bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Analysis of Crude Plant Extracts and Laboratory Synthesized Green Nanoparticles from Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth.
Authors: Amandeep Kaur , Devinder Singh
Published: September 2022

Recently the research and analysis of green nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized with plant extracts has been expanded significantly due to their biological activities. From the variety of agents used for nanoparticles synthesis, silver (Ag) is the most preferred due to its recommended use in medical field as best topical bactericides from ancient times. In the present study, crude bark extracts of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. were used for nanoparticles synthesis and comparison of their biochemistry with crude extract was assessed by using biochemistry analytical techniques viz; UV-Visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infra-red spectrophotometer (FTIR), Photoluminescence (PL) and Direct Light Scattering analysis ( DLS).
Population of House Sparrow Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Three Different Habitats of the Tarai Arc in Kumaun Region, Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Vinay Singh , Satpal Singh Bisht , Neha Rajwar , Neelaxi Pandey
Published: September 2022

The present study was carried out to determine the population of House Sparrow in three different habitats of the tarai arc in Kumaun region, Uttarakhand for a period of one year. The monthly field visits were carried out from August 2018 to July 2019 at different locations of three habitats viz. agricultural area, urban area and forest area. The findings of the present survey revealed that the agricultural areas enjoy highest number of individuals and relative abundance (525, 56.21%) followed by urban area (316, 33.83%) and least in forest area (93, 9.95%), respectively. In terms of seasonal variations, the maximum individuals were observed during winter season (November to February, 63%) followed by summer season (March to June, 29%) and lowest in rainy season (July to October, 8%). The study also indicated a significant difference between the numbers of House Sparrow observed among the three different habitats. While comparing the number of House Sparrow during the investigation in three habitats it was observed that number of species were less in forest habitat whereas the highest numbers were recorded in and around agricultural areas which could be due to availability of reasonable nesting sites in traditional dwellings of farmers and availability of food.
Dry Fish Diversity and the Socio-Economic Condition of Dry Fish Retailers in the Markets of Kokrajhar, Assam, India
Authors: Barasha Das , Boris Machahary , Kumar Khangembam Bronson
Published: September 2022

Dry fish is one of the most popular food items consumed worldwide. Dry fish preservation is reported as an alternative dimension to reduce both the quantity and quality loss of by-catch and results in better value addition. Preserved fishes are traditionally practiced in most tribal communities worldwide. In Assam, various fish preservation methods are adopted by different tribes. The present investigation aims to study the different dry fish available, and the socio-economic condition of the retailers in local markets of Kokrajhar, Assam, India. The study was conducted through semi-structured questionnaires and personal interviews in five different local markets of Kokrajhar Town in Assam. The study recorded 22 different fish species belonging to 15 families being used for making dry fish products. Four species were recorded from family Cyprinidae, two each from Clupeidae, Bagridae, Scombridae, Channidae and one species each from families Latidae, Engraulidae, Danionidae, Harpodontidae, Cobitidae, Ambassidae, Mastacembelidae, Osphronemidae, Siluridae and Botidae. The market values of dry fishes ranged from Rs. 200/kg to Rs. 950/kg depending upon species and quality. Dry fish made from the species Raiamas bola was found to be the highest priced. It was observed that the prices were comparatively higher in village markets than in town markets. Sun drying and smoking were found to be the most common method for the preparation of traditional dry fish in the region. The age of retailers was in the range of 30 to 60 years, and 69.24% of all the respondents were educated up to primary or higher level of education. The income of the dry fish retailers varied with the season ranging from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 10000 per month. This study has highlighted the diversity of dry fish in Kokrajhar, and the socio-financial status of the dry fish retailers. This information may be useful for sustainable development of fishery in the region
Antipredator Behaviour Towards Human in Birds of Southern Rajasthan, India
Authors: Avinash Agrawal , Rahul Yadav , Abhilasha Bhagora , Sahil Gupta , Kanan Saxena
Published: September 2022

There are many anti-predatory escape strategies in animals. An established method for assessing escape behavior is the flight initiation distance (FID), which is the distance between prey and predator at which an animal flees. The ecological factors affecting avian FID have received much attention over the past few decades, and metaanalysis and comparative analysis have shown that FID is related to body mass and flock size and varies along rural to urban gradients. In our analyses, we determined the relation between FID with two important factor flock size and body mass of birds. Group or herd size can either impact FID negatively (i.e. the dilution effect caused by the presence of many individuals) or positively (i.e. increased alertness as more eyes search for predators).
Dokumentation i förskola och skola - för vem och varför?
Authors: Severinsson Susanne , Elfström Pettersson Katarina
Published: September 2022

