bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Dong Suk , Lee Jung Sub
Published: June 2023

Objective. The purpose of this study is to compare the serum levels of vitamin D with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) girls and controls via meta-analysis methods. We searched Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase databases for studies evaluating outcomes of AIS, including patient age, body mass index, bone mineral density (BMD), and serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphate published between January 2000 and June 2020. We searched studies only confined to human. The criterion to be included was a scoliosis study measuring vitamin D levels. We excluded duplicate publications such as review articles, case reports, and letters without original data. Two authors independently extracted data and they solved their data discrepancies by consensus.
Results. We identified eight comparative studies. Demographic characteristics, bone density, serum levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, and phosphate were not significantly different between AIS and controls, except for serum calcium levels. Serum calcium levels were lower in AIS than in controls. Level of serum calcium was lower in AIS than control. Conclusions. This review includes eight comparative studies reporting serum levels of vitamin D and/or parathyroid hormone for AIS. Due to the heterogeneity, a limited number of meta-analyses have shown a weak association between serum vitamin D levels and onset of AIS. Therefore, larger, multi-centered studies are needed to validate the results.
Impact of COVID-19 respiratory conditions on pregnancy outcomes in California prior to vaccine availability
Authors: Chang Shen-Chih , Sakowski Christa , Aziz Natalie , Gould Jeffery , Stevenson David , Main Elliot , Martin Courtney
Published: June 2023

Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify the populations of at greatest risk for COVID-19 complications during pregnancy and determine their adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in a time period prior to vaccine availability.
Study Design: Cohort study using delivery hospitalization discharge data linked to vital records for all births in California during the baseline pre-COVID-19 period and for all 344,894 births during the COVID Study period.

Results: Those with COVID-19 related respiratory conditions experienced markedly elevated rates of Severe Maternal Morbidity (423.8 per 1,000) and maternal mortality (1,782 per 100,000).
Conclusion: In pregnancies complicated by COVID-19, the excess risks of maternal mortality, SMM and adverse neonatal outcomes were restricted to the 0.17% with COVID-19 related respiratory conditions. Significant disparities were noted for respiratory conditions, mortality and SMM related to race-ethnicity and patients with lower socioeconomic status.
Lady Windermere Syndrome Complicated By Kyphoscoliosis: A Case Report
Authors: Shah Abhi , Panchal Ishita , Vohra Rimsha Rahim , Bhowmik Subham , Lloyd Kenneth Scott
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Lady Windermere Syndrome is the bronchiectasis of the right middle lobe or the lingula region due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. It was historically described in elderly Caucasian female patients who were immunocompetent but subsequently developed MAC infection, theoretically due to chronic cough suppression. The diagnosis is often difficult or missed because it is not usually considered a differential by radiologists and clinicians.
Case Presentation: Here we describe a classic case of a 61-year-old female patient with Lady Windermere Syndrome who is also riddled with prominent kyphoscoliosis with supportive chest radiographs and CT findings.
Conclusion: Lady Windermere syndrome is a significant yet frequently overlooked disease among older women who exhibit non-specific clinical symptoms. The majority of cases experience positive clinical outcomes within a period of three to six months when provided with timely pharmaceutical intervention. It is crucial to consider Lady Windermere syndrome as a potential differential diagnosis, particularly in regions where there are concerns about the presence of MAC bacilli in the soil and water.
Elevated HMGB1 mediates microbiome-immune axis dysregulation underlying reduced neutralization capacity in obesity-related post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Rubas Noelle , Peres Rafael , Kunihiro Braden , Allan Nina , Phankitnirundorn Krit , Wells Riley , McCraken Trevor , Lee Rosa , Umeda Lesley , Conching Andie , Juarez Ruben , Maunakea Alika K
Published: June 2023

While obesity is a risk factor for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC, "long-COVID"), the mechanism(s) underlying this phenomenon is poorly understood. To address this gap in knowledge, we performed a 6-week longitudinal study to examine immune activity and gut microbiome dysbiosis in post-acute stage patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Self-reported symptom frequencies and blood samples were collected weekly, with plasma assessed by ELISA and Luminex for multiple biomarkers and immune cell profiling. DNA from stool samples were collected at the early stage of recovery for baseline assessments of gut microbial composition and diversity using 16S-based sequencing. Multiple regression analyses revealed obesity-related PASC linked to a proinflammatory immune profile and reduced adaptive immunity, corresponding with gut microbial dysbiosis. In particular, the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein was found to be a central mediator of this dysregulation, with its upregulated levels in plasma associated with significantly impaired viral neutralization that was exacerbated with obesity. Plasma levels of HMGB1 also negatively correlated with B-cell activating factor (BAFF), while inducing pro-inflammatory nitric oxide. These findings strongly implicate HMGB1 as a candidate biomarker of PASC, with potential applications for risk assessment and targeted therapies.
A Cross-Sectional Study for the Evaluation of Physical Fitness and Risk of Hypertension in Korean Adults Aged 20-59
Authors: Jeoung Bogja , Kim Jiyoun
Published: June 2023

