bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics evaluation of passive oxidation at high temperature of silicon nitride used in the fabrication of lightweight metal matrix composites
Authors: López-López I. I. , Contreras A. , Morales-Estrella R. , Lemus-Ruiz J.
Published: October 2022

In the present work, the passive oxidation kinetics of silicon nitride α-Si3N4 and (α + β)-Si3N4 powders at different temperatures from 1000 to 1200°C were evaluated. Oxidation of these powders was carried out to improve wettability and pressureless infiltration of AZ91E Mg-alloy. The oxidation kinetic constant (kp) values and oxide layer depth were calculated. The oxidation kinetic constants kp, were 9.11e− 16 and 6.35e− 16 kg2/m4s and the oxidation depth were 4.25 nm and 3.69 nm, for α-Si3N4 and (α + β)-Si3N4, respectively. Furthermore, passive surface oxidation of silicon nitride was performed in order to achieve affinity between silicon nitride and AZ91E magnesium alloy. Therefore, the manufacture of AZ91E/Si3N4 magnesium matrix composite materials was successfully achieved by spontaneous infiltration process at a temperature of 800°C.
IGF2BP2 promotes ovarian cancer growth and metastasis via upregulating CKAP2L protein expression in a m6A-dependent manner
Authors: Xu Juan , Shi Yaqian , Sun Yu , Xiong Xueyou , Geng Zhe , Chen Xiyi , Cui Xin , Lv Juan , Ge Lili , Jia Xuemei
Published: October 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second leading cause of gynecologic cancer death in women around the world. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification on eukaryotic RNA. Human insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2), as an m6A reader, can enhance mRNA stability and promote translation by recognizing m6A modifications. Its carcinogenic effect has been demonstrated in colon cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer and other tumors. Here, we demonstrated that there was widespread dysregulation of m6A modification in OC tissues. The m6A modification, mRNA and protein level ofIGF2BP2were significantly elevated in OC. Overexpression ofIGF2BP2facilitated OC cell proliferation, migration, invasionin vitroand accelerated tumor growth and metastasisin vivo. Mechanistically,CKAP2Lwas a target mRNA of IGF2BP2. Unlike previous studies, IGF2BP2 promotedCKAP2Ltranslation depending on m6A modification rather than affect mRNA and protein stability. Knockdown ofCKAP2Lrescued the oncogenic effect of IGF2BP2 in OC cells. In conclusion, this study unveiled the oncogenic role of IGF2BP2 potentially through promoting the translation ofCKAP2Lin a m6A dependent manner.
Design of a Wind-Solar Hybrid Energy Air Conditioning System Using BLDC Motor for the Residential Buildings
Authors: Mohanasundaram A , Valsalal P
Published: October 2022

Air conditioners usages in the homes and offices are the top drivers of global electricity demand for the next three decades. This work proposes an innovative grid-independent, hybrid wind-solar air conditioning model to meet future room cooling demand. This model has 0.3ton capacity, and it is operated with 1.5kW, 48V, BLDC motor drive system. In comparison, with the conventional model, the BLDC based model improves the energy efficiency from 13% to 20% and this model costs 952 USD. A virtual 4kW hybrid model is simulated to analyze the energy generation at the proposed location from different weather conditions to operate this model. This analysis exhibits that a high 57% wind and 69.4% solar energy participation in summer and winter seasons respectively in the total energy generated. This hybrid model and simulation analysis also signifies that the consumer side source generation is a realistic solution to meet the future air-conditioning demand growth due to global warming.
Mobile Dynamic Khalimsky k-Clustering and Data Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks with obstacles
Authors: Mezghani Mahmoud , Mezghani Omnia
Published: October 2022

In this paper we propose an efficient Mobile Dynamic Khalimsky k-Clustering (MDKC) algorithm for efficient data gathering and routing in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). The aim of this algorithm is to optimize routing paths reducing the energy consumption and resolving the holes problem of isolated nodes with the presence of obstacles in the sensing field. At first, the MDKC algorithm clusters the deployed nodes into k-hop (k>= 2) compact dynamic clusters. For each cluster, a node is elected cluster-head in its k-neighborhood according to some criteria such as the remaining energy, the k-degree and the communication probability average. Then, some nodes are selected as Khalimsky anchors by the triangulation technique to optimize the intra-cluster data routing process. The Khalimsky anchors at the border layers ensure the inter-cluster data routing between adjacent clusters.In the next phase of MDKC, a Mobile Collector (MC) is used for data collecting from isolated nodes/clusters due to the presence of obstacles and holes in the network.The obtainedsimulation results prove that MDKC minimizes the energy consumption and improvesthe connectivity rate between sensors and the delivery rate as well as the network lifetime compared to some existing approaches.
Cost-effectiveness of Federal CDBG-DR Road Home Program Mitigation Assistance in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
Authors: Assi Ayat Al , Mostafiz Rubayet Bin , Friedland Carol J , Rohli Robert V. , Taghinezhad Arash , Rahim Md Adilur
Published: October 2022