I vårt samhälle dokumenteras det mer än någonsin och förskola och skola utgör inget undantag. Dokumentation har blivit ett viktigt verktyg när nyliberala idéer om ett samhälle med reflekterande ansvarstagande medborgare, som kan bidra till att skapa välfärd och tillväxt, ska förverkligas (Rose m.fl. 2006; Alastair, Markström & Vallberg-Roth 2014; Markström 2015). Det blir i ett sådant samhälle viktigt att kunna visa att utvecklingen går åt rätt håll, oavsett om det är en individ eller en organisation det gäller, och att handlingsplaner, utvecklingsplaner och åtgärder är de rätta och följs.  Förskollärare och lärare får hjälp att dokumentera genom mallar av olika slag vilket påverkar innehållet i dokumentationen.
Pathobiological functions and clinical implications of annexin dysregulation in human cancers
Authors: Prieto-Fernández Llara , Menéndez Sofía T. , Otero-Rosales María , Montoro-Jiménez Irene , Hermida-Prado Francisco , García-Pedrero Juana M. , Álvarez-Teijeiro Saúl
Published: September 2022

Annexins are an extensive superfamily of structurally related calcium- and phospholipid-binding proteins, largely conserved and widely distributed among species. Twelve human annexins have been identified, referred to as Annexin A1-13 (A12 remains as of yet unassigned), whose genes are spread throughout the genome on eight different chromosomes. According to their distinct tissue distribution and subcellular localization, annexins have been functionally implicated in a variety of biological processes relevant to both physiological and pathological conditions. Dysregulation of annexin expression patterns and functions has been revealed as a common feature in multiple cancers, thereby emerging as potential biomarkers and molecular targets for clinical application. Nevertheless, translation of this knowledge to the clinic requires in-depth functional and mechanistic characterization of dysregulated annexins for each individual cancer type, since each protein exhibits varying expression levels and phenotypic specificity depending on the tumor types. This review specifically and thoroughly examines the current knowledge on annexin dysfunctions in carcinogenesis. Hence, available data on expression levels, mechanism of action and pathophysiological effects of Annexin A1-13 among different cancers will be dissected, also further discussing future perspectives for potential applications as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis and molecular-targeted therapies. Special attention is devoted to head and neck cancers (HNC), a complex and heterogeneous group of aggressive malignancies, often lately diagnosed, with high mortality, and scarce therapeutic options.
A deep learning model for forecasting global monthly mean sea surface temperature anomalies
Authors: Taylor John , Feng Ming
Published: September 2022

Sea surface temperature (SST) variability plays a key role in the global weather and climate system, with phenomena such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) regarded as a major source of interannual climate variability at the global scale. The ability to make long-range forecasts of SST variations and extreme marine heatwave events have potentially significant economic and societal benefits, especially in a warming climate. We have developed a deep learning time series prediction model (Unet-LSTM), based on more than 70 years (1950–2021) of ECMWF ERA5 monthly mean SST and 2-m air temperature data, to predict global 2-dimensional SSTs up to a 24-month lead. Model prediction skills are high in the equatorial and subtropical Pacific. We have assessed the ability of the model to predict SST anomalies in the Niño3.4 region, an ENSO index in the equatorial Pacific, and the Blob marine heatwave events in the northeast Pacific in detail. An assessment of the predictions of the 2019–2020 El Niño and the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 La Niña show that the model has skill up to 18 months in advance. The prediction of the 2015–2016 extreme El Niño is less satisfactory, which suggests that subsurface ocean information may be crucial for the evolution of this event. Note that the model makes predictions of the 2-d monthly SST field and Nino 3.4 is just one region embedded in the global field. The model also shows long lead prediction skills for the northeast Pacific marine heatwave, the Blob. However, the prediction of the marine heatwaves in the southeast Indian Ocean, the Ningaloo Niño, shows a short lead prediction. These results indicate the significant potential of data-driven methods to yield long-range predictions of SST anomalies.
The reflexive relationship between available university services and mental health ideations: A complexity informed perspective
Authors: Watson Jacob , Lee Taylor , Handayani Sri
Published: September 2022

Using Communication Complex as our theoretical framework, we explored socially constructed notions about mental health from a complexity informed perspective. Through qualitative interviews we investigated the availability of mental health services provided at three universities—one in Wrocław, Poland; one in Semarang, Indonesia; and the third in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. From our interviews we interpreted several salient themes across all three cultures. Discussions about mental health services are meaningless without first defining mental health in pursuit of ascertaining what counts as caring for one's mental health—a process which raises a host of epistemological and ontological questions in both the academic setting and the larger social milieu. These conversations also reified the importance of considering one's whole health, how stigma plays a role in defining mental health “issues”, and what stories are being told about the nature of mental health across several cultures. We argue that there is a deeper, reflexive relationship between the ways people talk about mental health and what services are offered that goes beyond traditional notions of what mental health “is” and what counts as a mental health service.
Face beautification: Beyond makeup transfer
Authors: Liu Xudong , Wang Ruizhe , Peng Hao , Yin Minglei , Chen Chih-Fan , Li Xin
Published: September 2022

