bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering the global spread of canine rabies virus in the modern era
Authors: Holtz Andrew , Baele Guy , Bourhy Herve , Zhukova Anna
Published: March 2023

Despite the rapid growth in viral genome sequencing, statistical methods face challenges in handling historical viral endemic diseases with large amounts of underutilized partial sequence data. We propose a phylogenetic pipeline that harnesses both full and partial viral genome sequences to investigate historical pathogen spread between countries. Its application to Rabies virus (RABV) yields precise dating and confident estimates of its geographic dispersal. By using full genomes and partial sequences, we reduce both geographic and genetic biases that often hinder studies that focus on specific genes. Our pipeline reveals an emergence of the present canine-mediated RABV between years 1301 and 1401 and reveals regional introductions over a 700-year period. This geographic reconstruction enables us to locate episodes of human-mediated introductions of RABV and examine the role that European colonization played in its spread. Our approach enables phylogeographic analysis of large and genetically diverse data sets for many viral pathogens.
A rapid diagnosis and treatment of Ornithonyssus bacoti infection
Authors: Xu Huimin , Wang Ying , Fang Jiaqi , Wang Jiaxin , Li Weiguo , Zhou Yun
Published: March 2023

Mites serve as pathogens, allergens, or microbial containers, which can seriously damage the health of humans and animals. The substantial amount of mite species and their similar morphology make it complicated to identify and classify. Our mouse breeder incidentally noticed papular-type erythema with itching and peeling of the skin in several places, and an investigation revealed that this symptom was caused by an uncommon parasite that appeared on the skin and around the nest of the mice. By morphological observation, DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and DNA sequencing, we roughly identified the category of the parasite as a mite. We then designed a specific primer Cox1, amplified and sequenced the mitochondrial cox1 gene fragment of the mite, calculated the intra and interspecific differences, and reconstructed the phylogenetic tree for comparative analysis. We named this species Ornithonyssus bacoti - KF. According to the ivermectin gradient test, we found that 0.1 mg/ml concentration of ivermectin solution was the most effective for mite removal in the bath, with no recurrence after 6 months of treatment. This study provides a new specific primer sequence for the detection of Ornithonyssus bacoti, which provides a new method for the rapid identification of Ornithonyssus bacoti. This study provides accurate diagnosis and precise treatment for the feeding and breeding of rodents to prevent mite infection.
Performance evaluation of political teaching MOOC system based on task scheduling and AI system
Authors: Cui Wanru
Published: March 2023

In the network control system, due to the limitation of network bandwidth and control system conditions, the information transmission of sampling and control must be completed in a certain time, otherwise it will cause information transmission delay, thus reducing the control performance of the network system. This paper builds a MOOC political teaching platform based on task scheduling and artificial intelligence system, and the use of MOOC ideological and political education model can improve students' participation and practicability. Under the MOOC model, students should be able to learn by participating in online video courses, skillfully applying theoretical knowledge of ideological and political education, and then by participating in physical classroom discussions. The simulation results show that the system can realize real-time data transmission, and the information transmission of sampling and control must be completed in a certain time, otherwise it will cause information transmission delay, thus reducing the control performance of the network system. Due to the limitation of network bandwidth, if multiple control systems work together, there will be transmission delays and other situations, which will directly affect the control performance of the system and cause system instability.
Light-controlling nucleation, growth and patterning of metal carbonate crystals using resonant near-infrared laser heating
Authors: Bistervels Marloes , Kamp Marko , Schoenmaker Hinco , Noorduin Willem
Published: March 2023

Spatiotemporal control over crystal nucleation and growth is of fundamental interest for understanding how organisms assemble high-performance biominerals, and promises new manufacturing routes for functional materials. Many methods have been developed towards static or global control, however gaining simultaneously dynamic and local control over crystallization remains challenging. Here, near-infrared (NIR) laser light locally heats water to induce crystallization of retrograde (inverse) soluble compounds with spatiotemporal control. Using a custom-build optical setup, the NIR light intensity is modulated to start, steer, and stop crystallization of calcium carbonate and laser-write with micrometer precision. Tailoring the crystallization conditions enables overcoming the inherently stochastic crystallization behavior and position single crystals of vaterite, calcite, and aragonite. Straightforward extension of these principles towards other compounds is demonstrated by adjacent patterning barium-, strontium-, and calcium carbonate crystals. Since many important compounds exhibit retrograde solubility behavior, NIR-induced heating opens unprecedented opportunities for light-controlled crystallization with precise spatiotemporal control.
Work- and Health-related Events and Changes in Body Mass Index during the Covid-19 lockdown. Evidence from the Lifelines Cohort Study in the Netherlands.
Authors: Mangot-Sala Lluis , Smidt Nynke , Liefbroer Aart
Published: March 2023

