors: Alam Shahriar Tanvir , Azrin Fahima Akter , U Abu Saleh Md. Nakib , Sagor Eshfar
Published: January 2023

Queueing theory has grown in prominence as it provides the numerical foundation for decision-making assessment. Queueing models with multiple servers provide extensive decision-making data, which is critical for evaluating a server's performance. The purpose of this study is to formulate multiple server queueing models and provides a performance assessment to evaluate the appropriate models. A three-phased structured approach has been used to model and analyze performance for multiple server queueing models. The "Multiple Server Finite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model" is most desirable for a customer who has to wait for less time (approximately 43.14%) in the system as well as in the queue (approximately 62.16%) and reduces the system length by approximately 47.02% and the queue length by approximately 64.76%. However, the "Multiple Server Infinite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model" is preferable from a managerial perspective, as the "Multiple Server Finite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model" has fewer customers in the system, indicating a loss from a managerial standpoint. When the arrival rate of customers, service rate, and the number of servers are increased, length of the system and queue remain nearly constant, whereas the waiting time in the system nearly doubles for both queueing models. The paper develops a performance evaluation of the “Multiple Server Infinite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model” and “Multiple Server Finite Queue Length Infinite Queue Population Model”, which are capable of adapting to an unpredictable decision in any service system. Furthermore, this study provides decision-makers with a perspective-based evaluation of the mentioned servers, with a focus on a manager and a customer.
D-SVM over Networked Systems with Non-Ideal Linking Conditions
Authors: doostmohammadian mohammadreza , Aghasi Alireza , Zarrabi Houman
Published: January 2023

This paper considers distributed optimization algorithms, with application in binary classification via distributed support-vector-machines (D-SVM) over multi-agent networks subject to some link nonlinearities. The agents solve a consensus-constraint distributed optimization cooperatively via a continuous-time dynamics, while the links are subject to strongly sign-preserving odd nonlinear conditions. Logarithmic quantization and clipping (saturation) are two examples of such nonlinearities. In contrast to existing literature that mostly considers ideal links and perfect information exchange over linear channels, we show how general sector-bounded models affect the convergence to the optimizer (i.e., the SVM classifier) over dynamic balanced directed networks. In general, any odd sector-bounded nonlinear mapping can be applied to our dynamics. The main challenge is to show that the proposed system dynamics always have one zero eigenvalue (associated with the consensus) and the other eigenvalues all have negative real parts. This is done by recalling arguments from \textit{matrix perturbation theory}. Then, the solution is shown to converge to the agreement state under certain conditions. For example, the gradient tracking (GT) step-size is tighter than the linear case by factors related to the upper/lower sector-bounds. To the best of our knowledge, no existing work in distributed optimization and learning literature considers non-ideal link conditions.
The neuroprotective effect of Clove essential oil against 6-OHDA-induced cell death in SH- SY5Y and a rat model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: HAMDI Dhouha , OUACHIKH Omar , OUCHCHANE Lemlih , OMARA-REDA Hend , MESSAOUD Chokri , HAFIDI Aziz
Published: January 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurological disorder. Natural therapies are becoming more popular for preventing disease onset. Clove essential oil (CEO), a potent antioxidant derived from Syzygium aromaticumbuds, was tested in vitro (SH-SY5Y) and in vivo (PD rat model) for its ability to protect against 6-OHDA-induced cell death. Twenty-four hours of SH-SY5Y cells' exposure to 6-OHDA (100 µM) drastically decreased cell viability. At doses lesser than 20 µg/ml, CEO and its main component eugenol (EG) had no cytotoxic effect on SH-SY5Y. CEO and EG at doses of 2.5-20 µg/ml provided significant neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-induced cell death. A PD rat model was generated by injecting 6-OHDA (21µg/animal) unilaterally into the striatum. An assessment of motor performance can predict neuronal cell loss in the substancia nigra compacta (SNc). Compared to 6-OHDA-lesioned, CEO-treated (10mg/Kg) rats' locomotor performance (actimetry and cylinder tests) improved significantly one and two weeks after 6-OHDA-lesion. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) cell count showed a significant decrease in cell death in ipsilateral SNc in both CEO-treated and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats when compared to contralateral. In contrast to the 6-OHDA-lesioned group, the ipsilateral SNc of the CEO-treated group showed a significant high TH cell number. In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of CEO was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivoagainst 6-OHDA cytotoxicity. Therefore, CEO could be used as a food supplement for PD prevention.
Relationship between Normal-Weight Obesity and metabolic disturbances: A cross-sectional study of Iranian employees
Authors: Masoumi Seyed Jalil , Kohanmoo Ali , Mohsenpour Mohammad Ali , Jamshidi Sanaz , Eftekhari Mohammad Hassan
Published: January 2023