Facial appearance plays an important role in our social lives. Subjective perception of women's beauty depends on various face-related (e.g., skin, shape, hair) and environmental (e.g., makeup, lighting, angle) factors. Similarly to cosmetic surgery in the physical world, virtual face beautification is an emerging field with many open issues to be addressed. Inspired by the latest advances in style-based synthesis and face beauty prediction, we propose a novel framework for face beautification. For a given reference face with a high beauty score, our GAN-based architecture is capable of translating an inquiry face into a sequence of beautified face images with the referenced beauty style and the target beauty score values. To achieve this objective, we propose to integrate both style-based beauty representation (extracted from the reference face) and beauty score prediction (trained on the SCUT-FBP database) into the beautification process. Unlike makeup transfer, our approach targets many-to-many (instead of one-to-one) translation, where multiple outputs can be defined by different references with various beauty scores. Extensive experimental results are reported to demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed face beautification framework. To support reproducible research, the source codes accompanying this work will be made publicly available on GitHub.
Experimental exposure assessment of designed chemical mixtures in cell-based in vitro bioassays
Authors: Henneberger Luise , Huchthausen Julia , König Maria , Menge Alina , Wojtysiak Niklas , Escher Beate I.
Published: September 2022

Cell-based bioassays are useful tools for the effect assessment of complex mixtures, but so far exposure assessment has not been performed for mixtures of chemicals. In the present study, cytotoxicity and activation of oxidative stress response were measured for three designed chemical mixtures with up to twelve components. The measurements of biological responses were complemented by concentration measurements using solid-phase microextraction to derive the freely dissolved concentrations of the mixtures (Cfree,mix). The tested mixtures showed slightly higher cytotoxic effects than predicted by the concentration addition model. Nominal and freely dissolved effect concentrations of the mixtures were very similar (within a factor of 1.5), but nominal concentrations (Cnom) and Cfree of the individual mixture components were only similar for the hydrophilic chemicals (e.g., caffeine, coumarin, lamotrigine). For hydrophobic (e.g., fluoranthene) and acidic chemicals (e.g., diclofenac, naproxen) Cfree was up to 648 times lower than Cnom. Chemicals were dosed in equipotent nominal concentration ratios and therefore contributed equally to the detected effects. Hydrophilic chemicals with low potency dominated Cnom,mix (up to 95%) and Cfree,mix (up to 99%). Several mixture components (e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen and warfarin) showed increasing free fractions with increasing Cnom,mix and therefore also a concentration-dependent contribution to Cfree,mix. Based on the findings of this study, we concluded that Cnom,mix will be sufficient for evaluating the toxicity of mixtures that contain chemicals with diverse physicochemical properties at low concentration levels. In contrast, for risk assessment purposes and quantitative in vitro to in vivo extrapolations, Cfree,mix is a better parameter because the in vitro responses can be related to freely dissolved concentrations in human plasma.
Trend of snow cover under the influence of climate change using Google Earth Engine platform: A case study of Astore (Western Himalayas) and Shigar (Karakoram region)
Authors: Moazzam Muhammad Farhan Ul , Rahman Ghani , Lee Byung Gul , Ansari Nadhir Al
Published: September 2022

Freshwater resources present in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) supply water to Pakistan’s irrigation. Half of the annual water discharge in the UIB is contributed from the glacier and snow-fed basins in the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalaya (HKH) region, and it is currently under the threat of climate change. Therefore, it is very necessary to study and monitor the spatiotemporal changes in the snow cover area (SCA) and its response to climate variables to efficiently manage water reservoirs. Thus, keeping this problem in mind, we conducted this study using the Google Earth Engine Application Programming Interface (GEE API) for Astore and Shigar. We used mean annual Landsat data between 1991 and 2021 to derive the SCA using the normalized difference snow index (NDSI). ASTER GDEM data was used to extract the elevation and analyze the distribution of SCA on different elevation zones. Eventually, we used the climate research unit (CRU) data (rainfall and temperature) to analyze them with SCA. The results revealed that SCA in Astore and Shigar has an increasing trend with a rate of 11.16 km2/year and 4.27 km2/year, respectively. Mean annual precipitation and temperature also confirmed the increasing trend of SCA because mean annual precipitation is increasing and temperature is decreasing in both regions. SCA and elevation analysis revealed that SCA is decreasing on foothills while increasing at the valley top. This is because temperature is increasing and precipitation is decreasing from zone 1 to zone 3 and vice versa for zone 4. It is found that Astore and Shigar in UIB have an increasing trend of SCA and are not affected by global warming. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct studies on large scale to efficiently evaluate the impact of climate change on SCA.
What configurational conditions promote tourism eco-transformation? a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis based on the TOE framework
Authors: Wang Chao , Zheng Qiujin , Zeng Haimei , Wu Yizhen , Wei Chenwen
Published: September 2022

