bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Testing of a High-Speed Helicoaxial Pump for High Gas Volume Fraction Operation
Authors: Ejim Chidirim , Xiao Jinjiang , Lee Woon , Zabala Wilson
Published: June 2022

High-speed-rotor dynamic pump operation for downhole or surface production is required and also beneficial to handle very high gas volume fraction (GVF) flows. Operating speeds of these pumps can be in excess of twice those of conventional pumps. This study presents results showing that a high-speed helicoaxial pump (HAP) can operate satisfactorily at intake GVFs of up to 98%. The findings increase capabilities of field engineers and operators to boost and maximize production from high gas content wells.

The HAPs tested had a 4-in. housing outer diameter (OD) and shaft rotational speed of 6,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). HAP rotor and diffuser clearances were 0.010 and 0.020 in. A water sprayer was included at the HAP inlet. Water volume flow rates were held constant and that for air was varied. Water volume flow rate range was 63 to 143 B/D, and 549 to 3,238 B/D for air. Intake pressures varied from 14 to 76 psig, and average temperature across the HAPs was 20°C. The corresponding measurements were recorded during observed stable pump operation for each test point.

The results showed that the HAPs had stable operation during the tests for intake GVF range from 79 to 98%. The range of dimensionless pressure boost (DPB) was between 0.0184 and 0.0501, indicating that at such high speeds, the HAPs were able to add energy to the fluid even at high intake GVFs. For a given intake gas/liquid density ratio, the DPB decreased with increasing intake GVF. For the same liquid flow coefficient and intake GVF, increasing the intake gas/liquid density ratio increased the DPB of the HAP. The higher intake density ratio enhanced the HAP’s capability to provide positive pressure boost up to an intake GVF just above 98%. It was also observed that the HAP with the tighter diffuser-rotor clearance of 0.010 in. had a higher pressure boosting capability than the HAP with 0.020-in. diffuser-rotor clearance. Proper pump intake flow conditioning and homogenization using the water spray facilitated stable operation of the HAPs. Overall and in conclusion, running HAPs at high speeds in addition to optimizing certain features of the HAPs can result in stable pump operation and enhanced pressure boosting in high GVF flows.

This study mainly highlights the importance of operating HAPs at high speeds of up to 6,000 RPM. Tightening clearances between rotordynamic components and tailored inlet flow conditioning are also additional features that enhance pressure boosting. This architecture opens up opportunities for field operators and engineering personnel to maximize hydrocarbon production from their very high gas content field assets, thereby increasing the economic bottom line for the stakeholders.
The influence of baseline characteristics, treatment and depression on health-related quality of life in patients with multiple myeloma: A prospective observational study
Authors: Fischer Julia , Knop Stefan , Danhof Sophia , Einsele Hermann , Keller Daniela , Löffler Claudia
Published: June 2022

Background
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the third most common hematologic malignancy with increasing importance due to improving treatment strategies and long-term outcomes in an aging population. This study aims to analyse influencing factors on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), such as treatment strategies, participation in a clinical trial and patient characteristics like anxiety, depression, gender, and age. A better understanding of the individual factors in context with HRQoL could provide a helpful instrument for clinical decisions.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, the HRQoL of MM patients with different therapies (first-line and relapse) was quantified by standardized questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and -MY20) in the context of sociodemographic data, individual anxiety and depressiveness (PHQ-4), and a selected number of clinical parameters and symptoms at defined time-points before, during, and after therapy.
Results
In total, 70 patients were included in the study. The median age of the study cohort was 62 years. 44% were female and 56% were male patients. More than half of the patients were fully active with an ECOG 0. Global health status was significantly higher in patients with first-line treatment and even increased after start of therapy, while the pain level decreased. In contrast, patients with relapsed MM reported a decreasing global health status and increasing pain. Additionally, there was a higher global health status in less anxious/depressive patients. HRQoL decreased significantly after start of chemotherapy in the parameters body image, side effects of treatment, and cognitive functioning. Tandem stem-cell transplantation was not found to be a risk factor for higher impairment of HRQoL. Participation in a clinical study led to an improvement of most aspects of HRQoL. Among others, increased anxiety and depression, female gender, older age, impaired performance status, and recurrent disease can be early indicators for a reduced HRQoL.
Conclusion
This study showed the importance of regular longitudinal assessments of patient reported outcomes (PROs) in routine clinical care. For the first time, to our knowledge, we were able to demonstrate a potential impact between participation in clinical trials and HRQoL. However, due to frequently restrictive inclusion criteria for clinical trials, these MM patients might not be directly comparable with patients treated within standard therapy concepts. Further studies are needed to clarify the relevance of this preliminary data in order to further an individualized, patient-centred, therapy concept.
The APPLE Tree programme: Active Prevention in People at risk of dementia through Lifestyle, bEhaviour change and Technology to build REsiliEnce: Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Poppe Michaela , Duffy Larisa , Marchant Natalie , Barber Julie , Hunter Rachael , Bass Nick , Minihane Annemarie , Walters Kate , Higgs Paul , Rapaport Penny , Lang Iain , Morgan-Trimmer Sarah , Huntley Jonathan , Walker Zuzana , Brodaty Henry , Kales Helen , Ritchie Karen , Burton Alexandra , Wenborn Jennifer , Betz Anna , Cooper Claudia
Published: June 2022

