bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized and Specific Problematic Internet Use in Central Siberia Adolescents: A School-Based Study of Prevalence, Age-Sex Depending Content Structure, and Comorbidity with Psychosocial Problems
Authors: Tereshchenko Sergey , Kasparov Edward , Semenova Nadezhda , Shubina Margarita , Gorbacheva Nina , Novitckii Ivan , Moskalenko Olga , Lapteva Ludmila
Published: May 2022

We aimed to assess the prevalence, content structure and psychological comorbidity of PIU in Russian adolescents. In addition, the design of our research provided an opportunity to compare demographic and psychological patterns of different forms of PIU: generalised (PIUgen) and specific – problematic video game use (PUgame) as well as problematic social media use (PUsocial). Methods: This is a one-stage cross-sectional observational study of school sampling in three major Siberian cities. A total of 4514 schoolchildren aged 12-18 (mean age 14.52±1.52 years) were surveyed. Chen Internet Addiction Scale, Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents”, and The Social Media Disorder Scale were used to identify PIU and its types. Results: The prevalence of PIUgen among adolescents in Central Siberia was 7.2%; the prevalence of PUgame was 10.4%; the prevalence of PUsocial was 8.0%. The results of structural equation modelling, as well as the correlation analysis data, suggest two possible patterns of psychosocial problems with PIU – the first one characteristic of both PIUgen and PUsocial, the second one, significantly different, – of PUgame. Conclusions: Urban adolescents in Central Siberia do not differ significantly from their Asian and European peers. Our findings support the concept of rejecting the term “generalised PIU” as a single psychological construct.
A Hybrid Path Planning and Formation Control Strategy of Multi-Robots in a Dynamic Environment
Authors: Zhou Meng ,   School of Electrical and Control Engineering, North China University of Technology No.5 Jinyuanzhuang Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100144, China, Wang Zihao , Wang Jing , Dong Zhe
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a hybrid path planning and formation control strategy for multi-robots in a dynamic environment. Under a leader-follower formation structure, the followers can track the motion of one leader after the leader’s path is determined. First, a hybrid path planning strategy that contains global path planning and local path planning of the leader is investigated, in which an improved hybrid grey wolf optimizer with whale optimizer algorithm (GWO-WOA) is designed for the global path planning in a given map, meanwhile, a dynamic window approach (DWA) is fused for the local path planning to avoid dynamic obstacles. Then, a leader-follower formation control algorithm is proposed for multiple mobile robots. The followers are controlled to track their corresponding virtual robots which are generated according to the leader’s position and the formation. Finally, simulation experiments are given to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in different environments.
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery’s Initiatives Toward Competency-Based Education
Authors: Van Heest Ann E. , Armstrong April D. , Bednar Michael S. , Carpenter James E. , Garvin Kevin L. , Harrast John J. , Martin David F. , Murray Peter M. , Peabody Terrance D. , Saltzman Charles L. , Saniei Mona , Taitsman Lisa A. , Marsh J. Lawrence
Published: May 2022

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) is the national organization charged with defining education standards for graduate medical education in orthopaedic surgery. The purpose of this article is to describe initiatives taken by the ABOS to develop assessments of competency of residents to document their progress toward the independent practice of orthopaedic surgery and provide feedback for improved performance during training. These initiatives are called the ABOS Knowledge, Skills, and Behavior Program. Web-based assessment tools have been developed and validated to measure competence. These assessments guide resident progress through residency education and better define the competency level by the end of training. The background and rationale for these initiatives and how they serve as steps toward competency-based education in orthopaedic residency education in the United States will be reviewed with a vision of a hybrid of time and competency-based orthopaedic residency education that will remain 5 years in length, with residents assessed using standardized tools.
Beyond the COVID-19 Vaccine: The “Epidemic” of Violence in Ghana and Strategies to Keep Women and Children Safe from Gender-Based Violence
Authors: Nyaaba Albert Apotele , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Ayamga Matthew
Published: May 2022

Although the tides of the Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are turning in some parts of the world, the pandemic has exacerbated abusive behavior towards women and children. In Ghana, West Africa, women and children stand a greater chance of experiencing aggravated levels of violence due to cultural considerations. In this commentary, we searched for papers using the keywords “(COVID-19) AND (violence) AND (women and children)” with refining limited to 01-01-2020 to 31-12-2020 on PubMed, Google Scholar, and other websites. A total of 17 and 20 papers from PubMed and other sources, respectively, were included. We found that violence against women and children has worsened in Ghana during the COVID-19 period. The findings call for the need to enhance or build women’s capacity to identify violence, enhance their exposure to available avenues of assistance, and resist the impunity of culprits. Also, the government should strengthen and adequately provide resources for human rights organizations mandated to protect the rights of women and children.
 