Tourism eco-transformation can provide a long-lasting competitive advantage. However, successful transformation is a challenge for both academia and industry. The literature has focused on the net effect of a single factor. Still, we build on the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and propose that tourism eco-transformation does not depend on a single condition but the configurational effect of organization, environment, and technology. We found six conditions that influence eco-transformation in Chinese provinces. The results show that 1) the tourism eco-transformation in China from 2016 to 2019 “declines first and then rises,” indicating a “U” shape. Spatial distribution is stable; 2) We can classify the high-level transformation model into four configurational types: technology-pulling organization, proactive organization, environmental stress organization, and comprehensive organization. Not-high-level transformation model can be categorized as comprehensive absence and respectable; 3) There are three critical conditions for tourism external connections, environmental regulation, and tourism ecology promotion. In contrast, digital information level, technology innovation capability, and tourism resource endowment are largely determined based on the specific situation. We explore high-level and not-high-level configurational paths of tourism eco-transformation and gain new theoretical insights. We also guide tourism managers to choose or modify high-level tourism eco-transformation paths based on local characteristics to avoid not-high-level tourism eco-transformation situations.
Fine-scale analysis of edge effect of shrub patch in different grassland types
Authors: Wang Ning , Jing Yupeng , Ren Xiaomeng , Qiao Hui , Zhang Huimin , Dang Xiaohong , Meng Zhongju
Published: September 2022

Boundaries may have important effects on landscape patterns, landscape change mechanisms, and dynamic processes. However, little is known about the dynamic mechanism of patch boundary changes at a fine scale. To elucidate the characteristics of grassland patches at fine scales and to provide a reference for the mechanism of change and development direction of patchy landscapes. In this paper, the patch of different grassland types in Xilingol League was studied by NMDS, RDA, and SEM methods, to analyze the vegetation community and soil characteristics of surface soil and the relationship between them: The changes in soil vegetation community and soil characteristics were completely different among the three grassland types, and the abrupt changes of vegetation index and soil properties were different. Vegetation index mostly ranged from −1 m to 0 m, and soil index mostly ranged from −0.5 m to 1 m. Fine-scale vegetation and soil boundaries are well defined, vegetation boundaries are mostly between −1 and 0 m and soil boundaries are mostly between −0.5–1 m, and soil properties have a clear influence on plant characteristics. The difference in organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus content is an important factor affecting the change of patch boundary, the distribution of the RDA results showed that the organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus contents in all three grasslands explained >70% of the environmental factors. The emergence of annual vegetation involves a process of succession, specifically, the nature of the underlying soil determines the type of plants at the boundary. The dynamic characteristics of the soil-plant mutual-feed mechanism determine the location and variation of patch boundaries to adapt to disturbance states. The results of this study provide insight into how boundaries respond to changes in environmental conditions and drive dynamic changes at the landscape level.
Semi-active control of crankshaft skyhook based on magnetorheological torsional damper
Authors: He Wei , Ouyang Qing , Hu Hongsheng , Ye Xudan , Lin Lizhong
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to solve the problem that the damping of rubber or silicone oil torsional dampers used in crankshafts is not adjustable and cannot effectively control torsional vibration at different resonant frequencies. Based on the controlled rheological properties of magnetorheological (MR) smart materials, this study designed a new type of variable damping MR torsional damper (MRTD) and proposed a semi-active control method to effectively control the torsional vibration of the crankshaft under multiple harmonic resonances. First, a mechanical model of the MRTD and a lumped parametric mass model of the crankshaft system were developed, and the resonance frequency harmonic range of the crankshaft system operation was determined by the torsional vibration characteristics analysis. Then a semi-active skyhook control method for the MRTD was proposed, and a joint control simulation analysis was performed using Amesim and Matlab software. The torsional vibration control effects of the crankshaft system with no damper, MRTD with different damping coefficients, and MRTD with skyhook control under acceleration and uniform speed conditions were comprehensively investigated. The simulation results indicated that the skyhook damping control significantly reduced the torsional vibration amplitude under both acceleration and uniform speed conditions, verifying the effectiveness of the skyhook-based control strategy for MRTD.
Detection of cracks in cemented loess of ancient buildings using remote sensing
Authors: Lv Gao , Liu Naifei , Bao Liangliang , Yang Bei , Zhang Yafei
Published: September 2022

The bases of ancient Chinese buildings are prone to deformation, cracks, and other hidden problems due to their age and other reasons. Rainfall and water seepage produce great harm to the cracks of soil plinths. Based on a ground-penetrating radar method, detecting cracks and water erosion defects is important for protecting ancient buildings. This study examines the reflection characteristics of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) waves at different lithological interfaces. Physical experiments and their numerical and physical laws were used to study the reflection characteristics of GPR incidents from brick to air, unsaturated soil, water, and metal interfaces. The model was applied to detect defects of the Xi’an Bell Tower and the main research results are as follows. The echo amplitude of GPR was positively correlated with the relative permittivity of the bedding layer, and its basic law conforms to the positive logarithmic curve. The hyperbolic opening of water erosion imaging of the base-compacted soil is larger, the attenuation effect increases and the signal reflection is obvious. These results provide the theoretical basis and technical support for the actual detection of water erosion deterioration of loess in similar projects, and this provides theoretical and technical references for rapid identification and management of defects in ancient buildings.
Particles act as ‘specialty centers’ with expanded enzymatic function throughout the water column in the western North Atlantic
Authors: Lloyd C. Chad , Brown Sarah , Balmonte John Paul , Hoarfrost Adrienne , Ghobrial Sherif , Arnosti Carol
Published: September 2022

