bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Analytical Method for Simultaneous Determination of Glucosamine and Calcium in Dietary Supplements by Capillary Electrophoresis with Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection
Authors: Do Yen Nhi , Kieu Thi Lan Phuong , Dang Thi Huyen My , Nguyen Quang Huy , Dang Thu Hien , Tran Cao Son , Vu Anh Phuong , Do Thi Trang , Nguyen Thi Ngan , Dinh Son Luong , Nguyen Thi Minh Thu , Pham Thi Ngoc Mai , Hoang Anh Quoc , Pham Bach , Nguyen Thi Anh Huong
Published: February 2023

The need for analytical methods that are fast, affordable, and ecologically friendly is expanding. Because of its low solvent consumption, minimal waste production, and speedy analysis, capillary electrophoresis is considered a “green” choice among analytical separation methods. With these “green” features, we have utilized the capillary electrophoresis method with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (CE-C4D) to simultaneously determine glucosamine and Ca2+ in dietary supplements. The CE analysis was performed in fused silica capillaries (50 μm inner diameter, 40 cm total length, 30 cm effective length), and the analytical time was around 5 min. After optimization, the CE conditions for selective determination of glucosamine and Ca2+ were obtained, including a 10 mM tris (hydroxymethyl) aminomethane/acetic acid (Tris/Ace) buffer of

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5.0 as the background electrolyte; separation voltage of 20 kV; and hydrodynamic injection (siphoning) at 25 cm height for 30 s. The method illustrated good linearity over the concentration range of 5.00 to 200 mg/L of for glucosamine (R2 = 0.9994) and 1.00 to 100 mg/L for Ca2+ (R2 = 0.9994). Under the optimum conditions, the detection limit of glucosamine was 1.00 mg/L, while that of Ca2+ was 0.05 mg/L. The validated method successfully analyzed glucosamine and Ca2+ in seven dietary supplement samples. The measured concentrations were generally in line with the values of label claims and with cross-checking data from reference methods (HPLC and ICP-OES).
An Extended Model for the UAVs-Assisted Multiperiodic Crowd Tracking Problem
Authors: Htiouech Skander , Chebil Khalil , Khemakhem Mahdi , Abed Fidaa , Alkiani Monaji H.
Published: February 2023

The multiperiodic crowd tracking (MPCT) problem is an extension of the periodic crowd tracking (PCT) problem, recently addressed in the literature and solved using an iterative solver called PCTs solver. For a given crowded event, the MPCT consists of follow-up crowds, using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during different periods in a life-cycle of an open crowded area (OCA). Our main motivation is to remedy an important limitation of the PCTs solver called “PCTs solver myopia” which is, in certain cases, unable to manage the fleet of UAVs to cover all the periods of a given OCA life-cycle during a crowded event. The behavior of crowds can be predicted using machine learning techniques. Based on this assumption, we proposed a new mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model, called MILP-MPCT, to solve the MPCT. The MILP-MPCT was designed using linear programming technique to build two objective functions that minimize the total time and energy consumed by UAVs under a set of constraints related to the MPCT problem. In order to validate the MILP-MPCT, we simulated it using IBM-ILOG-CPLEX optimization framework. Thanks to the “clairvoyance” of the proposed MILP-MPCT model, experimental investigations show that the MILP-MPCT model provides strategic moves of UAVs between charging stations (CSs) and crowds to provide better solutions than those reported in the literature.
Risk Assessment and Enhancement Suggestions for Automated Driving Systems through Examining Testing Collision and Disengagement Reports
Authors: Wu Kuo-Wei , Wu Wen-Fang , Liao Chung-Chih , Lin Wei-Ann
Published: February 2023

