bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectrum-sliced wavelength division multiplexing based single and dual channel free space optical communication employing differential phase modulation formats
Authors: Yarra Naga Subrahmanya Vamsi Mohan , A Sivanantha Raja , Prince Shanthi , K Esakki Muthu
Published: January 2023

A spectrum-sliced (SS) Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) based Free-space optical (FSO) communication system at a data rate of 2.5 Gbps per optical carrier is proposed in this research article. Utilizing the broadening of the spectrum by means of supercontinuum generation in a highly non linear Fiber (HNLF), an SS-WDM based FSO system is designed. The narrow spectrum of laser light source is broadened by means of self phase modulation (SPM). The proposed work reveals that the DQPSK based SS-WDM FSO system has higher performance compared to intensity modulation formats as well as other differential phase modulation formats. Considering various values of FSO link distances, antenna diameters of transmitter and receiver, beam divergence and thus, determining the values of performance metrics such as Q-factor and bit error rate (BER), differential quadrature phase shift keying (DQPSK) based SS-WDM FSO system is simulated. The same process is repeated for dual channel FSO system for DPSK and DQPSK.
Subcortical volumetric alterations in four major psychiatric disorders: A mega-analysis study of 5604 subjects and a volumetric data-driven approach for classification
Authors: Hashimoto Ryota , Okada Naohiro , Fukunaga Masaki , Miura Kenichiro , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Matsumoto Junya , Hashimoto Naoki , Kiyota Masahiro , Morita Kentaro , Koshiyama Daisuke , Ohi Kazutaka , Takahashi Tsutomu , Koeda Michihiko , Yamamori Hidenaga , Fujimoto Michiko , Yasuda Yuka , Hasegawa Naomi , Narita Hisashi , Yokoyama Satoshi , Mishima Ryo , Kawashima Takahiko , Kobayashi Yuko , Sasabayashi Daiki , Harada Kenichiro , Yamamoto Maeri , Hirano Yoji , Itahashi Takashi , Nakataki Masahito , Hashimoto Ryuichiro , Tha Khin , Koike Shinsuke , Matsubara Toshio , Okada Go , Erp Theo van , Jahanshad Neda , Yoshimura Reiji , Abe Osamu , Onitsuka Toshiaki , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Matsuo Koji , Yamasue Hidenori , Okamoto Yasumasa , Suzuki Michio , Turner Jessica , Thompson Paul , Ozaki Norio , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: January 2023

Subcortical brain structures are the hubs for various psycho-behavioral functions. There is no mega-analysis to simultaneously investigate subcortical volumetric alterations in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Nor are there any neuroimaging data-driven clinical criteria overcoming limitations of the current diagnostic system, which would reflect cognitive/social functioning. We conducted a large-scale multisite study of subcortical volumetric and lateralization alterations in these disorders using T1-weighted images of 5,604 subjects (3,078 controls and 2,526 patients). We found schizophrenia-specific and cross-disorder shared alterations. Moreover, we clustered the 5,604 subjects based on subcortical volumes, and explored whether data-driven clustering results can explain cognitive/social functioning in the subcohorts. We showed a four-biotype classification, namely extremely and moderately smaller limbic regions, larger basal ganglia, and normal volumes, for predicting cognitive/social functioning. Our results will contribute to the future creation of novel biological data-driven psychiatry diagnostic criteria, expected to support appropriate treatment selection.
Classification of central nervous system tumors histological diagnosed in a single center of Northwest China 2003-2019
Authors: Zhai Yulong , Ji Peigang , Xu Meng , Chao Min , Wang Na , Liu Jinghui , Wang Yuan , Guo Shaochun , Chen Fan , Fan Chao , Fan Zhicheng , Kou Yunpeng , Cao Haiyan , Wang Liang
Published: January 2023

Background:
The classification of the central nervous system (CNS) tumors has changed greatly. The Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) and other institutions have conducted analyses on the new cases of primary CNS tumors. However, there are limited studies analyzing the incidence rate and characteristics of CNS tumors reported in China. To better understand the CNS tumors in China, we summarized the case details of all CNS primary tumors diagnosed pathologically in a single center from 2003 to 2019.
Methods:
All patients with CNS tumors who underwent neurosurgery at our Hospital from Jan 2003 to Dec 2019 were included in the study. The information of all patients was collected from the hospital information system, including diagnosis time, age, gender, anatomical sites, pathological results, etc.
Results:
A total of 17,226 cases of primary CNS tumors were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Among all cases screened, the major tumor types included meningiomas, tumors of neuroepithelial tissue, and pituitary adenomas. The majority of tumors of neuroepithelial tissue were glioblastoma and astrocytoma. Most tumors of neuroepithelial tissue are located in the frontal lobe. Further, the proportion of the frontal lobe increased with the grade. The median age of all patients was 46 years. The incidence of CNS tumors is higher in women than in men.
Conclusions:
Based on this data set, we analyzed various parameters including the types, biological properties, and anatomical site of CNS tumors as well as patients’ age, gender, and race, and provided researchers and clinicians with information on the incidence rate of CNS tumors.
Auricular acupressure in relieving PONV and promoting gastrointestinal function recovery in females after bariatric surgery: study protocol for a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: zhonghui Han , Tang Hanlin , Gao Lilian , Qin Peng , Zhang Lili , Hou Min , Wu Xiyang , Lin Qingran , Yang Wah
Published: January 2023