Background
Largescale trials of multi-domain interventions show that modifying lifestyle and psychological risk factors can slow cognitive decline. We aim to determine if a lower intensity, personally tailored secondary dementia prevention programme for older people with subjective or mild objective memory decline, informed by behaviour change theory, reduces cognitive decline over two years.
Methods
A multi-site, single-blind randomised controlled trial recruiting 704 older adults at high dementia risk due to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). Participants are randomised using 1:1 allocation ratio to the APPLE-Tree intervention versus control arm (dementia prevention information), stratified by site. The intervention explores and implements strategies to promote healthy lifestyle, increase pleasurable activities and social connections and improve long-term conditions self-management Two facilitators trained and supervised by a clinical psychologist deliver ten, one-hour group video call sessions over 6 months (approximately every fortnight), video-call “tea breaks” (less structured, facilitated social sessions) in intervening weeks, and individual goal-setting phone calls every two weeks. From 6–12 months, participants meet monthly for “tea breaks”, with those not attending receiving monthly goal-setting phone calls. Participants receive a food delivery, pedometer, and website access to cognitive training and information about lifestyle modification. Follow-ups for all outcome measures are at 12 and 24 months. The primary outcome is cognition (Neuropsychological Test Battery (NTB) score) at 24 months. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, cost per quality adjusted life year (QALY), and wellbeing and lifestyle factors the intervention targets (diet, vascular risk, body weight, activity, sleep, anxiety, depression, social networks and loneliness, alcohol intake and smoking). Participants from purposively selected sites participate in qualitative process evaluation interviews, which will be analysed using thematic analytic methods.
Discussion
If effective, the intervention design, involving remote delivery and non-clinical facilitators would facilitate intervention roll-out to older people with memory concerns.
Trial registration:
ISRCTN17325135. Registration date 27th November 2019. https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17325135
Novel Prognostic Indicator Combining Inflammatory Indicators and Tumor Markers for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yu Liang , Jiang Runben , Chen Wanjing , Liu Yanwei , Wang Gui , Gong Xin , wang Yong
Published: June 2022

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and we hope to identify an economical but practical prognostic indicator. It has been reported that inflammatory indicators and tumor markers are associated with GC progression and are widely used to predict prognosis. However, existing prognostic models do not comprehensively analyze these predictors.
Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed 893 consecutive patients who underwent curative gastrectomy from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2015, in the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University. Prognostic factors predicting overall survival (OS) were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Nomograms including independent prognostic factors were plotted for predicting survival.
Results
Ultimately, 425 patients were enrolled in this study. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, total neutrophil count/lymphocyte count*100%) and CA19-9 were independent prognostic factors for OS (p = 0.001, p = 0.016). The NLR-CA19-9 score (NCS), constructed as the combination of the NLR and CA19-9, was significantly associated with worse clinicopathological characteristics and OS (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed that the NCS was an independent prognostic factor for OS (NCS1: p < 0.001, HR = 3.172, 95% CI = 2.120–4.745; NCS2: p < 0.001, HR = 3.052, 95% CI = 1.928–4.832). Compared with traditional predictive indices, the NCS had the highest AUC for 12-month survival, 36-month survival, 60-month survival and OS (AUC = 0.654, 0.730, 0.811, 0.803, respectively). The nomogram had a higher Harrell’s C-index than TNM stage alone (0.788 vs. 0.743).
Conclusions
The NCS provides more accurately predicts the prognosis of GC patients, and its predictive value is significantly better than that of traditional inflammatory indicators or tumor markers. It is an effective complement to existing GC assessment systems.
SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated uterine sarcoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fan Ruirui , Gao Jie ,   SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (SDUS) is a highly invasive single-gene malignant Chen, Hou Jinlin , Chen Hanlin , Lu Mingzhi
Published: June 2022

SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (SDUS) is a highly invasive single-gene malignant tumour caused by mutations in the SMARCA4 gene. SDUS has a poor prognosis and has no established treatment scheme at present. What's more, there is no relevant research on the role of immune microenvironment analysis in SDUS worldwide. Here, we report a case of SDUS that combined examinations via morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular detection and analysed the immune microenvironment. Therefore, our report will help in the diagnostic awareness of SDUS.
WITHDRAWN: HDAC9 promotes the susceptibility of diabetes to Contrast-induced acute kidney injury by regulating TXNIP/Trx1 pathway
Authors: Lu Heng-Cheng , Dai Wen-Ni , Liu Zhi-Wen , Xiao Li , Liu Hong , Sun Lin , He Li-Yu
Published: June 2022