Background
The aim of this study was to identify the main trends in terms of changes in body mass index (BMI) during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Moreover, we aimed to investigate whether work- and health-related disruptive events triggered by the pandemic, such as job insecurity or mental health issues, were associated with such changes in BMI.
Methods
Longitudinal data from the Lifelines Covid Questionnaire was used (21 waves between April 2020 and July 2021; n=64,630). Overall BMI trends were analysed using growth curve modelling. Different trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory models. Multinomial regression models were fitted to analyse the main determinants of experiencing changes in BMI during the pandemic.
Results
Experiencing disruptive work-related events (e.g. being laid-off or having a temporary contract) and health-related events (e.g. anxiety or depression) during the pandemic were associated with changes in BMI, particularly weight gain.
Conclusions
Work- and health-related events were strongly associated with changes in BMI during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although such changes may be partly explained by lifestyle factors, such as diet or physical activity, this study aligns with the existing evidence on the embodiment of stress, suggesting a strong association between disruptive events and changes in body weight.
Framework for Credit Card Fraud Detection Using Benefit-Based Learning and Periodic Features
Authors: Sooklal Shellyann , Hosein Patrick
Published: March 2023

Online credit card fraud is an ongoing problem and with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge of merchants moving their businesses online. It is therefore crucial to identify fraudulent activities before it causes loss to both the bank and its customers. Due to the dynamic nature of fraudsters as well as customer spending behavior, machine learning algorithms are appropriate for this task. However, credit card fraud data is typically imbalanced, favoring the positive class (legitimate transactions), causing traditional machine learning algorithms to err on the side of this majority class; since they consider equal costs and benefits for different decision outcomes when training. Nevertheless, it is more beneficial to correctly identify fraudulent transactions. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a technique for identifying credit card fraud that first accounts for customer spending patterns by aggregating transactions to creative new features based on periodic data. Then, we consider benefits and costs when training an XGBoost classifier in order to achieve maximum benefits. We also evaluate the performance of the classifier using benefits and costs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach using data provided by a bank.
Email Spam detection in IoT based on Hybrid deep learning model and multi-objective optimization by NSGA II
Authors: Dehghani Samira , Ahmadinia Mohammad , Ghafoori Seyed Hamid
Published: March 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects a range of things, including sensors, physical devices, controllers, and intelligent computer processors. Physical objects with the ability to organize and control independently are referred to as smart devices in the IoT architecture. These smart devices are becoming an integral aspect of human life, from smart homes to large industrial and organizational sectors. Despite the numerous benefits of email regarding information generation and reminders based on predefined regulations, spam emails sent by thingbots pose a potential concern in the Internet of Things. Recently, several studies have used machine learning systems and deep learning models to detect email spam in the internet of things. The presence of unbalanced data, which impacts classification accuracy, is one of the challenges associated with spam detection. In this study, bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) and Convolution neural network (CNN) are combined with the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA II) multi-objective optimization method to effectively address imbalance problems. This solution utilizes the two classification criteria TPR and FPR, as NSGA II objective functions and is capable of resolving the imbalance problem in email spam data. The proposed technique is evaluated using the Enron dataset, and the results indicate that the proposed method is more accurate at detecting spam than other baseline methods.
SARS-COV-2: Analysis of mutational impacts on non-structural proteins
Authors: Senthilazhagan Kavya , Sakthimani Seshagiri , Kallanja Deepthi , Venkataraman Sangita
Published: March 2023

The global pandemic that peaked in 2019 was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus), which had China as its whenua. The whys and wherefores of this outbreak are attributed to the structural competency of the single-stranded RNA virus that continues to evolve posing major health concerns. SARS-CoV-2 with an increased level of genetic mutations alters the characteristics of the virus, such as transmissibility, and antigenicity alongside the development of drug and vaccine resistance. The deeper examination of prominent mutating sites and structures of the virus can give insights into the development of better and more efficient vaccine candidates. This research is steered to delve into the viral dynamics using full genome sequences and decode the genesis behind the structural and functional variances. The genomic data of SARS-CoV-2 variants were obtained from the Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID), and a set of significant mutations in each of the non-structural proteins (NSPs) 1 through 16 and structural proteins, including envelope, nucleocapsid, membrane, and spike, were identified. The mutations were characterized as stabilizing or destabilizing and their significance was analyzed with respect to self and in the context of interacting partners. Among all the proteins, NSP6 stands out as a dark horse with extremely high mutability. The results augment our understanding of how mutational events influence virus pathogenicity and evolution.
Barriers and Contributing Factors to the Manifestation of Creativity of a Person
Authors: Poghosyan Sona , Aghuzumtsyan Ruben , Khachatryan Ani , Ghazeyan Khachatur
Published: March 2023

The manifestation of a person's creativity is determined by the complex interaction of the conducive and obstructive factors of the environment. We propose a model for the study of creativity, which takes into account the conducive and obstructive factors. The purpose of the article is to study the ratio of conducive and obstructive factors to the manifestation of a person's creativity. The characteristics of the creativity of modern managers are determined by a unique ratio of conducive and obstructive factors, according to which the impossibility of making independent decisions is an obstructive factor for them; and the freedom to express their thoughts is an conducive factor, the fear of making mistakes and the fear of criticism are obstructive factors; and the spark of new thoughts and ideas, the inspiration and enthusiasm to create new ideas are considered to be conducive factors. Such a correlation of contributing and hindering factors of personal creativity is the basis for developing a new model of studying and developing personal creativity. Thus, the creativity study model is built from the level of creativity, standards, personal qualities of creativity, the relationship between them, the factors contributing to and hindering creativity, their unique relationship.
Assessment of a new economic xeno-free and serum-free human mesenchymal stem cells culture medium with optimal proliferation and differentiation capacities
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Meng Li , Wang Shanshan , Xu Yan , Chen Wenbin , Wei Jianfeng
Published: March 2023