Background:Normal-weight obesity (NWO), characterized by normal Body Mass Index (BMI) but excess body fat (BF), is a potential contributor to chronic diseases. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between this phenomenon and some metabolic factors.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on the baseline data of Iranian employees aged 25-64 years extracted from the Employees Health Cohort Study, Shiraz, Iran. Anthropometric measures included weight, height, waist circumference, and percentage of BF was obtained from cohort database. The participants were divided into three groups of healthy, normal-weight obese, and overweight/obese. Metabolic variables such as blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, liver function enzymes and metabolic syndrome were assessed in relation to the study groups.Results:The study conducted on 1038 participants aged 41.04±6.98 years. A significant difference was observed in Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) among the three groups (P=0.022) for male gender in the fully adjusted model, and for HDL among females, when adjusted for age and energy intake (P=0.042). Also, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly different among groups for both genders when adjusted for age and energy intake (P<0.001). Furthermore, metabolic syndrome was associated with NWO as well as overweight/obesity.Conclusions:NWO and overweight/obesity were associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, elevated blood pressure, impaired liver enzyme, and lower HDL levels. Thus, more attention should be paid to identify excess BF, even in normal weight individuals to prevent chronic metabolic diseases.
Ivermectin and Doxycycline Combination as a Promising Anti-Viral Drug Candidate: An in-silico and DFT Study
Authors: Rana Meenakshi , Yadav Pooja , Lakhera Shradha , Chowdhury Papia
Published: January 2023

In the present study, we have described how by using molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation studies the combination drug of Ivermectin and Doxycycline can be used as an anti-viral agent. Various possibilities for individual and combination drugs have been explored by medical practitioners/scientists for the remedial purpose of viral infections. 3CLprois the main protease of the virus which plays an essential role in mediating viral replication in the human body. 3CLproprotein can serve as an attractive drug target. In this work, we have studied drug: 3CLprointeractions by in silico molecular docking and MD simulation approaches. Density functional theory was used to establish the chemical reactivity of the drugs individually and in combination. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces and Mulliken charge distribution were used to identify the electrophilic and nucleophilic moieties within the drugs. Common and easily available antiviral drugs Ivermectin, Doxycycline, and their combination have proved their valid candidature to be used as potential drug candidates against infections caused by 3CLpro.
Corporate Governance, Financial Constraints and Dividend Policy: Endogenous Switching Model
Authors: Azeem Muhammad
Published: January 2023

Firms operating in the same country normally offer different levels of corporate governance practices. Therefore, it is very important to properly gauge firm-level corporate governance. Eventually, the influence of financial constraints on dividend policies also varies across different corporate governance regimes (i.e., strongly and weakly governed regimes). The current study intends to investigate the impact of corporate governance on dividend policy by explicitly considering the role of external financing constraints faced by firms on listed in the KSE. To investigate how the changes in firm-level governance affect its dividend policy, the sample in the present study was divided into two groups on the bases of corporate governance variables, which were determined via ESM. The results of the ESM analysis suggest that the effect of financial constraints on dividend policies indeed varies across different corporate governance states. Firms in a weak corporate governance regime are especially apt to pay lower dividends in order to avoid costly external financing. Due to the existence of a high agency problem in weakly governed firms, external investors discount the risk of expropriation by requiring a high cost for their capital as a reward for monitoring costs.
Observing Volcano Dynamics through Seismic and Deformation Patterns
Authors: Scarfì Luciano , Aloisi M. , Barberi G. , Langer H.
Published: January 2023