After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) assistance was allotted to the State of Louisiana, administered by the Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) as the Road Home Program, to provide homeowners with the required matching funds for elevating damaged homes under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This research evaluates the cost effectiveness of the Road Home Program elevation mitigation assistance for a sample of homes in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, using benefit-cost analysis (BCA) based on average annual loss (AAL) prediction. Multiple return period flood depths are determined from FEMA RiskMap non-regulatory flood depth. Flood risk reduction is calculated as the difference between pre- and post-elevation AAL. Benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and net benefit-cost ratio (NBCR) of the elevation mitigation investment are calculated across multiple time horizons, considering several funding scenarios. Optimal first-floor height (FFH) is also determined by foundation type (i.e., crawl space, slab-on-grade) and 100-year flood depth. The analysis reveals that elevating existing homes by either 3 feet or to the base flood elevation (BFE; 100–year flood elevation), whichever is higher, reduces AAL by 96%. This elevation generates mean BCRs of 6.13 and 7.01 over a 30–year mortgage and a 70–year building lifetime, respectively, if the full benefits are attributed to Road Home Program investments. These results enhance understanding of cost effectiveness of federal elevation mitigation investments, benefits of elevating homes above the minimum requirements, and most effective elevated heights for homes.
RNA interference cannot be operated in lepidopteran insect? A nanocarrier breaks bottlenecks at all developmental stages of Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Chao Zijian , Ma Zhongzheng , Zhang Yunhui , Yan Shuo , Shen Jie
Published: October 2022

RNA interference (RNAi) has become an essential technique in functional analysis of insect genes and pest management. However, insensitivity to RNAi is the main obstacle that limits the identification of functional genes in lepidopteran insects. Hereby we explored an efficient nanocarrier (star polycation, SPc)-mediated dsRNA delivery system to achieve efficient RNAi at all developmental stages of lepidopteran insect Spodoptera frugiperda. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was synthesized targeting a consistently expressed gene V-type proton ATPase subunit d (ATP-d) as well as enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) for various operation tests. At the egg and early larval stages, SPc-loaded dsRNA could penetrate the physical obstacles of eggshell and larval body wall. Thus, soaking and topical applications of SPc-loaded dsRNA were suitable for efficient RNAi at egg and 1st-2nd instar larval stages, respectively. The SPc could protect dsRNA from degradation by midgut fluid of mid-late instar larvae. Thereby oral feeding of SPc-loaded dsRNA silenced the target gene at mid-late larval stages more efficiently compared to dsRNA alone. Finally, for pupal and adult stages, injection of SPc-loaded dsRNA was enough to induce high RNAi effect. A key developmental gene, Chitin deacetylase 1 (CDA1), was taken as an example to test the pest control efficiency of SPc-based RNAi system. The constructed system could remarkably induce the knockdown of CDA1 and lead to growth retardation and mortality. Overall, the present study constructed an efficient nanocarrier-based RNAi system for whole developmental stages of lepidopteran insects, which would provide a powerful tool for identifying functional genes in lepidopteran insects.
Multi-layer 5G Network Slicing with UAVs: an optimization model
Authors: Colajanni Gabriella , Sciacca Daniele
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present a network-based optimization model describing a closed-loop supply chain for the provision of 5G network slices on demand to users and devices on the ground. The three-tier supply chain network consists of a fleet of pre-existing UAVs, to which others can be added, managed by a fleet of UAV controllers, whose purpose is to perform services requested by users and devices on the ground. The aim of this paper is to provide a constrained optimization problem through which the providers’ profits are maximized, determining the global optimal distributions of request flows, the global optimal distributions of executed services and the optimal reliability level of pre-existing UAVs of the fleet. We also derive the associated Variational inequality formulation of the problem and, finally, a numerical simulation is performed to validate the effectiveness of the model.
Heterogeneity of weight gain after initiation of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor in people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gramegna Andrea , Majo Fabio , Leonardi Gloria , Cristiani Luca , Amati Francesco , Contarini Martina , Aliberti Stefano , Fiocchi Alessandro Giovanni , Blasi Francesco
Published: October 2022

Background. The introduction of the novel therapy with Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor (ETI) has been showed to be effective in weight gain in both clinical trials and real-world studies. However, this effect appears heterogeneous across patient subgroups and predictors of individual weight gain after treatment are still missing.
Methods. This was a multicenter, prospective cohort study enrolling 93 adults with CF at two major CF Centers in Italy. For the pourpose of this study, the cohort was divided into two groups according to median BMI change after 6 months of ETI treatment: ‘responders’ included patients with BMI increase ≥1 kg/m2 and ‘poor responders’ those with BMI increase <1 kg/m2.
Results. The median increase in BMI after six months of ETI was 1.0 kg/m2 (0.4-1.7), in line with previous studies. We identified a correlation between BMI increase and both BMI before ETI initiation (r -0.392, P <0.001) and the duration of ETI treatment (r 0.293, P =0.006). BMI responders were more likely to have Phe508del/MF genotype (71% VS. 37%, P = <0.001), younger age at diagnosis (1 [0-4] VS. 5 [0-14] years, P =0.018), pancreatic insufficiency (92% VS. 77%, P =0.042) and CF-related diabetes (49% VS. 21%, P =0.006). Low BMI before ETI initiation (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.64-0.0.92; P =0.005), pancreatic insufficiency (OR 5.08; 95% CI 1.34-19.28; P =0.017) and the previous use of earlier CFTR modulators (OR 3.41; 95% CI 1.21-9.57; P =0.020) were predictive factors for the status of BMI responder.
Conclusions. Our results might help to identify a subset of patients that might deserve both a targeted clinical approach and a translational characterization.
Comparison of serum cytokine profiles of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and aspergillus infections
Authors: Ren Weicong , Li Haoran , Guo Can , Shang Yuanyuan , Wang Wei , Zhang Xuxia , Li Shanshan , Pang Yu
Published: October 2022

