bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Architecture on Natural Ventilation Enhancement; an Ancient Windmill in Sistan, Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Elham , Jarkeh Mohammadreza , Arbabi Vahid , Zolfaghari Alireza
Published: May 2022

Over centuries different elements have been developed in architectures for ensuring adequate natural ventilation in residential units. This study assesses the different components of an ancient windmill in Sistan, Iran, on the structure's indoor air quality (IAQ) enhancement. Several climatic scenarios have been defined by the wind analysis of Sistan meteorological data and analyzed by CFD. The site measurements confirm the accuracy of the simulation results. In the windmill, two deflectors facing the prevailing wind are the significant elements which, in addition to the directing wind toward the entrance, they could form vortices near the east and west openings leading to suction ventilation. Alteration of the wind speed and angle from 10 m/s to 15 m/s and 30° to 17° would increase the air change per hour (ACH) by 150% and 110%, respectively. Meanwhile, the ACHs were higher than the ASHRAE desired level (ACH > 0.35).
Two-photon absorption cross-section investigation of visible light photoinitiators under Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond pulse laser at 1064 nm
Authors: Romphosri Suwat , Oo Phyu Sin , Karanyasopon Pornpawee , Traiphhol Rakchart , Waritanant Tanant
Published: May 2022

Two-photon polymerization (TPP) technologies commonly rely on femtosecond lasers such as Ti:sapphire which limits their accessibility due to high costs and complexities. Recently, multiple reports showed TPP under near-infrared irradiation which enables the use of alternative light sources such as Neodymium-doped lasers known to be affordable and efficient for nanosecond and picosecond pulsed generation. 4,4′-bis(dimethylamino) benzophenone or Michler’s ketone (MK), one of the photoinitiators commonly used for photopolymerization under UV irradiation, also shows an absorption band in the visible region which allows for two-photon polymerization at the fundamental wavelength of Neodymium-doped lasers at 1064 nm. In this report, we investigated the two-photon absorption (TPA) of MK in contrast with Irgacure-784 and Indane-1,3-dione, reported to also be promising photoinitiators for the same TPP process. Among them, MK showed a large TPA cross-section measured via the nonlinear transmission method and Z-scan technique with Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond pulse laser at 1064 nm, demonstrating MK as a promising photoinitiator for the low-cost two-photon polymerization.
Latent neural population dynamics underlie normal and disrupted breathing
Authors: Ramirez Jan-Marino , Bush Nicholas
Published: May 2022

Breathing is a vital rhythmic motor behavior incessant from the first to our last breath. Increasingly refined anatomical, physiological, and genetic methods identified critical neuronal structures for breathing in a rostro-caudally aligned column of discrete functional nuclei with distinct neuron types that constitute the Ventral Respiratory Column (VRC). However, the concept of such compartmentalized organization must be reconciled with the considerable neuronal heterogeneity distributed along the entire VRC. Using Neuropixel probes we record simultaneously from hundreds of neurons across the entire VRC in anesthetized, but otherwise intact, freely breathing mice. Combined with optogenetic tagging techniques, and 3D histological reconstruction we create a functional, anatomic, and genetic map of over 13,000 neurons in the VRC with single-unit and millisecond resolution. By applying recent neural population analyses we uncover that a highly constrained rotational latent dynamical mode governs normal breathing. Our data reveal that the offset of inspiration forms an attractor that resets the respiratory rhythm, suggesting that the respiratory cycle begins not at the onset of an inspiration, but its cessation. These trajectories are sensitive to metabolic and pharmacological manipulations. Opioid administration alters the latent timing, while hypoxia-induced gasping results in a discrete reconfiguration from rotational to ballistic dynamics. These data provide a novel look at an old problem. They conceptualize the constitutive components of respiratory neural activity not as being composed of the average activity of homogenous genetic cell-classes or single nuclei, but of the underlying low dimensional neural activity patterns (neural modes) which may be distributed across cells of a given genotype and/or anatomical location.
Magnetized water irrigating influences the growth and quality characteristics of Capsicum annuum L. under greenhouse cultivation in Shouguang city
Authors: Liu Xiumei , Ma Fengyun , Kong Linggang , Guo Jianyao , Meng Shiyuan , Bi Sisheng , Wang Lu
Published: May 2022