Background
The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is up to 80% in China, and the current antiemetic means is mainly the use of antiemetics. This is a randomized, controlled, single-blind study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) after LSG.
Methods
A multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-blind, superiority trial (RCT) was designed, and the relevant ethics committee approved the trial protocol. This study used AA as the experimental group and the control group act as a blank group. The primary evaluation index was the INVR score. The secondary indexes were time to first postoperative bed release, time to first anal defecation and time to return to fluid intake after surgery. A total of one hundred patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly grouped, and baseline measurements and outcome indicators were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively.
Discussion
This trial is a standardized, scientific clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of AA on the degree of relief of nausea and vomiting and recovery of gastrointestinal function after LSG. We expect the study to provide a basis for promoting this therapy in clinical practice.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100047381, registered on 13 June 2021.http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=49359
Computer-based multiple component cognitive training in children with ADHD: a pilot study
Authors: Wu Yingying , Xu Lingzi , Wu Zhaomin , Cao Xiaolan , Xue Gui , Wang Yufeng , Yang Binrang
Published: January 2023

Background ADHD is associated with deficits in executive functions. Cognitive training is a promising nonpharmacological intervention for ADHD, however, there is insufficient evidence to guide the selection of training for individuals with ADHD. This pilot study aims to investigate the efficacy of executive function training targeting key executive dysfunctions in ADHD, compared with general executive function training which targets other executive functions.
Methods A total of 127 subjects (6-12 years) diagnosed with ADHD were allocated to receive one of two different cognitive trainings. ADHD symptoms and cognitive functions were evaluated using parent-rated scales and CANTAB cognitive assessments. All participants were required to complete 48 training sessions within a two-month period.
Results 94 out of 127 children completed the required training and assessments. Both ADHD executive function training group and general executive function training group showed significant improvement in ADHD symptoms on the ADHD Rating Scale and in executive function on the assessment of CANTAB. There was no significant difference in improvements between the two groups. Subgroup analysis suggested that children who had ADHD-RS total scores less than or equal to28 at baseline showed greater improvement following ADHD executive function training.
Conclusions This study indicates that cognitive training can improve ADHD symptoms and executive function, with no difference in efficacy between targeted and generalized cognitive training. In addition, individuals with lower symptom severity may benefit more from training targeting key ADHD executive dysfunctions.
Efficacy of emergency extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the treatment of ureteral stones: a meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Cheng-Xia , Lou Yi-Kai , Xu Li , Wu Guang-Hao , Zhou Xie-lai , Wang Kang-Er , Ye Chun-Hua
Published: January 2023

Objective
To compare the clinical efficiency and safety of emergency extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (eESWL) and delayed extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (dESWL) in the treatment of ureteral stones.
Methods
Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched from inception to September 30, 2022, and all comparative studies involving eESWL and dESWL for ureteral calculi were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.
Results
A total of 9 articles involving 976 patients diagnosed with ureteral stones were included. The results showed that the stone-free rate (SFR) after four weeks was significantly higher in the eESWL group than in the dESWL group [odds ratio (OR) = 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62–2.96, P < 0.01]. In subgroup analysis of different stone locations, proximal ureteral calculi [OR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.66–3.38, P < 0.01] and mid-to-distal ureteral calculi [OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.23–4.97, P < 0.05] all showed a higher SFR in the eESWL group. eESWL significantly shortened the stone-free time(SFT) [mean difference (MD) = -5.75, 95% CI: -9.33 to -2.17, P < 0.01]. In addition, eESWL significantly reduced auxiliary procedures [OR = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.32–0.64, P < 0.01]. No significant difference in complications was found between the two groups [OR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.56–1.27, P > 0.05].
Conclusion
eESWL can significantly improve SFR, shorten SFT, and reduce auxiliary procedures.
Deep Learning based Automated Disease Detection and Classification Model for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Pavithra A. , G KALPANA , Vigneswaran T.
Published: January 2023

Plant phenotyping and Precision agriculture are information-and technology-oriented fields with specific challenges and demands for the detection and diagnosis of plant disease. Precision agriculture can be referred as a crop management method related to the spatial and temporal variability in soil and crop factors within a field. Accurate and early diagnosis and detection of plant diseases were major factors in plant production and the reduction of quantitative and qualitative losses in crop yield. Advancement of automatic disease detection and classification system is significantly explored in precision agriculture. In recent times, research workers have investigated numerous cultures leveraging dissimilar parts of a plant. This article develops a new Deep Learning based Automated Plant Disease Detection and Classification (DL-APDDC) Model for Precision Agriculture. The presented DL-APDDC algorithm concentrates on the recognition and classification of plant diseases in leaf and fruit regions. In the initial stage, the leaf and fruit regions are extracted by the use of U2Net based background removal. Next, the Adam optimizer with SqueezeNet model is exploited as feature extractor and the hyperparameters are tuned by Adam optimizer. Finally, the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) classifier performs classification of plant diseases. The experimental validation of the DL-APDDC technique is tested on benchmark plant disease dataset. The simulation values indicated the enhanced outcomes of the DL-APDDC approach over other models.
Association between mid-pregnancy HbA1c values and anemia in women without gestational diabetes
Authors: Zhai Ruixia , Wei Ruirui , Wei Zhenyan , Huo Zhiyu , Zhang Ziheng , Man Dongmei , Wang Fengge , Zhang Lihua
Published: January 2023

