bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sintesis TiO2-rGO Dengan Pereduksi Alumunium untuk Fotokatalisis Degradasi Metilen Biru dibawah Irradiasi Sinar Tampak
Authors: Aritonang Anthoni Batahan , Parwaty Putry , Wibowo Muhammad Agus , Ardiningsih Puji , Adhitiyawarman Adhitiyawarman
Published: January 2023

. Sintesis TiO2-rGO telah dilakukan dengan prekursor TiO2 dan rGO yang disintesis dari batang grafit menggunakan metode Hidrotermal. Fotokatalis TiO2-rGO hasil sintesis dikarakterisasi menggunakan X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) dan Diffuse Reflectance UV-VIS (DRUV). Sintesis rGO dengan metode elektrokimia menggunakan agen pereduksi Alumunium. Dilakukan uji aktivitas menggunakan metilen biru dengan bantuan sinar tampak. Berdasarkan data hasil perhitungan diperoleh nilai celah pita TiO2 sebesar 3,33 eV, TiO2-rGO sebesar 3,23 eV yang setara dengan panjang gelombang 378 nm dan 410 nm. Data tersebut menunjukkan bahwa material rGO memperkecil celah pita tetapi penurunan celah pita yang rendah dan aktivitas fotokatalitik TiO2 dibawah sinar tampak mengalami peningkatan setelah dikompositkan dengan rGO, dimana aktivitas fotokatalitik TiO2-rGO lebih efektif dibanding TiO2. Adapun nilai % degradasi TiO2 14,47% dan TiO2-rGO 67,39%.
Isolation of DNA by EdU-labelling for Mass Spectrometry (iDEMS)
Authors: Stewart-Morgan Kathleen R. , Requena Cristina E. , Hajkova Petra , Groth Anja
Published: January 2023

DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation are important regulators of gene expression and genome stability in mammalian genomes. DNA replication dilutes these marks, and their restoration kinetics are important to epigenetic cell memory. We therefore developed isolation of DNA by EdU-labelling for Mass Spectrometry (iDEMS), a highly sensitive, quantitative mass spectrometry-based method for measuring DNA modifications on metabolically labelled DNA. Unlike sequencing-based methods, iDEMS does not require any amplification step, providing direct measurements from labelled DNA. Through additional methionine-isotope labelling and/ or incorporation of downstream steps such as chromatin immunoprecipitation, iDEMS facilitates novel insights into methylation metabolism and epigenetic crosstalk in chromatin. Excluding cell culture, DNA labelling and isolation requires two working days including an overnight digestion; preparation and running of samples requires three to four days.

This protocol is related to the publication “Quantifying propagation of DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation with iDEMS” in Nature Cell Biology.
Improved RNA stability estimation indicates that transcriptional interference is frequent in diverse bacteria
Authors: Georg Jens , Wanney Walja , Youssar Loubna , Kostova Gergana
Published: January 2023

Bacterial gene expression is regulated and tuned via multiple means. This includes differential operon expression via transcriptional interference, which so far could not be globally investigated in vivo. Using stochastic simulations and experimental data from four different bacteria, we show evidence that a consequent rethinking of the classic rifampicin time-series can allow global monitoring and quantifying of in vivo termination by the collision mechanism of transcriptional interference and by trans-acting sRNAs. We provide evidence that transcriptional interference via the collision of sense and antisense transcription is a frequent and hitherto underestimated mechanism for bacterial gene regulation. Furthermore, we show that differential RNA decay, partial termination and internal transcriptional start sites often do not correlate with given gene annotations. This leads to the existence of transcript segments with different half-lifes within one and the same annotated gene which previously led to error prone half-life estimates. A dynamic-programming based segmentation, together with a case dependent fitting-model selection, significantly improves RNA stability estimation.
Detection of Nasopharyngeal Cancer by Novel Linguistic Machine Learning
Approach
Authors: Jana Dipak Kumar , Chatterjee Shamba
Published: January 2023

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare disease portraying ethnic background in which malignancy occurs in the tissues of the nasopharynx with a low survival rate. Additionally, exposure to the Epstein-Barr virus can potentially affect the risk of NPC. Substantial evidence is available regarding the miR-150-5p-PYCR1 axis in the progress of different cancers, but the molecular modus operandi in NPC still remains unclear. Several therapeutic approaches are in pipeline along with some traditional Chinese approaches to successful treatment of the aforesaid disease. Recently, Samanta et al. 2022b have developed this model in Type 1 fuzzy logic.
Methods: PYCR1 and miR-150-5pexpression levels were introspected by RT-qPCR method. Further, the interaction between them was established by luciferase assay and RNA pull-down assay. Simultaneously, the overexpression patterns were detected in C666-1 and SUNE-1 cells. We have used the linguistic interval type 2 fuzzy inference logic expert system (LIT2FLES) and Support Vector Regression to classify the data.
Results: The cell growth was noticeably repressed by miR-150- 5pupregulation, whereas alleviated growth of NPC was observed in the case of PYCR1 upregula- This antagonism ultimately suppressed NPC tumorigenesis accordingly. We have developed a controller by which any decision-maker can check the status of the disease.
Conclusions: In this investigation, we have established a hypothetical Linguistic T2 fuzzy logic inference model by which anyone can formulate and design an automated model for the detection of Nasopharyngeal Cancer. This ultimately offers a novel treatment approach for NPC. LIT2FLES is a new technique anyone can handle this method easily.
Long-term outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by Epstein-Barr virus status in the Chinese population: a multicenter investigation
Authors: Xiong Yudi , Yuan Mengting , Liu Zhigang , Huang Jing , Bi Jianping , Pi Guoliang , Li Ying , Li Yanping , He Hanping , Verma Vivek , Tian Suqing , Han Guang
Published: January 2023