Background:
Intervention for hypertension in the young age group is very important. Men in their 30s and 40s in Korea are the main producers of economic activity. Stress in work life, frequent drinking, smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity are the biggest factors that increase the risk of high blood pressure.
Methods:
This study analyzes obesity-related body composition, physical strength, and risk according to age and sex, by analyzing population-based hypertension and physical strength trends in individuals aged 20–59 years in 360,321 Korean adults, using National Physical Award Project(NFAP) data points collected from 2012 to 2019. The functional fitness test battery for adults was composed of seven components: (a) aerobic endurance (2-min step); (b) upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength); (c) lower body muscle endurance (chair sit and stand); (d) flexibility (sit and reach); (e) cardio pulmonary endurance (Pacer); and (g) body compositions (BMI and Waist Circumference); and blood pressure were also recorded.
Results:
For all items, there was a significant difference in blood pressure according to physical strength level. In particular, in obesity-related BMI and WC, the higher the obesity, the higher the blood pressure (post-hoc, Obesity>Overweight>Normal>underweight). It was also confirmed that the lower the grade, that is, the weaker the grip, the higher the blood pressure (post-hoc, 4>3>2>1). Next, in identifying the risk factors for high blood pressure, the physical strength level differed by 1.02 times and the obesity-related indicator by 1.33 times.
Finally, it was confirmed that the risk of high blood pressure in the age and gender of Model 3 increased by 1.388 times.
Conclusions:
This study investigated the relationship between blood pressure and physical strength in adults aged 20-59 based on NFAP. In addition to the recommendation for changes in blood pressure, significant differences in blood pressure according to physical strength were confirmed, and significant effects on blood pressure risk were confirmed in terms of age, obesity-related body composition, and physical strength.
Construction of Quantum Well surface from an Nb Surface doped Core-shell La-SrTiO3 Nanocubes for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Fan Yuqi , Zhang Guoliang , Zhou Huiming , Qiu Yang , Wang Weiliang , Dang Feng
Published: June 2023

Perovskite oxide semiconductors represent as one of the most promising photocatalysts for water splitting for hydrogen production; however, they still suffer from low light harvesting efficiency and low quantum yield. Here, an interfacial super-assembly towards nanoscale quantum well core-shell structure is demonstrated as a conceptual novel strategy for the design of high-performance perovskite oxide photocatalyst. A quantum well core-shell structure composed of La-doped SrTiO3 core and Nb-doped SrTiO3 surface is synthesized. Experimental and theoretical simulation demonstrate that the Nb-doped shell with a thickness of ~ 1 nm enables a lower conduction band potential and the formation of quantum confinement effect on the surface, in which the excited electron can be excited from the La-doped SrTiO3 core to the Nb-doped surface and confined on the 2D Nb-doped surface for highly efficient electron-hole pair separation. The quantum well SrTiO3 (QW-SrTiO3) nanocubes exhibit a strong visible light absorption and remarkably prevent the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pair through the surface quantum confinement effect. Using graphene (GR) as the electron acceptor, the quantum well SrTiO3 nanocubes display the highest photocatalytic H2 production rate of 14.69 mmol h− 1 g− 1, which is 78 times higher than that of pristine SrTiO3 nanocubes. Furthermore, QW-SrTiO3/GR hybrid also shows excellent stability for hydrogen evolution. The quantum well designed on the SrTiO3 nanoparticles provides an insight for creating novel photocatalysts to tackle environmental and sustainable energy issues.
Investigating #vapingcessation in Twitter
Authors: Amin Samia , Jaiswal Aditi , Washington Peter Y , Pokhrel Pallav
Published: June 2023

Evidence suggests that an increasing number of e-cigarette users report intentions and attempts to quit vaping. Since exposure to e-cigarette-related content on social media may influence e-cigarette and other tobacco product use, including potentially e-cigarette cessation, we aimed to explore vaping cessation-related posts on Twitter by utilizing a mixed-methods approach. We collected tweets pertaining to vaping cessation for the time period between January 2022 and December 2022 using snscrape. Tweets were scraped for the following hashtags: #vapingcessation, #quitvaping, and #stopJuuling. Data were analysed using Azure Machine Learning and Nvivo 12 software. Sentiment analysis revealed that vaping cessation-related tweets typically embody positive sentiment and are mostly produced in the U.S. and Australia. Our qualitative analysis identified six emerging themes: vaping cessation support, promotion of vaping cessation, barriers and benefits to vaping cessation, personal vaping cessation, and usefulness of peer support for vaping cessation. Our findings imply that improved dissemination of evidence-based vaping cessation strategies to a broad audience through Twitter may promote vaping cessation at the population level.
In-vivo Acaricidal Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Azadirachta Indica Leaves in Cattle
Authors: Hatzade R. I. , Waghmare S. P. , Bhikane A. U. , Kolte S. W. , Kuralkar S. V. , Hajare S. W. , Ingole R. S.
Published: June 2023

