bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified unilateral iliac screw fixation with partial reduction in the treatment of high-grade spondylolisthesis at L5/S1 in adult patients: introduction of key technique, report of clinical outcomes and analysis of spinopelvic parameters
Authors: Zhang Yao , Song Jipeng , Lu Yuzheng , Yi Meng , Lin Wancheng , Yao Mingtao , Luo Zhengning , Zhang Genai , Ding Lixiang
Published: December 2022

Study design: Prospective non-randomized study.
Background: Management of high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) remains challenging. Spinopelvic fixation such as iliac screw (IS) wasdeveloped to deal with HGS. However concerns regarding constructs prominence and increased infection-related revision surgery have complicated it’s use. We aim to introduce the modified iliac screw (IS) technique in treating high-grade L5/S1 spondylolisthesis (HGS) and it’s clinical and radiological outcomes.
Methods: Patients with L5/S1 HGS who underwent modified IS fixation were enrolled. Pre- and postsurgical upright full and lumbar spine radiographs were obtained to analyze sagittal imbalance, spinopelvic parameters, pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis mismatch (PI-LL), slip percentage, slip angle (SA), lumbosacral angle (LSA) and fusion status. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively for clinical outcomes assessment. Estimated blood loss, operating time, perioperative complications and revision surgery were documented.
Results: From Jan 2018 to March 2020, 32patients (15 males) with mean age of 58.66 ± 7.77 years were included. The mean follow-up period was 49 months. The mean operation duration was 171.67 ± 36.66 min. At the last follow-up: 1) the VAS and ODI score were significantly improved (p<0.05), 2) PI increased by an average of 4.3°, the slip percent, SA and LSA were significantly improved (p<0.05), 3) four patients (16.7%) with sagittal imbalance recovered a good sagittal alignment, PI-LL within ± 10° was observed in all patients. One patient experienced wound infection. One patient underwent a revision surgery due to pseudoarthrosis at L5/S1.
Conclusion The modified IS technique is safe and effective in treating L5/S1 HGS. Sparing use of offset connector could reduce hardware prominence, leading to lower wound infection rate and less revision surgery. The long-term clinical affection of increased PI value is unknown.
A mouse systems genetics approach reveals common and uncommon genetic modifiers of hepatic lysosomal enzyme activities and glycosphingolipids
Authors: Duran Anyelo , Priestman David , Heras Macarena Las , Rebolledo-Jaramillo Boris , Olguín Valeria , Calderon Juan , Zanlungo Silvana , Gutierrez Jaime , Platt Frances , klein Andres
Published: December 2022

Identification of genetic modulators of lysosomal enzyme activities and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) may facilitate the development of therapeutics for diseases in which they participate, including Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). To this end, we used a systems genetics approach: we measured 11 hepatic lysosomal enzymes and many of their natural substrates (GSLs), followed by modifier gene mapping by GWAS and transcriptomics associations in a panel of inbred strains. Unexpectedly, most GSLs showed no association between their levels and the enzyme activity that catabolizes them. Genomic mapping identified 30 shared predicted modifier genes between the enzymes and GSLs, which are clustered in three pathways and are associated with other diseases. Surprisingly, they are regulated by ten common transcription factors, and their majority by miRNA-340p. In conclusion, we have identified novel regulators of GSL metabolism, which may serve as therapeutic targets for LSDs and may suggest the involvement of GSL metabolism in other pathologies.
The acceptability of evidence-informed guidance for parents in talking to their children about weight
Authors: Baber Fran , Gillison Fiona , Grey Elisabeth
Published: December 2022

