bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tool Positioning in Five Axis Machining on a Tensor Product Surface using Circular Rays
Authors: Singh Mukmeet , Bedi Sanjeev , Mann Stephen
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we give a method for positioning a toroidal tool on a tensor product surface with two points of contact. By firing vertical rays and circular rays from the tensor product surface to the toroidal cutting surface, we can find these two points of contact by solving only quadratic equations, whereas previous methods typically solve transcendental equations using iterative methods. The new method is faster than the methods presented in literature and is independent of the method used to define the part surface. In addition to general applicability, test results on three sample surfaces are presented.
Glyphosate-based Herbicide (GBH) Causes Damage in Embryo-larval Stages of Zebrafish (Danio Rerio)
Authors: Ames Jaíne , Severo Eduardo Stringini , Costa-Silva Dennis Guilherme da , Storck Tamiris Rosso , Amaral Aline Monique Blank do , Miragem Antônio Azambuja , Rosemberg Denis Broock , Loro Vânia
Published: May 2022

Glyphosate-Based Herbicides (GBH) show risks to the environment and also to aquatic organisms, such as fish. The present work aimed to evaluate the effects of GBH exposure on Danio rerio embryos at drinking water concentrations. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 250, 500, and 1000 µg/L of Roundup Original DI® for 96 hours. Glyphosate concentration in water, parameters physicochemical water, mortality, hatching rate, heart rate, malformations, behavior, and biomarkers were evaluated. Our results showed that at 6 hours post-fertilization (hpf), the animals exposed to GBH 500 increased mortality as compared to the control. The hatching rate increased in all groups exposed at 48 hpf as compared to the control group. The embryos exposed did not present changes in the spontaneous movement and touch response. Exposed groups demonstrated a higher number of malformations in fish embryos as compared to the control. Most malformations were: pericardial edema, yolk sac edema, body malformations, and curvature of the spine. In heart rate, we can see that bradycardia occurred in groups exposed, as predicted due to cardiac abnormalities. We recorded a significant decrease in GST (GBH 250 and GBH 500) and AChE (GBH 250) activity. No differences were found between the groups in the concentration of protein, ACAP, TBARS, ROS, NPSH, and catalase. The damage in all evaluated stages of development was aggravated by the mortality and malformations. The large-scale use of GBHs, coupled with the permissiveness of its presence could be the cause damage to the aquatic environment affecting the embryonic development of non-target organisms.
Genomic landscape alterations in primary tumor and matched lymph node metastasis in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Russo Giorgio Ivan , Bonacci Paolo , Bivona Dalida , Privitera Grete , Broggi Giuseppe , Caltabiano Rosario , Vella Jessica , Asmundo Maria Giovanna , Cimino Sebastiano , Morgia Giuseppe , Stefani Stefania , Musso Nicolò
Published: May 2022

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Up to date, the genetic understanding of patients with favorable or unfavorable prognosis is gaining interest in order to give the appropriate tailored treatment. The aim of the present study was to investigate genetic changes associated with lymph node metastasis in a cohort of hormone-naïve Pca patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 470 patients who underwent surgery for PCa between 2010 and 2020 at the Department of Urology, University of Catania. The final cohort consisted of 17 different patients (11 PCa with lymph node metastasis and 6 PCa without lymph node metastasis). Through the cBioPortal online tool, we analyzed gene alterations and their correlations with clinical factors. Results: A total of 688 Intronic, Synonym and Non-Synonym mutations were sequenced. The gene with the most sequenced mutations was ERBB4 (83 mutations, 12% of 688 total) while the ones with the lower percentage of mutations were AKT1, FGFR2 and MLH1 (1 mutation alone, 0.14% of 688 total). We used the cBioPortal online tool to study the alterations of the genes ERBB4, HRAS, KIT, ABL1, CTNNB1 and their correlation with prognosis using a total of 23 studies (9377 samples). When incorporating KIT, HRAS and CTNNB1 alterations in combination score we found that overall survival was statistically worse (p<0.01) and also disease-free survival (p=0.02) compared to unaltered group. Conclusion: In the present study we found mostly concordance between both primary PCa samples and matched lymph node metastasis in terms of genomic alterations, underlining that alterations in primary tumor are extremely important for cancer prognosis prediction. We demonstrated worse overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with combined alteration of KIT, HRAS and CTNNB1. These results can be applied for monitoring disease and drug response after curative treatment.
Mitochondrial mechanisms in ferroptotic death of SH-SY5Y cells induced by erastin and ferric ammonium citrate
Authors: Ganguly Upasana , Chandan Gourav , Singh Sukhpal , Saini Reena V , Bisaglia Marco , Saso Luciano , Chakrabarti Sasanka
Published: May 2022