The 70% (v/v) aqueous extract of A. indica leaves evaluated for its efficacy against cattle ticks. The group T1 and T2 were treated with 70% aqueous extract of A. indica leaves topically once in a day and twice at 24 hrs interval, respectively. The tick count in 10x10 cm areas on different regions of animal body was carried out on ‘0’ day (before treatment) and 24 hrs, 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th day after treatment. The per cent efficacy of extract was evaluated on the basis of reduction in tick count with in the observed area on the treated animals. The average tick count in T1 and T2 group was 55.80 ± 11.29, 49.90 ± 11.08, 35.40 ± 7.95, 24.00 ± 5.74, 17.90 ± 7.35, 11.70 ± 2.87 and 107.60 ± 28.12, 97.00 ± 27.85, 83.30 ± 29.75, 70.30 ± 30.51, 62.70 ± 32.97, 18.80 ± 5.05 on day 0 (pre-treatment), 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28, respectively. The tick count was progressively reduced with increase in per cent efficacy after treatment at various intervals in both the groups. The statistical analysis revealed significant variation between different intervals in group T1 with significant reduction in tick count from 7th day (24.00 ± 5.74), 14th day (17.90 ± 7.35) and 28th day (11.70 ± 2.87) post treatment as compared to pre-treatment tick count (55.80 ± 11.29). In T2 group, the average tick count was found non-significant at various treatment intervals, however, it was markedly reduced on 28th day (18.80 ± 5.05) after treatment as compared to pre-treatment tick count (107.60 ± 28.12). Per cent efficacy was higher in T2 group (82.53%) than T1 group (79.03%) on 28th day after treatment. The reduction in tick count might be due to the most prominent phytoconstituent azadirachtin present in A. indica leaves. Clinical parameters in all the animals were within normal reference range at various treatment intervals in both the groups. The skin coat becomes smooth and shiny after treatment from 14th day with reduction in tick burden.
Optimization of Low Reynolds number airfoil design using Full Inverse Design method
Authors: Nwokolo Emmanuel , Agboola Olufemi , Olatoyinbo Seyi F. , Yusuf Olatunbosun T. , Olukunle Soyinka K. , Iliya Solomon Z
Published: June 2023

This research study is aimed at designing an improved low Reynolds number airfoil from a baseline 4-digit NACA airfoil using the traditional Full Inverse Design method to maximize the lift-to-drag ratio, among others. XFOIL was used as an aerodynamic solver while XFLR5 v6.57 design and analysis software was employed for the design optimization. The NACA2408 airfoil was used as a reference airfoil for optimization due to its application in wings when long-endurance characteristics are desired. A newly-designed and novel airfoil, with a larger thickness and camber distribution compared to the baseline airfoil, is presented in this study. The new airfoil demonstrated up to 19.9% and 33% improvement in the lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio, respectively from reference airfoil results at Reynolds number of 3x106. The numerical results of the newly-designed airfoil were compared with the available results of ten selected standard airfoils and showed 18% and 32.5% general improvement in the lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio, respectively at the same Reynolds number. The optimized airfoil was further numerically tested with the computational fluid dynamics software, ANSYS FLUENT, and the results of the numerical simulations showed good agreement with XFLR5’s computationally obtained results.
Simple, safe and effective comprehensive home-based rehabilitation program in heart failure patients - an interventional pilot study.
Authors: Ciołkiewicz Mariusz , Wojciuk Mariusz , Kuryliszyn-Moskal Anna , Dakowicz Agnieszka , Sawicka Emilia , Kamiński Karol
Published: June 2023

Background: Rehabilitation plays an important role in the management of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). An optimal rehabilitation model for CHF patients consisting of exercise training, breathing exercises and inspiratory muscle training has not yet been established. This prospective interventional pilot study assessed the safety and effectiveness of a 6-month home-based caregiver-supervised rehabilitation program among CHF patients.
Methods: Analysis included a total of 54 CHF patients randomized into two groups: intervention group (28 patients), subjected to a 6-month home-based physical training and respiratory rehabilitation program and control group (26 patients) not included in rehabilitation program. The reference group consisted of 25 healthy individuals. The measurement of 6-min walk test (6MWT), respiratory muscle strength, quality of life assessment (SF-36, Fatigue Severity Scale – FSS) were performed prior to the start of the study and after 6 months. Occurrence of adverse events and adherence to training protocol were also assessed.
Results: As a result of objective problems caused by outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the course and final outcome of the study have differed from the original protocol, control group has not been assessed after 6 months. In the intervention group, 6 months physical training statistically significantly improved 6MWT distance by 37,86 m (p = 0.001) and respiratory muscle strength PImax by 20.21 cmH2O, PEmax by 20.75 cmH2O (p < 0.01). Statistically significant improvement was observed after the training period with the use of FSS questionnaire -0.68 (p = 0.029). Adherence to exercise protocol was on average 91.5 ± 15.3%. No serious adverse events were noted.
Conclusions: The home-based rehabilitation program that includes respiratory muscle training in CHF patients is safe and effective. It improves functional parameters and diminishes the level of fatigue.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03780803. Registered 12 December 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03780803
Genome- and transcriptome-wide identification of trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatases (TPP) gene family and their expression patterns under abiotic stress and exogenous trehalose in soybean
Authors: Shao Wenjing , Zhang Xinlin , Zhou Zhiheng , Ma Yue , Chu Duo , Wang Lei , Yang Yiming , Du Lin , Du Yanli , Du Jidao , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2023

