bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep to Reduce Incident Depression Effectively (STRIDE): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing stepped-care cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia versus sleep education control to prevent major depression.
Authors: Drake Christopher L , Kalmbach David A , Cheng Philip , Ahmedani Brian K , Peterson Edward L , Joseph Christine LM , Roth Thomas , Kidwell Kelley M , Sagong Chaewon
Published: September 2022

Background
Prevention of major depressive disorder (MDD) is a public health priority. Strategies targeting individuals at elevated risk for MDD may guide effective preventive care. Insomnia is a reliable precursor to depression, preceding half of all incident and relapse cases. Thus, insomnia may serve as a useful entry point for preventing MDD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is recommended as first-line treatment for insomnia, but widespread implementation is limited by a shortage of trained specialists. Innovative stepped-care approaches rooted in primary care can increase access to CBT-I and reduce rates of MDD.
Methods/Design:
We propose a large-scale stepped-care clinical trial in the primary care setting that utilizes a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial (SMART) design to determine the effectiveness of dCBT-I alone and in combination with clinician-led CBT-I for insomnia and the prevention of MDD incidence and relapse. Specifically, our care model uses digital CBT-I (dCBT-I) as a first-line intervention to increase care access and reduce need for specialist resources. Our proposal also adds clinician-led CBT-I for patients who do not remit with first-line intervention and need a more personalized approach from specialty care. We will evaluate negative repetitive thinking as a potential treatment mechanism by which dCBT-I and CBT-I benefit insomnia and depression outcomes.
Discussion
This project will test a highly scalable model of sleep care in a large primary care system to determine the potential for wide dissemination and implementation to address the high volume of population-need for safe and effective insomnia treatment and associated prevention of depression.
Trial Registration:
NCT03322774. Date of registration, October 26, 2017.
Impact of dissipative heat energy on the conducting Jeffery–Hamel KKL based nanofluid model: A numerical approach
Authors: Pattanaik P. Chandini , Mishra S. R. , Jena S.
Published: September 2022

The nanoparticles migration from the conventional buongirnio model is useful in several industrial applications as well as engineering and biomedical. Even if the blood flows through artery, the drug delivery process, etc. are more recent phenomena that are beneficial for the use of nanoparticles in the conventional liquid. Based upon the characteristics, the present study reveals the flow of conducting Jeffery-Hamel nanofluid for the inclusion of KKL (Koo- Kleinstreuer-Li) model conductivity within a stretching/shrinking channel surface as well as channel angle. Additionally, influence of dissipative for the interaction of both Joule and viscous and the radiative heat enrich the profiles significantly. The water-based nanoliquid is immersed with the CuO nanoparticle enhances the flow properties like thermal conductivity, viscosity, etc. Numerical treatment is adopted with the help of shooting based Runge-Kutta to carry forward the solutions for the flow profiles. The heat transfer rate as well as shear rate is deployed for the various parameters and analyzed their behaviors briefly.
Species C rotavirus infections in asymptomatic piglets in India, 2009-2013: Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of all genomic segments
Authors: Joshi Madhuri S , Arya Shalu A. , Shinde Manohar S. , Ingle Vijay C. , Birade Hemant S. , Gopalkrishna Varanasi
Published: September 2022

Asymptomatic infection with Rotavirus C (RVC) at 20 percent detection rate was recorded in pigs from India. Sequencing of the VP6, VP7, and NSP4 genes of RVC strains identified I7/ I10, G1 and E5 genotypes, respectively. Full genome sequencing of one of these strains revealed additional P1, R1, C1, M3, A1, N5, T5, H1 genotypes, of VP4, VP1, VP2, VP3, NSP1, NSP2, NSP3, NSP5 genes, respectively. Detection of porcine RVC strains at two different locations in India and at different time points strongly suggests their continuous circulation in the pig population through asymptomatic infections.
Tracking tree history to understand better natural dynamics of old-growth forest stands
Authors: Szegleti Zsófia , Vig Ákos , Ortmann-Ajkai Adrienne , Czóbel Szilárd , Horváth Ferenc
Published: September 2022

The long-term study of old-growth forest stands helps to understand the small-scale natural forest dynamic processes driven by the population biology of trees. The sampled trees can be considered from the viewpoint of their life and death cycle from establishment through to growing and death to full degradation. We provide a methodological framework for tracking and interpreting tree history in interaction with resurvey sampling events. The history of living and dead trees is consecutive and closely related to each other due to mortality events. The evanescent rate of disintegrated and decomposed dead trees is also a substantial dynamic characteristic of stands like regeneration, maturation, and mortality rates. They all form the intrinsic stand dynamic profile based on the whole life-dead-decomposed cycle of trees. This framework fills a knowledge gap in the European forest dynamic studies, where most of the research approaches point the focus on forest structure and pattern of developmental stages, and separately on living population dynamic features and deadwood structure and decay processes. In our pilot study, we performed resurvey of 53 Permanent Sampling Plots of a long untouched forest at Várhegy Strict Forest Reserve, Hungary. We estimated annual rates of ingrowth regeneration, maturation, mortality (13.2, 1.5, and 10.0 tree/hectare/year respectively), and 2.4 tree/hectare/year evanescence of disintegrated and decomposed dead trees. Apparent trends that accumulation of dead trees increases considerably – especially in oak-hornbeam stands, while 67% of annual regeneration ingrowth density is produced by shrubs, and only 9% by upper canopy trees.
In Search of the Hidden Protein: Optimization of Detection Strategies for autism-associated Activity-Dependent Neuroprotective Protein (ADNP) mutants.
Authors: D'Incal Claudio Peter , Cappuyns Elisa , Choukri Kaoutar , Szrama Kristy , De Man Kevin , Aa Nathalie Van der , Dijck Anke van , Kooy R. Frank , Berghe Wim Vanden
Published: September 2022