Background Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is the third most common cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for CIAKI. Nevertheless, the mechanism of its role in diabetes susceptibility to CIAKI remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the role played by Histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) during the susceptibility of diabetic model to CIAKI. Methods Both in vitro and in vivo model of diabetes were induced by treating human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) with high glucose (HG, 50mM) and by feeding mice with a high-fat diet (HFD) followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), respectively. CIAKI mice models were constructed by contrast-media (iohexol), and iohexol also was treated HK-2 cells. Then, BRD-4354 (an inhibitor of HDAC9) was added into treated cells and mice. Finally, knockdown HDAC9 in HK-2 cultured with HG, and iohexol was added. The pathological changes, oxidative stress and apoptosis levels in mice kidney tissues were assessed. Meanwhile, cellular reactive oxygen species and the activity of HK-2 cells was measured. Western blot was used to determine the expression of HDAC9 and TXNIP/Trx1/P-ASK1/p38MAPK signaling pathways in cells and kidneys. Results HDAC9 was increased in both diabetic kidney tissues and HG-induced HK-2 cells. In vitro experiment indicated that HK-2 exposed to HG attenuated further damage to apoptosis and oxidative stress by iohexol via knockdown and inhibiting HDAC9. In vivo assay revealed that BRD-4354 reduced diabetic mice sensitivity to CI-AKI. Mechanically, HDAC9 could activate TXNIP/Trx1/P-ASK1/p38MAPK signaling pathway involving in the susceptibility of diabetes to CIAKI. Conclusion HDAC9 promotes the sensitivity of diabetes to CIAKI; and may be involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis through regulation of the TXNIP/Trx1/P-ASK1/p38MAPK pathway.
SGLT2 inhibitors attenuate nephrin loss and enhance TGF-β1 secretion in type 2 diabetes patients with albuminuria: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tian Yuan , Chen Xiao-min , Liang Xian-ming , Wu Xiao-bin , Yao Chun-meng
Published: June 2022

Objective: To evaluate the effect of SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) on albuminuria, nephrin (NPH) and transforming-growth-factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) levels in urine and low-grade inflammation in type 2 diabetes (T2D ) patients.Methods: A randomized, blank-controlled clinical trial included 68 T2D patients and 10 controls. Based on the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), 68 diabetic patients were stratified into three levels, UACR<30 mg/g, UACR≧30 mg/g to≦300 mg/g and UACR˃300 mg/g, who were randomized(1:1:1) to receive SGLT2i treatment for 12 weeks. The concentrations of NPH and TGF-β1 in urine were measured as indications of podocyte injury and renal fibrosis. Low-grade inflammation was assessed by the levels of IL-6, TNFα and hsCRP.Results: After 12 weeks of SGLT2i treatment, the levels of UACR and NPH decreased, UTGF-β1 increased in the T2D with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups, NPH (1.12[0.59,1.29] vs 0.71[0.41,1.07] ug/ml, P=0.022) and (1.29[0.99,1.96] vs 0.93[0.57,1.31] ug/ml, P=0.002), UTGF-β1 (4.88±1.31vs 7.27±1.21 pg/ml, P˂0.001) and (4.30±1.34 vs 6.78±2.59 pg/ml, P˂0.001), respectively. The changes in NPH were positively correlated with the UACR and negatively correlated with UTGF-β1 in T2D with albuminuria.Conclusions: SGLT2i alleviate nephrin loss and enhance TGF-β1 excretion in urine in T2DM with albuminuria. The anti-albuminuric effect of SGLT2i could be attributed to mitigating podocyte apoptosis and attenuating renal fibrosis.Trial registration:This clinical trial was registered on 15/10/2019, in ClinicalTrials.gov, and the registry number is NCT04127084.
Detailed analysis of animal manure-based CO2 emissions, coal, electricity, thermal energy, and CH4 emissions and using machine learning as a forecasting method: a study from Turkey
Authors: Pence Ihsan , Kumaş Kazım , Siseci Melike Cesmeli , Akyüz Ali
Published: June 2022

In this study, the animal manure-based biogas potentials of Antalya, Isparta, and Burdur provinces in the Western Mediterranean region of Turkey were calculated. CO2 emission, coal, electricity, and thermal energy, CH4 emission values were calculated and machine learning modeling was performed. A total of 550305 tons/year of manure can be obtained from this animal's existence. As a result of the calculation, 130929541 m3/year of biogas can be produced from manure. Depending on biogas production; 93484 tons/year of coal, 235673174 kWh/year of electrical energy, and 2828078093 MJ/year of thermal energy can be provided and 153653 tons/year of CO2 emissions will be prevented. In this study, special information on cattle, sheep, and poultry, and animal age, number, and manure amount information were used in detail. To determine the model with the best results, machine learning algorithms Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Linear Regression (LR) were used and hyper-parameter optimization was performed. According to the results of biogas potential, CO2 emission, electricity production, and thermal energy estimations SVM models are seen as the best models with R2 = 0.999. When the coal amount estimation is examined, the LR models produce better results than SVM and MLP with R2 = 0.997. In the estimation of CH4 using the Tier 1 approach, the MLP model can perform the best estimation with R2 = 0.977. In the CH4 modeling obtained using the Tier 2 approach, the LR models were superior to the other models with the performance value of R2 = 0.962.
Long-term outcomes of cryoablation for biopsy-proven T1 stage renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Song Shangqing , Yang Qing , Gu Chengyuan , Yu Guopeng , Hua Bao , Gu Xin , Wang Linhui , Wang Zhong , Shi Guohai , Xu Bin
Published: June 2022