Copyright © 2022 Nyaaba et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0.
Simultaneous Ratio Derivative Spectrophotometric Determination of Paracetamol, Caffeine and Ibuprofen in Their Ternary Form
Authors: Alsamarrai Khalaf F. , Ameen Suham Tawfeq
Published: May 2022

A new, accurate, precise and economic two spectrophotometric methods for determination of Paracetamol (Par), Ibuprofen (Ibu), and Caffeine (Caf) were suggested. Those methods were the first and second ratio derivative spectrum using a double devisor. Par, Ibu, and Caf showed many useful peaks for their quantified determination. The validity of all analysis modes for determination of the three compounds, peak to baseline, peak area and peak to peak were according to ICH. The linearity of two methods was between 5 µg/ml as a lower concentration and 50 µg/ml as the highest concentration for three compounds. Recovery percentage was around 100% and relative standard deviation was less than 2.6%. The methods were applied successfully in the determination of Par, Ibu, and Caf in pure and pharmaceutical forms.
Metallogeny of Endogenous Gold in Tuva
Authors: Gaskov I.V. , Prudnikov S.G.
Published: May 2022

—Analysis shows that the occurrences of ore gold of different mineragenic types and ages widespread in the Republic of Tyva are related to the intricate and long geologic history of this region. The Tyva region is of polycyclic development; in the period from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic, there were stages of subduction, accretion–collision, and rifting processes accompanied by volcanism of different types and a wide manifestation of granitoid magmatism. Gold metallogeny was discretely developed throughout the geologic history of the region and was most widely manifested at the island arc stage (570–510 Ma), in connection with the formation of gold-bearing pyrite–polymetallic deposits. The late Cambrian–Ordovician period of granitoid magmatism was also productive for gold mineralization: It was marked by the formation of porphyry Au–Cu–Mo and gold deposits and gold–skarn, gold–quartz, and gold–beresite ore occurrences. Several gold-bearing clusters confined to different structure-formational zones are distinguished in the Tuva area. By now, commercial gold contents have been established in the Tardan gold deposit with Au reserves of 7371.8 kg, in the gold-bearing Kyzyl-Tashtyg pyrite–polymetallic deposit with estimated gold reserves of 15.08 tons and silver reserves of ~700 tons, and in the gold-bearing Ak-Sug porphyry Cu–Mo deposit with C2 gold reserves of 83 tons and silver reserves of 368 tons. In the course of prospecting and revision performed at many gold ore clusters in recent years, additional information about the high endogenous-gold potential of the Republic of Tyva has been obtained. There are a number of objects promising for commercial reserves of endogenous gold, such as the Kara-Bel’dir gold ore cluster with C1 and C2 gold reserves of 22.8 tons, the Aldan–Maadyr gold ore cluster with predicted P2 gold resources of 38 tons and Р3 gold resources of 80 tons, the Eilig-Khem ore cluster with predicted P3 gold resources of 36 tons, the Kyzyk-Chadr ore cluster with predicted Р1 + Р2 gold resources of 39.7 tons and silver resources of 198 tons in the Kyzyk-Chadr deposit, and the East Tannu-Ola ore district with gold resources of 68.3 tons. Thus, the intricate geologic development of the Tyva area and various geologic events, including large-scale magmatic processes, led to the formation of both gold and gold-bearing deposits and ore occurrences, which give reason to anticipate revealing of large commercial reserves of endogenous gold and the development of gold mining industry in the republic.
Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Linear Programming Problem with Vagueness in the Resources Vector
Authors: Sargolzaei Shokouh , Nehi Hassan Mishmast
Published: May 2022

Most of the data in the real world are uncertain and imprecise. One of the methods used for modeling inaccurate concepts is to use fuzzy sets. An extension of fuzzy sets is type-2 fuzzy sets with membership degrees of the type of fuzzy sets. The interval type-2 fuzzy sets are a specific case of type-2 fuzzy sets that are less complex and easier to understand. Several states can be considered based on the position of ambiguity in a fuzzy linear programming problem. In this article, we study the interval type-2 fuzzy linear programming problem with a resource vector that has the imprecision of the vagueness type. These kinds of vagueness are expressed via membership functions. At first, we will review the available methods. Then we present three new methods and finally examine the efficiency of our methods by presenting several examples. Furthermore, the results of our methods will be compared with those of the reviewed methods. Also, we compare our methods with each other.Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 90C70
Different Clinical Characteristics of Current Smokers and Former Smokers with Asthma: A Cross-Sectional Study of Adult Asthma Patients in China
Authors: Chen Zhifeng , Wasti Binaya , Shang Yulin , Ouyang Ruoyun , Yuan Yu , He Yi , Duan Wentao , Jia Jingsi , Xiao Bing , Zhang Dongshan , Liu Shaokun , Song Qing , Zeng Yuqin , Zeng Qingping , Zhang Xiufeng , Li Jianmin , Ji Xiaoying , Chen Ping , Ma Libing , Xiang Xudong
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveSmoking is a trigger for asthma, which has led to an increase in asthma incidence in China. In smokers, asthma management starts with smoking cessation. Data on predictors of smoking cessation in Chinese patients with asthma are scarce. The objective of this study was to find the differences in clinical characteristics between current smokers and former smokers with asthma in order to identify factors associated with smoking cessation.Patients and MethodsEligible adults with diagnosed asthma from the hospital outpatient clinics (n = 2312) were enrolled and underwent a clinical evaluation, asthma control test (ACT), and pulmonary function test. Information on demographic and sociological data, lung function, laboratory tests, ACT and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) scores was recorded. Patients were divided into a current smokers group and a former smokers group based on whether they had quit smoking. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with smoking cessation.ResultsOf all patients with asthma, 34.6% were smokers and 65.4% were former smokers, and the mean age was 54.5 ± 11.5 years. Compared with current smokers, the former smokers were older, had more pack-years, had smoked for longer, had heavier dyspnea and had worse asthma control. The logistic regression model showed that smoking cessation was positively correlated with age, female sex, pack-years, years of smoking, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC, but was negatively correlated with ACT, or widowed status, and body mass index (BMI). ConclusionsMore than 30% of asthma patients in the study were still smoking. Among those who quit smoking, many quit late, often not realizing they need to quit until they have significant breathing difficulties. The predictors of smoking cessation identified in this study indicate that there are still differences between continuing smokers and former smokers, and these predictors should be focused on in asthma smoking cessation interventions to improve the prognosis of patients with asthma.
Integration of locating baseline-free nonlinear elements and identifying model-free nonlinear restoring forces in structures
Authors: Lei Ying , Yang Xiongjun , Mi Jianan , Liu Lijun
Published: May 2022