Background
Trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) is an essential enzyme catalyzing trehalose synthesis, an important regulatory factor for plant development and stress response in higher plants. However, the TPP gene family in soybean has not been reported.
Results
A comprehensive analysis of the TPP gene family identified 18 GmTPPs classified into eight groups based on the phylogenetic relationships and the conservation of protein in six monocot and eudicot plants. The closely linked subfamilies had similar motifs and intron/exon numbers. Segmental duplication was the main driving force of soybean GmTPPs expansion. In addition, analysis of the cis-regulatory elements and promoter regions of GmTPPs revealed that GmTPPs regulated the response to several abiotic stresses. Moreover, RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analysis of the tissue-specific GmTPPs under different abiotic stresses revealed that most GmTPPs were associated with response to different stresses, including cold, drought, saline-alkali, and exogenous trehalose. Notably, exogenous trehalose treatment up-regulated the expression of most TPP genes under saline-alkali conditions while increasing the carbohydrate and trehalose levels and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in soybean sprouts, especially in the saline-alkali tolerant genotype. Furthermore, the interaction network and miRNA target prediction revealed that GmTPPs interacted with abiotic stress response-related transcription factors.
Conclusions
The findings in this study lay a foundation for further functional studies on TPP-based breeding to improve soybean development and stress tolerance.
Challenges in the assessment of epithelial dysplasia in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesion: Inter and intra-observer variability of the WHO criteria and binary system
Authors: Marques Letícia Côgo , Santos Pâmella Pinho Montovani , Gonçalves Lúcio Souza , Cunha Karin Soares , Junior Arley Silva , Conde Danielle Castex
Published: June 2023

Background
Assessment of oral epithelial dysplasia is the gold standard for investigating the risk of malignant progression. The World Health Organization (WHO) methods and the binary system have limitations. In oral lichen planus (OLP) and in oral lichenoid lesion (OLL), the evaluation of epithelial dysplasia presents an additional difficulty due to the presence of epithelial alterations generated by the inflammatory process. This study aimed to assess the inter- and intra-observer variability of the architectural and cytological criteria and the classification of the presence and degree of epithelial dysplasia in OLP and OLL, using both the 2017 WHO criteria and the binary system.
Methods
The sample consisted of 65 biopsies from lesions classified as OLP and OLL according to the criteria proposed by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (AAOMP) (excluding the absence of epithelial dysplasia for OLP). The histological slides were reevaluated by two oral pathologists.
Results
The individual alterations that showed the most inter-observer disagreement were atypical mitotic figures (43.1%), loss of cohesion between epithelial cells (38.5%), and drop shape rete ridges ridges (38.5%). Inter-observer agreement analysis did not show statistically significant agreement regarding the classification of epithelial dysplasia grade by WHO criteria, however, there was statistically significant agreement regarding the binary system classification (k = 0.257; p = 0.035). Intra-observer agreement analysis by evaluator 1 showed that the classification of epithelial dysplasia grade according to both methods had statistically significant agreement (k = 0.546; p = 0.004, k = 0.861; p < 0.001). Considering evaluator 2, only the evaluation of the WHO system classification showed statistically significant agreement (k = 0.593; p = 0.010).
Conclusions
The evaluation of epithelial dysplasia is subjective and influenced by each evaluator's individual experience. Subtle and focal changes and inflammatory infiltrate, characteristic of OLP and OLL, can increase the degree of disagreement among evaluators. The binary system presents better inter-observer agreement, while the WHO system presents better intra-observer agreement.
A Study on the Correlation between Physical Activity and Physical Fitness Index of Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Li Yong , Wang Jinxian , Zhang Yingkun , Wu Huipan
Published: June 2023

Objective
The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between PA and PFI among Chinese adolescents in order to enhance their physical activity levels.
Methods
A stratified cluster sampling method was utilized to select 4,220 Chinese adolescents aged 12–18 for testing and survey. The PA levels were analyzed using chi-square tests to explore the variations across different genders, school stages, and residential areas. Percentiles were employed to describe the PFI of the adolescents, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the correlation between PA and PFI.
Results
(1) The proportion of high-intensity physical activity was 67.11% among males and 48.54% among females. Among junior high school adolescents, the proportion was 63.23%, while among high school adolescents, it was 53.66%. Urban adolescents had a proportion of 58.85% for high-intensity PA, whereas rural adolescents had 54.84%. (2) Males had higher PFI than females, with values of -0.5120 and − 0.6489, respectively. High school adolescents had higher PFI compared to junior high school adolescents, with values of -0.3140 and 1.9816, respectively. Urban adolescents had higher PFI than rural adolescents, with values of -0.6113 and − 0.4767, respectively. (3) Significant differences were observed in the PA and PFI among Chinese adolescents (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
(1) Significant differences in PA levels were observed among adolescents regarding gender, school stages, and residential areas (P < 0.05). (2) The PFI of adolescents exhibited a left-skewed distribution. (3) There was a significant positive correlation between PA and PFI among Chinese adolescents (P < 0.01).
Treatment impact of newly approved therapeutic agents for metastatic urothelial carcinoma in Japan: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Inoue Yuta , Yamada Takeshi , Fujihara Atsuko , Miyashita Masatsugu , Shiraishi Takumi , Okumi Masayoshi , Hongo Fumiya , Ukimura Osamu
Published: June 2023

