bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery Affect Female Sexual Function?: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Dingyu , He Li , Lin Yonghong , Zhou Yayu , Gong Zhaolin , Zhang Qian , Hou Qiannan , Huang Lu
Published: June 2023

Background
To evaluate the effect of transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) on female sexual function. Methods: The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100050887, 07/09/2021). In this prospective cohort study, we prospectively analyzed the data of the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire of 130 patients who underwent laparoscopy in Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital due to gynecological benign diseases. The patients were assigned to the vNOTES group and the control group (underwent traditional laparoscopic surgery or transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery). Results: There were 4 cases dropout in the vNOTES group and 2 cases dropout in the control group. There was no difference in FSFI scores between the vNOTES group and the control group before and after surgery. There was no difference in postoperative FSFI scores between the vNOTES group and the control group. The time to start sexual life after surgery in the vNOTES group was later than that in the control group (39.34 ± 0.71 d versus 37.86 ± 0.69 d, P < 0.05). Conclusions: vNOTES has no significant adverse effect on female sexual function, however, the time to start sexual life after vNOTES is later than that after trans-abdominal laparoscopy.
Nutritional Related Factors of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Sekota Tefera Hailu Memorial Hospital, North West, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Kassahun , Fekadu Habtamu , Demisew Meron
Published: June 2023

Background. Anemia in pregnancy is now a prevalent health issue among poor economies, with terrible impacts for the woman and her unborn child. Poor maternal nutrition contributes significantly to the risk of anemia and negative pregnancy results. Therefore, the aim of the study is to assess nutritional factors that relate to anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Sekota Hospital in North West Ethiopia.
Methods. An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August of 2021 among 367 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Sekota Hospital in North West Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was utilized for choosing study subjects. A semi-structured questionnaire was in use to collect socio-demographic, obstetric, and dietary information. The nutritional status of pregnant women was assessed using a MUAC measuring tape, and hemoglobin levels were determined using the hematocrit centrifugation technique. The collected data was put into and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Binary and multiple regressions were used to assess the relative significance of variables, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.
Results. Nutritional-related predictors like meal frequency (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.59), frequency of meat consumption (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 2.46, 33.65), frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 2.08, 26.81), dietary diversity score (AOR = 12.81, 95% CI: 3.93, 41.75), food aversion (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.47), and undernutrition (AOR = 0.22, 95%CI: 0.07, 0.64) were consistently related to anemia.
Conclusion. This study revealed six nutritionally related factors such as meal frequency, dietary diversity score, food aversion, frequency of meat consumption, frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as undernutrition, which are significantly associated with anemia among pregnant women in the study area. Therefore, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders should give special focus to maternal nutrition to address those factors. Programs should be developed and implemented to improve diet diversification and proper nutrition during pregnancy to overcome the anemia problem.
Land use/cover dynamics and its implication on the sustainability of urban agriculture in selected urban centers of Ethiopia
Authors: Gibtan* Ashagrie , Abera Wondosen , Delelegn Mekuria , Maru Molla , Emiru Adamu
Published: June 2023

Analysis of urban Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) dynamics in light of Urban Agriculture (UA) helps to understand its implication for UA practice and in turn making the necessary interventions. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine the LULC dynamics in for elected urban center of Ethiopia (Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, and Adama and Hawassa cities) for the last sixteen years (2006–2022). SPOT 5 satellite imageries for the year 2006 & 2016 and sentinel image for the year 2022 were analyzed. In addition, data from key informant interviews, focus group discussions and field observations were used to triangulate LULC analyses information and to identify the main causes of LULC dynamics in the studied urban centers. The findings reveled that was rapid expansion of urban built up area at the expense of other urban LULC types of mainly peri urban horticultural lands for the last 16 years (2006_2022) in Addis Ababa, Hawassa, and Bahir Dar & Adama cities of Ethiopia. This has adverse impact on the sustainability urban agriculture. Rapid urban population growth mainly because of high rural urban migration, expansion of squatter settlement and increment of investment were the main driving forces of LULC dynamics. Based on the findings of this study (changes in LULC and driving factors) the studied cities admirations or authorities need to develop sustainable development plans by considering UA.
Cover plant functional types alter the abundance and composition of hydrophobic compounds: the relationship with soil water repellency on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Chai Xiaohong , Wang Weiwei , Ren Xiuzi , Wang Junfeng , Zhang Qi , Duan Gaohui , Qu Yuanyuan , Xu Xuexuan , Du Feng
Published: June 2023