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) possess broad prospects in pre-clinical research. In vitro amplification requires appropriate medium to reach the number of seed cells with clinical significance. However, the uncertainty of the heterologous components of the traditional fetal bovine serum (FBS) culture medium has great safety risks. Then existing commercial hMSCs medium is very expensive, a safer and more economical hMSCs medium is urgently needed. Therefore, we developed a noval hMSCs medium without xenogenic components, it is mainly composed of knockout serum replacement (KSR), constituting additionally four components such as fibroblast growth factor and transferrin, named E5 SFM. Here, we mainly compared the E5 SFM with traditional FBS-containing medium and a commercial medium by surface markers testing, proliferation assay, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation assessment. We demonstrated that hMSCs cultured in the E5 SFM showed similar morphological characteristics and immunophenotypes to those in other media. Notably, cell proliferative capability was similar to that in the commercial medium, but higher than that in the FBS-containing medium and other media, their capabilities of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was significantly higher than other media. Consequently, we concluded that the E5 SFM medium can not only effectively promote cell proliferation of hMSCs, but also has low price and clear and simple ingredients.
Upregulation of KLK8 contributes to CUMS-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by cleaving NCAM1
Authors: Liu Yu-Jian , Xu Dan-Hong , Du Jian-Kui , Liu Shi-Yu , Zhang Hui , Yang Lu , Zhu Xiao-Yan
Published: March 2023

Neuronal apoptosis has been well-recognized as a critical mediator in the pathogenesis of depressive disorders. Tissue kallikrein-related peptidase 8 (KLK8), a trypsin-like serine protease, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several psychiatric disorders. The present study aimed to explore the potential function of KLK8 in hippocampal neuronal cell apoptosis associated with depressive disorders in rodent models of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression. It was found that depression-like behavior in CUMS-induced mice was associated with hippocampal KLK8 upregulation. Transgenic overexpression of KLK8 exacerbated, whereas KLK8 deficiency attenuated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. In HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal cells and primary hippocampal neurons, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of KLK8 (Ad-KLK8) was sufficient to induce neuron apoptosis. Mechanistically, it was identified that the neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) may associate with KLK8 in hippocampal neurons as KLK8 proteolytically cleaved the NCAM1 extracellular domain. Immunofluorescent staining exhibited decreased NCAM1 in hippocampal sections obtained from mice or rats exposed to CUMS. Transgenic overexpression of KLK8 exacerbated, whereas KLK8 deficiency largely prevented CUMS-induced loss of NCAM1 in the hippocampus. Both adenovirus-mediated overexpression of NCAM1 and NCAM1 mimetic peptide rescued KLK8-overexpressed neuron cells from apoptosis. Collectively, this study identified a new pro-apoptotic mechanism in the hippocampus during the pathogenesis of CUMS-induced depression via the upregulation of KLK8, and raised the possibility of KLK8 as a potential therapeutic target for depression.
Housing Insecurity among Black Women Surviving Intimate Partner Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Intersectional Qualitative Approach
Authors: Willie Tiara , Linton Sabriya , Whittaker Shannon , Phillips Karlye , Knight Deja , Gray Mya , Gardner Gretta , Overstreet Nicole
Published: March 2023

Background. To investigate housing experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic among Black women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) who are also navigating racism, sexism, and classism.
Methods. From January to April 2021, we conducted in-depth interviews with 50 Black women experiencing IPV in the United States. Guided by intersectionality, a hybrid thematic and interpretive phenomenological analytic approach was used to identify sociostructural factors shaping housing insecurity.
Results. Our findings demonstrate the various ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic shaped Black women IPV survivors’ ability to obtain and sustain safe housing. Five themes were derived to capture factors contributing to housing experiences: challenges with separate and unequal neighborhoods; pandemic-related economic inequalities; economic abuse limitations; mental toll of eviction; and strategies to maintain housing.
Conclusions. Obtaining and maintaining safe housing during the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for Black women IPV survivors who were also navigating racism, sexism, and socioeconomic position. Structural-level interventions are needed to reduce the impact of these intersecting systems of oppression and power in order to facilitate the resources necessary for Black women IPV survivors to identify safe housing.
Reproductive characteristics of the hermaphroditic four-finger threadfin, Eleutheronema tetradactylum (Shaw, 1804), in tropical coastal waters
Authors: Soe Kay Khine , Iqbal Teuku Haris , Lim Apiradee , Wang Wen‑Xiong , Tsim Karl W. K. , Takeuchi Yutaka , Hajisamae Sukree , Petchsupa Nirattisai
Published: March 2023