Heterozygousde novomutations in theActivity-Dependent Neuroprotective Homeobox(ADNP) protein were found to be the common cause underlying the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome (HVDAS). With most of the patient mutations situated in the last exon, we previously demonstrated the predicted escape from nonsense-mediated decay by detecting mutantADNPmRNA. In this study wild-type and mutant forms of ADNP are investigated at the protein level and therefore optimal detection of the protein is required. We postulate that detection of ADNP by means of western blotting has been ambiguous and address different strategies to optimize the ADNP signal. Validation of a new N-terminal ADNP antibody (Aviva Systems) using a blocking peptide competition assay allowed to differentiate between specific and non-specific signals in different sample materials, resulting in a unique band signal around 150 kDa for ADNP, above its theoretical molecular weight of 124 kDa. Detection with different C-terminal antibodies confirmed the signals at an observed molecular weight of 150 kDa. By means of both a GFPSpark® and and Flag®-tag N-terminally fused to a human ADNP expression vector, we detected wild-type ADNP together with mutant forms after introduction of patient mutations inE. coliexpression systems by site-directed mutagenesis. However, western blot assessment of immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines and post-mortem patient brain material failed to detect mutant ADNP protein, a scientific paradox up to today not yet resolved. This study aims to shape awareness for critical western blot assessment of ADNP variants and stimulates further research regarding ADNP expression by means of a validated multi-antibody approach.
Enhancement of Hydrogen Peroxide Production by RNA Polymerase rif Mutations of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis MDC 9617
Authors: Hovhannisyan Hrachya G. , Gaboyan Elen , Barseghyan Andranik H. , Pashayan Maria M. , Grigoryan Gohar G. , Danielyan Lusine V.
Published: September 2022

It was found out that among rifampicin resistant mutants (Rif) of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis MDC 9617 the frequency of occurrence of active hydrogen peroxide producers is about five times higher than in Rif + strain. Aerobically growing Rif mutants show relatively higher kinetics of H 2 O 2 production and earlier entry into the stationary phase due to auto-inhibition caused by inhibitory concentrations of H 2 O 2 . As a result, they synthesize about the same amount of H 2 O 2 but with a smaller biomass. The concentration of H 2 O 2 , which causes auto-inhibition of aerobically growing cultures is approximately 2 times lower than the MIC of exogenous H 2 O 2 for anaerobically growing cultures. The higher sensitivity of aerobically growing cultures is rather due to the existing intracellular H 2 O 2 , which together with extracellular H 2 O 2 causes an additive/cumulative effect. Lack of auto-inhibition at 5 °C allows the mutants to accumulate 50-70% more peroxide than the parental strain. Reduction of the food-borne pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7 by selected active Rif-4 mutant during co-cultivation in LAPTg at 5 °C was significantly higher than that of the parental strain. Due to high (~40%) co-aggregation ability of LAB with E. coli , the death of the pathogen detected at an early stage of co-cultivation in the absence of inhibitory concentrations of H 2 O 2 , may occur by direct release of H 2 O 2 onto the target cell. The ability of Rif mutants to produce higher amounts of H 2 O 2 with a smaller biomass enable them to extend the shelf-life of refrigerated food without risk of altering sensory characteristics of the latter.
The Cameroon Health Research and Evidence Database (CAMHRED): tools, methods and application of a local evidence mapping initiative
Authors: Ongolo-Zogo Clémence , El-Khechen Hussein , Morfaw Frederick , Djiadjeu Pascal , Zani Babalwa , Darzi Andrea , Nji Paul Wankah , Nyambi Agatha , Youta Andrea , Zaman Faiyaz , Youmbi Cheikh Tchouambou , Siani Ines Ndzana , Mbuagbaw Lawrence
Published: September 2022

Background: Local evidence is important for contextualized knowledge translation. It can be used to adapt global recommendations, to identify future research priorities and inform local policy decisions. However, there are challenges in identifying local evidence in a systematic, comprehensive, and timely manner. There is limited guidance on how to map local evidence and provide it to users in an accessible and user-friendly way. In this study, we address these issues by describing the methods for the development of a centralized database of health research evidence for Cameroon and its applications for research prioritization and decision making. Methods: We searched 10 electronic health databases and hand-searched the archives of non-indexed African and Cameroonian journals. We screened titles, abstracts, and full texts of peer reviewed journal articles published between 1999 and 2019 in English or French that assess health related outcomes in Cameroonian populations. We extracted relevant study characteristics based on a pre-established guide. We developed a coding scheme or taxonomy of content areas so that local evidence is mapped to corresponding domains and subdomains. Pairs of reviewers coded articles independently and resolved discrepancies by consensus. Moreover, we developed guidance on how to search the database, use search results to create evidence maps and conduct knowledge gap analyses. Results: The Cameroon Health Research and Evidence Database (CAMHRED) is a bilingual centralized online portal of local evidence on health in Cameroon from 1999 onwards. It currently includes 4384 studies categorized into content domains and study characteristics (design, setting, year and language of publication). The database is searchable by keywords or through a guided search. Results including abstracts, relevant study characteristics and bibliographic information are available for users to download. Upon request, guidance on how to optimize search results for applications like evidence maps and knowledge gap analyses is also available. Conclusions: CAMHRED (https://camhred.org/) is a systematic, comprehensive, and centralized resource for local evidence about health in Cameroon. It is freely available to stakeholders and provides an additional resource to support their work at various levels in the research process.
Dispersal patterns and flight activity of Phyllophaga capillata (Blanchard) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) in soybeans in central Brazil
Authors: Rocha Marcus Vinícius Celani , Oliveira Charles Martins , Frizzas Marina Regina
Published: September 2022