Background and aims
It is widely accepted that soil water repellency (SWR) is mainly caused by plant-derived hydrophobic compounds in soils. The relation between these hydrophobic compounds, which are defined as SWR biomarkers, and SWR has been rarely known and the knowledge of their sources remains controversial. We aimed to select key SWR biomarkers predicting SWR and to trace their origin.
Methods
Topsoils under/around five dominant plant species (DPS) belonging to various plant functional types (PFTs) on the Chinese Loess Plateau were sampled, together with plant samples, i.e., plant leaves and roots. A sequential extraction procedure and hydrolysis approach was applied to obtain three organic fractions: dichloromethane (DCM)/MeOH soluble fraction (D), DCM/MeOH soluble fraction of isopropanol/ammonia solution (IPA/NH3) extract (AS), and DCM/MeOH insoluble fraction of IPA/NH3 extract (AI), which were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Results
The two-way hierarchical clustering analysis revealed a distinct division of soil organic carbon composition under different DPS, and the leaves of evergreen trees offered more cutin than those of other PFTs. In addition, structural equation modeling showed that AS cutin (path coefficient = 0.30) and AI cutin (path coefficient = 0.47) had direct and positive effects on SWR. Moreover, there was a strong link between SWR and the ratio of the two separate compound groups when AS cutin or AI cutin were taken as the numerators.
Conclusion
After considering the SWR behavior during extraction and the chemical composition of each fraction, we concluded that leaf-derived cutin appears to have the greatest effect.
Application of enzyme preparation as a coadjuvant in the control of foam formation in the bioethanol industrial fermentation process
Authors: Buzo Fernando Henrique , Cedeno Fernando Roberto Paz , Brienzo Michel , Masarin Fernando
Published: June 2023

The industrial production of fuel ethanol is carried out by a fermentation process with yeast cell recycling resulting in excess foam formation. The present work aims to evaluate the performance of a commercial enzymatic preparation (Fermax™) as a defoaming agent in industrial bioethanol process. The enzymatic preparation was applied concomitant with traditional chemicals. The application was carried out by pumping the enzymatic preparation into the fermentation vats. The monitoring of the process was carried out by quantifying the indicators of a fermentation process. Assays 1 and 2 showed average reductions in the consumption of defoamer and dispersant of 26% and 37%, respectively. In the assay 1, the strategy of reducing the mix of ethanol production was adopted, resulting in reductions in wort flow, ethanol production, and rate of occupation of vats. Assay 1 resulted in similar values to the traditional process without the addition of enzyme. However, in assay 2, the strategy to reduce the ethanol production mix was not adopted. In this condition, there were no significant differences in the indicators of the fermentation process between the control and enzyme periods. Assay 1 presented a net cost reduction of 15%, while assay 2 a net cost increase of 9%, with resources for the acquisition of chemical inputs, which totaled savings of R$ 0.40 in assay 1 and a loss of R$ 0.18 in assay 2 per cubic meter of ethanol. The decrease in the ethanol production mix was the most appropriate moment for the application of the enzyme preparation.
Synthesis of a novel siloxane-based crosslink agent and its application in emulsion copolymerization of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate
Authors: Zohuri Gholam Hossein , Yakdel Mahmood , Arabi Seyed Mahmood , Hosseinpour Pedram
Published: June 2023

Improving water-based polymer`s properties using silicon compounds is strongly noticed nowadays. A novel siloxane-based crosslink agent was synthesized using oligomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hydroxyl-terminated. The crosslinker was used for emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA), and acrylic acid (AA). Incorporation of the crosslinker in the structure of the copolymer increased the average latex particle size (from about 165 nm to 207 nm) and as a result of that, the viscosity of the latexes was dramatically decreased (from 212 cP to 83 cP). The crosslink density of the latexes, meanwhile, was raised (from about 7% to 60%). Electrostatic stability of the latexes was improved in the presence of the crosslinker (zeta potential from -31.7 mV to -49.5 mV and the average mobility of the latexes particles from -2.4 µm/s/V/cm to -3.8 µm/s/V/cm). The crosslinking agent affected both the initial decomposition temperature and residual weight fraction of the copolymer (from 388 °C to 406 °C and from about 0.5 w% to 12.4 w% respectively). Morphological study of the latexes was carried out using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Addition of the crosslinker, lead to a decrease in the contact angle (from 70 to 39 degrees) of the latexes film formed.
The Effect of Burning on Dental Tissue: A Macroscopic and Microscopic Analysis
Authors: Peer Michal , Sarig Rachel
Published: June 2023

Teeth are considered unique as fingerprints for identification purposes. Their structure and resilience mean they can remain for thousands and millions of years withstanding extreme conditions, including burning. During burning, bones undergo carbonization at approximately 400°C and calcination at approximately 700°C. This study aimed to investigate the effects of carbonization and calcination on dental tissue. It involved nondestructive analyses of 58 extracted human teeth before and after burning, using x-ray diffraction, micro-CT, and high resolution confocal microscopy. The results revealed that during carbonization, dentin volume decreased in two thirds of the sample, accompanied by crack formation and significant reduction in hydroxyapatite crystal size (p < 0.001). During calcination, dentin volume decreased in all teeth, along with a significant deepening of the cracks (p < 0.001), while enamel crystal size increased slightly. Initial changes in teeth occurred at lower temperatures than had been previously assumed, as indicated by the cracks during carbonization, and there was up to a 36% decrease in dentin volume during calcination, which should be considered when measuring burnt teeth. The results of this research provide new insight into understanding dental tissue response to burning. Thus, dental remains may contribute to the knowledge needed to reconstruct anthropological and forensic scenarios involving burning.
Estimating frequency-dependent shear wave velocity in near-surface sediment based on seismic interferometry
Authors: Zhang Hao , Shi Yang , He Hongjun , Ji Hanwen , Miao Yu
Published: June 2023