Objectives: aspergillus fumigatus induced chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is the most common sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), which caused by intracellular infection pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Timely and accurate detection of the potential infection of A. fumigatus in TB patients will undoubtedly greatly improve the prognosis of TB patients. At present, galactomannan (GM) antigen test is commonly used to detect A. fumigatusinfection, but its poor sensitivity is not adequate for clinical practice.
Design or methods: given the different host immune responses induced by CPA and TB, we aimed to evaluate the serum cytokine profiles of TB, CPA-TB, and CPA patients without TB using multiple cytokine analyses.
Results: the results showed that the expression of a large number of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, IFN-α, IFN-γ and TNF-α in peripheral blood of patients with CPA was significantly higher than that of patients with TB. Cytokine IL-8 alone has the best performance to diagnose TB patients from CPA-TB (AUC=0.949) or CPA (AUC=0.964) patients. Moreover, IL-8 and TNF-α combination (AUC=0.996) could distinguish patients with TB or CPA. Likewise, the combination of IL-8, TNF-α and IL-6 can help distinguish all CPA patients with TB or not from TB-alone patients.
Conclusions: our study provided multiple cytokines as potential markers to accurately diagnosis TB and CPA, and contribute to the prognosis of TB patients with CPA.Furthermore, the results help better understand the immune function disorder during Mtb and/or A. fumigatus infections.
Effect of vacuum impregnation and high hydrostatic pressure treatments on shelf-life, physicochemical, and sensory properties of seabream fillets
Authors: Bou Ricard , Guerrero Luis , López Mariló , Claret Anna , López-Mas Laura , Castellari Massimo
Published: October 2022

Marination is commonly used to preserve fish, which, in combination with other non-thermal technologies, such as vacuum impregnation and high hydrostatic pressures, may help to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. In addition, marination may mask changes on the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of fish resulting from intense pressurization treatments. In this study, the effect of vacuum impregnation (50 mbar for 5 min) alone or in combination with a moderate pressurization treatment (250 MPa for 6 min) on the physicochemical properties, microbiological and oxidative stability, and sensory properties of refrigerated seabream fillets was investigated. The results showed that compared to conventional marination, vacuum impregnation had no effect on the aforementioned properties, except for a higher perception of lemon aroma. Pressurization resulted in total viable counts below 4 log CFU/g after 16 d of storage at ≤2°C. In addition, lipid oxidation was maintained at low and similar levels as those of the non-pressurized treatments. Compared to the control, in pressurized fish, lightness increased from 52 to 78, which was the instrumental color and texture parameter most affected. Despite this, pressurization at moderate pressures allows for the extension of shelf life with minimal negative effects, given that only minor changes were observed in texture and sensory properties, which may in turn be minimized by marinades.
Rabies Virus Infection is Associated with Variations in Calbindin D-28K and Calretinin mRNA Expression Levels in Mouse Brain Tissue.
Authors: Korie George Chibuike , Sallau Abdullahi Balarabe , Kanu Brenda , Kia Grace Sabo Nok , Kwaga Jacob K.P
Published: October 2022

Rabies virus (RABV) infection leads to a fatal neurological outcome in humans and animals and is associated with major alterations in cellular gene expression. In this study, we describe the effects of RABV infection on the mRNA expression levels of two genes encoding the Ca2+ binding proteins (Ca-BPs) Calbindin D-28K (Calb1) and Calretinin (Calb2) in the brains of BALB/c mice. Sixty, 4-week-old mice were divided into two test and one control group. Mice were inoculated intra-muscularly with either a street rabies virus (SRV) or Challenge virus standard (CVS-11) strain and sacrificed at 3-day intervals up to day 18 post infection. Direct fluorescent antibody test (DFAT) verified RABV antigen in the brain tissues and real time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to assess the gene expressions. Infection with both RABV strains resulted in relatively significant (p<0.05) increases in Calb1 and Calb2 expression in the test animals, when compared with the controls at various time points in the study. Correlation analysis indicated very weak insignificant (p>0.05) negative and positive relationships respectively between Calb1 expression (r = -0.04) and Calb2 expression (r = 0.08) with viral load (CVS-11 strain). Insignificant (p>0.05) relationships were also obtained between Calb1 expression (r= -0.28) and Calb2 expression (r = 0.06) with viral load for the SRV strain.
The observed alterations in Calb1 and Calb2 expression in this study indicate possible impairments in neuronal Ca2+ buffering and Ca2+ homeostasis as a result of RABV infection and consequently, an implication of Calbindin-D28K and Calretinin in the neuro-pathogenesis of rabies.
Characteristic analysis of epileptic brain network based on attention mechanism
Authors: Yu Hong-Shi , Meng Xiang-Fu
Published: October 2022