Mark-release-recapture studies have been used to evaluate the dispersal ability of different insect species. In the field, we evaluated the dispersal ability of the soil pest species Phyllophaga capillata (Blanchard) (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae) in soybean (Glycine max L.) crop, and the flight activity of this species under controlled conditions. Field studies were conducted on a soybean seed production farm in Planaltina/DF, Brazil. On four dates, adults of P. capillata were collected, sexed, marked and released in a soybean plot (~ 230 ha). Twelve light traps were set in three concentric circles, with four traps each, at distances of 50, 150 and 250 m from the point of adult release. Under controlled conditions, groups of adults (males and females) were separated into pots containing soil, and the flight ability of the specimens was evaluated daily for 72 h. The average recapture rate of adults was 1.93% for the four collection dates. The highest recapture rate was observed at a distance of 50 m, at the beginning and middle of the swarming period, and at 250 m at the end of the swarm. Males, in general, were more active than females and reached the greatest distance of displacement (250 m). Most specimens (69.5% of males and 52.9% of females) were prone to leave the ground on the three consecutive days of the study. These results provide insights for understanding the dispersal patterns of this pest species in agricultural landscapes.
Using the city's cultural and historical assets to promote its Identity
Authors: Poyan Sayed Mustafa , Yushi Jiang
Published: September 2022

Propose:Today, cities compete to attract more tourists and visitors, and city branding plays a crucial part in this. It takes a long time for a city's identity to develop; it develops through time and becomes more culturally diverse as a consequence.Design/methodology/approachThis article focuses on the branding of Balkh province in northern Afghanistan by using its cultural and historical heritage assets. This article examines whether Balkh's unique identity may be used for city branding and analyzes which of the city's historical sites, important personalities, and historic events might be exploited as city brands. FindingResults from a questionnaire and SPSS 24 analysis of 111 people suggest that Balkh's strong identity, cultural and historical heritage assets may be used for its branding.Originality/valueThe other goal of this research is to find out how some of Balkh's historical and cultural assets could be used to create a city brand and show off the city's rich history.
Distribution of the Contemporary Precipitation Regime and the Impact of Climate Change on It Within the Territory of Azerbaijan
Authors: Huseynov J.S. Huseynov N.Sh.
Published: September 2022

The regularities of the contemporary distribution of the precipitation regime within the territory of Azerbaijan were researched in the research paper. The perennial tendency of the precipitation regime was determined using the rainfall observation data for the years between 1961 and 2020 in the conducted research. Based on the obtained results, a state-of-the-art precipitation map was compiled for the country. At the same time, the dynamics of the precipitation regime during the period 1961–2020, as opposed to the period 1881–1960, were evaluated. The research period was divided into two half-periods, namely 1961–1990 and 1991–2020, and the internal tendencies were analysed. The results of the investigation indicate that although the amount of the precipitation region underwent a downward trend across the country, the number of stations with a statistically significant decrease is small. Compared to the years 1881–1960, the amount of precipitation has decreased throughout the country. Moreover, the average annual temperature in the country increased by 0,80C from 1991 to 2020. This indicator is the same period between 1961 and 2020 compared to the period between 1881 and 1960. In order to conduct research, mathematical-statistical and cartographic methods were used.
The long non-coding RNA GhlncRNA149.1 improves cotton defense response to aphid damage as a positive regulator
Authors: Zhang jianmin , Zhang Yi , Hu Zongwei , Zhang Haoran , Zeng Man , Chen Qian , Wang Hainuo , An Hongliu , Yang Yazhen , Luo Xincheng , Xu Dong , Wan Peng
Published: September 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in plant various biological regulatory processes and plant defense response to all sorts of the biotic and abiotic stresses. However, studies on the functions and mechanisms of lncRNAs are still been scarely reported in plant defense response to the damage of phytophagous insects. Here, GhlncRNA149.1, a lncRNA from Gossypium hirsutum, was shown to be induced by Aphis gossypii, methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid. Overexpression of GhlncRNA149.1 in cotton plants improved their defense response to the damage of Aphis gossypii, while silence of GhlncRNA149.1 in cotton plants reduced their defense response to the damage of Aphis gossypii. The target gene GhA01G0129 of GhlncRNA149.1 was also induced by Aphis gossypii, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid and it was highly expressed in cotton plants overexpressing GhlncRNA149.1, while lowly expressed in cotton plants silencing GhlncRNA149.1. The activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD) and catalase(CAT) were up-regulated in transient overexpression GhlncRNA149.1 cotton plants, and their expression levels were down-regulated in GhlncRNA149.1 silenced cotton plants. In addition, the expression levels of Phenylalanine ammonialyase(PAL), Polyphenol oxidase(PPO), Enhanced disease susceptibility 1 (EDS1)and Nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related genes 1(NPR1) were up-regulated in cotton plants transiently overexpressing GhlncRNA149.1. These results collectively suggest that GhlncRNA149.1 improve the plant defense response to aphid attack, and thus has potential for enforing cotton aphid prevention and control.
Substitution of Concentrate Mixture with Dried Brewery Grains Improved biological and Economical Performance of 50% Dorper × Menz Crossbred Sheep
Authors: Mekonen Tefera , Alemayehu Liulseged , Eshete Mesfin , Kebede Ashenafi , Abebe Ayele , Bisrat Asfaw , Teferra Beneberu , Tsegahun Aschalew , Getachew Tesfa
Published: September 2022