Objective
To summarize our clinical experience of cryoablation in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of Chinese population and to evaluate the long-term outcomes of laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) cryoablation (LCA) as well as percutaneous CT-guided cryoablation (PCA) for biopsy-proven T1a and T1b RCC.
Methods
This was a multi-center, retrospective study investigating T1 stage RCC patients from 2011 to 2021. The patients were treated by LCA or PCA according to individual situation. Overall survival (OS), cancer-related survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were evaluated for oncological outcomes and kidney function, complications, hospital stay were used to estimate technical outcomes.
Results
163 consecutive patients were included. Among them, 59 cases were treated by LCA and PCA was performed in 104 cases. All operations were processed successfully. Mean diameter of the mass was (2.9 ± 1.4) cm, median blood volume was 45ml (10 ~ 200 ml). The mean operation time was (84.0 ± 24.5) min. The median postoperative hospital stay was 3 days (1 ~ 6 days). Compared with LCA, procedure time of PCA was shortened, the volume of bleeding was reduced, and the hospital stay was decreased. The overall adverse events rate was 9.8% (16/163). The mean pre-operative and post-operative eGFR of LCA were 77.6 ± 15.3 ml/min and 75.6 ± 17.4 ml/min, respectively. Analogously, the values of PCA were 78.7 ± 12.9 ml/min and 76.7 ± 14.3 ml/min. Mean follow-up time was 64.2 ± 30.2 months (range, 7-127 months). Local recurrence was observed in 13 patients (8.0%), 4 (6.8%) cases of LCA and 9 (8.7%) cases of PCA. PFS at 5 and 10 years were 95.5% and 69.2% for LCA and 96.7% and 62.8% for PCA. In total, 26 patients (16.0%) (11 patients from LCA and 15 from PCA) died throughout the follow-up period. OS at 5 and 10 years were 93.8% and 31.4% for LCA, and 97.4% and 52.7% for PCA. 6 patients (3.7%) (3 cases from LCA and 3 from PCA) died of metastatic RCC. CCS for LCA were 98.0% and 82.8% at 5 and 10 years, while the data were 100% and 86.4% for PCA.
Conclusion
LCA and PCA for T1 stage RCC provides satisfactory long-term oncological and renal function preservation outcomes, with acceptable complication rates.
SimCryoCluster: A Semantic Similarity Clustering Method of Cryo-EM Images by Adopting Contrastive Learning
Authors: Tang Huanrong , Wang Yaowu , Ouyang Jianquan , Wang Jinlin
Published: June 2022

Background: Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) plays an increasingly important role in the determination of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of macromolecules. In order to achieve 3D reconstruction results close to atomic resolution, 2D single-particle image classification is not only conducive to single-particle selection, but also a key step that affects 3D reconstruction. The main task is to cluster and align 2D single-grain images into non-heterogeneous groups to obtain sharper single-grain images by averaging calculations. The main difficulties are that the cryo-EM single-particle image has a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), cannot manually label the data, and the projection direction is random and the distribution is unknown. Therefore, in the low SNR scenario, how to obtain the characteristic information of the effective particles, improve the clustering accuracy, and thus improve the reconstruction accuracy, is a key problem in the 2D image analysis of single particles of cryo-EM.Results: Aiming at the above problems, we propose a learnable deep clustering method and a fast alignment weighted averaging method based on frequency domain space to effectively improve the class averaging results and improve the reconstruction accuracy. In particular, it is very prominent in the feature extraction and dimensionality reduction module. Compared with the classification method based on Bayesian and great likelihood, a large amount of single particle data is required to estimate the relative angle orientation of macromolecular single particles in the 3D structure, and we propose that the clustering method shows good results.Conclusions: SimcryoCluster can use the contrastive learning method to perform well in the unlabeled high-noise cryo-EM single particle image classification task, making it an important tool for cryo-EM protein structure determination.
What to Expect When Girls are Expecting: Psychosocial Support Challenges and Opportunities in the Context and Aftermath of Teenage Pregnancy in Kenya
Authors: Undie Chi-Chi , Birungi Harriet
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThis qualitative study was conducted in Homa Bay County, Kenya, to examine teenage girls’ experience of pregnancy and parenting, and their resultant psychosocial support needs in a context in which school re-entry for girls who have experienced pregnancy is currently vigorously promoted.MethodsThe study used a descriptive phenomenological approach in analyzing counseling case notes documented by psychologists who counseled 20 pregnant or parenting girls as part of a psychosocial response integrated into a data collection process for a larger, quantitative survey. The counseling case notes were analyzed thematically. ResultsEmerging master themes were related to pregnant and parenting girls’ experience of sexual violence and adverse childbirth outcomes; psychological trauma confronted by girls and their parents alike; parental need for support in communicating with pregnant/parenting girls about sex and sexuality; and the availability of family support to help girls return to school. ConclusionsPregnant and parenting teenage girls require a range of psychosocial support responses that recognize the realities of sexual violence and other traumas in the lives of the girls themselves, as well as in the lives of their parents and caregivers. While parents and other caregivers can serve as an important resource for supporting affected girls who want to return to school, they often need assistance, too, in order to support pregnant/parenting girls effectively. These realities need to be taken into account if school re-entry programs for this population are to maximize their effectiveness.
Ecological and human health risk assessment of heavy metal in sediment and demersal marine fish in Gulf of Guinea western offshore Nigeria
Authors: Sule Abiodun Yusuf , Yakub Ademola Semiu , Agwu Ogochukwu Angela , Bassey Bassey Okon , Igbo Juliet Kelechi , Bello Beatrice Omolola , Abiodun Olushola Ayoola , Olapoju Oluwabukunola Ayokunmi , Nosazeogie Esther Osayevbovban , Izge Musa Abdullahi , Haruna Adedamola Faidat
Published: June 2022

