bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction and Spatial Interpretation of Meteorological Factors With Neonatal Mortality Rate
Authors: MATHUR SANDEEP
Published: April 2022

Around a million infants die in India each year. The NMR (Neonatal Mortality Rate) reduced from 18 for every 1000 live births that is 1.8 percent in 2011 to 12 for every 1000 that is 1.2 percent in 2016. Still, the problem with it is that this decline in rate has been low, and when compared to the infant and mortality rate, it is still lower. Among all the neonatal deaths, the rate of decay of in Early "Neonatal Mortality Rate (ENMR)" is much lower than that of recent NMR according to the Registrar General of India giving the Sample Registration Statistical Report (SRS). The anthropogenic exercises of current years have encouraged the increment of elements of gases and particulate matter in the environment bringing about changes in the atmosphere influencing human wellbeing, especially the sensitive neonatal of the nation. The present paper evaluates the spatial translation of meteorological factor temperature affecting the neonatal death rate of Delhi, including the level of neonatal mortality rate and early neonatal mortality rate utilizing Multinomial logistic regression model and Pearson's Correlation coefficient for discovering the association for the equivalent.
Human serum parabens levels and their associations with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Qu Jianli , Zhao Yun , Zhao Meirong , Wu Pengfei , Xue Jing , jin hangbiao
Published: April 2022

Parabens are widely used in consumer products resulting in frequent exposure to humans. To date, little is known about the association between human paraben exposure and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, a case-control cohort (n = 290) was established in Hangzhou, China, aiming to quantify the concentrations of methyl paraben (MeP), ethyl paraben (EtP), propyl paraben (PrP), and butyl paraben (BuP) in serum samples and to determine their associations with RA risks. MeP (mean 4.7 ng/mL, range < LOD–20 ng/mL) was the predominant paraben in human serum, followed by PrP (1.9 ng/mL, < LOD–24 ng/mL), EtP (1.4 ng/mL, < LOD–10 ng/mL), and BuP (1.09 ng/mL, < LOD–10 ng/mL). Human serum concentrations of MeP were correlated with the levels of rheumatoid factors [adjusted β = 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12, 0.46], anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (adjusted β = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.58), immunoglobulin G (adjusted β = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.30). Significant associations between serum MeP (adjusted β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.037, 0.28) and PrP (adjusted β = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.080, 0.38) levels were associated with C-reactive protein levels. In addition, an association between serum MeP levels and the incidence of RA (odds ratios (OR)crude = 1.337, CI: 1.110, 1.624, p = 0.03; ORadjusted = 1.866, CI: 1.321, 2.636, p = 0.02) was positive and significant. Based on the measurements of serum parabens concentrations, this work supports the evidence for the significant associations among parabens exposure, change of specific immune marker, and RA risks.
Wind-induced sediment dynamics impact on turbidity for watrerworks in Taihu Basin (China) based on numerical simulation
Authors: Yao Xinyu , Liu Xiaowei , Zhou Yongchao , Zhang Liang , Zhou Zhixu , Zhang Yiping
Published: April 2022

Lake Taihu is an important drinking water source for cities in the Yangtze River Delta region, while the dramatic fluctuation in turbidity has caused serve problems for local waterworks management. Because the sediment behavior induced by wind disturbance was believed to be the main factor for the matter, the effect of wind fields on the hydrodynamics and sediment distribution of Lake Taihu and the turbidity of the raw water were conducted based on a wind-driven numerical model. The obtained results indicate that wind direction was more influential on the structure of flow and wave fields, while wind speed contributed more to the field intensity, and the suspended sediment of the water intake area primarily consisted of migrated particles from other erosion regions. The high consistency between the simulated suspended sediment concentration and the turbidity with a lag effect of 7 h made it possible for turbidity prediction when combined with the weather forecast technique. The model achieved operation adjustment in advance, thus improving the management efficiency of the waterworks.
Effect of Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Centered on Pregnant Women with Pulmonary Hypertension on Treatment and Outcomes of Pregnancy
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Luo Jun , Chen Jingyuan , Chen Yusi , Li Zilu , Qiu Haihua , Li Jiang
Published: April 2022

Background
The importance of multidisciplinary team (MDT) centered on pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been highlighted. However, rare studies have explored the its effects on pregnancy outcomes. This study seeks to investigate whether and how the MDT has an effect on the treatment and outcomes of PH pregnant women.
Methods
A pre- and post-intervention study was conducted based on an interrupted time series design to compare the treatment and outcomes of patients with PH before (pre-MDT) and after (post-MDT) implementation of the MDT. PH was defined as pulmonary artery systolic pressure (sPAP) ≥ 40 mmHg measured by echocardiography or right heart catheterization and sPAP at 40–60mmHg and over 60mmHg was defined as mild and severe PH, respectively. All results were analyzed by T-tests, Chi square tests or Fisher exact test and two-sided p-value < 0.05 was set to be statistically significant.
Results
149 pregnancies were found in 143 women with PH. Overall, 46 pregnancies were elective abortions, remaining 49 and 54 pregnancies completing delivery in the pre-MDT group and post-MDT group, respectively. Five (10.2%) mother and seven (8.6%) neonatal died in the former, while no maternal deaths but 1.9% neonatal death occurred in the latter. In subgroup analysis, maternal and fetal/neonatal complications were higher in patients with severe PH and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III/IV and all maternal deaths occurred in class III/IV women. In pre-MDT and post-MDT groups, there were 8 and 22 pregnant women receiving the pulmonary-specific therapy and completing delivery, respectively. The percentage of heart failure and urgent cesarean of pre-MDT group was higher than the post-MDT group (30.6% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.02; 40.8% vs. 14.8%, p = 0.01, respectively).
Conclusion
Implementing the MDT decreased the rate of urgent cesarean section and heart failure in patients with PH and no maternal death occurred in the post-MDT group. Pregnant women with severe PH and NYHA FC III/IV might have poor prognosis, whereas the use of pulmonary-specific therapy might improve outcomes of pregnancy in PH.
Tool condition monitoring based on the fractal analysis of current and cutting force signals during CFRP trimming
Authors: Jamshidi Maryam , Chatelain Jean-François , Rimpault Xavier , Balazinski Marek
Published: April 2022