Background: Many parents express concern about the impact of talking to children about weight on their self-esteem and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived relevance, utility and acceptability of new guidance for parents on talking to children about weight, developed to apply theory, evidence and expert advice.
Methods: For this qualitative study, parents and public health practitioners (PHPs) were recruited from ten local authorities through the National Child Measurement Programme in summer 2021. Participants were sent a copy of the guidance document and took part in an interview approximately one week later. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and explored using thematic analysis.
Results: 12 parents and 15 PHPs took part, and were similar in their responses reporting the guidance to be acceptable, relevant and helpful. Theme 1 explored how the guidance reduced perceptions of stigma and blame through the perspective and tone that was adopted. Theme 2 explored how the guidance could provide reassurance and increase confidence as a result of case study examples, and specific tips and advice. Theme 3 explored the extent to which participants perceived the advice to be realistic and how it could fit with existing PHP practice. Suggestions for improvement included adapting for relevance for lower income families and providing separate advice for parents of older and younger children.
Conclusions: The guidance was perceived to be relevant and needed; it showed potential to reduce parents’ negative affect and concerns, and improve confidence around talking to children about weight.
Prediction of 25-hydroxy vitamin D status by serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) value
Authors: Ranathunga I , Naveenkumar JP , Sumanatilleke  , Somasundaram NP
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives
The low vitamin D status in an individual leads to a compensatory increase in serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level giving rise to secondary hyperparathyroidism. PTH action on the bone to reabsorb more calcium from the bone lead to elevation of bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the serum. Nevertheless, population screening for vitamin D deficiency in asymptomatic individuals is currently not recommended. ALP measurement as a screening test to detect vitamin D deficiency is a relatively inexpensive test that can be performed easily. We have studied the relationship between biochemical parameters to the vitamin D status of patients attending the NHSL.
Methods
A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from March/ 2019 to March/ 2020 at the Endocrinology Unit of the NHSL. Consecutive sampling was done recruiting all patients who have had vitamin D assessment as part of the routine medical care. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used collect data. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the effects of vitamin D status on various blood parameters including serum total calcium, serum phosphate, ALP and PTH level. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal ALP level to predict vitamin D deficiency.
Results
153 subjects who meets the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in to the study over a period of one year. Out of the study population, majority were females (85.6%). The population mean age was 52.1 (SD ± 14.38) years and ranged from 18-89 years. Out of the whole population 58.8% had vitamin D deficiency while 31.4 % suffered from vitamin D insufficiency. Only 9.8% had normal vitamin D levels. ALP level was significantly related to vitamin D deficiency (p<0.05). At ALP cutoff value of 72.5U/L the vitamin D deficiency could be predicted with 76% sensitivity and 80% specificity. ALP cutoff 43U/L predicts vitamin D deficiency at a 100% sensitivity and 20% specificity.
Conclusions
The population screening for vitamin D deficiency is not a cost effective intervention. A more cheaper and feasible ALP assessment at a cutoff value of 72.5 U/L can predict vitamin D deficiency at a significantly higher specificity and sensitivity.
Development and Validation of a CT Radiomics and Clinical Feature Model to Predict Omental Metastases for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wu Ahao , Wu Changlei , Zeng Qingwen , Cao Yi , Shu Xufeng , Luo Lianghua , Feng Zongfeng , Tu Yi , Jie Zhigang , Zhu Yanyan , Zhou Fuqing , Huang Ya , Li Zhengrong
Published: December 2022

Objectives We employed radiomics and clinical features to develop and validate a preoperative prediction modelto estimate the metastases status of locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC).
Materials and methods A total of 356 patients (training cohort, n = 250; test cohort, n = 106) with LAGC who were confirmed T3/T4 stage by postoperative pathology were continuously collected retrospectively, including clinical data and preoperative arterial phase computed tomography images (APCT). Dedicated radiomics prototype software was used to segment the lesions and extract features from the preoperative APCT images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select the extracted radiomics features, and a radiomics score model was constructed. Finally, a prediction model of omental metastases status and a nomogram were constructed combining the radiomics scores and selected clinical features. An area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to validate the capability of the prediction model and nomogram in the training cohort. Calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the prediction model and nomogram. The prediction model was internally validated by the test cohort. In addition, 104 patients from another hospital's clinical and imaging data were gathered for external validation.
Results In the training cohort, the combined prediction (CP) model (AUC=0.871, 95% CI 0.798-0.945) of the radiomics scores combined with the clinical features, compared with clinical features prediction (CFP) model (AUC=0.795, 95% CI 0.710-0.879) and radiomics scores prediction (RSP) model (AUC=0.805, 95% CI 0.730-0.879), had the better predictive ability. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test of the CP model showed that the prediction model did not deviate from the perfect fitting (p=0.893). In the DCA, the clinical net benefit of the CP model was higher than that of the CFP model and RSP model. In the test and validation cohorts, the AUC values of the CP model were 0.836 (95%CI 0.726-0.945) and 0.779 (95%CI 0.634-0.923), respectively.
Conclusions The preoperative APCT-based clinical-radiomics nomogram showed good performance in predicting omental metastases status in LAGC, which may contribute to clinical decision-making.
National Electrical Energy Supply – Foundations of a Future System (I)
Authors: Benthaus Manfred , Gosper Lachlan
Published: December 2022

The following article details the first step towards a future national electrical energy supply system. The focal points of the analysis and the synthesis of the new system are the end-user and their supply of sustainable electrical energy. Building upon the first step, a second step presents suitable organisational structures for the new system.
Electrical energy, as a desired user product, is not a natural product; it must be anthropogenically produced. Numerous variables with technical, social, and economic origins influence electrical energy supply, generating a high level of analytical complexity. The guiding principles in this article describe neither means of saving energy nor any technological system, but rather exclusively describe the user requirements in the context of the supply of electrical energy. They are based on an equally valued trinity of energy supply, national economic integrity, and environment.
Self-sustaining electrical energy cells accessing ubiquitous and cost-free primary energy form the underlying structural elements. Combined, these elements realise a comprehensive and sustainable electrical energy supply system. Instrumental for achieving system goals is a new form of regulation. The current regulation primarily covers the energy transport networks, technically designed as large-scale power grids. The new regulatory system focuses on the supply of useful electrical energy according to the needs of the user. Derived from the formulated user requirements is a transition process, whose key milestones are the integration of current energy generating facilities into regulation, realisation of national electrical autonomy, reduction of risks to the national economy, establishment of climate-neutral primary energy conversion, and user-defined design of the supply of electrical energy.
Infection-Induced Extracellular Vesicles Evoke Neuronal Transcriptional and Epigenetic Changes
Authors: Tedford Ellen , Badya Norhidayah Binti , Laing Conor , Asaoka Nozomi , Kaneko Shuji , Filippi Beatrice Maria , McConkey Glenn Alan
Published: December 2022

Infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii induces changes in neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, and behavior, yet it remains elusive how these changes come about. In this study we investigated how norepinephrine levels are altered by infection. TINEV (Toxoplasma-induced neuronal extracellular vesicles) isolated from infected noradrenergic cells down-regulated dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH) gene expression in human and rodent cells. Here we report that intracerebral injection of TINEVs into the brain is sufficient to induce DBH down-regulation and distrupt catecholaminergic signalling. Further, TINEV treatment induced hypermethylation upstream of the DBH gene. An antisense lncRNA to DBH was found in purified TINEV preparations. Paracrine signalling to induce transcriptional gene silencing and DNA methylation may be a common mode to regulate neurologic function.
The anti-cancer agent APR-246 can activate several programmed cell death processes to kill malignant cells
Authors: Wang Zilu , Hu Huimin , Heitink Luuk , Rogers Kelly , you yu , Tan Tao , Suen Connie Li Wai , Garnham Alexandra , Chen Hao , Lieschke Elizabeth , Diepstraten Sarah , Chang Catherine , Moujalled Diane , Sutherland Kate , Lessene Guillaume , Sieber Oliver , Visvader Jane , Kelly Gemma , Strasser Andreas
Published: December 2022

Mutant TP53 proteins are thought to drive the development and sustained expansion of cancers at least in part through the loss of the wild-type (wt) TP53 tumour suppressive functions. Therefore, compounds that can restore wt TP53 functions in mutant TP53 proteins are expected to inhibit the expansion of tumours expressing mutant TP53. APR-246 has been reported to exert such effects in malignant cells and is currently undergoing clinical trials in several cancer types. However, there is evidence that APR-246 may also kill malignant cells that do not express mutant TP53. To support the clinical development of APR-246 it is important to understand its mechanism(s) of action. By establishing isogenic background tumour cell lines with different TP53/TRP53 states, we found that APR-246 can kill malignant cells irrespective of their TP53/TRP53 status. Accordingly, RNAseq analysis revealed that treatment with APR-246 induces expression of the same gene set in Em-Myc mouse lymphoma cells of all four possible TRP53 states, wt, wt alongside mutant, knockout and knockout alongside mutant. We found that depending on the type of cancer cell and the concentration of APR-246 used, this compound can kill malignant cells through induction of various programmed cell death pathways, including apoptosis, necroptosis and ferroptosis. The sensitivity of non-transformed cells to APR-246 also depended on the cell type. These findings reveal that the clinical testing of APR-246 should not be limited to cancers expressing mutant TP53 but expanded to cancers that express wt TP53 or are TP53-deficient.
Reducing complications of femoral neck fracture management:a retrospective study on the application of multidisciplinary team
Authors: Liang Weiming , Qin Gang , Yu Lizhi , Wang Yingying
Published: December 2022

Backgroud:Femoral neck fractures are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality for older adults. Patients sustaining hip fractures usually have comorbid conditions that may benefit from application of multidisciplinary team(MDT).
Methods: A retrospective study was performed.We included 199 patients who had surgery for a femoral neck fracture for two 2-year periods before and after implementation of the MDT. Age, gender,comorbidity status, time to surgery, and postoperative complication,length of stay,in-hospital mortality,30-day readmission rate,90-day mortality data were collected and analyzed.
Results:Preoperative general data of sex, age, community dwelling and charlson comorbidity score of MDT group(n = 103) have no statistically significant difference with that of usual care (UC) group.Patients treated in the MDT model had significantly shorter times to surgery (38.5 vs 73.4 hours;P = 0.028) and lower lengths of stay (11.5 vs 15.2 days;P = 0.031). There were no significant differences between two models in In-hospital mortality (1.0% vs 2.1%; P = 0.273),30-day readmission rate(7.8% vs 11.5%; P = 0.352) and 90-day mortality(2.9% vs 3.1%; P = 0.782).The MDT model had fewer complications overall(16.5% vs 31.3%; P = 0.039), with significantly lower risks of delirium, postoperative infection,bleeding, cardiac complication, hypoxia, and thromboembolism.
Conclusion: Application of MDT can provide standardized protocols and a total quality management approach,leading to fewer complications for elderly patients with femoral neck fracture.
Trial registration:No.
Growth bound and threshold dynamic for nonautonomous nondensely defined evolution problems
Authors: Djidjou-Demasse Ramsès , SEYDI Ousmane
Published: December 2022