Background: Previous studies have examined the association between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels among non-diabetic people. However, there are no reports relating to the correlation between HbA1c values and anemia in women without gestational diabetes. We, therefore, examined whether there is an association between mid-pregnancy HbA1c values and anemia in women without gestational diabetes.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China, from January to December 2019. Cases of single pregnancies in women above 18 years old, with recorded HbA1c values at 14-27+6 weeks of gestation, were examined. Women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or the development of GDM were excluded. The association between variations in mid-pregnancy HbA1c values and anemia was examined.
Results: Among 8553 women without gestational diabetes, univariate analysis results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between (P<.001) mid-pregnancy HbA1c values and anemia, after adjusting for confounding factors. Multivariate piecewise linear regression showed that anemia decreased when HbA1c values were <4.6% (OR 0.40; 95% CI, 0.15-1.04; P=.592) and increased when HbA1c values were was >4.6 % (OR 3.83; 95% CI, 2.95-4.98; P<.0001).
Conclusion: This study showed a nonlinear relationship between mid-pregnancy HbA1c values and anemia in women without gestational diabetes. When the HbA1c values increased to the inflection point, they were positively correlated with anemia. Further studies are needed to explore this relationship and the mechanisms involved in the future.
Evaluation of postoperative discomfort after strabismus surgery under general anesthesia in children: a prospective observational study
Authors: Mo Yawen , Zhang Wenjuan , Tang Xiangcheng , Zhang Rui , Wang Yinghuan , Zheng Lingling
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Strabismus surgery is most commonly performed on children under general anesthesia. However, few studies have focused on the postoperative discomfort in children after strabismus surgery.
Methods: A single-center prospective observational study including 300 children who underwent strabismus surgery after general anesthesia was conducted. Patients’ characteristics, preoperative anxiety, surgical and anesthesia data, discomfort within 24 hours after postanesthesia care unit were recorded.
Results: Approximately 61.33% of the children complained of at least one of the following types of discomfort. Multivariate analysis indicated that history of PONV (P=0.999), history of motion sickness (P<0.001, odds ratio [OR]=3.72), and surgery in the dominant eye (P=0.010, OR=2.00) were independent predictors of postoperative discomfort; age was an independent predictor of EA (P<0.001, OR=0.33); prism diopter≥40 was an independent predictor of headache (P=0.005, OR=5.53); age (P=0.020, OR=1.12) and history of motion sickness (P=0.001, OR=2.80) were independent predictors of dizziness; history of PONV (P=0.999), history of motion sickness (P=0.001, OR=2.63), and surgery of inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) (P=0.004, OR=3.10) were independent predictors of PONV.
Conclusion: Younger age, larger angle of strabismus, history of motion sickness, history of PONV, surgery on the dominant eye, and IOAT may be risk factors for postoperative discomfort.
Facile Synthesis of Copper Oxide Micro/-nanostructures with prospective Insecticidal Activity on Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda)
Authors: Ayoub Haytham A. , Khairy Mohamed , El-Gepaly Hosam
Published: January 2023

Nanotechnology provides innovative agrochemicals for improving crop production and quality by fabricating nanomaterial-based agrochemicals (i.e. nano-pesticides). The application of nano-pesticides in modern agriculture offers efficient programs for pest management. Herein, Copper oxide with flower-like structure (CuO-FLS) and rod-like structure (CuO-RLS) were synthesized via simple wet chemical methods and applied against Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera Frugiperda). The physicochemical properties of the synthesized CuO have a role in their insecticidal activity. The insecticidal activity for both is comparable without signifying differences between mortalities. CuO-FLS has a higher insecticidal effect (LC50 = 118.68 ppm) than CuO-RLS (LC50 = 134.95ppm).
NOx Removal and Copper Recovery from the Leaching process for Waste Printed Circuit Boards: Performance Evaluation and Potential Environmental Impact Assessment
Authors: Chen Tse-Lun , Chen Yen-Syun , Chiang Pen-Chi , Chen Yi-Hung , Hsu Ching-Hsiang
Published: January 2023

