bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive Enteric Glial Cells Participate in Paralytic Ileus by Damaging Nitrergic Neurons During Endotoxemia
Authors: Li Na , Xu Jing , Gao Hui , Zhang Yuxin , Li Yansong , Chang Haiqing , Tan Shuwen , Li Shuang , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2021

BackgroundParalytic ileus is common in patients with septic shock, which may cause high morbidity and mortality. Enteric neurons and enteric glial cells (EGCs) participate in the regulation of intestinal motility, but little is known about their role. We aimed to prove whether reactive EGCs have harmful effects on enteric neurons during endotoxemia and lead to intestinal motility disorder in mice. MethodsIn this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce endotoxemia in mice, and intraperitoneal injections of fluorocitrate (FC) twice per day (9 AM and 6 PM) for 7 days before LPS injections to prevent the activation of EGCs. The effects of reactive EGCs on intestinal motility were analyzed by motility assays in vivo and colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) in vitro. The changes of enteric neurons were evaluated by immunofluorescent staining HuCD, nNOS, CHAT, and TUNEL.ResultsThe expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was significantly upregulated in LPS-injected animals, indicating EGCs were transformed into a reactive state. The administration of FC could significantly prevent it. Meanwhile, inhibition of reactive EGCs can improve intestinal motility and peristaltic reflex. The density of the general neuronal population (HuC/D-immunoreactive) in the colonic myenteric plexus was significantly increased after suppressing reactive EGCs. The population of nNOS neurons was increased significantly, but there was no significant difference in the number of ChAT neurons. Furthermore, the apoptotic rate of enteric neurons significantly increased, when incubated with the conditional medium of reactive EGCs in vitro. At the same time, the dendritic complexity and the number of primary neuritis neurons were significantly reduced.ConclusionReactive enteric glial cells participated in paralytic ileus by damaging nitrergic neurons during endotoxemia. It may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for intestinal motility disorders during endotoxemia or sepsis.
Chlorhexidine Versus Organoselenium for Inhibition of S.Mutans Biofilm, an Invitro Study
Authors: Seguya Abdul , Mowafy Mohamed , Gaballah Ahmed , Zaher Abbas
Published: November 2021

Background: White Spot Lesions are a common misharp during fixed orthodontic appliance therapy which creates the need for non-compliance based prevention methods. S.mutans is considered the main etiologic factor for caries. This was an in vitro study to compare between the efficacy of chlorohexidine diaceteate varnish, and an organoselenium sealant, to prevent S.mutans biofilm formation on human teeth. Methods: Fourty five premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 teeth each. One control group and two test groups, chlorohexidine diaceteate varnish and an organoselenium sealant. The teeth were autoclaved before S. mutans biofilm was induced on to each in their respective groups. The reading T1 was taken for each tooth to assess the number of S.mutans attached in order to compare for differences in surface area among the 3 groups. The respective test materials were applied onto the teeth and biofilm induced onto them in their respective groups. The reading T2 was taken for the 2 test groups .The 3 groups were then subjected to aging for a period equivalent to 5 months before the biofilm was induced to take the reading T3 for the number of S.mutans. We used vortexing of the teeth to disrupt the biofilm at time points T1, T2 and T3. S. mutans count was then done using PCR.Results: There were significantly lower S. mutans counts in the control group as compared to the chlorhexidine diacetate group at T3.There were no other statistically significant differences found.Conclusion. Both organoselenium and Chlorhexidine diacetate do not inhibit S.mutans biofilm attachment onto the teeth.
Resilience of Resprouting Temperate Forests is Diminished by Coupled Severe Drought and Fire
Authors: Bendall Eli Ryan , Bedward Michael , Boer Matthias , Clarke Hamish , Collins Luke , Leigh Andrea , Bradstock Ross A.
Published: November 2021

Elevated tree mortality and reduced recruitment of new trees linked to drought and fires has been reported across a range of forests over the last few decades. Forests that resprout new foliage epicormically from buds beneath the bark are considered highly resilient to disturbance, but are potentially at risk of elevated mortality, demographic shifts and changes to species composition due to synergistic effects of drought and fire. Despite this, the effects of drought-fire interactions on such forests remain largely unknown. We assessed the effects of drought severity and fire frequency on juvenile mortality, post-fire seedling recruitment and replacement of juvenile trees (balance of recruitment minus mortality) following fire. We compared dry ridgetop and wet gully assemblages across a temperate forest in southern Australia. Both forest types experienced higher rates of fire-induced juvenile mortality in areas that had experienced severe drought compared to moderate drought, though mortality rates were generally low across all drought and fire combinations. This result indicated that topographic position (i.e. wet gullies) did little to moderate juvenile mortality when exposed to severe drought plus fire. In wet forest, severe drought also reduced recruitment and replacement of dead juveniles by post-fire seedlings compared to moderate drought. In dry forest net-negative replacement increased with the severity of drought. Across both forest types, the total pool of juveniles was reduced under severe drought. Future increases in the frequency of coupled severe drought and fire will likely increase the susceptibility of resilient temperate forests to major changes in structure and function.
Poka Yoke Meets Deep Learning: a Proof of Concept for an Assembly Line Application
Authors: Martinelli Matteo , Gamberini Rita , Lippi Marco
Published: November 2021