Note: Please see pdf for full abstract with equations.
We propose a general framework for simultaneously calculating the threshold value for population growth and determining the sign of the growth bound of the evolution family generated by the problem below
dv(t)/dt = Av(t) + F(t)v(t) − V(t)v(t),
where A : D(A) ⊂ X → X is a Hille-Yosida linear operator (possibly unbounded, non-densely defined) on a Banach space (X, ∥ · ∥), and the maps t ∈ R 7→ V(t) ∈ L(X0,X), t ∈ R 7→ F(t) ∈ L(X0,X) are p-periodic in time and continuous in the operator norm topology. We give applications of our approach for two general examples of an age-structured model, and a delay differential system. Other examples concern the dynamics of a nonlocal problem arising in population genetics and the dynamics of a structured human-vector malaria model.
Mathematics Subject Classification 34K20; 37B55; 47D62; 47N60; 92D25
Interseason waning of vaccine-induced hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers and contributing factors to pre-existing humoral immunity against influenza in community-dwelling older adults over 75 years of age
Authors: Wunderlich Bettina , Laskow Thomas , Li Huifen , Zhang Li , Abrams Engle , Tian Jing , Yu Jun , Chen Yiyin , Tavernier Juliette , Huang Yushu , Talaat Kawsar , Bream Jay H. , Xue Qian-Li , Pawelec Graham , Leng Sean X.
Published: December 2022

Background: Seasonal influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality with a disproportionately high disease burden in older adults. Strain-specific hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) antibody titer is a well-established measure of humoral immunity against influenza and pre-vaccination HAI antibody titer is a valuable indicator of pre-existing humoral immunity at the beginning of the influenza season in highly vaccinated older adults. While vaccine-induced HAI antibody titers are known to wane over time, accurate assessment of their interseason decline has been challenging. This is because pre-vaccination HAI antibody titers are conventionally measured using current season vaccine strain antigens instead of the prior season vaccines with which individuals were immunized, and do not accurately represent residual antibody titers from prior season vaccination. This study took advantage of available pre-vaccination HAI antibody titers measured using prior season vaccine strain antigens in a longitudinal influenza immunization study with participants enrolled for multiple consecutive influenza seasons from 2014 through 2017 during which influenza A virus (IAV) H3N2 and influenza B virus (IBV) strains were changed in 2015 and in 2016. While the IAV H1N1 vaccine strain remained the same from 2014 through 2016 seasons, it was changed in the 2017 season. Finally, we investigated factors contributing to pre-existing humoral immunity.
Results: Interseason decline of HAI antibody titers was evident, but rates of decline varied among vaccine strains and study seasons, from 18% (p=0.43) to 61% (p<0.01). Rates of decline were noticeably greater when pre-vaccination HAI titers were measured using the conventional approach, from 33% (p=0.12) to 83% (p<0.01). All p values were adjusted for age at prior study season, sex, race, and education. This was largely because the conventional approach underestimated residual HAI antibody titers from prior season vaccinations. Moreover, interseason antibody decline and prior season post-vaccination HAI antibody titer had significant and independent associations with pre-vaccination HAI antibody titer.
Conclusions: The conventional approach overestimates interseason HAI antibody decline as it underestimates residual antibody titers from prior season vaccination, particularly when virus strains in the vaccine formula change. Moreover, interseason antibody decline and prior season post-vaccination HAI antibody titers independently contribute to pre-existing humoral immunity in this highly vaccinated, community-dwelling older adult population.
Vibration response of ground surface caused by shallow buried tunnel blasting
Authors: Chu Shaofeng , Chen Shihai , Liu Xiaoming , Huang Jiang , Wei Haixia
Published: December 2022

In order to study the influence of tunnel excavation by a drilling and blasting method on the ground surface, a method of predicting ground surface vibration waveforms suitable for actual drilling and blasting tunnelling engineering is established. First, based on the theoretical solution of surface vibration waves caused by spherical charge blasting, a more concise surface vibration wave function of spherical charge that is suitable for practical engineering is constructed. The correctness of the constructed waveform function is verified by the measured data. Second, the waveform function of surface vibration waves caused by cylindrical charge explosions perpendicular to the tunnel working face is obtained by superposition of the spherical charge. Then, the surface vibration response of the unexcavated section during tunnel blasting is calculated using the vibration wave superposition method. In the excavated section, the influence of the hollow effect of the tunnel on the vibration wave propagation was considered, and the surface vibration response of the tunnel was analysed using conformal transformation and vibration wave superposition. Finally, based on actual engineering, the correctness of this blasting vibration prediction method is verified using field test data.
Investigation of correlation between root morphology of mandibular second molars in panoramic images and cone beam computed tomography
Authors: Karkhaneh Mahsa , Karkehabadi Hamed , Alafchi Behnaz , Shokri Abbas
Published: December 2022