Near-surface seismic shear wave is a basic tool for seismic investigations. However, its frequency-dependent property is not fully investigated, especially by the in-situ observation method. Here, we develop the seismic interferometry with a moving frequency window to process the natural seismic signals recorded by the KiK-net network. It is observed that the phase velocity of the shear wave decreases sharply as the frequency increases in the low-frequency range, and remains constant in the high-frequency range. The observed dispersion phenomenon presents a challenge to existing site effect prediction theories, while also providing an observational reference for understanding how the shear wave propagates in near-surface sediment.
A case of breast metastasis from follicular thyroid carcinoma: a rare and delayed complication of thyroid cancer
Authors: Chen Kexu , Jiang Xu , Wang Guiling , Yuan Minggang , Zhuang longchuan
Published: June 2023

Background: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is a type of differentiated thyroid cancer that can metastasize to distant organs via hematogenous spread. Breast metastasis from FTC is an extremely rare but possible complication that can mimic primary breast cancer.
Case Presentation: We present a case of a 64-year-old woman who had a history of subtotal thyroidectomy for FTC 17 years ago and developed a palpable mass in her left breast. Ultrasound, mammography and fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) showed an irregular nodule with calcifications and increased FDG uptake in the left breast, as well as hypermetabolic nodules in the right lower lung and thyroid gland. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and left segmental mastectomy, and the pathology confirmed the diagnosis of FTC recurrence and breast metastasis. The patient received three cycles of I-131 radioablation therapy and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppressive therapy, and achieved complete remission of the recurrent FTC lesion and breast metastasis.
Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of considering the possibility of breast metastasis from FTC in patients with a history of thyroid cancer and a suspicious breast mass. FDG PET/CT can provide valuable information for the diagnosis and staging of FTC breast metastasis. Total thyroidectomy, segmental mastectomy, I-131 radioablation therapy and TSH suppressive therapy can be an effective treatment option for this rare condition.
Novel scoring tool of hypoxemic respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension for defining severity of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn
Authors: Timberline Sage , Bhatt Avni , Sunderji Sherzana , Tancredi Daniel , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Siefkes Heather
Published: June 2023

Objective:
To create and obtain preliminary validity data for a hypoxemic respiratory failure/pulmonary hypertension (HRF/PH) score for classifying persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
Study Design:
Retrospective chart review of 83 neonates admitted to a Children’s hospital from 2016–2021 with PPHN, gestational age ≥ 34 weeks, and echocardiograms in the first week. We assessed correlation between HRF/PH score and short-term outcomes using linear and logistic regressions.
Results:
HRF/PH scores ranged 2–12 (mean 8.5), and were classified mild (0–5), moderate (6–10) and severe (11–15), with 6%, 77% and 17% infants in respective categories. HRF/PH score category correlated with invasive ventilation, nitric oxide, high frequency ventilation, vasoactive infusions, extracorporeal life support and death. HRF/PH score category did not correlate with duration of support or length of stay.
Conclusion:
The HRF/PH score offers a promising representation of disease severity for PPHN and can be a potential tool to assess outcomes in clinical trials.
The durability of previous examinations for cancer: Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lykkegaard Jesper , Olsen Jonas Kanstrup , Wehberg Sonja , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: June 2023