Ferroptosis has been characterized over the last few years as a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death which is accompanied by an accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid oxidation products inside the cells along with typical morphological alterations in mitochondria. Ferroptosis is inhibited by specific inhibitors called ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1, apart from iron-chelators and several antioxidants, and the process is implicated in multiple pathological conditions. There are, however, certain ambiguities about ferroptosis, especially with regard to the involvement of mitochondria in the final execution of ferroptotic death. This study uses two typical inducers of ferroptosis such as erastin and ferric ammonium citrate on SH-SY5Y cells, and shows clearly that ferroptotic death of cells is accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular ATP content along with an accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde as well as a depletion of reduced glutathione. All these are prevented by ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1. Additionally, cyclosporine A prevents mitochondrial alterations and cell death induced by erastin or ferric ammonium citrate, implying the crucial role of mitochondrial permeability transition pore activation in ferroptotic death. Under our experimental conditions, it is also observed that the late-phase production of reactive oxygen species is inhibited by cyclosporine A.
MiR-449a disturbs atherosclerotic plaque stability in streptozotocin and high-fat diet-induced diabetic mice by targeting CEACAM1
Authors: Yu Jie , Yang Jun , Chen Yu , Hu Jie , Zhang Lijiao , Tu Dong , Wang Yan , Zhao Yue , Chen Yu
Published: May 2022

Background
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) acts as an important role in atherosclerosis (AS), but the function of CEACAM1 in diabetes mellitus (DM) associated AS remains unclear. Thus, the purposes of this study are to explore the function and potential mechanism of CEACAM1 in DM-associated AS.
Methods
The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced apolipoprotein E-knockdown (ApopE−/−) mice were used to explore the function and regulatory mechanism of miR-449a/CEACAM1 axis in DM-associated AS. Quantity PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence (IF), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were utilized to detect mRNA expression, and protein levels, respectively. Oil Red O and Sirius Red staining were used to detect the lipid deposition and collagen content. Cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and tuber formation were detected by Annexin-V FITC/PI, wound healing, transwell, and tuber formation assays, respectively. The relationship between miR-449a and CEACAM1 was determined by a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay.
Results
We found miR-449a and MMP-9 upregulated whereas CEACAM1 downregulated in DM-associated AS model. Function experiments indicated that upregulation of CEACAM1 promoted atherosclerotic plaque stability and inhibited inflammation in DM-associated AS model. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that miR-449a targeted CEACAM1. And the rescue experiments revealed that miR-449a interacted with CEACAM1 to regulate atherosclerotic plaque stability and inflammation in DM-associated AS mice. In vitro, the rescue experiments showed miR-449a interacted with CEACAM1 to affect apoptosis, migration, invasion, and tuber formation ability in high glucose (HG)-induced HUVECs.
Conclusion
Our finding suggested that miR-449a promoted plaque instability and inflammation in DM and HFD-induced mice by targeting CEACAM1.
Chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticle as elastase inhibitory peptide carrier: Characterization and its in vitro release study
Authors: Xiong Yu , Cheng Le , Wang Xiao-Yi , Shen Ye-Hua , Li Cong , Ren Di-Feng
Published: May 2022

This study was aimed at the preparation and evaluation of walnut meal derived elastase inhibitory peptide (FFVPF) loaded in chitosan-tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) nanoparticles (NPs). It was shown that the maximum encapsulation efficiency of FFVPF could reach 94.58 ± 0.23%. TEM microphotographs, polydispersity index and zeta-sizer reports indicated that FFVPF-loaded CS-TPP NPs were in nanometric range and were spherical, discrete and uniform in size with PDI less than 0.3. FTIR analysis indicated that the peptides interacted with CS-TPP NPs through strong hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. And the CS-TPP FFVPF NPs showed better stability with heating treatment, pH treatment, or photochemical treatment. Moreover, the in vitro release profile of peptides was identified. The release rate of encapsulated FFVPF was released explosively to 77.22 ± 2.21% and gradually slowed down. These findings highlighted the prospect of CS-TPP NPs as an oral delivery system, and the application of peptides within food and pharmaceutical products.
Study on the Total Medical Insurance Package Payment under the County Medical Community model in China
Authors: Shao Yingshan , Liu Juming , Yang Yiqin , Lu Heyun , Xu Yihua
Published: May 2022

Objective:Based on the reform model of County Medical Community (CMC) in L District, China, this study analyzed the expenditure of medical insurance funds outside the CMC, explored the influencing factors of medical insurance funds flow in the reform and make suggestions for the reasonable control of medical insurance funds and deepening the medical community reform.
Methods:The CMC in L District was used as the research object. Hospital grades and disease types were used as entry points, descriptive analysis and paired t test were used to study the out-of-community medical insurance funds expenditure indicators in L District from 2018 to 2020.
Results:Medical treatment in medical institutions outside the CMC: although the number of municipal tertiary hospitals outside the community in L District is small, the amount of medical insurance settlement accounts for a large proportion. After the reform of total medical insurance package payment reform, the number of outpatient visits to medical institutions outside the community, tertiary and unclassified medical institutions all increased (P<0.01); the total per-visit outpatient cost, per-visit outpatient fund expenditure and per-visit outpatient out-of-pocket cost of municipal tertiary hospitals all increased (P<0.01). Types of diseases outside the CMC among the outpatient consultation for diseases in tertiary hospitals in L District outside the community, chronic diseases were stable in order and malignant tumors ranked first among the inpatient diseases. Psychiatric diseases dominated in the outpatient visits to unclassified hospitals in L District.
Conclusion:The flow of medical insurance funds to tertiary hospitals in L District has increased year by year. The proportion of common diseases and multiple diseases outside the CMC and chronic diseases in tertiary hospitals outside the community is large and the loss of medical insurance funds outside the community has not improved significantly. In response to the above results, suggestions can be made for deepening the reform of medical community in L District, but more studies are to be conducted in the future to prove it.
Fungal Diversity in Marmaris Public Beach Sand (Turkey)
Authors: ÖZKAN Vedat Kadir
Published: May 2022

