bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and effectiveness of opioid-free anesthesia in thoracoscopic surgery: a propensity-score matching analysis
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang Ran
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to observe the effect of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) on intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative analgesia in thoracoscopic surgery.
Methods: A total of 101 thoracoscopic surgery patients who received the OFA technique were compared with 101 thoracoscopic surgery patients who received standard opioid-containing anesthesia(SOA),. Heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured before anesthesia induction, immediately after endotracheal intubation, at the beginning of surgery, and 10, 20, and 30 min after the beginning of surgery. Total amount of intraoperative infusion, frequency of vasoactive drug use, morphine ingested via the patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA) 24 h post-surgery, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at rest and activity on the first day after surgery were analyzed.
Results: There was no significant difference in intraoperative HR between the two groups (F=0.889, P=0.347); however, there was significant difference in intraoperative MAP (F=16.709, P<0.001), which was lower in SOA patients than in OFA patients. The frequency of vasoactive drug use and the amount of infusion was less in OFA patients (P=0.001). The amount of morphine used by the PCIA 24 h after surgery was significantly lower in OFA patients (OFA, 1.8 [0, 4.8] mg vs. STD, 3.6 [0.6, 23] mg, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in VAS scores at rest (P=0.745) or during activity (P=0.792) on the first day after surgery.
Conclusions: Compared with SOA, OFA can effectively maintain the stability of intraoperative MAP, reduce the incidence of hypotension, and effectively reduce the consumption of opioids after surgery.
A novel defect detection system for complex freeform surface structures
Authors: Xie Fengfan , Lu Xinyu , Xu Xincai , Gao Shaohua , Chen Jiaan , Wang Kaiwei , Bai Jian
Published: April 2023

In recent years, freeform surfaces have been widely used in various industries with the rapid development of manufacturing technology. However, the complex 3D structures and other surface properties of the freeform surface products challenge current visual inspection systems. To deal with the problem and meet the demand, we propose a novel, deep learning-based defect detection method for complex freeform surface structures in the injection industry. We first design a system of Multi-Lights Multi-Cameras with Polarizer, in which polarization is used to eliminate glare caused by freefrom surfaces and multi-illumination is used to enhance the visibility of certain defects. Then a convolutional neural network model based on YOLOv5 is utilized to detect small defects in images. Particularly, we raise several effective and easily-implemented strategies and improve the performance of the model significantly. Experimental results on our self-made dataset show that the improved model achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 86.2% with 5.1% higher than the Baseline. Moreover, testing on the production line shows our detection system can benefit the related factory. Our work provides a promising approach to facilitate the development of visual inspection for products with complex freeform surfaces.
Impaired biosynthesis of ergosterol confers resistance to complex sphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor aureobasidin A in a PDR16-dependent manner
Authors: Fukuda Shizuka , Kono Yushi , Ishibashi Yohei , Tabuchi Mitsuaki , Tani Motohiro
Published: April 2023

Complex sphingolipids and sterols are coordinately involved in various cellular functions, e.g. the formation of lipid microdomains. Here we found that budding yeast exhibits resistance to an antifungal drug, aureobasidin A (AbA), an inhibitor of Aur1 catalyzing the synthesis of inositolphosphorylceramide, under impaired biosynthesis of ergosterol, which includes deletion of ERG6, ERG2, or ERG5 involved in the final stages of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway or miconazole; however, these defects of ergosterol biosynthesis did not confer resistance against repression of expression of AUR1 by a tetracycline-regulatable promoter. The deletion of ERG6, which confers strong resistance to AbA, results in suppression of a reduction in complex sphingolipids and accumulation of ceramides on AbA treatment, indicating that the deletion reduces the effectiveness of AbA against intracellular AbA activity. Previously, we reported that a similar effect to AbA sensitivity was observed when PDR16 or PDR17 was overexpressed. It was found that the effect of the impaired biosynthesis of ergosterol on the AbA sensitivity is completely abolished on deletion of PDR16. In addition, an increase in the expression level of Pdr16 was observed on the deletion of ERG6. These results suggested that abnormal ergosterol biosynthesis confers resistance to AbA in a PDR16-dependent manner, implying a novel functional relationship between complex sphingolipids and ergosterol.
The Mediating Role of Systemic Inflammation and Moderating Role of Race/Ethnicity in Racialized Disparities in Incident Dementia: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Tejera César Higgins , Ware Erin , Hicken Margaret , Kobayashi Lindsay , Wang Herong , Adkins-Jackson Paris , Blostein Freida , Zawistowski Matthew , Mukherjee Bhramar , Bakulski Kelly
Published: April 2023

Background: Exposure to systemic racism is linked to increased dementia burden. To assess systemic inflammation as a potential pathway linking exposure to racism and dementia disparities, we investigated the mediating role of C-reactive protein (CRP), a systemic inflammation marker, and the moderating role of race/ethnicity on racialized disparities in incident dementia.