Background: Magnetic techniques have been reported as a feasible technology to improve the plant growth environment and help to promote soil restoration. Hence, it we applied these techniques, aiming to explore the effect of the magnetic treatment of irrigation water on promoting soil microecological conditions and seedling growth and production. A field experiment was performed under the cultivation conditions of a solar greenhouse. The crop Capsicum annuum L. was cultured in season during 2017 and 2018. A magnetic device was used to treat water, and two irrigation treatments were carried out. The physicochemical properties in the soil and the characteristics of seedling growth and parameters of fruits in long hot green pepper were analyzed.Results: Magnetized water irrigation (MWI) had the potential to promote bacterial and enzyme activities through increases in alpha-diversity indexes, abundance and multiple species, whereas mineral nutrient contents were enhanced. MWI had positive effects on promoting the physical characteristics in soil, which reduced the pH and bulk density and increased the total porosity and moisture content. MWI promoted morphological characteristics in both leaves and fruits and increased the fresh weight per fruit. MWI improved mineral nutrient contents and fruit quality. Moreover, the results of a correlation analysis between mineral nutrients, alpha-diversity parameters and bacterial communities showed that the relative abundance value was more than 10%, revealing that the dominant bacterial group of Proteobacteria was the opposite of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, whereas the latter two groups were significantly negatively correlated with the total contents of nitrogen and phosphorus and the contents of nitrate and ammonium nitrogen and available phosphorus but positively correlated with pH.Conclusions: In conclusion, The above results showed that irrigation with magnetically treated water could have helpful influences on soil quality; additionally, the improved soil conditions could be beneficial for the formation of bacterial groups, crop growth and output.
Groundwater quality assessment using water quality indices and GIS technique with kriging interpolation in Maadher plain of Hodna, northern Algeria
Authors: Selmane Tahar , Dougha Mostefa , Djerbouai Salim , Djemiat Djamaleddine , Lemouari Nadjet
Published: May 2022

In a semi-arid region of Maadher, central Hodna (Algeria), groundwater is the main source for agricultural and domestic purposes. The quality of groundwater is strongly influenced by surrounding anthropogenic activities under the effect of climate change. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of groundwater and its suitability for use in irrigation and drinking using quality indices and to identify polluted wells using geographic information system (GIS) by the spatial interpolation method of Kriging. The results showed that all water samples contained high levels of calcium, chlorine and sulfate, as well as alarming concentrations of nitrate ions that exceed WHO standards. Piper's diagram indicated that the groundwater hydrochemical facies is a sulfate-chloride-nitrate-calcium combination (SO₄2−-Cl−-NO₃⁻- Ca2+ water type). According to the water quality indices, the classifications of WQIs are similar, the majority of samples are in the poor water category and just over 10% of all samples are in the very poor water category, and less than 10% of the samples represent the good to excellent quality category. Irrigation water indices indicate that all samples are acceptable. Water quality maps generated using ordinary Kriging method show that high concentrations of salinization parameters (Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, SO₄2− and Cl−) were found north of the Maadher zone and decrease as we move south; except for bicarbonate and nitrate which were high in the center of the zone, near the Wadi Bousaada depression. The study revealed that groundwater quality has been affected by anthropogenic activities represented by excessive agricultural practices and inflows from Wadi Bousaada. The groundwater saturation index was calculated to know the origin of the mineralization and the chemical processes that occur in the aquifer.
Fuzzy adaptive fixed-time quantized consensus tracking control of power-chained nonlinear multi-agent systems with uncertainties: a singularity-dispelled approach
Authors: Zhou Chuhan , Wang Wenfei , Wang Ying
Published: May 2022

This paper studies the distributed singularity dispelled fixed-time quantized consensus tracking control for quite a large family of power-chained (powers are positive odd integers) nonlinear multi-agent systems in the presence of uncertainties. It is extremely challenging to achieve fixed-time consensus for such dynamics because conventional feedback linearization and backstepping method successfully developed for low-power systems fail to work, and some exponential terms typically arising from fixed-time stability are difficult to design due to the existence of high powers and strong couplings among distinct agents. The fixed-time consensus tracking is realized by incorporating adding-one-power-integrator methodology into our newly proposed more general fixed-time stability criterion which is available for approximation based dynamics. The singularity issue existing ubiquitously in fixed-time control is overcome by delicately introducing a switching singularity dispelled function. Moreover, a variable-separable lemma is utilized to extract the input quantization in a “linear-like” manner and fuzzy approximators are utilized to estimate the uncertainties in system. It is rigorously proved that the consensus tracking error eventually converges to a residual set in fixed time, while the boundedness of all closed-loop signals are guaranteed. Numerical and practical simulations further verify the effectiveness of proposed scheme.
Evaluation the effect of grape seed extract (GSE) on oral mucositis in patients with head and neck radiotherapy history
Authors: Eslami Hosein , Jamali Zahra , Babaei Hossein , Fakhrzadeh Vahid , Ahmadi Javad , Tavakoli Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Mucositis is one of the most important complication of radiotherapy.Some factors such as type of treatment and degree of patiens sensivity effect on mucositis occurance.This research was implemented to evaluate the effect of grape seed extract on radiation induced mucositis.Method and material: This research is a double blinded randomized clinical trial implemented on 78 patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy in oncology and radiotherapy ward of Imam Reza hospital of Tabriz. The patients were randomly divided in two groups, intervention and control group. each group included 39 patients. Intervention group used 2% grape seed extract mouthwashes and control group used placebo mouthwashes. The mouthwashes were used 3 times a day for 2 weeks. In order to statistical analyze of collected data, spss 20 software was applied.Results: The results showed that according to Friedman test, on 10th and 14th days mucositis grade and incidence had a significant difference between intervention and control groups.Conclusion: The study findings indicated that grape seed extract mouthwash in preventing radiation induced mucositis was more effective than placebo. Thus this agent can be recommended as an appropriate medicine in order to eliminate oral mucositis symptoms.
A Novel Approach to the Classification of Human Emotion and Analysis of Complete Mental State Using Brain EEG Signals
Authors: Kimmatkar Nisha , Babu B. Vijaya
Published: May 2022