Background: Because the vast majority of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in Chinese patients is a direct result of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection, there is a dearth of data for EBV-negative patients in this population. This multicenter study sought to examine the clinical characteristics of this population and compare long-term outcomes with a propensity-matched (1:1.5) EBV-positive cohort.
Methods: NPC patients with known EBV status from four hospitals were collated (2013-2021). A logisticregression model was conducted to evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and EBV status. The Kaplan–Meier method and Coxregression analysis were used to analyze survival data.
Results: This study analyzed 48 (40%) EBV-negative and 72（60%）EBV-positive patients. The median follow-up time was 63.5 months. Most EBV-negative NPC patients (77.1%) were diagnosed in the advanced stages, and no significant prognostic factors were discerned in this subpopulation. EBV-negative disease was more associated with the keratinizing subtype (18.8% vs. 1.4%, P<0.05), whereas nearly all EBV-positive cases were non-keratinizing. Compared to EBV-negative NPC patients, EBV-positive NPC patients were more likely to develop local recurrence (9.7% vs. 0%, P=0.026). There was no statistical difference in mortality (8.3% vs. 4.2%, P=0.34) during the follow-up period.
Conclusions: These multicenter data suggest that in the Chinese population, EBV-negative disease have similar survival outcomes as EBV-positive cases, despite the increased local recurrence in the latter. Further work is required to corroborate these conclusions.
Trial registration: retrospectively registered (Permit Number: LLHBCH2022YN-037). This retrospective study followed the principles of the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei, China.
Qualitative assessment of infant sleep practices and other risk factors of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Osei-Poku Godwin K. , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Elliott Patricia A. , MacLeod William B. , Somwe Somwe Wa , Pieciak Rachel C. , Hamapa Arnold , Gill Christopher J.
Published: January 2023

Background:
There is very little information on the beliefs and perceptions of mothers about SIDS and its related risk factors in Africa. To better understand parental decisions about infant sleep practices and other risk factors for SIDS, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers of infants in Lusaka, Zambia.
Methods:
FGDs involved 35 purposively sampled mothers aged 18–49 years. FGDs were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide in the local language, Nyanja. These were translated, transcribed verbatim into English, and then coded and analyzed using thematic analysis in NVivo 12.
Results:
Six FGDs were conducted with 35 mothers between April-May 2021 across two study sites. FGD Participants were generally aware of sudden unexplained infant deaths, with several describing stories of apparent SIDS in the community. The side sleeping position was preferred and perceived to be safer for the infant with most believing the supine position posed an aspiration or choking risk to the infant. Bedsharing was also preferred and perceived to be convenient for breastfeeding and for monitoring of the infant. Experienced family members and health care workers were frequently cited as sources of information on infant sleep position. Maternal alertness and vigilance were suggested as mechanisms to prevent SIDS and smothering.
Conclusions:
Maternal beliefs and perceptions about the infant’s sleep environment guided decisions about bedsharing and infant sleep positions. These concerns are vital to designing tailored interventions to address sleep-related sudden infant losses in Zambia. Public health campaigns with tailored messages that address these concerns are likely to be effective at ensuring optimal uptake of safe sleep recommendations.
Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Physical Education in Colleges using an Optimization Model of Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Junbo , Zhang Cheng
Published: January 2023

Edge computing and artificial intelligence, two new technologies with rapid development, have great potential to empower each other, and have been widely used in various fields, with obvious results. Unlike other discipline-based teaching, physical education (PE) has no fixed classrooms, no fixed teaching materials, and no fixed teaching tasks. Therefore, it is difficult to uniformly evaluate the quality of PE teaching in ordinary colleges. In this paper, the edge computing optimization model is used to optimize the PE quality evaluation model in ordinary colleges. The goal of PE in ordinary colleges and universities is to improve the physical quality of students. Thus the teaching evaluation model in this paper focuses on the physical fitness compliance rate of students' evaluation, and re-weights the proportion of final exam scores. For the monitoring of PE teaching quality in ordinary colleges, this paper designed a PE teaching health system, which allows students to evaluate in the entire learning process, so as to achieve real-time monitoring of teaching quality. It uses the edge computing technology to optimize the system. The experimental results of this paper showed that the PES in general colleges designed in this paper can effectively collect students' evaluations, and can effectively improve the scientific nature of PE teaching goals. At the same time, the edge computing optimization algorithm designed in this design can reduce the network transmission cost of the system by 20% and increase the transmission efficiency by 15%.
A Novel polysaccharide DSPP-1 from Durian seed: structure characterization and its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model
Authors: Xiao ChuXiang , Chen Tiejun , Yuan Meng , Li Yu , Wang FengWu
Published: January 2023