Background: Knowing the shape of the root and the root canal system is essential for the success of the surgical and non-surgical treatment of the root canal, however; it is difficult to judge root and root canal anatomy from two-dimensional radiographs . The aim of this study is to investigate correlation between root morphology of the mandibular second molars in panoramic view and the root type of these teeth based on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images.
Methods: In this study, 1231 CBCT scans of the second mandible molars were selected from archives of a private radiology clinic from October 2018 to March 2021, and panoramic images reconstructed from CBCT images. The root morphology of the second mandible molar was classified on panoramic image in type 1,2,3,4,5. Root pattern in cross-section of CBCT image was classified into three types of single, double and c-shape.Correlation between root morphology in panoramic image and CBCT was analyzed with Chi-Square test and significance level was 0.05.
Results: 62.7% of the second mandibular molars were type1, 97.3% of them had double pattern in cross-section of CBCT.28.6% of the samples were type2, which showed 92.6% double pattern. 3.9% of them were type3, 47.9% had c-shape pattern.0.9% of them were type4, 45.5% of them showed single pattern.3.8% of teeth were type5, 76.6% had single pattern. The prevalence of c-shape canals was higher in women and most c-shape canals showed C3 pattern.
Conclusion: There was a strong correlation between the root morphology in panoramic image and root canal pattern in the axial section of the CBCT images. According to this study, if the second mandibular molar has a type3 morphology in the panoramic image, it may have a c-shape canal with a high probability.
Standardization of knowledge-based volumetric modulated arc therapy planning with a multi-institution model (broad model) to improve prostate cancer treatment quality
Authors: Ueda Yoshihiro , Fukunaga Jun-ichi , Kamima Tatsuya , Shimizu Yumiko , Kubo Kazuki , Doi Hiroshi , Monzen Hajime
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To evaluate whether knowledge-based volumetric modulated arc therapy plans with from a multi-institution model (broad model) are clinically useful and effective as a standardization method.
Methods: A knowledge-based planning (KBP) model was trained with 561 prostate VMAT plans from five institutions with different contouring and planning policies. Five clinical plans at each institution were reoptimized with the broad and single institution model, and the dosimetric parameters and relationship between Dmean and the overlapping volume (rectum or bladder and target) were compared.
Results: The differences between the broad and single institution models in the dosimetric parameters for V50, V80, V90, and Dmean were: rectum; 9.5% ± 10.3%, 3.3% ± 1.5%, 1.7% ± 1.6%, and 3.6% ± 3.6%, (p < 0.001), bladder; 8.7% ± 12.8%, 1.5% ± 2.6%, 0.7% ± 2.4%, and 2.7% ± 4.6% (p < 0.02), respectively. The differences between the broad model and clinical plans were: rectum; 2.4% ± 4.6%, 1.7% ± 1.7%, 0.7% ± 2.4%, and 1.5% ± 2.0%, (p = 0.004, 0.015, 0.112, and 0.009) bladder; 2.9% ± 5.8%, 1.6% ± 1.9%, 0.9% ± 1.7%, and 1.1% ± 4.8%, (p < 0.018), respectively. Strong correlations were observed (p < 0.001) in the relationship between Dmean and the rectal and bladder volume overlapping with the target in the broad model (R = 0.815 and 0.891, respectively). The broad model had the smallest R2 of the three plans.
Conclusions: KBP with the broad model is clinically effective and applicable as a standardization method at multiple institutions.
Decolorizing Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) leaf extracts with activated charcoal and qualitative analysis of stevioside using chromatographic methods
Authors: Bhuiyan Mohammad Nazrul Islam , Shamima Kazi Asma Ahmed , Nahid Meher , Afrin Sadia , Hoque Mohammad Amirul , Haque Mohammad Majedul , Sarker Md. Khabir Uddin , Miah Md. Abdus Satter , Shaikh Md. Aftab Ali
Published: December 2022

Background
The Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) leaves are natural low-calorie sweeteners used in many products, including foods, drinks, medicines, cosmetics, and more. This study aimed to use activated charcoal to remove color, purify stevioside from Stevia leaves, and utilize the chromatographic method to confirm its identity.
Results
We developed a novel eco-friendly method to decolorize and purify stevioside from Stevia leaf. The yield of stevioside was calculated by weighing the crystallized sample following freeze-drying. The average yield is 8.13%. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were performed to confirm the identification. This purified sample showed a wavelength region of 4000–650 cm-1 in the FT-IR and a UV-Vis spectrum at 206.49 nm, which referred to it as a stevioside. In HPLC, the purified sample did an accuracy and precision test with standard stevioside, which gave a similar peak to the purified sample at the same retention time. According to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), the purity of stevioside is 98.12%. The pH effect on the decolorization of Stevia leaf extracts with activated charcoal was 5.5–8.0.
Conclusion
In contrast to other commercially available methods, the above process can inexpensively purify stevioside from Stevia leaves.
Mixed Aphasia Caused by Bilateral Cerebellar Infarcts: A Case Report
Authors: Campbell Taylor , Diuguid Christy , Vasaya Sannah , Janda Paul , Vickers Aroucha
Published: December 2022