Resource recovery is vital for small and medium-sized enterprises to achieve a circular economy. The economic benefits of the recovery of precious metals from electronic waste, such as waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs), are reduced by the emission of secondary pollutants emissions from pre-treatment processes. This study recovers copper from the WPCB acid leaching process and removes NOx post-process using a high gravity rotating packed bed (RPB). The results show that the copper recovery ratio increases to 99.75% for the displacement reaction between iron powder and copper nitrate. The kinetic analysis of copper dissolution is used to simulate the NOx emissions during acid leaching with an R-square value equal to 0.872. Three oxidants, including H2O2(aq), ClO2(aq), and ozone solutions with an adjusted pH corresponding to different NaOH concentrations, are used to remove NOx. A significantly greater amount of NOx is removed using a 0.06 M NaOH solution as an absorbent. The highest NOx removal ratio is 91.2% for ozone oxidation, a 152-fold gravity level and a gas-to-liquid (G/L) ratio of 0.83. The gas side mass transfer coefficients (KGa) for NOx range from 0.003 to 0.012 1/s and are comparable to the values for previous studies. The results of a life-cycle analysis show that the NOx removal ratio, the nitric acid recycling ratio and the copper recovery ratio are 85%, 80%, and 100% so environmental impact on the ecosystem, human health and resource depletion is reduced by 10%, compared to a situation whereby no NOx is removed.
Role of ICTs In Environmental Degradation: A Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Saleem Fatima , Ahmed Tanvir
Published: January 2023

The present study contributes to the existing debate on environmental degradation by analyzing the role of ICTs, economic growth, renewable energy production, and environmental technologies on the carbon footprint as a proxy of environmental degradation. For this purpose, the study gathers the data of South Asian economies (Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) for the period 2001 to 2018 from GFN, World Bank, and OECD data sources. The study applied ARDL cointegration to test the hypothesized relationships among modeled variables. The bounds test confirms the significant association among modeled variables in the long run. The results of ARDL show the negative impact of ICTs on the carbon footprint for the economies of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, while exhibiting a positive impact of ICTs on the carbon footprint of Nepal. Similarly, the results of ARDL depict the positive impact of economic growth on the carbon footprint of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, while the negative impact of economic growth on the carbon footprint is being reported for the Sri Lankan economy. Likewise, the results of ARDL show the negative impact of renewable energy production on the carbon footprint of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lankan economies. Lastly, the results of ARDL show the negative impact of environmental technologies on the carbon footprint of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. This study provides significant policy implications such as the promotion of eco-friendly technologies along with an efficient source of energy to improve the environmental quality of the South Asian economies.
Human Mobility as a Response to Inequality in Community Disaster Impact During Snowstorm Uri
Authors: Chen Peng , Zhai Wei , Yang Xiankui
Published: January 2023

Natural disasters may cause extensive damage to local communities. In 2021, the historically low-temperature snowstorm Uri hurt Texas by disrupting business and activities, constraining energy distribution and consumption, and preventing residents from accessing critical resources. To mitigate the adverse impacts of disasters and improve the preparedness of vulnerable communities, this study incorporates SafeGraph data to investigate mobility challenges during the snowstorm by aggregating foot traffic to measure mobility change and examining the varied impacts of Uri on people of different socioeconomic statuses. The results suggest: (1) when the snowstorm occurred, everyone suffered the same level of mobility constraint; (2) human mobility was constrained with extremely cold weather, and gradually recovered when the temperature raised back; (3) households of lower socioeconomic status have more loss of mobility; at the same time, they have a higher mobility recovery rate; (4) elderly people were less resilient to the snowstorm in mobility recovery; (5) road users altered from highways to arterial routes after the occurrence of Uri. The findings serve to enhance or restore critical resources to foster greater adaptability in all aspects of community resilience, provide evidence for offering additional care to vulnerable groups, and build well-prepared emergency management programs.
Intratumor spatial heterogeneity in programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) protein expression in early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Pusztai Lajos , Kahn Adriana , Golestani Reza , Haringopal Malini
Published: January 2023

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression is required for benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). In contrast, in the neoadjuvant setting patients benefited regardless of PD-L1 expression. We hypothesized that, in stages II-III breast cancers, low levels of PD-L1 expression may be sufficient to confer sensitivity to therapy and focal expression could be missed by a biopsy. In this study, we examined intratumor spatial heterogeneity of PD-L1 protein expression in multiple biopsies from different regions of breast cancers in 57 primary breast tumors (n = 33 TNBC, n = 19 estrogen receptor-positive [ER-positive], n = 5 human epidermal receptor 2-positive [HER2+]). E1L3N antibody was used to assess PD-L1 status and staining was scored using the combined positivity score (CPS) with PD-L1 positive defined as CPS ≥ 10. Overall, 19% (11/57) of tumors were PD-L1 positive based on positivity in at least 1 biopsy. Among TNBC, PD-L1 positivity was 27% (9/33). The discordance rate, defined as the same tumor yielding PD-L1 positive and negative samples in different regions, was 16% (n = 9) in the whole study population and 23% (n = 7) in TNBC. Cohen’s kappa coefficient of agreement was 0.214 for the whole study and 0.239 for TNBC, both of which falling into a non-statistically significant fair agreement range. Among all PD-L1 positive cases, 82% (n = 9/11) had positivity in only one of the tissue assessments. These results indicate that the overall 84% concordance is driven by concordant negative results. In PD-L1 positive cancers, within-tumor heterogeneity in PD-L1 expression exists.
Psychosocial well-being before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a nationwide study of more than half a million Norwegian adolescents
Authors: Kozák Michal , Bakken Anders , von Soest Tilmann
Published: January 2023

Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic had adverse effects on adolescent well-being, particularly among vulnerable groups. However, little is known about the duration of these negative changes and whether they persisted after restrictions had been lifted. Addressing this question, we used data from more than 500,000 Norwegian adolescents assessed repeatedly between 2014 and 2022. Multilevel societal growth curve analyses showed that even after Norway lifted all pandemic-related restrictions, adolescents reported lower satisfaction with peer relationships and less optimistic future life expectations, but less feelings of loneliness compared to long-term nationwide trend estimates. Moderation analyses revealed that adolescents from poor families and with low parental educational attainment suffered more adverse changes both during and after the pandemic in in a variety of domains. These results provide the first indications that widening social inequality among adolescents brought forth during the pandemic might be of more permanent nature.
CO2 Electroreduction towards CO with Near-unity Selectivity on NiCu-embedded ZIF-derived N-doped Carbon Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Weiting , Zhu Jieyun , Chen Sizhuo , Tang Juntao , Ye Jiexu , SONG Shuang
Published: January 2023

The electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 towards CO is one of the most desirable routines to reduce atmospheric CO2 concentration and maintain a global carbon balance. In this work, a novel porous NiCu-embedded ZIF-derived N-doped carbon nanoparticles (NiCu@NCNPs) catalyst has been identified as an active, highly selective, stable, and cost-effective catalyst in CO2 reduction. A CO selectivity as high as 100% has been achieved on NiCu@NCNPs which is the highest reported to date. The particle current density of CO on NiCu@NCNPs is around 15 mA cm–2 under the optimized potential at -0.9 V vs. RHE. The NiCu@NCNPs electrode also exhibits excellent stability during the five sequential CO2 electroreduction experiments. The superior catalytic performance of NiCu@NCNPs in CO2RR can be related to its microstructure with high electrochemical surface area and low electron transfer resistance. Furthermore, a kinetic analysis has shown the formation of intermediate *COOH is the rate-determining step in CO2RR towards CO. According to the results of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, a low Gibbs free energy change (∆G) for the rate-determining step leads to the enhanced catalytic performance of CO2RR on NiCu@NCNPs.
Nutritional Status and Cancer: Early Detection of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Elderly Patients at High Risk for Cachexia by Using a Multi-Score Protocol
Authors: Guarini Vincenzo , Zurlo Ina Valeria , Giudetti Anna Maria , Leo Chiara , Leone Stefania , Piscitelli Prisco , Saracino Valeria , Leo Silvana
Published: January 2023

Background

Elderly cancer patients are at higher risk of developing cachexia and adverse events due to antineoplastic treatments. Comprehensive Geriatric assessment (CGA) is used to evaluate the health status of elderly to identify impairments/frailty and better assess the risk/benefit ratio of therapeutic decisions. Malnutrition is an independent risk factor that further influences patients’ outcomes and should be systematically screened at hospital admission. The G8 screening tool allows to identify patients who might benefit from CGA and could help clinicians to evaluate nutritional and health status in elderly cancer patients. The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) are other standardized nutritional screening tests too. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that the use of a single tool is not enough to assay the real nutritional status of cancer patients.

Methods

The study involved 533 patients (282 men and 251 women) affected by solid tumor and aged ≥ 70 years old. Patients underwent CGA and MNA to quantify the risk of frailty and malnutrition. Anthropometric assessments, serum levels of albumin, the activities of daily living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as well as the rating scale of mental status SPMSQ (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire), were also performed.

Results.

Less than the half of patients had a G8 score and MNA that excluded malnutrition, whereas the most enrolled patients were at high risk for frailty and malnutrition. Anthropometric parameters and serum albumin levels alone were not able to detect malnutrition in all patients, while the association of GNRI with G8, MNA, and CGA scores allowed to specifically determine health risk in 95% of malnourished patients.

Conclusions.

The malnutrition risk could not be assessed by using a single score. The association of multiple information is required to define malnutrition’s risk among elderly people.
Accelerated epigenetic age at birth and child emotional and behavioral development in early childhood: a meta-analysis of four prospective cohort studies in ECHO
Authors: Song Ashley Y. , Bulka Catherine M. , Niemiec Sierra S. , Kechris Katerina , Boyle Kristen E. , Marsit Carmen J. , O’Shea T. Michael , Fry Rebecca C. , Lyall Kristen , Fallin M. Daniele , Volk Heather E. , Ladd-Acosta Christine
Published: January 2023

Background: “Epigenetic clocks” have been developed to accurately predict chronologic gestational age and have been associated with child health outcomes in prior work.
Methods:We meta-analyzed results from four prospective U.S cohorts investigating the association between epigenetic age acceleration estimated using blood DNA methylation collected at birth and preschool age Childhood Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores.
Results:Epigenetic aging was not significantly associated with CBCL total problem scores (β= 0.33, 95% CI: -0.95, 0.28) and DSM-oriented pervasive development problem scores (β=-0.23, 95% CI: -0.61, 0.15). No associations were observed for other DSM-oriented subscales.
Conclusions:These findings may relate to our sample size or sample characteristics; future work should address the role of epigenetic age in child health in other study populations.
Biological and Sensing Applications of a Few 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Based Donor-Acceptor Systems
Authors: M Remya T , M Asha T , Deepti Ayswaria , Prakash Prabha , P.S Baby Chakrapani , P.A Unnikrishnan
Published: January 2023