In the area of brain-computer interface, Intelligent emotion detection based on Electroencephalography brain signals is of great significance. Currently, deep learning algorithms like DNN, CNN, and SVM have significantly improved detection and prediction accuracy in many fields. However, deep learning and SVM have certain limitations in perceiving global dependence. In the present scenario, most of the deep learning models rely on pre-processing, extracting features, and network topology but still are not sufficient to provide satisfactory accuracy for the small and noisy database. Overlapping in target classes and boundaries causes low performance of SVM no matter the dataset is highly dimensional with fewer samples. In this research study, the focus of the novel approach is on developing a classification strategy for working on more emotion types. A “Mean of Mean “algorithm is proposed to completely analyze mental state by considering all the features in the features set. Emotion is first classified into one of the quadrants from four quadrants of emotion by comparing with the referential mean and then depending on the intensity of arousal the emotion is further classified into 12 subtypes by using the MIN Max range. The proposed algorithm performed better compared to other algorithms and provide a wide range of emotion types. When compared to current research of multi-class emotion identification, the experimental findings demonstrated that the suggested technique is extremely competitive. The average accuracy rate was above 90%, and it provided a comprehensive assessment of the mental condition. On the emotional spectrum, a person's emotional state is assessed.
Does the Financial and Educational Status of the Patients Play a Role in Tooth Extraction?
Authors: Lima Fernanda Brasil Daura Jorge Boos , Costa Samuel Macedo , Ribeiro Bruna Campos , Vasconcelos Luana Soares , Frota Rodrigo Baeta da , Mota Barbara Gabrielle Bomfim da , Nunes Daniel Belo , Cruz Caio Diniz Da , Lima-Junior Sergio Monteiro
Published: May 2022

BackgroundsThe purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between educational status, family income, social inequality, and the Human Development Index (HDI) with the need for tooth extraction.MethodsThe authors conducted a 3,964 patients retrospective cohort, from 2007 to 2017, assessing gender, age, hometown, family income, general health data, educational level, extracted teeth, and cause of the extraction.ResultsFemales were predominant in a 1.5:1 ratio. The average number of removed teeth was 2.27 per patient. Third molar extraction was correlated with wealthier patients (p = .01), while poorer patients opted for the removal of other functional teeth. Neither social inequality nor human development promoted a correlation between which teeth were removed. Uneducated and poorly educated were related to the removal of other teeth, molars, and anterior teeth, rather than third molars (p = .032). Educated ones, with a college education and high school, preferably remove their third molar, without any other loss of permanent teeth (p = .006).ConclusionWealthy and educated patients are aware of oral health promotion programs, and usually seek elective treatment, especially third molars extractions, while the poor and uneducated are demanding treatment for functional teeth removal, worsening chewing, and aesthetics.
Influence of marine vertebrates on organic matter and trace element levels in Antarctic soils
Authors: Souza-Kasprzyk Juliana , Paiva Thais Castro , Convey Peter , Cunha Larissa Schmauder Teixeira , Soares Tuany Alves , Zawierucha Krzysztof , Costa Erli Schneider , Niedzielski Przemyslaw , Torres João Paulo Machado
Published: May 2022

The presence of marine vertebrates in reproductive colonies contributes to the input of organic matter into the local environment and it is believed that trace elements are subsequently remobilized from the excreta of these animals. In this study, we investigate the influence of marine vertebrates on trace elements levels (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Tb, U and Zn) and soil organic matter (SOM) content from five locations with and without marine vertebrate influence in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Islands. Soils were acid digested using microwave, elements were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and SOM was calculated by loss-on-ignition. The non-influenced and vertebrate-influenced soils had similar concentrations of most of trace elements assessed, however we observed a significant increase in SOM that was positively correlated with the concentrations of As, Cd, Se, Sr and Zn. Although marine vertebrates do not appear to significantly influence trace element concentrations in the soils examined here, this conclusion is based on a limited overall sample size and there is evident input of organic matter linked with increased concentrations of elements correlated with SOM, indicating a possible ornithogenic influence. Contrasting our results with other studies, we conclude that soil elemental levels are an interplay between local geology, vertebrate diet and colony size. Further studies with increased sample size are required to obtain a better understanding of marine vertebrate influence on trace element levels in Antarctic soils.
Bond durability of a two-step adhesive with a universal-adhesive-derived primer in different etching modes under different degradation conditions
Authors: Takamizawa Toshiki , Hirokane Eizo , Sai keiichi , Ishii Ryo , Aoki Ryota , Barkmeier Wayne W , Latta Mark A , Miyazaki Masashi
Published: May 2022