Structural local nonlinearity often occurs when a structure is subject to strong excitation. Therefore, the identification of structural nonlinearity localizations and the characteristics of nonlinear restoring forces is of great significance in ensuring structural safety and reliability. Among the existing nonlinearity identification methods, locating structural nonlinear elements under seismic excitations is still a challenging problem and identifying model-free nonlinear restoring forces require prior knowledge of nonlinearity position. To overcome these limitations, a novel two-step nonlinearity localization and identification algorithm is proposed in this paper. First, by considering the wavelet energy distribution in the nonlinear element become different from those of other linear elements, relative wavelet entropy which is able to quantify the difference or similarity between two wavelet energy distributions is employed to localize structural nonlinear elements based on the sparsity of structural nonlinearity. In the localization process, structural response data of the baseline linear structure are not required. Then, nonlinear restoring forces from nonlinear elements are regarded as ‘unknown virtual forces’ to the underlying linear structure. The generalized Kalman filter with unknown input, which was recently proposed by authors, is used to identify the ‘unknown virtual forces’ and reconstruct the characteristics of nonlinear restoring forces without the models of nonlinear restoring forces. The proposed method is verified by numerical simulations of different types of nonlinear elements in different structures. Furthermore, it is tested by locating the MR damper and identifying its model-free nonlinear restoring forces in a lab four-story shear-type frame.
A novel cuprotosis-related lncRNA signature effectively predicts prognosis in glioma patients
Authors: Wu Shuaishuai , Ballah Augustine K. , Che Wenqiang , Wang Xiangyu
Published: May 2022

Cuprotosis is a novel and different cell death mechanism from the existing known ones that can be used to explore new approaches to treating cancer. Just like ferroptosis and pyroptosis, cuprotosis-related genes regulate various types of tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis. However, the relationship between cuprotosis related long non-coding RNA (cuprotosis-related lncRNA) in glioma development and prognosis has not been investigated. We obtained relevant data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and published articles. First, we identified 365 cuprotosis-related lncRNAs based on 10 cuprotosis-related differential genes (|R2|>0.4, p < 0.001). Then using lasso and Cox regression analysis methods, 12 prognostic cuprotosis-related lncRNAs were obtained and constructed the CuLncSigi risk score formula. Our next step was to divide the tumor gliomas into two groups (high-risk and low-risk) based on the median risk score, and we found that patients in the high-risk group had a significantly worse prognosis. We used internal and external validation methods to simultaneously analyze and validate that the risk score model has good predictive power for patients with glioma. Next, we also performed enrichment analyses such as GSEA and aaGSEA and evaluated the relationship between immune-related drugs and tumor treatment. In conclusion, we successfully constructed a formula of cuprotosis-related lncRNAs with a powerful predictive function. More importantly, our study paves the way for exploring cuprotosis mechanisms in glioma occurrence and development, and helps to find new relevant biomarkers for glioma early identification and diagnosis and to investigate new therapeutic approaches.
Multitrack and multianchor point screw technique combined with the Wiltse approach for lesion debridement in the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis
Authors: Yuan Yu-fei , Ren Zhi-xin , Li Yan-bao , Zhang Cun , Li Guan-jun , Liu Bing-zhi , Li Xiao-dong , Li Jian-fei , Miao Jie
Published: May 2022