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) is becoming more popular in the aerospace industry due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and low weight. Machining CFRP to achieve the required surface quality, on the other hand, remains a challenge. High temperature in the cutting zone area affects the tool life and surface quality of the machined part. A thermally affected matrix makes an inaccurate interpretation of the surface quality. Then, the roughness parameters cannot be an appropriate indicator for surface evaluation of the CFRP. In the aerospace industry, however, ensuring the acceptable surface quality of a part is essential. Minimizing and controlling tool wear is necessary to avoid degrading the finished surface and losing the dimensional accuracy of the final part. Early detection of tool wear and appropriate surface quality in finishing operations can be achieved using online tool condition monitoring. Cutting forces and electric current signals related to the spindle during machining are very responsive to cutting conditions and can accurately represent tool condition changes. Fractal analysis, as a new approach in the online tool condition monitoring, can assess the tool condition during machining. This research investigates the fractal analysis of the spindle electric current signal and the total cutting force signal while trimming CFRP using a CVD end mill through three different tool life conditions, e.g. new tool, moderately worn tool, and severely worn tool. The empirical fractal index is also introduced to assess the tool condition and ensure the acceptable surface qualities in the finishing operations. The effectiveness of fractal analysis as a decision-making method in the tool condition monitoring was successfully proven in this study.
Nonlinear dynamic characteristic analysis of the composite rotor-bearing system with pedestal looseness
Authors: Yang Mo , Xuan Hao , Xiong Wei , Liu Dezheng , Zhou Yuebin , Zhang Wen
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the nonlinear dynamic of a composite rotor-bearing system with multi-degree-of-freedom are analyzed. The composite rotor is supported by sliding bearing, with a base loosening fault at one end. The orthotropic anisotropy of composite materials, the nonlinear oil film force and pedestal looseness are fully considered. Then, the motion equations of the composite rotor-bearing system are established by the lumped mass model. Various nonlinear phenomena compressing periodic, quasi-periodic and chaotic motions of the composite rotor system are analyzed. The results show that the rotor system is unstable in the form of oil film instability at low speeds and loosening instability at high speeds. The laminate parameters has an important impact on the stability of the rotor system. The ratio of the small orientation angle layer or the ± 45° layer shall be maximized so as to improve the oil film instability speed of the composite rotor system. While the loosening instability speed mainly depends on the stiffness of the composite rotor.
Research on the Effect of Cockpit Knob Interface Layout and Position on Change Blindness
Authors: JIN Huibin , YANG Xianxi , CHANG Yinxia , LI Kun , ZOU Guoliang , GAO Weipeng , ZHU Mengchang
Published: April 2022

The phenomenon of change blindness in the process of aircraft flying is easy to cause pilots to miss the key information prompt, resulting in huge safety risks. In order to ensure flight safety by reducing the occurrence of change blindness, this research adopts the forced detection paradigm and eye tracking technology, combining keystroke accuracy, reaction time, average fixation time, fixation point number to explore stimulus presentation time, knob interface layout complexity, and influence of the position of the knob on change blindness. Therefore, it provides theoretical guidance on how to reduce the incidence of change blindness. The results showed that increasing the time of stimulus presentation could improve the efficiency of change detection and reduce the probability of change blindness. The more concise and reasonable the knob interface layout is, the more beneficial it is in reducing the cognitive load of the subjects and improving the change detection ability of the subjects, thereby reducing the incidence of change blindness. The subjects tended to devote more attention to the central knob, and the identification and processing of information were more comprehensive, meaning the success rate of change detection was higher. It is also proved that there is no interaction between these factors.
Reduced Circulating Soluble Receptor For Advanced Glycation End-products in Chronic Hepatitis B Are Associated with Hepatic Necroinflammation
Authors: Zhang Xiuyu , You Yan , Liu Qiao , Sun Xiaoyu , Chen Weixian , Duan Liang
Published: April 2022