In this paper we present the re-engineering process of an assembly line that features speed reducers and multipliers for agricultural applications. The product operates as an interface between an input torque, typically supplied by an agricultural vehicle, and an output torque, generally moving specific equipment placed on a trolley equipped with a tow hook. The "as-is'' (initial version) line was highly inefficient due to several critical issues, including the high age of the machines, a non-optimal arrangement of them in the shop floor, and the absence of controls and process standards. These critical issues were analysed with the tools offered by Lean Manufacturing, which made it possible to identify irregularities and operations that require effort (Mura), overload (Muri), and waste (Muda). The definition of the "to-be'' (new version) assembly line included actions to update the department layout, to modify the assembly process and to design the line feeding system in compliance with the well-known concepts of Golden Zone and Strike Zone. The whole process addressed, in particular, the problem of the incorrect assembly of the oil seals. The registered error was mainly caused by the difficulty in visually identifying the correct side of the assembled oil seal, and by the mental fatigue of operators at the end of the shift. The solution studied in this paper resulted in a Poka-Yoke solution, which, leveraging the modern technologies and methods of deep learning and computer vision, monitors the process flow of the operators through a camera, preventing its completion in the event of an assembly error.
Economic Impact of COVID-19 on the Vulnerable Population of Bangladesh
Authors: Mahmud Sakib , Zubayer Sayed Arafat , Eshtiak Ahmed , Ahmed Ibrahim , Nasim Mahmudul Hossain
Published: November 2021

This study aims to find out the Economic condition of the vulnerable population of Bangladesh in the COVID-19 situation. This study uses the primary data of 203 respondents who were collected from all around Bangladesh using convenience and purposive sampling during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, a comparison of expected income in the COVID-19 situation is made with the pre-COVID-19 situation using Welch two-sample t-test, and the possible impact on Expenditure and Savings is discovered using OLS estimation. Descriptive analysis is also included considering the key economic variable of the respondents. This study finds a significant drop in income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and infers that it will cause both drop-in expenditure and monthly savings. Moreover, this study gives an overall idea of the situation of vulnerable people in the COVID-19 situation. This paper intends to help the stakeholders and policymakers to understand the situation of the vulnerable population of Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The K Nearest Neighbor Algorithm for Imputation of Missing Longitudinal Prenatal Alcohol Data
Authors: Sania Ayesha , Pini Nicolo , Nelson Morgan , Myers Michael , Shuffrey Lauren , Lucchini Maristella , Elliott Amy J. , Odendaal Hein J. , Fifer William
Published: November 2021

Background — Missing data are a source of bias in epidemiologic studies. This is problematic in alcohol research where data missingness is linked to drinking behavior. Methods — The Safe Passage study was a prospective investigation of prenatal drinking and fetal/infant outcomes (n=11,083). Daily alcohol consumption for last reported drinking day and 30 days prior was recorded using Timeline Followback method. Of 3.2 million person-days, data were missing for 0.36 million. We imputed missing data using a machine learning algorithm; “K Nearest Neighbor” (K-NN). K-NN imputes missing values for a participant using data of participants closest to it. Imputed values were weighted for the distances from nearest neighbors and matched for day of week. Validation was done on randomly deleted data for 5-15 consecutive days. Results — Data from 5 nearest neighbors and segments of 55 days provided imputed values with least imputation error. After deleting data segments from with no missing days first trimester, there was no difference between actual and predicted values for 64% of deleted segments. For 31% of the segments, imputed data were within +/-1 drink/day of the actual. Conclusions — K-NN can be used to impute missing data in longitudinal studies of alcohol use during pregnancy with high accuracy.
On the order of the non-primes of type 6n+5 and 6n+1
Authors: Wolmersdorfer Christoph
Published: November 2021

The fundamental importance of prime numbers for mathematics is that all other natural numbers can be represented as a unique product of prime numbers[1]. For centuries, mathematicians have been trying to find an order in the occurrence of prime numbers. Since Riemann´s paper on the number of primes under a given size, the distribution of the primes is assumed to be random[2]. Here, I show that prime numbers are not randomly distributed. Their positions are determined by the order of occurrence of the nonprimes of types 6n+5 and 6n+1. By using parametric sine functions, I will show here that all assumptions known today regarding the distribution of prime numbers larger than 3 are wrong. In particular, this refutes Riemann´s hypothesis of random distribution of prime numbers. Furthermore, I will show an exact primality test based on these parametric sine functions, which only uses one parameter.
Image Quality of Abdominal Ultrasonography After Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is Preserved by Using Carbon Dioxide Insufflation
Authors: Suda Tsuyoshi , Shirota Yukihiro , Takimoto Hiroaki , Tsukada Yasunori , Takishita Kensaku , Nadamura Takahiro , Miyazawa Masaki , Hodo Yuji , Wakabayashi Tokio
Published: November 2021