This study investigates reproductive traits of the hermaphroditic four-finger threadfin, Eleutheronema tetradactylum, along the coasts of Thailand during January 2021 and January 2022. Fish sample from Pattani Bay, Thailand was collected to assess sex ratio, gonadosomatic index (GSI), maturity stage and fecundity. Additional samples from other provinces were used to investigate length and weight at first sex change (Ls50 and Ws50) and length at first maturity (Lm50). It was found that the overall sex ratio for male and female was 1:0.69 with male predominated throughout the year. This fish spawned the whole year round with peak during moderate rainy season. Results from histological examination confirmed its protandrous hermaphrodite posing multiple spawning behavior. The average fecundity was 1.85 x 105 ± 1.05 x 105 eggs and positively related with standard length, body weight, gonad weight and egg diameter (P < 0.05). The Ls50 and Ws50 for fishes from Pattani Bay and Samut Prakan province were 27.58 cm, 419.39 g and 29.71 cm, 457.28 g, respectively. The Lm50 of male from Pattani Bay and Samut Prakan were 25.78 cm and 25.56 cm, respectively, considered larger than those from Satun and Nakhon Sri Thammarat provinces. The Lm50 of female from Pattani Bay was slightly smaller than that of Samut Prakan province. This study provides fundamental information on the reproductive characteristics of E. tetradactylum and can be implemented for both management of natural fish stock and future aquaculture development.
Effects of chest movements while sitting on Navon task performance and stress levels
Authors: Arima Yoshiko
Published: March 2023

Background: This study explored physical activity during remote work, most of which takes place while sitting in front of a computer. The purpose of Experiment 1 was to develop a classification for body motion by creating a neural net that can distinguish among several kinds of chest movement. Experiment 2 examined the effects of chest movements on stress and performance on the Navon test to validate the model developed in Experiment 1.
Method and Results: The procedures for this study were as follows.
Experiment 1: Creation of the body movement classification model and preliminary experiment for Experiment 2.
Data from five participants were used to construct a machine-learning categorization model. The other three participants participated in a pilot study for Experiment 2.
Experiment 2: Model validation and confirmation of stress measurement validity.
We recruited 34 new participants to test the validity of the model developed in Experiment 1. We asked 10 of the 34 participants to retake the stress measurement since the results of the stress assessment were unreliable.
Using LSTM models, we classified six categories of chest movement in Experiment 1: walking, standing up and sitting down, sitting still, rotating, swinging, and rocking. The LSTM models yielded an accuracy rate of 83.8%. Experiment 2 tested the LSTM model and found that Navon task performance correlated with swinging chest movement. Due to the limited reliability of the stress measurement results, we were unable to draw a conclusion regarding the effects of body movements on stress. In terms of cognitive performance, swinging of the chest reduced RT and increased accuracy on the Navon task (β=.015 [-.003,.054], R2=.31).
Conclusions: LSTM classification successfully distinguished subtle movements of the chest; however, only swinging was related to cognitive performance. Chest movements reduced the reaction time, improving cognitive performance. However, the stress measurements were not stable; thus, we were unable to draw a clear conclusion about the relationship between body movement and stress. The results indicated that swinging of the chest improved reaction times in the Navon task, while sitting still was not related to cognitive performance or stress. The present article discusses how to collect sensor data and analyze it using machine-learning methods as well as the future applicability of measuring physical activity during remote work.
Improved predictability of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosis using a blood immune cell biomarker panel developed from bulk mRNA sequencing and single-cell RNA- sequencing
Authors: Jang Sung Ill , Lee Hyung Keun , Chang Eun-Ju , Kim Somi , Kim So Young , Hong In Young , Kim Jong Kyoung , Lee Hye Sun , Yang Juyeon , Cho Jae Hee , Lee Dong Ki
Published: March 2023

Background

Although pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive form of cancer, there are no validated biomarkers for its diagnosis yet. This study aimed to investigate a PDAC-specific peripheral blood biomarker panel and validate its clinical performance using two cohorts.

Methods

This prospective, blinded, case-control study included two cohorts. A biomarker panel formula was created using a development cohort and applied to a validation cohort to verify the diagnostic performance of the biomarker panel. The development cohort included healthy controls; patients with a high risk of PDAC; and patients with benign pancreatic disease, PDAC, or other gastrointestinal malignancies. The inclusion criteria for the validation cohort were patients with at least one lesion that could be suspected as PDAC on computed tomography (CT).