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of dried brewer's grains (DBG) to replace concentrate mixture (CM) in growing 50% Dorper × Menz crossbred ram lambs fed native pasture hay as basal diet. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and seven replications, and initial body weight and age were used for blocking. Ram lamb from each block was randomly assigned to one of the five treatments. All sheep were fed native pasture hay (NPH) ad libtum at 20% refusal as a basal diet and supplemented with 400g CM (T1) or 300g DBG + 100 g CM (T2) or 200g DBG + 200g CM (T3) or 100g DBG + 300g CM (T4) or 400g DBG (T5). Natural pasture hay and total dry matter (TDM) intake were similar (P > 0.05) among the treatments, however, ME itntake was reduced (P < 0.0001) as CM was substituted with DBG. Substitution of 75, 50 and 100% of CM with DBG had greater (P < 0.001) body weight gain than 100% CM supplemented group, and substitution of 25% CM with DBG had an intermediate value. The partial budget analysis revealed that T3 and T5 gave greater net returns of Birr 881.19 and 854.91 per head, respectively. Based on MRR T3 is the best treatment and using this treatment a farmer can benefit ETB 8.94 for every 1 ETB investment. Hence, sole DBG or a mixture of DBG with a CM can be used for supplementation growing 50% Dorper crossbred ram lambs.
Immune-enhancing effect of heat-treated Levilactobacillus brevis KU15159 in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Hwang Chang-Hoon , Kim Kee-Tae , Lee Na‑Kyoung , Paik Hyun-Dong
Published: September 2022

Probiotics are alive microbes that present beneficial to the human’s health. They influence immune responses through stimulating antibody production, activating T cells, and altering cytokine expression. The probiotic characteristics of Levilactobacillus brevis KU15159 were evaluated on the tolerance and adherence to gastrointestinal conditions. L. brevis KU15159 was safe in a view of producing various useful enzymes and antibiotic sensitivity. Heat-treated L. brevis KU15159 increased production of nitric oxide (NO) and phagocytic activity in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, heat-treated L. brevis KU15159 upregulated the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, at protein as well as mRNA levels. In addition, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which regulates the immune system, was activated by heat-treated L. brevis KU15159. Therefore, L. brevis KU15159 exhibited an immune enhancing effect by the MAPK pathway in macrophage.
What has recommended Antenatal Care utilisation got to do with optimal intake of IPTp-SP among rural women aged 15-49 in Nigeria?: A population-based surveys
Authors: Salihu Tarif , Boakye Kingsley , Ayerakwah Patience Ansomah , Dorgbetor Cyprian Issahaku , Owusu-Ansah Efua , Boateng George , Apenteng Georgina , Opoku Douglas Aninng , Attua Ama Asamaniwa , Adam Fuseini , Fenteng Justice Ofosu-Darko , Appiah Francis
Published: September 2022

Background
Missing the WHO-recommended ANC visits augments the risk of receiving a sub-optimal level of Intermittent-preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy using Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). Earlier reports found low utilisation of IPTp-SP among rural women in Nigeria. This study seeks to examine the relationship between the recommended ANC visits and optimal IPTp-SP uptake among rural women aged 15–49 in Nigeria.
Methods
We used data from the Female files of 2008, 2013, and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) waves. A sample of 9,085 women aged 15 to 49 with pregnancy history and complete information about the variables of interest were included in our analysis. Optimal intake of IPTp-SP was the outcome variable in this study (i.e., receiving three or more doses of IPTp-SP during pregnancy). The main explanatory variable for this study was recommended ANC visits defined as having four or more ANC visits. At 95% confidence interval, logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between recommended ANC and optimal intake of IPTp-SP.
Results
Descriptively, 29% (n = 2,644, CI = 0.28–0.30) of the rural women aged 15–49 received the optimal level of IPTp-SP. Inferentially, we found a higher likelihood of optimal IPTp-SP intake among women who met the recommended ANC visits [aOR = 1.44, CI = 1.29–1.61] compared to women that did not. The rich exhibited a lower likelihood of optimal level of IPTp-SP intake [aOR = 0.81, CI = 0.70–0.94]. Muslims had a higher likelihood of receiving an optimal intake of IPTp-SP [aOR = 1.32, CI = 1.15–1.53]. South East residents had a higher likelihood of receiving an optimal level of IPTp-SP [aOR = 2.54, CI = 2.09–3.10], while the likelihood of optimal uptake of IPTp-SP reduced among residents in the North West [aOR = 0.46, CI = 0.40–0.54].
Conclusion
Uptake of WHO-recommended optimal level of IPTp-SP was found to be low, which was linked mainly to the number of ANC visits. The results of this study call for implementing operational strategies, including Transforming IPT for Optimal Pregnancy in rural Nigeria. Appropriate prenatal care visits must be promoted to ensure accessibility of IPTp-SP in rural Nigeria. We suggest health education and awareness creation through mass media targeting women across the six geographical zones, particularly in North West Nigeria.
On Feasibility of roll-stamp forming variable-sectional metal channels
Authors: Lu Kaijun , Liang Zhenye , Zou Tianxia , Wang Yongkai , Li Dayong , Ding Shichao , Xiao Hua , Shi Lei , Peng Yinghong
Published: September 2022