Because bowel gas deteriorates the image quality of abdominal ultrasonography (AUS), it is common to perform AUS prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This one-way order limits the availability of examination appointments. To evaluate whether EGD using insufflation of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is rapidly absorbed by the gastrointestinal mucosa, preserves the image quality of AUS performed subsequently, we designed a non-inferiority test in which each subject underwent AUS, EGD with CO2 insufflation, and a second AUS. All saved AUS moving images were randomized and evaluated using a four-point Likert scale that divides the depiction rate by 25%. Sample size was calculated to be 26 and 30 subjects were enrolled. The mean and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the image quality score at pre- and post-EGD AUS were 3.54 [3.48–3.60] and 3.46 [3.39–3.52], respectively. The difference in the means was 0.08, corresponding to a 2% depiction rate. The effect size was 0.172. The image quality of post-EGD AUS was not inferior, as demonstrated by the 97.5% CI of the difference, which did not cross the non-inferiority margin of –0.40 corresponding to depiction rate of –10%. Because EGD using CO2 insufflation does not appreciably deteriorate the image quality of AUS performed subsequently, it is permissible to perform EGD prior to AUS.
Relationship Between Summer Extreme Precipitation Anomaly in Central Asia and Surface Sensible Heat Variation on the Central-Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: wang hui , Zhang Jie , Chen Lian , Li Dongliang
Published: November 2021

In the context of global warming, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events have increased, especially in Central Asia (CA). In this study, we investigate the characteristics of Summer Extreme Precipitation (SEP) in CA and its relationship with the Surface Sensible Heat (SSH) variation over the Central-Eastern Tibetan Plateau (CETP). Our results suggest that the distribution of SEP in CA is extremely uneven, and the SEP threshold ranges from 2 to 32 mm, 80% of them are concentrated in the range of 4–10mm. Both the total amount of SEP and the number of SEP days show significant increasing trends, with the climatic tendencies of 4.4 mm/decade and 0.4 day/decade, respectively. The SSH anomalies over the CETP can affect the SEP and the summer drought in CA by regulating the strength of the SAH and the subtropical jet over CA. The strong SSH anomalies over the CETP in late spring (April-May) can lead to the anomalously strong SAH in summer, anomalously weak subtropical westerly jet over CA and anomalously strong subtropical high over north Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In addition, the Ural ridge strengthens, the CA trough weakens, and the northern CA is controlled by an abnormal warm high-pressure ridge with less anomalous water vapor convergence. Therefore, the SEP in northern CA will be abnormally less and the summer drought intensifies. Whereas, when the SSH over the CETP is anomalously weak in late spring, the key circulation characteristics are quite the opposite, at the same time, the anomalous water vapor from the Arctic, North Atlantic and western Pacific converges in northern CA and northern Xinjiang, China, which are conducive to the generation of widespread extreme precipitation and alleviates the summer drought in these regions.
Uncertainty Analysis of WDN Pipes Repair and Replacement Optimal Instruction Using EPANET Simulation Model and Fuzzy Cut Approach Combination
Authors: Jafari Seyed Mehran , Zahiri Abdol Reza , Hadad Omid Bozorg , Tabari Mahmoud Mohammad Rezapour
Published: November 2021

Optimization of the initial design or pipes repair and replacement instructions of water distribution network during operation period is based on the crisp values of the input variables. Some input variables such as node demand, pipe roughness coefficient and reservoir water level have the uncertain nature. Changing the input parameters values during operation period, due to uncertainty, changes the water distribution network behavior and performance compared to the crisp input parameters values. Recognition and analyzing these behaviors are very important to make the right decision to deal with their consequences and reduce the water distribution network problems, during operation period. In this research, the water distribution network nodes pressure uncertainty due to the pipe's roughness coefficient and the nodes demand uncertainty as input parameters, is analyzed after the implementation of the optimal pipes repair and replacement instruction. For the purpose, a combination of simulation model (EPANET) and fuzzy α-cut approach is used. Fuzzy membership functions of the input and output variables are selected as triangular type and the membership functions values, after normalization, were in the range of zero and one. The extreme values combinations of two uncertain input variables, at each uncertainty level, in the form of four scenarios, were considered as the input fuzzy set of the simulation model. Between the research scenarios, the second scenario, which is the combination of the minimum pipe roughness coefficient and the maximum demand, is known as the critical scenario. The research results show that in the critical scenario, at the highest uncertainty level, the water distribution network reliability index is very low and about 30 to 40% due to lack of required pressure of the most nodes. At the uncertainty lower levels, the reliability index rises above 75%, which is relatively acceptable. In the first and fourth scenarios, the network reliability index is always more than 72%. In the third scenario, the network reliability index, at all uncertainty levels, is always more than 90%.
After Strict Comparison, the Conclusion of the Double-Slit Test Conflicts with the Mathematical Model
Authors: Ruhuai Xia
Published: November 2021