Geophysical data provide the chance to investigate a volcano’s dynamics; in particular, considerable information can be gleaned on the stress and strain patterns accompanying the internal processes and the effect of magma ascent on the main structures triggering earthquakes. Here, we analysed in detail the seismicity recorded over the last two decades on Etna volcano, in central Mediterranean. We focused on earthquake and focal mechanism distribution and clustering; in addition, the ground deformation pattern affecting the volcanic edifice was considered to evaluate the inflation and deflation phases. Analysed data were compared in order to shed light on possible relationships with the volcanic activity and to better understand the internal dynamics of the volcano over time. Major steps during or shortly before major eruptions in the seismic strain release and ground deformation temporal series highlight a straightforward relationship between seismicity occurring at shallow level, inflation/deflation and volcanism. Furthermore, at depths greater than 5–7 km, down to about 20 km, the orientation of the P- and T-axes clearly indicate the existence of a pressure source in the central part of the volcano. All the results underline that the stress field related to the volcano plumbing system interferes with the regional field, partly overriding it.
Action potential solitons and waves in axons
Authors: Cano Gaspar , Dilão Rui
Published: January 2023

We show that the action potential signals generated by the Hodgkin-Huxley cable model are reaction-diffusion solitons and waves. Action potential spikes travelling in opposite directions of the axon annihilate when colliding with each other or with the axon boundaries. Through numerical simulations, we characterise the properties of these action potentials, deriving their characteristic curves. We propose several tests to validate or falsify the Hodgkin-Huxley cable model.
Thickness-dependent nonlinear optical properties of ITO thin films
Authors: Abdalsamad Fatma , Abdel-wahab M. Sh. , Tawfik Wael Z. , Qayyum Hamza , Apsari Retna , Mohamed Tarek
Published: January 2023

The nonlinear absorption (NLA) properties of ITO thin films were performed by utilizing femtosecond (100 fs), a high-repetition rate (80 MHz), and near-infrared (NIR) (750–820 nm) laser pulses. A radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering system was used to prepare ITO thin films of two different thicknesses. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to determine the film thickness, and a UV-Visible spectrophotometer was used to observe the linear optical properties of the thin films. The open aperture Z-scan technique's nonlinear absorption studies of ITO thin films exhibited a reverse saturable absorption. The NLA properties of the ITO films varied depending on ITO thickness, incident laser power, and excitation wavelength, attributed to the increasing localized defect states in the band gap. The nonlinear absorption coefficient of 6×10− 7 cm/W and 9.7×10− 7 cm/W were measured for 170 and 280 nm film thicknesses, respectively. In contrast to the film thickness, the nonlinear absorption coefficient was inversely proportional to the excitation laser wavelength. Additionally, the optical limiting of ITO thin films was investigated, and it was found that there is a clear correlation between optical limiting and thin film thickness.
Malaria diagnostic and parasite density prediction potentials of some serum biochemical parameters in children with severe falciparum malaria treated with artesunate/artemether- lumefantrine combination therapy
Authors: Okoli Caroline Amuche , Igunnu Adedoyin , Adebayo J.O , Oguche Stephen , Malomo Sylvia
Published: January 2023