In this study, which was carried out to determine the fungal diversity in the sand of Marmaris public beach, a total of 30 sand samples were taken, 5 from dry and 5 wet regions, in June, July and August when the public beach is used extensively. Soil dilution method was used to isolate fungi from sand samples. Inoculation was made by transferring 1 ml of 10− 4 dilutions to petri dishes containing Rosebengal Chloramphenicol Agar. As a result of the isolation and identification processes, 22 fungal species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Beauveria, Cladosporium, Drechslera, Fusarium, Humicola, Penicillium, Phoma, Scopulariopsis, Stachybotrys and Trichophyton were obtained. Qualitatively and quantitatively Aspergillus genus was found to be dominant among the fungal genera, and Aspergillus nidulans was found to be dominant among the fungi species. According to the results of the research, it was determined that dry beach sand contains more fungi than wet beach sand. The isolation of fungi that cause various infections and mycotoxicosis in humans, such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, Phoma, Scopulariopsis, Stachybotrys and Trichophyton, from beach sand shows the necessity of keeping the beaches under control and following general hygiene rules in terms of community and environmental health. In addition, it was concluded that many studies should be conducted to understand the risks on public health of fungi found in beach sands, to ensure public safety and to determine the level of contamination.
The burden on primary caregivers of patients with palliative needs: A multidimensional entity The burden on the primary caregivers
Authors: Pop Rodica Sorina , Tint Diana , Puia Aida , Furcea Luminita Elena , Pop Cristina Paula , Graur Florin
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe primary caregiver is a person found in the close vicinity of the patient, who is voluntarily and actively involved in the caregiving process. The aim of this study is to measure the burden of the caregivers of palliative care patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases, over three months of follow-up and to compare the burden of caring for both groups. Method This is a prospective longitudinal study that assesses the burden of caring for patients with palliative needs, comparatively between two groups: the group of primary caregivers of patients with non-cancer diseases (PrC1) and the group of primary caregivers of cancer patients (PrC2). The tool used in the study was the Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC).Results The study contained 140 caregivers of which 77 were included in PrC1 group and 63 in the PrC2 group. The comparison of the non-oncological patients (PrC1) caregivers’ burden between the initial time (T0) and the final time (T3) showed a higher value, with statistical significance, in terms of physical exhaustion (p = 0.04) and the desire to escape from the created situation (p = 0.03). In the PrC2 group, the results comparison between T0 and T3 time showed a statistically significant increase in burden for physical exhaustion (p = 0.02), the perception of the caregiver's health care process (p = 0.03), the desire to get rid of responsibilities (p = 0.04), the relationship with the patient or other people (p = 0.03), the period of time for oneself (p = 0.045) and giving-up future plans (p = 0.03). The comparison of the burden between the two evaluated groups shows that at T0 the burden is higher in non-oncological diseases than oncological diseases, with statistical significance. ConclusionsConcerning the patients with palliative needs, it has been shown that the caregiver’s burden increases whilst the illness progresses and that there are statistically significant differences between the initial moment to the last one evaluated, therefore showing an enhancement regarding the needs and demands of the patient.
Impact of albuminuria on the various causes of death in diabetic patients: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Cho Semin , Huh Hyuk , Park Sehoon , Lee Soojin , Jung Sehyun , Kim Minsang , Lee Kyu-na , Paek Jin Hyuk , Park Woo Yeong , Jin Kyubok , Han Seungyeup , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Han Kyungdo , Kim Yaerim , Kim Dong Ki , Kim Yon Su
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well-known risk factor for mortality, and the risk is exacerbated by coexisting diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We aimed to explore the impact of DM on each cause of mortality according to kidney function and the presence of albuminuria.Study design and setting: Data on subjects with DM were extracted from the Nationwide Health Insurance Database of South Korea between 2009 and 2012. Subjects were divided by eGFR and albuminuria into five groups. To evaluate the risk of diabetes, we used the Cox proportional hazards model.Results: A total of 2,614,662 patients were enrolled in this study. Most causes of death showed a higher incidence in an advanced stage of DKD. In addition to all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death, the risk of death from neoplasms and diseases of the endocrine, respiratory, and digestive systems is increased by albuminuria. The synergistic effect of a reduced eGFR and the presence of albuminuria was prominent in death from circulatory diseases, and endocrine and metabolic diseases.Conclusions: The risk for mortality was different according to the stage of DKD. Even in patients with a favorable eGFR, the presence of albuminuria significantly increased the risk for mortality, especially that due to cardiovascular causes.
Electrocatalyzed Direct Arene Alkenylations without Directing Groups: Selective Late-Stage Drug Diversification
Authors: Ackermann Lutz , Lin Zhipeng , Dhawa Uttam , Yuan Binbin , Liou Yan-Cheng , Johansson Magnus
Published: May 2022