Although recent clinical trials of new therapeutic agents for metastatic urothelial carcinoma have shown prolonged overall survival, there are few real-world evidence. To assess the impact of new therapeutic agents, we performed retrospective analysis for consecutive 150 metastatic urothelial carcinoma patients who performed systemic therapy in our institution between May 2008 and December 2022. We defined a period from May 2008 to December 2017, when pembrolizumab was first introduced to the clinical setting in the new therapeutic agents for metastatic urothelial carcinoma in Japan, as “pre new drug era” and a period from January 2018 to December 2022 as “post new drug era”. We compared overall survival between pre- and post- new drug era using Kaplan-Meier method with log rank test. Median overall survival of pre- and post- new drug era were 14.47 months (95% confidence intervals: 11.64–16.67) and 23.08 months (95% confidence intervals: 12-51.85), respectively (p = 0.00134). Five-year survival rate of pre- and post- new drug era was 7.0% (95% confidence intervals: 2.4–15.3) and 33.8% (95% confidence intervals: 18.9–49.4), respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis of factors associated with overall survival showed that post new drug era, administration of second-line or more systemic therapy, best overall response of SD, PR and CR in first-line systemic therapy, higher serum albumin and lower CRP were factors for overall survival prolongation. Introduction of new therapeutic agents for metastatic urothelial carcinoma contributed to the improvement of overall survival in comparison with the era without these agents.
Two cytoplasmic male sterility phenotypes in beet (Beta vulgaris L.): Implications of their simultaneous onset and divergent paths
Authors: Katsura Naoyuki , Itoh Kanna , Matsuhira Hiroaki , Kuroda Yosuke , Kubo Tomohiko , Kitazaki Kazuyoshi
Published: June 2023

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a mitochondrion-encoded trait specifically affecting anthers. Several male sterility-inducing mitochondrial types are known, many of which affect the development of anther tapetum cells, but no sound explanation for this tissue's vulnerability has been proposed. To determine whether different male sterility-inducing mitochondrial types of the same plant species have similar cellular phenotypes, we compared anther development in two sugar beet CMS lines. We compared an Owen type CMS line used for hybrid breeding with the G type CMS line derived from wild beet. Both CMS lines have the same nuclear background. The tapetum of the G CMS line exhibited hypertrophy in the microspore stage, as reported previously in Owen CMS lines. Ultrastructural analysis revealed mitochondrial abnormalities, including low electron density and aberrant cristae appearing in the tapetum after meiosis in both lines. The Owen CMS line lacked Ubisch bodies and had poorly developed bacula and tecta in the pollen cell walls, whereas the G CMS line retained these features, but the pollen wall was highly deformed. Ultimately, microspores and the tapetum degenerated in both lines, and the male sterile phenotypes were eventually very similar. Although it had been hypothesized that mitochondrial activation was associated with CMS expression, mitochondria in the root apical meristem appeared normal in beet roots with G- and Owen type mitochondria. We propose that CMS expression includes at least two mechanisms: one triggers abnormal mitochondrial generation, and the other affects the type of developmental abnormality.
A Novel Chaotic and Neighborhood Search-based Artificial Bee Colony algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems
Authors: Xiao Wen-sheng , Li Guang-xin , LIU CHAO , Tan Li-ping
Published: June 2023

With the development of artificial intelligence, numerous researchers are attracted to study new heuristic algorithms and improve traditional algorithms. Artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is a swarm intelligence optimization algorithm inspired by the foraging behavior of honeybees, which is one of the most widely applied methods to solve optimization problems. However, the traditional ABC has some shortcomings such as under-exploitation and slow convergence. In this study, a novel variant of ABC named chaotic and neighborhood search-based ABC algorithm (CNSABC) is proposed. The CNSABC contains main three improved mechanisms including Bernoulli chaotic mapping with mutual exclusion mechanism, new neighborhood search mechanism and sustained bees. In detail, Bernoulli chaotic mapping with mutual exclusion mechanism is introduced to enhance the diversity and traversal of initial nectar sources and scout bees to find nectar sources, further to improve the exploration ability of peripatetic bees. A new neighborhood search mechanism and sustained bees are proposed to enhance the convergence efficiency and local exploitation capability of the algorithm. Subsequently, a series of experiments are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the three presented mechanisms and the superiority of the proposed CNSABC algorithm. Compared with 8 existing approaches for testing 25 typical benchmark functions, including eight variants of ABC (ABC, CABC, NABC, qABC, SBABC, MPGABC, GABC and NGABC), and five other original basic algorithms (PSO, ABC, GWO, WOA and BOA), the results demonstrate that the proposed CNSABC has better convergence and search ability. Finally, the CNSABC is applied to solve two engineering optimization problems, experimental results show that CNSABC can produce satisfactory solutions.
MiR-138-5p improves the chemosensitivity of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line to paclitaxel
Authors: Rasoolnezhad Mina , Safaralizadeh Reza , Feizi Mohammad Ali Hosseinpour , Banan-Khojasteh Seyed Mahdi , Asl Elmira Roshani , Lotfinejad Parisa , Baradaran Behzad
Published: June 2023