The diagnosis and disease management of Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain challenging due to the elusive assessment of disease severity. Recently, soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) has been shown to be implicated in the inflammatory-immune response initiated by liver injury. Nonetheless, its natural behavior and clinical importance in CHB remain elusive. One hundred and twenty CHB patients and forty healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled, and the serum sRAGE as well as RAGE expressin in biopsy specimens from these subjects was analyzed, and correlation of sRAGE with clinical features as well as its potential predictive value for monitoring the CHB was also evaluated. Reduced serum sRAGE levels and decreased tissular RAGE expression were observed in CHB patients. sRAGE and RAGE were inversely correlated with gradually increased grades of hepatic necroinflammation as well as the routine indicator ALT. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that combination of ALT and sRAGE exerted better predictive power (area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.86) for hepatic necroinflammation than that of ALT (AUC of 0.82), sRAGE (AUC of 0.81) or sRAGE-to-ALT ratio (sRAGE/ALT) (AUC of 0.85) alone. More importantly, circulating sRAGE alone exerted valuable predictive power for hepatic moderate-to-severe necroinflammation in CHB patients but with normal ALT (AUC of 0.81) or minimally elevated ALT (AUC of 0.85). In conclusion, reduced serum sRAGE levels may imply an increased severity for necroinflammation, and it may serve as a potential alternative biomarker for monitoring hepatic necroinflammation in CHB.
Alternative use of phage display: Phage M13 can remain viable in the intestines of poultry without causing damage
Authors: Santos Fabiana de Almeida Araújo , Junior Edson Campos Valadares , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Nunes Pedro Lucas Figueiredo , Mendonça Eliane Pereira , Girão Lúcio Vilela Carneiro , Hora Aline Santana da , Ferreira Thatiana Bragine , Bastos Luciana Machado , Medeiros-Ronchi Alessandra Aparecida , Fonseca Belchiolina Beatriz
Published: April 2022

Phage display (PD) is a tool for developing new molecules to control pathogens. Peptides selected by PD are commonly synthesised and tested, but the use of phage M13 displaying the selected peptides as a direct biding in the intestinal tract has not yet been tested. This study evaluated whether phage M13 can remain viable in the chicken gastrointestinal tract and whether it causes injury or humoral immune response. We inoculated phage M13 or E. coli ER2738 (ECR) infected with M13 into birds at different ages. We found the virus in faeces at 5 or 13 days after inoculation, just when it infected the ECR. The presence of phage M13 or ECR did not result in gut injuries and had no impacts on weight gain and bird health. Furthermore, the levels of IgY were similar in all treatments, which indicates that the virus can be used in chicken until 42 days without being recognised by the immune system. This work provides a scientific basis for the use of PD as a tool in numerous applications to control different pathogens.
Precipitation forecasting based on deep learning strategy using empirical wavelet transform, Markov chain-incorporated long-short term memory network
Authors: YANG Jie , Tang Rui , Lan Kun , Wang Han , Zhang Lin , Fong Simon
Published: April 2022

Accurate and stable precipitation forecasting can better reflect the changing trend of climate and also provide timely and efficient environmental information for a management decision, as well as prevent the occurrence of floods or droughts. This study proposes a hybrid model for precipitation forecasting and demonstrates its efficiency. Firstly, the empirical wavelet transform (EWT) is introduced to decompose and pre-analysis hidden characteristics of the precipitation data. Secondly, The Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) network is improved in combination with the Markov Chain (MC) algorithm, thus providing more precise forecasting results for rainless and rainy months and mitigating any extreme and non-physical precipitation generation. Thirdly, the multi-step prediction is explored to improve the reliability and flexibility of rainfall. Monthly precipitation data is used as illustrative cases to verify the performance of the proposed model. Parallel experiments using non-decomposing models, other traditional machine learning approaches optimized by the mind evolution algorithm have been designed and conducted to compare with the proposed model. Results indicated that the proposed hybrid model can capture the nonlinear characteristics of the precipitation time series, thus provides more precise forecasting results.
Upregulation of miR-107 suppresses Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling in degenerated intervertebral disc cells following hyperbaric oxygen treatment—in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Niu Chi-Chien , Lin Song-Shu , Chan Yi-Sheng , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Ueng Steve W.N. , Yuan Li-Jen , Chong Kowit-Yu , Yang Chuen-Yung , Liu Shih–Jun , Liu Jia-Wei , Hsiao Hui-Yi , Hsueh Yi-Jen , Liu Shiau-Chin , Chen Chung-An
Published: April 2022