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reports, including disengagement and collision reports, provide information on each accident or disengagement activity for on-road testing of autonomous driving systems (ADSs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs). Unfortunately, current DMV reports have been misleading in relation to many key details, making it challenging for readers of those reports to discern the events’ root causes and interrelationships. Therefore, appropriate systematic classification methods and principles need to be adopted. We follow an identification method similar to fault tree analysis (FTA) with the help of the driving reliability and error analysis method (DREAM 3.0) and the Haddon matrix to find the potential key accident factors from all disengagement data. We also conduct ADS risk assessments of potential disengagements and genuine accidents classified by traditional accident types. In addition, the automated driving system is composed of various software modules, and a classification method that is suitable from the standpoint of ADS software developers is developed in this paper. Next, we sort out the characteristics of the most frequent accidents based on the risk assessment results. Finally, we propose a workable risk reduction solution according to the characteristics of accidents.
[Retracted] Multisensor Cross‐Media Data Mining Method Assisted by Expert System
Authors: Shan Xin
Published: February 2023

The information generated by the multifaceted and multilevel processing of the data of multiple sensors is more meaningful than the information obtained by a single sensor and provides accurate information and decision‐making basis for various application systems. How to apply data mining theory to the multisensor cross‐media field has become a research hotspot. Through the analysis of multisensor cross‐media data, it is of great significance to dig out the important rules, information, or knowledge hidden in it and use it for cross‐media retrieval engine. The rule acquisition is the “bottleneck” problem of the expert system. This paper adopts the data mining method based on the rough set to acquire the rules and improves the basic algorithm of attribute reduction. Using the attribute reduction algorithm and the heuristic value reduction algorithm, the calculation is simplified and the reduction efficiency is improved. In the presentation, according to the characteristics of cross‐media and the application requirements of expert systems, this paper takes the case representation based on features as the basis and classifies cases according to feature attributes. In case retrieval, according to the hierarchical structure of case features, the entire case database is organized into a multilevel hierarchical index structure. In this paper, a cross‐media retrieval engine is constructed from the perspective of classifier design, and the Euclidean distance is used as the similarity matching model of image content. The mutual retrieval of images and audios preliminarily forms the design process of retrieval from one media type to another and establishes a corresponding cross‐media index. The experimental results show that the algorithm has better processing effect and higher accuracy than other algorithms. Different k‐nearest neighbor values were selected in the experiment, and it reached about 96% in the test environment of libsvm toolbox, which is better than the processing results of LE and LLE algorithms.
Effect of Wrist Dorsiflexion/Palmar Flexion on Median Nerve Deviation and Cross-Sectional Area in Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Xu Lei , Ma Tao , Zhang Min , Zhou Linjie , Hu Caizhi
Published: February 2023

Objective. To evaluate the effect of wrist dorsiflexion/palmar flexion on median nerve excursion and cross-sectional area in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods. From November 2019 to December 2021, 85 patients (110 affected wrists) who presented to our department and were diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were collected and classified by severity as mild to moderate. Twenty-five healthy controls were selected during the same period, with a total of 50 healthy wrists. All patients and healthy volunteers underwent high-frequency ultrasonography to measure the vertical deviation between the median nerve and the transverse carpal ligament during wrist dorsiflexion/palmar flexion and the changes in the cross-sectional area of the median nerve in the pisiform plane. All patients with carpal tunnel syndrome underwent neurophysiological testing to measure median nerve sensory conduction velocity, sensory latency time, and sensorimotor point fluctuation amplitude. Results. The mean age of the patients was50±8years, the proportion of males was 18%, and the disease course was2.3±1.2years. In terms of severity grading, 38 patients (34.5%) had mild carpal tunnel syndrome, 30 patients (27.3%) had moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, and 42 patients (38.2%) had severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Compared with the control group, the distance between the proximal median nerve and the transverse carpal ligament, the distance between the distal median nerve and the transverse carpal ligament, and the cross-sectional area were decreased in the carpal tunnel syndrome group compared with those during wrist dorsiflexion, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, there were significant differences in the vertical distance and cross-sectional area between the median nerve and the transverse carpal ligament at the proximal and distal ends in the mild, moderate, and severe groups (P<0.05). The proximal vertical distance of the median nerve was positively correlated with sensory latency (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with sensory conduction velocity (P<0.05). The vertical distance of the distal end of the median nerve was also significantly positively correlated with sensory latency (P<0.05) and significantly negatively correlated with sensory conduction velocity (P<0.05). Conclusion. Wrist dorsiflexion/palmar flexion can affect median nerve deviation and cross-sectional area in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. High-frequency ultrasound is helpful to detect such an effect and can also help determine the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Mobility-Aware Offloading and Resource Allocation Strategies in MEC Network Based on Game Theory
Authors: Xia Changsen , Jin Zilong , Su Jian , Li Baozhu
Published: February 2023