Background
Chemotherapy is a predominant strategy for breast cancer (BC) treatment and paclitaxel (PTX) has been known as a conventional chemotherapeutic drug. However, insensitivity of BC cells to PTX limits the anti-tumor effects of this agent. MicroRNAs are closely related to BC which are suggested as therapeutic factors in the combination therapy of BC. We examined the possible efficacy of miR-138-5p restoration in combination with PTX to impove BC treatment.
Methods and Results
The human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was transfected with miR-138-5p mimics and treated with PTX, in a combined or separate manner. The MTT assay was accomplished to determine inhibitory doses of PTX. Annexin V/PI assay and DAPI staining were applied to evaluate apoptosis. Flow cytometry was applied to determine cells arrested in different phases of the cell-cycle. Expression levels of molecular factors involved in cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle were determined via western blotting and qRT-PCR.
MiR-138-5p combined with PTX suppressed cell migration via modulating MMP2, E-cadherin, and vimentin and sustained colony formation and proliferation by downregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. qRT-PCR showed that miR-138-5p increases BC chemosensitivity to PTX by regulating the apoptosis factors, including Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase 3, and Caspase 9. Moreover, miR-138-5p restoration and paclitaxel therapy combined arrest the cells in the sub-G1 and G1 phases of cell cycle by regulating p21, CCND1, and CDK4.
Conclusions
Restored miR-138-5p intensified the chemosensitivity of MDA-MB-231 cell line to PTX, and the combination of miR-138-5p with PTX might represent a novel approach in BC treatment.
Usability of an artificially intelligence-powered triage platform for adult ophthalmic emergencies: A mixed methods study
Authors: Jindal Anish , Sumodee Dayyanah , de Resende Camilo Brandao , Melo Mariane , Neo Yan Ning , Lee Elsa , Day Alex C.
Published: June 2023

There is growing demand for emergency-based eyecare services where the majority of those attending do not require urgent ophthalmic management. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists have recommendedupskilling and supporting of allied health professionals to support eyecare delivery, where machine learning algorithms could help. A mixed methods study was conducted to evaluate the usability of an artificial intelligence (AI) powered online triage platform for ophthalmology. The interface, usability, safety and acceptability were investigated using a Think Aloud interview and usability questionnaires. Twenty participants who actively examine patients in ophthalmic triage within a tertiary eye centre or primary care setting completed the interview and questionnaires. 90% or more of participants found the platform easy to use, reflected their triage process and were able to interpret the triage outcome, 85% found it safe to use and 95% felt the processing time was fast. A quarter of clinicians reported that they have experienced some uncertainty when triaging in their career and were unsure of using AI, after this study 95% of clinicians were willing to use the platform in their clinical workflow following formal validation. This study showed the platform interface was acceptable and usable for clinicians actively working in ophthalmic emergency triage.
Model for Calculating Traffic Mass and Deceleration Delays Based on Traffic Field Theory
Authors: Zeng Junsheng , Liu Canqi
Published: June 2023

This essay identifies two typical bottlenecks that occur when a vehicle cannot change lanes: car following and car stopping. The ideas of traffic field and traffic mass are presented in this work. When there are other vehicles in front of the target vehicle within a particular distance, a force is created that affects the target vehicle's driving speed. The characteristics of the driver and the vehicle collectively determine the traffic mass; the driving speed of the vehicle and external variables have no bearing on this. From physical level, this study examines the vehicle's bottleneck when following a car, identifies the outside factors that have an impact on how it drives, takes into account that the vehicle will transform kinetic energy into potential energy during deceleration, and builds a calculation model for traffic mass. The energy-time conversion coefficient is created from an economic standpoint utilizing the social average wage level and the average cost of motor fuel. Vissim simulation program measures the vehicle's deceleration distance and delay under the Wiedemann car following model. The difference between the measured value of deceleration delay acquired by simulation and the theoretical value calculated by the model is compared using the conversion calculation model of traffic mass and deceleration delay. The experimental data demonstrate that the model is reliable since the error rate between the theoretical calculation value of the deceleration delay obtained by the model and the measured value of simulation results is less than 10%. The article's conclusion is that the traffic field has an impact on moving cars on the road and that physical and socioeconomic factors should be taken into account while studying vehicle following behavior. The deceleration delay value of vehicle's driving and traffic mass have a socioeconomic relationship that can be utilized to calculate the energy-time conversion coefficient when dealing with the bottleneck of cars stopping and starting.
Three-dimensional micro-X-ray topography using focused sheet-shaped X-ray beam
Authors: Yoneyama Akio , Ishiji Kotaro , Sakaki Atsushi , Kobayashi Yutaka , Inaba Masayuki , Fukuda Kazunori , Konishi Kumiko , Shima Akio , Takamatsu Daiko
Published: June 2023