Methods: In the US Health and Retirement Study (n=5,143), serum CRP was measured at baseline (2006, 2008 waves). Incident dementia was classified by cognitive tests over a six-year follow-up. Self-reported racialized categories were a proxy for exposure to the racialization process. We decomposed racialized disparities in dementia incidence (non-Hispanic Black and/or Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic White) into 1) the mediated effect of CRP, 2) the moderated portion attributable to the interaction between racialized group membership and CRP, and 3) the controlled direct effect (other pathways through which racism operates).

Results: The 6-year cumulative incidence of dementia was 15.5%. Among minoritized participants (i.e., non-Hispanic Black and/or Hispanic), high CRP levels (> 75th percentile or 4.57mcg/mL) was associated with 1.27 (95%CI: 1.01,1.59) times greater risk of incident dementia than low CRP (<4.57mcg/mL). Decomposition analysis comparing minoritized versus non-Hispanic White participants showed that the mediating effect of CRP accounted for 2% (95% CI: 0%, 6%) of the racial disparity, while the interaction effect between minoritized group status and high CRP accounted for 12% (95% CI: 2%, 22%) of the disparity. Findings were robust to potential violations of causal mediation assumptions.

Conclusions: Systemic inflammation mediates racialized disparities in incident dementia.
Damage identification of wire rope under noise background via Light- EfficientNetV2 and Magnetic flux leakage image
Authors: Huang Shengping , Wang Zhongqiu , Yang Jianhua , Zhao Anji , Wang Liang , Qu Haoyang
Published: April 2023

Magnetic flux leakage (MFL) testing, non-destructive testing, can prevent some major accidents of hoist equipment by identifying the damage of wire ropes. However, in harsh working conditions such as mines and oil wells, the inevitable vibration and swing of wire rope will generate noise and interfere with the MFL signal, which makes us difficult to identify the damage. As a classification network, Convolutional neural network (CNN) is positive in recognition accuracy and noise resistance, but it hardly uses in wire rope damage classification. To improve the accuracy of wire rope damage identification under noise background, we propose a method of wire rope damage identification via Light-EfficientNetV2 and MFL image. First, the MFL signal is segmented and rearranged to form the MFL image, and then the image is classified by Light-EfficientNetV2. To improve the classification efficiency, we reduce the layers of EfficientNetV2 to make it lighter. Finally, the availability of this method is proved by the validation set. Compared with four neural networks, the accuracy is the highest. Moreover, as the noise increased, the accuracy of Light-EfficientNetV2 is higher than EfficientNetV2, which has application value in the wire rope damage identification under noise background.
Reassortment and Genomic Analysis of a G9P[8]-E2 Rotavirus Isolated in China
Authors: PENG RUI , Li Dandi , Wang Jindong , Xiong Guangping , Wang Mengxuan , Liu Dan , Wei Yuhang , Pang Lili , Sun Xiaoman , Li Huiying , Kong Xiangyu , Shahar Saleha , Duan Zhaojun
Published: April 2023

Objective
To isolate a prevalent G9P[8] group A rotavirus (RVA) (N4006) in China and investigate its genomic and evolutionary characteristics, with the goal of facilitating the development of a new rotavirus vaccine.
Methods
The RVA G9P[8] genotype from a diarrhea sample was passaged in MA104 cells. The virus was evaluated by TEM, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The complete genome of virus was obtained by RT-PCR and sequencing. The genomic and evolutionary characteristics of the virus were evaluated by nucleic acid sequence analysis with MEGA ver. 5.0.5 and DNASTAR software. The neutralizing epitopes of VP7 and VP4 (VP5* and VP8*) were analyzed using BioEdit ver. 7.0.9.0 and PyMOL ver. 2.5.2.
Results
The RVA N4006 (G9P[8] genotype) was adapted in MA104 cells with a high titer (105.5 PFU/mL). Whole-genome sequence analysis showed N4006 to be a reassortant rotavirus of Wa-like G9P[8] RVA and the NSP4 gene of DS-1-like G2P[4] RVA, with the genotype constellation G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1 (G9P[8]-E2). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that N4006 had a common ancestor with Japanese G9P[8]-E2 rotavirus. Neutralizing epitope analysis showed that VP7, VP5*, and VP8* of N4006 had low homology with vaccine viruses of the same genotype and marked differences with vaccine viruses of other genotypes.
Conclusion
The RVA G9P[8] genotype with the G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1 (G9P[8]-E2) constellation predominates in China and may originate from reassortment between Japanese G9P[8] with Japanese DS-1-like G2P[4] rotaviruses. The antigenic variation of N4006 with the vaccine virus necessitates an evaluation of the effect of the rotavirus vaccine on G9P[8]-E2 genotype rotavirus.
Optimization of biomass-to-water ratio and glycerol content to develop bioplastics from whole seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii
Authors: Hanry Eunice Lua , Surugau Noumie
Published: April 2023