Electrocatalysis has emerged as an increasingly viable platform for molecular syntheses, that can replace chemical redox agents and enable unprecedented reaction pathways. Despite major progress in electrooxidative C−H activations, these arene transformations generally require directing groups for chelation-induced efficiency and control of position-selectivity in the C−H activation. The installation and removal of these directing groups calls for additional synthesis operations, which jeopardizes the inherent efficacy of the C−H activation approach in terms of undesired waste formation and low resource economy. In sharp contrast, we herein present molecular electrocatalyzed C−H olefinations of simple arenes devoid of exogenous directing groups. The robust palladaelectro-catalysis proved amenable to a wide range of both electronically-diverse arenes under exceedingly mild reaction conditions. The strategy avoids sacrificial chemical oxidants, but operates by the reductive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This study points to a remarkable strategy comprising two electrochemical transformations to guarantee unprecedented levels of position-selectivities in direct arene olefinations. Cyclic voltammetry studies and computational analysis identified a direct correlation between the redox potential and catalysis efficacy. The palladaelectro-catalysis strategy avoids protecting and directing group interconversions, the practical importance of which is reflected by direct late-stage functionalizations of structurally complex compounds of relevance to drug discovery and pharmaceutical industries.
Development of “The Colombo Intake Interview to identify skilled meditators for scientific research (CIISMR)”
Authors: Outschoorn N.O. , Somarathne E.A.S.K. , Dasanayaka H.M.N.N. , Karunarathne L.J.U , Vithanage K.K. , Dalpatadu K.P.C. , Gunathunga M.W. , Herath H.M.J.C. , Jayasinghe S. , Dissanayake W.D.N.
Published: May 2022

Background: Buddhist-derived meditation is a well-known phenomenological practice that enhances overall well-being of individuals. However, broad and less-rigorous criteria in recruiting suitable meditation practitioners affect the reliability of results obtained through meditation research. Therefore, we aimed at developing an instrument to identify and recruit skilled meditators to be used in work conducted to understand the physiological, psychological, social, and environmental effects of meditation.Methods: Extensive literature reviews, interviews and focus groups with experts in the field of meditation were utilized in developing the instrument. Judgmental validation of the generated items was ensured through establishing their face, content and consensual validity. Internal consistency reliability and factor structure of the scale was explored to analyze its psychometric properties. Cut-off marks were determined in order to develop a scoring system for the instrument.Results: Twenty five items were categorized under five sections (A, B, C1, C2, D) that addressed six factors: duration of the meditation practice, details of the meditation practice, peripheral awareness, stable attention, alertness, and emotional stability. Three further qualitative items were added under section E. An exploratory factor analysis process resulted in a two-factor structure between the Likert scale items as theoretically expected. Scores to identify ‘skilled meditators’ were determined as: Section C1>7 (fall-back score; 7-9, ideal score; 10-12), Section C2>14 (fall-back score; 14-16, ideal score; 17-20) and Section D>25 (fall-back score; 25-29, ideal score; 30-35).Conclusion: An instrument named, “The Colombo Intake Interview to identify skilled meditators for scientific research (CIISMR)”, consisting of 28 items exploring six factors that identify a “skilled meditator” was developed and validated to the Sri Lankan context. The importance of using a combination of these six factors is discussed.
Effect of heat shield locations on rework- induced thermal management in ball grid array solder joint
Authors: Ismail Adlil Aizat , Bakar Maria Abu , Ehsan Abang Annuar , Jalar Azman , Burke John , Zolkefli Zol Effendi
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the effectiveness of heat shield placement locations during the rework process to avoid thermal and mechanical damage to adjacent ball grid array components and their solder joints on double sided printed circuit board assembly. Three types of heat shield placement locations were used: sample X, individual heat shield placement on adjacent components of the rework location; sample Y, a U-shaped, and sample Z, a square-shaped heat shield placed respectively at the heat source location. The dye and pull test results, infrared thermography, and temperature measurements were analysed to understand the relationship between the location of the heat shield and solder joint damage during rework. Heat shield placement at the heat source location on reworked component can reduce the peak temperatures on the adjacent rework component locations by up to 8.18%. The peak temperatures of the centre and corner of the BGA component can be maintained below 195°C and 210°C, respectively to improve the adjacent rework component locations‘ solder joint quality by reducing solder joint damage more than 50% solder cracks. This is useful for thermal management during rework involving high-density ball grid array component placements on double sided printed circuit board assembly.
Screening and identification of key biomarker in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: Evidence from microarray analysis
Authors: Huang Wentao , Kang Kai , Jiang Shigang , Wang Han , Li Tong , Gao Shijun
Published: May 2022

