bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary large cell carcinoma of ureter ： a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Guo Yuan , Tang Haibin , Yang Guo , Deng Pengten , Tang Yangbin , Wu Xiaohou
Published: November 2022

Background： Neuroendocrine carcinoma mainly occurs in the lung and gastrointestinal tract, rarely in the urinary tract. The proportion of neuroendocrine carcinomas was less than 0.05 % [2] in urinary malignant tumors. The most common location of neuroendocrine carcinomas in the urinary system is the bladder. Fewer neuroendocrine carcinomas occur in the ureter than in the bladder.
Case presentation: A 62 years old woman presented with right ureteral obstruction due to ureteral mass. The patient began chemotherapy 2 weeks after surgery. During the 14-month follow-up, the patient received 6 courses of etoposide and Carbopol chemotherapy, and imaging examination showed no signs of recurrence. Postoperative pathological examination showed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the right ureter.
Conclusions: Large cell carcinoma of ureter has a rapid course of disease and poor prognosis. Ureteral large cell carcinoma is a very rare tumor. At present, there is no specific treatment scheme. However, considering the good response of its lung counterpart to the standard chemotherapy scheme and the experience of the cure of related urinary large cell carcinoma by chemotherapy [28], we argue that platinum-based chemotherapy is effective for it and patients can benefit from it. The multimodal treatment scheme of surgery combined with platinum-based chemotherapy is the current standard scheme for the treatment of ureteral neuroendocrine carcinoma.
Late adverse events in patients with pelvic cancer after oncologic treatment -intervention and treatment effect
Authors: Iselius Sofia , Holmqvist Annica , Mikiver Rasmus , Uppugunduri Srinivas
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Few studies have focused on the late adverse events after oncologic treatment in pelvic cancer patients. Here, the treatment effect/interventions were studied on late side effects as GI, sexual and urinary symptoms in pelvic cancer patients who visited a highly specialized rehabilitation clinic in Linköping.
Methods
This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included 90 patients who had at least one visit at the rehabilitation clinic for late adverse events at Linköping University hospital between 2013 to 2019. The toxicity of the adverse events was analyzed by using the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE).
Results
By comparing the toxicity of symptoms between visit 1 and 2, we showed that the GI symptoms decreased with 36.6% (P = 0.013), the sexual symptoms with 18.3% (P < 0.0001) and urinary symptoms with 15.5% (P = 0.004). Patients who received bile salt sequestrant had a significant improvement in grade of GI symptoms as diarrhea/fecal incontinence at visit 2 compared to visit 1 where 91.3% were shown to have a treatment effect (P = 0.0034). The sexual symptoms (vaginal dryness/pain) significantly improved due to local estrogens between visit 1 and 2 where 58.1% had a reduction of symptoms (P = 0.0026).
Conclusion
The late side effects as GI, sexual and urinary symptoms was significantly reduced between visit 1 and 2 at the specialized rehabilitation center in Linköping. Bile salt sequestrants and local estrogens are effective treatments for side effects as diarrhea and vaginal dryness/pain.
Individual identification of inbred medaka based on characteristic dark spot patterns on the head
Authors: Morizumi Hajime , Sugimoto Naozo , Ueno Tomohiro
Published: November 2022

With disease progression, individual differences appear, even in an animal disease model with genetic homogeneity. Therefore, non-invasive long term observation and individual identification is desirable for late-onset diseases. To this end, the natural markings used in ecological studies are preferable to the external invasive markings used in animal husbandry and fisheries management. Here, we propose using the distribution pattern of dark spots on the head of an inbred strain of medaka, a small fish model organism with monotonous pigmentation, as biometric identifier. Long term and variation analyses show different patterns whose characteristics can be attributed to individual animals. These findings were also valid in a non-inbred medaka strain and will help individual follow-up of late-onset disease medaka models for the elucidation of the pathogenesis and drug discovery.
2-D and 3-D FE Modeling of Seismic Site-Basin Effects in Izmir-Bayrakli During October 30, 2020 M7 Samos-Aegean Sea Earthquake
Authors: Cetin Kemal Onder , Zarzour Moutasem , Cakir Elife , Tuna S. Caglar , Altun Selim
Published: November 2022

During Samos-Aegean Sea Earthquake Mw=7.0, Turkiye-Izmir-Bayrakli district was affected the most due to deep-soft alluvial nature and the geometry of the basin, although the district is approximately 70 km away from the epicenter of the earthquake. In this study, seismic response of the Bayrakli basin, and the role of the soil stratigraphy and geometry on the recorded amplifications and prolonging of seismic shakings are investigated by using 1-, 2- and 3-D non-linear finite element-based dynamic response analyses. The idealized large-scale basin model is calibrated and validated by using available strong ground motion records, and the results of 1-D total stress-based equivalent linear site response analyses. The assessment results were presented in the form of spectral amplification, A(T), which was defined as the ratio of 3-D (or 2-D) soil basin spectral accelerations, normalized by reference rock spectral accelerations. A(T) was decomposed into the product of two independent amplification factors, namely A1D,Rock-Soil(T) and Asoil,1D-3D or 2D(T). A1D,Rock-Soil(T) represents the spectral amplification of a 1-D soil column as compared to that of a reference rock column (site), whereas Asoil,1D-3D or 2D(T) is soil amplifications estimated by a 3-D (or 2-D) model normalized by those of a 1-D model. The numerical simulation results were summarized in the form of A(T) and Asoil,1D-3D or 2D(T) contour maps, which suggest that the 3-D basin geometry-induced amplifications reach 1.4 and 1.6 in the E-W and N-S directions of the basin.
Catalyst-free one-pot three-component synthesis of 2-iminothiazoles from nitroepoxides
Authors: Badali Elham , Halimehjani Azim Ziyaei , Habibi Azizollah
Published: November 2022