Background: Patients previously examined for cancer with a negative result may present in general practice with ongoing or new symptoms or signs suggestive of cancer.
Aim: To explore the potential existence of a relatively safe period for cancer occurrence after receiving negative examination results for specific types of cancer, including lung (CT thorax), upper gastrointestinal (gastroscopy), colorectal (colonoscopy), bladder (cystoscopy), and breast (clinical mammography).
Design and Setting: Register-based time-to-event analyses were conducted, starting on January 1st ,2017, involving all 3.3 million Danish citizens aged 30-85 years who had not previously been diagnosed with the specific types of cancer.
Method: The population was categorized based on the time since their most recent examination. Using one-year follow-up, we calculated the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios of being diagnosed with the related cancer, with non-examined individuals as reference. Negative examination results were defined as the absence of a cancer diagnosis within six months following the examination.
Results: Previous negative examination results were common, also among those diagnosed with cancer during follow-up. Individuals with a negative colonoscopy had nearly half the risk of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. However, already one year after a clinical mammography and two years after a CT thorax the risk of diagnosing the related cancers was significantly higher among those with a previous negative result compared to non-examined individuals.
Conclusion: This study did not identify a post-examination period in which the cancer risk, compared to non-examined individuals, was sufficiently low to confidently rule out any of the investigated cancers.
Line-Tunneling iTFET with Overlapping Gate-on-Source and Drain Schottky Contact and SiGe-Pocket for Steep Subthreshold Swing and High ON-Current
Authors: Lin Jyi-Tsong , Lin Kuan-Pin
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we present a novel Pocket-SGO iTFET design with overlapping gate on source, Schottky contact to drain, and doping-less SiGe pocket. The aim is to achieve steep subthreshold swing (S.S) and high ION current. By optimizing the gate and source overlap, the tunneling efficiency is significantly enhanced, while the ambipolar effect is suppressed. The use of a Schottky contact at the drain, instead of ion implantation drain, reduces leakage current and thermal budget. Additionally, the tunneling region is replaced by a pocket SiGe with a narrower bandgap, which increases the probability of band-to-band tunneling and enhances the ION current. Our experiments are based on the feasibility of the actual process, thorough Sentaurus TCAD simulations demonstrate that the Pocket-SGO iTFET exhibits an average and minimum subthreshold swing of S.Savg = 16.2 mV / dec and S.Smin = 4.62 mV / dec, respectively. At VD = 0.2 V, the ION current is 1.81 × 10-6 A / μm, and the ION / IOFF ratio is 1.34 × 109. Furthermore, when considering interface traps, the device still achieves S.Savg = 31.9 mV / dec and ION / IOFF = 1.76 × 107. The Pocket-SGO iTFET design shows great potential for low-power devices that are required for the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI applications.
Inductive Line Tunneling FET Using Epitaxial Tunnel Layer with Ge-Source and Charge Enhancement Insulation
Authors: Lin Jyi-Tsong , Chang Yen-Chen
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we propose a inductive line tunneling FET using Epitaxial Tunnel Layer with Ge-Source and Charge Enhancement Insulation (CEI ETL GS-iTFET). The CEI ETL GS-iTFET allows full overlap between the gate and source regions, thereby enhancing the line tunneling. In addition, a germanium layer is introduced on the source side to form a heterojunction, effectively improving the device's conduction current. An ETL is incorporated to combat tunneling leakage, resulting in a steeper subthreshold swing. Furthermore, a CEI consisting of Si3N4 is introduced between the germanium source and the Schottky metal, which effectively reduces carrier losses in the inversion layer and improves the overall device performance. This study presents a calibration-based approach to simulations, taking into account practical process considerations. Simulation results show that at VD = 0.2 V, the CEI ETL GS-iTFET achieves an average subthreshold swing (SSavg) of 30.5 mV/dec, an Ion of 3.12x10-5 A/μm and an Ion/Ioff ratio of 1.81x1010. These results demonstrate a significantly low subthreshold swing and a high current ratio of about 1010. In addition, the proposed device eliminates the need for multiple implantation processes, resulting in significant manufacturing cost reductions. As a result, the CEI ETL GS-iTFET shows remarkable potential in future low-power device competition.
Predicting survival of advanced laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Comparison of machine learning models and Cox regression models
Authors: Zhang Yi-Fan , Shen Yu-jie , Huang Qiang , Wu Chun-Ping , Ren Heng-Lei , Zhou Liang
Published: June 2023

Background:Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common tumor type. High recurrence rates remain an important factor affecting the survival and quality of life of advanced LSCC patients.
Objective:We aimed to build a new nomogram and a random survival forest model using machine learning to predict the risk of LSCC progress.
Material and Methods: The study included 671 patients with AJCC stages III–IV LSCC. To develop a prognostic model, Cox regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between clinic-pathologic factors and disease-free survival (DFS). RSF analysis was also used to predict the DFS of LSCC patients.
Results:The ROC curve revealed that the Cox model exhibited good sensitivity and specificity in predicting DFS in the training and validation cohorts (one year, validation AUC = 0.679, training AUC = 0.693; three years, validation AUC = 0.716, training AUC = 0.655; five years, validation AUC = 0.717, training AUC = 0.659). Random survival forest analysis showed that N stage, clinical stage, and postoperative chemoradiotherapy were prognostically significant variables associated with survival.
Conclusions: The random forest model exhibited better prediction ability than the Cox regression model in the training cohort; however, the two models showed similar prediction ability in the validation cohort.
A ‘Coomassie for Carbohydrates” - novel methodology for rapid detection and quantitation of glycosylated IgGs on an SDS-PAGE gel
Authors: De Arnab , Sausen Christopher , Meade Caryl , Zhou Jing , Antona Aaron D’
Published: June 2023