Background: MicroRNA (miRNA) 107 expression is downregulated but Wnt3a protein and β-catenin are upregulated in degenerated intervertebral disc (IVD). We investigated mir-107/Wnt3a-β-catenin signaling in degenerated nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) following hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Methods: MiRNA profiling was accomplished via microarray and real-time PCR. MiRNA targets were identified using bioinformatics and a luciferase reporter assay. After HBO treatment, the changes in Wnt3a, phosphorylated LRP6, β-catenin, cyclinD1, metalloproteinases (MMPs) were evaluated. In addition, the translocation of β-catenin was detected, the TOP flash and FOP flash activity and the secreted MMPs were quantified. Subsequently, we investigated the effects of HBO on Wnt3a /β-catenin expression and serum keratan sulfate (KS) levels in a rabbit degenerated IVD model. Results: Our results showed ninety-six miRNAs were upregulated and 66 downregulated following HBO intervention. The 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the Wnt3a mRNA contained the “seed-matched-sequence” for miR-107. MiR-107 was induced by HBO and a marked suppression of Wnt3a was observed simultaneously in degenerated NPCs. Knockdown of miR-107 upregulated Wnt3a expression in hyperoxic cells. HBO downregulated the protein expression of Wnt3a, phosphorylated LRP6, and cyclin D1. There was decreased TOP flash activity following HBO stimulation, whereas the FOP flash activity was not affected. HBO decreased the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and decreased the secretion of MMP 3 and 9. Moreover, rabbit serum KS levels and the area stained positive for Wnt3a and β-catenin tended to be lower in the HBO group. Conclusions: HBO inhibits Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling related pathways by upregulating miR-107 expression in degenerated NPCs. HBO may play a protective role against IVD degeneration and could be used as a future therapeutic treatment
On the mechanism of marine fouling-prevention performance of oil-containing silicone elastomers: A comprehensive laboratory, field and theoretical study
Authors: Kolle Stefan , Ahanotu Onyemaechi , Meeks Amos , Stafslien Shane , Kreder Michael , Vanderwal Lyndsi , Cohen Lucas , Waltz Grant , Lim Chin Sing , Slocum Dave , Maldonado-Greene Elisa , Hunsucker Kelli , Swain Geoffrey , Wendt Dean , Teo Serena Lay-Ming , Aizenberg Joanna
Published: April 2022

For many decades, silicone elastomers with oil incorporated have served as fouling-release coating for marine applications. In a comprehensive study involving a series of laboratory-based marine fouling assays and extensive global field studies of up to 2-year duration, we compare polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coatings of the same composition loaded with oil. Methods using a traditional, one-pot pre-cure oil addition approach (o-PDMS) and a newer post-cure infusion approach (i-PDMS) were evaluated. The latter display a substantial increase in biofouling prevention performance that exceeds an established commercial silicone-based fouling-release coating standard. We interpret the differences in performance between one-pot and infused PDMS by developing a mechanistic model based on the Flory-Rehner theory of swollen polymer networks. Using this model, we propose that the chemical potential of the incorporated oil is a key consideration for the design of future fouling-release coatings, as the improved performance is driven by the formation and stabilization of an anti-adhesion oil overlayer on the polymer surface.
Diverse roles of heterogenous drugs in facilitating crime in East London. The input of East London community.
Authors: Bala Samkelo , Kang'ethe Simon
Published: April 2022

Drug problem continues to escalate and facilitate crime in South Africa. This study explored the role of eclectic drugs in facilitating crime in East London environs. Qualitative paradigm was applied to collect data through a case study design. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews were conducted among thirty-two (32) participants. The findings revealed a significant role of new drugs and increase of ungovernable lawlessness; Nyaope/whoonga drug continues to produce bizarre crimes; methamphetamine (tik) remained the major influence of criminal behaviour; and East London business entities remained victims of crimes associated with drugs abuse. The study recommends a collaborative and synergistic interventions between the government and private sector to address the drug problem.
Effect of sodium selenite concentration and culture time on extracellular and intracellular metabolite profiles of Epichloë sp. isolated from Festuca sinensis in liquid culture
Authors: zhou lianyu , Qiao Feng , Ma Xuelan , Ju Jiasheng , Luo Qiaoyu
Published: April 2022

Selenium (Se) is a member of trace elements which are critical for proper functioning of an organism, and is one of the abiotic stressors which affect living organisms growth and metabolite. In this study, Epichloë sp. from Festuca sinensis was submitted to increasing Na2SeO3 concentrations (0, 0.1, and 0.2 mmol/L) in the liquid media for 8 weeks. Epichloë sp. mycelia and fermentation broth were collected by centrifuging at 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 weeks of cultivation, respectively. About 157 and 198 metabolites were respectively determined in fermentation broth and mycelia using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis. Diverse changes in extracellular and intracellular metabolites were observed as Epichloë sp. exposured to selenite conditions and cultivation time. Eight common contributed metabolites (alanine, valine, isoleucine, glycine, serine, aminomalonic acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, and phenylalanine) were determined in fermentation broth and mycelia using principal component analysis (PCA). Some metabolites had highly accumulated in fermentation broth while others decreased after different time of exposure to Se as compared to the control media. However some metabolites were presented at lower concentrations in mycelia cultivated at selenite concentrations. These metabolites changed were involved in amino acids, carbohydrates, organic acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides under Se conditions, as well as ones over time. Based on these results, we conclude that selenite concentrations and culture time influenced the extracellular and intracellular metabolite profiles of Epichloë sp. from F. sinensis.
The Effects of Plant Growth-promoting Bacteria on Lead Uptake by Chromolaena Odorata (Siam Weed)
Authors: Alori Elizabeth Temitope. , Dimowo Faith Oyerei , Olaniyan Faridat Temilomo. , Adekiya Aruna Olasekan , Ayorinde Bisola Bolajoko , Daramola Fisayo Yemisi , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: April 2022