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two diseases that can cause joint dysfunction and disability. Synovitis plays a role in the progression of both diseases, however, the underlying molecular mechanism regulating the synovial inflammation is poorly known.Method: Data of Gene expression in synovial tissue of OA and RA were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After integrating and analysising gene expression datasets, we identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in inflammatory synovial tissue of OA and RA. Functional annotation, protein‐protein interaction network(PPI) construction were constructed and we screened out the hub genes. The miRNA, which might regulate hub genes were screened out. Then, we performed functional annotation of miRNA to further explore the molecular mechanisms of two diseases. Finally, the relationship between gene products and inflammatory synovial membrane were analyzed.Results: We identified 336 and 531 DEGs in OA and RA. Functional analysis indicated that DEGs were related to Neuroactive ligand-receptor and Epstein-Barr virus infection. 12 OA-special and 13 RA-special genes were identified as hub genes through the analysis of PPI network. Conclusion: In this study, the DEGs of knee synovial membrane of OA and RA were analyzed, which assist us in systematic understanding the pathogeny underlying occurrence and development of the two diseases. The CHRM5, GFAP, CCNA2, BUB1B and PTTG1 might be used as potential targets to treat or delay the progression of the two diseases.
Evaluating Pre-trained BERT-based Language Models for Detecting Misinformation
Authors: Anggrainingsih Rini , Hassan Ghulam Mubashar , Datta Amitava
Published: May 2022

It is challenging to control the quality of online information due to the lack of supervision. Manual checking is almost impossible given the vast number of posts made on online media and how quickly they spread. Therefore, there is a need for automated rumour detection techniques to limit the adverse effects of spreading misinformation. Previous studies mainly focused on finding and extracting the significant features of text data. However, extracting features is time-consuming and not a highly effective process. This study proposes the BERT-based pre-trained language models to encode text data into vectors and utilise neural network models to classify these vectors to detect misinformation. Furthermore, different language models (LM) ’ performance with different trainable parameters was compared. The proposed technique is tested on different short and long text datasets. The result of the proposed technique has been compared with the state-of-the-art methods on the same datasets. The results show that the proposed technique performs better than the state-of-the-art techniques. We also tested the proposed technique by combining the datasets. The results demonstrated that the large training and testing size of data considerably improves the technique’s performance. Therefore, it is suggested that the dataset, splitting data, and classification techniques must be considered carefully to analyse performance of the solutions.
CRP, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 Levels and the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cui Yongjia , Cui Shasha , Lu Wenping , Zhuo Zhili , Wang Ruipeng , Zhang Dongni , Wu Xiaoqing , Chang Lei , Zuo Xi , Zhang Weixuan , Wang Yanan , Mei Heting , Zhang Mengfan
Published: May 2022

Background
Epidemiological studies have reported a positive association between inflammation and cancer risk. However, the association between inflammation and breast cancer (BC) risk remains unclear. Here, we performed a Mendelian randomization study to investigate the etiological role of inflammation in BC risk.
Methods
We acquired data regarding C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6 expression and BC related to single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from two larger consortia (the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC)). Next, we conducted the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study for investigating the relationship of the abovementioned inflammatory factors with the incidence of BC.
Results
Genetically predicted CRP levels did not increase BC incidence (odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98–1.12, P = 0.2059). IL-6 was not related to BC incidence (OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.95–1.16, P = 0.3297). It showed no association between genetically predicted IL-1α levels and BC incidence (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.03, P = 0.2167). IL-1β levels were not related to overall BC incidence (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.98–1.17, P = 0.1140); however, in subgroup analysis, genetically predicted IL-1β levels increased ER + BC incidence (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03–1.27, P = 0.0088), but no correlation was found with ER-BC (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.86–1.18, P = 0.9510).
Conclusions
Our study suggested that CRP, IL-1α, and IL-6 levels were not related to BC incidence; however, genetically predicted IL-1β levels were found to increase ER + BC susceptibility.
Primary tumor resection provides survival benefits for the patients with brain metastases from colorectal cancer
Authors: Cheng Xiaofei , Li Yanqing , Zhao Feng , Chen Dong , Xu Xiangming , Liu Fanlong
Published: May 2022