Heterotrophic bacteria initiate the degradation of high molecular weight organic matter by producing an array of extracellular enzymes to hydrolyze complex organic matter into sizes that can be taken up into the cell. These bacterial communities differ spatially and temporally in composition, and potentially also in their enzymatic complements. Previous research has shown that particle-associated bacteria can be considerably more active than bacteria in the surrounding bulk water, but most prior studies of particle-associated bacteria have been focused on the upper ocean - there are few measurements of enzymatic activities of particle-associated bacteria in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic ocean, although the bacterial communities in the deep are dependent upon degradation of particulate organic matter to fuel their metabolism. We used a broad suite of substrates to compare the glucosidase, peptidase, and polysaccharide hydrolase activities of particle-associated and unfiltered seawater microbial communities in epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic waters across 11 stations in the western North Atlantic. We concurrently determined bacterial community composition of unfiltered seawater and of samples collected via gravity filtration (>3 μm). Overall, particle-associated bacterial communities showed a broader spectrum of enzyme activities compared with unfiltered seawater communities. These differences in enzymatic activities were greater at offshore than at coastal locations, and increased with increasing depth in the ocean. The greater differences in enzymatic function measured on particles with depth coincided with increasing differences in particle-associated community composition, suggesting that particles act as ‘specialty centers’ that are essential for degradation of organic matter even at bathypelagic depths.
Economic evaluation of the screening for Alzheimer’s disease in China
Authors: Ren Yinan , Zhou Dachuang , Xing Qian , Gong Fangfang , Tang Wenxi
Published: September 2022

Background

We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the screening in mainland China for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients aged over 60.

Methods

Individuals in mainland China, received an initial screening by questionnaire on mental state, and those with scores deemed suspicious for AD were referred to diagnostic tests. A 9-state Markov model was developed to simulate the disease progression of a cohort of 100,000 subjects aging from 60 to 80. In addition, several scenarios were analyzed to assess the robustness under different screening frequency, starting age, the duration of drug effects, and the health status of subjects.

Results

The ICER of AD screening was 26413.77 USD per QALY [quality-adjusted life-year (QALY)] compared with no screening. The number of deaths and severe AD cases who did not receive treatment averted by screening accounted for 0.076 and 0.006% of the total population, respectively, and the net monetary benefit was 128.29 USD per capita. Under the thresholds of one and three times the gross domestic product per capita, the probability of screening being cost-effective was approximately 18 and 77%, respectively. The ICER decreased to 18132.96USD per QALY when the drug effect was prolonged, and increased when the frequency of screening was increased, the starting age was postponed, and patients suffering from comorbidities were more. However, the number of severe AD cases and deaths declined when the screening frequency increased.

Conclusion

Screening for AD in individuals over 60 can reduce the numbers of severe AD cases and deaths and may be cost-effective, depending on factors such as screening frequency, starting age of screening, and duration of drug effects. Additionally, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an important stage at which the burden of progression to AD may be reduced and the cost-effectiveness of screening may be improved.
Development of Mechanistic Neural Mass (mNM) Models that Link Physiology to Mean-Field Dynamics
Authors: Tripathi Richa , Gluckman Bruce J.
Published: September 2022

Brain rhythms emerge from the mean-field activity of networks of neurons. There have been many efforts to build mathematical and computational embodiments in the form of discrete cell-group activities—termed neural masses—to understand in particular the origins of evoked potentials, intrinsic patterns of activities such as theta, regulation of sleep, Parkinson’s disease related dynamics, and mimic seizure dynamics. As originally utilized, standard neural masses convert input through a sigmoidal function to a firing rate, and firing rate through a synaptic alpha function to other masses. Here we define a process to build mechanistic neural masses (mNMs) as mean-field models of microscopic membrane-type (Hodgkin Huxley type) models of different neuron types that duplicate the stability, firing rate, and associated bifurcations as function of relevant slow variables - such as extracellular potassium - and synaptic current; and whose output is both firing rate and impact on the slow variables - such as transmembrane potassium flux. Small networks composed of just excitatory and inhibitory mNMs demonstrate expected dynamical states including firing, runaway excitation and depolarization block, and these transitions change in biologically observed ways with changes in extracellular potassium and excitatory-inhibitory balance.
CT-based transformer model for non-invasively predicting the Fuhrman nuclear grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Meiyi , He Xiaopeng , Xu Lifeng , Liu Minghui , Deng Jiali , Cheng Xuan , Wei Yi , Li Qian , Wan Shang , Zhang Feng , Wu Lei , Wang Xiaomin , Song Bin , Liu Ming
Published: September 2022