Light waves, which have almost no physical properties, are an abstract mathematical concept rather than an objective description. Confused by a set of dark and bright stripes and a sketchy schematic with little relation to the actual result, the double-slit phenomenon was misjudged as being caused by interfering light waves, but this plausible principle implies disastrous flaws. For example, (1) immediately after light passes through the double-slit device, the pattern is generated early or before interference. By changing the device-screen distance, the pattern only scales synchronously without being reconstructed by interference. The pattern with more interference points is darker, but it should be brighter. (2) Light waves can not only be subdivided into many parts but also greatly proliferate. (3) Light waves with missing leading edges outside the screen can still induce much interference. (4) Reflected light waves do not interfere. (5) The effect of polarization direction on interference should not be ignored. (6) Compared with the mathematical model, the location where the dark stripe should appear is actually the brightest spot. The formation principle of multiple regular dark stripes cannot be found. (7) To reflect the quantum property in the interference process, unless all conditions are simultaneously met, interference will not be triggered, and therefore, the principle of interference will be rejected. (8) A light source cannot be produced in a slit that may be in vacuum. (9) In the causality test, to verify the effect of collapse, the photons that have collapsed into particles should be tested again with a double-slit test. (10) The phenomenon of "observed tampering results" is obtained by observation. Has it been tampered with by observation? (11) If light is a wave, then matter and antimatter are conjoined. In conclusion, Newton's particle model is wrong, as is light wave theory.
Usefulness of Grayscale Values of Hypoechoic Lesions Matched with Target Lesions Observed on Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Prediction of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kim Dong Gyun , Yoo Jeong Woo , Koo Kyo Chul , Chung Byung Ha , Lee Kwang Suk
Published: November 2021

Background: To analyze grayscale values for hypoechoic lesions matched with target lesions evaluated using prebiopsy magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) according to the Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS).Methods: We collected data on 420 target lesions in patients who underwent MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion-targeted biopsies between January 2017 and September 2020. Images of hypoechoic lesions that matched the target lesions on MRI were stored in a picture archiving and communication system, and their grayscale values were estimated using the red/green/blue scoring method through an embedded function. We analyzed imaging data using grayscale values.Results: Of the 420 lesions, 261 (62.1%) were prostate cancer lesions. There was no difference in the median grayscale values between benign and prostate cancer lesions. However, grayscale ranges (41.8–98.5 and 42.6–91.8) were significant predictors of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPC) in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Area under the curve for detecting csPC using grayscale values along with conventional variables (age, prostate-specific antigen levels, prostate volume, previous prostate biopsy results, and PI-RADS scores) was 0.839, which was significantly higher than that for detecting csPC using only conventional variables (0.828; p=0.036). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference for PI-RADS 3 lesions between grayscale values for benign and cancerous lesions (74.5 vs. 58.8, p=0.008). Grayscale values were the only significant predictive factor (odds ratio=4.46, p=0.005) for csPC.Conclusions: Distribution of grayscale values according to PI-RAD 3 scores was useful, and the grayscale range (42.6–91.8) was an important factor for csPC diagnosis.
Evaluating The Performance of Several Data Preprocessing Methods Based On GRU in Forecasting Monthly Runoff Time Series
Authors: Wang Wenchuan , Du Yu-jin , Chau Kwok-wing , Cheng Chun-Tian , Xu Dong-mei , Zhuang Wen-Tao
Published: November 2021

The optimal planning and management of modern water resources depends highly on reliable and accurate runoff forecasting. Data preprocessing technology can provide new possibilities for improving the accuracy of runoff forecasting, when basic physical relationships cannot be captured using a single prediction model. Yet, few researches evaluated the performances of various data preprocessing technology in predicting monthly runoff time series so far. In order to fill this research gap, this paper investigates the potential of five data preprocessing techniques based on gated recurrent unit network (GRU) model in monthly runoff prediction, namely variational mode decomposition (VMD), wavelet packet decomposition (WPD), complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN), extreme-point symmetric mode decomposition (ESMD), and singular spectrum analysis (SSA). In this study, the original monthly runoff data is first decomposed into a set of subcomponents using five data preprocessing methods; second, each component is predicted by developing an appropriate GRU model; finally, the forecasting results of different two-stage hybrid models are obtained by aggregating of forecast results of the corresponding subcomponents. Four performance metrics are employed as the evaluation benchmarks. The experimental results from two hydropower stations in China show that five data preprocessing techniques can attain satisfying prediction results, while VMD and WPD methods can yield better performance than CEEMDAN, ESMD and SSA in both training and testing periods in terms of four indexes. Indeed, it is significantly important to carefully determine an appropriate data preprocessing method according to the actual characteristics of the study area.
Analysis On The Regional Features of Future Warming Using High-Resolution Downscaled Multi-Model Climate Scenarios In China
Authors: Zhang Lei , Xu Yinlong , Meng Chunchun , Zhao Yuncheng , Wang Changgui
Published: November 2021