Backgroud: To study the safety and efficacy of the multitrack and anchor point screw technique combined with the Wiltse approach for lesion debridement in the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 13 patients with lumbar spinal tuberculosis in our department from October 2014 to January 2021 who underwent unilateral multitrack multianchor screw fixation combined with contralateral Wiltse approach lesion debridement. Preoperative and final follow-up C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), preoperative, 3 months after operation, final follow-up low back pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used for statistical analysis. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grades were recorded before surgery, 3 months after surgery, and at the final follow-up for all patients to evaluate the clinical effect of the surgery. Results: The average age of the 13 patients was 60.15±10.31 years old, the average operation time was 150.92±37.32 minutes, and the average blood loss was 415.39±151.91 mL; CRP (3.05±1.82 mg/L) and ESR (5.57±3.70 mm/h) returned to normal, and the difference was statistically significant compared with those before the operation (P<0.01). The VAS score for low back pain in all patients was significantly decreased. The VAS scores for low back pain were 2.23±0.73 and 0.54±0.66 at 3 months after the operation and at the last follow-up, respectively, compared with 7.54±0.97 before the operation, and the difference was statistically significant. (P<0.01). The average preoperative ODI score was 80.31%±3.35% and decreased to 29.08%±1.94% and 19.54%±2.18% at 3 months after the operation and at the last follow-up, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant. (P<0.01). The symptoms of all patients with neurological dysfunction were relieved, and the ASIA grade increased by 1-2 grades at the last follow-up. The mean follow-up time for all patients was 18.23±4.69 months, and the mean bone fusion time was 8.85±2.51 months. There were no internal fixation-related complications, no tuberculosis sinus formation, and no recurrence of lumbar tuberculosis. Two patients were cured of postoperative pneumonia by antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: The multitrack multianchor point screw fixation technique combined with contralateral Wiltse approach debridement is an effective and safe method for the treatment of lumbar tuberculosis.
Hyperaccumulation of lead using Agrostis tenuis
Authors: Anguilano Lorna , Onwukwe Uchechukwu , Dekhli Aghis , Venditti Susanna , Aryani Danny , Reynolds Alan
Published: May 2022

In recent years the quest for a circular economy approach and the upcycling of secondary raw materials have been pushed in the global political agenda. Increased interest has been taken by the recovery of materials from sludges, brines, contaminated waters and other media, such as “mining” of waste. Contaminated soils have an interesting role in this process, and various methodologies have been developed using chemical, bacteriological and pyrometallurgical cleaning procedures. However, these procedures all involve the movement of high volume of materials and the disruption of the industrial landscape; furthermore, they often require the use of hazardous solvents and high energy processes. This work proposes to identify less impactful methods aimed at the recovery of metals from mining areas while preserving the landscape and avoiding environmental impacts such as the increase of CO2 for transport and increase hazard through use of solvents, this takes particular importance in areas of industrial heritage status. In particular, this work focuses on the use of Agrostis tenuis, an autochthonous species in mining areas of the UK, as a “mining tool” for the removal of lead. The selection of both the hyperaccumulator and the metal in this study are derived from the evaluation of the most common contamination in mining areas and the widespread prevalence of this hyperaccumulator and its resilience in highly contaminated abandoned mines. Aside from its presence within the mining areas, making it an autochthonous plant, Agrostis tenuis is selected for its visual morphology. Being a short grass, Agrostis does not change the visual appearance of the mining sites, most of which in the UK have a historic landscape status.
The prognostic significance of nomogram-based pretreatment inflammatory indicators in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving intensity- modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Xu Zhiyang , Ke Hongqian , Zheng Binglin , Lin Chuyan , Zhang Yiping , Wang Liyan , Lin Yu , Ye Yuling , Cai Lifang , You Mengxing , Chen Junqiang , Xu Yuanji
Published: May 2022

Background: Currently, there is no objective prognostic index for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The current study aimed to develop a nomogram based on hematologic inflammatory indices for prognostic prediction and risk-stratification of patients with ECSS treated by IMRT.Methods: 434 patients with treatment-naïve ESCC in Fujian Cancer Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were defined as the training cohort. In addition, 147 newly-diagnosed ESCC patients between January 2008 and December 2011 were used as the validation cohort. Independent predictors of overall survival (OS) identified by multivariate survival analysis were employed to establish a nomogram model. The predictive ability was evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to assess the clinical benefits of the nomogram model. The entire series was divided into three risk subgroups stratified by the total nomogram scores.Results: On multivariate analyses, cTNM, primary gross tumor volume (GTVp), chemotherapy (CT), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were independent predictors of OS. Nomogram was developed incorporating these factors. The C-index for 5-year OS (0.627 and 0.629) and the AUC value of 5-year OS (0.706 and 0.719) in the training and validation cohorts (respectively) were superior to the 8th AJCC staging. Furthermore, the nomogram model presented higher NRI and IDI than the 8th AJCC staging (P=0.001; P=0.001, respectively). DCA showed greater clinical benefit of the nomogram model compared to 8th AJCC staging. Finally, according to the total nomogram score, patients with <84.8, 84.8–151.4, and >151.4 points were categorized into low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups. Their 5-year OS rates were 44.0%, 23.6% and 8.9%, respectively. The C index was 0.625, which was higher than the 8th AJCC staging.Conclusions: We developed a nomogram model for risk-stratification of ESCC patients receiving definitive IMRT. Our findings may provide a reference for individualized treatment.
A Linear Di-coordinate Boron Radical Cation
Authors: Lin Yu-Jiang , Liu Wei-Chun , Liu Yi-Hung , Lee Gene-Hsiang , Chien Su-Ying , Chiu Ching-Wen
Published: May 2022