Nitroepoxides were introduced as efficient substrates for the one-pot three-component synthesis of 2-iminothiazoles under catalyst-free conditions. Reaction of amines, isothiocyanates, and nitroepoxides in THF at 10–15°C afforded corresponding 2-iminothiazoles in high to excellent yields. The reaction proceeds via the in situ formation of thiourea from an amine and an isothiocyanate, followed by nitroepoxide ring opening with the sulfur of thiourea, cyclization reaction, and dehydration cascade. The structures of products were confirmed by IR, NMR, HRMS analyses and X-ray crystallography.
Two formulae with nodes related to zeros of
Bessel functions for semi-infinite integrals;
Extending Gauss--Jacobi-type rules
Authors: Sugiura Hiroshi , Hasegawa Takemitsu
Published: November 2022

For approximating integrals ƒ∞0xαƒ(x)dx (α > −1) over a semi-infinite interval [0,∞) with a given function ƒ(x), two formulae, one of them new and another associated with an existing formula, are presented. They are constructed in a limiting process to a semi-infinite interval [0,∞] with a linear transformation for a well-known approximation method, the Gauss–Jacobi (GJ) rule and its family rules: the Gauss–Jacobi–Radau (GR) and Gauss–Jacobi–Lobatto (GL) rules on a finite interval. This procedure was used in constructing our previous limit-Clenshaw–Curtis-type formulae. The limit GJ formula (LGJ) constructed in this way uses as nodes zeros of the Bessel function Jα(x) squared after multiplied by a positive constant α and the limit GR (LGR) (and limit GL (LGL)) formula those with zeros of Jα+1(x). The LGJ formula is also shown to be derived from the formula developed by Frappier and Olivier (1993) for an integral on [0,∞). The LGR and LGL formulae give the same and new formula. We show that for a function ƒ(z) analytic on a domain in the complex plane z and satisfying some appropriate conditions, there exists a constant d > 0 such that the errors of both formulae are O(e−2d/α) as α → +0. The average of the LGJ and LGR formulae gives smaller quadrature errors than each formula. Numerical examples confirm these behaviors and show that the LGJ and LGR formulae give asymptotically the same quadrature errors of opposite sign. Consequently, the LGR formula behaves like an anti-LGJ formula in the same way as the Lobatto rule for integrals on [−1, 1] behaving like the anti-Gauss rule.
MSC Classification: 65D30
A consensus score to combine inferences from multiple centres
Authors: Haselimashhadi Hamed , Babalola Kolawole , Wilson Robert , Groza Tudor , Muñoz-Fuentes Violeta
Published: November 2022

Experiments in which data are collected by multiple independent resources, including multicentre data, different laboratories within the same centre or with different operators are challenging in design, data collection and inferences. This may lead to inconsistent results across the resources. In this paper, we propose a statistical solution for the problem of multi-resource consensus inferences when statistical results from different resources show variation in magnitude, directionality and significance. Our proposed method allows combining the corrected p-values, effect sizes and the total number of centres into a global consensus score. We apply this method to obtain a consensus score for data collected by the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) across 11 centres. We show the application of this method to detect sexual dimorphism in haematological data and discuss the suitability of the methodology.
RNA-Seq–Based Transcriptome Analysis of Corneal Endothelial Cells Derived from Patients with Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy
Authors: Nakagawa Tatsuya , Tokuda Yuichi , Nakano Masakazu , Komori Yuya , Hanada Naoya , Tourtas Theofilos , Schlötzer-Schrehardt Ursula , Kruse Friedrich , Tashiro Kei , Koizumi Noriko , Okumura Naoki
Published: November 2022

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the most common inherited corneal disease. Fibrillar focal excrescences called guttae and corneal edema due to corneal endothelial cell death result in progressive vision loss. Multiple genetic variants have been reported, but the pathogenesis of FECD is not fully understood. In this study, we used RNA-Seq to analyze differential gene expression in the corneal endothelium obtained from patients with FECD. Differential expression analysis of transcriptomic profiles revealed that expression of 2,366 genes (1,092 upregulated and 1,274 downregulated genes) was significantly altered in the corneal endothelium of the patients with FECD compared to healthy subjects. Gene ontology analysis demonstrated an enrichment of genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) organization, response to oxidative stress, and apoptotic signaling. Several pathway analyses consistently indicated the dysregulation of ECM-associated pathways. Our differential gene expression findings support the previously proposed underlying mechanisms, including oxidative stress and apoptosis of endothelial cells, as well as the phenotypic clinical FECD hallmark of ECM deposits. Further investigation focusing on differentially expressed genes related to these pathways might be beneficial for elucidating mechanisms and developing novel therapies.
Electroless plating silver nanoparticles mixed in oxidized microcrystalline cellulose for microwave absorption applications
Authors: Sun Guangming , Huang Jintian , Hao Shufen , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2022