Objectives
This study investigated the enamel and dentin bond durability of a two-step adhesive system, using a universal adhesive-derived primer (G2-Bond Universal [GU]), and compared it with the two conventional, two-step, self-etch adhesive systems (Clearfil SE Bond 2 [CS] and OptiBond XTR [OX]) under thermal cycling (TC) and long-term water storage (WS).
Materials and Methods
The shear bond strengths to bovine enamel and dentin were determined using the etch-and-rinse and self-etch modes. Twelve specimens per test group were prepared and further divided into the following subgroups: 1) subjected to TC, 2) long-term WS, and 3) WS for 24 h (baseline). The cured adhesive layers’ water contact angle and surface free energy were measured.
Results
Among the specimens in the baseline subgroups, the GU’s enamel and dentin bond performances were equivalent to those of CS, regardless of the etching mode. Although GU’s enamel bond durability was similar to that of CS, its dentin bond durability was superior to those of the other adhesive systems in both etching modes. GU’s cured adhesive layer was more hydrophobic than those of the other adhesive systems.
Conclusion
The enamel and dentin bond durability of GU was superior to those of CS and OX in different etching modes and under different degradation conditions.
Clinical Relevance
The latest two-step adhesive system, which utilizes universal adhesives' benefits in its primer, might offer durable clinical bonding performances and can be widely used in a clinical setting.
Differences between atypical parathyroid tumors and parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Aydemir Ensar , Ünsal Yasemin , Ateş Coşkun , Cander Soner , Gül Özen Öz , Ersoy Canan , Ertürk Erdinç
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Atypical parathyroid tumor (APT) is a rare disease that can be challenging to distinguish from parathyroid adenoma. APT shows some laboratory and histopathological features with parathyroid cancer. This study attempts to compare clinical, laboratory, radiologic and histopathological characteristics in APT and parathyroid adenoma (PA).
Methods
This was a retrospective study was based on the database of eighty-two subjects who underwent surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism at a tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2021. Forty-one patients with APT matched by age and gender to controls with PA. Clinical, laboratory, radiologic and characteristics were obtained from the hospital database.
Results
Forty-five (54.8%) of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients were symptomatic, 36 (90%) had nephrolithiasis, 6 (15%) had fracture and 3 (7.5%) had hypercalcaemic crisis. APT patients present with significantly inceased serum calcium, parathormone (PTH) and alkalen phosphatase levels (P < .001, all). No significant difference was observed in the results of bone mineral density (BMD), T-scores and Z-scores. The size of adenoma was significantly greater in APT group (24 (8.8–70) mm vs. 12 (3.8–32) mm, P = 0.005). During the follow-up, multiple metastases due to parathyroid cancer were detected in one patient.
Conclusion
Our study revealed that increased preoperative serum calcium, parathormone, alkalen phosphatase concentrations and parathyroid adenoma size on ultrasound may have predicted the atypical parathyroid tumor.
Sodium acetate promotes the growth, lipid and carbohydrate biosynthesis of Micractinium reisseri FM1 under batch and fed-batch cultivation
Authors: Cao Yueqin , Xu Jiamin , Tong Yixin , Xie Zijian , Kong Weibao
Published: May 2022

Carbon supply and cultivation mode have important influence on the growth of microalgae and accumulation of active components in cells. The effects of exogenous sodium acetate (NaAc) and controlling the cultivation modes on the biomass production, cellular composition and lipids biosynthesis of Micractinium reisseri FM1 were evaluated. The algal strain showed satisfactory assimilating ability of NaAc in mixotrophic cultivation. In batch culture of the alga, at the optimal NaAc dosage of 10 g L− 1, the 8.8-fold biomass, and highest lipid content (38.85%) were attained, the maximal value of total pigments (30.83 mg g− 1) was achieved at 2 g L− 1 NaAc. Fed-batch culture mode performed the superiority in promoting the growth and total lipid accumulation by contrast with batch culture. Furthermore, carbohydrate synthesis, abundance of saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were also enhanced with NaAc supplementation and transformation of cultivation strategy, while protein synthesis was restrained. These results corroborated that M. reisseri FM1 can realize the feasibility of high-cell density, high lipid and carbohydrate biosynthesis through acetate supplementation and manipulating the feeding mode for the production of high value-added raw materials for biorefinery.
Successful treatment of refractory immune checkpoint inhibitor-related colitis after ileostomy creation: case report and literature review
Authors: Daito Koji , Makutani Yusuke , Yane Yoshinori , Ushijima Hokuto , Wada Toshiaki , Yoshioka Yasumasa , Iwamoto Masayoshi , Tokoro Tadao , Ueda Kazuki , Kawamura Junichiro
Published: May 2022

BackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors are widely used for treating malignant tumors, changed the framework of cancer treatment, but on the other hand, Immune-related adverse event occurs due to excessive immune response. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related colitis shows symptoms similar to ulcerative colitis, and high-dose corticosteroids and anti-TNF-alpha antibodies are recommended, but surgical treatment has not yet been established for cases that are refractory to medical therapy.Case presentationThis case involved a 64-year-old male. PD-L1 expression in the recurrent lesion of lung adenocarcinoma was positive, and treatment with pembrolizumab was initiated. Hematochezia and diarrhea were observed 8 weeks after the start of the treatment and was diagnosed as irAE colitis. The patient was treated with corticosteroid, infliximab, mesalazine, and leukocytapheresis for irAE colitis, but was refractory. The patient's performance status was poor, and proctocolectomy and subtotal colectomy according to the treatment of refractory ulcerative colitis were not indicated, so a diverting loop ileostomy was performed to rest the colon. The abdominal symptoms resolved after the surgery, and chemotherapy was resumed 3 months after surgery. Stoma closure could not be performed because the mucosal lesions did not improve on colonoscopy; nevertheless, there were no symptoms of irAE colitis, and nivolumab could be administered from the eighteenth month after surgery. However, it was not effective, and the patient died of the primary disease two years after surgery.Discussion and ConclusionsWe encountered a case in which a diverting loop ileostomy was performed for irAE colitis refractory to medical treatment, and the symptoms were alleviated. However, surgical treatment of refractory irAE colitis and resumption of ICIs after irAE development need to be fully discussed.
Analysis of Meteorological Drought using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDIst) at Bilate basin, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Engdaw Getnet , Legesse Abiyot , Mohammed Yimer , Likissa Dereje
Published: May 2022