The pursuit of di-coordinate boron radical has been continued for more than a half century with no irrefutable experimental evidence. Through stabilizing the two reactive atomic orbitals of the central boron atom by two orthogonal p-donating and p-accepting functionalities, a linear di-coordinate boron radical cation [3][B(C6F5)4] is isolated and structurally characterized. The electron deficient radical cation undergoes facile one-electron reduction to borylene and binds Lewis base to give heteroleptic tri-coordinate boron radical cation. The co-existence of half-filled and empty p orbitals at boron also allows the CO-regulated electron transfer to be explored. As the introduction of CO promotes the electron transfer from tri-coordinate neutral boron radical (2•) to boron radical cation ([8]+•), the removal of CO under vacuum furnishes the reverse electron transfer from borylene (4) to [1]+ to yield a solution consisting of two boron radicals, 2• and [3]+•.
Parthenolide inhibits proliferation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infected cells by suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Li Ying , Xu Huiling , Tan Xiaohua , Cui Qinghua , Gu Wenyi , Pan Zemin , Yang Lei , Li Dongmei , Wu Shuyuan , Wang Xiaolu , Li Dongmei
Published: May 2022

The disease caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is one of the major reasons for the death in AIDS. Development of anti-KSHV drugs is thus crucial. This study is to investigate the effect of Parthenolide (PTL) on the proliferation and NF-κB signaling pathway of KSHV-infected cells. iSLK.219 and KSHV infected SH-SY5Y cells (SK-RG) were treated with PTL. Taq-Man real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the KSHV copy number. mRNA and protein expression of KSHV genes were detected by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. Cell viability test and colony formation assay was used to detect the proliferation. The flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle. Cyclin D1, CDK6, CDK4 and NF-κB-related proteins, including IKKβ, P-p65 and P-IKB-α were detected by Western blotting. Results showed PTL alerted the cell morphology. PTL reduced the KSHV copy number. PTL suppressed the mRNA expression of ORF50, K8.1, v-GPCR and protein expression of LANA, ORF50, and K8.1. PTL blocked the G1 phase in iSLK.219 cells and decreased Cyclin D1, CDK6 and CDK4. PTL also inhibited the levels of NF-κB signaling protein, including IKKβ, P-p65 and P-IKB-α. Overall, these results suggest that PTL is a candidate drug against KSHV pathogenicity through suppressing the proliferation and NF-κB signaling pathway in KSHV-infected cells.
Distribution of biocide resistance genes and association with clonal complex genotypes in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from school-age children in Guangzhou
Authors: zhang chao , Liang Bingshao , Xiong Zhile , Liang Zhuwei , Cai Hao , Zhong Huamin , Xie Yongqiang , Xie Yuanwei , Liu Xiaochun , Xie Shiying , Lan Fangjun , Zhou Zhenwen
Published: May 2022

Background: Disinfectant and antibiotics such as chlorhexidine and mupirocin are often prescribed to children in affected communities to prevent colonization and transmission of Staphylococcus aureus, but this has led to an increasing rate of biocide resistance. In this study, we aimed to determine the distribution of biocide resistance genes among S. aureus isolates from school-age children in Guangzhou, investigate chlorhexidine gluconate and mupirocin susceptibility and clonal complex (CC) genotypes in strains carrying biocide-resistance genes, and further explore the role of biofilms in this resistance.Methods: Antibiotic resistance and multilocus sequence genotyping were performed on 722 S. aureus isolates from 2375 nasal swabs from school-aged children in Guangzhou. The distribution of nine biocide genes (qacA/B, mupA, mepA, sepA, norA, lmrS, smr, mupB, qacG) was determined by PCR. Isolates carrying qacA/B or mupA genes were further tested for susceptibility to chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and mupirocin using broth microdilution and their biofilm formation abilities were evaluated by a microtiter plate test.Results: The most prevalent of the nine biocide resistance genes were mepA (95.57%), followed by norA (78.81%), lmrS (77.01%), and sepA (58.17%). The qacG gene was not detected. We found that junior school students possessed a significantly higher distribution of qacA/B and mupA and a lower distribution of mepA, norA and lmrS genes; distribution of sepA was significantly decreased in CC30 and CC45 genotypes, and presence of sepA was associated with resistance to antibiotics such as CLI, ERY, TCY, SXT, CIP, and LVX. In addition, 64 (94.1%, n=68) qacA/B+ isolates showed CHG resistance, 12 (100.0%, n=12) mupA+ isolates were mupirocin resistant, and 4 (80%, n=5) and 5 (100%, n=5) qacA/B+mupA+ isolates were CHG and mupirocin resistant, respectively. Of these 85 isolates, 98.8 % (n=84) had different degrees of biofilm-forming abilities, which were positively associated with CHG and mupirocin resistance.Conclusion: The distribution of biocide resistance genes was associated with special CCs. The qacA/B and mupA genes are associated with resistance to CHG and mupirocin, and biofilm formation was found to contribute to this biocide resistance.
Probable human origin of the SARS-CoV-2 polybasic furin cleavage site
Authors: Romeu Antonio R.
Published: May 2022