Constructing an efficient and accurate epilepsy detection system is an urgent research task. In this paper, we developed an EEG-based multi-frequency multilayer brain network (MMBN) and an attentional mechanism based convolutional neural network (AM-CNN) model to study epilepsy detection. Specifically, based on the multi-frequency characteristics and correlation analysis of the brain, we first construct MMBN, where each layer corresponds to a specific frequency band. The time, frequency and channel related information of EEG signals are mapped into the multilayer network topology. On this basis, a multi branch AM-CNN model is designed, which completely matches the multilayer structure of the proposed brain network. The experimental results on public CHB-MIT dataset show that the accuracy of brain state detection is positively correlated with the fineness of frequency band division. When the raw EEG signal is divided into eight frequency bands, this method can accurately detect epilepsy, with an average accuracy of 99.75%, sensitivity of 99.43%, and specificity of 99.83%. All of these provide a reliable technical solution for epilepsy detection.
Adaptive immunity is required for durable responses to alectinib in murine models of EML4-ALK lung cancer
Authors: Nemenoff Raphael , Kleczko Emily , Hinz Trista , Navarro Andre , Le Anh , Nguyen Teresa , Gurule Natalia , Johnson Amber , Kwak Jeff , Polhac Diana , Clambey Eric , Weiser-Evans Mary , Merrick Daniel , Yang Michael , Patil Tejas , Schenk Erin , Heasley Lynn
Published: October 2022

Lung cancers bearing oncogenic EML4-ALK fusions respond to targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; e.g. alectinib), with variation in the degree of shrinkage and duration of treatment (DOT). However, factors that control this response are not well understood. While the contribution of the immune system in mediating the response to immunotherapy has been extensively investigated, less is known regarding the contribution of immunity to TKI therapeutic responses. We previously demonstrated a positive association of a TKI-induced interferon gamma (IFNγ) transcriptional response with DOT in EGFR-mutant lung cancers. Herein, we used three murine models of EML4-ALK lung cancer to test the role for host immunity in the alectinib therapeutic response. The cell lines (EA1, EA2, EA3) were propagated orthotopically in the lungs of immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and treated with alectinib. Tumor volumes were serially measured by μCT and immune cell content was measured by flow cytometry and multispectral immunofluorescence. Transcriptional responses to alectinib were assessed by RNAseq and secreted chemokines were measured by ELISA. All cell lines were similarly sensitive to alectinib in vitro and as orthotopic tumors in immunocompetent mice, exhibited durable shrinkage. However, in immunodeficient mice, all tumor models rapidly progressed on TKI therapy. In immunocompetent mice, EA2 tumors exhibited a complete response, whereas EA1 and EA3 tumors retained residual disease that rapidly progressed upon termination of TKI treatment. Prior to treatment, EA2 tumors had greater numbers of CD8+ T cells and fewer neutrophils compared to EA1 tumors. In addition, RNAseq of cancer cells recovered from untreated tumors revealed elevated levels of CXCL9 and 10 in EA2 tumors, and higher levels of CXCL1 and 2 in EA1 tumors. Analysis of pretreatment patient biopsies from ALK+ tumors revealed an association of neutrophil content with shorter time to progression. Combined, these data support a role for adaptive immunity in durability of TKI responses and demonstrate that the immune cell composition of the tumor microenvironment is predictive of response to alectinib therapy.
Single use plastic usage in the Maldives: Knowledge, practice and attitude
Authors: Naila Aishath , Raheem Raheema Abdul , Hassan Rifaath , Nazeer Abdullah , Samha Mariyam
Published: October 2022

Solid waste management in the Maldives is under extreme stress due to the unique nature of its geography and economic structure. Plastic pollution has been a growing concern for the Maldives. The purpose of this research study was to identify the current consumption patterns of the plastic items particularly single use plastics (SUP) as well as identifying the level of knowledge among the consumers about the SUP and consumer behavior to change and the public confidence level in drinking tap water. A questionnaire was used as the key instrument for primary data collection in this study. It enabled researchers to collect data in a standardized way so that the data were internally consistent for analysis. A total 817 out of 1095 responded to the survey from across the Maldives. The overall finding suggested that the majority of the consumers in the Maldives are still using single-use plastic in their everyday life. However, large percentage of consumers know the benefits of reducing plastic on human health and environment. With regard to the challenges or barriers in implementing the single-use plastic, consumers identified lack of available alternatives, higher costs, inconvenient transport, lack of hygiene, and time requirement. In addition, majority of the participants do not trust the quality of tap water in the country for various reasons, therefore, they prefer to consume bottle water. It seems there is an immense and urgent need to explore ways to increase consumers awareness and subsequent efforts to reduce the consumption of plastic in the country.
The association between patterns of early respiratory disease and diastolic dysfunction in preterm infants
Authors: de Waal Koert , Crendal Edward , Poon Amy , Latheef Mariyam , Sachawars Elias , MacDougall Thomas , Phad Nilkant
Published: October 2022