Plant polysaccharides have attracted much attention because of their various biological activities. The structure characterization of polysaccharide from durian seed and its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model were conducted in this study. A water-soluble polysaccharide was obtained using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, and named DSPP-1. DSPP-1 was composed of rhamnose, galactose and galacturonic acid and its molecular weight was 3.765×105 Da. The study in vitro showed that 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of DSPP-1 was 79.20% and the inhibitory rate on Aβ1-42 aggregation was 24.65%. In vivo results showed that DSPP-1 could decrease abnormal Aβ1-42 aggregation to delay the paralysis process of AD-nematodes. Moreover, DSPP-1 significantly improved the antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced lipid peroxidation in AD-nematodes. Taken together, these results indicated that DSPP-1 could be used as a potential natural source for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Shell field morphogenesis in the polyplacophoran mollusk Acanthochitona rubrolineata
Authors: Xia Yuxiu , Huan Pin , Liu Baozhong
Published: January 2023

Background
The polyplacophoran mollusks (chitons) possess serially arranged shell plates. This feature is unique among mollusks and believed to be essential to explore the evolution of mollusks as well as their shells. Previous studies revealed several cell populations in the dorsal epithelium (shell field) of polyplacophoran larvae and their roles in the formation of shell plates. Nevertheless, they provide limited molecular information, and shell field morphogenesis remains largely uninvestigated.
Results
In the present study, we investigated the shell field development in the chiton Acanthochitona rubrolineata based on morphological characteristics and molecular patterns. A total of four types of tissue could be recognized from the shell field of A. rubrolineata. The shell field comprised not only the centrally located, alternatively arranged plate fields and ridges, but also the tissues surrounding them, which were the precursors of the girdle and we termed as the shell field margin. The shell field margin exhibited a concentric organization composed of two imaginary circles, and spicules were only developed in the outer circle. Dynamic engrailed expression and F-actin (filamentous actin) distributions revealed relatively complicated morphogenesis of the shell field. The repeated units (plate fields and ridges) were gradually established in the shell field, seemingly different from the manners used in the segmentation of Drosophila or vertebrates. The seven repeated ridges also experienced different modes of ontogenesis from each other. In the shell field margin, the presumptive spicule-formation cells exhibited different patterns of F-actin aggregations with the ongoing of their specification.
Conclusions
These results reveal the details concerning the structure of polyplacophoran shell field as well as its morphogenesis. They would contribute to exploring the mechanisms of polyplacophoran shell development and molluscan shell evolution.
Growing a Peritoneal Dialysis Program in Palestine from Zero to 178 Patients in 5 Years: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Taher Ameed , Enaya Ahmad , Sarsour Ala , Bahar Sami , Hamayel Dalia , Safarini Omar , Hamdan Zakaria , Nazzal Zaher
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Kidney failure is rapidly rising in Palestine, as the number of patients receiving maintenance dialysis has quadrupled in the last 15 years. In this study, we share an overview of our experience growing a peritoneal dialysis (PD) program from zero to 178 patients in five years at An-Najah National University Hospital in Palestine, presenting some challenges and ways to overcome them.
Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients treated with PD from November 2016 to December 2021. Demographic and clinical data were obtained for each patient. In addition, PD discontinuation, peritonitis, and mortality rates were calculated and presented as the primary patient outcomes.
Results: A total of 158 patients were eligible for the study. The mean age was 51.8 ± 16.4 years, and 53.8% of patients were male. Diabetic nephropathy was the most common cause of kidney failure. Sixty-three episodes of peritonitis were diagnosed in 48 patients (30.4%) for a rate of 1 episode/ 38.2 patient-months (0.31 episodes/ patient-years). Twenty patients had their PD treatment discontinued, mainly due to psychosocial reasons and infectious and mechanical complications. Death was the fate of 27 patients, with cardiovascular disease and COVID-19 being the two main causes.
Conclusion: The outcomes of this experience proved favorable and showed that PD could serve as a viable option for kidney failure patients in Palestine. Moreover, this study can serve as an example for other places where circumstances are challenging to take the initiative of starting their PD programs.
Digital peer-to-peer support programme for informal caregivers of people living with motor neuron disease: study protocol for a multi-centre parallel group, single blinded (outcome assessor) randomised controlled superiority trial
Authors: Rose Louise , Thaventhiran Thilipan , Hobson Esther , Rogers Rebecca , James Kirsty , Chu Petrina , Carter Ben , Faull Christina , Saha Sian , Lee Jeong Su , Kaltsaka Georgios , McDermott Christopher , Ramsay Michelle
Published: January 2023

• Background

Peer support is effective in improving psychological well-being of family caregivers of people with conditions such as dementia, cancer, and brain injury. However, there are limited data on effective psychological interventions for family caregivers of people living with motor neurone disease. Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a virtual peer support programme for improving caregiver psychological wellbeing and caregiving related outcomes.