The frequency and magnitude of global warming events varies greatly across different regions and countries. The climatic diversity for China and future warming features are projected across twelve climatic zones based on the ensemble of the five well-performing high resolution downscaled climate models for each zone. There are warming patterns for the mean near surface air temperature (Tm), maximum near surface air temperature (Tmax), minimum near surface air temperature (Tmin) as well as heat stress and frost events. Under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, the three indices (i.e., Tm, Tmax and Tmin) countrywide are likely to increase at respective rates of 0.30-0.31 and 0.64-0.67 oC per decade. The extent of freezing-event extent (FE) are projected to decrease at a rate of -1912 and -4442 day·km2 per decade while the extent of heat-stress event (HE) increase at 1116 and 3557 day·km2 per decade. A higher increment in temperatures as well as a decreasing trend in the diurnal temperature range (DTR) and frost days and FE are present on the Tibetan Plateau and northern China including Xinjiang, Northeast China, the eastern part of northwest China, Inner Mongolia and North China. These trends are opposite to those projected for southern China including Huanghuai, Jianghuai, Jianghan, the south Yangzi River, South China and Southwestern China. The warming occur faster in the current colder zones (northern China and the Tibetan Plateau) while heat stress is more intense and severe in Jianghuai, Jianghan, the south Yangzi River, South China and Xinjiang. These potential changes indicate that adaption and mitigation strategies are necessary in response to future warming.
Second Harmonic Generation of Femtosecond Laser Pulses of Central Wavelength 1000 nm, 1100 nm and 1300 nm Using ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Alrefaee Maher , Panda Rudrashish , Sahoo Pratap Kumar , Das Ritwick , Datta Prasanta Kumar , Das Susanta Kumar
Published: November 2021

In this work high density ZnO nanorods were grown on glass substrate by using a two steps method. In the first step drop-casting method was used for growth of seed layer by taking Zinc Acetate Dihydrate as precursor. In the second step, ZnO nanorods were prepared through Chemical Bath Deposition process on this seed layer by taking Zinc Nitrate as precursor. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope study was done to study the morphology of grown ZnO nanorods. From this study the average diameter and length of nanorods were found to be 33 nm and 270 nm respectively. These nanorods are successfully used for second harmonic generation (SHG) of femtosecond laser pulses of central wavelengths like 1000 nm, 1100 nm and 1300 nm. Discussion is given on the significance of this result along with its potential application.
Post-laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Cystic Artery Stump Pseudoaneurysm Presenting With Haemobilia and Hematochezia: a Case Report With Literature Review
Authors: Sibira Dalal , Ahmed Mohamed Fatihelrahman , Aker Loai , Barah Ali , Almokdad Omran , Ladumor Sushila , Abdulhafeez Maysa , Al-Rashid Amal , Kambal Aalaa
Published: November 2021

Background: Cystic artery stump pseudoaneurysm (CASP) is a potentially life-threating condition that can be related to multiple etiologies, especially the iatrogenic factor owing to the increased number of hepatobiliary procedures. Most patients present with haemobilia. Here we report a rare case of unusual presentation of CASP with recurrent haemobilia and hematochezia. Case presentation: A 38-year-old patient developed bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy which was identified by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Later, she developed haemobilia due to CASP which was then treated by trans-arterial embolization (TAE) followed by fresh bleeding per rectum one month later. The latter complication eventually required surgical ligation.Conclusions: CASP is a rare complication after cholecystectomy that can present as upper gastrointestinal bleeding or rarely as fresh bleeding per rectum. Level of evidence: Level 4, Case report and literature review
The Relationship between IL-1β, IL-17, IL-33 and Bcl-2 and the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Nabil Ahmed , Mahmoud Basant , Abdel-Moneim Adel , Negeem Zinab
Published: November 2021

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is among the main complications of diabetes mellitus, and it has been the major factor of renal failure. The current investigation aims to address the association between beta-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, and IL-33 with the development of DN. Methods: In this study, twenty healthy volunteers plus hundred patients have been signed up. According to their biochemical markers, patients were categorized into 5 groups; diabetic, chronic renal disease, diabetic chronic renal disease, end-stage renal disease, and diabetic end-stage renal disease. Results: Our results showed a noticeable elevation in IL-1β and IL-17 levels and a reduce in IL-33 and Bcl-2 levels in all investigated groups relative to the healthy group. Positive correlations were reported between IL-1β with FBS and creatinine levels, IL-17, with HbA1c% and sodium levels. However, negative correlations were exerted between IL-33 with urea and sodium concentration, Bcl2 with HbA1c%, and creatinine levels.Conclusion: The present data revealed a marked relationship between Bcl-2, IL-1β, IL-17, and IL-33 levels and the progression of DN. Therefore, understanding the molecular pathways of inflammatory and apoptotic activities-related DN could be translated into the development of therapeutic strategies.
Expression of TLR10 in Peripheral B Cell Subsets of Patients with Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Lai Nannan , Qian YiChao , Wu Yilin , Jiang Xi , Sun Honghua , Luo Zhaofan , Zhao Yanli , Zeng Changchun , Kang Yang , Zhan Xiao-Yong , Wang Qingwen , Tang Chun , Huang Bihui
Published: November 2021