Glycosylation is a common post-translation modification present on majority of eukaryotic proteins. Therefore, it is dependent on the host cell line and affected by the cell culture and purification process. Additionally, glycosylation of therapeutic biologics is known to have a profound impact on binding and downstream effector functions. Hence, glycosylation is increasingly considered a critical quality attribute (CQA) of biopharmaceutical drugs and has been showed to affect the safety and efficacy of these molecules. Therefore, regulatory agencies have adopted a Quality by Design (QbD) approach for glycan monitoring at various steps with stringent controls to ensure efficacy and safety. This requires multiple, orthogonal fit-for-purpose tools to study the process. One key unmet need in downstream organizations of large pharmaceutical companies is a real-time, rapid glycan detection and quantification tool to guide purification/expression process. To meet this need, we have developed a selective, colorimetric assay which selectively stains sugar moieties (glycosylated IgGs) which appears as magenta bands on an SDS-PAGE resolved gel. The selectivity arises because the method leverages stereochemical differences of hydroxyl groups between amino acids and carbohydrates to selectively stain the primary alcohol in carbohydrates but not in amino acids. Specifically, our method selectively oxidizes the ‘cis-diol’ group in carbohydrates to aldehydes and stains the aldehydes on an SDS-PAGE gel by Schiff’s reaction. Our method is semi-quantitative and has comparable sensitivity to Coomassie with LoD of around 50ng. The method can detect glycosylated IgGs produced in multiple cell lines (including HEK and CHO), thereby enabling us to study batch-to-batch variability and can critically stain both N-linked and O-linked glycosylation. We also show that the assay can be used as a downstream purification guide for process analytics following ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
Hefer Valley virus – a novel ephemerovirus detected in blood of a cow with severe clinical signs, Israel, 2022
Authors: Golender Natalia , Klement Eyal , Ofer Lior , Hoffmann Bernd , Wernike Kerstin , Beer Martin , Pfaff Florian
Published: June 2023

A novel ephemerovirus was identified in a febrile cow from Hefer Valley, Israel. The animal showed severe and ultimately fatal clinical signs, that resembled those of an arboviral infection. Sequencing from blood revealed the full genome sequence of Hefer Valley virus, a likely new species within the genus Ephemerovirus, family Rhabdoviridae.
Design of intelligent legal text analysis and information retrieval system based on BERT model
Authors: Li Bingyao , Wang Meng
Published: June 2023

The amalgamation of information retrieval systems and soft computing techniques establishes a robust framework to confront the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the vast expanse of big data. As the volume, diversity, and velocity of data continue to proliferate, further advancements in this domain are poised to significantly contribute to various realms, encompassing healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and scientific research, ultimately propelling innovation and facilitating decision-making in the epoch of big data. The application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the analysis and comprehension of legal documents holds the potential to expedite the acquisition of case-specific information by legal researchers, thereby expediting their research endeavors. This paper proposes a legal text analysis and retrieval model, rooted in the Bleem model (Bert-based Legal Paper's Element Extracting Model). Initially, our model employs Bert as the coding layer to extract the semantic information embedded within document sentences and element exemplars. Subsequently, we leverage the Attention mechanism to align the semantic essence of element example sentences with document sentences, while simultaneously computing their respective attention weights. Comparative experiments and attention visualization are then employed to validate the efficacy of the Bleem model. The experimental results corroborate the superiority of the Bleem model in terms of accuracy and F1 scores. The visualization of the attention mechanism effectively reveals the inner workings of the Bleem model and unveils its capacity to explore pertinent fragments within document sentences and element examples. Building upon the aforementioned model, we have devised an intelligent legal text analysis and retrieval system, empowering legal researchers to swiftly acquire pivotal data through case briefs. This application has effectively fostered the integration of legal services within the holistic management of public risks.
Gastroprotective effect of the essential oil of Myrcia loranthifolia (Myrtaceae) on acute ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice and possible mechanisms of action
Authors: Santos Rayza Helen Graciano dos , de Oliveira João Ricardhis Saturnino , de Aguiar Júlio César Ribeiro de Oliveira Farias , Lima Vera Lúcia de Menezes , Navarro Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz , de Oliveira Antonio Fernando Morais
Published: June 2023

In this work, we investigated the chemical composition and gastroprotective potential of the essential oil from leaves of Myrcia loranthifolia collected in Atlantic Forest and Seasonally Dry Forest in Brazil (= Caatinga). The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and characterized GC–MS. Gastroprotection was evaluated in an absolute ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in mice. To elucidate the gastroprotective mechanisms, the roles of prostaglandins, KATP channels, and calcium channels were investigated. The essential oil extracted from the leaves of M. loranthifolia, collected in the Atlantic Forest, was found to contain (E)–caryophyllene (47.54%), α–humulene (9.22%), and germacrene D (8.94%) as the primary constituents. In turn, the oil from samples of the Caatinga presented (E)–caryophyllene (17.68%), trans–calamenene (12.44%), germacrene D (10.38%), α–humulene (10.19%), and bicyclogermacrene (9.11%) as predominant constituents. M. loranthifolia essential oil at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the severity of gastric lesions, but differences were found in the gastroprotective potential according to the geographical origin of the oil. Our findings suggest that the essential oil extracted from M. loranthifolia leaves may offer partial protection to the gastric mucosa through the activation of prostaglandins.
The mitochondrial permeability transition in liver and heart
Authors: Ricardez-García Carolina , Reyes-Becerril Mauricio , Castañeda-Támez Paulina , Méndez-Romero Ofelia , Uribe-Carvajal Salvador
Published: June 2023