• Methods

We will conduct a multi-centre parallel group randomised controlled superiority trial. Using a multi-modal recruitment strategy, we will recruit informal caregivers from UK MND clinics, in-patient units, and hospices. We will randomise (1:1, stratified by gender) participants to either a 12-week virtual peer support programme or usual care comprising provision of online information resources publicly available via the MND Association website. Peer support programme elements will be delivered via a secure digital e-platform aTouchAway™ (Aetonix, Canada). Our target sample size is 160 (80 each arm). Our primary outcome is the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) assessed at 12-weeks (primary endpoint). Secondary outcomes that will also be assessed at 12 weeks include the Zarit Burden Interview, Pearlin Mastery Scale, Personal Gain Scale, Positive Affect Scale and the Brief COPE. Outcome assessors will be blinded to allocation. Tertiary outcomes include perceived usability (1 item 9-point Likert scale) and acceptability (semi-structured qualitative interviews) of the peer support programme. Intervention fidelity measures will comprise frequency, type (text, audio, video), and duration (audio and video) of peer support contact downloaded from the aTouchAway AWS server. We will use a mixed-effects linear model to test the effect of the intervention on the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will be analysed using linear regression. We have ethical approval (21/NW/0269) from the North-West Research Ethics Committee, UK.

• Discussion

This single blinded randomised controlled trial will determine the effect of a virtual peer support programme on caregiver psychological wellbeing and caregiver burden. This study will examine the impact of a virtual peer support intervention on quality-of-life measures in informal caregivers of individuals with MND living in the community.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04695210
Icaritin (SNG162) promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation by regulating IL-6/STAT3 signals in a novel preliminarily identified canine malignant melanoma cell line
Authors: Li RiFei , Sun Yue , Chen Jinwen , Lin Degui , Kuang Yu , Xu Shuo , Li Gebin , Tang Jun
Published: January 2023

Background
Malignant melanoma is one of the most common tumors in canines. Although there are radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, clinical outcomes for most patients remain poor. To change this situation, novel study models are needed for understanding the biology of malignant melanoma and developing new chemotherapy drugs. Canine cancer cell lines constitute crucial scientific tools, but there are few canine melanoma cell lines available. Icaritin (SNG162), an active compound from Epimedium, has anticancer functions against breast cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma and leukemia in humans, while its anticancer effects on canine melanoma remain unclear.
Methods
In this study, we preliminary characterize a novel canine melanoma cell line, Melan-C, and explore the anti-canine melanoma effects and potential mechanisms of SNG162.
Results
The Melan-C cell line comprises fast-growing cells with a population doubling time (PDT) of 52.5 h. In Melan-C, CDH1 expression was significantly low or even absent, while Melan-A expression was dramatically high. The mRNA of IL-6 and STAT3 were higher in Melan-C than in MDCK and CMT7364. Next, we investigated the cytotoxicity of SNG162 to Melan-C cells. The results showed that SNG162 effectively inhibited the growth of the cells in vitro within a certain concentration range. Additionally, SNG162 was able to induce Melan-C cell apoptosis and activate caspase-3 to increase the expression of cleaved caspase-3.
Conclusions
The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of SNG162 are likely mediated by the inhibition of IL-6/STAT3 pathways. Therefore, the isolation and establishment of the Melan-C cell line is of great importance for screening such drugs as SNG162 considered in the present study.
Ultrafast deposition of faceted lithium polyhedra by outpacing SEI formation
Authors: Li Yuzhang , Yuan Xintong , Liu Bo , Mecklenburg Matthew
Published: January 2023

Electrodeposition of lithium metal is critical for high energy batteries. However, the simultaneous formation of a surface corrosion film termed the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) complicates the deposition process. Here, we decouple these two intertwined processes by outpacing corrosion at ultrafast deposition current densities while also avoiding mass transport limitations. Using cryogenic-electron microscopy, we discover the intrinsic deposition morphology of metallic lithium to be that of a rhombic dodecahedron, which is surprisingly independent of electrolyte chemistry or current collector substrate. In a coin cell architecture, these rhombic dodecahedra reveal a key failure mode at high current densities: rather than promoting dendritic morphologies, the near point-contact electrical connectivity of the polyhedra to the current collector accelerates inactive Li formation that can explain poor cycling efficiency at high current densities. While Li deposition and SEI formation have always been tightly linked in past studies, our experimental approach enables new opportunities to fundamentally understand these processes decoupled from each other and bring about new insights to engineer better batteries.
Artemisia argyi potentially prevents the infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Cheng Fang-Ju , Huynh Thanh Kieu , Ko Hung-Yu , Hsueh Chen-Si , Yeh Yi-Lun , Wu Yang-Chang , Tang Chih-Hsin , Chen Chia-Hung , Tu Chih-Yen , Huang Wei-Chien , Ho Chien-Yi
Published: January 2023