Background: Brain metastases (BMs), particularly synchronous brain metastases, in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are uncommon. The survival benefit of primary tumor resection (PTR) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer is controversial. Whether PTR can bring survival benefit to patients with BMs of CRC has not been reported. Methods: From 2010 to 2016, 581 CRC patients with BMs from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were randomly divided into PTR and non-PTR group. The log-rank test was used to compare the survival distributions. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival. By controlling additional prognostic factors, a Cox proportional multivariate regression analysis was used to estimate the survival benefit of PTR.Results: The median overall survival for CRC patients with synchronous BMs was 3 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 27.2% and a 2-year survival rate of 12.8%. The PTR group contained 171 patients (29.4%), whereas the non-PTR group had 410 patients (70.6%). Patients who underwent PTR had a 1-year survival rate of 40.2% compared to 21.7% in those who did not (p < 0.0001). Cox proportional analysis showed that patients ≥60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.718, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.423-2.075, p< 0.0001) had a shorter OS than patients < 60 years of age. OS was better in CEA-negative than in CEA-positive patients (HR 0.652, 95% CI 0.472-0.899, p=0.009). Patients in whom the primary tumor was removed had a considerably improved prognosis (HR 0.654, 95% CI 0.531–0.805, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the PTR group achieved a survival advantage except for patients with CEA negative.Conclusions: Patients with BMs from CRC may benefit from primary tumor resection (PTR).Independent prognostic risk factors for CRC patients with synchronous BMs were age, CEA level, and PTR.
Role of Long-chain Cyanoacrylate (Lcca) Tissue Adhesive in the Repair of Hypospadias and Urethrocutaneous Fistula (Ucf) in Children
Authors: KHANNA SANAT KUMAR , BAHL INA , Balraam KV Vinu , Maheshwari Saurabh
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Hypospadias is an anomaly wherein the urethral opening is ectopically located on the ventral aspect of the penis. The most common complications after hypospadias repair are urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) and meatal stenosis. Long Chain Cyanoacrylate (LCCA) tissue adhesive promises safety, feasibility, and durability due to its tensile strength and bacteriostatic and hemostatic properties. We conducted this study to ascertain whether LCCA tissue adhesive can prove a more effective adjunct to traditional suturing techniques.
Methods
Patients were divided into two groups. Group A underwent surgery with conventional reconstruction of the neourethral tube along with buttressing layer using Buck's fascia or Tunica Vaginalis. In addition to the traditional procedure of Gp A, Group B patients were administered a layer of LCCA tissue adhesive as an adjunct between the neourethral suture line and the buttressing layer. Patients were followed up for six months and were evaluated for complications like UCF, meatal stenosis, hematoma, skin infection, glans dehiscence, and flap necrosis.
Results
38 children in the age group 1–6 years were studied, of which 20 were in Group A and 18 in Group B. 35% of patients in Group A developed complications. In contrast, only 22.2% of patients developed complications in Group B. The statistical significance in the complication rates between the two groups could not be achieved due to the modest sample size. However, the numerical and proportional reduction in the number of complications was noted.
Conclusion
LCCA adhesive as an adjunct numerically reduces the number of complications compared to traditional suturing alone in patients undergoing surgery for hypospadias and UCF.
Atomic-resolution structures from polycrystalline covalent organic frameworks crystals with enhanced Cryo-cRED
Authors: Li Jian , Lin Cong , Ma Tianqiong , Sun Junliang
Published: May 2022

The pursuit of atomic precision structure of porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) is to understand relationship between structure and properties, and further develop new materials with superior performance. Yet, a challenge of how to determine their atomic structures has always existed since the first COFs was reported in seventeen years ago. Here, we presented a universal method for ab initial structure determination of polycrystalline 3D COFs at atomic level using enhanced cryo-cRED, which combined hierarchical cluster analysis with cryo-EM technique. The high-quality datasets are not only up to 0.79-angstrom resolution but more than 90% completeness, leading to unambiguous solution and precise anisotropic refinement. With such powerful method, the dynamics structures with flexible linkers, degree of interpenetration, position of functional groups, and arrangement of ordered guest molecules were successfully revealed with atomic precision in five 3D COFs, which were almost impossible to obtain these characteristics without atomic resolution structure solution. This study demonstrates a practicable strategy for determining the structures of polycrystalline COFs and other beam sensitive materials, and to help in the future discovery of novel materials on the other.
Bovine-based breast milk fortifier and neonatal outcomes in premature infants <32 weeks’ gestational age
Authors: Jordan Kate W. , Rooy Laura , Richards Justin , Kulkarni Anay
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To examine if the use of bovine-based breast milk fortifier (BMF) in preterm infants plays a role in the development of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), or an increase in all-cause mortality.Methods: Retrospective audit of 952 preterm infants, born <32 weeks gestational age (GA) between January 2010 and September 2020 at a tertiary surgical level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (St George’s Hospital, London, United Kingdom). Odds ratios (OR), risk ratios (RR), and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated for the total cohort, and in subgroup analyses by GA.Results: Use of BMF increased significantly across the ten-year study timeframe, from 10.5% of infants in 2010 to 45.8% in 2020. Conversely, NEC rates have been stable across this timeframe (6.3% from 2010 – 2014 and 5.8% from 2015 – 2019). BMF was not associated with an increased risk of developing NEC in preterm infants <32 weeks GA (RR 0.63), including within subgroup analyses. BMF was not associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality within the cohort (RR 0.31). In the most clinically vulnerable subgroup, GA <26 weeks, BMF use was associated with a decreased risk of developing NEC (RR 0.36, P=0.019, NNT 4.80 – 30.3) and decreased all-cause mortality (RR 0.30, P=.0033, NNT 3.91 – 15.65).Conclusion: Use of bovine BMF was not associated with adverse outcomes in this study. BMF use was associated with a decreased rate of adverse outcomes in the most clinically vulnerable infants.
A Study to Analyze the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing Used in Young Children
Authors: Li Jinghao , Jiang He , Zhang Yi , Cui Jian , Li Meiting , Zhou Huiming , Li Xiaomei
Published: May 2022