Background
Distinct patterns of early respiratory dysfunction are described in very preterm infants. Although mostly attributed to pulmonary parenchymal disease, cardiac pathophysiology might play an important role in the development of these clinical signs and symptoms. Methods
Preterm infants < 29 weeks’ gestation underwent cardiac ultrasounds around day 7 and day 14-21. Respiratory dysfunction patterns were classified as stable (ST), respiratory deterioration (RD) or early persistent respiratory dysfunction (EPRD) according to oxygen need. Diastolic dysfunction was diagnosed using a multi-parameter approach.
Results
98 infants (mean 27 weeks) were included. The prevalence of ST, RD and EPRD was 53%, 21% and 26% respectively. Diastolic dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in the RD and EPRD groups. Risk factors for developing diastolic dysfunction were a patent ductus arteriosus and significant growth restriction. Not all infants with a PDA developed diastolic dysfunction.
Conclusion
Respiratory dysfunction patterns are associated with cardiac pathophysiology
Influence of the manufacturing process of traditional dry-cured tuna on biogenic amine and free fatty acid profiles.
Authors: Sánchez-Parra Mónica , Lopez Annalaura , Ordóñez-Díaz José Luis , Rodríguez-Solana Raquel , Montenegro-Gómez José Carlos , Aparicio Jesús Pérez , Rojas José Manuel Moreno
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the formation of biogenic amines and free fatty acids occurring during the manufacturing process of a traditional salt-dried product based on yellowfin tuna, Thunnus albacares. (Protected Geographical Indication – Mojama). Histamine levels found in all stages of the manufacturing process did not exceed the maximum limits established in the European Commission (100–200 mg/kg) and US Food and Drug Administration (50 mg/kg) regulations. Yellowfin tuna fillets could be classified as lean fish flesh, presenting 1.18% fat on average. An increment in the free fatty acid fraction was evidenced along the manufacturing process, ranging from 10.37% of the total lipids in fresh loins to 16.88% in the dry-cured fillet product. High levels of unsaturated free fatty acids were observed, arising from phospholipids' degradation in the muscle. The results indicated that the traditional processing method of this salt-dried tuna product inhibits and minimizes most undesirable effects and maintains food safety, ensuring the quality of this high added-value product highly appreciated as gourmet food.
Key molecules in bladder cancer affect patient prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy: further exploration for CNTN1 and EMP1
Authors: Chen Hengxin , Zhou Tailai , Wang Yinzhao , Wen Sijie , Dao Pinghong , Chen Minfeng
Published: October 2022

Bladder cancer (BCa) is the most common male neoplastic disease, and its pathogenesis has not been fully explained. In this study, 5 key molecules, including CNTN1, MAP1A, EMP1, MFAP5, and PTGIS, were identified as key genes in the progression of BCa, and their riskScore was constructed. We found these five key genes to be significantly correlated with patient prognosis and immune checkpoint molecules, and the riskScore had a surprisingly accurate ability to predict patient prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. Among the high-risk groups identified by the riskScore, patient prognosis and immunotherapy effect were significantly worse than the others. In summary, we proved that 5 key genes were able to impact the prognosis of BCa, TME immune infiltration, and the efficacy of immunotherapy, and the riskScore tool we constructed will contribute to the development of individualized treatment for BCa.
MYL2 is a potential diagnostic, prognostic, and immune biomarker for HNSC
Authors: Ding Shun , Duan Tingting , Yu Yaping , Wu Haolin , Xu Zhengyang , Yan Dongming , Meng Qingwen , Liu Qibing , Mu Zhonglin
Published: October 2022

The significance of MYL2 as a possible HNSC treatment gene is unknown, the purpose of this study was to determine the exact involvement of MYL2 in HNSC.The Tumor Immune Estimate Resource (TIMER), UALCAN, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to assess MYL2 mRNA and protein expression levels in HNSC. Experimental tests, including immunohistochemistry, were used to corroborate the findings using HNSC tumor tissues and normal controls. Next, the prognostic effect of MYL2 on HNSC was analyzed using TCGA and GEPIA. Understanding MYL2 mutations in HNSC through the cBioPortal database. The metascape and CAMOIP datasets were also used to further understand MYL2's functional role. Finally, the effect of MYL2 on the immune microenvironment was examined by immune infiltration and monomolecular analysis.A poor prognosis often accompanies high MYL2 expression in HNSC. MYL2 can serve as an effective predictive biomarker for distinguishing HNSC from normal tissue, according to ROC studies. In addition, in HNSC, MYL2 is mainly affected by amplifying mutations. MYL2 may have a role in HNSC tumorigenesis and development via the calcium signaling route, the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway, and the interaction of ECM and receptors. Ultimately, we found that MYL2 influences the development of HNSC through the regulation of multiple immune cells. The findings show that MYL2 plays a crucial role in HNSC development and that it might be a potential independent prognostic biomarker and therapy target for HNSC.
Tumor preventive and antioxidant efficacy of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles in experimental skin carcinogenesis
Authors: Neelakandan M. , Manoharan S. , Muralinaidu R. , Monsi@Thara J.
Published: October 2022