This study was focused to assess contamination status of heavy metals in sediments, and human health risk associated with fish consumption from western Nigerian offshore in the Gulf of Guinea. Fish stock assessments were carried out across five fishing grounds. Triplicate samples of demersal marine fish species and sediments were collected and analysed for heavy metals (mercury- Hg, cadmium- Cd, lead- Pb and Arsenic- As) by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) using US EPA 200.7 standard method. The geospatial variation of As and Hg revealed that the concentrations were relatively highest at station 1, while Cd and lead Pb concentrations were highest at station 3. Levels of heavy metal in sediment fell below sediment quality guidelines (SQG). While, metal concentrations (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) in demersal marine fish also fell within the permissible levels of FAO/WHO. The ecological indices [Probable contamination index (PCI), mean effect level quotients, newly modified hazard quotient and Hazard quotient (HQ)] indicated low contamination level of heavy metals in sediment. Hazard index (HI) of metals in fish species associated with human health were within recommended threshold of 1 and thus revealed that there would be no significant health risk to the consumers. Percentage of total variance for PC1 is 52.26% whereas PC2 is 27.56% showed weak loading of metals. The study established scientific basis for assessment of metal contamination and risk management of food safety within the western Nigerian offshore waters.
Circular RNA-Encoded MET Variant Is a Targetable Factor in Glioblastoma
Authors: Zhong Jian , Wu Xujia , Chen Junju , Gao Yixin , Zhang Maolei , Zhou Huangkai , Yang Jia , Xiao Feizhe , Yang Xuesong , Huang Nunu , Wang Xiuxing , zhang Nu
Published: June 2022

Activated by its single ligand, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), the receptor tyrosine kinase MET is pivotal in promoting glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) self-renewal, invasiveness and tumorigenicity. Nevertheless, HGF/MET-targeted therapy has shown limited clinical benefits in glioblastoma patients, suggesting hidden mechanisms of MET signalling in glioblastoma. Here, we show that circular MET RNA (circMET) encodes a 404 amino acid novel MET variant (MET404) facilitated by the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader YTHDF2. Genetic ablation of circMET inhibited MET404 expression in mice and attenuated MET signalling. Conversely, MET404 knock-in plus P53 knock-out in mouse astrocytes initiated glioblastoma tumorigenesis and shortened overall survival. MET404 directly interacts with the MET β subunit and forms a constitutively activated MET receptor whose activity does not require HGF stimulation. High MET404 expression predicts poor prognosis in glioblastoma patients, indicating its clinical relevance. Targeting MET404 through a neutralizing antibody or genetic ablation reduced glioblastoma tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo, with combinatorial benefits when a traditional MET inhibitor was added. Overall, we identified a novel MET variant that promotes glioblastoma tumorigenicity, offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma.
The therapeutic antischizophrenic activity of prodigiosin and selenium co-supplementation against amphetamine hydrochloride-induced behavioural changes, oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic challenges in rats
Authors: Alsharif Khalaf F , Albrakati Ashraf , omairi Naif E. Al , Almalki Abdulraheem S. , Alsanie Walaa , Elmageed Zakaria Y. Abd , Habotta Ola A. , Lokman Maha S. , Althagafi Hussam A. , Alghamdi Abdullah A. A. , Moneim Ahmed E. Abdel , Alyami Hussain , Belal Saied K. , Alnefaie Ghaliah , Alamri Abdulhakeem S. , Albezrah Nisreen Khalid Aref , Kassab Rami B. , Albarakati Alaa Jameel A. , Hassan Khalid Ebraheem , Agil Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Schizophrenia (SCZ), a multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder, is treated with inefficient antipsychotics and linked to poor treatment outcomes. This study, therefore, investigated the combined administration of prodigiosin (PDG) and selenium (Na2SeO3) against SCZ induced by amphetamine (AMPH) in rats. Animals were allocated into four groups corresponding to their respective seven-day treatments: control, AMPH (2 mg/kg), PDG (300 mg/kg) + Na2SeO3 (2 mg/kg), and AMPH + PDG + Na2SeO3. The model group exhibited biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes similar to those of the SCZ group. Contrastingly, co-administration of PDG and Na2SeO3 significantly increased the time for social interaction and decreased AChE and dopamine. It also downregulated the gene expression of NMDAR1 and restored neurotrophin (BDNF and NGF) levels. Further, PDG combined with Na2SeO3 improved the antioxidant defence of the hippocampus by boosting the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR. These findings were accompanied by an increased GSH, alongside decreased MDA and NO levels. Furthermore, schizophrenic rats having received PDG and Na2SeO3 displayed markedly lower IL-1b and TNF-α levels compared to the model group. Interestingly, remarkable declines in the Bax (pro-apoptotic) and increases in Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic) levels were observed in the SCZ group that received PDG and Na2SeO3. The hippocampal histological examination confirmed these changes. Collectively, these findings show that the co-administration of PDG and Na2SeO3 may have a promising therapeutic effect for SCZ. This is mediated by mechanisms related to the modulation of cholinergic, dopaminergic, and glutaric neurotransmission and neurotrophic factors, alongside the suppression of oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis machineries.
Reasons of women who undergone repeat induced abortion; in Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia, 2021: A phenomenological qualitative study
Authors: Bantero Kibrework Bezabih , Deressa Jembere Tesfaye , Tilahun Sosina Workineh , Kitawu Leul Deribe
Published: June 2022