X-ray topography is a powerful method for analyzing crystal defects and strain in crystalline materials non-destructively. However, conventional X-ray topography uses simple X-ray diffraction images, which means depth information on defects and dislocations cannot be obtained. We have therefor developed a novel three-dimensional micro-X-ray topography technique (3D m-XRT) that combines Bragg-case section topography with focused sheet-shaped X-rays. The depth resolution of the 3D m-XRT depends mainly on the focused X-ray beam size and enables non-destructive observation of internal defects and dislocations with an accuracy on the order of 1 mm. The demonstrative observation of SiC power device chips showed that stacking faults, threading screw, threading edge, and basal plane dislocations were clearly visualized three-dimensionally with a depth accuracy of 1.3 mm. 3D m-XRT is a promising new approach for highly sensitive and non-destructive analysis of material crystallinity in a three-dimensional manner.
Impact of whole comorbidities on patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A Long-term Multicentre Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Lian Hui , Kou Lei , Han Xiaozhen , Zhu Rui , Sun Dong , Zhang Xin , Zhao Liukai , Yue Qianyu , Hou Xiaomeng , Cai Baiqiang
Published: June 2023

Background
Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease results in severe adverse outcomes and mortality. However, individual susceptibility to exacerbations remains largely unknown. Our study aimed to investigate the association between comorbidities and exacerbation outcomes.
Methods
We included patients with the primary discharge diagnosis of exacerbation between 1 January 2008 and 30 September 2019 in China. Data on all comorbidities were collected and analysed to determine the impact of the comorbidities on 1-year exacerbation readmission, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and predictive models were developed.
Results
A total of 15,708 participants were included, with a median hospital stay of 10 days and an average hospital stay cost of 9873.0 RMB. Overall, 2,487 (15.8%) participants were readmitted within 1 year. Twenty-five of the top 100 most frequent comorbidities were included as main variables. The most widely distributed comorbidities were hypertension (38.6%), ischaemic heart disease (16.9%), and diabetes mellitus (16.6%). In the multivariable analysis model, older age, female, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, hyperlipidaemia, arrhythmias, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoporosis, and prostate hyperplasia were included, and they were positively associated with an increased 1-year readmission rate (concordance index: 0.701). Eight comorbidities, together with older age and male gender, were associated with prolonged length of stay (concordance index: 0.752). Seven comorbidities together with older age and male gender were associated with higher costs (concordance index: 0.713).
Conclusions
Our models provide a novel tool for clinicians to determine the risk of the 1-year recurrence of severe ECOPD in hospitalised patients. The results suggest that exacerbation is closely related to systemic disease status.
Understanding glacier retreat in the Bhutan Himalaya through regional inventory and influence of glacial lakes.
Authors: Jadhav Janhavi , Shirsat Tejal , N Remya S , Kulkarni Anil
Published: June 2023

The present study demonstrates the importance of glacier inventories in understanding and managing glaciers in the Himalayan region, specifically in the Pho Chu Basin (PCB) of Bhutan Himalaya. The study utilised, Sentinel-2A imagery of 2021 to create a novel inventory of glaciers in the PCB, and further modified the boundaries of 35 (area > 1 km2) glaciers for the years 1991 and 2006. The results suggest, 184 glaciers covering an area of 192.07 + 15.50 km2 in the PCB, with the areal extent of the 34 glaciers (excluding Thorthormi Glacier) decreasing from 153.32 + 8.60 km2 to 139.97 + 8.44 km2 (1991-2021), indicating an area loss of 8.7 % in the basin. Further, we have observed the topographic parameters of each glacier. Interestingly, the glaciers retreated at a rate of -14.62 + 11.39 ma-1 (1991-2021), and small glaciers retreat much faster than large glaciers in PCB. Our observation reveals that glacier with lakes in this region are subjected to more retreat when compared to clean and debris covered glaciers. The alarming retreat of the Thorthormi Glacier has been the subject of multiple GLOF events and is analysed separately in the present study. Overall, the study demonstrates the importance of glacier inventories as a database for researchers, policymakers, and local communities about the location, extent, area, length, orientation, and other characteristics of glaciers.
Formulation and evaluation of novel nutraceuticals rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, natural flavors, and steviol glycosides for improving quality of life
Authors: Almoselhy Rania I.M.
Published: June 2023