The origin of the SARS-CoV-2 is still unclear. Simply said, its emergence is due to the acquisition of the polybasic furin cleavage site on the S protein in one of its closest relatives. The recent discovery in Laos of bat Rhinolophus coronaviruses that contain receptor binding domains almost identical to that of SARS-CoV-2, and despite not having the furin site, they can therefore infect human cells (1), is the cornerstone to identify the SARS-CoV-2 progenitor. However, it is not yet known where the insertion of the furin site at the S1/S2 junction in the S protein of the pandemic virus came from, nor the how and when of such acquisition. The most surprising was: (i) that the polybasic furin cleavage site is unique to SARS-CoV-2 among Sarbecovirus (2), and (ii) that the inserted four amino acid motif has a CGG-CGG encoded arginine dimer which is rare in coronaviruses (3). So, my question was if the SARS-CoV-2 insert in the S gene would match to human transcripts. Here, I address this issue by using NCBI and GISAID databases, the NCBI Human Genome Resources, sequence analysis tools and in-house developed bioinformatic tools. I found that the 12-nucleotide insert encoding SARS-CoV-2 furin site 100% match to several human transcripts. Taken together the presence of these human transcripts and the expression patterns of their genes; and further evidences such as the codon optimization of that arginine dimer and other PRRA-like insertions in the S protein, results provide insight into the SARS-CoV-2 furin cleavage site origin, in the framework of a human-virus recombination link, during undetected human-to-human virus transmission.
Population aging challenge future mitigation of deaths attributable to PM2.5 pollution in China
Authors: Xu Fangjin , Huang Qingxu , Yue Huanbi , Feng Xingyun , Xu Haoran , He Chunyang , Yin Peng , Bryan Brett
Published: May 2022

Estimating the health burden of air pollution in China against the background of population aging is of great significance for the well-being of elderly individuals and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since previous studies did not fully consider the differences on drivers of deaths attributable to PM2.5 pollution (DAPP) (i.e., socioeconomic factors, climate factors, and disease mortalities) among provinces in China, the impact of future population aging on DAPP cannot be comprehensively and objectively estimated. In this study, we estimated and verified the spatiotemporal changes of DAPP in China from 2005 to 2017 based on a risk assessment framework. Then, using the latest climate projections, we estimated the changes and drivers in DAPP under four scenarios in China from 2018 to 2035 based on decomposition analysis. The results show that from 2017 to 2035, DAPP in China will decrease between 31.9 (26.6–45.6) thousand and 178.8 (152.5-210.5) thousand across three scenarios (sustainable development (SSP1-2.6), business as usual (SSP2-4.5), and fossil fuel development (SSP5-8.5). We found that population aging will be the leading driver contributing to the increase in DAPP and offset the positive gains achieved by improvement in air pollution and healthcare. In the future, reducing the exposure to air pollution and improving healthcare of the elderly is necessary to mitigate the global health burden of air pollution and this requires mutual cooperation and long-term efforts among countries worldwide.
Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light Concentrations Reflect Neuronal Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Zervides Kristoffer Alexander , Janelidze Shorena , Nystedt Jessika , Gullstrand Birgitta , Nilsson Petra , Sundgren Pia C , Bengtsson Anders A , Hansson Oskar , Jönsen Andreas
Published: May 2022

Background: Neuronal damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is common, but the extent and mechanisms are unclear. Neurofilament light (NfL) concentrations rise in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during neuronal damage in various neurological disorders. In this cross-sectional study, plasma and CSF concentrations of NfL were explored as a marker of neuronal damage in SLE.Methods: 72 consecutive SLE out-patients and 26 healthy controls, all female, aged <55 years, underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurocognitive testing. NfL concentrations in plasma from all individuals and in CSF from 32 patients were measured with single-molecule array technology. Patients were assessed by a rheumatologist and neurologist to define neuropsychiatric involvement (NPSLE) according to three attribution models: SLICC A, SLICC B and ACR.Results: Plasma and CSF NfL concentrations correlated strongly (r=0.72, p<0.001). Both NPSLE and non-NPSLE patients in all attribution models had higher plasma NfL concentrations compared with healthy controls (log-NfL, pg/ml, mean (SD); healthy controls (0.71 (0.17)); SLICC A model: NPSLE (0.87 (0.13), p=0.003), non-NPSLE (0.83 (0.18), p=0.005); SLICC B model: NPSLE (0.87 (0.14), p=0.001), non-NPSLE (0.83 (0.18), p=0.008); ACR model: NPSLE (0.86 (0.16), p<0.001), non-NPSLE (0.81 (0.17), p=0.044)). Plasma and CSF NfL concentrations did not differ between NPSLE and non-NPSLE patients. Higher plasma NfL concentrations correlated with larger CSF volumes on MRI (r=0.34, p=0.005), and was associated with poorer cognitive performance in the domains of simple attention, psychomotor speed and verbal memory. SLICC/ACR-Damage Index ≥1 was independently associated with higher plasma NfL concentrations (β=0.074, p=0.038). Higher plasma creatinine concentrations, anti-dsDNA-positivity, low complement C3 levels, or a history of renal involvement were associated with higher plasma NfL concentrations (β=0.003, p=0.009; β=0.072, p=0.031; β=0.077, p=0.027; β=0.069, p=0.047, respectively). Conclusions: Higher plasma NfL concentrations in NPSLE and non-NPSLE patients may indicate a higher degree of neuronal damage in SLE in general, corresponding to cognitive impairment and organ damage development. Furthermore, our results may indicate a higher degree of neuronal breakdown in patients with active SLE, also without overt clinical symptoms. NfL may serve as an indicator of neuronal damage in SLE in further studies.
Significance of heat transfer for second-grade Fuzzy hybrid nanofluid flow past over a stretching/shrinking Riga wedge
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Siddique Imran , Bilal Muhammad , Ali Rifaqat
Published: May 2022