Many reports have described the development and properties of biodegradable plastics made from seaweed hydrocolloids, namely carrageenan, alginate, and agar. Although there is much potential, these seaweed extracts are expensive and require lengthy chemical treatment. In this study, the development of bioplastics using the whole biomass of red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) as base material, focusing on the optimization of the ratio of biomass (B) to water (W) and plasticizer (glycerol) concentration. The ratios (B: W) were 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, and 1:90 (w/v), whereas glycerol was 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% (v/v). The casting method was used for producing the bioplastics, and their physicochemical properties were tested using standard methods. As the water volume increases, tensile strength, colour intensity and opacity decrease while elongation-at-break and water vapour permeability increase. Similar trends were observed for the effect of increasing glycerol. All the bioplastics were fully degraded via soil burial within two weeks, and their shelf life lasted more than 14 weeks. Interestingly, the bioplastics developed at varied B: W ratios and glycerol concentration exhibit varied features that offer various applications, particularly food packaging.
High redox potential transition metals incorporated olivine structure: LiFe0.7(Mn1/3Co1/3Ni1/3)3x-yVyPO4 (x = 0.1, 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.10) cathode for Li-ion battery
Authors: Raj Hari , Verma Bharat , Rani Sonia , Sil Anjan
Published: April 2023

A series of LiFe0.7(Mn1/3Co1/3Ni1/3)3x−yVyPO4(x = 0.1,y = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10) compositions doped with high concentration (30 mol%) of transition metals having higher redox potential are synthesized by sol-gel process. In the composition, assumption is made that equal contents of Mn, Co and Ni are replaced simultaneously by vanadium (V), and changes in structural and electrochemical characteristics are systematically investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that V is doped successfully into host lattice with 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.04, whereas a secondary phase Li3V2(PO4)3is observed for 0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.10. The Rietveld refinement performed on XRD data shows continuous change in lattice parameters and cell volume with increasingy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study confirms the oxidation state of Fe, Mn, Co and Ni in + 2, whereas V in + 4 state. The electrochemical characteristics show the positive contribution of Li3V2(PO4)3in capacity as well as cycle life among doped samples.
Identification of an Optimal Threshold to Define Oliguria in Critically ill Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Bianchi Nathan Axel , Altarelli Marco , Monard Céline , Kelevina Tatiana , Chaouch Aziz , Schneider Antoine Guillaume
Published: April 2023

Background
The relevance of current consensus threshold to define oliguria has been challenged by small observational studies. We aimed to determine the optimal threshold to define oliguria in critically-ill patients.
Methods
Cohort study including adult patients admitted within a multi-disciplinary intensive care unit between January 1st 2010 and June 15th 2020. Patients on chronic dialysis or who declined consent were excluded. We extracted hourly urinary output (UO) measurements along with patient’s characteristics from electronic medical records and 90 days mortality from the Swiss national death registry. We randomly split our data into a training (80%) and a validation (20%) set. In the training set, we developed multivariable models to assess the relationship between 90-day mortality and the minimum average UO calculated over time windows of 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Optimal thresholds were determined by visually identifying cut-off values for the minimum average UO below which predicted mortality increased substantially. We tested models’ discrimination and calibration on the entire validation set as well as on a subset of patients with oliguria according to proposed thresholds.
Results
Among the 15'500 patients included in this analysis (training set: 12’440, validation set: 3’110), 73.0% (95% CI [72.3–73.8]) presented an episode of oliguria as defined by consensus criteria (UO < 0.5 ml/kg/h for 6 hours). Our models had excellent (AUC > 85% for all time windows) discrimination and calibration. The relationship between minimum average UO and predicted 90-day mortality was non-linear with an inflexion point at 0.2 ml/kg/h for 3 and 6 hours windows and 0.3 ml/kg/h for 12 and 24 hours windows. Considering a threshold of < 0.2 ml/kg/h over 6 hours, the proportion of patients with an episode of oliguria decreased substantially to 24.7% (95% CI [24.0–25.4]). Contrary to consensus definition, this threshold identified a population with a higher predicted 90-days mortality.
Conclusions
The widely used cut-off for oliguria of 0.5 ml/kg/h over 6 hours may be too conservative. A cut-off of 0.2 ml/kg/h over 3 or 6 hours is supported by the data and should be considered in further definitions of oliguria.
Examining Community Clinicians Use of Imaginal Exposure with Childhood Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Whiteside Stephen P.H.
Published: April 2023

Although community therapists rarely use exposure when treating youth with anxiety disorders, they are more likely to endorse the use of imaginal exposure, relative to in vivo or interoceptive exposure. Such use of imaginal exposure could reflect a sub-optimal replacement for in vivo exposure or a targeted intervention to address anxiety-provoking thoughts, such as in generalized anxiety disorder. The current study used the survey responses of 178 community-based clinicians to examine these competing hypotheses. The results indicated that therapist endorsement of more clearly defined imaginal exposure was significantly lower than other techniques such as cognitive restructuring or that imaginal exposure was other used instead of more intensive forms of exposures. In addition, most of the endorsed interventions were targeted at helping youth cope with anxiety rather than corrective learning. Alternatively, there was no observed association between imaginal exposure and treatment of general anxiety. These finding suggest that community therapist use of imaginal exposure is suboptimal and unlikely to improve treatment outcomes.
Neuron-derived Extracellular Vesicles in Blood Reveal Effects of Exercise in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Delgado-Peraza Francheska , Nogueras-Ortiz Carlos , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Knight De’Larrian DeAnté , Yao Pamela J. , Goetzl Edward J. , Jensen Camilla Steen , Høgh Peter , Gottrup Hanne , Vestergaard Karsten , Hasselbalch Steen Gregers , Kapogiannis Dimitrios
Published: April 2023

Background

Neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) in blood may be used to derive biomarkers for effects of exercise in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). For this purpose, we studied changes in neuroprotective proteins proBDNF, BDNF and humanin in plasma NDEVs from patients with mild to moderate AD participating in the randomized controlled trial (RCT) of exercise ADEX.