Background: Drought Indices has an important role to assess drought over the surfaces of the Earth. Drought is one of the most complex and severe catastrophes in the study area that causes damage in different ways. The main objective of this study is to assess the spatiotemporal variation of meteorological drought using Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDIst) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Boricha District. The study used the long-term gridded rainfall and temperature data in six stations covering the period of (1985-2016). The spatial distribution of drought was mapped using ArcGIS 10.3 spatial analysis tool and interpolated using Inverse Distance Weight (IDW) method.Results: The spatiotemporal variation of meteorological drought was analyzed by using both SPI and RDIst at seasonal and annual timescale. In spring season two extreme droughts were observed in station-2 and 3 with the same SPI value of (-2.26). During summer season in station-3 extreme drought was detected with SPI values of (-2.32), in station-4 one extreme drought was observed with SPI values of (-2.14). In 12 month RDIst time scale, one extreme drought was identified in station-4 during 2012 with RDIst value of (-2.25), and in station-6 one extreme drought has been occurred during 2009 with RDIst value of (-2.23). The study area was affected by drought of slight/mild to extreme droughts at all time scale. MK trend test indicates the tendency of drought was decreased and statistically insignificant in spring and annual timescales except station-1 (12 months SPI) in the study period of (1985-2016). The temporal correlation analysis of SPI and RDIst was applied with the correlation coefficient at seasonal (spring, summer) and annual timescale (r = 0.99) and it’s significant at P = 0.01 levels was achieved, which indicates very strong positive correlation. Conclusion: The study area was more affected by meteorological drought. There is no a station without drought in all parts of the district. The substantial parts of the district are under severe and extreme drought risk, calling for an immediate intervention by the regional and federal disaster risk preparedness and natural resource office to save people and Natural resource.
On triple correlation sums involving Fourier coefficients of cusp forms
Authors: Hou Fei
Published: May 2022

Let $g$ be a newform of trivial level, and $f$ a newform of prime level $p$. In this paper, we investigate the sum $ \sum_{m\ge 1} \sum_{n\ge 1} a_n \lambda_g(m)\lambda_{f}(m+pn) \,U{\lf({m}/{X}\ri) }V{\lf ({n}/{H}\ri)}$ to determine the explicit dependence on the level, where $\mathbf{a}=a_n\in \C$ be any complex sequences. As a result, we prove a uniform bound with respect to the level parameter $p$, and present that this type of sum is non-trivial for any given $H,X\ge 2$.MSC: 11F67; 11F66
The Pan-Genome of the Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Corynebacterium striatum
Authors: Jesus Hendor N. R. , Ramos Juliana N. , Rocha Danilo J. P. G. , Alves Daniele A. , Silva Carolina S. , Cruz João V. O. , Vieira Verônica V. , Souza Cassius , Santos Louisy S. , Navas Jesus , Ramos Rommel T. J. , Azevedo Vasco , Aguiar Eric R. G. R. , Mattos-Guaraldi Ana L. , Pacheco Luis G. C.
Published: May 2022

Corynebacterium striatum, a common constituent of the human skin microbiome, is now considered an emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen of immunocompromised and chronically ill patients. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms in the transition from colonization to the multidrug-resistant (MDR) invasive phenotype in clinical isolates. This study performed a comprehensive pan-genomic analysis of C. striatum, including isolates from ‘normal skin microbiome’ and from MDR infections, to gain insights into genetic factors contributing to pathogenicity and multidrug resistance in this species. For this, three novel genome sequences were obtained from clinical isolates of C. striatum of patients from Brazil, and other 24 complete or draft C. striatum genomes were retrieved from GenBank, including the ATCC6940 isolate from the Human Microbiome Project. Analysis of C. striatum strains demonstrated the presence of an open pan-genome (α = 0.852803) containing 3,816 gene families, including 15 antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and 32 putative virulence factors. The core and accessory genomes included 1,297 and 1,307 genes, respectively. The identified AMR genes are primarily associated with resistance to aminoglycosides and tetracyclines. Of these, 66.6% are present in genomic islands, and four AMR genes, including aac(6')-ib7, are located in a class 1-integron. In conclusion, our data indicated that C. striatum possesses genomic characteristics favorable to the invasive phenotype, with high genomic plasticity, a robust genetic arsenal for iron acquisition, and important virulence determinants and AMR genes present in mobile genetic elements.
Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Rosa Damascena Mill on anxiety and oxidant/antioxidant status in rats fed with a long-term high-fat diet
Authors: Rezvani-Kamran Arezoo , Komaki Somayeh , Salehi Iraj , Golipoor Zoleikha , Kourosh-Arami Masoumeh , Rashno Masome , Komaki Alireza
Published: May 2022