Opening of the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) permeability transition pore (PTP) dissipates ion gradients and the transmembrane electric potential (ΔΨ) across IMM, releasing excess Ca2+ from the mitochondrial matrix. Immediate closure of PTP must follow to prevent outer membrane disruption, loss of cytochrome C and eventual apoptosis. Flickering, defined as the rapid alternative opening/closing of PTP, has been reported in heart, which undergoes frequent, large variations in Ca2+. In contrast, in tissues that undergo depolarization events less frequently, such as the liver, PTP would not need to be as dynamic and thus these tissues would not be as resistant to stress. To evaluate this idea, it was decided to follow the reversibility of the permeability transition (PT) in isolated mitochondria from two different tissues: the very dynamic heart, and the liver, which suffers depolarizations less frequently. It was observed that in heart mitochondria PT remained reversible for longer periods and at higher Ca2+ loads than in liver mitochondria. This was evaluated measuring the rate of oxygen consumption, organelle swelling and Ca2+ retention capacity. It is suggested that PTP fitness varies in a tissue-specific manner.
Prediction of Episode of Hemodynamic Instability Using an Electrocardiogram Based Analytic: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Benson Bryce , Belle Ashwin , Lee Sooin , Bassin Benjamin S. , Medlin Richard P. , Sjoding Michael W. , Ward Kevin R.
Published: June 2023

Background
Predicting the onset of hemodynamic instability before it occurs remains a sought-after goal in acute and critical care medicine. Technologies that allow for this may assist clinicians in preventing episodes of hemodynamic instability (EHI). We tested a novel noninvasive technology, the Analytic for Hemodynamic Instability-Predictive Indicator (AHI-PI), which analyzes a single lead of electrocardiogram (ECG) and extracts heart rate variability and morphologic waveform features to predict an EHI prior to its occurrence.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study at a quaternary care academic health system using data from hospitalized adult patients between August 2019 and April 2020 undergoing continuous ECG monitoring with intermittent noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) or with continuous intra-arterial pressure (IAP) monitoring.
Results
AHI-PI’s low and high-risk indications were compared with the presence of EHI in the future as indicated by vital signs (heart rate > 100 beats/min with a systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg or a mean arterial blood pressure of < 70 mmHg). 4,633 patients were analyzed (3,961 undergoing NIBP monitoring, 672 with continuous IAP monitoring). 692 patients had an EHI (380 undergoing NIBP, 312 undergoing IAP). For IAP patients, the sensitivity and specificity of AHI-PI to predict EHI was 89.7% and 78.3% with a positive and negative predictive value of 33.7% and 98.4% respectively. For NIBP patients, AHI-PI had a sensitivity and specificity of 86.3% and 80.5% with a positive and negative predictive value of 11.7% and 99.5% respectively. Both groups performed with an AUC of 0.87. AHI-PI predicted EHI in both groups with a median lead time of 1.1 hours (average lead time of 3.7 hours for IAP group, 2.9 hours for NIBP group).
Conclusions
AHI-PI predicted EHIs with high sensitivity and specificity and within clinically significant time windows that may allow for intervention. Performance was similar in patients undergoing NIBP and IAP monitoring.
TGFβ signaling links early-life endocrine-disrupting chemicals exposure to suppression of nucleotide excision repair in rat myometrial stem cells
Authors: Bariani Maria Victoria , Cui Yan-Hong , Ali Mohamed , Bai Tao , Grimm Sandra L. , Coarfa Cristian , Walker Cheryl L. , He Yu-Ying , Yang Qiwei , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: June 2023

Environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is linked to the development of uterine fibroids (UFs) in women. UFs, non-cancerous tumors, are thought to originate from abnormal myometrial stem cells (MMSCs). Defective DNA repair capacity may contribute to the emergence of mutations that promote tumor growth. The multifunctional cytokine TGFβ1 is associated with UF progression and DNA damage repair pathways. To investigate the impact of EDC exposure on TGFβ1 and nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathways, we isolated MMSCs from 5-months old Eker rats exposed neonatally to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), an EDC, or to vehicle (VEH). EDC-MMSCs exhibited overactivated TGFβ1 signaling and reduced mRNA and protein levels of NER pathway components compared to VEH-MMSCs. EDC-MMSCs also demonstrated impaired NER capacity. Exposing VEH-MMSCs to TGFβ1 decreased NER capacity while inhibiting TGFβ signaling in EDC-MMSCs restored it. RNA-seq analysis and further validation revealed decreased expression of Uvrag, a tumor suppressor gene involved in DNA damage recognition, in VEH-MMSCs treated with TGFβ1, but increased expression in EDC-MMSCs after TGFβ signaling inhibition. Overall, we demonstrated that the overactivation of the TGFβ pathway links early-life exposure to EDCs with impaired NER capacity, which would lead to increased genetic instability, arise of mutations, and fibroid tumorigenesis. We demonstrated that the overactivation of the TGFβ pathway links early-life exposure to EDCs with impaired NER capacity, which would lead to increased fibroid incidence.
A multi-functional hypoxia/esterase dual stimulus responsive and hyaluronic acid-based nanomicelle for targeting delivery of chloroethylnitrosouea
Authors: Li Duo , Ren Ting , Ge Yunxuan , Wang Xiaoli , Sun Guohui , Zhang Na , Zhao Lijiao , Zhong Rugang
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
“Wrinkles will only go where the smiles have been”: A path analysis of the associations between happiness and health, sleep, physical activities for older people in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Badri Masood , Alkhaili Mugheer , Aldhaheri Hamad , Yang Guang , Yaaqeib Saad , Albahar Muna , Alrashdi Asma
Published: June 2023