A study was designed to access the phytoremediation potential of microbial-assisted Chromolaena odorata of lead (Pb). The pots experiment was carried out in a Factoria experiment in a Completely Randomized Design, with nine treatments and three replications. Viable seeds of Chromoleana odorata were planted in 10kg of soil placed in each plastic pot having 10ppm, 20ppm, and 30ppm of Pb, respectively. Seedlings were inoculated with either Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Bacillus subtilis. The study was carried out for 12 weeks under natural conditions. Physiochemical properties of the soil were determined using standard methods. The results revealed that the microbes (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis) used showed the potential for remediating lead. However, C. odorata inoculated with Bacillus subtilis remediated lead (Pb) was significantly higher than that inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 10 weeks after planting. The levels of Pb in the roots and shoot of C. odorata after 12 weeks (B10, 0.22) showed that a more bioavailable pool of Pb was translocated from the root to leaves and stem in the Bacillus subtilis assisted C. odorata compared with other treatments. The results suggested that C. odorata has phytoextraction ability and could restore soil polluted with Pb. Bacillus subtilis assisted C. odorata to extract Pb via phytoaccumulation in shoot while Pseudomonas aeruginosa assisted C. odorata in removing Pb via phytostabilization. It also suggested that plant growth-promoting bacteria helped the uptake of lead from the soil.
Public expenditure for water facility and road transport infrastructure in Ethiopia: A comparison of impacts using an economy-wide model
Authors: Mosa Abdulaziz Abdulsemed
Published: April 2022

Background: Ethiopian government is investing in a wide range of pro-poor sectors but the economic effects of public investment widely vary across sectors. With a limited public resource, public investment across sectors has to be prioritized based on their potential socio-economic contributions and/or economy-wide benefits. Therefore, the objective of this study is to compare and explore the economy-wide returns of public expenditure on water facility and energy technology (such as improved cooking stoves) on the one hand and public expenditure on road infrastructure on the other hand.Methods: The source of data for this study is the 2005/06 updated Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) of Ethiopia. The analysis applies the STAGE Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model developed by McDonald (2007). This study analyses two policy scenarios; the first scenario is an increase in the total factor productivity (TFP) of water fetching and firewood collection activities due to public investment in water facility and improved cooking stoves and the second scenario is a decrease in the trade and transport margins due to public investment in road transport infrastructure. For ensuring the comparability of the return of public expenditure, the same amount of public capital is invested in both scenarios. Results: The simulation outcome indicates that public investment in water facility and improved stoves results relatively higher domestic production in most sectors, larger household consumption, improved household welfare and improve in the major macroeconomic indicators (GDP, absorption, private consumption, and total domestic production) as compared to public investment in road transport infrastructure. Conclusion: It is conducive to explore the potential economic contribution of public expenditure across the different pro-poor sectors before launching public investment in any specific sector. This will ensure limited public budgets are appropriately invested in the sector that can bring relatively highest economic-wide benefits to the wider society.
Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP‑2) and MMP‑9 Promoter Variants, their Serum Levels, and Activities with Aortic Valve Calcification (AVC) in a Population from Western Iran
Authors: Heidari-Moghadam Reza , Babajani Fatemeh , Karami Afshin , Elieh-Ali-Komi Daniel , Hoseini Faeghe , Salehi Nahid , Elahirad Saeed , Mohammadi‑Noori Ehsan , Mohammadi Hossein , Kiani Amir
Published: April 2022

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) enzyme gene polymorphisms, particularly MMP- 2 -1575G / A and MMP-9-1562 C / T promoter polymorphism, also their serum levels and activity were reported to have an association with aortic valve calcification (AVC). We investigated the possible relationship between allele A of MMP-2 and T allele of MMP-9 in synchrony and synergism and risk of AVC. 92 cases with AVC with a mean age of 63 years and 92 healthy individuals with a mean age of 61.78 years from West of Iran were included, and MMP- 2 -1575G / A and MMP-9-1562 C / T promoter polymorphism were detected using PCR–RFLP. We also investigated the serum levels of MMP- 2 and 9 and their activity by using ELISA and gelatin zymography methods, respectively. In addition, serum biochemical parameters including FBS, urea and creatinine, cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, calcium, phosphorus, blood pressure SBP and DBP were measured. The frequency of A alleles from the MMP2-1575 variant was slightly higher in the presence of heart valve calcification disease (P = 0.002). Additionally, the frequency of T allele of the MMP9-1562 variant was higher than the control group (P = 0.007). Serum levels and activity of both MMP-2 and MMP-9 were found to be significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.001). Increased serum levels and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in patients, then the control group predispose them to cardiovascular disease.
Synergy between FATP2 and RIPK3 pathways promotes PMN-MDSCs-potentiated suppressive immunity in bladder cancer
Authors: Shi Xiaojun , Pang Shiyu , Zhou Jiawei , Yan Guang , Sun Jie , Tan Wanlong
Published: April 2022