Oxidative stress, a pathological condition, contributes to the pathophysiology of a number of diseases including carcinogenesis. Numerous studies pointed out the disturbed antioxidants status and accumulation of oxidative stress markers in the carcinogenesis. The present study analysed the anticancer efficacy of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles by utilizing the oxidative stress biomarkers as an endpoint in mice with skin cancer developed by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). Oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation by-products and antioxidants) levels or activities were measured using colorimetric assays. While mice exposed with DMBA alone showed a 100 percent tumour incidence, 0 and 50 percent tumor formation was seen in mice treated with DMBA+topical application of the nanoparticles and DMBA+orally administrated nanoparticles respectively. Also, the study noticed 33 percent and 67 percent tumor incidence was noticed in mice treated with DMBA+topical application of free chlorogenic acid and DMBA+orally administrated free chlorogenic acid respectively. The present study noticed that topical application of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles to DMBA painted mice completely suppressed the tumour growth and restored the levels or activities of oxidative stress markers as compared to mice received DMBA+oral administration of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles. The study observed chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles are more potent than free chlorogenic acid in preventing skin cancer in mice caused by DMBA. Thus, the present investigation explores the tumor inhibiting efficacy of chlorogenic acid loaded chitosan nanoparticles in experimental skin cancer and the tumor preventive efficiency could be attributed to their antilipid peroxitative and antioxidants effects.
Label Propagation Based on Bipartite Graph
Authors: Li Yaoxing , Bai Liang
Published: October 2022

Label propagation is a popular graph-based semi-supervised learning framework. Its effectiveness depends on the distribution of prior labels. If there are no objects with prior labels in parts of classes, the label propagation has a very bad performance. To get rid of this deficiency, we propose a label propagation based on bipartite graph algorithm. In this algorithm, we try to learn a bipartite graph as exemplar constraints that reflect the relations between objects and exemplars representing all the classes to guide the learning process, instead of label constraints in original label propagation. We provide a method to produce high-quality exemplars from two channels representing the known classes (where some objects have prior labels) and the missing classes (where all the objects have no prior labels), respectively. Based on the generated exemplars, the exemplar constraints can be learned by using relations in the known classes to evaluate that in the missing classes. Compared to other existing versions of the LP algorithms , we use different experiments to prove that the proposed algorithm can effectively overcome the label missing problem in some classes.
Preferred Z-Complementary Pairs and Their Application in Doppler Resilient Waveform Design
Authors: Shen Bingsheng , Yang Yang , Fan Pingzhi
Published: October 2022

Z-complementary pairs (ZCPs) are well-known, but few work has dedicated to their aperiodic cross-correlation. One objective of this paper is to propose a novel class of sequence pairs, called ``preferred Z-complementary pairs (PZCPs)'', where each sequence pair has Z-complementary property, and the aperiodic cross-correlation between the two sequences in each pair are zeros within a certain region. Some constructions of PZCPs from Golay complementary pairs (GCPs) are presented. Another objective of this paper is to apply PZCPs to design Doppler resilient waveforms combined with equal sums of powers (ESPs). Simulation results show that the proposed waveform has good Doppler tolerance.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2000) 06E30 · 11T71 · 94A60
Social Determinants of Multimorbidity Patterns in South Spain: Findings from the DEMMOCAD project
Authors: Carretero-Bravo Jesús , Ramos-Fiol Begoña , Ortega-Martín Esther , Suarez-Lledo Víctor , Salazar-Couso Alejandro , O’Ferrall-González Cristina , Dueñas-Rodríguez María , Peralta-Sáez Juan Luis , González-Caballero Juan Luis , Cordoba-Doña Juan Antonio , Lagares-Franco Carolina , Martínez-Nieto José Manuel , Almenara-Barrios José , Álvarez-Gálvez Javier
Published: October 2022

Multimorbidity is a growing challenge, associated with reduced quality of life, increased disability, increased health care utilisation, and increased mortality. There is a need to identify associations among patterns of chronic conditions and social determinants of health in the local context of specific population groups. This work aims to respond to this gap, detecting patterns of multimorbidity and their inequalities in the province of Cadiz (South Spain). A cross-sectional study was conducted through a telephone interview in population over 50 years of age. We use Latent Class Analysis to identify patterns from 31 health chronic conditions and to detect associations with social determinants. The model derived five patterns, with an entropy of 0.728, which were as follows: ‘Relative Healthy’, ‘Cardiovascular’, ‘Musculoskeletal’, ‘Musculoskeletal and Mental’ and ‘Complex Multimorbidity’. Patterns showed significant differences in the covariates, with results in age, education, income level, and health services use being of particular interest. All four patterns with more conditions also showed lower scores on the two dimensions of SF12 scale. We also found significant differences among patterns and districts in Jerez. These results highlight the existence of social inequalities in multimorbidity at the local level that should be addressed by implementing policies targeting the most vulnerable social groups in Cadiz.
Trophoblast stem-cell-derived exosomes alleviate cardiotoxicity of Doxorubicin via improving Mfn2-mediated mitochondrial fusion
Authors: Duan Junfeng , Liu Xiaoli , Shen Song , Tan Xi , Wang Yi , Wang Lian , Kang Lina , Wang Kun , Wei Zhonghai , Qi Yu , Hu Lei , Xu Biao , Gu Rong
Published: October 2022