Prompt and accurate diagnosis and parasite density quantification are keys to effective malaria treatment. The malaria diagnostic and parasite density quantification methods currently in use are not without their shortcomings. Thus, there is the need for new methods with high sensitivity, specificity and predictive values that may complement other methods in use. In this study, a hundred (100) children (1–10 years) diagnosed of severe malaria were treated with 2.4 mg/kg body weight of artesunate intravenously at 0 hour and then 1.2 mg/kg body weight at 12, 24 and 48 hours, followed by artemether-lumefantrine combination therapy at doses of 4 mg/kg body weight of artemether and 24 mg/kg body weight of lumefantrine for three days, with 200 clinically healthy children of the same age range serving as control. The diagnostic potential of selected biochemical parameters in the serum of patients before treatment (day 0), 48 h of treatment (day 2) and 48 h after treatment (day 7) were evaluated. Using regression analysis, different relationships between the identified predictors and the predicted variable (parasite density) were tested. Serum glutathione reductase (GR) activity at > 85.78 U/l (cut-off value) was indicative of severe malaria and had the highest diagnostic values with 98.5% sensitivity, 96% specificity, 98.01% positive predictive value, 4.04% negative predictive value and 1576 as odds ratio, with an area under curve of 0.999, comparing favourably with microscopy (gold standard) at 95% confidence interval. This was followed by elevated serum glutathione peroxidase activity. Other parameters had relatively high sensitivity with relatively low specificity or vice versa. The polynomial quadratic equation, parasite density (x103 parasites/µl) = 6.96[GR] − 433.1 − 0.01[GR]2 had the best good-fit for prediction of parasite density, using serum GR activity. Thus, serum GR activity may be a very effective diagnostic and parasite density prediction tool for severe falciparum malaria in children.
Effect of moxibustion combined with cisplatin on tumor microenvironment hypoxia and vascular normalization in Lewis lung cancer mice
Authors: Mao Ni , Wu Xiaobo , Wang Chaofeng , Mao Huijuan , Wei Jianzi
Published: January 2023

Purpose
This study was developed to evaluate the effects of moxibustion on tumor microenvironmental hypoxia in a murine model of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC).
Methods
In total, 30 female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into tumor (T), moxibustion (TM), chemotherapy (TC), and moxibustion + chemotherapy (TMC) groups (n = 6/group). A tumor model was established by implanting LLC cells into the right flank of each mouse. Animals in the TM group were subjected to moxibustion treatment at the ST36 (bilateral) and GV4 acupoints on the day after visible tumor formation (8 days after tumor injection). Moxibustion treatment was repeated every other day for 7 total treatments. Animals in the TC group were intraperitoneally injected with cisplatin (3 mg/kg) on day 3 after visible tumor formation (day 10 after modeling), and this treatment was repeated every 3 days for 4 total treatments. Animals in the TMC group underwent a combination of moxibustion and chemotherapy using the same conditions outlined above. After treatment was complete, ELISAs were used to measure serum concentrations of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD31, while the levels of the former three of these factors were assessed in tumor tissue samples via Western immunoblotting and immunohistochemical staining.
Results
Relative to the T model group, treatment in the TM, TC, and TCM groups resulted in varying reductions in tumor growth (P < 0.001 or P < 0.05), while tumor microenvironmental hypoxia was alleviated as evidenced by the downregulation of HIF-1α, VEGFA, and CD31(P < 0.001 ~ P < 0.05).
Conclusion
The combination of moxibustion and cisplatin can alleviate intratumoral hypoxia, promote vascular normalization and slow LLC tumor growth in mice.
Adaptive Black Widow Optimization Based MPPT Controller in High-Gain Non-Isolated DC-DC Converter for PV Applications
Authors: Shobanadevi N. , PheminaSelvi M.
Published: January 2023