Although neuroanatomical and physiological understanding of the cerebellum has evolved over recent decades and continues to develop, there is much that remains to be expounded upon, especially with regards to nonmotor roles. Neurocognitive and language processing is one area where involvement of the cerebellum is no longer in question, but the extent and mechanism of this relationship has yet to be defined. For example, which of the cerebellar hemispheres is involved continues to be debated. We present a case wherein a thrombus in the basilar artery led to bihemispheric cerebellar strokes with profound mixed effects on the patient’s language and cognition. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first published case of bilateral cerebellar strokes resulting in a mixed aphasia reported in scientific literature. This demonstrates the importance of continued research into a model for cerebellar function and the clinical impact of lesions to various cerebellar regions.
Dinoflagellate cell density limits explored using Scrippsiella lachrymosa cultured in flow-through cages
Authors: Smith Barry C. , Persson Agneta , Alix Jennifer H.
Published: December 2022

Dinoflagellates constitute one of the most important groups of primary producers on earth, common in both marine and freshwater environments. Despite their prominent position among phytoplankton, they are difficult to grow into dense cultures in the laboratory. This discrepancy between field and laboratory indicates serious limitations caused by the laboratory culturing conditions. A difficult to study but important factor is the constraints of enclosure in a limited volume of water. We conducted an experiment wherein the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella lachrymosa was grown in “flow cells” – 100 cm3 cylindrical cages constructed from plankton net, inserted in larger volumes of growth medium, allowing an exchange of medium without dilution of the culture. Cell numbers far exceeding the normal for culturing of this species and dinoflagellates in general were attained, even though the experiment was terminated before cultures reached stationary phase. A cell number ten times higher than under regular batch culturing was achieved (up to 340,000 cells · mL-1). Pattern formation was distinct in cultures when cells were plentiful and water movements caused cell accumulation, not dispersion. High cell density concurrent with access to new growth medium promoted induction of the sexual cell cycle. The results indicate serious limitations to growth set by enclosure in a limited water volume in laboratory experiments; thus, maximum growth rates of dinoflagellates in favourable field conditions may be vastly underestimated. Cell accumulation behavior of dinoflagellates during the sexual life cycle may together with physical transport by larger forces in nature explain sudden bloom occurrences.
The Extracellular Polysaccharide Inhibit Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus with Extract and Gene Editing Lactobacillus
Authors: Chen Shaojun , Nai Zida , Qin Ziliang , Li Gang , He Xinmiao , Wang Wentao , Tian Yaguang , Liu Di , Jiang Xinpeng
Published: December 2022

Lactobacillus is one of the predominant microorganisms in gut from human and animal, and the lactobacillus have effective applications against the viral diarrhea of piglets in the farm. However, the function and the concrete cell single pathways of the active ingredient from lactobacillus was not clear within anti-infection in the postbiotics research. Here, we compared the biological function of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) purified from Lactobacillus casei and gene editing Lactobacillus casei with the CRISPER-Cas9 technology, which were with the ability of antioxidation and anti-inflammation, and the EPS could also inhibit the ROS production within the IPEC-J2. Interestingly, we found that both of EPS and genome editing Lactobacillus casei could specifically target the IFN-λ expression in the IPEC-J2, which was beneficial against the PEDV infection in the virus replication and production with the qRT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence methods. Finally, the STAT3 cell single pathway was stimulated to transcribe IFN-λ with the EPS to elucidate the detailed mechanism of activating type III IFN signals receptor of IL-10R2, which play the function between anti-inflammation and anti-virus in the PEDV infection. Taken together, our research linked a postbiotics of EPS with the antiviral infection of PEDV, which suggest that the lactobacillus itself still have displayed the potential immunomodulatory activities, and highlight the immunomodulatory potential of EPS-producing microbes.
Housing Contract and Household Saving Behavior: Evidence from Newlyweds
Authors: Ryu Doojin
Published: December 2022

The prices of housing, which have continued to rise, become great financial burdens for newlyweds. Specifically, housing prices can affect young adults’ consumption and saving behaviors. This study examines whether housing characteristics, especially residential housing contract types, affect newlyweds’ saving behavior in the early stages of their marriage. We focus on newlyweds who newly form households through their first marriage using the last twenty-year-long datasets, before the outbreak of the pandemic in Korea. Our empirical results based on the informative datasets show that the area of residence, number of children, household income, and financial statuses, such as assets and liabilities, affect newlyweds’ saving patterns. Homeownership, which is the main research variable in this study, has a positive effect on household savings considering the debt-to-income ratio. People who live in expensive houses have the potential to save large amounts. However, savings differ by housing contract type, even among households living in houses of similar value. These findings contribute to explaining a special lease contract, called a Jeonse contract, which is a distinctive leasing system only found in Korea. Our analyses have relevant policy implications considering that the housing contract types of young adults affect not only their residential stability but also their future asset accumulation.
JEL Classifications: D14, R21, R31
Geometrical parameters affect on local electric field enhancement of bimetallic three-layered nanotubes by using quasi-static theory
Authors: Ma Ye-Wan , Wu Zhao-Wang , Li Juan , Hu Ji-Bao , Yin Xun-Chang , Yi Ming-Fang , Zhang Li-Hua
Published: December 2022