1,3,4-Oxadiazole pharmacophore is still considered a viable biologically active scaffold for the synthesis of more effectual and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Therefore, the present study is based on five 1,3,4-oxadiazole target structures, viz, CAROT, CAROP, CARON (D-A-D-A systems) and NOPON and BOPOB (D-A-D-A-D systems) bearing various bioactive heterocyclic moieties relevant to potential biological activities. Three of the compounds, CARON, NOPON and BOPOB were assessed in-vitro for their efficacy as antimicrobial agents against gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and gram negative (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia) bacteria; and two fungi, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans; also, as an anti-tuberculosis agent against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most of the tested compounds displayed promising antimicrobial activity, especially CARON which was then analyzed for the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) studies. Similarly, NOPON portrayed the highest anti-TB activity among the studied compounds. Consequently, to justify the detected anti-TB activity of these compounds and to recognize the binding mode and important interactions between the compounds and the ligand binding site of the potential target, these compounds were docked into the active binding site of cytochrome P450 CYP121 enzyme of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 3G5H. The docking results were in good agreement with the result of in-vitro studies. In addition, all the five compounds were tested for their cell viability and have been investigated for cell labeling applications. To conclude, one of the target compounds, CAROT was used for the selective recognition of cyanide ion by ‘turn-off’ fluorescent sensing technique. The entire sensing activity was examined by spectrofluorometric method and MALDI spectral studies. The limit of detection obtained was 0.14 μM.
TM4SF1-AS1 inhibits apoptosis by promoting stress granule formation in cancer cells
Authors: Kitajima Hiroshi , Maruyama Reo , Niinuma Takeshi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Takasawa Akira , Takasawa Kumi , Ishiguro Kazuya , Tsuyada Akihiro , Suzuki Ryo , Sudo Gota , Kubo Toshiyuki , Mitsuhashi Kei , Idogawa Masashi , Tange Shoichiro , Toyota Mutsumi , Yoshido Ayano , Kumegawa Kohei , Kai Masahiro , Yanagihara Kazuyoshi , Tokino Takashi , Osanai Makoto , Nakase Hiroshi , Suzuki Hiromu
Published: January 2023

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumor development; however, little is known about their involvement in the early stages of tumorigenesis. To identify dysregulated lncRNAs in precancerous lesions, we analyzed genome-wide trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4me3) to screen for transcriptionally active lncRNA genes in the non-tumorous gastric mucosa of patients with gastric cancer (GC) and healthy individuals. We found that H3K4me3 at TM4SF1-AS1 was specifically upregulated in GC patients and that the expression of TM4SF1-AS1 was significantly elevated in primary and cultured GC cells. TM4SF1-AS1 contributes to GC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, and its oncogenic function is mediated, at least in part, through interactions with purine-rich element-binding protein α (Pur-α) and Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1). TM4SF1-AS1 also activates interferon signaling in GC cells, which is dependent on Pur-α and RIG-I. Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP)-mass spectrometry demonstrated that TM4SF1AS1 was associated with several stress granule (SG)-related proteins, including G3BP2, RACK1, and DDX3. Notably, TM4SF1-AS1 promoted SG formation and inhibited apoptosis in GC cells by sequestering RACK1, an activator of the stress-responsive MAPK pathway, within SGs. TM4SF1AS1-induced SG formation and apoptosis inhibition are dependent on Pur-α and YB-1. These findings suggested that TM4SF1-AS1 contributes to tumorigenesis by enhancing SG-mediated stress adaptation.
Probabilistic mapping of gait changes after STN-DBS for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Reich Martin , Nickl Robert , Grossmann Anne , Roothans Jonas , Navrátil Pavel , Isaias Ioannis , Lange Lukas , Fricke Patrick , Capetian Philipp , Matthies Cordula , Volkmann Jens , Eldebakey Hazem
Published: January 2023

Objective.
Gait disturbances causing impaired mobility are common in Parkinson’s disease after bilateral deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. We describe subthalamic subregions where neurostimulation had a positive effect on gait or provoked gait disturbances.
Methods.
Sixty-eight patients were classified according to postoperative gait changes: (1) gait improvement, (2) no change, (3) de novo gait disturbances. We performed a segregation analysis for (1) and (3) by simulating volumes of tissue activated and comparing aggregated spatial data for the two groups and calculated probability maps to forecast gait performance and the parkinsonism control.
Results.
Twenty patients experienced complete remission of presurgical gait problems after stimulation. Nine patients showed de novo gait disturbances one year post-implantation. Active contacts were more ventrally located for de novo gait disturbances versus gait improvement. Strong correlations were found between clinical alterations in gait and the individual stimulation volume within the probabilistic outcome gait map (R2 = 0.78; p = 0.01), whereby clinical improvement in parkinsonism correlated with individual stimulation volume within the corresponding probabilistic outcome map (R2 = 0.39; p = 0.01). The probabilistic maps predict patients who experience long-term gait benefits based on their volume of tissue activated overlap, which was gait specific and showed no correlation with the global parkinsonism control heatmap.
Interpretation.
Probabilistic mapping showed high correlation for therapy outcomes, especially gait improvement. The concept of sweet- or badspots could not explain individual differences. The thin delineations between close substructures in the subthalamic nucleus correlated with individual gait changes after neurostimulation. Probabilistic mapping may direct future re-programming approaches for greater mobility in parkinsonian patients.
Local and terminal cell differentiation mediated by the jasmonic acid-mediated autophagy evokes petal abscission in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yamamoto Haruka , Furuta Yuki , Hirakawa Takehi , Uemura Akira , Pelayo Margaret , Iimura Hideaki , Katagiri Naoya , Takeda-Kamiya Noriko , Kumaishi Kie , Ishiguro Sumie , Ichihashi Yasunori , Suzuki Takamasa , Goh Tatsuaki , Toyooka Kiminori , Ito Toshiro , Yamaguchi Nobutoshi
Published: January 2023