Methods

proBDNF, BDNF and humanin were quantified in NDEVs immunocaptured from the plasma of 95 ADEX participants, randomized into exercise and control groups, collected at baseline and 16-weeks. Exploratorily, we also quantified NDEV levels of putative exerkines known to respond to exercise in peripheral tissues.

Results

NDEV levels of proBDNF, BDNF and humanin increased in the exercise group, especially in APOE ε4 carriers, but remained unchanged in the control group. Inter-correlations between NDEV biomarkers observed at baseline were maintained after exercise. NDEV levels of putative exerkines remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the cognitive benefits of exercise could be mediated by the upregulation of neuroprotective factors in NDEVs. Additionally, our results indicate that AD subjects carrying APOE ε4 are more responsive to the neuroprotective effects of physical activity. Unchanged NDEV levels of putative exerkines after physical activity imply that exercise engages different pathways in neurons and peripheral tissues. Future studies should aim to expand upon the effects of exercise duration, intensity, and type in NDEVs from patients with early AD and additional neurodegenerative disorders.

Trial registration:

The Effect of Physical Exercise in Alzheimer Patients (ADEX) was registered as ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01681602 and was first submitted on April 30, 2012 and was first submitted that met QC criteria on September 5, 2012.
Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis; a comparison between soy-based lipids and mix-based lipids in the high-risk surgical neonates
Authors: Shikha Anas , Sudhakaran Nadarajan
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in surgical neonates remains the most challenging complication associated with administering parenteral nutrition (PN). This is because surgical neonates are already under significant immune and metabolic stress compared to older children. This study compares the risk of PNAC developed in surgical neonates receiving Soy-based Lipids (IL) to those receiving Mix-based lipids (SL).
Method:
Sophisticated criteria are set to ensure equality of conditions and eliminate the factors that may invariably affect the results. The incidence and severity of PNAC are compared after 3 weeks of significant administration of lipid emulsion taking into consideration the control over the concomitant factors.
Results:
67 patients were included, 35 patients were in the IL group whilst 32 patients were in the SL group. There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups concerning the concomitant factors. After 21 days of being on >= 2g/kg/day of lipid emulsion, the cumulated incidence of PNAC in the IL group was 57% compared to 22% in the SL group. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) of SL is 35.27% whereas the odd ratio (OR) of IL is 4.76. The elevation of conjugated bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase was about 50% less in the SL group but without statistical significance for the latter. Considering the premature surgical neonates, the ARR of SL and the OR of IL failed to prove statistical significance.
Conclusion:
The incidence and severity of PNAC are less in surgical neonates on SL compared to their counterparts on IL. However, these benefits are unclear in premature surgical neonates. The risk of PNAC in surgical neonates remains the highest, thus consideration of an alternative approach is recommended.
Comparing of anti-microbial properties of propolis and silver active agent doped cotton fabric
Authors: TURAN Necla YAMAN , KORCAN Safiye Elif , AYDIN Büşra
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the anti-hygenic properties and washing resistance of cotton fabrics coated with propolis-loaded hydrogel. The anti-hygenic effect of AgNO3, which is frequently used as an antimicrobial agent in textile materials, and the antimicrobial effect of propolis were compared in this study for the first time. PVA and NaCMC were used for hydrogel production due to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. The efficacy of propolis or AgNO3-doped hydrogel-impregnated cotton fabrics against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans fungus was investigated and compared with each other. As a result of the assessments, it was determined that propolis was a natural antibacterial agent that can be an alternative to AgNO3. When the content of the active substance used increased, so did the antibacterial effect and washing resistance. While SEM images were used to display the hydrogel coating, SEM-EDX was used to determine the silver content in the silver-doped layers. ATR-FTIR results also support the flavonoid and phenol contents in the structure of propolis. The changes in the basic comfort properties of the products were found at acceptable levels.
Geodesics on Regular Constant Distance Surfaces
Authors: Veerman J. J. P.
Published: April 2023

Suppose that the surfaces K0 and Kr are the boundaries of two convex, complete, connectedC2 bodies in R3. Assume further that the (Euclidean) distance between any point x in Krand K0 is always r (r > 0). For x in Kr, let Pi(x) denote the nearest point to x in K0. Weshow that the projection Pi preserves geodesics in these surfaces if and only if both surfacesare concentric spheres or co-axial round cylinders. This is optimal in the sense that the mainstep to establish this result is false for C1;1 surfaces. Finally, we give a non-trivial example of a geodesic preserving projection of two C2 non-constant distance surfaces. The question whether for any C2 convex surface S0, there is a surface S whose projection to S0 preserves geodesics is open.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 52A15, 53A05.
A re-examination of the foundations of the cost of capital for regulatory purposes
Authors: Biggar Darryl
Published: April 2023