Background
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has potential benefits to prevent multi-viral infection including by modulating the immune system or defending oxidative stress. Artemisia argyi (A. argyi) has been widely used for anti-microbial infection, anti-allergy, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammation in Eastern Asia. However, it remain unclear whether A. argyi has the potential to reduce the infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Results
Through the docking simulation, eriodictyol and umbelliferone, two phytochemicals existed in Artemisia argyi, have showed their potential to bind to cellular proteins transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which are required for the cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2. Our results further found that eriodictyol and umbelliferone suppressed the infection of ACE2-expressed HEK-293T cells with lentiviral-based pseudo-particles expressing wild type and variants of SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein via interrupting the interaction between S protein and cellular receptor ACE2 and via reducing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expressions.
Conclusions
In summary, Artemisia argyi and its ingredients eriodictyol and umbelliferone are potential agents to reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Molecular-Level Architecture of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii’s Glycoprotein-Rich Cell Wall
Authors: Poulhazan Alexandre , Arnold Alexandre , Mentink-Vigier Frederic , Muszyński Artur , Azadi Parastoo , Wang Tuo , Warschawski Dror , Marcotte Isabelle
Published: January 2023

Microalgae are a renewable and promising biomass for large-scale biofuel, food and nutrient production. However, their efficient exploitation depends on our knowledge of the cell wall composition and organization as it can limit access to high-value molecules. Here we provide an atomic-level model of the non-crystalline and insoluble glycoprotein-rich cell wall of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Using in situ solid-state and sensitivity-enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance, we reveal unprecedented details on the protein and carbohydrate composition and their nanoscale heterogeneity, as well as the presence of spatially segregated protein- and glycan-rich regions with different dynamics and hydration levels. We show that mannose-rich lower-molecular-weight proteins contribute to the cell wall cohesion by crosslinking high-molecular weight protein components, and that water provides plasticity to the cell-wall architecture. The methodology used here is transposable to study other microorganisms and plant materials – including those rich in cellulose – and their responses to contaminants and stresses.
North African Humid Periods over the past 800000 years – Timing, Amplitude and Forcing
Authors: Armstrong Edward , Tallavaara Miikka , Hopcroft Peter , Valdes Paul
Published: January 2023

The Sahara region has experienced periodic wet periods over the Quaternary and beyond. These North African Humid Periods (NAHPs) are astronomically paced by precession which controls the position of the African monsoon system. However, most IPCC-class climate models cannot generate enough precipitation to reconcile the magnitude of these events and so the driving mechanisms remain poorly constrained. Here, we present an 800kyr climate dataset produced using a recently developed version of the HadCM3B coupled climate model that simulates 20 NAHPs over the past 800kyr which have good agreement with the timing and amplitude of NAHPs identified in proxy data. Our results confirm that precession determines their pacing, but we identify that their amplitude is strongly linked to eccentricity via its control over ice sheet extent. During glacials, cooling due to enhanced ice-sheet albedo suppresses the amplitude of the NAHPs during periods of precession minima. Our results highlight the importance of both precession and eccentricity, and the role of high latitude processes in determining the timing and amplitude of the NAHPs. This may have implications for the out of Africa dispersal of plants and animals throughout the Quaternary.
Use of a modified Michaelis-Menten equation to estimate growth from birth to 3 years in healthy full term babies
Authors: Walters William , Ley Catherine , Hastie Trevor , Ley Ruth , Parsonnet Julie
Published: January 2023

Mathematical models that accurately describe growth in human infants are lacking. We used the Michaelis-Menten equation, initially derived to relate substrate concentration to reaction rate, and subsequently modified and applied to nonhuman vertebrate growth, to model growth in humans from birth to 36 months. We compared the model results to actual growth values from two pediatric cohorts.
The modified Michaelis-Menten equation showed excellent fit for both infant weight (median RMSE: boys: 0.22kg [IQR:0.19; 90%<0.43]; girls: 0.20kg [IQR:0.32; 90%<0.39]) and height (median RMSE: boys: 0.93cm [IQR:0.53; 90%<1.0]; girls: 0.91cm [IQR:0.50;90%<1.0]). Using permutations of dropped data, few combinations of time points were critical to optimizing model fit.
This modified Michaelis-Menten equation accurately describes growth in humans aged 0-36 months, allowing imputation of missing weight and height values in individual longitudinal measurement series. The pattern of growth in healthy babies raised in resource-rich environments mirrors the saturation curve of a basic enzymatic reaction.
Formation and Characterization of Leaf Waste into Organic Compost
Authors: Mahongnao Sophayo , Sharma Pooja , Singh Darshan , Ahamad Arif , Kumar Pavitra V , Kumar Pankaj , Nanda Sarita
Published: January 2023