Today, a high-fat diet (HFD) is widely used in most communities. This diet causes anxiety by oxidative stress and inflammation. On the other hand, the Rosa damascena mill has potent antioxidant properties and can eliminate free radicals. In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of R. damascena on anxiety was investigated in male rats fed with a HFD. In this experiment, forty male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were used. The extract was administrated through gavage for one month. The HFD was consumed freely by the animals for three months. The elevated plus-maze (EPM) was used to assess anxiety. At the end of the experiment, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes and the levels of corticosterone also were measured. In the EPM test, the number of entries into the open arms and time spent in the open arms in the HFD + extract group significantly increased compared with the HFD group. The activity of GPX and SOD enzymes was lower in the HFD group than in the control group. The level of serum corticosterone in the HFD group was higher than in the control group, whereas the HFD + extract group was found with significantly lower corticosterone levels than the HFD group. In the EPM, a HFD caused anxiety and the extract decreased it. These effects of extract probably are due to its antioxidant properties. The extract increased the GPX and SOD activities, which is representative of its antioxidant activity.
Comprehensive nomogram models for prediction of checkpoint inhibitors pneumonia
Authors: Jia Xiaohui , Liang Ting , Du Yonghao , Li Yanlin , Zhang Yajuan , Mao Ziyang , Xu Longwen , Shen Yuan , Niu Gang , Guo Hui
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Checkpoint inhibitors pneumonia (CIP) is a common type of irAEs with poor clinical prognosis. Currently, there is a lack of effective biomarkers and predictive models to predict the occurrence of CIP.Materials and Methods: The study retrospectively included 327 patients who received immunotherapy for the first time as a training cohort and 167 patients as a validation cohort. Patients were assessed for the occurrence of CIP, and were divided into any grade CIP cohort, grade ≥2 CIP cohort, and grade ≥3 CIP cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent risk factors. Based on that, predictive nomograms were constructed and validated to predict the risk of CIP. Results: The overall incidence of CIP was 18.61%. Based on the results of multivariate analysis, we established nomogram models for predicting any grade CIP and grade ≥2 CIP, respectively. For the nomogram to predict any grade CIP, the C index of the model in the training cohort and validation cohort were 0.814 (95%CI=0.760-0.870) and 0.919 (95%CI=0.842-0.941), respectively. Similarly, as for the nomogram of grade 2 or higher CIP, the C index of the model in the training cohort and validation cohort were 0.879 (95%CI=0.81-0.92) and 0.936 (95%CI=0.812-0.982), respectively. Conclusions: After internal verification and external verification, the predictive power of nomogram models is satisfactory and they are expected to be a convenient, visual, and personalized clinical tool for assessing the risk of developing CIP in patients receiving ICIs treatment.
Automated Closed-Loop Propofol Anesthesia versus Desflurane Inhalation Anesthesia in Obese Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Randomized Analysis of Recovery Profile
Authors: Dutta Amitabh , Sethi Nitin , Puri Goverdhan D , Sood Jayashree , Choudhary Prabhat K , Jain Anil K , Panday Bhuwan C , Gupta Manish
Published: May 2022