In angiosperms, transition from floral organ maintenance to abscission determines plant reproductive success and seed dispersion. For petal abscission, local cell fate decision at petal cell base is more important than general senescence or cell death of petals at organ levels. However, how this decision is regulated in a spatiotemporal manner remains unclear. Here, we describe a jasmonic acid (JA)–regulated chromatin state change that directs the local cell fate determination via autophagy at the base of petals. During petal maintenance phase, transcriptional co-repressors of JA signaling accumulate at the base of petals to block MYC activity, leading to lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. JA acts as an airborne signaling molecule transmitted from stamens to petals and accumulates primarily in petal bases to trigger epigenetic reprograming, allowing MYC transcription factors to interact with MEDIATOR25 and to increase chromatin accessibility for key downstream targets, such as Arabidopsis NAC DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN102 (ANAC102). ANAC102 specifically accumulates at the base of petals just prior to petal abscission and triggers local ROS accumulation and cell death via AUTOPHAGY-RELATED GENES induction. Notably, this ANAC102-triggered autophagy at the petal base causes maturation, vacuolar delivery, and breakdown of autophagosome for terminal cell differentiation. Because dynamic changes in the number of vesicles and cytoplasmic components in the vacuole are often seen in many plants, the local cell fate determination by autophagy may be conserved for petal abscission across angiosperms and may have been recruited under the JA/NAC module to pattern plant organ detachment systems.
Room Temperature Fabrication of Cobalt Mullite for the Snappy Adsorption of Cationic and Anionic Dyes
Authors: Lakshmi G.Vidhya , Chellapandian Kannan
Published: January 2023

Cobalt mullite adsorbent for the robust adsorption performance towards Victoria Blue (VB) and Metanil Yellow (MY) is fabricated by the sol-gel method at room temperature using dipropylamine as a structure-directing agent. The synthesized adsorbent is characterized by XRD, FT-IR and HRTEM. From these analyses, it is found that dipropylamine binds with the alumina and cobalt oxide which makes it into tetrahedral to octahedral form. This interaction causes the formation of cobalt mullite. It is observed that trigonal alumina and orthorhombic cobalt mullite are interlinked to form a hybrid network. The special feature of adopting this adsorbent for the adsorption of VB and MY is that it has a large amount of Brønsted acid site because of the octahedral coordination of Al and Co. The large availability of acid sites in the framework and hybridization of two different network systems favors robust adsorption. The rate of adsorption (K2 = 0.00402 g/mg.min for VB and K2 = 0.004 g/mg.min for MY) and adsorption capacity (Qe=102.041 mg/g for VB and Qe=19.0406 mg/g for MY) are greater for VB than MY. This may be due to the more steric factor involved in MY than VB. Thermodynamic parameter indicated that the adsorption of VB and MY is spontaneous, endothermic and increased randomness in the adsorbent-adsorbate interface. The results from the enthalpy value (ΔHº = 65.43 kJ/mol for VB and ΔHº = 44.729 kJ/mol for MY) revealed that the chemisorption is involved in the adsorption process.
Isolation of Endophytic Bacteria and Its Commercial Application as PGP for Sustainable Agriculture to Improve Crop Yield.
Authors: Ghorpade Suhas Madhukar , Gorwadkar Vrushali Rajendra , Kharmate Aishwarya Vilas
Published: January 2023

Background Utilization of endophytic bacteria in order to increase productivity may be viable alternative to organic fertilizers. The goal is to reduce soil pollution and to preserve environment in the spirit of ecological agriculture. Any organism that at some part of its life cycle, colonize the internal plant tissues without causing any type of harm to the host plant are endophytes. Endophytes are known to promote plant growth and nutrient gain. They may improve the plant’s ability to tolerate various types of abiotic and biotic stresses, and enhance the resistance of plants to insects and pests. This study was carried out to isolate beneficial endophytic bacteria from various sources and to screen and identify plant growth promoting activities of isolated bacteria. Further to study field effects of best found endophytic bacterial isolates and its commercial application. Sources were collected from different regions of Maharashtra such as Geolife Research Farm Pune, Mangrove leaves from Mumbai, Khopoli ghat and examined for their bacterial diversity. Isolated bacteria subjected for various tests such as Indole Acetic Acid production, Ammonia production, Hydrogen Cyanide production, Antibiotic resistance and sensitivity assay, Proteolytic and Amylolytic activities, etc. Results In total 34 bacterial isolates were obtained from five different source. Some isolates were found to exhibit multiple beneficial characteristics to promote plant growth. Among them isolate number E14 has shown maximum production of IAA, same isolate also found positive for ammonia production and HCN production. Whereas isolate number E23 obtained from mangrove leaves is showing maximum nitrogen 12.6mg, positive for Ammonia & HCN production and also showing positive results for Amylolytic and Proteolytic activities. Conclusion According to field results, the interaction between plant and endophytes can promote plant immunity and play a significant role in sustainable agriculture. Endophytes displaying beneficial traits that can be exploited in agriculture biotechnology.
Dysfunctional serotonergic neuron-astrocyte signaling in depressive-like states
Authors: Perea Gertrudis , Gonzalez-Arias Candela , Esparza Julio , Sanchez-Puelles Cristina , Arancibia Lucia , Sanchez-Ruiz Andrea , Ramirez-Franco Jorge , Gobbo Davide , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: January 2023