This investigation presents the fuzzy nanoparticle volume fraction on heat transfer of second-grade hybrid Al2O3+Cu/EO nanofluid over a stretching/shrinking Riga wedge under the contribution of heat source, stagnation point, and nonlinear thermal radiation. Also, this inquiry includes flow simulations using modified Hartmann number, boundary wall slip and heat convective boundary condition. Engine oil is used as the host fluid and two distinct nanomaterials (Cu and Al2O3) are used as nanoparticles. The associated nonlinear governing PDEs are intended to be reduced into ODEs using suitable transformations. After that 'bvp4c,' a MATLAB technique is used to compute the solution of said problem. For validation, the current findings are consistent with those previously published. The temperature of hybrid nanofluid rises significantly more quickly than the temperature of the second-grade fluid, for larger values of the wedge angle parameter, the volume percentage of nanomaterials. For improvements to the wedge angle and Hartmann parameter, the skin friction factor improves. Also, for the comparison of nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids through membership function (MF), the nanoparticle volume fraction is taken as a triangular fuzzy number (TFN) in this work. Membership function and sigma-cut are controlled TFN which ranges from 0 to 1. According to the fuzzy analysis, the hybrid nanofluid gives a more heat transfer rate as compared to nanofluids.
Immunocolorimetric assay based on amplified gold nanoparticles and magnetic separation beads for detection of sesame allergens in food
Authors: Linghu Xiaopan , Liu Wentao , Wang Shasha , Wang Rui , Lu Yang
Published: May 2022

We had developed a magnetic separation immunocolorimetric assay to detect sesame allergens. Sesame monoclonal antibody (Ab) was modified to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as signal probes (AuNPs-Ab). Sesame allergens (SA) were attached to the carboxyl-functional magnetic polystyrene microspheres (MPMs) as capture probes (MPMs-SA). Based on the competition format, the capture probes competed with the sesame allergens in the sample to bind the corresponding signal probes. When sesame allergens were in the sample, two immune complexes (AuNPs-Ab@MPMs-SA and AuNPs-Ab@SA) were formed. The immune complex AuNPs-Ab@SA was used to quantify the sesame allergens in the sample. This immunoassay had a detection linear from 50 to 800 µg L− 1 with a limit of detection (LOD) of 45.53 µg L− 1. Based on the optimized conditions, the recovery results of sesame allergens in bread, biscuits, almond beverage and energy bars were between 82.50% and 116.67%. The LODs for the bread, biscuit, almond beverage and energy bar samples were 0.36, 0.36, 0.27 and 0.55 mg kg− 1 respectively.
Cellular senescence affects energy metabolism, immune infiltration and immunotherapeutic response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Biao , Lu Shichun
Published: May 2022

Background：Aging is an inevitable consequence of life, characterized by a progressive decline in tissue and organ function and an increased risk of death. There is growing evidence that aging is closely related to tumor development and immune regulation. However, in hepatocellular carcinoma, the relationship between cellular senescence and immune infiltration, energy metabolism, chemokines, and immunotherapeutic response is unclear and needs further study. Methods: We first analyzed 274 cellular senescence-associated genes by the NMF algorithm and identified two cellular senescence-associated clusters. Subsequently, we compared the differences between the two clusters, in terms of immune infiltration, energy metabolism, chemokines, and immunotherapeutic response to treatment. We further constructed risk models using cellular senescence-associated signature genes that could effectively identify the two subpopulations. Finally, we validated the validity and robustness of the risk model using an external dataset.Results: We found significant differences in survival prognosis between two cellular senescence-associated clusters. In addition, we found significant differences in immune cell infiltration, expression of energy metabolism-related genes, expression of chemokine-related genes, expression of immune checkpoint-related genes, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion between the two clusters. Also, a scoring system associated with cellular senescence was developed and validated as an independent prognostic indicator.It was validated as an independent prognostic factor and immunotherapeutic predictor for HCC.It was validated as an independent prognostic factor and immunotherapeutic predictor for HCC. The cellular senescence-related scoring system was validated as an independent prognostic factor and immunotherapy predictor for HCC, and patients with low CSS were characterized by prolonged survival time. Conclusion: Our study confirmed the relationship between cellular senescence and immune cell infiltration, energy metabolism, chemokines, expression of immune checkpoint-related genes, and response to immunotherapy. This enhances our understanding of cellular senescence and tumor immune microenvironment, energy metabolism, chemokines, and provides new insights to improve immunotherapy outcomes in HCC patients. It provides new insights to improve the outcome of immunotherapy in HCC patients.
Selecting and refining suitable methods of developing digital elevation models for wetlands in data-scarce environments
Authors: Waal Bennie van der , Grenfell Suzanne , Huchzermeyer Nicholaus , Schlegel Pippa
Published: May 2022