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anticancer drug widely used with the side-effect of cardiotoxicity. The cardiotoxicity of Dox is closely related to mitochondrial damage. Mitochondrial dynamics is a quality control mechanism that usually helps to maintain a healthy mitochondrial pool. Trophoblast stem cell-derived exosomes (TSC-Exos) have been shown to protect cardiomyocytes from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. To explore whether the cardioprotective role is mediated by the regulation of mitochondrial dynamic mechanism, we isolated TSC-Exos from human trophoblast stem cells by ultracentrifugation and characterized them by Western blot and transmission electron microscopy. We performed cellular experiments with H9c2 cells co-cultured with Dox and TSC-Exos in vitro, and in vivo we established a heart failure model by intraperitoneal injection of Dox. Mice in the treatment group were received additional intracardiac injection of TSC-Exos. Then, the cardiac function, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial fragmentation of the treatment group were ameliorated.Dox caused an increased tendency of mitochondrial fission, which was manifested by a decrease in the average size of mitochondria. By receiving TSC-Exos treatment, this effect was eliminated, and its downstream molecular mechanism was investigated. In summary, these results suggested that TSC-Exos lesson DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through antiapoptotic effect and improving mitochondrial fusion with an increase in Mfn2 expression. Together, this study provides a potential new treatment scheme of TSC-Exos for the treatment of heart failure.
Echocardiographic Estimation of Left Ventricular Filling Pressures in Heart Transplant Recipients
Authors: Rahbar Zohreh , Badkoubeh Roya Sattarzadeh , Bakhshandeh Alireza , Mehrpooya Maryam , Sardari Akram , Larti Farnoosh , Tavoosi Anahita
Published: October 2022

Purpose
LV diastolic dysfunction has often been described as a sensitive sign of early graft rejection. Assessment of left ventricular filling pressure by echocardiography in heart transplant (HTx) recipients is challenging. We aimed to investigate the ability of echocardiographic indices to detect elevated Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in HTx patients.
Methods
This descriptive cross-sectional study included 39 HTx recipients who were candidates for endomyocardial biopsy as a part of their routine post-transplantation surveillance. Doppler transthoracic echocardiography was done before the procedure, and left heart catheterization was done during the endomyocardial biopsy.
Results
Thirty-nine patients (15 female, 24 male), with the mean age of 39.6 years (range 13 to 70), were enrolled. A strong relation was observed between lateral E/e’ and LVEDP (R = 0.64, P-value < 0.001) and average E/e’ and LVEDP (R = 0.6, P-value < 0.001). The best cutoff value for LVEDP prediction was the average E/e’ ≥ 6.8 with a sensitivity of 96.15% and specificity of 68.5% for the prediction of LVEDP more than or equal to 20mmHg. Two predictive models comprising age, gender, and lateral E/e’ or average E/e’ were also proposed. A significant relationship was also found between LVEDP and left ventricular global longitudinal strain (R=-0.31, P-value < 0.01).
Conclusion
Lateral E/e’ was the best predictor of LVEDP. The cutoff of average E/e’ had the best validity for the estimation of LVEDP. Despite the strong observed association, echocardiographic parameters still cannot consider as a surrogate for invasive LVEDP measurements when seeking information about left ventricle filling pressure on heart transplant recipients.
Education to Improve Public Health: An Application that Inspires the Design of Creative and Meaningful Tangible Play for Children
Authors: Dong Jessie
Published: October 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Potential of Burkholderia sp. IMCC1007 as a biodetoxification agent in mycotoxin biotransformation evaluated by mass spectrometry and phytotoxicity analysis
Authors: Din Abd Rahman Jabir Mohd , Shadan Nor Hidayah , Rosli Mohamad Azzuan , Musa Nur Fashya , Othman Nor Zalina
Published: October 2022

Microbial degradation is considered as an attractive method to eliminate exposure to mycotoxin that cause a serious threat in agriculture global industry and severe human health problems. Compared with other more prominent mycotoxin compounds, fusaric acid (FA) biodegradation has not been widely investigated. In this study, a fusaric acid-degrading bacterium Burkholderia sp. IMCC1007 was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and its detoxification characteristics were evaluated. This strain able to utilize FA as sole energy and carbon source with growth rate (µ) of 0.18 h− 1. Approximately 93% from the initial substrate FA concentration was almost degraded to the residual about 4.87 mg L− 1 after 12 h of incubation. The optimal degradation conditions for pH and temperature were recorded at 6.0 with 30°C respectively. An efficient FA degradation of strain IMCC1007 suggested its potential significance to detoxification development. Accroding to LC-MS/Q-TOF analysis, FA was bio-transformed to 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (C7H6O3) and other possible metabolites. Plant treated with detoxified FA products exhibited reduction of wilting index, mitigating against FA phytoxicity effect on plant growth and photosynthesis activity. Phytotoxicity bioassay suggested that degradation product of IMCC1007 was not a potent harmful compound towards plants as compared to the parent compound, FA. As a conslusion, our study provides a new insight into the practical application of biodetoxifcation agent in controlling mycotoxin contamination.
The impact of the initial and second national COVID-19 lockdowns on mental health in young people with and without pre-existing self-injury, suicide ideation, and ED symptoms
Authors: Danielsen Stine , Joensen Andrea , Andersen Per K , Madsen Trine , Strandberg-Larsen Katrine
Published: October 2022