The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were mixed in TEMPO oxidized microcrystalline cellulose (TOMCC) by electroless plating successfully obtained a green lightweight microwave absorber (TOMCC/AgNPs). The process is simple, efficient and low-cost. The physicochemical properties and surface morphology of TOMCC/AgNPs was characterized and analyzed by SEM, EDS, UV-vis, XRD, XPS, BET, Raman spectroscopy and thermal behavior, while the electromagnetic absorption of fabricated TOMCC/AgNPs were analyzed through vector network. The optimal reflection loss value is -51 dB at 4.7 GHz with a corresponding effective absorption bandwidth is 4 GHz, and the thickness of the layer is 2mm. In addition, the reflection loss value of -46 dB at 11.2 GHz with a corresponding effective absorption bandwidth of 3 GHz, and the reflection loss value of -41 dB at 15.6 GHz with a corresponding effective absorption bandwidth of 4 GHz, which the thickness of layer former was 3mm, and latter 2mm. As a green, lightweight and efficient microwave absorber, the prepared TOMCC/AgNPs has a considerable application prospect in the field of microwave absorption such as stealth technology.
Fostering Research Data Management in Collaborative Research Contexts: Lessons learnt from an ‘Embedded’ Evaluation on designing a ‘Data Story’
Authors: Mosconi Gaia , de Carvalho Aparecido Fabiano Pinatti , Syed Hussain Abid , Randall Dave , Karasti Helena , Pipek Volkmar
Published: November 2022

Research Data Management (RDM) practices – spanning the curation, storage, sharing, and reusability of research data – are foundational to the Open Science (OS) agenda. Because of that, many and various funding institutions are increasingly demanding active engagement of researchers in them. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that RDM practices are not yet properly integrated into daily research workflows, nor supported by any tools researchers typically use. In this paper, we introduce evaluation results of a technological aid for implementing a design concept called ‘Data Story’, drawing on ideas from digital and data storytelling. This concept has been devised to facilitate the appropriation of RDM practices by researchers working mainly with qualitative data in their daily workflows. It integrates traditional data curation approaches with a more narrative, contextual, and collaborative organizational layer that can be thought of as a ‘story’. Our findings come from a long-term ‘embedded’ evaluation of the concept and show: (1) the potential benefits of engaging with a Data Story for RDM; (2) Data Curation issues and learning opportunities; and (3) a broader set of issues and concerns that remain unaddressed in the current state of play. Our contribution, based on lessons learnt, is to provide a new design approach for RDM and for new collaborative research data practices, one grounded in narrative structures, capable to negotiate between top-down policies and bottom-up practices, which supports ‘reflective’ learning opportunities - with and about data - of many kinds.
Observation of the bone destruction of Qingre Huoxue Decoction in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis based on MRI evaluation: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Liu Wei-xiang , 李 达 , Tang 唐晓颇 , Gong Xun , Li Yan-ting , Zhang Yi , Chang Tian , Yue Ming , Wang Jian , Xia Cong-min , Peng Qiu-wei , Song Meng-ge , Zhang Fu-yuan , Guan Jin-zhi , Zhao Yue , Liu Xu , Wang Yong , Yue Yue , Yao Jia-shu , Li Wei-qing , Xie Jing-jing , Jiang Yu-bao , Liu Xiao-ya , Zong Rui-kai , Fan Bing , Wang Xi , Wu Chan-yuan , Zhu Qi , Qin Ying-ying , Guo Yun-Ke , Huang Qing-chun , Jiang Quan
Published: November 2022

Background: Bone destruction is the key and difficult point in the treatment of RA. Studies have found that the use of traditional Chinese medicine Qingre Huoxue Decoction (QRHXD) can effectively reduce disease activity and delay bone destruction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the effective ways to evaluate bone destruction in RA in real time, which is helpful to the early evaluation and discovery of synovitis and bone destruction. Therefore, we designed a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial to assess the improvement of the bone destruction of QRHXD in treating RA using MRI.
Methods: This study aimed to assess the definitive evidence that the traditional Chinese medicine QRHXD slows bone destruction in RA using MRI. A total of 204 adult participants with RA will be enrolled, with balanced treatment allocation (1:1). The experimental intervention will be QRHXD plus MTX and the control intervention will be QRHXD placebo plus MTX for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be RA MRI score at screening period and 24 weeks. Secondary outcome measures will include the ACR20, ACR50 and ACR70, DAS28, patient report outcome(PRO), health assessment questionnaire(HAQ) and X-ray sharp score of both hands. In addition, the vital signs and adverse reactions of the subjects will be recorded.
Discussion: The purpose of this study is to use MRI to confirm that QRHXD can effectively slow the imaging progress of active RA. To provide evidence for the efficacy of Chinese medicine in delaying bone destruction in RA, and help to carry out more clinical research on Chinese medicine prescriptions.
Trial registration number Clinical Trials.gov ID: NCT04170504.
Provider implicit and explicit bias in person-centered maternity care: a cross-sectional study with maternity providers in Northern Ghana
Authors: Afulani Patience A , Okiring Jaffer , Aborigo Raymond A. , Nutor Jerry John , Kuwolamo Irene , Dorzie John Baptist K , Semko Sierra , Okonofua Jason A. , Mendes Wendy Berry
Published: November 2022