In regulatory proceedings, few issues are more hotly debated than the cost of capital. This article seeks to formalise the theoretical foundation of cost of capital estimation for regulatory purposes. We find that several common regulatory practices lack a solid foundation in the theory. For example, the common practice of estimating a single cost of capital for the regulated firm suffers from a circularity problem, in that the estimate of the cost of capital depends on the regulated revenue allowance which, in turn, depends on the cost of capital. This problem is especially severe in the context of a multi-year regulatory period. We also show that, in the context of a multi-year regulatory period the cost of capital cannot be expressed as a weighted average of the cost of equity and the cost of debt. In addition, the relevant cost of debt cannot normally be estimated using the yield-to-maturity on a corporate bond. We suggest possible directions for reform of cost of capital practices in regulatory proceedings.
JEL Classification: K23 , L51
Style Matching CAPTCHA: Match Neural Transferred Styles to Thwart Intelligent Attacks
Authors: Ray Palash , Bera Asish , Giri Debasis , Bhattacharjee Debotosh
Published: April 2023

Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA) is widely used to prevent malicious automated attacks on various online services. Text- and image-CAPTCHAs have shown broader acceptability due to usability and security factors. However, recent progress in deep learning implies that text-CAPTCHAs can easily be exposed to various fraudulent attacks. Thus, image-CAPTCHAs are getting research attention to enhance usability and security. In this work, the Neural Style Transfer (NST) is adapted for designing an image-CAPTCHA algorithm to enhance security while maintaining human performance. In NST-rendered image-CAPTCHAs, existing methods inquire a user to identify or localize the salient object (e.g., content) which is solvable effortlessly by off-the-shelf intelligent tools. Contrarily, we propose a Style Matching CAPTCHA (SMC) that asks a user to select the style image which is applied in the NST method. A user can solve a random SMC challenge by understanding the semantic correlation between the content and style output as a cue. The performance in solving SMC is evaluated based on the 1368 responses collected from 152 participants through a web-application. The average solving accuracy in three sessions is 95.61%; and the average response time for each challenge per user is 6.52 seconds, respectively. Likewise, a Smartphone Application (SMCApp) is devised using the proposed method. The average solving accuracy through SMC-App is 96.33%, and the average solving time is 5.13 seconds. To evaluate the vulnerability of SMC, deep learning-based attack schemes using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), such as ResNet-50 and Inception-v3 are simulated. The average accuracy of attacks considering various studies on SMC using ResNet-50 and Inception-v3 is 37%, which is improved over existing methods. Moreover, in-depth security analysis, experimental insights, and comparative studies imply the suitability of the proposed SMC.
Associations of Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number with Concentrations of Urinary Cadmium and Selenium
Authors: Aisyah Cindy Rahman , Mizuno Yuki , Masuda Momoka , Iwamoto Teruaki , Yamasaki Kazumitsu , Uchida Masahiro , Kariya Fumiko , Higaki Shogo , Konishi Shoko
Published: April 2023

Elevated sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with damage to sperm and poorer measures of semen quality. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) can increase oxidative stress and damage sperm mitochondria. The adverse effects of Cd can potentially be reduced by sufficient selenium (Se). The objective of this study was to examine the associations between sperm mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd, Se, and the Cd/Se molar ratio. Participants were recruited from patients who sought infertility treatment at two hospitals in Japan. Urine and semen specimens and self-administered questionnaires were collected on the day of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn was measured in extracted sperm DNA by multiplex real-time qPCR. Urinary Cd and Se concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cd/Se molar weights were calculated to obtain the molar ratio. Linear regression was used to predict associations after adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, drinking, exercise, varicocele, and hospital of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn showed statistically insignificant associations with urinary Cd (β = 0.13, 95% CI -0.18, 0.44), urinary Se concentration (β = -0.09, 95% CI -0.54, 0.35), and Cd/Se molar ratio (β = 0.12, 95% -0.13, 0.37). The current study did not find evidence of urinary Cd or Se concentrations or Cd/Se molar ratio being related to mtDNAcn.
Synthesis of zeolite-based Cu/Fe-X from coal gangue for Fenton-like catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Wang Lixiang , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Miaosen , Zhang Rui
Published: April 2023