Sheet metal channels with variable sections or local features have been widely used in automobile and construction industries, and novel forming techniques, such as flexible roll forming process, flexibly-reconfigurable roll forming process, Deakin’s flexible forming facility and chain-die forming recently have been developed to manufacture those channels. In this paper, the feasibility of chain-die forming technique to manufacture channels with variable sections are systematically investigated through experiment and finite element simulation by taking 6 types of channel products as demonstration, including three variable-width and three variable-depth profiles. The forming process of the channels shows a combination of roll forming and stamping, and this roll-stamp mode is greatly potential in manufacturing a wide variety of channels with variable cross-sections. The formability for roll-stamp forming variable-depth channels is evaluated through finite element simulation and forming limit diagram. The roll-stamp mode can be discomposed into roll forming longitudinally and stamping vertically, and can achieve a reduction in forming load by the maximum of 33.9% compared with the conventional stamping in forming the flange step product. The forming direction sensitivity of the variable-width feature is discussed from the aspect of web arch height development.
A Scalable Derivative-free Exploration Approach for Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Chen Xiong-Hui
Published: September 2022

Exploration in complex environments remains a challenge for deep reinforcement learning (RL). Derivative-free optimization (DFO), which provides efficient black-box solution sampling mechanisms, is a potential way to address this issue. Recent studies which inject these mechanisms into RL have shown better exploration abilities than derivative-based policy optimization methods. However, we found that these methods suffer from low sample efficiency in high-dimensional policy parameter space, which limits the adaptability of these methods in complex tasks requiring large neural networks to represent well-performed policies. In this paper, we propose a scalable exploration algorithm based on derivative-free optimization, named Scalable Derivative-free Exploration (SDFE), which improves exploration in complex RL problems. SDFE handles the high-dimensional policy searching problem by optimizing policy in a transformed small parameter space of policy, rather than the original parameter space of the policy neural network. SDFE is a general framework that is compatible with derivative-free optimization methods and off-policy policy-based algorithms. In experiments, we instantiate SDFE with two derivative-free optimization algorithms (SRACOS and CMAES) and three off-policy actor-critic algorithms (SAC, ACER, and DDPG), to show its efficiency and adaptability. We conduct experiments on MuJoCo tasks and 42 pixel-based games in Atari, empirically verifying that SDFE can reach better performance with a competitive number of samples on both tasks.
Particle size composition characteristics of weathered debris from grey-green slate under the action of freeze-thaw and dry-wet cycles
Authors: wang jie , Li Wangcheng , Mu Min , Chen Jihong , li yangyang , liu huaru , su qikun
Published: September 2022

The material basis for soil formation is rock weathering debris. Understanding the particle size composition characteristics of rock weathering debris and its impacts is important for improving the soil structure of dry farmland in the central dry zone of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In this study, the particle sizes of weathered debris collected from grey-green slate after indoor simulations of freeze-thaw and dry-wet cycle tests were examined. The results were as follows: (1) Under 16 treatments, the weathering debris of grey-green slate contained about 10% or less very fine sand and coarse silt, while clay, fine silt, and fine sand were the most abundant sizes (at least 60% of the total). (2) Under each treatment, the average particle size of the grey-green slate weathered debris was 5.52 (silt grade). The overall skewness was high, but the symmetry was poor. The particle size frequency distribution curve had many broad peaks or multiple peaks. (3) The fractal dimension was associated with very fine silt, but had a strong negative correlation with fine sand and medium-coarse sand. The results indicate that fractal dimension can reflect the grain size characteristics of weathered debris. The mineral element content of the grey-green slate somewhat affected the fractal dimension, and it positively correlated with environmental electrical conductivity (EC) and element-leaching amount; it negatively correlated with particle size, temperature, and pH. According to the findings, the fractal dimension can accurately represent the particle size distribution of weathered debris. The generation of grey-green slate weathering debris should be considered in the formation and development of local soil.
Se-Methylselenocysteine inhibits proliferation and migration of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cells through the ROS-ERK1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Zuojie , Ban Bixiu , Ma Yan , Yang Haiyan , Huang Zhenxing , Kuang Yaqi , Liu Yuping , Wu Xizhen , Lu Decheng , Li Li , Xian Jing , Qin Yingfen , Liang Xinghuan
Published: September 2022