Background

Clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common malignant tumor in the urinary system and the predominant subtype of malignant renal tumors with high mortality. Biopsy is the main examination to determine ccRCC grade, but it can lead to unavoidable complications and sampling bias. Therefore, non-invasive technology (e.g., CT examination) for ccRCC grading is attracting more and more attention. However, noise labels on CT images containing multiple grades but only one label make prediction difficult. However, noise labels exist in CT images, which contain multiple grades but only one label, making prediction difficult.

Aim

We proposed a Transformer-based deep learning algorithm with CT images to improve the diagnostic accuracy of grading prediction and to improve the diagnostic accuracy of ccRCC grading.

Methods

We integrate different training models to improve robustness and predict Fuhrman nuclear grade. Then, we conducted experiments on a collected ccRCC dataset containing 759 patients and used average classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and AreaUnderCurve as indicators to evaluate the quality of research. In the comparative experiments, we further performed various current deep learning algorithms to show the advantages of the proposed method. We collected patients with pathologically proven ccRCC diagnosed from April 2010 to December 2018 as the training and internal test dataset, containing 759 patients. We propose a transformer-based network architecture that efficiently employs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and self-attention mechanisms to extract a persuasive feature automatically. And then, a nonlinear classifier is applied to classify. We integrate different training models to improve the accuracy and robustness of the model. The average classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under curve are used as indicators to evaluate the quality of a model.

Results

The mean accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Area Under Curve achieved by CNN were 82.3%, 89.4%, 83.2%, and 85.7%, respectively. In contrast, the proposed Transformer-based model obtains a mean accuracy of 87.1% with a sensitivity of 91.3%, a specificity of 85.3%, and an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 90.3%. The integrated model acquires a better performance (86.5% ACC and an AUC of 91.2%).

Conclusion

A transformer-based network performs better than traditional deep learning algorithms in terms of the accuracy of ccRCC prediction. Meanwhile, the transformer has a certain advantage in dealing with noise labels existing in CT images of ccRCC. This method is promising to be applied to other medical tasks (e.g., the grade of neurogliomas and meningiomas).
Anesthesia for fetal operative procedures: A systematic review
Authors: Duci Miriam , Pulvirenti Rebecca , Fascetti Leon Francesco , Capolupo Irma , Veronese Paola , Gamba Piergiorgio , Tognon Costanza
Published: September 2022

Objective

The anesthetic management of fetal operative procedures (FOP) is a highly debated topic. Literature on fetal pain perception and response to external stimuli is rapidly expanding. Nonetheless, there is no consensus on the fetal consciousness nor on the instruments to measure pain levels. As a result, no guidelines or clinical recommendations on anesthesia modality during FOP are available. This systematic literature review aimed to collect the available knowledge on the most common fetal interventions, and summarize the reported outcomes for each anesthetic approach. Additional aim was to provide an overall evaluation of the most commonly used anesthetic agents.

Methods

Two systematic literature searches were performed in Embase, Medline, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials up to December 2021. To best cover the available evidence, one literature search was mostly focused on fetal surgical procedures; while anesthesia during FOP was the main target for the second search. The following fetal procedures were included: fetal transfusion, laser ablation of placental anastomosis, twin-reversed arterial perfusion treatment, fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion, thoraco-amniotic shunt, vesico-amniotic shunt, myelomeningocele repair, resection of sacrococcygeal teratoma, ligation of amniotic bands, balloon valvuloplasty/septoplasty, ex-utero intrapartum treatment, and ovarian cyst resection/aspiration. Yielded articles were screened against the same inclusion criteria. Studies reporting anesthesia details and procedures’ outcomes were considered. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and findings were reported in a narrative manner.

Results

The literature searches yielded 1,679 articles, with 429 being selected for full-text evaluation. A total of 168 articles were included. Overall, no significant differences were found among procedures performed under maternal anesthesia or maternal-fetal anesthesia. Procedures requiring invasive fetal manipulation resulted to be more effective when performed under maternal anesthesia only. Based on the available data, a wide range of anesthetic agents are currently deployed and no consistency has been found neither between centers nor procedures.