Background
Person-centered maternity care (PCMC) has become a priority in the global health discourse on the quality of care due to the high prevalence of disrespectful and lack of responsive care during facility-based childbirth. Although PCMC is generally sub-optimal, there are significant disparities. On average, women of low socioeconomic status (SES) tend to receive poorer PCMC than women of higher SES. Yet few studies have explored factors underlying these inequities. In this study, we examined provider implicit and explicit biases that could lead to inequities PCMC based on SES.
Methods
Data are from a cross-sectional survey with 150 providers recruited from 19 health facilities in the Upper East region of Ghana from October 2020 to January 2021. Explicit SES bias was assessed using situationally-specific vignettes (low SES and high SES characteristics) on providers’ perceptions of women’s expectations, attitudes, and behaviors. Implicit SES bias was assessed using an Implicit Association Test (IAT) that measures associations between women’s SES characteristics and providers’ perceptions of women as ‘difficult’ or ‘good’. Analysis included descriptive statistics, mixed-model ANOVA, and bivariate and multivariate linear regression.
Results
The average explicit bias score was 18.1 out of 28 (SD = 3.60) for the low SES woman vignette and 16.9 out of 28 (SD = 3.15) for the high SES woman vignette (p < 0.001), suggesting stronger explicit bias towards the lower SES woman. These biases manifested in higher agreement to statements such as the low SES woman in the vignette is not likely to expect providers to introduce themselves and is not likely to understand explanations. The average IAT score was 0.80 (SD = 0.34), indicating a significant bias in associating positive characteristics with high SES women and negative characteristics with low SES women. Providers with higher education and years of experience had significantly lower explicit bias scores than those with lower education and experience. Providers in private facilities had higher IAT scores than those in government hospitals.
Conclusions
The findings provide evidence of both implicit and explicit SES bias among maternity providers. These biases need to be addressed in interventions to achieve equity in PCMC and to improve PCMC for all women.
Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SII) for the Differential Diagnosis of CT-Negative Mild Acute Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Agard Tyler , Hass Rotem , Cavrak Megan , Foual Nour , Byrum Casey , Adcock Amelia , Gehan Donald , Petrone Ashley
Published: November 2022

Background: A number of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) cases may be misdiagnosed as transient ischemic attack (TIA), due to no infarct on initial computed tomography scan and/or mild deficits upon presentation. Several studies have found that neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an accurate differential diagnostic biomarker for AIS versus TIA; however, no study has evaluated the use of the NLR in differentiating CT negative AIS from TIA. Further, the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a relatively novel immune biomarker that has been shown to be positively correlated with AIS severity, poor functional outcomes and mortality. The purpose of this study is to determine if NLR or SII can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for the differential diagnosis of mild AIS with negative CT upon admission and TIA.
Methods: We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients diagnosed with either AIS or TIA. We collected peripheral white blood cell counts within 24 hours of symptom onset and calculated the NLR and SII. Logistic regression was utilized to determine if NLR or SII are significant predictors of CT negative mild AIS.
Results: CT negative mild AIS patients were 2 times as likely to have an NLR ³ 2.71 compared to TIA patients, and CT negative mild AIS patients were 2.1 times as likely to have an SII ³595 compared to TIA patients.
Conclusion: NLR and SII are easily obtained biomarkers that can be used in early clinical decision making in cases of mild AIS with negative CT scan upon admission.
Clinical and experimental evidence suggest omicron SARS-CoV-2 is inherently less pathogenic than delta independent of previous immunity
Authors: Thiruvengadam Ramachandran , Rizvi Zaigham Abbas , Raghavan Sreevatsan , Murugesan Deepika Rathna , Gosain Mudita , Dandotiya Jyotsna , Ayushi Ayushi , Samal Sweety , Pandey Anil K , Wadhwa Nitya , Bhatnagar Shinjini , Awasthi Amit , Garg Pramod Kumar
Published: November 2022