Land surface topography plays an important role in water and sediment dispersal processes in wetlands. For wetland practitioners and researchers to engage with these processes in time and space, they require topographic data in order to derive wetland surface gradient, cross-sectional shape and area, surface and subsurface hydrological connectivity, and hydraulic characteristics. A range of data options, with varying spatial resolutions, are available, ranging from free national and global resources (e.g. contour data and global elevation models) to project-specific high-resolution surveys (e.g. Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS), Photogrammetry, Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR)). Due to the scarcity of high-resolution and high accuracy data, especially in developing countries, data gathering and processing costs can be significant. This paper presents a commentary on a range of topographic data and processing options for a floodplain wetland in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. It critically reviews the usefulness and shortfalls of various wetland related applications ranging from gradient calculations to more detailed hydraulic modelling, and the data resolution required for each application. Free, low resolution, datasets have a limited representation of topography due to low resolution and large vertical error. Field-based surveys (using survey-grade equipment such as a DGPS) have the benefit of providing accurate terrain results in areas with dense vegetation and surface water, while Structure from Motion and LiDAR data are useful to represent the higher resolution morphology across the wetland, despite shortcomings with dense vegetation and surface water. However, combining DGPS data with LiDAR proves to yield the best model for detailed process modelling.
A "data-driven" computational method to model and predict the dynamic instabilities of a frictional system
Authors: Maaboudallah Farouk , Atalla Noureddine
Published: May 2022

Most of the recently developed methods for predicting the dynamic instabilities of frictional systems couple stochastic algorithms with the finite element method (FEM). They use random variables to model theuncertainty of input parameters through standard probability laws. Regardless of the fact that advanced numerical schemes are available nowadays, a systematic and accurate method to describe finely the uncertainties upstream the model, and thus predict its response is still missing. In this contribution, we present a data-driven stochastic finite element scheme to predict the dynamic behavior of a rubbing system. The proposed framework relies on data-driven approach and uses four steps. In the first, the measured data are integrated directly, for the uncertainty quantification, by means of the random balance design (RBD). In the second step, the generated stochastic data are evaluated in an iterative way to solve friction-inducedvibration problem. In the third step, the resulted data are reordered in such a way that the corresponding values of each measured input parameters are ranked in ascending order. Finally, the Fourier spectrum is introduced on the reordered results to compute the sensitivity indices. Thus, instead of Monte Carlo-based formalism or Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (FAST), the computational cost of the proposed method is kept down to O(N) with N the number of samples. We investigate the efficiency of the suggested solver on a reduced brake system. Altogether, the suggested procedure achieves excellent accuracy at a much reduced computational time compared to the methods available in the literature.
A spatial multi-omics atlas of the human lung reveals a novel gland-associated immune niche
Authors: Meyer Kerstin , Madissoon Elo , Oliver Amanda , Kleshchevnikov Vitalii , Wilbrey-Clark Anna , Polański Krzysztof , Richoz Nathan , Orsi Ana Elisa Ribeiro , Mamanova Lira , Bolt Liam , Elmentaite Rasa , Pett Jan , Huang Ni , Xu Chuan , He Peng , Dabrowska Monika , Pritchard Sophie , Tuck Elizabeth , Prigmore Elena , Perera Shani , Knights Andrew , Oszlanczi Agnes , Hunter Adam , Vieira Sara Filipa , Patel Minal , Yoshida Masahiro , Worlock Kaylee , Lindeboom Rik , Nikolic Marko , Georgakopoulos Nikitas , Mahbubani Krishna , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Bayraktar Omer Ali , Clatworthy Menna , Stegle Oliver , Kumasaka Natsuhiko , Teichmann Sarah
Published: May 2022

To (re)define tissue architecture of the lung and airways at the cellular and molecular level, we profiled five proximal-to-distal locations of healthy human lungs in depth using multi-omic single cell/nuclei and Visium Spatial Transcriptomics. Using computational data integration and analysis, we extend beyond the suspension cell paradigm of lung atlases to date, to define and discover macro and micro-anatomical tissue compartments. We describe novel cell types and states in vascular, stromal and nerve bundle microenvironments. From our spatial transcriptomics, we discover and validate a novel survival niche for IgA plasma cells in the airway submucosal glands (SMG). In this niche we define a supporting role for SMG epithelial cells in mucosal immunity through recruitment and maintenance of IgA plasma, B and CD4 T cells locally at the airway SMG. We identify an immune-supporting role for SMG duct and serous cells with distinct signalling circuits to recruit B cells and IgA plasma cells, promoting longevity and antibody secretion through expression of CCL28, APRIL and IL6. We find high expression of MHC-II in SMG duct and serous cells, which are localised closely with memory CD4 T cells, suggesting local modulation of antigen specific immune responses locally at the glands. This new tissue microenvironment, which we term the “gland-associated immune niche” (GAIN) has major implications for respiratory immunity and infection response. Our single cell and spatial data is available for download and query at lungcellatlas.org.