Astrocytes play crucial roles in brain homeostasis and are regulatory elements of neuronal and synaptic physiology. Astrocytic alterations have been found in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients; however, the consequences of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in MDD are poorly understood. Here, we found that corticosterone-treated mice (Cort-mice) showed altered astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in mPFC both in resting conditions and during social interactions, in line with altered mice behavior. Additionally, Cort-mice displayed reduced serotonin (5-HT)-mediated Ca2+ signaling in mPFC astrocytes, and aberrant 5-HT-driven synaptic plasticity in layer 2/3 mPFC neurons. Downregulation of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling in naïve animals mimicked the synaptic deficits found in Cort-mice. Remarkably, boosting astrocyte Ca2+ signaling with Gq-DREADDS restored mood and cognitive deficits in Cort-mice to control levels. This study highlights the important role of astrocyte Ca2+ signaling for homeostatic control of brain circuits and behavior, but also reveals its potential therapeutic value for depressive-like states.
Spaceflight alters insulin and estrogen signaling pathways
Authors: Mathyk Begum Aydogan , Tabetah Marshall , Karim Rashid , Zaksas Victoria , Kim JangKeun , I Anu , Muratani Masafumi , Tasoula Alexia , Singh Ruth , Chen Yen-Kai , Overbey Eliah , Park Jiwoon , Povero Davide , Borg Joseph , Klotz Remi , Yu Min , Young Steven , Mason Christopher , Szewczyk Nathaniel , Clair Riley St , Karouia Fathi , Beheshti Afshin
Published: January 2023

Organismal adaptations to spaceflight have been characterized at the molecular level in model organisms, including Drosophila and C. elegans. Here we extend molecular work to energy metabolism and sex hormone signaling in mice and humans. We found spaceflight-induced changes in insulin and estrogen signaling in rodents and humans. Murine changes were most prominent in the liver, where we observed inhibition of insulin and estrogen receptor signaling with concomitant hepatic insulin resistance and steatosis. Based on the metabolic demand, metabolic pathways mediated by insulin and estrogen vary among muscles, specifically between the soleus and extensor digitorum longus. In humans, spaceflight induced changes in insulin and estrogen related genes and pathways. Pathway analysis demonstrated spaceflight-induced changes in insulin resistance, estrogen signaling, stress response, and viral infection. These data strongly suggest the need for further research on the metabolic and reproductive endocrinologic effects of space travel, if we are to become a successful interplanetary species
Neurogenetic Mechanisms of Risk for ADHD: Examining Associations of Functionally-Annotated Polygenic Scores and Brain Volumes in a Population Cohort
Authors: He Quanfa , Keding Taylor , Zhang Qi , Miao Jiacheng , Herringa Ryan J. , Lu Qiongshi , Travers Brittany G. , Li James J.
Published: January 2023

Background:ADHD polygenic scores (PGS) are reliably predictive of ADHD outcomes across studies. However, traditional PGS arestatisticalindices of genetic liability – predictive of ADHD but uninformed bybiologicalinformation. The objective of our study was to determine whether a novel, biologically-informed, functionally annotated ADHD PGS can reveal specific brain mechanisms of risk for ADHD.Methods:Data were from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (n=555). Multiple mediation models were tested to examine the indirect effects of ADHD PGS (including one using a functionally annotated approach, i.e.,AnnoPred) on ADHD inattention (IA) and hyperactivity-impulsivity (HI) symptoms, via gray matter volumes in the cingulate gyrus, angular gyrus, caudate, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), and inferior temporal lobe. Age-stratified analyses (children, adolescents, and young adults) were also conducted to account for developmental differences.Results:A direct effect was detected betweenAnnoPredPGS and IA symptoms in adolescents only. No indirect effects via brain volumes were detected for either IA or HI symptoms. However, ADHD PGS were consistently associated with the DLPFC.Conclusions:A biologically-informed PGS yielded a more powerful (and developmentally-specific) signal in detecting a direct effect of ADHD PGS on adolescent IA symptoms. However, no indirect effects between ADHD PGS and ADHD symptomology via the brain emerged. ADHD will become increasing predictive as discovery sample sizes climb. Studies that integrate both genetic and neuroimaging information are critical to advancing our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying ADHD.