Background
Repeat induced abortion refers to a condition in which a woman has at least one previous history of induced pregnancy termination. It bound in a vicious cycle with repeat unintended or unplanned pregnancy and remains rising concern, particularly for developing countries.
Objectives
This study was aimed to explore reasons and lived experiences of women, who undergone repeat induced abortion; in Wolaita Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia.
Methods and Materials:
A phenomenological qualitative study approach was conducted from February 15-March 22, 2021 among women in Wolaita Sodo town. Twelve women between 17 and 35 years old, who had at least one previous abortion were selected using purposive sampling. In-depth interview using semi-structured interview guide was conducted. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and translated in to English and imported to ATLAS.ti8 software for coding. Code book development, peer debriefing, multiple coders and audit trials applied to maintain rigor of the data and analysis was done deductively.
Result
The study found reasons of repeat induced abortion among women at maternal, partner and family, healthcare and educational institution, community and policy level. It also looked into the effects of induced abortion from the standpoint of women. Economic issues, fears about contraceptive side effects, and a desire to limit the number of children were stated as reasons.
Conclusion
Study revealed multiple reasons for repeat induced abortion in holistic manner; and presented key emotional and physical effects of abortion and unintended pregnancy. Based on the findings, multiple interventions at individual, community and organizational levels; and strong law enforcement on criminals of rape are needed in order to avoid or minimize the reasons and negative consequences of repeat induced abortion.
Parent and Adolescent Intuitive Eating Behavior: Associations with Weight Change During Family-Based Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Nelson Jillian D. , Trojanowski Paige J. , Peterson Claire M. , Fischer Sarah , Matthews Abigail
Published: June 2022

Purpose
Intuitive eating (IE) is an adaptive eating construct for which little research exists in eating disorder (ED) samples. IE is negatively correlated with disordered eating behaviors in healthy adolescents and adults, and similar associations have been found in adults with EDs. This study aims to examine IE in a treatment seeking sample of adolescents and their parents to understand its role in weight gain during FBT.
Methods
Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were calculated in a sample of 47 pairs of adolescent patients and their parents who initiated outpatient FBT at a large academic medical center. Analyses examined parent and adolescent IE, weight gain at session 4 and end of treatment (EOT), clinical impairment, and eating disorder pathology.
Results
Significant correlations were found between aspects of adolescent IE, ED symptoms, and clinical impairment. Aspects of parent IE were negatively related to their child’s weight and shape concerns, and Global EDE-Q score at baseline. Parent IE (Eating for Physical rather than Emotional Reasons) was positively associated with adolescent weight gain at session 4 and EOT.
Conclusion
Study results were consistent with past research indicating adolescent IE is negatively associated with ED behaviors, cognitions, and impairment. This study is the first to provide evidence that parent IE is positively associated with adolescent weight gain in FBT, and is the first to provide evidence that parent IE is negatively related to adolescent ED symptoms. Future research should examine adolescent and parent IE throughout FBT to understand its role in treatment response.
The Color of Water: Racial Differences in Exposure to Flood Risk across the U.S.
Authors: Galster George C. , Galster Joshua C , Vachuska Karl
Published: June 2022