In this paper, coal gangue, a solid waste is used as raw material to provide silicon and aluminum sources for synthesis of zeolite. A coal gangue zeolite based Cu/Fe-X catalyst is successfully prepared by immersion-calcination method, which is used to remove Rhodamine B from aqueous solution. The characterization results show that Cu and Fe have been successfully loaded on zeolite, not damaged its structure, and these nanoparticles are highly dispersed and low crystallinity. This special structure will enhance its catalytic ability to activate H2O2. The experiment showed that hydroxyl radical (•OH) was the main active species for catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B, and the circulation of Cu2+to Cu1+and Fe3+to Fe2+could synergistically produce •OH. Furthermore, the redox potential of Cu1+and Cu2+is lower than Fe2+and Fe3+, which can promote Fe3+ circulate to Fe2+, further promote Fe2+to activate H2O2 to decompose into •OH, and overcome the speed limiting step of Fenton-Like catalytic reaction. The Cu/Fe-X catalyst can activate H2O2 in wide pH range (1–10). Under optimal conditions the catalytic degradation rate can reach 99.9%, and the TOC removal rate is as high as 98.5%. Therefore, Cu/Fe-X/H2O2 system can effectively remove organic dyes, and has a high industrial application prospect.
Age estimation of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM)
Authors: Arai Kana , Qi Huiyuan , Inoue-Murayama Miho
Published: April 2023

Age is an important parameter that provides a better understanding towards biodemographic trends–development, survival, reproduction and environmental effects–which is critical for conservation. However, current methods to estimate age is difficult in many species and no standardised technique has been adopted. Here, we focus on the endangered Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to examine the potential of estimating age from DNA methylation through two candidate age-related epigenetic genes and develop an age estimation model. DNA was extracted from blood samples (n= 53) from 25 known-aged captive individuals. Methylation rates of two genetic regions:RALYLandTET2were measured via methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) which is a labour-, time-, and cost-effective method. The developed DNA methylation-based age estimation model showed a significant correlation with chronological age for both markers:RALYL(cor = 0.54,p< 0.001) andTET2(cor = −0.60,p< 0.001). The final age estimation model combining both genes showed a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 5.56 years. This study highlights MS-HRM as a practical and convenient method to investigate the relationship between epigenetic modifications in age-related genes and chronological age in Asian elephants, and its potential to provide key life history information for future implications.
Identification of candidate metabolite biomarkers for metabolic syndrome and its five components in population-based human cohorts
Authors: Shi Mengya , Han Siyu , Klier Kristin , Fobo Gisela , Montrone Corinna , Yu Shixiang , Harada Makoto , Henning Ann-Kristin , Friedrich Nele , Bahls Martin , Dörr Marcus , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Homuth Georg , Grabe Hans J. , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Suhre Karsten , Rathmann Wolfgang , Ruepp Andreas , Hertel Johannes , Peters Annette , Wang-Sattler Rui
Published: April 2023

Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consists of risk factors (abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL–C), hypertension, hyperglycemia) for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Here, we aim to identify candidate metabolite biomarkers of MetS and its risk factors to better understand the complex interplay of underlying signaling pathways.
Methods
We quantified serum samples of the KORA F4 study participants (N = 2,815) and analyzed 121 metabolites. Using multiple regression models adjusted for clinical and lifestyle covariates, we examined metabolites that have a Bonferroni significant MetS association, and replicated them in the SHIP-TREND-0 study (N = 988), and further analyzed for each of the five components of MetS. Database-based networks of the identified metabolites with interacting enzymes were also constructed.
Results
We identified and replicated 56 MetS-specific metabolites: 13 positively associated (e.g., Val, Leu/Ile, Phe and Tyr, sum of hexoses, 2 carnitines, and 6 lipids), and 43 negatively associated (e.g., Gly, Ser, and 40 lipids). Furthermore, most (89%) and least (23%) of the MetS-specific metabolites were separately associated with low HDL–C and hypertension among the components. One lipid, lysoPC a C18:2, was negatively associated with MetS and all of the five components, indicating patients with MetS and each of the risk factors had lowered concentrations of lysoPC a C18:2 compared to corresponding healthy controls. Our metabolic networks clarified our observations by revealing impaired catabolisms of branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, as well as higher rates of Gly catabolism.
Conclusion
Our identified candidate metabolite biomarkers are associated with the pathophysiology of MetS and its risk factors and could help develop therapeutic strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For example, higher levels of lysoPC a C18:2 may provide protection against MetS and its five risk components. More in-depth studies are necessary to determine the mechanism of key metabolites in the MetS pathophysiology.
ASPEN study case: real time in situ tomato detection and localization for yield estimation
Authors: Chiang Camilo , Tran Daniel , Camps Cedric
Published: April 2023

As human population continue to increase, our food production system is challenged. With tomatoes as the main indoor produced fruit, the selection of adapter varieties to each specific condition and higher yields is an imperative task if we wish to supply the growing demand of coming years. To help farmers and researchers in the task of phenotyping, we here present a study case of the Agroscope phenotyping tool (ASPEN) in tomato under indoor conditions. We prove that using the ASPEN pipeline it is possible to obtain real time in situ yield estimation not only in a commercial-like greenhouse level but also within growing line. To discuss our results, we analyse the two main steps of the pipeline in a desktop computer: object detection and tracking, and yield prediction. Thanks to the use of YOLOv5, we reach a mean average precision for all categories of 0.85 at interception over union 0.5 with an inference time of 8 ms, who together with the best multiple object tracking (MOT) tested allows to reach a 0.97 correlation value compared with the real harvest number of tomatoes and a 0.91 correlation when considering yield thanks to the usage of a SLAM algorithm. Moreover, the ASPEN pipeline demonstrated to predict also the sub following harvests. Confidently, our results demonstrate in situ size and quality estimation per fruit, which could be beneficial for multiple users. To increase accessibility and usage of new technologies, we make publicly available the required hardware material and software to reproduce this pipeline, which include a dataset of more than 850 relabelled images for the task of tomato object detection and the trained YOLOv5 model[1]
[1]https://github.com/camilochiang/aspen
Evaluation of Viaducts' Contribution to Road Network Accessibility in Yunnan–Guizhou Area Based on Node Deletion Method
Authors: Wang Zichen , Cheng Changxiu , Guo Lanlan , Liu Shan
Published: April 2023