Due to the plasmon hybridization between nanowire and outer nanotube, the geometrical parameters of nanotube take great effect on absorption cross section and local electric field enhancement. In this paper, we study the effects of the inner nanowire radius, shell thickness, middle dielectric functions and surrounding medium functions on absorption cross section and local electric field enhancement of bimetallic three-layered nanotubes, gold-dielectric-silver (GDS) nanotube and silver-dielectric-gold (SDG) nanotube in detail based on quasi-static theory. The results show that the thickness of outer nanotube plays a more role to tune local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) than that of inner nanowire, whereas a better LSPR could be obtained with a higher surrounding dielectric function. In addition, the local electric field enhancement is also investigated. The maximum local electric field enhancement could be obtained with smaller thickness of dielectric layer and higher surrounding dielectric function. Our study provides a way to analyze optical properties of GDS and SDG nanotube and also broaden their applications in sensor and optical data storage.
Navigated direct photocoagulation with a 30-ms short-pulse laser for treating microaneurysms in diabetic macular edema exhibits a high closure rate
Authors: Ikegami Yasuko , Shiraya Tomoyasu , Araki Fumiyuki , Ueta Takashi , Toyama Taku , Yanagita Tomohiko , Numaga Jiro , Shoji Nobuyuki , Kato Satoshi
Published: December 2022

This study carried out direct photocoagulation for treating microaneurysms (MAs) in diabetic macular edema (DME) using a navigation laser system with a 30-ms pulse duration. The MA closure rate after 3 months was investigated using pre and postoperative fluorescein angiography images. MAs primarily inside the edematous area based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) maps were selected for treatment, and leaking MAs (n = 1151) were analyzed in 11 eyes (eight patients). The total MA closure rate was 90.1% (1034/1151), and the mean MA closure rate in each eye was 86.5 ± 8.4%. Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased from 471.9 ± 73.0 µm to 420.0 ± 87.5 µm (P = 0.049), and there was a correlation between the MA closure rate and the CRT reduction rate (r = 0.63, P = 0.037). There was no difference in the MA closure rate depending on the degree of edema thickness based on a false-color topographic OCT map image. Direct photocoagulation for DME with a short pulse using the navigated photocoagulator resulted in a high MA closure rate in just 3 months and a corresponding improvement in retinal thickness. These findings encourage the use of a new therapeutic approach for DME.
Encapsulating has-miR-29a into HuMSCs-derived Exosomes by a Nanoengineering Platform to Efficiently Alleviate Aβ1-42 Expression in APPswe-SH-SY5Y Cells
Authors: Zhang Huitao , Yang Hui , Hao Rui , Yu Zitong , Hu Shi , Ren Jingyi , Ding Juan , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2022

Background

Exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HuMSCs) have been utilized as a potential therapeutic candidate to alleviate amyloid β-protein (Aβ) expression in APP/PS1 or 5XFAD transgenic mice due to their low immunogenicity and extensive sources. Accumulated evidence also suggests that encysting appropriate cargos into exosomes can more effectively reduce Aβ expression by interfering with the metabolism of β-Amyloid precursor protein (APP). Therefore, exosomes loaded with bioactive substances to reduce Aβ expression have attracted much attention. A new strategy to load therapeutic exogenous cargoes of interest into exosomes in a high-throughput and straightforward fashion is desired.

Results

In this study, neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were stably transfected with Swedish mutant APP695K, 595N plasmid to construct a cell model of Aβ overexpression. Then extracted Exosomes from HuMSCs and loaded with micro (miR)-29a via a microfluidic exosome nanoengineering platform (ExoNP) to target a post-transcriptional modification of the β-secretase1 (β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1, BACE1) gene to prevent protein expression. Finally, processed exosomes were utilized to treat APPswe-SH-SY5Y cells and decrease the expression of Aβ1−42 and BACE1 and further alleviated apoptosis.

Conclusion

HuMSCs-derived exosomes loaded with hsa-miR-29a via ExoNP to efficiently deliver to APPswe-SH-SY5Y cells and alleviate Aβ1−42 expression and promote cell survival.
Backward-Eulerian Footprint Modeling for the Urban Environment Based on an Adjoint Equation
Authors: Jia Hongyuan , Kikumoto Hideki
Published: December 2022

This study developed a backward-Eulerian footprint modeling method based on an adjoint equation for the urban environment, which has complex terrains and a high degree of heterogeneity. In the proposed method, the concentration footprint can be obtained directly by simulating the equation, and the flux footprints can be estimated using the adjoint concentration based on the gradient diffusion hypothesis. We first tested the proposed method by estimating the footprints for an ideal three-dimensional boundary layer with different atmospheric stability conditions based on the Monin–Obukhov profiles. It was indicated that the results were like the FFP method (Kljun et al. 2004, 2015) for convective stability and like the K-M method (Kormann and Meixner 2001) for stable stability. The proposed method was then coupled with the Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes model to calculate the footprints for a block-arrayed urban canopy model. The results were qualitatively compared to the literature using the Lagrangian-Large-Eddy-Simulation (LL) method (Hellsten et al. 2015). It was shown that the proposed method reproduced the main features of footprints for different sensor positions and measurement heights. However, it is necessary to simulate the adjoint equation with a more sophisticated turbulence model in the future to capture more turbulent effects in the footprint modeling.
Assessment of malnutrition-related risk in patients with idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: Suzuki Yuzo , Fukada Atsuki , Mori Kazutaka , Kono Masato , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Hashimoto Dai , Yokomura Koshi , Imokawa Shiro , Inoue Yusuke , Yasui Hideki , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Hidenori , Suda Takafumi
Published: December 2022