Background
The study aimed to identify the associations of happiness and factors related to physical and mental health, leisure, and sports activities amongst older adults in Abu Dhabi. The sample comprised 1,004 participants in the third Abu Dhabi Quality of Life survey administered in 2019-2020.
Methods
The analysis used path analysis to develop a model incorporating the specified variables. The path model highlighted all direct and indirect associations between the variables. We also used variance analysis to test the differences in gender, marital status, and education attainment with happiness.
Results
Results show that sleep quality is most associated with happiness and subjective health. In addition, sleeping hours did not show any association with subjective health; but were associated with happiness. The result also confirms that mental health is negatively associated with happiness and subjective health. How often an elderly gets involved in sport and activities for at least 30 minutes significantly affects subjective health and happiness.
Conclusions
Happiness of older adults is best understood when we look at both direct and indirect effects using a path model. Their happiness is significantly associated with their subjective health, mental health, participation in sport and activities and sleep quality, Implications of the study were highlighted, along with future research directions.
Metabolic engineering Escherichia coli for high-level production of pseudouridine
Authors: Zhou Min , Tang Ruyu , Wei Liyuan , Wang Jidong , Qi Huan
Published: June 2023

Background
Pseudouridine-incorporated mRNA vaccines can enhance protein expression and reduce immunogenicity, leading to a large demand for pseudouridine to be used in the production of mRNA drugs. The production of pseudouridine by chemical or semienzymatic synthesis is limited by low yields and high costs, and the production of pseudouridine via the fermentation of genetically engineered strains is an attractive prospect.
Results
In the present study, a cell factory for the efficient synthesis of pseudouridine was established. First, the pyrimidine precursor biosynthesis pathway in Escherichia coli was systematically modified to increase metabolite flux to pseudouridine biosynthesis. Next, two crucial genes (pseudouridine 5’-phosphate glycosidase gene (psuG) and phosphatase gene) were screened. An artificial pseudouridine biosynthesis pathway with high efficiency was constructed. The accumulation of pseudouridine was further increased by the deletion of pseudouridine catabolism-related genes. Ultimately, the pseudouridine titre in a 5-L bioreactor reached 7.5 g/L.
Conclusion
In this study, a cell factory producing a high yield of pseudouridine was successfully constructed and showed the potential for use in industrial production.
Analysis of death characteristics of 1266 cancer patients
Authors: Wei Xing , Tan HongXia , Tu YueHe , Wang ShaoWen , Qu LiXin , Li Xiang
Published: June 2023

Purpose
To explore the influence of different treatment schemes on the survival time of dying cancer patients and the characteristics of patients' death time.
Method
Group A: patients went to the Intensive care unit (ICU) for further treatment and were given mechanical assistance and other rescue measures; Group B: patients accepted drug rescue treatment in the general ward, and CPR was given in case of cardiac arrest. Group C: patients accepted only drug rescue treatment; Group D: No rescue treatment. We calculated the survival time of patients in different groups. We used circular statistics to analyze whether there was a significant trend in the month of death.
Results
The total survival time of group A was 138.0h. (95% confidence interval [CI], 109.1 to 166.8) versus group B 54.5h (95% [CI], 42.8 to 66.3) versus group C 60.0h (95% [CI], 51.7 to 68.3) versus group D 60.4 (95% [CI], 53.9 to 66.8). There was significant statistical significance between groups A vs. groups B, C, and D (P < .05), and there was no statistical difference between groups B, C, and D (P > .05). The deaths occurred in October of each year.
Conclusions
Medicated rescue therapy and CPR are ineffective for patients with endangered cancer, ICU treatment can prolong the survival time of dying patients. More cancer patients die in October.
Electrical analogue of one-dimensional and quasi-one-dimensional Aubry-André-Harper lattices
Authors: Maiti Santanu , Ganguly Sudin
Published: June 2023

The present work discusses the possibility to realize correlated disorder in electrical circuits and studies the localization phenomena in terms of two-port impedance. The correlated disorder is incorporated using the Aubry-André-Harper (AAH) model. One-dimensional and quasi-one-dimensional AAH structures are explored and directly mapped with their tight-binding analogues. Transitions from the high-conducting phase to the low-conducting one are observed for the circuits.
Study of the reverse transition in pipe flow
Authors: Kanda Takeshi , Ykoo Hikaru , Yamamoto Mizuki , Matsumoto Takumi , Yamada Takahiro
Published: June 2023