Now a days, the DC-DC power converters has been considered as main topic in pulse width modulated in different applications such as renewable energy resources. Hence, a novel non-isolated converter is developed to excerpt maximum power from photovoltaic (PV) system. The maximum power is extracting during environmental conditions in an essential requirement to manage the different load conditions in the PV system. To manage the PV maximum power, the Fractional Order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FOPID) with Black Widow Optimization (BWO) can be developed. The projected converter is achieved different advantages such as high voltage gain and output voltage. This proposed converter is working with two mode of operation. The maximum power is extract by using the proposed converter and controller. The proposed system is developed using the MATLAB/Simulink and analyzed with performance metrics of converter parameters and PV parameters. The proposed method is analyzed with two mode of operation such as constant irradiance and variable irradiance conditions. The proposed technique is contrasted with the conventional techniques as Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO),Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) and Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) respectively.
Brain bank questionnaire helps in differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders: an autopsy study of 150 patients
Authors: Martin Nicholas B. , Sekiya Hiroaki , Dickson Dennis W. , Koga Shunsuke
Published: January 2023

Background: As part of the CurePSP brain donation program, a questionnaire was developed to capture basic information from the next-of-kin or someone familiar with the brain donor with respect to symptoms and clinical course. The usefulness of information from the questionnaire has not been assessed.
Objective: To assess the value of information from the brain donation questionnaire as it relates to differential diagnosis of parkinsonian disorders.
Methods: We reviewed 150 questionnaires, including 50 patients, each with a neuropathologic diagnosis of Lewy body disease (LBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), or progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The frequency of clinical features recorded in the questionnaires was compared for the three disorders, and machine learning algorithm, XGBoost, was applied to tabulated information from the questionnaires to identify features that had predictive value with respect to neuropathologic diagnosis.
Results: The information from the questionnaires correlated with core clinical features for each disorder - hallucinations for LBD, autonomic dysfunction for MSA, and early falls for PSP. Age at onset and early falls were identified as the key variables that contributed most to prediction of neuropathology.
Conclusion: While less optimal than prospectively collected information, a questionnaire can provide useful clinical information for clinicopathological correlative studies.
Theoretical analysis suggests that variants of 16S rRNA gene of Helicobacter pylori could not be differentiated by PCR melt curve analysis of amplicons
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: January 2023

Possibility exists that qPCR primers could bind to different variants of template in the sample, thereby, leading to the amplifications of different variants and generations of amplicons slightly differentiated in sequence. Melt curve analysis has been proposed to be capable of differentiating the amplicon variants due to their unique melting temperature. This work uses theoretical modelling to put this idea to the test on different Helicobacter species and different Helicobacter pylori isolates. Results from an in-house MATLAB melting temperature calculation tool suggests that melting temperature of 16S rRNA gene of different Helicobacter species and different H. pylori isolates are clustered around 86 oC within a fractional degree. This means that the 16S rRNA amplicons of different Helicobacter species and different H. pylori isolates are unlikely to be differentiated by PCR melt curve analysis. Overall, the results suggests that 16S rRNA gene of different Helicobacter species and different H. pylori isolates are closely related in sequence, and therefore could not be differentiated by melt curve analysis.
Computational approaches for evaluating morphological changes in the corneal stroma associated with decellularization
Authors: Pantic Igor , Cumic Jelena , Valjarevic Svetlana , Shakeel Adeeba , Wang Xinyu , Vurivi Hema , Daoud Sayel , Chan Vincent , Petroianu Georg , Shibru Meklit , Ali Zehara , Corridon Peter R.
Published: January 2023

Decellularized corneas offer a promising and sustainable source of replacement grafts, mimicking native tissue and reducing the risk of immune rejection post-transplantation. Despite great success in achieving acellular scaffolds, little consensus exists regarding the quality of the decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM). Metrics used to evaluate ECM performance are study-specific, subjective, and semi-quantitative. Thus, this work focused on developing a computational method to examine the effectiveness of corneal decellularization. We combined conventional semi-quantitative histological assessments and automated scaffold evaluations based on textual image analyses to assess decellularization efficiency. Our study highlights that it is possible to develop contemporary artificial intelligence (AI) models based on random forests and support vector machine algorithms, which can identify regions of interest in acellularized corneal stromal tissue with relatively high accuracy. These results provide a platform for developing AI biosensing systems for evaluating fine morphological changes in decellularized scaffolds crucial for evaluating their functionality.