Purpose Precision general anesthesia (GA) techniques that minimizes presence of residual anesthetic and facilitate recovery, are desirable in patients with morbid obesity. Automated administration of propofol TIVA, which facilitates precision propofol delivery by factoring-in continuous patient input variable (BIS) to establish a closed feedback loop system; may help mitigate concerns related to propofol’s lipid solubility and adverse accumulation kinetics in patients with morbid obesity. This randomized study evaluated recovery from patients with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric surgery under propofol TIVA automated by a closed-loop anesthesia delivery system (CLADS) versus desflurane GA. MethodsForty patients, randomly allocated to receive propofol TIVA (CLADS group) or desflurane GA (desflurane group), were evaluated for postoperative recovery (early and intermediate) (primary objective); intraoperative hemodynamics, anesthesia depth consistency, anesthesia delivery performance characteristics, patient satisfaction, and incidence of adverse events (sedation, pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting) (secondary objectives). Results No difference was found for the time-to-eye-opening (CLADS group: 4.7[3,6.7] minutes versus desflurane group: 5.6[4,6.9] minutes, P= 0.576), time-to-extubation (CLADS group: 6.7[4.7,9.3] minutes versus desflurane group: 7[5.8,9.2] minutes, P= 0.528), ability-to-shift score from OR table to the transport bed (CLADS group: 3[3,3.5] versus desflurane group: 3[3,4], P= 0.703), and time taken to achieve a modified Aldrete score 9/10 (CLADS group: 15[15,37.5] minutes versus desflurane group: 15[15,43.7] minutes, P= 0.867). ConclusionAutomated propofol TIVA as administered by CLADS, which matched desflurane GA in respect to depth of anesthesia consistency and post-anesthesia recovery profile; can be explored further as an alternative anesthesia technique in patients with morbid obesity.Clinical trial registration number: Clinicaltrials.gov protocol and results registration system ID: NCT03099616. Date of registration: 28/03/2017
A ten-gene retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid complex diagnosis signature for age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Li He-Yan , Dong Li , Zhou Wen-Da , Wu Hao-Tian , Li Yi-Fan , Zhang Rui-Heng , Li Yi-Tong , Yu Chu-Yao , Wei Wen-Bin
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease in the elderly with a prominent genetic basis. This study aimed to apply machine learning method to develop a novel diagnostic model for AMD based on gene biomarkers in RPE/choroid complex, which may be potential therapeutic targets.Methods: We collected RPE/choroid tissue gene expression profiles of AMD and normal patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as training and validation cohorts. After differential expression analysis and the selection of gene biomarkers by random forest algorithms, selected genes were applied to the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression to construct a diagnostic model in the training cohort. The diagnostic ability of the model was further tested in the validation cohort. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune cell assessment were also conducted for further analyses.Results：A noval diagnostic model based on ten genes (BMPR2, CNOT3, CRLF1, FXYD6, HRASLS5, KRTDAP, NUDT16L1, PI16, PLAGL1, SART1) was constructed in the training cohort. The AUC in the training cohort reached 0.908 (95% CI: 0.823-0.975), while it remained 0.809 (95% CI: 0.522-0.889) in the validation cohort. According to the GSEA analysis, glutathione metabolism and phototransduction pathway are the two shared enriched pathways in the training and validation cohorts. Functional enrichment analysis and immune cell evaluation demonstrated that AMD was significantly correlated with both adaptive and innate immune cells, and the levels of neutrophil in the high-risk group were significantly higher than that in the low-risk group in both training and validation datasetsConclusion: We identified and validated a novel ten-gene-based diagnostic model with high accuracy for AMD. The current study provided a promising tool to be used as a precise and cost-effective non-invasive test in clinical practice.
Melatonin protect PC12 cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced damage via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yibao , Guo Xudong , Cheng Xiaorong , Hu Xuchang , Kang Jihe , Lin Aixin , Kang Xuewen , He Xuegang
Published: May 2022

Activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress play an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury (SCI). Melatonin (MT) has good antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. In this study, the oxidative stress model of adrenal pheochromocytoma cells (PC12) was established by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in order to evaluate the protective effect of MT on SCI model in vitro and its possible mechanism. PC12 cells were treated with H2O2 to establish cellular oxidative stress model. Cells were treated with different concentrations of MT (control group, 10uM MT + H2O2, 25uM MT + H2O2, 50uM MT + H2O2). Cell viability was detected by CCK-8. Intracellular ROS were detected by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, and apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect Nrf2, HO-1, SOD2, Prxd3, IL-1β, IL-18, iNOS protein expression. The results showed that MT could reduce H2O2-induced oxidative stress injury and cell apoptosis. MT inhibited the expression of IL-1β, IL-18, iNOS and promoted the expression of SOD2 and Prxd3. In addition, MT promoted Nrf2, HO-1 expression. In conclusion, MT pretreatment can protect H2O2-induced oxidative damage of PC12 cells through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Attitudes and health behaviors of middle-aged and older adults with elevated tumor markers in China
Authors: Yu Renke , Xu Zhijie , Lu Yiting , Zhu Yue , Chen Liying
Published: May 2022

Objectives To understand the attitudes and health behaviors of middle-aged and older adults in China after receiving elevated results of tumor markers(TMs) test in the annual health examinations (AHEs) and explore the influencing factors.Design A three-section online questionnaire survey was conducted from March 1 to April 30, 2020. It included items on participants’ sociodemographic features, attitudes, and health behaviors. Setting and Participants Participants were aged 45 and older and had at least one elevated result on four types of TMs in the AHEs in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Hangzhou, China, between January 1 and December 31, 2018.Methods Clinical information was collected from the online survey and medical records. Descriptive statistics were carried out followed by regression analyses.Results Of 380 participants, 76.1% were unwilling to quit the TMs test in AHEs, whereas 75.3% would take the doctor’s advice and quit unnecessary TMs test; 67.4% felt stressed about their TMs. Among participants with elevated TMs, 76.8% changed lifestyle to keep healthy, 74.2% sought health information, 58.9% requested a TMs retest, and 50.3% did further tests to confirm a diagnosis. Family history of cancer was associated with lifestyle changing; education level, area of residence and health insurance were associated with health information seeking; comorbidity were associated with retests and sequential confirming tests.Conclusions and Implications The application of the TMs test in AHEs among Chinese people may lead to positive and negative behavioral consequences and psychological distress. Doctors have a significant impact on patients’ health behaviors. Accurate indications and adequate communication with patients before and after the TMs test are in great need.
Color stability and translucency of ceramic laminate veneer restoration for diastema closure: Effect of resin cement containing different photoinitiators
Authors: Adel Eman , Al-Zordk Walid , Hasouna Mahy , Elsherbini Ahmed , Sakrana Amal Abdelsamad
Published: May 2022