Objective -To study clinical disease outcomes in both humans and animal models to understand the pathogenicity of omicron compared to delta variant.
Methods- In this cross-sectional observational study, clinical outcomes of adults who tested positive at 2 testing centres in Delhi National Capital Region between January 2022 and March 2022 (Omicron infected; N=2998) were compared to a similar geographical cohort (Delta infected; N=3292). Additionally, disease course and outcomes were studied in SARS-CoV2 infected golden Syrian hamster and K-18 humanized ACE2 transgenic mice.
Results- Omicron variant infection was associated with milder clinical course [83% (95% CI: 61, 94) reduced risk of severity compared against delta] adjusting for vaccination, age, sex, prior infection and occupational risk. This correlated with lower disease index and viral load scores when comparing omicron with other variants in animal models.
Conclusion- Infections caused by the omicron variant is milder compared to delta independent of previous immunity.
The ribosomal protein P0A is required for embryo development in rice
Authors: Chang Zhenyi , Wang Xia , Pan Xiaoying , Yan Wei , Wu Wenshi , zhuang Yi , Li Zhiai , Wang Dan , Yuan Shuting , Xu Chunjue , Chen Zhufeng , Liu Dongfeng , Chen Zi Sheng , Tang Xiaoyan , Wu Jianxin
Published: November 2022

The P-stalk is a conserved and vital structural element of ribosome. The eukaryotic P-stalk exists as a P0-(P1-P2)2 pentameric complex, in which P0 function as a base structure for incorporating the stalk onto 60S pre-ribosome. There is only a single copy of P0 gene in yeast and most animal species. Prior studies have suggested that P0 genes are indispensable for survival in yeast and animals. In contrast, each plant species has at least two copies of P0 genes, however, the functions of P0 genes in plants remain elusive. In the present study, we show that rice has three P0 genes predicted to encode highly conserved proteins OsP0A, OsP0B and OsP0C. All of these P0 proteins were localized both in cytoplasm and nucleus, and conversely interacted with OsP1. Intriguingly, the transcripts of OsP0A presented more than 90% of the total P0 transcripts. Moreover, knockout of OsP0A led to embryo lethality, while single or double knockout of OsP0B and OsP0C did not show any comparable phenotypes in rice. The genomic DNA of OsP0A could well complement the phenotypes of osp0a mutant. Finally, sequences and syntenic analyses revealed that OsP0C evolved from OsP0A, and that duplication of genomic fragment harboring OsP0C further gave birth of OsP0B, and both of these duplication events happened prior to the differentiation of Xian and Geng subspecies in rice ancestor. Together, our data indicate that OsP0A functions as the predominant P0 gene, playing an essential role in embryo development in rice.
Large Scale Genealogical Information Extraction From Handwritten Quebec Parish Records
Authors: Tarride Solène , Maarand Martin , Boillet Mélodie , McGrath James , Capel Eugénie , Vézina Hélène , Kermorvant Christopher
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a complete workflow designed for extracting information from Quebec handwritten parish registers. The acts in these documents contain individual and family information highly valuable for genetic, demographic and social studies of the Quebec population. From an image of parish records, our workflow is able to identify the acts and extract personal information. The workflow is divided into successive steps: page classification, text line detection, handwritten text recognition, named entity recognition and act detection and classification. For all these steps, different machine learning models are compared. Once the information is extracted, validation rules designed by experts are then applied to standardize the extracted information and ensure its consistency with the type of act (birth, marriage, and death). This validation step is able to reject records that are considered invalid or merged. The full workflow has been used to process over two million pages of Quebec parish registers from the 19-20th centuries. On a sample comprising 65% of registers, 3.2 million acts were recognized. Verification of the birth and death acts from this sample shows that 74% of them are considered complete and valid. These records will be integrated into the BALSAC database and linked together to recreate family and genealogical relations at large scale.
Intact mass analysis reveals the novel O-linked glycosylation on the stalk region of PD-1 protein
Authors: Tit-oon Phanthakarn , Wonglangka Arisa , Boonkanta Klaichan , Ruchirawat Mathuros , Fuangthong Mayuree , Khongmanee Amnart , Sasisekharan Ram
Published: November 2022

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is a key receptor in the immune checkpoint pathway and has emerged to be a promising target for cancer therapy. PD-1 consists of an intracellular domain followed by a transmembrane domain that is connected to the extracellular domain by the stalk region. Although the PD-1 structure has been studied for more than two decades, the posttranslational modification of this protein has been incompletely characterized. In this study, we identified the previously undescribed modification sites of O-linked glycan on the stalk region of PD-1 protein using O-protease digestion coupling with intact mass analysis. The result indicates that T153, S157, S159, and T168 are modified by sialylated mucin-type O-glycan with core 1–and core 2–based structures. This study provides both information on potential novel modification sites on the PD-1 protein and an attractive method for identifying O-linked glycosylation using a specific enzyme and intact mass analysis.
On-Chip Liquid and Gas Flow Rate Sensing via Membrane Deformation and Bistability Probed by Microwave Resonators
Authors: Secme Arda , Pisheh Hadi Sedaghat , Uslu H. Dilara , Tefek Uzay , Kucukoglu Berk , Alatas Ceren , Kelleci Mehmet , Hanay M. Selim
Published: November 2022