In the reverse transition in pipe flow, turbulent flow changes to less disturbed laminar flow. The entropy of the flow appears to decrease. This study examined the reverse transition experimentally and theoretically using entropy change and momentum balance models, not in terms of disturbance in the flow. The reverse transition was accomplished by decreasing the Reynolds number. The transitions approximately correlated with local Reynolds numbers. The initial Reynolds number of the transition became larger, and the pressure at low Reynolds numbers was greater than in ordinary pipe flow. These behaviours were caused by turbulent flow in the pipe undergoing a reverse transition. We showed that the entropy did not decrease in the reverse transition by including the entropy due to friction in the development region.
Identification of Potential Therapeutic Target SPP1 and Related RNA Regulatory Pathway in Keloid Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Xie Ruxin , Zhang Shiwei , Yun Jiao , Zhong Ai , Wu Junliang , Cen Ying , Chen Junjie
Published: June 2023

Background
To explore the complex mechanisms of keloid, new approaches have been developed by different strategies. However, conventional treatment did not significantly reduce the recurrence rate. This study aimed to identify new biomarkers and mechanisms for keloid progression through bioinformatics analyses.
Methods
Microarray datasets for keloid were downloaded from the GEO database. Differentially expressed gene were identified by R software. Multiple bioinformatics tools were used to identify hub genes, and reverse predict upstream miRNAs and lncRNA molecules of target hub genes. Finally, the total RNA-sequencing technique and miRNA microarray were combined to validate the identified genes.
Results
Thirty-one DEGs were screened out and the upregulated hub gene SPP1 was finally identified, which was consistent with our RNA-sequencing analysis results and validation dataset. In addition, a ceRNA network of mRNA (SPP1)-miRNA (miR-181a-5p)-lncRNA (NEAT1, MALAT1, LINC00667, NORAD, XIST and MIR4458HG) was identified. The results of our miRNA microarray showed that miR-181a-5p was upregulated in keloid, also we found that the lncRNA NEAT1 could affect keloid progression by retrieving the relevant literature.
Conclusions
We speculate that SPP1 is a potential candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with keloid, and NEAT1/miR-181a-5p/SPP1 might be the RNA regulatory pathway that regulates keloid formation.
Graph-based approach for enumerating the Nash equilibria of a two-player extensive-form game
Authors: Zappalà Paolo , Benhamiche Amal , Chardy Matthieu , De Pellegrini Francesco , Figueiredo Rosa
Published: June 2023

Enumerating the Nash equilibria of a game is a known problem of game theory. We take into account two-player extensive-form games with perfect information and perfect recall. Based on the notion of compatibility of strategies, a new graph representation permits to devise a new lightweight algorithm to enumerate all of its Nash equilibria. It is the first of its kind not to use brute force. The method provides also intermediate results, like upper (lower) bounds to the value of the utility of Nash equilibria or the enumeration of Nash equilibria that fulfill any given constraints (possibly, unconstrained) on their values. We compare our method to the only existing formulation providing an upper bound to the value of the utility of any Nash equilibrium. The experiments show that our method is faster by some orders of magnitude. We also test the method to enumerate the Nash equilibria on a new library, that we introduce as benchmark for representing all structures and properties of extensive-form games.
Extraction of new exopolysaccharide from K. oxytoca J7 and its possible application in biosorption of Ni 2+ ions from contaminated water
Authors: Ljubic Verica , Perendija Jovana , Cvetkovic Slobodan , Rogan Jelena , Trivunac Katarina , Stojanovic Marijana , Popovic Mina
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced from bacterial cells are manufactured for their use in different industries in the world, mainly in the food, pharmaceutical, and wastewater industries. The characteristics of EPS, such as being biodegradable, safe, high adsorption capacity, and reusable, make them significant and potential applications in the purification of contaminated water of heavy metals. In this study, the possible application in biosorption Ni2+ ions from contaminated water was assessed using this exopolysaccharide as a biosorbent. The new exopolysaccharide from the bacterial strain K. oxytoca J7 was extracted, isolated, and characterized using SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA/DTG, and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Likewise, the cytotoxic activity was performed for EPS from K. oxytoca J7 strain. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible application of non-toxic exopolysaccharide in the purification of contaminated water by removing Ni2+ ions. The results obtained from the biosorption study showed that the Langmuir model is well suited to describe the adsorption process of Ni2+ ions by EPS from K. oxytoca J7, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 269.97 mg g–1. The importance of this study is the possible use of natural nontoxic exopolysaccharide extracted from the pathogen microorganism, K. oxytoca J7, for the removal of Ni2+ ions from the contaminated water.
Colliding Plane Gravitational Waves of Unequal Strength
Authors: Abbasi Kamran Qadir , Qadir Asghar
Published: June 2023

Khan and Penrose, and separately Szekeres, presented solutions of colliding impulsive and sandwich plane gravitational waves, respectively. They only considered equal strength waves, which would impart no momentum to test particles in their path on the plane of collision at the time. We had earlier probed both spacetimes using the pseudo-Newtonian (ψN) formalism. In neither case was it really clear what parameter represented the “strength” of the wave. In this paper we identify the required parameter and extend the colliding sandwich plane gravitational wave solution to unequal strengths. Since the impulsive plane waves of Khan and Penrose correspond to a limit of the sandwich waves with the pulse duration tending to zero, we have used the procedure to obtain the generalization of the Khan-Penrose solution to unequal strengths. The resulting spacetimes are exact solutions of vacuum field equations.