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is considered as a B cell-mediated disease, yet the precise role of B cells in the pathogenesis is not fully understood. Toll-like receptor 10 (TLR10) is highly expressed in human B cells, indicating that TLR10 probably plays a vital role in regulating B cell function as well as B cell-related diseases. However, the biology of TLR10 in pSS is less researched. Here, we examined the TLR10 expression in peripheral B cell subsets isolated from both pSS patients and healthy controls (HCs) and further analyzed the correlations between TLR10 expression and disease activity. We observed that TLR10 was highly expressed in switched memory B cells (CD19+CD27+IgD−) in the pSS patients compared with the HCs. TLR10 expression in CD19+ B cells, memory B cells (CD19+CD27+) and switched memory B cells in pSS patients was negatively correlated with serum levels of anti-SSA antibody and B cell-activating factor of TNF family (BAFF), respectively. A much lower proportion of high-activity pSS patients was observed in TLR10 high- as compared to low-expressed patients. TLR10 expression in CD19+ B cells, naïve B cells (CD19+CD27−IgD+), memory B cells, and switched memory B cells was significantly increased in low-activity pSS patients as compared with HCs and high-activity pSS patients. Our study concluded that TLR10 expression in CD19+ B, naive B, and memory B cells was negatively correlated with pSS disease activity, suggesting that TLR10 might play a critical in the progression of pSS.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cervical cancer prevention among women in Khartoum state, Sudan
Authors: Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman , Ahmed Eiman Siddig , Mohammed Mona Ali , Kunna Ezzan , El-sadig Sarah M , Ali Yousif , Mohamed Nouh Saad , Ali Eman Taha
Published: November 2021

Background

Cervical cancer is considered as the third most leading cause of death among female worldwide with most of the deaths were found to occur in the developing countries. Several etiological agents were studied however Human papilloma virus (HPV) is identified as the most common etiological agent that involved in the induction of cervical cancer. The aim of our current study was to assess the Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward cervical cancer prevention among women in Khartoum state, Sudan.
Methods

this is a descriptive cross-sectional community-based study. An electronic questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics like frequency, mean and percentage were computed using SPSS version 20.0 software program.
Results

About 716 females in age between 18 and 74 years old with a mean age 27.58 years (STD 8.74 years) have enrolled in this study. 93.7 of them are educated at university level or higher. Although that 580 (81.0%) of our study participants have heard about cervical cancer only 29 (4.1%) were vaccinated against HPV as a preventive measure against the disease.
Conclusion

We highly recommended conducting health education sessions for both the Obstetrician and females in reproductive age regarding the benefit of the Pap test in the early detection of the cervical intraepithelial lesions and malignancy as well as HPV vaccination should be introduced in the local healthcare facilities
Variability of Saharan Cyclone Tracks, I: Climatology Study
Authors: Labban Abdulhaleem H. , Awad Adel M.
Published: November 2021

Objectively, Saharan cyclones have been detected for the period from 1967 to 2019 using mean sea level pressure (SLP); their tracks have been specified from nearest neighbor cyclonic positions and classified into long/short tracks depending on the area of influence of the cyclones. Additionally, the detected long tracks have been objectively classified into five main routes directed generally eastward, northeastward and northward, accounting for approximately 41.6%, 19.7% and 30.4% of the total long tracks, respectively. Mainly for long tracks, three cyclogenesis areas, where more than 99% of cyclones are generated, were identified, with more than 61% generated in the Atlas region. Moreover, four far cyclolysis areas were identified, where approximately 74% of these cyclones terminated, with more than 66% of them terminating in the eastern study region. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicated that Saharan cyclones are commonly generated in the spring and summer, with ~35.3% and 46.3%, respectively. However, the highest numbers occur in spring in the northern Saharan and in summer in the southern Saharan, with ~49.1% and 57.7%, respectively. Temporally, the monthly distribution indicates that most of the cyclones moving along the five main routes are generated in warm months, namely, May to August. Approximately 85% of these cyclones have a lifespan of three days, while only 1% span more than five days.
Meta-analysis of Heavy Metal and Arsenic Ecological-risk Assessment and Sources in Surface Sediments of Lake Wuliangsuhai, China
Authors: He Huaijie , Liu Ling , Yan Wenming
Published: November 2021

Heavy metal and arsenic (As) concentrations in the overlying water of Lake WLSH from 2013-2017 to evaluate the water quality of the lake. Heavy metal and As concentrations in Lake WLSH surface sediment from studies performed between 2009-2017 were analyzed of heavy metal geo-accumulation, potential ecological risk and toxicity data for Lake WLSH surface sediment was performed to allow heavy metal and As pollution of Lake WLSH surface sediment to be described clearly, objectively, and comprehensively. The following four main conclusions were drawn. (1) The water quality index of the overlying water showed a tendency of slight pollution in the lake from 2013 to 2017. (2) Pollution by the heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr) and As in Lake WLSH should be given increased attention. (3) The geoaccumulation indices showed that Cd is the most critical pollutant and that the probabilities of Lake WLSH sediment being slightly polluted and moderately polluted were found to be 72.8% and 11.3%, respectively. (4) Cd is the main contributor (75.2%) to potential ecological risks, and although As is at a low toxicity level, its toxicity-risk contribution is higher than that of other metals (approximately 31%). (5) Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model results indicated that industrial and agricultural resources are the main suppliers of heavy metals to Lake WLSH sediment, contributing 43.2% and 42.6% of the heavy metals and As. The summarized results and conclusions can help the local government further understand heavy metals and As pollution in Lake WLSH and develop corresponding pollution-control measures. This study can also serve as a reference for future research on the heavy metals and As pollution of sediment in Lake WLSH and other lakes.
Enhancing Precursor Quality of Cu-In-S Ternary Thin Films by Applying More Appropriate Deposition Procedure
Authors: Yildirim Hasan , Peksoz Ahmet
Published: November 2021