Results

From bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with PDAC, three novel immune cell markers, IL-7R, PLD4, and ID3, were selected as specific markers for PDAC. Regarding diagnostic performance of the regression formula for the three biomarker panels, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 84.0%, 78.8%, 47.2%, 95.6%, and 79.8%, respectively. Based on the formula scores for the biomarker panel, the false-negative rate (FNR) of biomarkers was 8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0–13.0), which was significantly lower than that of CT (29.2%, 95% CI: 20.8–37.6) in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The regression formula constructed using three PBMC biomarkers is a cheap, fast, and convenient method that shows clinically usable performance for the diagnosis of PDAC. In particular, it aids in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of PDAC from pancreatic disease by lowering the FNR of CT.
Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service, KCT0004614.
Registered 08 January 2020 - Prospectively registered,
The effectiveness of various brands of the drugs Fenbendazole and Ivermectin in treating horses with strongyle nematodes in Holeta, Oromia, central Ethiopia
Authors: Fesseha Haben , Asefa Isayas
Published: March 2023

Background
Gastrointestinal parasites have always been a problem, and they are likely to continue to be a long-term issue that threatens the livestock industry.
Methods
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of various fenbendazole and ivermectin brands against strongyle nematodes in naturally infected horses in Holeta, central Ethiopia. A total of 120 horses were divided into three groups at random. Group 1 horses were left untreated (n = 12), while Group 2 horses were given five different brands of Ivermectin (Sg-ivermectin 1%, Tecmectin, Ivertong, ivermectin 1%, Ivervik 1%), and Group 3 horses were given four different brands of Fenbendazole (Fenbendazole, Fenacure 750mg, hunter 22%, Fenacure 22%). Fecal samples were collected rectally and parasitologically processed using the modified McMaster method and fecal culture, respectively, to determine egg per gram (EPG) and strongyle species. The efficacy of these anthelmintics was determined by comparing the EPG before (day 0) and after treatment using a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) (day 14).
Results
The results of this study revealed that the efficacy of Ivermectin brands was superior to that of fenbendazole brands. Horses treated with Ivervik 1%, Hunter 22%, SG-Ivermectin 1%, Tecmectin, Ivertong, and Fenacure 22% had the highest reduction in fecal egg counts, followed by horses treated with Fenbendazole, Ivermectin 1%, and Fenacure 750 mg. Strongyle spp. and P. equorum were the most common strongyle species in the study area's horses.
Conclusion
This field study found that the various tested brands of ivermectin and fenbendazole were effective against Strongyle spp. and P. equorum in horses.
Microsporidia MB in the primary malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.s. is avirulent and undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission
Authors: Nattoh Godfrey , Onyango Brenda , Omoke Diana , Makhulu Edmond , Mbaisi Lilian , Kamau Luna , Gesuge Maxwell Machani , Ochomo Eric , Herren Jeremy Keith
Published: March 2023

Background: The discovery of the Anopheles symbiont, Microsporidia MB in An. arabiensis and the subsequent demonstration that it blocks malaria transmission, undergoes vertical and horizontal transmission suggests that it is a promising candidate for developing a symbiont-based malaria transmission-blocking strategy. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of Microsporidia MB in An. gambiae s.s., another primary malaria vector species in Kenya.
Methods: Field collected females were confirmed Microsporidia MB positive after oviposition. The egg counting of Microsporidia MB infected and non-infected individuals used to infer the effects of Microsporidia MBon fecundity. The duration to pupation, the adult sex ratio and survival were quantified to determine if Microsporidia MBinfection has similar characteristics in An. gambiae and An. arabiensis hosts. The intensity of Microsporidia MB infections in tissues such as midgut, gonads and carcasses was determined by qPCR. To investigate horizontal transmission, virgin individuals of opposite sexes that were either Microsporidia MB infected or non-infected were placed in the standard cages for 48 hours and allowed to mate. After this period, transmission was confirmed by assessment of Microsporidia MB infection status by qPCR.
Results: We observed that Microsporidia MB is naturally found at low prevalence in Anopheles gambiae s.s. collected in Western Kenya. Microsporidia MB shortened development time from larvae to pupae, but other fitness parameters such as fecundity, sex ratio, and adult survival did not differ between Microsporidia MB infected and non-infected host. Microsporidia MB intensities were high in the male gonadal tissue. Transmission experiments indicate that Microsporidia MB utilizes both maternal and horizontal transmission in An. gambiae s.s.
Conclusions: The finding that Microsporidia MB naturally infects An. gambiae s.s., undergoes maternal and horizontal transmission and is avirulent signifies that many of the characteristics of Microsporidia MB infection observed in An. arabiensis hold true for Anopheles gambiae s.s. This is an early indication that Microsporidia MB could equally be developed as a tool for malaria transmission blocking across different Anopheles species.
Fracking Compared to Conventional Balloon Angioplasty for Calcified Common Femoral Artery Lesions using intravascular ultrasound analysis
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Fujita Tsutomu , Kashima Yoshifumi , Tsujimoto Masanaga , Otake Ryo , Kasai Yuhei , Sato Katsuhiko
Published: March 2023