Background: Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (iPPFE) is characterized by upper lobe-dominant fibrosis involving the pleura and subpleural lung parenchyma, with advanced cases often complicated by progressive weight loss. Therefore, we hypothesised that nutritional status is associated with mortality in iPPFE.
Methods: This retrospective study assesses nutritional status at the time of diagnosis and one year after diagnosis in 125 patients with iPPFE. Malnutrition-related risk was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI).
Results: Of the 125 patients, 96 (76.8%) were at malnutrition-related risk at the time of diagnosis according to GNRI. Of these, 21 patients (16.8%) were classified as at major malnutrition-related risk (GNRI <82). Patients at major malnutrition-related risk were significantly older and had worse pulmonary function than patients at low (92≤ GNRI <98)- and moderate (82≤ GNRI <92)-malnutrition-related risk. GNRI scores decreased significantly from the time of diagnosis to one year after diagnosis. Patients with lower GNRI (<91.7) had significantly shorter survival than patients with a median GNRI or higher (≥91.7). Patients with declines in annual GNRI scores of 5 or greater had significantly shorter survival than patients with declines in GNRI scores of less than 5. In multivariate analysis, major malnutrition-related risk was significantly associated with increased mortality after adjustment for age, sex and forced vital capacity (hazard-ratio, 1.946). A composite scoring model including age, sex and major malnutrition-related risk was able to separate mortality risk in iPPFE.
Conclusion: Assessment of nutritional status by GNRI provides useful information for managing patients with iPPFE by predicting mortality risk. (250 words)
Swirling Flow and Capillary Diameter Effect on the Performance of an Active Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)
Authors: Taheri Mohammad Hasan , Askari Nematollah , Feng Yaning , Nabaei Malikeh , Islam Mohammad S. , Farnoud Ali , Cui Xinguang
Published: December 2022

For patients with lung disease, dry powder inhalers (DPI) are profoundly beneficial. The current study introduces and develops a series of dry powder inhalers (DPIs). A capsule-based (size 0) active DPI was considered. The study aims to investigate whether swirling flow and outlet capillary diameter (dc_out) affect the percentage of emitted doses (ED) released from the capsule. Spiral vanes were added to the capillary inlet to produce a swirling flow. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was applied to simulate the problem. The results were compared with previous in vitro and numerical studies to validate the results. Based on the derived results, the small swirl parameter (SP) enhances the secondary flow and recirculation zone. It increases the central jet flow, which increases the ED value by about 5-20% compared to no-swirl flow. However, as the airflow rate increases, the recirculation zone enlarges, vorticities become dominant, and asymmetrical flow patterns emerge. Consequently, ED % drops significantly (more than 50%). As dc_out decreases, the vorticities around the outlet capillary become more potent, which is undesirable. Indeed, the emptying of the capsule does not happen ideally. The research provides a perspective on the device's design and DPI performance.
Whole-Genome Variants Discovery of FMD Virus Isolated from Cattle Population in Pakistan
Authors: Munir Anam , Anjum Aftab Ahmed , Altaf Imran , Awan Ali Raza
Published: December 2022

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is extremely contagious and multispecies that has a severe impact on animal trade across the borders. FMD virus may cause epidemics resulting in devastation of livestock industry so, it’s worthy to explore the genomic architecture of virus to harness the mortality and morbidity particularly in cattle from Pakistan. Epithelial scrapping samples of sick animals were taken from Punjab, Pakistan and cDNA of virus was sequenced through short-read NGS Illumina technology followed by variant calling analysis to reveal how novel variants give rise to new lineage in the region for a comprehensive insight of its genomic landscape. Haplotype-based variant discovery was performed by Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK4) with Mutect2 using Pan Asia-II as reference genome. A total of 708 variants including 642 SNPs, 38 MNPs and 28 INDELs were observed. Furthermore, whole genome annotation revealed high, low, moderate and modifier impact variants count as 10(1.28%), 514(66.15%), 115(14.80%) and 138(17.76%) respectively which are distributed in VP3, 2C, 3B and 3D proteins of FMDV. Similarly, transitions-to-transversions ratio (3.75) and missense-to-silent ratio (0.1634) across the whole genome with 639 exonic, 3 downstream, 69 intergenic and 66 upstream effects were also identified. Whereas, high impact-frame shift mutations were concentrated in 5000-7000 nucleotide positions of the genome. A worth-mentioning deletion mutation of 75bp at 5276 position harbor 2C protein. The current whole genome variant discovery of FMDV will add new insight to understand the micro-evolution, speedy emergence of strains, mutation associated disease-severity and it’s lineage to prevent the prevalence of this catastrophe.