Copper indium sulphur (CIS) thin films were electrochemically grown from an acidic aqueous solution including 10 mM CuCl2, 10 mM InCl3, 20 mM Na2S2O3 and 200 mM LiCl. Deposition potential is determined by means of cyclic voltammetry analysis. The precursor CIS thin films are produced at -1.10 V for 600 s, -0.90 V for 300 s and a mixed potential of -0.25 V for 150 s and -1.10 V for 150 s. It is reported that surface morphology and film stoichiometry vary remarkably with the deposition parameters. SEM images show a variation in the grain shape, homogeneity and agglomeration due to the different Cu/In ratio. The produced films have XRD peaks belonging to both CIS2 crystalline phase and S element. The produced CIS material at -1.1 V has a band gap of 1.66 eV. The CIS thin film produced at -0.9 V has three different band gaps such as 1.76, 2.59 and 2.85 eV. The CIS material produced by two steps has also three different band gaps between 1.59 and 2.74 eV. The CIS films are p-type, and resistivity and mobility data are in the range 6.56-8.61 Ωcm and 8.68-22.2 cm2/Vs, respectively. It is found that the acceptor concentration of CIS thin films varies between 2.48x1017 and 1.06x1018 cm-3. In summary, this study reports a procedure to produce high-quality precursor CIS thin films, highlighting a promising material to be used in heterostructure photovoltaic devices as a p-type absorber layer.
The Effect of Fertilized Egg White on Growth, Migration, Differentiation and Genes Expression Profile in SW480 Colon Cancer Cell Line
Authors: monji hadi , Zand Hamid , Ghorbani Arman , Pourvali Katayoun
Published: November 2021

Background: Embryonic microenvironments influence cancer stem cells properties, which leads to anti-cancer effects. Therefore, the current study investigates the effects of fertilized egg white, as an embryonic/fetal microenvironment, on survival, apoptosis, self-renewal characteristic, stemness properties, and migration capacity of SW480 colon cancer cells and 5-fluorouracil (5FU) resistant subgroup.Methods: MTT and Flow cytometry was used to study the cell viability and cell cycle analysis. Clonogenic, spheroid formation, and wound healing assays were used to evaluate cancer cells' self-renewal, stemness properties, and migration capacity. RT-PCR was performed to analyze NANOG, c-MYC, E-cadherin, and NDRG1 mRNA expression.Results: The SW480 colon carcinoma cell line and SW480-5FU chemo-resistant subpopulation cells were subjected to Fertilized Egg White (FEW). FEW decreased cell viability and increased the percentage of the sub-G1 stage in both cell lines. In addition, colony and spheroid formations were decreased in both cells, and the FEW inhibited the migration. Expression of NANOG and c-MYC were reduced in both cells. E-cadherin and NDRG1 expression increased in SW480 cells.Conclusion: FEW decreased the SW480 colon cancer cell line and the SW480-5FU chemo-resistant subpopulation growth and migration. Also, by the changes observed in gene expression and spheroid formation, we suggest the possibility of decreased stemness properties and induction of differentiation following fertilized egg white treatment.
Residue Interactions Affecting The Deprotonation of Internal Guanine Moieties In Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Calculated By FMO Methods
Authors: Zamorano-Carrillo Absalom , Arreola-Jardón Gerardo , Pless Reynaldo C. , González-Olvera Julio C.
Published: November 2021

The effect of vicinal molecular groups on the intrinsic acidity of a central guanine residue in short single-stranded DNA models, and the potentials exerted by the backbone and the nucleobases on the leaving proton were determined by the Fragment Molecular Orbital (FMO) method, in terms of quantum descriptors (QD) and pair interaction interfragment decomposition analysis (PIEDA). The acidity of the central guanine moiety decreased with increasing oligonucleotide length, in response to changes by less than1 eV in the ionization potential, global softness, electrophilicity index and electronegativity descriptors. The differences in these descriptors were majorly interpreted in terms of the electrostatic influence of the negative charges residing on the backbone of the molecule. Additionally, this electric-field effect was determined explicitly for the displacement of the test hydronium ion to a distance of 250 Å from its original position, resulting in good agreement with calculations of the variation in Gibbs free energies, obtained from physical experiments conducted on the identical oligonucleotide sequences. The reported results are useful for biophysical applications of deoxyriboligonucleotides containing guanine residues in order to induce local negative charges at specific positions in the DNA chain.
Bacteriological Profile of Conjunctiva Bacterial Flora in the Northeast of China: A Hospital-Based Study
Authors: Xu Shuo , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To investigate the distribution and influencing factors of pre-operative conjunctival flora from patients undergoing penetrating ocular surgeries in northeast of China.Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study design was used. In 305 eyes of 305 patients without infective eye diseases who underwent ocular surgeries in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between May 2018 and May 2019, conjunctival sac scrapings were collected on the day before surgery.Results: The mean age of participants was 60.73 ± 14.23 years, with the majority being female, married and unemployed with at least primary school education. The positive culture rate was 48.20% (147/305 eyes), and a total of 191 bacterial strains were isolated, 22.45% (33/147) positive samples had two or more strains isolated. The most commonly isolated bacteria was Staphylococcus epidermidis (64.92%), surpassing Staphylococcus aureus (5.76%). The culture positive rate of young (18-40 years) group was different between the females(26.67%) and the males(69.23%)(P = 0.024), but in middle aged group and the elderly group, the rates between the sexes were similar with increased trend. Patients visited in summer or autumn presented a higher positive rate than other seasons. The hypertensive women had a higher rate than hypertensive men(58.14% vs. 40%, X2 =5.8662，P = 0.0154). Conclusions: In northeast of China, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus were the most common pre-operative conjunctival bacteria. The hypertensive female patients, elderly patients, or operated patients in summer and autumn should pay more attention to perioperative treatment.Trial registration number：ChiCTR2100044659
Identification of Key Pathways and Genes in the Subcutaneous Fat Tissue from Different Sexes of Pigs using WGCNA Method
Authors: wang huiyu , wang xiaoyi , li mingli , wang shuyan , chen qiang , lu shaoxiong
Published: November 2021