Background Polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) promote tumor immune tolerance and cause tumor immunotherapy failure. In this study, we found that high PMN-MDSCs infiltration, overexpressed fatty acid transporter protein 2 (FATP2) and underexpressed receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) existed in the mouse and human bladder cancer tissues. However, the related mechanisms remain largely unknown. Methods and results Both FATP2 and RIPK3 expressions were associated with clinical stage. FATP2 knockout or up-regulating RIPK3 reduced the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in PMN-MDSCs, attenuated the suppressive activity of PMN-MDSCs on CD8+ T cells functions and inhibited the tumor growth. There was a PGE2-mediated synergy between FATP2 and RIPK3 pathways, which markedly promoted the immunosuppressive activity of PMN-MDSCs. Combination therapy with inhibition of FATP2 and activation of RIPK3 can effectively inhibit tumor growth. Conclusions This study demonstrated that a synergy between FATP2 and RIPK3 pathways in PMN-MDSCs significantly promoted the synthesis of PGE2, which severely impaired the CD8+ T cell functions. This study may provide new ideas for immunotherapy of human bladder cancer.
MSANTD3 is a novel high expressed gene in HNSCC metastasis and interferes with cell migration
Authors: Liu Shuzhou , Zhang Yuliang , Zhou Anyan , Zheng Jing , Nian Jiabin
Published: April 2022

Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancer in the world. This study proposed MSANTD3 as a prognostic biomarker for HNSCC and a regulator for cancer cell migration. Methods We analyzed the expression and survival association of MSANTD3 in HNSCC using open data. We compared the expression of MSANTD3 in tumors from primary and metastasis HNSCC tissues using QPCR and western blotting. We determined the migration velocity of multiple HNSCC cell lines using a chemotaxis migration assay. We analyzed the correlation between MSANTD3 expression and HNSCC cell migration. We also test the effect of MSANTD3 knockdown and overexpression on HNSCC cell migration. Results MSANTD3 was overexpressed in HNSCC than normal head and neck tissues and metastasis HNSCC than primary HNSCC. MSANTD3 expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival of HNSCC patients. MSANTD3 level was correlated with the migration velocity in HNSCC cell lines. Knockdown of MSANTD3 reduced the migration and the overexpression of MSANTD3 promoted the migration of HNSCC cell line YD-15 and BICR-56. Conclusion 1) MSANTD3 is higher expressed in HNSCC than normal tissue and in metastatic than primary tumor; 2) cells with high MSANTD3 presented higher migration velocity; 3) the overexpression and knockdown of MSANTD3 interfered on cell migration.
Reliability and Validity of Chinese Version of MBIS and HerQles on Postpartum Women Who Have Diastasis Recti Abdominis
Authors: Zhu Ying , Liu Yan , Jiang Liyuan , Sun Li , Xiao Lijuan , Chen Jiayu , Wang Ting , Ren Yinghua , Xu Hongjun , Zhao Huihui , Mao Xiaozhen , Shen Tiantian
Published: April 2022

Background: The study aims to develop a tool with the Modified Body Self-Image Scale (MBIS) and Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey (HerQles) and to analyze its reliability and validity among Chinese postpartum women.
Method: Paper questionnaires were collected from 150 women who participated in the Postpartum Rehabilitation clinic to analyze the difference. Construct validity for MBIS was analyzed by factor analysis, HerQles was compared to SF-36.
Results: 114 women with DRA and 36 without completed MBIS, HerQles, and SF-36. Age over 35-year-old was not a significant risk factor for DRA (P=0.056). Bodily pain of postpartum women without DRA had a significant increase compared to DRA ones (P=0.017). Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) of MBIS was 0.897 (Bartlett’s Test χ2=777.841, df 36.000, P<0.05), and that of HerQles was 0.802 (Bartlett’s Test χ2=921.490, df 66.000, P<0.05). MBIS got a cumulative variance contribution rate of 62.439%, and HerQles 72.154%. Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) of MBIS was between 0.584-0.794 (Cronbach’s α=0.913). ICC of HerQles was between 0.399-0.663 (Cronbach’s α=0.872). The test-retest showed that the ICC of MBIS and HerQles was 0.834 (95%CI:0.778-0.877) and 0.758 (95%CI:0.681-0.819).
Conclusion: Most women have DRA after childbirth, age over 35-year-old is a prevalent but not significant risk factor for DRA. Postpartum women with DRA have less bodily pain. The Chinese version of MBIS, HerQles are reliable and valid.
Keywords: Modified Body Self-Image Scale (MBIS); Hernia-Related Quality-of-Life Survey (HerQles); Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA); Postpartum; Reliability; Validity
Three Bayesian tracer models: Which is better for determining sources of root water uptake based on stable isotopes under various soil water conditions?
Authors: Liu Junming , Si Zhuanyun , Li Shuang , Abubakar Sunusi Amin , Zhang Yingying , Wu Lifeng , gao yang , Duan Aiwang
Published: April 2022

Background and aims Stable isotope methods provide a powerful technique to quantify the sources of plant root water uptake (RWU). Although many models coupled with stable isotopes have been developed to estimate RWU, little is known about their pros and cons, especially their performance under different soil water content (SWC) conditions. Methods In this study, three Bayesian mixing models, including MixSIAR, MixSIR and SIAR, were tested their merit and demerit in determining RWU of winter wheat with six sampling events under various SWC conditions (normal, dry and wet) in the North China Plain. Results The proportions of RWU in different soil layers showed significant differences among the three Bayesian models, for example, the proportion of 0-20 cm soil layer calculated by MixSIR, MixSIAR and SIAR were 69.7%, 50.1% and 48.3% for the 3rd sampling under the dry condition, respectively. Furthermore, the average proportion of 0-20 cm layer under dry condition was lower than that under normal and wet conditions, taken MixSIR as an example, being 51.4%, 82.5% and 65.4%, respectively. The performance of three models in determining plant water source appointment varied with SWC conditions: the performance indicators such as coefficient of determination, Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient in MixSIAR were higher than that in MixSIR and SIAR, showing that MixSIAR performed well under the normal and wet condition. While the rank of performance under the dry condition was MixSIR, MixSIAR and SIAR, respectively. Conclusions Overall, MixSIAR performed relatively better than other models in predicting RWU under various soil moisture conditions.
The correlation of psoas muscle index with bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women
Authors: Zhang Yihui , Dilixiati Yilihamu , Cao Xiufeng , Guo Hui
Published: April 2022