Precise monitoring of fluid flow rates constitutes an integral problem in various lab-on-a-chip applications. While off-chip flow sensors are commonly used, new sensing mechanisms are being investigated to address the needs of increasingly complex lab-on-a-chip platforms which require local and non-intrusive flow rate sensing. In this regard, the deformability of microfluidic components has recently attracted attention as an on-chip sensing mechanism. To develop an on-chip flow rate sensor, here we utilized the mechanical deformations of a 220 nm thick Silicon Nitride membrane integrated with the microfluidic channel. Fluid flow induces deformations on the membrane, which is electronically probed by the changes in the capacitance and resonance frequency of an overlapping microwave resonator. By tracking the resonance frequency, both liquid and gas flows were probed with the same device architecture. For liquid flow experiments, a secondary sensing mechanism emerged when it was observed that steady liquid flow induces periodic deformations on the membrane. Here, the period of membrane deformation depends on the flow rate and can again be measured electronically by the microwave sensor. Flow rate measurements based on the deformation and instability of thin membranes demonstrate the transduction potential of microwave resonators for fluid-structure interactions at micro and nanoscales.
Association of the triglyceride-glucose index with risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Junyi , Xie Zengshuo , Wu Yuzhong , Liu Xiao , Ma Jianyong , Dong Yugang , Liu Chen , Ye Min , Zhu Wengen
Published: November 2022

Background
Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable surrogate marker of insulin resistance (IR), whereas IR has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. However, the relationship between the TyG index and AD remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the associations of both baseline level and long-term trajectories of the TyG index with the risk of AD.
Methods
This prospective study included 2,170 participants free of AD from the Framingham Heart Study Offspring cohort. The TyG index was calculated as Ln[fasting triglyceride (mg/dL)×fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Data for the TyG index from three examinations were used to identify the long-term trajectories of the TyG index by latent class growth mixture modeling analysis. The Cox and logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations of the baseline level and long-term trajectories of the TyG index with AD.
Results
During a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 163 (7.5%) participants developed AD. Each unit increment of baseline TyG index was associated with a 39% increased risk of AD (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.88). When compared with the reference (TyG index ≤ 8.28), we observed a significantly elevated risk of AD in the group with TyG index of 8.68–9.09 (adjusted HR 1.69, 95% CI 1.03–2.77). In addition, three long-term trajectories of the TyG index were identified (low-stable [95.3%], intermediate-remitting [2.1%], and high-decreasing [2.6%] trajectory group). There was no significant difference in AD risk among the three groups.
Conclusions
Our findings first showed that a higher baseline TyG index was associated with an increased incidence of AD. The TyG index might be used as a simple surrogate marker for the early detection of AD.
Parental pressure on child body image, body mass index, body image dissatisfaction associated with eating disorders among children and adolescents with different developmental stages: A path analysis
Authors: Chen Jiaoyan , Liu Keke , Zhang Juan , Liu Songhui , Wang Yuanyuan , Cao Ruiyao , Peng Xingwang , Han Mei , Han Hui , Yao Rongying , Fu Lianguo
Published: November 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the association pathways between parental pressure on children’s body image (PPCBI), body mass index (BMI), body image dissatisfaction (BID) and eating disorders (ED) among children and adolescents with different developmental stages.
Methods: The stratified cluster sampling method was used to select students aged 8–15 years in two 9-year schools. Children's body height, weight, testicular volume and breast development were measured. PPCBI, BID, and ED were investigated using the Appearance-related Social Stress Questionnaire, Body Size Questionnaire (BID-14), and EDI-1 scale, respectively.
Results: The boys with testicular volume <4 ml had significantly higher ED scores than girls with breast development <Tanner II (P<0.05). There were significant association pathways of PPCBI→BMI→BID→ED and PPCBI→BID→ED in boys with testicular volume <4 ml, boys with testicular volume ≥4 ml, and girls with breast development ≥Tanner II. There was a positive association pathway of PPCBI→ED in boys with testicular volume <4 ml and PPCBI→BID→ED in girls with breast development <Tanner II.
Conclusions: Parental pressure on children's body image may positively predict children's eating disorders through BMI and body image dissatisfaction in boys and girls after puberty initiation and directly predict eating disorders in boys before puberty initiation; however, it indirectly predicts eating disorders only through BID in girls before puberty initiation.
Effects of Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) on change rate of carbon emission
Authors: Jung Hail , Song Chang-Keun
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates the effects of Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) adoption on the country-level reduction rate of carbon emission. We first used Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) tests to group countries into three categories: inverse U-shaped and gamma-shaped EKC for decoupled countries, and a positive linear EKC for non-decoupled countries. We then examined the effectiveness of ETS adoption. We found ETS was effective for both post-industrial and pre-industrial economies. Compared to countries that have not adopted ETS, the carbon emission reduction (increment) rate of decoupled (non-decoupled) countries that have adopted ETS is faster (slower). Furthermore, ETS adoption significantly reduces overall carbon emissions per capita compared to other global events, such as oil crises. The results imply that a market-based mechanism is an effective strategy for achieving sustainable development, thus, providing insights for policymakers and governments to design effective carbon neutrality policies to achieve sustainable development.
Diversity and structure of Bettongia tropica: using population genetics to guide reintroduction and help prevent the extinction of an endangered Australian marsupial
Authors: Todd Stephanie Jean , McKnight Donald T. , Congdon Brad C. , Pierson Jennifer , Fischer Manuela , Abell Sandra , Koleck Jessica
Published: November 2022