Background: Obesity is a complex disease that will endanger human life and health, and obesity is closely related to subcutaneous fat deposition. Some studies have shown the significant association between subcutaneous fat deposition and sex. However, the molecular mechanisms for this association are still unclear. The objective of this study is to identify key pathways and genes related to the subcutaneous adipose tissue between different sexes of pigs.Results: A total of 16 coexpression modules were detected, of which two sex-related modules were found. Functional enrichment analyses showed that the genes in the purple module were mainly enriched in some pathways related to lipid metabolism such as Regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. The genes in the magenta module mainly involved in some pathways related to immunity such as Defense response to virus and Immune response. Furthermore, 7 extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes and 7 lipid metabolism-related genes were identified in the purple module. In the magenta module, 17 genes and 2 transcription factors participating in Type I interferon response were identified which were associated with immunity. Conclusions: The present study identified key pathways and genes in subcutaneous adipose tissue from different sexes of pigs, which provided some insights into the molecular mechanism involving in fat formation and immunoregulation between pigs with different sexes. These findings may be helpful for breeding in pig industry and obesity treatment in medicine.
A Case of ‘All-or-None’? The Impact of Airline Travel On The Precocity And Severity of Covid-19 In Sub-National Areas Across 46 Countries
Authors: Recchi Ettore , Ferrara Alessandro , Sanchez Alejandra Rodriguez , Deutschmann Emanuel , Gabrielli Lorenzo , Iacus Stefano , Bastiani Luca , Spyratos Spyridon , Vespe Michele
Published: November 2021

Human travel fed the worldwide spread of Covid-19, but it remains unclear whether the volume of incoming air passengers and the centrality of airports in the global airline network made some regions more vulnerable to earlier and higher mortality. We assess whether the precocity and severity of Covid-19 deaths were contingent on these measures of air travel intensity, controlling for differences in local non-pharmaceutical interventions and pre-pandemic structural characteristics of 503 sub-national areas on five continents in April-July 2020. OLS models of precocity (i.e., the timing of the 1st and 10th death outbreaks) reveal that the volume of incoming passengers and the centrality of airports were not impactful once we controlled for local characteristics. We model severity (i.e., the weekly death incidence of Covid-19) with both GLMM and OLS regressions. Results suggest that death incidence was insensitive to the number of passengers and airport centrality, with no substantial changes over time. However, total travel bans did reduce mortality significantly. We conclude that Covid-19 importation through air travel followed an ‘All-or-None’ principle: it contributed to mortality at all times but not proportionally to the number of incoming passengers nor the position of airports in the global network of travel.
Observational Study of Nisarg Cyclone Winds using Phased Array Doppler Sodar at Atigre, Kolhapur, India
Authors: Pawar Rani P. , dharmaraj Thiyagesan , Nade Dada P. , Patil Mahendra N. , Patil Omkar M. , Victor Jeni , Pawar S. D.
Published: November 2021

One of the most important parameters in meteorology is the mean wind profile in the tropical cyclone boundary layer. The signature of the Nisarg cyclone is reported in the Phased Array Doppler Sound Detection and Ranging (SODAR) data installed at the Center for Space and Atmospheric Science (CSAS), Sanjay Ghodawat University, Kolhapur (16.74° N, 74.37° E; near India's western coast). The vertical profile of wind speed and wind direction measured from the sodar system clearly reveals the signature of Nisarg cyclone during 2- 3 June 2020. Our analysis revealed that, the maximum mean wind speed was 17 m/s on 3rd June 2020 at 10:00 IST. It also shows the change in the wind direction from southwest to southeast on 2nd June 2020 and 3rd June 2020. Daily high-resolution reanalysis in the domain, 0-25°N, 65-110°E, during the period from 31st May-5th June 2020 shown the variation in atmospheric pressure of the Nisarg cyclone from 1000 to 1008 hPa, sea surface tremperature (SST) between 30 and 31°C, outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) varied between 100 and 240 Wm−2, wind speed between 3 and 15 m/s and low values of vertical wind shear (VWS) was observed to the north of the track Nisarg. These findings could aid in better understanding and forecasting in this region. The present results are initial measurements of sodar system.