In solid waste management, pollution-free disposal of leaf waste in urban areas is still not standardized and adopted. This project was designed to undertake and understand the composting of leaf waste and characterizing the organic fertilizer formed from it. The composting of the leaf waste was set up through the essential microbe (EM) method to produce compost. Different parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, macronutrients, micronutrients, and heavy metals contents were measured at zero to fifty days of composting using appropriate methods. Leaf waste composting attained its maturity within 21–40 days of composting. The values were used to calculate its fertility index based on six parameters like total carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur contents. The Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) and trace elements in the compost were analyzed through ICP-MS. An analysis was also done on samples of other popular matured composts like Kitchen Waste compost, Vermicompost, Cow dung manure, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) organic waste compost, and Neem cake compost. Arsenic, Chromium, and Mercury were high in all the compost except the leaf waste compost. The trace elements such as Ba, Be, Se, Ti, Tl, and V concentrations were moderate in all the compost. The PTE values were used to calculate their clean index. It was found that leaf waste compost has very good fertility index only next to Neem Cake Compost and has the best clean index. Leaf waste compost could be categorized as good quality compost.
Evaluation of some Haematological and Immunologic Parameters as Adjunct marker to Viral Load in HBV Management in a Resource-Constrained Setting
Authors: Shuaib Bukhari Isah , Mohammed Musa , Usman Abdul Rasheed , Bola Bakare Tawakalitu , Audu Oduma , Hamid Mohammed Auwal , Abidemi Muhibi Musa , Pius Omosigho Omoruyi , Daud Aminat , Umeche Ijeoma Evagenline , Latifat Lukman , Isah Samirah Shuaib , Adeiza Mukhtar Abdulmajid
Published: January 2023

Introduction: In a resource-constrained situation where HBV DNA viral load testing may not be available or be prohibitively expensive, the current study sought to assess the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, haemoglobin, platelets count and other red cell indices, CD4+ T-cell count and ALT as an adjunct marker to viral load in HBV Management.
Methods: A case-control cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 subjects (100 acute HBV patients, 100 chronic HBV patients, and 100 HBV-negative individuals). The haemostatic parameter, absolute CD4+ T-cell count, HBcAb-IgM, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV-DNA were measured using standard methods.
Results: When compared to HBV-negative individuals, the median (interquartile range, IQR) of acute and chronic HBV-infected participants had significantly higher total WBC, granulocyte, and monocyte counts, but lower platelet, lymphocyte, and RBC counts. When compared to the HBV-negative group, the median (IQR) of acute and chronic HBV-infected participants had significantly lower haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell haemoglobin, and mean cell haemoglobin concentration. ALT levels were highest in acute HBV participants (median 61.0 [IQR: 48.75-72.00]) and lowest in HBV negative controls (median 24.50 [IQR: 20.0-36.75]) (Krustal-Wallis test= 151.2, p <0.0001). HBV negative controls had the highest CD4+ T-cell count levels (median 784.0 [IQR: 548.0-953.8] and lowest in acute HBV infected participants (median 194.5 [IQR: 142.0-308.0]) (Krustal-Wallis test= 193.2, p < 0.0001)
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the impact of HBV infection on iron metabolism and the production of haematological precursor cells. As such these parameters could be used as adjunct markers for viral load in the management of HBV infection in a resource-constrained setting.
The clinical impact of using a single set of radiotherapy planning data for two kilovoltage therapy units
Authors: Peters Iliana , Nelson Vinod , Deshpande Shrikant , Walker Amy , Hiatt Joshua , Roach Dale , Erven Tania , Rajapakse Satya , Gray Alison
Published: January 2023

Kilovoltage therapy units are used for superficial radiotherapy treatment delivery. Peer reviewed studies for MV linear accelerators describe tolerances to dosimetrically match multiple LINACS enabling patient treatment on any matched machine. There is an absence of literature on using a single planning data set for multiple kilovoltage units which have limited ability for beam adjustment. This study reviewed kilovoltage dosimetry and treatment planning scenarios to evaluate the suitability of ACPSEM annual QA tolerances to determine whether two units (of the same make and model) were dosimetrically matched. The dosimetric characteristics, such as measured half value layer (HVL), percentage depth dose (PDD), applicator factor and output variation with stand-off distance for each kV unit were compared to assess the agreement. Independent planning data based on the measured HVL for each beam energy from each kV unit was prepared. Monitor unit (MU) calculations were performed using both sets of planning data for approximately 200 clinical scenarios and compared with an overall agreement between units of < 2%. Additionally, a dosimetry measurement comparison was completed at each site for a subset of nine scenarios. All machine characterisation measurements were within the ACPSEM Annual QA tolerances, and dosimetric testing was within 2.5%. This work demonstrates that using a single set of planning data for two kilovoltage units is feasible, resulting in a clinical impact within published uncertainty.
Protocol for the production of micro- and nanoplastic test materials
Authors: Parker Luke A. , Höppener Elena M. , Amelrooij Edward F. van , Henke Sieger , Kooter Ingeborg M. , Grigoriadi Kalouda , Nooijens Merel G.A. , Brunner Andrea M. , Boersma Arjen
Published: January 2023