Purpose
To investigate the correlation of psoas muscle index(PMI) with bone mineral density(BMD) and vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women
Methods
A total of 184 postmenopausal female patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 were included in the study. We measured the cross-sectional area of the psoas major on both sides (at the level of the lower border of the Lumbar (L)3 vertebrae) by computed tomography (CT), and then calculated the PMI. We measured the BMD of the study subjects’ lumbar spine and hip joint by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). According to the T value, the subjects were divided into the osteoporosis group (T value≤-2.5) and the non-osteoporosis group (T value>-2.5). Then, they were further grouped according to whether they had vertebral fractures. The data was collected and then statistically analyzed.
Results
Height, weight, body mass index(BMI), bilateral psoas major area, and PMI of the non-osteoporosis group were higher than those of the osteoporosis group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in age, age of amenorrhea, and incidence of spinal fractures between the two groups (P > 0.05). BMD of the L1-3 vertebrae, femoral neck, and femoral trochanter was positively correlated with the PMI (P < 0.05). For non-osteoporosis subjects, the PMI of the vertebral fracture group was lower than that of the non-vertebral fracture group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the PMI for patients with osteoporosis between the vertebral fracture and non-vertebral fracture groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis have lower skeletal muscle mass than those without osteoporosis. Decreased lumbar spine and hip BMD are associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass in postmenopausal women. Sarcopenia may be an independent risk factor for spinal fractures in postmenopausal women without osteoporosis.
Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis in Childhood, a case series study
Authors: Salehzadeh Farhad , Akbari Omid
Published: April 2022

Background: Primary CNS angiitis of childhood (cPACNS) is an autoimmune process of CNS vascular structure. It is considered a novel and challenging clinical problem in pediatric neurology and rheumatology. This study discusses as a significant case series study of cPACNS. Methods: From 1994 to 2021 at pediatric rheumatology clinic, patients <18 years of age were enrolled this study with diagnosis of cPACNS if they had: a clinical symptoms compatible with primary CNS vasculitis, and MRA findings demonstrating arterial stenosis and or aneurism that are not attributable to other disease and background. Results: There were 22 patients with mean age 10 years, 12 patients (54%) were female. The mean delayed time to diagnosis was 4 years. The most common neurologic symptoms were headache (88%) then seizure and mental disorder in (45%). Fever was in (54%) and positive ANA result in (31%) patients. 14 patients (63 %) showed abnormality in both MCA and ACA, whereas PCA showed this abnormity in 36% (8) patients. Most of patients 86 %( 19) had normal EEG findings. Five patients (22%) had severe and permanent neurological damage and sequel.Conclusion: Although cPACNS seems to be a rare and unfamiliar disorder, however it can be conceptualized much in the same way as pediatric ischemic disorder, and it should be considered in any patient with unexplained headache, seizure and mental disorder.
Modification of food additive titanium dioxide (TiO 2 E171) with honey and thyme
Authors: Said Alaa Hassan , Ahmed Hager Youssef , Ibrahim I. H. , Sallam Abdelsattar M.
Published: April 2022

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a distinguished semiconductor that is used as a coloring agent in many products including paints, plastics, papers, cosmetic creams, and food products. In the food industry TiO2 is Labelled as E171 according to the European Union legislation and it is used in many products such as sugar confectionery, chewing gums, candies, some cheeses and sauces, low-fat products such as skimmed milk, ice creams, and pastries with a percentage up to 3.88 mg of TiO2 per g of product. According to the literature, around 36% of TiO2 E171 particles are nanoparticles (NPs), which can cross the intestinal barrier reach the blood circulation then accumulate in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lung tissues resulting in serious damage to these organs. The aim of this study is to use honey and thyme as natural coating materials to enhance the biocompatibility of three types of TiO2 E171 (anatase, rutile, and food grade). The physiochemical characteristics and bioactivity of TiO2 E171 before and after modification with honey and thyme were measured. The obtained results demonstrate that the modification of TiO2 E171 with honey and thyme didn’t alter its physicochemical properties and the modified TiO2 E171 showed higher antioxidant activity and lower toxicity.
Chinese Technical Terminology Extraction by Using DC-value and Information Entropy
Authors: Liwei Zhang
Published: April 2022