Objective
This study was performed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP) used in young children.
Methods
From September 2020 to May 2021, total of thirty-one children (≤ 7 years old) with complete atrioventricular block were included. All patients were intended to receive the operation of LBBaP. The pacing parameters, cardiac function and cardiac synchrony were evaluated during follow-up.
Results
LBBaP succeeded in twenty-two children (3.3 ± 2.1 years old), with a success rate of 70.9%. LBBaP had failed in nine children, these children received right ventricular septal pacing (RVSP) eventually. The average postoperative QRS duration in patients of LBBaP group was narrower than that of RVSP group: 100.9 ± 9.1 versus 114.2 ± 11.9 ms (P = 0.002). The median time of follow-up was 12 (IQR 6–15) months. At last time of follow-up, the capture threshold of ventricular electrode in patients of LBBaP group were significantly lower than that of RVSP group (0.70 ± 0.25 versus 1.39 ± 0.94 V, P = 0.011). The echo-LVEF in patients of LBBaP group were better than that of RVSP group (66.1 ± 3.3 versus 63.1 ± 2.2%, P = 0.025). Additionally, the intraventricular and interventricular synchrony parameters in patients of LBBaP group were better than that of RVSP group: the standard deviation of time to peak strain (38.1 ± 5.3 versus 50.3 ± 7.0 ms, P = 0.000) and the interventricular mechanical delay time (38.4 ± 19.9 versus 65.0 ± 31.1 ms, P = 0.012) respectively.
Conclusion
LBBaP could be safely and effectively for young children. Satisfactory pacing parameters, narrow QRS duration and well cardiac synchrony parameters could be obtained.
Usefulness of the PET/CT to predict the progression and mortality risk in patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease
Authors: Chacón Beatriz Morales , García-Esqu Marta García , Barbero Asunción Nieto , Caldíl Aída Ortega , García Irene Serrano , Walther José Luis Álvarez-Sala , Alcazar Lydia Abásolo
Published: May 2022

Objective: to assess the capacity of the PET/CT to predict pulmonary function deterioration and increased mortality risk in patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP) and to establish a possible SUVmax cutoff which identifies these patients. Material and methods: retrospective study between January 2007-December 2020. Inclusion criteria: patients > 18 years of age, diagnosed with IIP by PET/CT and pulmonary function test, with less than 6 months’ difference between the two tests. A study was made of the outcome variables associated with the PET/CT, the pulmonary function test measured at 2 stages (initially at the time of the PET/CT and at the end of follow-up), the mortality risk, the relationship between them all and the presence of lung cancer (LC). Results: 39 patients were analysed: 34 males (87%), with an age of 75 ± 8 years. The mean ± SD of the SUVmax was 2.57 ± 1.17. LC was confirmed in 21 cases (54%). There is a small inverse correlation between the SUVmax and the initial and final predicted FVC% (r= -0.154, r= -0.252), together with a medium correlation for the initial and final predicted DLCO% (r= -0.523, r= -0.514). The mean ± SD of the GAP index was 3.77 ± 1.08. There is a medium correlation between the SUVmax and the mortality risk of stages I and II (r = 0.468). By means of ROC curve analysis, an SUVmax of 2.2 was established to predict the fall of the FVC below 80%, of 1.9 to predict the fall of the DLCO below 60%, and of 2.15 to predict the progression from GAP stage I to II in mortality risk. Conclusions: There is an inverse correlation between the SUVmax and the pulmonary function, together with a direct relationship between the SUVmax and the mortality risk.
Bio quantum path duality metamorphosizes Newtonian rigid inertia into topological bio-inertia
Authors: Lai Yi Yu
Published: May 2022

To date, all known energy types since Newtonian times are counted by parameters values changing. However, bio-inertia originates from the blind spots of this system, inversion energy is based on system parameters values unchanging but keeps internal inversion among parameters for external changes, with a certain quantization time survives in a non-isolated environment. Schrödinger equation has quantized energy but still hasn’t quantized time thus resulting in quantum collapse. We experiment and define bio-inertia as “parameter-against-gravity-internal- motion” inversion, utilizing Chu’s constant to quantize time, modulating quantization time that maintains bio-systems in an entropy-controlled state originates from topological event inversion superposition of bio quantum paths, conventional quantum collapse instancy extends into quantum sensing processes or lifespan. Bio quantum path duality physically equivalent quantization time or memory between Planck regions and surface tension regions by a string topological equation drives biological de-randomization or evolution, which is generalized as the Basic Law of evolution. The physical topological quantization time steering “copy” quiddity of life is unveiled.
REA: resource exergy analysis guidelines for evaluating energy systems
Authors: Jentsch Andrej
Published: May 2022