It is necessary to evaluate the construction effect of viaducts and identify the viaducts that play a key role in road networks. Based on the node deletion method, this paper proposes a method to identify the importance of viaducts in road networks. After applying this method to simulate the importance of viaducts in the highway networks in Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces from 2001 to 2020, the results show the following: (1) The viaducts with high importance were mainly built in 2002, 2009, 2015 and 2016. They are mainly distributed on expressways, such as the HUKUN Expressway, HANGRUI Expressway and YINBAI Expressway. Among the viaducts, the Mengzhai Bridge and Beipanjiang Bridge Hukun are the most important. (2) The importance of viaducts will increase, decrease or increase first and then decrease after viaduct construction. Among the years studied, 2012 and 2016 are important time nodes for change. The trend of changes is affected by the construction of highways and viaducts in other locations. In this road network, there are strong coupling relationships between nodes. (3) The importance of some viaducts is not prominent in the whole region, but that does not mean that their construction value is low. They may have a high connectivity effect on specific regions from a local perspective.
Case Report: Congenital Pseudoacorea in an ocular Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome: What is it?
Authors: Alza Andres German
Published: April 2023

This is a descriptive summary of the case of a patient with Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome associated with a congenital malformation of the iris and consequent pupillary morphological alteration of an atypical characteristic reported. This anomaly is unique in scientific literature and exhibits a peculiarity that we have called pseudoacorea: hidden pupil. Other associated abnormal clinical findings were posterior embryotoxon, astigmatism, amblyopia, and exotropia. Diagnosis was achieved by instilling ocular mydriatics into the cul-de-sac that revealed this peculiarity. It is necessary to make a differential diagnosis with other pupillary pathologies such as corectopia, acorea and microcoria. Early detection of pathology and surgical management is necessary, since it would lead to a better visual prognosis for both amblyopia and strabismus.
Fascia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome - An Overview
Authors: Das Rajdeep , Jhajharia Birendra
Published: April 2023

This paper synthesized the available published literature on myofascia, its structure, myofascial disorder, causative factors, scientific methods for evaluation and treatments, etc. The importance of myofascial in chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain is overlooked. According to Waller et al., mention in their article, up to 85% of people will experience myofascial pain at least once during their life. The myofascia is a musculoskeletal cell matrix that supports muscular connective tissue, it is essential for generating forces between muscles and also provides better flexibility. Myofascial pain syndrome is described as sensory, motor, and autonomic signs and symptoms that are produced by trigger points or taut bands of skeletal muscle or fascia. A myofascial trigger point is painful on compression and can give rise to referred pain, motor dysfunction, and automatic event, it restricts the range of motion and force generation capacity. Therefore, it is utmost importance to know about myofascial disorders, their prevention techniques, diagnosis, and treatment.
Replica method for eigenvalues of real Wishart product matrices
Authors: Zavatone-Veth Jacob A. , Pehlevan Cengiz
Published: April 2023

We show how the replica method can be used to compute the asymptotic eigenvalue spectrum of a real Wishart product matrix. For unstructured factors, this provides a compact, elementary derivation of a polynomial condition on the Stieltjes transform first proved by Müller [IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory. 48, 2086-2091 (2002)]. We then show how this computation can be extended to ensembles where the factors are drawn from matrix Gaussian distributions with general correlation structure. For both unstructured and structured ensembles, we derive polynomial conditions on the average values of the minimum and maximum eigenvalues, which in the unstructured case match the results obtained by Akemann, Ipsen, and Kieburg [Phys. Rev. E 88, 052118 (2013)] for the complex Wishart product ensemble.
Lifetime of Mayak workers after acute radiation syndrome of various severity levels
Authors: Telnov V. I. , Azizova T. V. , Moseeva M. B. , Bannikova M. V.
Published: April 2023