Background
Fracking is a novel technique to crack calcified lesions by hydraulic pressure. This study aimed to compare the performance of fracking and conventional balloon angioplasty without stenting for calcified common femoral artery (CFA) lesions using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis.
Methods
This retrospective, single-center, comparative observational study included 59 patients (67 limbs) with calcified CFA lesions treated with either fracking (n = 30) or balloon angioplasty (n = 29) between January 2018 and December 2020. The primary endpoint was 1-year primary patency. The secondary endpoints included procedure success, freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), procedure-related complications, and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE). Predictors of restenosis were identified using multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis.
Results
The mean follow-up duration was 403 ± 236 days. The fracking group had significantly higher incidence of 1-year primary patency (89.8% versus 49.2%, P < 0.001), procedure success (96.9% versus 74.3%, P = 0.009), and freedom from TLR (93.5% versus 74.2%, P = 0.038) than the balloon group. The rate of freedom from MALE was significantly higher in the fracking group than in the balloon group (76.9% versus 48.6%, P = 0.033). The groups had no significant difference in procedure-related complications (6.2% versus 5.7%, P = 0.928). A larger postprocedural IVUS-estimated minimum lumen area (MLA) was associated with a lower risk of restenosis (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.91; P < 0.001), with a cut-off value of 16.0 mm2 determined using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. The incidence of 1-year primary patency in patients with a postprocedural MLA ≥ 16.0 mm2 (n = 37) was significantly higher than that in those with a postprocedural MLA < 16.0 mm2 (n = 30) (87.8% versus 44.6%, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the superior procedural efficacy of fracking compared to balloon angioplasty in treating calcified CFA lesions. The safety outcomes after fracking were comparable to those after balloon angioplasty. Large postprocedural MLA was an independent positive predictor of patency.
An efficient direct arylation polycondensation via C-S bond cleavage
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Bei-Bei , Lin Qijie , jiang ziling , Zhang Jianqi , Li Yawen , Pei Shurui , Han Xiao , Xiong Haigen , Liang Xinyu , Lin Yuze , Wei Zhixiang , Zhang Fengjiao , Zhang Xin , Wang Zhixiang , Shi Qinqin , Huang Hui
Published: March 2023

The direct arylation polycondensation (DArP) has become one of the most important methods to construct conjugated polymers (CPs). However, the homocoupling side-reactions of environmentally-harmful aryl halides and the low regioseletive reactivities of unfunctionalized aryls hinder the development of DArP. Here, we report an efficient Pd and Cu co-catalysis DArP was presented via inert C-S bond cleavage of electron rich aryl thioethers, of which robustness was exemplified by over twenty conjugated polymers (CPs), including copolymers, homopolymers, and random polymers.The capture of oxidative addition intermediate together with experimental and theoretic results suggested the important role of palladium (Pd) and copper (Cu) co-catalysis with a bicyclic mechanism. The studies of NMR, molecular weights, trap densities, X-ray diffraction, and the charge transport mobilities revealed this method is an excellent choice for synthesizing CPs.
Protective effects of various feed additives on broiler chickens exposed to mycotoxin- contaminated feed: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Putra Reza Pratama , Astuti Dian , Respati Adib Norma , Ningsih Niati , Triswanto Triswanto , Yano Aan Andri , Gading Besse Mahbuba We Tenri , Jayanegara Anuraga , Sholikin Mohammad , Hassim Hasliza Abu , Adli Danung Nur , Irawan Agung
Published: March 2023

Mycotoxin contamination in feed a common problem in broiler chickens. The present systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of mycotoxin and efficacy of various feed additives on production performance of broiler chickens fed mycotoxin-contaminated diets (MCD). A total of 28 studies comprising 45 mycotoxin-challenged experiments were selected following PRISMA guidelines. Feed additives included in the analyses were commercial mycotoxin binder (CMB), mycotoxin binder (MB), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), organic acid (OA), probiotics (PRO), protein supplementation (PROT), phytobiotics (PHY), additive mixture (MIX), and a combination of CMB + other feed additives (CMB+). Random effects model and a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed to rank the efficacy of feed additives, reported as standardized means difference (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Overall, broiler chickens fed MCD had significantly lower final BW (SMD = 198; 95% CI = 198 to 238) and higher FCR (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.21). Treatments with MB, MOS, PHY, and MIX improved BW of birds fed MCD (P < 0.05) but lower compared to CON (P < 0.05). The NMA demonstrated that the CMB + was the highest performing additive (P-score = 0.791) to remedy mycotoxicosis. The MOS, MB, and OA also showed high efficacy based. Adverse effects on organ weights were observed on the increase of liver and heart and the decrease of intestinal tract (P < 0.001). Altogether, several feed additives may help to ameliorate mycotoxicosis in broiler chickens although the efficacy was low pertaining to the severity of the mycotoxicosis.
Improved and refined numerical radius inequalities for Hilbert space operators
Authors: Al-Dolat Mohammed , Al-Zoubi Khaldoun
Published: March 2023

This present work aims to provide several new upper bounds for the numerical radius of Hilbert space operators. We will use these upper bounds to improve and refine some results presented in [1] and [9]
MSC(2010): 47A12, 47A30, 47A63, 47B33.
An optimized protocol for generating and monitoring conditional orthotopic lung cancer in the KP mouse model at BSL-1
Authors: Deng Haibin , Ge Huixiang , Dubey Christelle , Losmanova Tereza , Medova Michaela , Konstantinidou Georgia , Mutlu Seyran Mathilde , Birrer Fabienne Esther , Brodie Tess Melinda , Stroka Deborah , Wang Wenxiang , Peng Ren-Wang , Dorn Patrick , Marti Thomas Michael
Published: March 2023