China's technology is developing rapidly, and the number of patent applications has surged. Therefore, there is an urgent need for technical managers and researchers that how to apply computer technology to conduct in-depth mining and analysis of lots of Chinese patent documents to efficiently use patent information, perform technological innovation and avoid R&D risks. Automatic term extraction is the basis of patent mining and analysis, but many existing approaches focus on extracting domain terms in English, which are difficult to extend to Chinese due to the distinctions between Chinese and English languages. At the same time, some common Chinese technical terminology extraction methods focus on the high-frequency characteristics, while technical domain correlation characteristic and the unithood feature of terminology are given less attention. Aimed at these problems, this paper proposes a Chinese technical terminology method based on DC-value and information entropy to achieve automatic extraction of technical terminology in Chinese patents. The empirical results show that the presented algorithm can effectively extract the technical terminology in Chinese patent literatures and has a better performance than the C-value method, the log-likelihood ratio method and the mutual information method, which has theoretical significance and practical application value.
The clinical characteristics of 541 fully vaccinated hospitalized COVID-19 patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Turkey
Authors: toker ayşin kılınç , Özdemir Ayşe Turunç , Yüksel Recep Civan , Eren Esma Eryilmaz , Çelik İlhami , Toker ibrahim
Published: April 2022

Purpose
We aimed to examine the characteristics of Turkish patients hospitalized with COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.
Method
A retrospective, single-center study was conducted in fully vaccinated patients with inactivated whole virion (CoronaVac) and or BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines and admitted to the hospital. We evaluated the hospitalized patients regarding the intensive care unit admission and death.
Results
We conducted the study with 541 patients. The mean age was 70.2, and 52.1% of the patients were women. 73.6% of the patients were 65 years or older. The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and COPD. The rate of the alpha variant was 54.3%, and the delta variant was 29.4%. The mortality rate was 45.8%, and the ICU admission rate was 55.3%. In our study, the delta variant had higher ICU admission, and the alpha variant had a higher mortality rate. Patients vaccinated with two-dose Sinovac-CoronaVac had a higher mortality rate. There was no difference between the time between the last vaccination dose to hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. LOS in the hospital was longer in ICU and mortality patients.
Conclusion
Our results suggest administering a third and fourth dose of mRNA vaccine to subjects vaccinated primarily with two doses of CoronaVac.
Real-Time Stock Market Trend Window Using XPath and Html Agility Pack
Authors: saeed mariwan hama
Published: April 2022

Background
The real-time stock market involves capturing, processing, and providing data in a light and efficient way. Several methods for getting stock market data have been utilized with limited functions. In developing countries such as Iraq, exchange shops and satellite channels do not have a reliable method for getting stock market prices in Iraqi dinars. In this paper, I try to solve the issue by proposing an accurate Real-Time Stock Market Trend Window Using XPath and Html Agility Pack. The trend window shows stock prices of metals, energy, and currencies simultaneously in Iraqi dinars and in three different languages.
Methods
XPath, which stands for XML Path Language, and Html Agility Pack are used for bringing real-time stock market data into a stock market window. The trend window is designed by using C# for its front-end and back-end designs and SQL Server for its data warehouse.
Results
Currencies, metals, and energy prices are displayed simultaneously in a stock market trend window. Every ten seconds, the trend window is refreshing to show the latest prices.
Conclusion
The window shows the currencies, metals, and energy prices continuously in Iraqi dinars and in three different languages. It can be used in developing countries by Stock traders, satellite channels, and anyone who needs or is interested to know the prices of the stock markets. Future research might include more improvements to the trend window to have extra features.
Lake Atotonilco morphology and first approach to its ecological volume
Authors: Meza-Rodriguez Demetrio , de Anda José , Shear Harvey
Published: April 2022

Lake Atotonilco is a shallow saline waterbody located in the center-west portion of Mexico. The lake is in the low plain of an endorheic watershed. it is shallow with a large area of surrounding wetlands and is a refuge for dozens of native and migratory waterfowl. Its extremely flat morphometric features coupled with the precipitation and runoff regime from the watershed cause significant changes in the lake surface area and storage volume throughout the year. In recent years, the lake has behaved as an intermittent lake, remaining practically dry in June and reaching its highest storage volume in October. An ecological water volume that the lake must have to support its biodiversity was estimated. This minimum lake storage volume can only be achieved if public policies are implemented to rationalize the use of water resources in the basin and to protect the few forest areas that remain in the watershed.
Antimicrobial properties of PLA membranes loaded with pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) essential oil applied in simulated cream cheese packaging
Authors: Fontes Milena Ramos Vaz , Contessa Camila Ramão , Moraes Caroline Costa , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Dias Alvaro Renato Guerra
Published: April 2022

Ultrafine fiber membranes of polylactic acid (PLA) 8% (w/v) loaded with pink pepper essential oil (PPEO) in 10, 20 and 30% (v/v) were produced and evaluated for antimicrobial potential against the bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The membranes were applied in simulated cream cheese packaging and characterized by morphological, thermal, structural, antimicrobial and wettability analysis. The addition of PPEO reduced the diameter of fibers and increased the initial degradation temperature in relation to pure PPEO. The ultrafine membranes had hydrophobic character. The PPEO presented myrcene as major component and had antimicrobial action for S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. The membranes applied to the cream cheese packaging showed inhibitory effect on the 21st day of storage, for L. monocytogenes. For S. aureus, the membranes inhibited the growth of the colonies on days 14 and 21, with reductions of 30 and 62%, respectively.