Conservation translocations can restore populations and prevent extinction of threatened species. Sourcing adequate genetic diversity is an essential consideration when planning reintroductions, because it influences individual fitness and long-term persistence of populations, yet available populations of threatened species may lack diversity. We estimated population genetic parameters for one of Australia’s most threatened mammals, the northern bettong, Bettongia tropica, to select source populations for reintroduction. Individuals from sites across the species’ extant range in the Wet Tropics of north Queensland were genotyped, using 6,133 informative SNPs. We found that samples clustered into four populations: an isolated northern population at Mt Spurgeon and three connected southern populations in the Lamb Range. Most of the species’ genetic diversity was dispersed across the Lamb Range populations in approximately equal proportions. Individuals showed an isolation-by-distance effect, even over short distances within continuous habitat. Admixture of populations was high at distances < 7 km but low at distances > 11 km, and there was asymmetrical gene flow between the two closest neighboring populations. All populations had small effective sizes and experienced drift, but connectivity appears to have mitigated drift and stabilized population sizes within the Lamb Range. The Mt Spurgeon population had a very small effective population size and low genetic diversity. We use our findings to weigh up the risks and benefits of mixing sources for reintroduction, and we recommend a mixed source approach. We do not currently recommend sourcing individuals from Mt Spurgeon and conservation efforts to preserve this population are urgently required.
The way forward truly QoS aware EPON
Authors: Radivojević Mirjana , Matavulj Petar
Published: November 2022

In the last decade, the bit rates achieved on fiber broadband networks have increased multiple times and every new generation of passive optical network (PON) technologies must unlock more of fiber’s potential and must be backward compatible to ensure easy and iterative upgrade of operator’s networks. In this paper we present two novel dynamic wavelength (in the case of multichannel system) and bandwidth allocation models for realization of fully QoS (Quality of Service)-aware single-channel i.e. multichannel Ethernet passive optical network (EPON). The both presented models include a novel approach for inter/intra –ONU (Optical Network Unit) scheduling mechanism as well as advanced support for multimedia and business-related services. Moreover, the single channel system could be upgraded to multichannel system on per-need basis i.e., only nodes with higher traffic demands could be upgraded. The aim of this approach is twofold. On the one side we hope to avoid the implementation of additional, complex algorithms usually related to QoS support in the access segment and on the other side to develop a solution in which new and old EPON technologies are able to coexist. This approach would eliminate the need for complex migrations, complicated and time consuming procedures as well as possible service outages in the access network. We present detailed simulation experiments with the aim of conducting a study of the performances of both presented approaches and validate both of them in the terms of the future application, further service development and implementation in the next generation broadband networks (NGNs).
Impact of elemental chemistry on water quality in Missouri reservoir
Authors: Onema Pauline , Ikem Abua , Knott C Katrina , Adojoh onema
Published: November 2022

Natural (weathering) and anthropogenic sources (e.g., sewage discharges, agricultural activities/fertilizers, mining, atmospheric deposition) contribute to the pollution of freshwater ecosystems (e.g., lakes, streams, etc.). The impact of pollution through trace elemental and sediment discharge in freshwater due to the bioaccumulation and biomagnification effects of methyl mercury (MeHg) has been reported in recent studies. Elevated Hg concentration in fish has been found in some lakes and new impoundment reservoirs. Thus, this study investigates the presence of Mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) to determine the composite of whole-body largemouth bass (LMB; Micropterus salmoides) samples across three Missouri Lakes (Port Hudson, Buffalo Bill, and Ben Branch reservoirs). Hg was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry while other elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry. Our results were compared with the US EPA Standard values to determine the concentration of 26 elements (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Se, V, Zn, B, Hg, Pb, P, Tl, Be, Ba, Sb, Ag, Al, and As). The results show a strong interrelationship of some water quality variables due to similarities in the chemical characteristics. In addition, the weekly intakes of trace elements compared with regulatory thresholds (US EPA) and the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks via the consumption of muscle were observed.
A priori estimates for free boundary problem of 3D incompressible inviscid rotating Boussinesq equations
Authors: Hao Chengchun , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we consider the three-dimensional rotating Boussinesq equations (the “primitive” equations of geophysical fluid flows). Inspired by [25], we establish a priori estimates of Sobolev norms for free boundary problem of inviscid rotating Boussinesq equations under the Taylor-type sign condition on the initial free boundary. Using the same method, we can also obtain a priori estimates for the incompressible inviscid rotating MHD system with damping.
Epigenetic silencing of HTATIP2 in glioblastoma enhances nuclear translocation of the DNA-repair protein MPG affecting treatment resistance
Authors: Hegi Monika , Nguyen Thi Tham , Rajakannu Premnath , Pham Minh Diêu Thanh , Weman Leo , Jucht Alexander , Buri Michelle , Dommelen Kristof Van
Published: November 2022