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNP) are ubiquitous, but little is known about the risks they pose to human health. Currently available data are of limited use for developing relevant risk assessments due to poor quality control, the lack of a standardised approach to particle characterisation and environmental analysis, and the use of test materials that do not reflect those found in the environment. A set of well-characterised MNP test materials would greatly alleviate this. Here, we present a robust method to produce, fractionate and characterise such test materials of PP and PVC. Initial size reduction of commercial powders to 500 µm was performed using a centrifugal mill under cryogenic conditions. Further ball-milling between room temperature and − 50°C in 1-propanol was then performed to reach the final particle sizes. Fractionation into size ranges of < 1, 1–5, 5–10, 10–90, 90–180 and 180–300 µm was performed by sedimentation and filtration. Characterisation of the reference materials through SLS, SEM-EDX, XRF and TGA demonstrated that the fractions were of the desired size and levels of contamination from the procedure were < 1 wt%. Stability testing in both 1-propanol and 0.05 wt% BSA solution showed that whilst some agglomeration occurred during storage in 1-propanol the suspensions were stable in BSA over 9 months and some of the previous agglomeration was reversed.
Soil Pollution, Animal Contamination and Safe Food Production: The Case of the French West Indies
Authors: Andrés-Domenech Pablo , Angeon Valérie , Bates Samuel , Lesage Colombine
Published: January 2023

This article presents a new model to manage the provision of healthy food despite incomplete information about exposure of natural resources to a persistent pollutant (chlordecone). This toxic molecule has contaminated both terrestrial and aquatic resources for several decades in the French West Indies. As a consequence, the threat of exposing humans to contaminated food jeopardizes local agricultural and livestock activities. We address the problem that breeders face: producing healthy food with incomplete information on the animals' contamination. We examine the compatibility of respecting health-production constraints with the timing of animal management. We consider the dual set of constraints that breeders face: (1) they must achieve a target contamination rate that complies with the regulation on the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and (2) they must comply with a production calendar that tells them at what age the animals are to be sold. We also discuss the economic and biotechnical consequences that changes in the MRL impose on meat production. We compute the time required to decontaminate the animals and analyse the cost for farmers to adapt to (i) the regulation in place and to (ii) the more stringent health-related targets that are expected in the future. Our results are sensitive to the choice of species cattle, goats, sheep and pigs), the rearing practices, the information setting and the initial contamination rate. This paper opens strategic windows for breeders to guarantee their economic sustainability and their ability to produce healthy meat despite the incomplete information on pollution at their disposal.
Occurrence and concentrations of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in highway stormwater: A comparative field study in Sweden
Authors: Beryani Ali , Flanagan Kelsey , Viklander Maria , Blecken Godecke-Tobias
Published: January 2023

This study details the occurrence and concentrations of organic micropollutants (OMPs) in stormwater collected from a highway bridge catchment in Sweden. The prioritized OMPs were bisphenol-A (BPA), eight alkylphenols, sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and four fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), along with other global parameters, namely, total organic carbon (TOC), total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, and conductivity (EC). A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was applied to estimate the event mean concentrations (EMC) of OMPs based on intra-event subsamples during eight rain events, and analyze the associated uncertainties. Assessing the occurrence of all OMPs in the catchment and comparing the EMC values with corresponding environmental quality standards (EQSs) revealed that BPA, octylphenol (OP), nonylphenol (NP), five carcinogenic and four non-carcinogenic PAHs, and C16-C40 fractions of PHCs can be problematic for freshwater. On the other hand, alkylphenol ethoxylates (OPnEO and NPnEO), six low molecule weight PAHs, and lighter fractions of PHCs (C10-C16) do not occur at levels that are expected to pose an environmental risk. Our data analysis suggests that three water quality parameters (turbidity, TOC, and EC) hold strong potential as surrogate parameters for PAHs, PHCs, BPA, OP, and TSS. Therefore, continuously measuring these parameters could complement data from monitoring programs in which long-term, high-resolution time series are of interest. Furthermore, the EMC error analysis showed that high uncertainty in OMP data can influence the final interpretation of EMC values. As such, some of the challenges that were experienced in the presented research yielded suggestions for future monitoring programs to obtain more reliable data acquisition and analysis.
Osteomodulin down-regulation is associated with osteoarthritis development
Authors: zappia Jeremie , Tong Qiao , Cruyssen Renée Van der , Cornelis Frederique , Lambert Cécile , Coelho Tiago Pinto , Grisart Juliane , Kague Erika , Lories Rik , Muller Marc , Elewaut Dirk , Hammond Chrissy , Sanchez Christelle , Henrotin Yves
Published: January 2023

Abnormal subchondral bone remodeling leading to sclerosis is a main feature of osteoarthritis (OA) and Osteomodulin (OMD), a proteoglycan involved in extracellular matrix mineralization, is associated to the sclerotic phenotype. However, the functions of OMD remain poorly understood, specifically in vivo. We used knock-out and overexpressing male mice for Omd and mutant zebrafish to study its roles in bone and cartilage metabolism and in the development of OA. The expression of Omd is deeply correlated to bone and cartilage microarchitectures affecting the bone volume and the onset of subchondral bone sclerosis and spontaneous cartilage lesions. Mechanistically, OMD binds to RANKL and inhibits osteoclastogenesis; thus controlling the balance of the bone remodeling. In conclusions, OMD is a key factor in subchondral bone sclerosis associated with OA. It participates in bone and cartilage homeostasis acting on the regulation of osteoclastogenesis. Targeting OMD may be a promising new and personalized approach for OA.
Increase in the Rate of Gut Carriage of Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli despite a Reduction in Antibiotic Prescriptions.
Authors: Tchesnokova Veronika , Larson Lydia , Basova Irina , Sledneva Yulia , Choudhury Debarati , Heng Jennifer , Solyanik Thalia , Bonilla Teresa , Pham Sophia , Schartz Ellen , Madziwa Lawrence , Holden Erika , Weissman Scott , Ralston James , Sokurenko Evgeni
Published: January 2023