Assessment of the impact of radiation exposure on human lifetime is an actual problem in radiation medicine. The aim of the study was to assess lifetime in Mayak PA workers who had developed acute radiation syndrome following accidental acute high-dose external exposure and in those individuals who had taken part in nuclear accidents but had not developed the syndrome. Study analyses considered 58 deceased Mayak PA workers (50 males and 8 females) and were performed using STATISTICA 10 software. Five indicators of lifetime were studied: static – before and after acute exposure, total lifetime, as well as potential – potential years of life lost and the proportion of people who lived less than 35 years. The study demonstrated significant decrease in static indicators excluding lifetime before acute exposure and increase in potential indicators of lifetime in workers with severe and especially with extreme acute radiation syndrome compared to workers with moderate and modest acute radiation syndrome and to workers free of the syndrome. The reason for the decrease of lifetime in workers with extreme acute radiation syndrome was extremely severe course of the disease. Decrease of lifetime in cases with severe level of the syndrome was mainly due to early death from malignancies. A significant linear regression association with natural logarithm of acute radiation dose in Gy was observed for lifetime indicators. At 1 logarithm of the radiation dose, the lifetime after acute exposure was reduced by 8.3 years, total lifetime by 8.8 years, and potential years of life lost increased by 8.4 years. The relative risk of the increase of the proportion of workers with less than 35 years of life was considerably higher in workers with extreme and severe acute radiation syndrome and in workers with acute radiation doses above 10 Gy compared to other groups of workers: 26.8 and 18.8 (95% CI: 3.8–191.1 and 2.7–129.8; p<0.001), respectively. Thus, for the first time, a reduction in lifetime after acute radiation syndrome was found among Mayak PA workers.
Change analysis of All India and regional rainfall data series at annual and monsoon scales
Authors: Jain Sharad K. , Xu Chong-Yu , Zhou Yanlai
Published: April 2023

Rainfall characteristics are changing due to several reasons and change/trend detection is required. Literature survey reveals many relevant studies whose outcomes are divergent, possibly because different data series and different methodologies have been applied. This paper presents a critical appraisal of past studies and methodologies for trend analysis. Results of trend analysis of Indian rainfall data are presented. Data for all of India and for five homogenous regions (North-West, Central North-East, North-East, West Central, and Peninsular India) for 1871–2016 were used. The Pettitt change point test, regression, Mann-Kendall (MK), and Wavelet Decomposition were used to study different aspects of changes. Results of the change point test showed that most rainfall series had change points around 1957–65, possibly due to large-scale land use, cultivation, irrigation, and industrial changes in this period. Generally, rainfall for most homogenous regions and sub-divisions show falling trends; some are statistically significant. Series was also decomposed by the wavelet method. Approximate and detailed components of some decomposed series showed a significant declining trend. This work has focused on the magnitude of rainfalls; trends in rainfall intensities are also important. It is necessary to establish denser observation networks to collect short-term data and analyze.
Análise de um protocolo de única centrifugação para o preparo do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) — estudo em coelhos
Authors: Michel Reis MESSORA  , Maria José Hitomi NAGATA  , Luiz Gustavo Nascimento de MELO  , Flávia Aparecida Chaves FURLANETO  , Tatiana Miranda DELIBERADOR  , Valdir Gouveia GARCIA  , Alvaro Francisco BOSCO
Published: April 2023

Introdução e objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar um protocolo de única centrifugação para o preparo do plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP). Material e métodos: Foram utilizados 10 coelhos (White New Zealand) machos, adultos, com peso entre 2,8 e 4 kg. Após anestesia geral, foi realizada punção cardíaca, obtendo-se 10 mL de sangue de cada animal. Cada amostra de sangue foi centrifugada de acordo com um protocolo de única centrifugação para o preparo do PRP. Foi feita, então, a contagem manual de plaquetas do sangue periférico (total) coletado de cada animal e das amostras de PRP. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análise estatística. Resultados: A normalidade dos dados foi comprovada e o teste t de Student foi utilizado (p < 0,05). As amostras de PRP apresentaram uma quantidade média de plaquetas significativamente maior que a do sangue periférico (781875±217693 e 446389±181538, respectivamente). A concentração média de plaquetas das amostras de PRP em relação às amostras de sangue periférico foi de 180,73%±31,01. Conclusão:Dentro dos limites deste estudo, pôde-se concluir que o protocolo de única centrifugação para o preparo do PRP foi capaz de concentrar plaquetas em níveis menores do que o dobro da quantidade presente no sangue periférico. Futuros estudos são necessários para avaliar os reais efeitos biológicos de amostras de PRP preparadas de acordo com esse protocolo.
O uso do vinagre como auxiliar químico em Endodontia: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Denise COSTA  , Fabiana DALMINA  , Luis Eduardo Duarte IRALA
Published: April 2023

Introdução: Durante a instrumentação de canais radiculares pelo emprego de limas, tem-se a formação de uma camada chamada lama dentinária, smear layer, que muitas vezes abriga, entre outros elementos, micro-organismos capazes de perpetuar uma infecção endodôntica, o que pode levar o tratamento endodôntico ao insucesso. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão da literatura do vinagre de maçã e suas propriedades químicas como substância auxiliar alternativa na permeabilização dentinária. Revisão de literatura: Na tentativa de remover a smear layer, utilizam-se substâncias auxiliares que permitem uma melhor ação dos instrumentos, a permeabilização do sistema de canais e a remoção de restos orgânicos e possíveis agentes contaminantes. Conclusão: O resultado da pesquisa indicou que o uso do vinagre de maçã pode ser uma alternativa viável como auxiliar químico na Endodontia.