DNA methylome analysis of glioblastoma (GBM) identified the HIV-1 Tat interactive protein 2 (HTATIP2) gene as aberrantly methylated and silenced. HTATIP2 is a negative regulator of importin β-mediated (KPNB1) cytoplasmic-nuclear translocation of proteins and its deregulation may alter the functionality of cancer relevant nuclear proteins. We propose N-Methylpurine-DNA Glycosylase (MPG), responsible for removing alkylated bases and initiating base excision repair (BER), as a potential GBM relevant candidate. Here we investigated the role of epigenetic silencing of HTATIP2 on the subcellular localization of MPG, and MPG-mediated DNA repair.
Induction of HTATIP2 expression in GBM cells lead to a significant shift of predominantly nuclear to cytoplasmic MPG, while depletion of endogenous levels of HTATIP2 resulted in enhanced nuclear MPG localization. We observed exclusion of MPG from the area exhibiting co-localization of HTATIP2 and KPNB1 in proximity to the nuclear membrane, suggesting competition of HTATIP2 with MPG to bind to KPNB1. In accordance, pharmacologic inhibition of KPNB1 similarly induced cytoplasmic retention of MPG as HTATIP2 expression. Reduced nuclear MPG localization, induced by HTATIP2 expression or depletion of MPG, yielded less P-H2AX-positive cells upon treatment with an alkylating agent. This suggested reduced MPG-mediated formation of apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, leaving behind unrepaired DNA lesions, hence, reflecting a reduced capacity of BER in response to the alkylating agent.
Taken together, these results suggest that epigenetic silencing of HTATIP2 may increase nuclear localization of MPG, thereby increasing the capacity of the tumor cells to repair treatment related lesions and eventually contributing to treatment resistance.
R0 Surgical Resection of Giant Dedifferentiated Retroperitoneal Liposarcomas in the COVID era: Nephrectomy or Not Nephrectomy?
Authors: Pegoraro Francesca , Domenico Santangelo , Alfonso Santangelo , Pelosio Luigi , Jamshidi Akbar , Camera Luigi , Imbriaco Massimo , Mainolfi Ciro Gabriele , Insabato Luigi , Accarino Rossella , Giuliano Mario , Carlomagno Nicola , D’Alessandro Vincenzo , Santangelo Michele
Published: November 2022

Background: Retroperitoneal sarcomas (RPS) are rare findings that can grow into large masses without eliciting severe symptoms. Nowadays surgical resection is the only radical therapy, whenever possible. We present two consecutive cases of RPSs that resulted in dedifferentiated liposarcomas (DDLPS) and underwent R0 surgical resection with and without a nephron-sparing procedure. The diagnostic workup, the surgical approach, the impact of late surgical management due to the COVID pandemic, and the latest literature on the topic will be discussed and analyzed.
Case Presentation: The patients, who refused to undergo any medical examination during the prior two years due to the COVID pandemic, were admitted to our Institution complaining about weight loss and general abdominal discomfort. In the first case, we observed a primitive giant abdominal right neoplasm of retroperitoneal origin enveloping and medializing the right kidney. The second patient had a similar primitive retroperitoneal giant left neoplasm which didn’t affect the kidney. Given the masses’ characteristics and the absence of distant metastases, after a multidisciplinary discussion, radical surgical removal was carried out for both patients. The lesions appeared well-defined from the surrounding tissues, and significantly compressed all the adjacent organs, without signs of infiltration. In the first patient, the right kidney was surrounded and undetachable from the tumor and it was removed en bloc with the mass. The second patient benefited from a nephron-sparing resection, thanks to the existence of a clear cleavage plane. The postoperative courses were uneventful. Both the histological examinations were oriented towards a DDLPS. And both patients were addressed with adjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusions: The treatment of giant RPS is still challenging and requires multidisciplinary treatment as well as, when possible, radical surgical removal. The lack of tissue infiltration and the avoidance of major organs’ excision or reconstruction (including the kidney) could lead to an easier postoperative course and a better prognosis. When possible, surgical management of recurrences or incompletely resected masses must be pursued. As the COVID pandemic caused limited medicalization of many population groups and delayed diagnosis of other oncologic diseases, an increased number of DDLPSs could be expected in the near future.
Predators’ size influences life history traits of Aedes aegypti
Authors: Borges William Gabriel , Cozzer Gilberto Dinis , Durigon Giovana Rech , Lima-Rezende Cássia Alves , Rezende Renan Souza
Published: November 2022

Predator-prey relationships are not limited to predation. A predator may release chemical cues that may directly affect the physiology and behavior of a prey by fear and intimidation. Our objective was testing the effect of the body size of predator (dragonfly larvae) on the larval development time and mortality, as also, on the survival, wing asymmetry and adult size of Ae. aegypti. Using a microcosm set-up, we simulated the predation risk by dragonflies (Odonata, Libelulidae family) over Aedes aegypti. Microcosms consisted of 40 larvae of Ae. aegypti under the indirect effect of predators with different body sizes (four treatments comprising different body size classes; n = 5 per treatment). We found that intermediate-sized predators had the highest effects on the mosquito's life history traits. Predator presence increased prey larval mortality (±150%) and accelerated development times (±33%), and reduced adult body size (± 24%) and survival (56%). On the other hand, no change in asymmetries of wings size was observed in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Therefore, our results support that both predator presence and size are responsible for changes in Ae. aegyptitraits during the larval and adult stages.