Background: The inducible Kras/p53 lung adenocarcinoma mouse model, which faithfully recapitulates human disease, is routinely initiated by the intratracheal instillation of a virus-based Cre recombinase delivery system. Handling virus-based delivery systems requires elevated biosafety levels, e.g., biosafety level 2 (BSL-2). However, in experimental animal research facilities, following exposure to viral vectors in a BSL-2 environment, rodents may not be reclassified to BSL-1 according to standard practice, preventing access to small animal micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanners that are typically housed in general access areas such as BSL-1 rooms. Therefore, our goal was to adapt the protocol so that the Cre-induced KP mouse model could be handled under BSL-1 conditions during the entire procedure.
Results: The Kras-Lox-STOP-Lox-G12D/p53 flox/flox (KP)-based lung adenocarcinoma mouse model was activated by intratracheal instillation of either a virus-based Cre delivery system or a gutless, adeno-associated, Cre-expressing vector. Tumor growth was monitored over time by micro-CT. We have successfully substituted the virus-based Cre delivery system with a commercially available, gutless, adeno-associated, Cre-expressing vector that allows the KP mouse model to be handled and imaged in a BSL-1 facility. By optimizing the anesthesia protocol and switching to a microscope-guided vector instillation procedure, productivity was increased and procedure-related complications were significantly reduced. In addition, repeated micro-CT analysis of individual animals allowed us to monitor tumor growth longitudinally, dramatically reducing the number of animals required per experiment.
Conclusion: Modifications to the anesthesia and instillation protocols increased the productivity of the original KP protocol. In addition, the switch to a gutless, adeno-associated, Cre-expressing vector allowed longitudinal monitoring of tumor growth under BSL-1 conditions, significantly reducing the number of animals required for an experiment, in line with the 3R principles.
TNF-α activates RELA expression via TNFRSF1B to upregulate OPA1 expression and inhibit chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells
Authors: Guo Jiajia , Ye Wang , Wu Xinglin , Huang Haifeng , Li Bo , Ren Zhijing , Yang Zhen
Published: March 2023

Background
Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines mediating the local inflammatory process in joints, has an inhibitory effect on cartilage formation and has a detrimental effect on stem cell-based cartilage regeneration for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the mechanisms behind this inhibitory effect are still poorly understood. Mitochondria are important organelles that play a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of the cell. Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of regulation of mitochondrial fusion and fission in the chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hADSCs) in the absence and presence of TNF-α.
Methods
We used flow cytometry to identify human adipose stem cells (hADSCs) immunophenotypes CD29, CD44, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. Alcian blue staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe the formation of proteoglycans and collagen during the chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of the cartilage formation marker SOX9, type II collagen (COL2A1), and Aggrecan were measured by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot, respectively. The fluorescent probes MitoTracker® Red CMXRos and JC-1 were used to visualize the morphology of mitochondria and to detect mitochondrial membrane electricity (MMP) respectively. Affmetrix PrimeView™ chips for gene expression profiling.
Results
The results showed that the chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs was inhibited in the presence of TNF-α, that optic atrophy 1 (OPA1) expression was significantly up-regulated and mitochondria were prolonged and interconnected during this process. Gene microarray and RT-qPCR data showed that the presence of TNF-α led to increased expression of TNFα receptor 2 (TNFRSF1B) and RELA during chondrogenic differentiation of hADSCs.
Conclusions
TNF-α inhibits chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose stem cells by activating RELA expression through TNFRSF1B upregulating OPA1 expression and thereby increasing mitochondrial fusion.
The Impact of Physical and Sexual Violence on Opioid Consequences among Trauma- exposed Individuals Recruited from the Community who Use Opioids
Authors: Bhuptani Prachi H. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , Forkus Shannon R. , Newberger Noam G. , Weiss Nicole H.
Published: March 2023

Interpersonal violence and opioid use disorder are significant and intersecting public health concerns in the United States. The current study evaluated the consequences associated with opioid use as a function of history of interpersonal trauma, specifically physical and sexual violence. Participants were 84 trauma-exposed individuals recruited from the community who use opioids (M age = 43.5 50% men; 55% white). Whereas no significant differences emerged in the consequences of opioid use based on a history of physical violence, individuals with a history of sexual violence demonstrated higher levels of impulsive consequences of opioid use compared to individuals without a history of sexual violence. These data highlight the importance of considering the role of sexual violence in the context of opioid use disorder treatment.
Zika virus infection induces expression of NRF2 and antioxidant systems in trophoblast cells
Authors: Cervantes Manuel Adrián Velázquez , Martinez Julio Angel Vázquez , García Luis Didider Gonzalez , Ortega Orestes Lopez , Romero Haruki Arevalo , Estrada Araceli Montoya , Castillo Macario Martínez , Pliego Arturo Flores , Reyes Guadalupe León , Repetto Addy Cecilia Helguera , Cordero Julio García , Juarez Moises Leon
Published: March 2023