Objectives: To investigate the color stability and translucency of different ceramic laminate veneers for diastema closure bonded with resin cement using different photoinitiating systems based on benzoyl germanium compounds and iodonium salts.Materials and Method: Sixty abutments were milled from a polymethyl methacrylate disc to duplicate a maxillary left central incisor tooth model that had been prepared for laminate veneer restoration. The abutments were devided into six groups (n=10) according to the ceramic type (lithium disilicate, zirconia reinforced lithium silicate, and translucent zirconia) and cement type (Variolink Esthetic LC and RelyX Veneer). Each laminate veneer was bonded to its respective abutment and stored in water for 24 hours. The color coordinates and translucency were analyzed with a reflectance spectrophotometer after cementation and after immersion in coffee solution. The translucency parameters and contrast ratio were measured. The color and the translucency differences were calculated and the data were analyzed (α=.05). The differences in color and translucency were estimated, and the results were statistically assessed (=.05). Results: Ceramic materials showed a significant impact (P ˂.001) on the color changes after coffee immersion within the Variolink Esthetic LC groups. Ttranslucent zirconia showed the highest color change, followed by zirconia reinforced lithium silicate and lithium disilicate. Among the RelyX Veneer groups, the ceramic materials showed a significant impact (P ˂.001). Translucent zirconia showed the highest color change, followed by zirconia reinforced lithium silicate and lithium disilicate. The two-way ANOVA test showed a significant interaction in color changes between ceramic type and cement type after cementation (P=.040), and after coffee immersion (P=.001). All groups showed a clinically acceptable difference in translucency parameters after coffee immersion. The two-way ANOVA test found a non-significant effect (P=.151) on translucency changes.Conclusions: Cement selection is important for the color stability and translucency of ceramic laminate veneers after coffee staining. Lithium disilicate veneer is more resistant to coffee staining than zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate and translucent zirconia veneers. Ceramic laminate veneers bonded with resin cement contain benzoyl germanium compounds (Variolink Esthetic LC) are more translucency. However, ceramic laminate veneers bonded using resin cement contain iodonium salts (RelyX Veneer) are more resistant to coffee staining. Clinical relevance: The dentists have to face challenges of predicting the final color of various ceramic laminate veneer restorations used for diastema closure and estimating its color stability after final cementation.
Correlation between estimated glucose disposal rate and in-stent restenosis following percutaneous coronary intervention in individuals with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Liu Chi , Zhao Qi , Ma Xiaoteng , Cheng Yujing , Sun Yan , Zhang Dai , Liu Xiaoli , Zhou Yujie
Published: May 2022

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is closely associated with in-stent restenosis (ISR) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Nevertheless, the predictive power of the newly developed simple assessment of IR, estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR), for ISR after PCI in individuals with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) remains unclear.Methods: Based on eligibility criteria, 1218 NSTE-ACS cases administered PCI in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Between January and December 2015 were included. The included individuals were submitted to at least one coronary angiography within 48 months after discharge. Patients were assigned to 2 groups according to ISR occurrence or absence. eGDR was derived as 21.16 - (0.09 * waist circumference [cm]) - (3.41 * hypertension) - (0.55 * glycated hemoglobin [%]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was established for evaluating eGDR’s association with ISR. Results: In multivariate logistic analysis, the odds ratios (ORs) of eGDR as a nominal variate and a continuous variate were 3.393 (confidence interval [CI] 2.099-5.488, P<0.001) and 1.210 (CI 1.063 - 1.378, P=0.004), respectively. The incremental effect of eGDR on ISR prediction based on traditional cardiovascular risk factors was reflected by ROC curve analysis (AUC: baseline model + eGDR 0.644 vs. baseline model 0.609, P for comparison=0.013), continuous net reclassification improvement (continuous-NRI) of -0.264 (p<0.001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) of 0.071 (p=0.065).Conclusion: In NSTE-ACS cases administered PCI, eGDR levels are independently negatively associated with increased ISR risk.
One-Stage Transanal Endorectal Pull-through for Hirschsprung Disease: experience with 229 neonates
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Liu Zhaozhou , Li Shuangshuang , Yang Shen , Zhao Jiawei , Yang Ting , Li Siqi , Chen Yongwei , Guo Weihong , Hou Dawei , Li Yingzi , Huang Jinshi
Published: May 2022

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) and the long-term outcomes in newborns with HD.Methods: A total of 229 newborns with HD underwent one-stage TEPT between 2007 and 2020, and the diagnoses were confirmed by rectal biopsy. The perioperative clinical course for all patients was reviewed, and the postoperative short- and long-term outcomes were assessed.Results: A total of 229 neonates (187 male and 42 female) had a median age at TEPT of 17 days (range, 6-28 days). Sixty-eight patients (29.7%) underwent TEPT combined with an abdominal approach or laparoscopy. Early postoperative complications were documented in 26 patients (11.4%). The follow-up period in the remaining 165 children ranged from 1.2 to 14.0 years (median, 5.0 years), and late postoperative complications were noted in 6 patients (3.6%). A total of 106 of the patients older than four years old took part in an interview about bowel function, and 85 patients (80.2%) had a bowel function scores (BFS) ≥ 18.Conclusion: TEPT is effective and safe in the treatment of neonatal HD and presents with a low rate of complications and an acceptable outcome.