Evaluating energy systems using resource exergy analysis (REA) is key to ensure that climate targets are reached in time.The reason for this effect is wastefulness. Wastefulness in otherwise GHG-free energy systems increases the amount of GHG-free energy supply required to cover a considered demand. That means that wastefullness leads to reduced availability of GHG-free energy converters for the rest of the energy system and overall fossil fuel use is increased.REA allows to assess wastefulness comprehensively and thus obtain a key indicator in addition to GHG emissions, that is grounded in science, namely resource exergy consumption.This publication provides guidelines to the application of resource exergy analysis (REA) with a focus on energy systems evaluation.REA is a well-tested application of exergy analysis to the field of technology comparison that can replace the less comprehensive primary energy analysis and reduce the risk of suboptimal decisions.
Accumulation of anthocyanins and phenolic acids and antioxidant activity of lettuce cultivars grown hydroponically and in the open ground
Authors: Oleinits E. Yu. , Sukhodolov I. A. , Konstantinovich A. V. , Deineka V. I. , Blinova I. P. , Deineka L. A.
Published: May 2022

We assess the level of anthocyanins and phenolic acids accumulated in the leaves of lettuce cultivars grown hydroponically and in the open ground. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the cultivars under study was determined. The plant material was macerated overnight using a selected extractant. The anthocyanin concentration was determined by spectrophotometry, while the composition of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds was determined by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography. In general, anthocyanins in the extracts of all red-leaved lettuce cultivars were represented by cyanidin-3-(6″- malonylglucoside) with a small amount of its isomer – cyanidin-3-(3″-malonylglucoside). The highest level of anthocyanins was detected in the leaves of c.v. Thurinus, amounting up to 0.200 g per 100 g of fresh product for the intensively painted leaf areas. The cultivation of lettuce under the green-house conditions (hydroponically) leads to a significant reduction in the anthocyanin concentration in its leaves. The loss of anthocyanins during leaf drying was established to exceed 50%. Along with anthocyanins, the derivatives of caffeic acid, including chlorogenic (5-caffeoylquinic) acid, 5CQA, chicoric (3,4-caffeoyltartaric) acid, and 3,5- dicaffeoylquinic acid are important water-soluble compounds with antioxidant effects. The 5CQA accumulation was the highest, comprising 140 mg per 100 g of fresh weight (Red Thurinus). Antioxidant properties correlating with the level of anthocyanin accumulation were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. In comparison with green-leaved cultivars, red-leaved lettuce was found to exhibit a greater antioxidant activity, thus representing a more valuable and functional food product. According to the obtained results, a system of additional illumination is required for intensification of the anthocyan biosynthesis aimed at obtaining highquality products cultivated hydroponically in green-house facilities.
Impurity-impurity interaction during the growth of UMG-Si-based mc-Si
Authors: Presnyakov R. V. , Peshcherova S. M. , Chueshova A. G. , Bychinskii V. A. , Nepomnyashchikh A. I.
Published: May 2022

This article investigates the relationship between the chemical composition and electrophysical properties of p- and n-type multicrystalline silicon ingots based on metallurgical silicon with a purity of 99.99 at.%. In particular, the role of impurity-impurity interactions in the production of multisilicon by the Bridgman vertical method is evaluated in order to identify approaches to controlling this process effectively. The phase equilibrium calculations in the “silicon–all impurities” and “silicon-impurity-oxygen” systems were carried out based on the Gibbs energy minimization in the Selector software package. The study investigates the rank correlations of the concentrations of various impurities with each other, as well as with the specified electrical resistivity (SER) and the lifetime of nonequilibrium charge carriers (NCC) in the direction of crystal growth. Pair correlations of the element distribution profiles were considered based on the role of the main factor represented by the ratio of individual impurity solubilities in solid or liquid silicon (k0), as well as from the standpoint of direct interaction between two elements. It was found that the k0 value for two individual impurities in silicon does not automatically lead to the pair correlation of their distribution profiles in the ingot. A significant effect on the distribution profiles of impurities in multisilicon with k0→0 has the factor of binding some part of the impurity into such a form that this impurity can be incorporated easily into a growing crystal. Binding may be induced by the interaction of the impurity in the melt with the oxygen background, its segregation at the grain boundaries, and its capture by the crystallization front in the composition of the liquid inclusion. Significant correlations of impurity distribution profiles in the ingot were demonstrated by the pairs whose elements interact without the formation of chemical compounds in the 25–1413 °C temperature range. The conducted phase equilibrium calculations for the “silicon–all impurities” system revealed the possibility of forming the VB2, TiB2, ZrB2, and MgTiO4 solid phases in the melt.