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in the xenobiotic and stress responses. During viral infection, NRF2 can modulate the host metabolism and innate immunity; however, the most common activity of NRF2 in viral diseases is controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS). The Zika virus (ZIKV) is involved in a vertical infection in pregnancy, with reported fetal health consequences. However, the possibility that ZIKV regulates NRF2 expression in placental trophoblasts has not been investigated. In this report, we evaluated the upregulation of NRF2 and antioxidant enzymes in a trophoblast-like cell. These findings could help us understand the antioxidant mechanism underlying the ZIKV infection in the placenta during pregnancy.
Harmonic and Interharmonic Estimation Based on Re-Sampling and IpDFT Methods
Authors: Monteiro Henrique L. M. , Rodrigues Luiz F. A. , Ferreira Danton D. , Cabral Thales W. , Mostaro Mateus O. , Dias Felipe M. , Rodrigues Leandro R. M. , Ribeiro Renato A. , Lima Marcelo A. A. , Duque Carlos A.
Published: March 2023

Harmonic and interharmonic estimation is essential for Power System monitoring, particularly for Power Quality (PQ) analysis. These components can interfere with the device functionality, leading to motor heating and energy consumption inefficiency. Usually, the estimation of these components is performed by Fourier Transform; however, the estimation accuracy can decrease in specific scenarios. If the sampled signal is asynchronous or is composed of interharmonics, for example, the energy is spread along the frequency spectrum, causing estimation errors. In this context, this work proposes an innovative method to estimate the harmonic and interharmonic, combining a re-sampling method, based on B-spline with a pre-filter, and Interpolated Discrete Fourier Transform (IpDFT) to avoid the leakage caused by asynchronous sampling and interharmonics. Three real-time re-sampling methods combined with IpDFT are analyzed via simulated voltage signals. The results show that the proposed method is accurate, and robust for all scenarios.
Food supply during nuclear winter: Mathematical optimization of frost resistant crop production for a temperate island nation
Authors: Wilson Nick , Payne Ben , Boyd Matt
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to estimate the optimal mix of frost resistant crops and land area needed to provide basic nutrition during various nuclear winter scenarios for New Zealand (NZ), a temperate island nation. It used linear programming to minimize land area required for cropping while producing enough food to achieve dietary and protein requirements for the whole population. The potential agricultural impacts of three nuclear winter scenarios on NZ, were sourced from the literature. The optimized combinations of frost resistant crops that were found to feed the entire population were, in descending order: wheat and carrots; sugar beet; oats; onions and carrots; cabbage and barley; canola and cabbage; linseed and parsnip; rye and lupins; swede and field beans; and cauliflower. But in terms of current production levels of these frost resistant crops in NZ, there would be a 26% shortfall for the “war without a nuclear winter” scenario and a 71% shortfall for the severe nuclear winter scenario (150 Tg of soot in the stratosphere with a 61% decline in crop yields). In conclusion, at current production levels, frost resistant food crops could not feed all NZ citizens following a nuclear war. There is a need for the NZ Government to conduct a detailed pre-war analysis on how these shortfalls are best addressed e.g., by: increased pre-war production of these crops and/or post-war scalability; growing enough frost sensitive crops (i.e., in greenhouses or the warmest parts of the country); and/or ensuring continuing production of food derived from livestock fed on frost resistant grasses.
Preoperative predictors of survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing liver resection beyond the updated Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer criteria
Authors: Yen Yi-Hao , Liu Yueh-Wei , Li Wei-Feng , Lin Chih-Che , Yong Chee-Chien , Wang Chih-Chi , Lin Chih-Yun
Published: March 2023

Purpose
The updated 2022 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) guidelines recommend liver resection (LR) for single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of any size, i.e., American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 7th edition image-defined stage 1. This study aimed to develop a model to preoperatively predict the survival of patients with HCC undergoing LR beyond the updated BCLC resection criteria.
Methods
Three hundred and three patients undergoing LR for HCC beyond the updated BCLC resection criteria between 2011 and 2017 were identified from the cancer registry database of our institution. A model to predict overall survival (OS) was developed and patients were classified using risk scores.
Results
Multivariate analysis of five-year OS identified three variables—AJCC 7th edition image-defined stage (stage 3 vs. 2; HR = 1.618; 95% CI = 1.061–2.467; p = 0.025), alpha-fetoprotein level (≥ 400 vs. < 400 ng/ml; HR = 1.837; 95% CI = 1.252–2.697, p = 0.002), and cirrhosis (presence vs. absence; HR = 1.569; 95% CI = 1.092–2.254; p = 0.015)—as independent prognostic factors of survival, which were used to formulate risk scores. Patients were divided into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups; their five-year OS was 86%, 56%, and 36% (p < 0.001) and five-year recurrence-free survival was 44%, 32%, and 19% (p = 0.001), respectively.
Conclusion
We developed a simple model that can preoperatively predict the survival of patients with HCC who are candidates for LR beyond the updated BCLC resection criteria.