Conclusions

This systematic review shows great variance in the anesthetic management during FOP. Further studies, systematically reporting intraoperative fetal monitoring and fetal hormonal responses to external stimuli, are necessary to identify the best anesthetic approach. Additional investigations on pain pathways and fetal pain perception are advisable.
L-cysteine methyl ester overcomes the deleterious effects of morphine on ventilatory parameters and arterial blood-gas chemistry in unanesthetized rats
Authors: Getsy Paulina M. , Baby Santhosh M. , May Walter J. , Bates James N. , Ellis Christopher R. , Feasel Michael G. , Wilson Christopher G. , Lewis Tristan H. J. , Gaston Benjamin , Hsieh Yee-Hsee , Lewis Stephen J.
Published: September 2022

We are developing a series of thiolesters that produce an immediate and sustained reversal of the deleterious effects of opioids, such as morphine and fentanyl, on ventilation without diminishing the antinociceptive effects of these opioids. We report here the effects of systemic injections of L-cysteine methyl ester (L-CYSme) on morphine-induced changes in ventilatory parameters, arterial-blood gas (ABG) chemistry (pH, pCO2, pO2, sO2), Alveolar-arterial (A-a) gradient (i.e., the index of alveolar gas-exchange within the lungs), and antinociception in unanesthetized Sprague Dawley rats. The administration of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) produced a series of deleterious effects on ventilatory parameters, including sustained decreases in tidal volume, minute ventilation, inspiratory drive and peak inspiratory flow that were accompanied by a sustained increase in end inspiratory pause. A single injection of L-CYSme (500 μmol/kg, IV) produced a rapid and long-lasting reversal of the deleterious effects of morphine on ventilatory parameters, and a second injection of L-CYSme (500 μmol/kg, IV) elicited pronounced increases in ventilatory parameters, such as minute ventilation, to values well above pre-morphine levels. L-CYSme (250 or 500 μmol/kg, IV) also produced an immediate and sustained reversal of the deleterious effects of morphine (10 mg/kg, IV) on arterial blood pH, pCO2, pO2, sO2and A-a gradient, whereas L-cysteine (500 μmol/kg, IV) itself was inactive. L-CYSme (500 μmol/kg, IV) did not appear to modulate the sedative effects of morphine as measured by righting reflex times, but did diminish the duration, however, not the magnitude of the antinociceptive actions of morphine (5 or 10 mg/kg, IV) as determined in tail-flick latency and hindpaw-withdrawal latency assays. These findings provide evidence that L-CYSme can powerfully overcome the deleterious effects of morphine on breathing and gas-exchange in Sprague Dawley rats while not affecting the sedative or early stage antinociceptive effects of the opioid. The mechanisms by which L-CYSme interferes with the OR-induced signaling pathways that mediate the deleterious effects of morphine on ventilatory performance, and by which L-CYSme diminishes the late stage antinociceptive action of morphine remain to be determined.
ARumenamides: A novel class of potential antiarrhythmic compounds
Authors: Abdelsayed Mena , Page Dana , Ruben Peter C.
Published: September 2022

Background: Most therapeutics targeting cardiac voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav1.5) attenuate the sodium current (INa) conducted through the pore of the protein. Whereas these drugs may be beneficial for disease states associated with gain-of-function (GoF) in Nav1.5, few attempts have been made to therapeutically treat loss-of-function (LoF) conditions. The primary impediment to designing efficacious therapies for LoF is a tendency for drugs to occlude the Nav1.5 central pore. We hypothesized that molecular candidates with a high affinity for the fenestrations would potentially reduce pore block.

Methods and Results: Virtual docking was performed on 21 compounds, selected based on their affinity for the fenestrations in Nav1.5, which included a class of sulfonamides and carboxamides we identify as ARumenamide (AR). Six ARs, AR-051, AR-189, AR-674, AR-802, AR-807 and AR-811, were further docked against Nav1.5 built on NavAb and rNav1.5. Based on the virtual docking results, these particular ARs have a high affinity for Domain III-IV and Domain VI-I fenestrations. Upon functional characterization, a trend was observed in the effects of the six ARs on INa. An inverse correlation was established between the aromaticity of the AR’s functional moieties and compound block. Due to its aromaticity, AR-811 blocked INa the least compared with other aromatic ARs, which also decelerated fast inactivation onset. AR-674, with its aliphatic functional group, significantly suppresses INa and enhances use-dependence in Nav1.5. AR-802 and AR-811, in particular, decelerated fast inactivation kinetics in the most common Brugada Syndrome Type 1 and Long-QT Syndrome Type 3 mutant, E1784K, without affecting peak or persistent INa.

Conclusion: Our hypothesis that LoF in Nav1.5 may be therapeutically treated was supported by the discovery of ARs, which appear to preferentially block the fenestrations. ARs with aromatic functional groups as opposed to aliphatic groups efficaciously maintained Nav1.5 availability. We predict that these bulkier side groups may have a higher affinity for the hydrophobic milieu of the fenestrations, remaining there rather than in the central pore of the channel. Future refinements of AR compound structures and additional validation by molecular dynamic simulations and screening against more Brugada variants will further support their potential benefits in treating certain LoF cardiac arrhythmias.
Study on the X-ray mirror quality specification in advanced light source
Authors: Hu Weishan , Cui Xiaowen , Li Ming , Sheng Weifan , Zhang Weiwei , Jia Quanjie , Yang Fugui
Published: September 2022