Young people with pre-existing mental health problems were appointed as particularly vulnerable to deteriorations in mental health as consequences of the lockdowns, but solid evidence is limited. Using the Danish National Birth Cohort, we estimated changes in mental health from pre to during lockdown in 18-24-year-olds with versus without pre-existing self-injury, suicide ideation, and ED symptoms, respectively. Young people without pre-existing self-injury and suicide ideation experienced greater deterioration in quality of life and mental well-being and a higher proportion of loneliness compared to those without. The changes in mental health in people with versus without ED symptoms were more similar.
Combining skin and olfactory α-synuclein RT-QuIC - towards biomarker-driven phenotyping in synucleinopathies
Authors: Kuzkina Anastasia , Rößle Jonas , Seger Aline , Panzer Celine , Kohl Antonia , Maltese Virginia , Musacchio Thomas , Blaschke Stefan , Tamgüney Gültekin , Kaulitz Stefan , Rak Kristen , Scherzad Agmal , Zimmermann Philipp , Klussmann Jens , Hackenberg Stefan , Volkmann Jens , Sommer Claudia , Sommerauer Michael , Doppler Kathrin
Published: October 2022

Seeding assays, such as real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC), are becoming commonly used in synucleinopathies to detect α-synuclein aggregates. Studies in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and isolated REM-sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) have shown a considerably lower sensitivity in the olfactory epithelium than in CSF or skin. To get an insight into α-synuclein (α-syn) distribution within the nervous system and reasons for low sensitivity, we compared RT-QuIC assessment of nasal brushings and skin biopsies in PD and iRBD patients and unaffected controls. We could show higher sensitivity of RT-QuIC in skin compared to nasal brushings and a higher deposition of misfolded α-synuclein across all sampled tissues in the iRBD cohort compared to PD, supporting the notion of RBD as a marker of a more malignant subtype of synucleinopathy. Interestingly, we identified a PD subgroup of patients with misfolded α-syn in the olfactory epithelium who did not show any dermal pathology, likely corresponding to the recently proposed brain-first subtype. Assaying α-syn of diverse origin (such as olfactory and peripheral nervous system) could allow better stratification of patients.
Acellular dermal matrix treats lower extremity full-thickness skin defect on one-stage without skin graft or flaps
Authors: Li Gongchi , Shen Qian , Zhou Pan , Liu Hanlin , Chen Jianghai
Published: October 2022

Background: Self-repair of lower limb wounds has always been one of the research hotspots. Flaps and skin graft are the preferred treatment for lower extremity wound reconstruction. However, these treatments have many disadvantages, such as secondary damage, poor healing quality. In recent years, the use of acellular dermal matrix has emerged as an alternative treatment option for extremity ulcers.
Methods: This study aimed to explore whether acellular dermal matrix can be used as a single treatment to promote wound healing. 7 patients with lower extremities cutaneous deficiency exposing bone or tendon, was covered by Pelnac, which was an acellular dermal matrix product approved by China Food and Drug Administration. All the wound was treated by Pelnac without flaps and skin graft. The external dressing was changed every 10 days.
Results: After a maximum of 20 weeks, all the wounds were completely healed. During the 12 months follow-up period none of the patients developed skin wear on the treatment area. All patients maintained their postoperative ambulatory ability. All patients were satisfied with the appearance and feeling after wound healing.
Conclusion: These findings may mean acellular dermal matrix is a novel method oﬀering opportunity for treatment of lower extremities cutaneous deficiency exposing bone or tendon. It also has the potential to close wounds of all uninfected, non-ischemic, full-thickness cutaneous deficiency.
Plastic Optical Fiber Angle Sensor for 1-D and 2-D Based On Cascading Of TMBC
Authors: Ghaffar Abdul , Chhattal Muhammad , Mehdi Mujahid , Ali Fayaz , Ali Sikandar , Ali Salamat
Published: October 2022

The developed angle sensors are usually used for either clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction. Here, we present a relatively new setup of two angle sensors (1-D and 2-D) for independent and simultaneous clock and anti-clockwise rotation measurements. The proposed sensor is based on the twisted macro-bend coupling method (TMBC), in which two fibers are twisted and bent. The two-angle sensors are presented in which sensor-1 consists of a single twisted bend and sensor-2 contain two twisted bends on a single transmitting fiber. The angle measurement relies on the coupling of macro-bend loss. The stepper motor is used to drag the twisted fiber, resulting in a change in the bending radius that increases or decreases the macro-bend loss. A novel cascading method is introduced in the TMBC method for the sensor-2 and, two stepper motors are used in the second experiment. To prove the practicality, several test scenarios are conducted for both sensor configurations. The experimental results show that sensor-1 can measure angle ±180º, whereas the full clock and anti-clockwise cycle are achieved through sensor-2, having a measurement range is ±360º. Therefore, the proposed sensor can be a potential means for accurate angle measurement in industrial applications.