Background: Fluoroquinolone use for urinary tract infections has been steadily declining. Gut microbiota is the main reservoir for uropathogenic Escherichia coli but whether the carriage of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli has been changing is unknown.
Methods. We determined the frequency of isolation and other characteristics of E. coli nonsuceptible to fluoroquinolones (at ³0.5 mg/L of ciprofloxacin) in 515 and 1605 E. coli-positive fecal samples collected in 2015 and 2021, respectively, from non-antibiotic- taking women of age 50+ receiving care in the Seattle area Kaiser Permanente Washington healthcare system.
Results. Between 2015 and 2021 the prescription of fluoroquinolones dropped nearly three-fold in the study population. During the same period, the rates of gut carriage of fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli increased from 14.4 % to 19.9% (P=.005), driven by a significant increase of isolates from the recently emerged, pandemic multi-drug resistant clonal group ST1193 (1.7% to 4.3%; P=.007) and those with an incomplete set of or no fluoroquinolone-resistance determining mutations (2.3% to 7.5%; P<.001). While prevalence of the resistance-associated mobile genes among the isolates dropped from 64.1% to 32.6% (P<.001), co-resistance to third generation cephalosporins has increased 21.5% to 33.1%, P=.044).
Conclusion. Despite reduction in fluoroquinolone prescriptions, gut carriage of fluoroquinolone-resistant uropathogenic E. coli increased with a rise of previously sporadic lineages and co-resistance to third generation cephalosporins. Thus, to reduce the rates of antibiotic resistant urinary tract infections, greater focus should be on controlling the gut carriage of resistant bacteria.
2D resistivity model around the rupture area of the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake (Mw 9.0)
Authors: Ichihara Hiroshi , Kasaya Takafumi , Baba Kiyoshi , Goto Tada-nori , Yamano Makoto
Published: January 2023

The 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake (Mw 9.0) was characterized by a huge fault slip on the shallowest part of the plate interface, where fault behavior had been believed to be aseismic. In this study, we modeled the two-dimensional resistivity distribution across the slip area based on ocean-bottom electromagnetic investigations to understand the physical properties around the plate interface controlling fault rupture processes. The optimal 2D resistivity model showed a conductive area around the shallowest plate interface where the huge coseismic slip was observed, whereas the deeper plate interface where the fault rupture was nucleated was relatively more resistive. The shallowest plate interface was interpreted to have a high pore seawater fraction, whereas the deeper interface was interpreted as a dry area. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that aseismic frictional conditions changed to conditions enhancing fault rupture when the rupture propagated to the wet, clay-rich shallowest plate area. The optimal resistivity model also revealed a conductive area under the outer rise area of the Pacific Plate. This finding supports the existence of hydrated oceanic crust that supplied aqueous water to the subduction zone, including to the huge fault slip area.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a progressive, individualised walking and education program for prevention of low back pain recurrence in adults: statistical analysis plan for the WalkBack randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Pocovi Natasha , Graham Petra L , Lin Chung-Wei Christine , French Simon D , Latimer Jane , Merom Dafna , Tiedemann Anne , Maher Christopher G , Dongen Johanna M van , Clavisi Ornella , Hancock Mark J
Published: January 2023

Background

Exercise for the prevention of low back pain recurrences is recommended, but under-researched. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a walking program for preventing low back pain recurrence remains unknown. This a priori statistical analysis plan describes the methods of analysis for the WalkBack Trial.

Methods

WalkBack is a prospectively registered, pragmatic, randomised controlled trial. The aim is to investigate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a six-month progressive and individualised walking and education program (intervention) for the prevention of low back pain recurrences, compared to a no treatment control group. The primary outcome is days to first recurrence of an episode of activity-limiting low back pain. Key secondary outcomes include days to any recurrence of low back pain, a care-seeking recurrence of low back pain, disability level, health-related quality of life, costs associated with low back pain and adverse events. All participants will be followed for a minimum of 12 months. Analysis will follow the intention-to-treat principle. Cox regression is planned to assess effects for the outcomes of time to activity-limiting, minimal and care seeking recurrence. Hazard ratios and median survival times with 95% confidence intervals will be calculated. The effect of the intervention on continuous outcomes will be estimated with repeated-measure linear mixed models. An economic evaluation will be performed from the societal perspective for recurrence prevented (yes/no) and quality-adjusted life years. The proportion of adverse events between groups will be compared using Fisher’s exact test.

Discussion

The WalkBack Trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a walking intervention to prevent low back pain recurrences. This statistical analysis plan provides transparency on the analysis of the trial.
Trial Registration: ACTRN12619001134112.