For a wide range of people, including malnourished adults with non-communicable diseases (NCDs), micronutrient deficiency, underweight and overweight people, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescents, the current research aimed to present innovative nutraceutical formulations devoted to improving the quality of life (QoL) while promoting health. The novel nutraceutical formulations were structured on a scientific basis with evidence-based health benefits, with daily values (DVs) according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), containing a high-quality whey protein concentrate (WPC 70%), skim milk powder (SMP 34%), vitamins (folic acid, B12, C), minerals (iron, zinc), natural flavors (vanilla, cinnamon, coffee, chocolate), and stevia leaf extract sweetener. The novel formulations were subjected to the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory evaluation. The results showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among formulations with natural flavors added in different amounts to provide 10 g of protein (20% DV), elemental iron and zinc, vitamin C, folic acid, and vitamin B12 (25% DV), with elemental calcium (20% DV) emerged from milk derivatives. The serving sizes of the four formulas were different according to the difference in the amount of natural flavor while keeping the same amounts of the other ingredients. Following the chocolate-flavored formulation as the first in order of overall acceptability, were coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla-flavored formulation, according to the sensory evaluation.
Standardization of Pruning and Smart Water Interventions in Dense, High Dense, and Ultra-High Dense Psidium guajava L. Orchards
Authors: Ali Mujahid , Akram Malik Muhammad , Habib Habibullah , Mohsan Muhammad , Ayyub Saqib
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
WITHDRAWN: Lingual Foramina of the Mandible: Anatomic Variations in a Turkish Population
Authors: KURT Bilgesu , KARACA Inci Rana , GULEN Orhan
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Determination of the location, frequency, and number of a lingual foramen in the mandible in a Turkish population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Methods: From the CBCT images obtained from patients who applied to the Private Dentistomo Imaging Establishment for any reason between July 2020 and July 2021, 400 images that met the inclusion criteria were randomly selected. The medial lingual foramina (MLF), paramedian lingual foramina (PLF), and posterior lingual foramina (POLF) were analyzed using CS 3D Dental Imaging Software (NY Rochester, USA). Frequency, location, classification, distance to the alveolar crest, distance to the mandibula basis, and diameter values were analyzed.
Results: This study examined 400 subjects, 227 (56.75%) males and 173 (43.25%) females. A total of 1253 lingual foramen (544 MLF, 338 PLF, 371 POLF) were detected in the CBCT images of 400 patients. The minimum number of MLFs was 0, and the maximum number of MLFs was 5. MLFs were found in 84.5% of the analyzed images. In our study, PLFs were most common in the central incisors region with a rate of 45.9%, and POLFs were found in the second premolar region with a rate of 37.4%.
Conclusions: Together with this study, it has been shown that the prevalence of lingual foramina is high in the Turkish population. Therefore, caution should be exercised during implant treatment, especially in the mandibular interforaminal region.
Alternative polyadenylation regulates acetyl-CoA carboxylase function in peanut
Authors: Peng Zhenying , Yu Shuang , Meng Jingjing , Jia Kaihua , Zhang Jialei , Li Xinguo , Gao Wenwei , Wan Shubo
Published: June 2023

Background
Polyadenylation is an important mechanism by which mRNA molecules are terminated at their 3′-ends. Alternative polyadenylation (APA) can produce multiple transcripts from the same locus with different polyadenylation sites (PASs) and result in several 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) varying by length and composition. APA affects approximately 60–70% of eukaryotic genes, with fundamental consequences on cell proliferation, differentiation, and tumorigenesis.
Results
In this study, we performed long-read, single-molecule sequencing of mRNA from peanut seeds, which revealed that more than half of all peanut genes have more than two PASs, with more PASs in older developing seeds, indicating that the PAS is highly tissue specific and plays an important role in peanut seed maturation. We identified four 3′ UTRs for the peanut acetyl-CoA carboxylase A1 (AhACCA1) gene, designated UTR1–4. RT-PCR analysis showed that UTR1-containing transcripts are expressed mainly in roots, leaves, and early developing seeds; transcripts with UTR2/3 accumulated mainly in roots, flowers, seeds; and transcripts harboring UTR4 were constitutively expressed. We transiently expressed all four UTRs in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves, which indicated that each UTR affects protein abundance but not subcellular location. We also transformed yeast cells with each UTR for functional verification. UTR2 promoted the expression level of AhACCA1 compared to a yeast transcription terminator, whereas UTR3 did not. We determined ACC gene structures from seven plant species, detecting 51 PASs for 15 ACC genes from four plant species, indicating that APA of the ACC gene family is universal in plants.
Conclusion
Our data reveal that APA is universal in peanut seeds and plays important role in peanut seed maturation. We identified four 3′ UTRs for AhACCA1 gene, each of them showed different tissue-specific expression pattern. Using subcellular location experiment and yeast transformation test, we identified that UTR2 had a stronger effect in gene expression than the other three ones.
The rheological properties of two typical viscoelastic fluids-Giesekus fluid and FENE-P fluid
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Qikun , Liu Tangjin
Published: June 2023

Viscoelastic fluid is widely used in petrochemical, food and medical fields due to its turbulent drag reduction, elastic turbulence and other characteristics, and have always been of great interest to scholars. In addition to exhibiting elasticity (Wi) and viscosity (Re), the flow characteristics of viscoelastic fluids also show strong shear-thinning behavior, which leads to the change of viscosity in the fluid and has a significant effect on the flow of the fluid in the flow field. Unlike traditional generalized Newtonian fluid models, the viscosity changes in viscoelastic fluid models are not directly reflected in their constitutive equations. Therefore, the study of viscoelastic fluid rheology is of great significance. In this article, a physical model of shear-driven flow between two infinitely parallel plates with minimal gap is used to study the shear-thinning behavior of two typical viscoelastic fluid models - Giesekus fluid and FENE-P fluid, analyzing and comparing their characteristics and differences. The results shows that the two fluids exhibit a similar shear-thinning trend. When Wi is lower than the critical value Wicr, there is a " Newtonian-like fluid region " in both fluids. However, compared with Giesekus fluid, the Wicr of FENE-P fluid is about one order of magnitude smaller. Additionally, this article proposes a dimensionless apparent viscosity , which normalizes the influence of solvent viscosity ratio beta on shear-thinning effects in viscoelastic fluids. It is found that the shear-thinning effect is most significant in the range of 0.3 to 0.7 for . In addition, the maximum stretching length L of molecules in FENE-P fluid is discussed.