Se-Methylselenocysteine (MSC) is a major organic selenium compound that possesses anticancer activity. However, the antitumor effect of MSC in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) remains to be investigated. In this study, the two human ATC cell lines 8305 and BHT101 were used to examine the potential antitumor effect of MSC in ATC. Cell viability was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8, and the migration ability of the cells was evaluated by Transwell assays. The 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) was used to analyze reactive oxygen species production. Changes in extracellular regulated-protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 proteins were analyzed by western blotting in 8505C and BHT101 cells. The results indicated that MSC dose-dependently inhibited proliferation and migration of ATC cells.MSC also decreased the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS ) level in ATC cells.The inhibitory effect of MSC on ERK1/2 signaling was reversed by a ROS scavenger.In conclusion, MSC exerted its antitumor activity in ATC cells by inhibiting ERK1/2 signaling via a ROS-dependent pathway. Therefore, our results suggested that MSC had potential clinical value in the treatment of ATC.
Exploring the Replacement of Toxic Mercury UV Lamp using AlGaN Tunnel Junction in 254 nm-Band DUV LED
Authors: Sharif M. Nawaz , Khan M. Ajmal , Wali Qamar. , Ayub Khalid. , Zhang Aoxiang. , Wang Fang. , Liu Yuhuai.
Published: September 2022

In the past, low-pressure mercury (Hg) -based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) lamps have been widely used for DUV applications. The exposure of pathogen to DUV radiation at 254 nm emission has been proven to be an effective way of their inactivation in unmanned environment. However, the low-pressure mercury (Hg) DUV lamps are toxic in nature and it consumes a lot of power too. Therefore, in this work, smart and clean single tunnel junction (TJ) AlGaN-based DUV light-emitting diode (LED) at 254 nm peak wavelength has been proposed. The simulated conventional DUV LED device has maximum internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 50 % with an efficiency droop of 18 % under 200 A/cm2. The performance of the conventional LED can be improved by employing a 5 nm-thin single layer AlGaN TJ. The calculated result shows that AlGaN TJ-based LED has a maximum IQE of 62 % with an efficiency droop of 15 % under higher injection current. In addition, the TJ LED emitted power has been improved by 34 % compared to the conventional LED structure. Such efficient AlGaN DUV LED at 254 nm emission wavelength will be an effective replacement of Hg-DUV lamp in the future.
Potential Role of Doravirine for the Treatment of Patients with Transmitted Drug Resistance
Authors: Rhee Soo-Yon , Schapiro Jonathan M. , Saladini Francesco , Zazzi Maurizio , Khoo Saye , Shafer Robert W.
Published: September 2022

Background: Doravirine has a unique resistance profile but how this profile might increase its usefulness beyond first-line therapy in persons with susceptible viruses has not been well studied. We sought to determine scenarios in which doravirine would retain activity against isolates from ART-naïve persons with transmitted drug resistance (TDR) and to identify gaps in available doravirine susceptibility data.Methods: We analyzed published in vitro doravirine susceptibility data and applied the results to 42,535 RT sequences from ART-naïve persons published between 2017 and 2021. NNRTI-resistance mutations (DRMs) were defined as those with a Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database doravirine penalty score either alone or in combination with other mutations.Results: V106A, Y188L, F227C/L, M230L, and Y318F were associated with the greatest reductions in doravirine susceptibility. However, several DRMs and DRM combinations lacking these canonical resistance mutations had >10-fold reduced susceptibility including G190E, one isolate with G190S, three isolates with L100I+K103N, one isolate with K103N+P225H, and isolates with L100I+K103N+V108I and K101E+Y181C+G190A. Of the 42,535 ART-naïve sequences, 3,374 (7.9%) contained a DRM of which 2,788 (82.6%) contained 1 DRM (n=33 distinct mutations), 426 (12.6%) contained 2 DRMs (79 distinct pairs of mutations), and 143 (4.2%) contained ³3 DRMs (86 distinct mutation patterns). Among the 2,788 sequences with one DRM, 112 (4.0%) were associated with ³3.0-fold reduced doravirine susceptibility while 2,625 (94.2%) were associated with <3.0-fold reduced susceptibility. Data were not available for individual DRMs in 51 sequences (1.8%). Among the 426 sequences with two DRMs, 180 (42.3%) were associated with ³3.0 fold reduced doravirine susceptibility while just 32 (7.5%) had <3.0 fold reduced susceptibility. Data were not available for 214 (50.2%) sequences containing 2 DRMs. Conclusions: First-line therapy containing doravirine plus two NRTIs is expected to be effective in treating most persons with TDR as more than 80% of TDR sequences had a single DRM and as more than 90% with a single DRM were expected to be susceptible to doravirine. However, caution is required for the use of doravirine in persons with more than one DRM even if none of the DRMs are canonical doravirine-resistance mutations.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles induce toxicity in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Mendoza-Milla Criselda , Macías Fernanda Isabel Macías , Delgado Kimberly Abigail Velázquez , Rodríguez Manuel Alejandro Herrera , Colín-Val Zaira , Ramos-Godinez María del Pilar , Cano-Martínez Agustina , Vega-Miranda Anita , Robledo-Cadena Diana Xochiquetzal , Delgado‐Buenrostro Norma Laura , Chirino Yolanda Irasema , López-Marure Rebeca
Published: September 2022