Previous studies on distributive environmental justice issues related to flooding exposure have been limited in spatial scale, afflicted by measurement shortcomings, and inconsistent in findings. We provide the first U.S. national and state-by-state descriptive portrait of annual average exposure to floods across all Census-defined racial/ethnic groups. Specifically, we investigate whether there are statistically significant interracial differences in average annual probabilities of experiencing a flood in the U.S. and how these differences vary across states and coastal vs. inland areas. We use predictions from the recent First Street Foundation flooding exposure model and demographic data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey in our analysis. We observe no states in which non-Hispanic Blacks have a (statistically) significantly higher average exposure to floods than non-Hispanic Whites, but 21 states where the reverse is true. Hispanics have a significantly higher average exposure in three states, and a significantly lower average exposure in 18 states, compared to Whites. Notably, however, the aggregate Hispanic population of the three states where Hispanics face greater flood exposure (Illinois, Massachusetts, and Texas) exceeds the aggregate Hispanic population of the 18 where their average exposures are lower than Whites’. There are eight states in which Native Americans have significantly higher exposure, and none where have lower exposure than Whites’, implying that additional research and appropriate, community-informed policy responses should focus on this group. Further studies are also needed at smaller spatial scales to identify communities of color facing disproportionate flood exposures.
Circulating Tumor Cells Correlates with Adverse Outcomes for Non-metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Both Before and After Surgery
Authors: Lin Chun-Chi , Yang Chih-Yung , Hung Tzu-Chao , Wang Chun-Hung , Wei Sheng-Wen , Schiro Perry G. , Tseng Ju-Yu , Lin Chi-Hung , Jiang Jeng-Kai
Published: June 2022

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood have been accepted as a prognostic marker in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, there is limited reported data on the use of CTCs as a prognostic marker for non-metastatic patients. In the current study, we used a rare cell automated analysis platform, the MiSelect R System, to enumerate CTCs from blood in non-metastatic CRC patients, and corelated the number of CTCs with the clinical staging and survival. The presence of CTCs in mesenteric vein blood (MVB) samples from 101 CRC patients was significantly associated with T stage. Patients with 1 or more CTCs per 8 mL of MVB exhibited significantly worse disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) compared to patient without CTCs. The presence of CTC before surgery is an independent marker for both DFS and CSS. CTC presence after surgical resection is also a prognostic marker. CTCs are a potentially useful prognostic and predictive biomarker in non-metastatic CRC patients that may help to further stratify patient’s risk status within different stages of disease.
County-level ammonia emissions monitored worldwide
Authors: Dammers Enrico , Shephard Mark , Griffin Debora , Chow Evan , White Evan , Hickman Jonathan , Tokaya Janot , Lutsch Erik , Kharol Shailesh , Graaf Shelley van der , Cady-Pereira Karen , Bittman Shabtai , McLinden Chris , Erisman Jan Willem , Schaap Martijn
Published: June 2022

Ammonia is a form of reactive nitrogen whose emissions are primarily from livestock excreta and crop fertilisation. Atmospheric ammonia is a major source of anthropogenic aerosols, and can negatively impact both human and ecosystem health. Despite its importance, rates of ammonia emission remain highly uncertain at all spatial scales, local to global. Here we use satellite ammonia observations to produce the first global observation-based, county-level annual rates of ammonia emissions. We find that previously reported ammonia emissions tend to be under-estimated over large parts of the globe. Global satellite-based emission totals are 1.8 times greater than in previously reported anthropogenic locations, and 4 times greater when newly detected anthropogenic and natural sources are included. Countries with ammonia regulations in place (e.g. European Union) tend to show a much better comparison to reported emissions. In addition to quantifying ammonia emissions and their spatial distribution, our satellite-based methodology provides a globally consistent emissions database that is not subject to offsets and gaps across geopolitical borders. With ammonia emissions expected to rise in the future due to increasing demands to feed the growing world population, there is a growing need for timely monitoring of ammonia emissions at a county-level worldwide to support mitigation policies.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Early Maladaptive Schemas, Temperament and Eating Attitude in Adults
Authors: Güler Kahraman , Özgörüş Zeynep
Published: June 2022