The influence of the X-ray mirror errors on the performance of the beamline increases as the X-ray beam’s coherence improves in advanced light sources. The spatial dispersion of the X-ray beam is crucial for spatial resolution and field of view. However, selecting the appropriate merit function for expressing light distribution and identifying its relationship to optical error is very important in beamline design. We develop a high-efficiency wave-optics simulation platform and a deterministic analysis model to address this issue. The simulation experiments evaluated merit functions, including Strehl ratio, root-mean-square spot size, and encircled energy radius. We proved that the encircled energy radius is a good metric of the x-ray beam spatial dispersion, which matches the results of the Church-Takacs theory. In addition, it is found that limiting the contribution of the low frequency (wavelength>110L) error is effective for specifying the requirements of X-ray mirrors.
The relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing of kindergarten teachers: The sequential mediating role of emotional intelligence and self-efficacy
Authors: Pan Baocheng , Fan Shiyi , Wang Youli , Li You
Published: September 2022

This study explored the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-efficacy in trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing. In this study, 323 Chinese kindergarten teachers were measured using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, Emotional Intelligence Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, and Subjective Wellbeing Scale. The study found that subjective wellbeing can be predicted directly from trait mindfulness (β = 0.257, p < 0.001). Emotional intelligence could mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing (β = 0.165, p = 0.006). Self-efficacy could mediate the relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing (β = 0.078, p = 0.032). In addition, emotional intelligence and self-efficacy played a sequential mediating role between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing (β = 0.072, p = 0.005). This study revealed the relationship between kindergarten teachers’ trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing through structural equation modeling and understood its role path, enriching the research on the Chinese preschool teachers in the field, and providing a literature reference for the international community to understand the Chinese kindergarten teachers. At the same time, the study also has some limitations, such as the use of a cross-sectional design method, a relatively single method, and the impact of COVID-19. However, we believe that this study will further enrich the research literature on the relationship between trait mindfulness and subjective wellbeing of Chinese kindergarten teachers.
Validating the decent work scale incorporated with a social recognition component among young adult social workers
Authors: Su Xuebing , Wong Victor , Liang Kun
Published: September 2022

The decent work notion has sparkled a keen academic interest in studying the psychological influence of decent work on workers in organizational contexts. Duffy’s decent work notion has left a window for addressing the interpersonal barriers on or factors for enhancing people’s equal access to decent work, which may enhance the capacity of the decent work notion and the psychology of working theory to promote inclusiveness within the organizational context through leveraging the interpersonal mechanisms. Against this backdrop, a across-sectional study was conducted to validate a decent work scale incorporated with a social recognition component among young adult social workers aged 21–29 in Hong Kong (N = 362). The results of confirmatory factor analyses supported the six-factor-higher-order model of the decent work scale incorporated with a social recognition component. Decent work incorporated with social recognition correlated with job demands, job resources, and work engagement in the expected directions, and the results of average variance extracted analyses supported the discriminant validity of the decent work scale incorporated with social recognition. The value added by decent work in enhancing work engagement after controlling the effects of job resources justifies the concurrent validity of the concept. The expanded notion of decent work incorporated with the social recognition component is deemed applicable to informing further research and practice.
Low carbohydrate and psychoeducational programs show promise for the treatment of ultra-processed food addiction
Authors: Unwin Jen , Delon Christine , Giæver Heidi , Kennedy Clarissa , Painschab Molly , Sandin Frida , Poulsen Charlotte Schön , Wiss David A.
Published: September 2022

Food addiction, specifically ultra-processed food addiction, has been discussed in thousands of peer-reviewed publications. Although 20% of adults meet criteria for this condition, food addiction is not a recognized clinical diagnosis, leading to a dearth of tested treatment protocols and published outcome data. Growing numbers of clinicians are offering services to individuals on the basis that the food addiction construct has clinical utility. This audit reports on clinical teams across three locations offering a common approach to programs delivered online. Each team focused on a whole food low-carbohydrate approach along with delivering educational materials and psychosocial support relating to food addiction recovery. The programs involved weekly sessions for 10–14 weeks, followed by monthly support. The data comprised pre- and post- program outcomes relating to food addiction symptoms measured by the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0, ICD-10 symptoms of food related substance use disorder (CRAVED), mental wellbeing as measured by the short version of the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, and body weight. Sample size across programs was 103 participants. Food addiction symptoms were significantly reduced across settings; mYFAS2 score −1.52 (95% CI: −2.22, −0.81), CRAVED score −1.53 (95% CI: −1.93, −1.13) and body weight was reduced −2.34 kg (95% CI: −4.02, −0.66). Mental wellbeing showed significant improvements across all settings; short version Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale 2.37 (95% CI: 1.55, 3.19). Follow-up data will be published in due course. Further research is needed to evaluate and compare long-term interventions for this complex and increasingly burdensome biopsychosocial condition.