Background
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in the cosmetic industry. They are nano-optical and nano-electrical devices, and their antimicrobial properties are applied in food packaging and medicine. ZnO NPs penetrate the body by inhalation, oral and dermal exposure and spread through circulation to various systems and organs. Since the cardiovascular system is one of the most vulnerable ones, in this work we studied ZnO NPs toxicity in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts.
Methods
Cardiac cells were exposed to different concentrations of ZnO NPs and then measured morphology, proliferation, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), redox state and protein expression.
Results
Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and hematoxylin/eosin (H/E) staining showed strong morphological damage. ZnO NPs were not observed inside cells, suggesting Zn2+ ions were internalized, causing the damage. ZnO NPs strongly inhibited cell proliferation and MTT reduction at 10 and 20 µg/cm2 after 72 h of treatment. ZnO NPs at 20 µg/cm2 elevated DCF fluorescence indicating alterations in cellular redox state, associated with changes in ΔΨm and cell death. ZnO NPs also reduced troponin I and atrial natriuretic peptide expression.
Conclusions
ZnO NPs are toxic for cardiac cells, therefore consumption of products containing them could cause heart damage and develop cardiovascular diseases.
Health risk assessment of lead on preschool children in a typical heavy metal polluted area
Authors: Du Yue , Ai Shiwei , He Jie , Gu Huilin , Wang Xiaoxue , Li Zhilan , Dang Yuhui
Published: September 2022

Mining activities exert a far-reaching impact on environmental quality, and health problems caused by lead (Pb) pollution have always attracted global attention. In this study, exposure pathways through various media in Baiyin city ( a typical heavy metal polluted area) and health risks of local preschool children to Pb were investigated. Results showed that Pb concentrations of Spinach, Tomato, Cushaw, Lettuce, Broad bean, Pea, Eggplant and Radish exceeded the standards (GB 2762 − 2017), and 42.86% of soil samples exceeded screening values (GB 15618 − 2018). The non-carcinogenic risk was as high as 3.78, and oral ingestion was the main exposure pathway which accounted for 94.60% of non-carcinogenic risk. Moreover, vegetables and wheat were the major contributors in oral ingestion pathway, and the younger preschoolers were, the more susceptible they were to Pb exposure. Furthermore, the carcinogenic risk of local preschoolers was 6.02E-06, which was acceptable. Monte Carlo simulation showed that concentration of medium was the most sensitive parameter on the health risk assessment results. In conclusion, Pb pollution in this area put preschoolers at a non-carcinogenic risk from eating vegetables and wheat.
Long noncoding RNA RP3-340N1.2 affects the progression of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines by targeting miR-134-5p
Authors: Li Wei , Pan Yuemei , Jing Qi , Zhao Qianqian , Sun Zhi , Wang Chuanxi
Published: September 2022

Background
With the development of molecular biotechnology and related databases, increasing numbers of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been proven to play important roles in the occurrence and development of tumors.
Results
In this study, we identified a novel lncRNA, RP3-340N1.2, which has not been reported as associated with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Our results showed that the expression level of RP3-340N1.2 was upregulated significantly in three LUAD cell lines (A549, NCIH1299, and NCIH1975) and lentivirus-mediated knockdown of RP3-340N1.2 inhibited the differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and other biological processes of tumor cells significantly. Bioinformatic software predicted the downstream target of RP3-340N1.2, which was verified using dual luciferase assays and other methods. We found that RP3-340N1.2 could competitively bind miR-134-5p in LUAD cells, and this microRNA has a significant regulatory effect on the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which leads to increased migration and invasion of LUAD cells. This discovery provided a possible mechanism by which RP3340N1.2 participates in the development of LUAD.
Conclusions
In conclusion, our results showed that RP3340N1.2 regulates the expression of EGFR indirectly by targeting miR-134-5p, thereby promoting the progression of LUAD. Therefore, RP3-340N1.2 might become a valuable biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD.
The interplay between systolic blood pressure, sauna bathing, and cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged and older Finnish men: a cohort study
Authors: Laukkanen Jari Antero , Jae Sae Young , Kauhanen Jussi , Kunutsor Setor K
Published: September 2022

Elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death, whereas frequent sauna bathing is associated with a reduced CVD mortality. However, whether frequent sauna bathing mitigates CVD mortality among adults with elevated SBP has not been previously investigated. We examined the prospective associations of SBP-frequency of sauna bathing (FSB) phenotype with the risk of CVD mortality in a cohort of Caucasian men. The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Study cohort comprising of 2,575 men aged 42–61 years at baseline was employed for this analysis. Resting blood pressure was measured using a standardized protocol and sauna bathing habits were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Systolic blood pressure was categorized as normal and high (< 140 and ≥ 140 mmHg, respectively) and FSB as low and high (defined as ≤ 2 and 3–7 sessions/week, respectively).A total of 744 CVD deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 27.8 year. Comparing high vs normal SBP, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD mortality was 1.48 (1.27–1.73), which persisted on further adjustment for FSB 1.48 (1.27–1.73). Comparing high vs low FSB, the multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CI) for CVD mortality was 0.79 (0.65–0.96), which persisted after adjustment for SBP 0.80 (0.66–0.96). Compared with men with normal SBP-low FSB, high SBP-low FSB was associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality 1.46 (1.23–1.73), with no evidence of an association for men with high SBP and high FSB 1.21 (0.90–1.62). Positive additive interactions (RERI = 0.02) were found between SBP and FSB in relation to CVD mortality. There exists an interplay between SBP, sauna bathing and CVD mortality risk in middle-aged and older Caucasian males. Engaging in frequent sauna baths may be an important lifestyle strategy for mitigating the risk of CVD mortality associated with high SBP.
Identification of deregulated circular RNA circ-0008102 as novel biomarker in pediatric β-thalassemia patients
Authors: Chen Meihuan , Pan Yali , Zhang YanHong , Zheng Junhao , Zhang Siwen , Lin Na , Xu Liangpu , huang Hailong
Published: September 2022