Background: This study aimed to examine the relationship between early maladaptive schemas, temperament, eating attitude and the effect of gender variable on these concepts in adults. Methods: The sample group consists of a total of 308 participants, 206 (66.9%) women and 102 (33.1%) men, living in Bursa and participating in the research voluntarily. In the study, Sociodemographic Data Form was used to obtain personal information of the participants, Young Schema Questionnaire - Short Form 3 (YSQ-SF3) was used to evaluate early maladaptive schemas, Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San-Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) was used to evaluate temperament characteristics and Eating Attitude Test was used to evaluate eating attitudes. Results: As a result of the study, a moderate and positive relationship was found between the Defectiveness, Emotional Inhibition, Enmeshment/ Dependence, Failure, Abandonment, Vulnerability to Harm or Illness, Negativity/ Pessimism schemas and eating attitude. Among these schemas, Defectiveness was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude. A weak and positive relationship was found between the scores obtained from the Eating Attitude Test and Cyclothymic and Irritable temperaments, and a moderate positive relationship with Anxious temperament. Among these temperaments, Anxious temperament was found to be the best predictor of deterioration in eating attitude.Conclusions: When the results were examined, a relationship was observed between early maladaptive schemas and temperament types, and this relationship was examined in detail. The results obtained at the end of the study were discussed and suggestions were made for future studies.
The vaginal and uterine blood flow changes during the ovsynch program and its impact on the pregnancy rates in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Sharawy Heba , Hegab AbdelRaouf , Risha Engy , Adl Mohamed El , Soliman Walid , Gohar Mohamed , Fahmy Reham , Farag Virginia , Imakawa Kazuhiko , Bazer Fuller , James Daniela , Zaghloul Adel , Abdalla Abdelnasser , Rabie Mariam , Elmetwally Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Aim
OvSynch is a hormonal protocol for synchronization of estrus and use of artificial insemination (AI) at an optimal time without adverse effects on the ovaries or uterus. This study investigated the use of noninvasive color Doppler ultrasound to assess changes in uterine and vaginal blood flow during the Ovsynch program for synchronization of estrus and its relation to the pregnancy rates in Holstein cows.
Materials and methods
The experimental cows received an intramuscular dose of 10 µg of a GnRH analogue (G1), followed 7 days later with an intramuscular injection of synthetic prostaglandin F2α (P: PGF2α) analogue (500 µg cloprostenol sodium), and given a 10 µg, injection of the GnRH analogue (G2) i.m. (2.5ml/animal) 48 h after the PGF2a treatment, and the cows were bred 14–16 h after. Uterine and vaginal perfusion were investigated by performing transrectal Doppler ultrasonography of both the middle uterine and vaginal arteries in Holstein cows at different time points during the Ovsynch program to determine: peak systolic velocity (PSV), time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), the volume of blood flow (BFV), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), resistance impedance (S/D) and diameters of uterine (UA) and vaginal (VA) arteries. Steroid hormones were also considered. Transrectal ultrasonography (TUS) was performed at 32 and 60 days to confirm the pregnancy per artificial insemination (P/AI).
Results
The uterine PSV, TAMV, and PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium and second GnRH injections (p < 0.05) than at the time of the first GnRH injection. The vaginal PSV, PV were greater at the time of the cloprostenol sodium than at the time of the first and second GnRH injections (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) indicated a higher correlation between the uterine and vaginal blood flow and the rate of the pregnancy (p < 0.05). The ROC curve for the vaginal artery was 0.920 and that for uterine blood flow was 0.870 (p < 0.05) at the G2 (p < 0.05). The serum levels of progesterone, estrogen and cortisol were correlated with the P/AI (p < 0.05). The P/AI significantly decreased from 43.9% at 32 d to 35.37% at 60 d.
Conclusion
These results indicate that noninvasive Doppler ultrasonography is a valid method to evaluate changes in the characteristics of uterine and vaginal blood flow in cows during the Ovsynch protocol. Furthermore, vaginal and uterine blood flow are two determinant factors for the higher conception rates in Holstein dairy cows.
Barriers and facilitators to training delivery and subsequent implementation of a localised child and adolescent mental health initiative: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Banwell Emily , Qualter Pamela , Humphrey Neil
Published: June 2022

Background:Ensuring that children and young people (CYP) can obtain mental health support from a broad variety of sources is of upmost importance. This is especially true given the increasing prevalence of mental health difficulties in this population, and the associated challenges with receiving support from specialised healthcare services. Equipping professionals, from a wide range of sectors, with the skills needed to provide this support is a vital starting point. This study explored the experiences of professionals who had participated in CYP mental health training modules relating to a socially funded initiative in Greater Manchester, UK, to establish the barriers and facilitators behind its implementation.Methods:Directed qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interview data from nine CYP-facing professionals was conducted. Both interview schedule and initial deductive coding strategy were devised using the findings of a relevant systematic literature review by the authors. This methodology was used with the aim of establishing the presence of these findings within the localised intervention, before generating tailored recommendations for their training programme.Results:When the interview data were coded and analysed, a strong level of thematic similarity with the authors’ review was found. However, we deduced that the emergence of additional inductive themes might reflect the contextual uniqueness of the intervention, in addition to that of the COVID-19 pandemic. Six recommendations were made for further improvement of CYP mental health training, including the facilitation of unstructured peer interaction during training, and ensuring that jargon and key words are fully clarified. Conclusions:Methodological limitations, guidance for usage, and potential applications of the study’s findings are explored. Whilst largely, the findings were akin to those of the review, subtle yet important differences were found. These are likely to reflect the nuances of the training programme discussed, but despite this, we tentatively suggest that our findings are transferable to similar training interventions. This study provides a valuable example of how qualitative evidence syntheses can be used to aid study design and analysis: an underused approach.
Design and Analysis of a Novel MEMS Touch Mode Convex Capacitive Pressure Sensor for Altimeter Applications
Authors: K SREEKANTH P , JINDAL SUMIT KUMAR
Published: June 2022

The wide applications of Touch Mode Capacitive Pressure Sensors (TMCPS) have led the researchers working
more on its performances. TMCPS have more acceptance due to its linearity, sensitivity, and ability to withstand more pressure which make them suitable for harsh environments. This study proposes a novel convex shape substrate to further improve the response of the TMCPS. This work provides a detailed mathematical and analytical modelling which upholds the proposed design. The analysis is compared with the simulation results from the software MATLAB. The simulated results has been compared with those reported in the existing literature. The linear operation
range of the sensor is stretched more on the lower side (88 KPa– 2 MPa) and the sensitivity is improved 2.85 times in touch mode, which completely fits in for the altimeter applications. Sensor system characteristics such as non-linearity, hysteresis, temperature dependence etc is also calculated in this work. The presented theory and simulation analysis fully supports the superior performance of the novel convex substrate square diaphragm TMCPS.