Circular RNA circ-0008102 has previously been found upregulated in β-thalassemia (β-thal) in circRNAs microarray. Our study aimed to identify whether circ-0008102 could be a novel biomarker in β-thal. qRT-PCR confirmed that the expression levels of circ-0008102 in pediatric β-thal patients with HbF ≥ 5.0% (n = 26) were significantly higher than that in pediatric β-thal patients with HbF < 5.0% (n = 33) and healthy controls (n = 30). ROC curves analysis showed that the AUC of circ-0008102 for differentiating patients with HbF ≥ 5.0% from patients with HbF < 5.0% and healthy controls with an AUC of 0.774 and 0.702, respectively. Furthermore, circ-0008102 expression was positively correlated with the levels of HbF, GGT, β-globin and γ-globin mRNA, but was negatively corrected with the levels of MCV, MCH, HbA and Cr. circ-0008102 was mainly located in the cytoplasm, and its five highest-ranking candidates miRNAs were miR-372-3p, miR-329-5p, miR-198, miR-152-5p and miR-627-3p. 651 mRNAs regulated by these miRNAs were found based on bioinformatics analysis, and enrichment analysis of circ-0008102/miRNAs/mRNAs network showed these mRNAs were involved in DNA binding and transcription regulatory region binding, and were associated with Th17 cell differentiation and stem cell pluripotency signaling pathways. In conclusion, we preliminary proved that peripheral blood deregulated circ-0008102 might be an effective biomarker for detection of pediatric β-thal with high HbF. circ-0008102 participates in the pathogenesis of β-thal through regulating γ-globin expression, which needs to be investigated further.
Comparison of simplicity, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness between use of insulin pen devices and disposable plastic syringes by patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study from Bangladesh
Authors: Kamrul-Hasan A.B.M. , Hannan Mohammad Abdul , Alam Muhammad Shah , Rahman Mohammad Motiur , Asaduzzaman Md. , Mustari Marufa , Paul Ajit Kumar , Kabir Md. Lutful , Chowdhury Sumon Rahman , Talukder Samir Kumar , Sarkar Sourav , Hannan Muhammad Abdul , Islam Md. Rashedul , Iftekhar Mohammad Hasan , Robel Md. Abdul Bari , Selim Shahjada
Published: September 2022

Introduction:
Many patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need insulin to achieve glycemic control in the long run. Insulin pen devices and disposable plastic insulin syringes are two common tools for insulin administration. Data comparing these two common insulin delivery devices are scarce in this area. This study aims to compare the simplicity, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness of using insulin pens versus syringe devices in patients with T2DM.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted at several diabetes outpatient clinics throughout Bangladesh from November 2021 to April 2022 among adults with T2DM injecting insulin by pen devices or disposable insulin syringes at least once a day for at least one year. A structured questionnaire in Bangla was used to assess the simplicity, convenience, safety, and cost-effectiveness of insulin devices, and the study subjects were scored based on their answers. The highest obtainable scores for simplicity, convenience, and safety were 15, 9, and 15, respectively; higher scores indicated a poorer response.
Results
A total of 737 subjects were evaluated in this study; 406 were pen users, and 331 were vial syringe users. The pen users had lower median scores for simplicity [6.0 (5.0–8.0) vs. 7.0 (5.0–9.0), p = 0.002], convenience [4.0 (3.0–6.0) vs. 5.0 (4.0–6.0), p < 0.001], and safety [7.0 (6.0–8.0) vs. 7.0 (6.0–9.0), p = 0.008] than vial syringe users. Pen devices were more expensive than vial syringes in terms of average medical expense per month [BDT 5000 (3500–7000) vs. 3000 (2000–5000), p < 0.001], the total cost of insulin therapy per month [BDT 2000 (1500–3000) vs. 1200 (800–1700), p < 0.001] and cost per unit of insulin used [BDT 2.08 (1.39–2.78) vs. 0.96 (0.64–1.39), p < 0.001]. Non-significant differences in favor of pens were observed in HbA1c levels [8.7 (7.8–10) vs. 8.9 (7.9–10)%, p = 0.607] and proportions of subjects having HbA1c < 7% (6.9 vs. 6.3%, p = 0.991).
Conclusions
Insulin pens are simpler, more convenient, and safe to use but expensive than vial syringes. Glycemic control is comparable between pen and syringe users. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the clinical and economic impacts of such benefits of insulin pens in our settings.
Arbitrary entanglement of three qubits via linear optics
Authors: Blasiak Pawel , Borsuk Ewa , Markiewicz Marcin
Published: September 2022

We present a linear-optical scheme for generating an arbitrary state of three qubits. It requires only three independent particles in the input and post-selection of the coincidence-type at the output. The success probability of the protocol is equal for any desired state. Furthermore, the optical design remains insensitive to particle statistics (bosons, fermions or anyons). This approach builds upon the no-touching paradigm, which demonstrates the utility of particle indistinguishability as a resource of entanglement for practical applications.