With the emergence and development of communication technology and new computing paradigm named mobile edge computing (MEC), fast response and ultralow latency are given higher requirements. Nevertheless, due to the low penetration and coverage of the MEC network, it is difficult to guarantee the large-scale connection needs of all user groups in industry 4.0. In addition, user mobility is closely related to the network connection between edge nodes (ENs) and mobile devices (MDs) in industry 4.0, the frequent mobility of MDs makes the computation offloading process not smooth and the channel unstable, which can reduce the network performance. Hence, this paper constructs an edge network environment for MEC-based industrial internet of things (IIoT), considering the combined benefits of energy consumption, time delay, and computing resource cost to tackle the aforementioned problem by maximizing the utility of the entire system. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a mobility-aware offloading and resource allocation scheme (MAORAS). This scheme first employs the Lagrange multiplier method to solve the problem of computing resource allocation; then, a noncooperative game between MDs is established and the existence of Nash equilibrium (NE) has been proven. Simulation results demonstrate that the practical performance of the MAORAS optimization scheme could improve the system utility significantly.
A Distributed Framework for Predictive Analytics Using Big Data and MapReduce Parallel Programming
Authors: Natesan P. , Sathishkumar V. E. , Mathivanan Sandeep Kumar , Venkatasen Maheshwari , Jayagopal Prabhu , Allayear Shaikh Muhammad
Published: February 2023

With the advancement of Internet technologies and the rapid increase of World Wide Web applications, there has been tremendous growth in the volume of digital data. This takes the digital world into a new era of big data. Various existing data processing technologies are not consistent and scalable in handling the complexity as well as the large‐size datasets. Recently, there are many distributed data processing, and programming models have been proposed and implemented to handle big data applications. The open‐source‐implemented MapReduce programming model in Apache Hadoop is the foremost model for data exhaustive and also computational‐intensive applications due to its inherent characteristics of scalability, fault tolerance, and simplicity. In this research article, a new approach for the prediction of target labels in big data applications is developed using a multiple linear regression algorithm and MapReduce programming model, named as MR‐MLR. This approach promises optimum values for MAE, RMSE, and determination coefficient (R2) and thus shows its effectiveness in predictions in big data applications.
The Gut Microbiota Metabolite Urolithin B Prevents Colorectal Carcinogenesis by Remodeling Microbiota and PD-L1/HLA-B
Authors: Wang Lixue , Chen Jinlong , Chen Qijun , Song Hui , Wang Ziqian , Xing Wen , Jin Siyao , Song Xueying , Yang Hua , Zhao Wenhua
Published: February 2023

Colorectal cancer has risen to the third occurring cancer in the world. Fluorouracil (5-Fu), oxaliplatin, and cisplatin are the most effective chemotherapeutic agents for clinical chemotherapy. Nevertheless, due to chemotherapeutic drug resistance, the survival rate of patients with CRC remains very low. In this study, we used the inflammation-induced or mutation-family-inherited murine CRC models to study the anticancer and immunotherapy effects of urolithin B (UB), the final metabolite of polyphenols in the gastrointestinal tract. The label-free proteomics analysis and the gene ontology (GO) classifications were used to test and analyze the proteins affected by UB. And 16S rDNA sequencing and flow cytometry were utilized to uncover gut microbiome composition and immune defense improved by UB administration. The results indicated that urolithin B prevents colorectal carcinogenesis by remodeling gut microbial and tumor immune microenvironments, such as HLA-B, NK cells, regulatory T cells, and γδ TCR cells, and decreasing the PD-L1. The combination of urolithin B with first-line therapeutic drugs improved the colorectal intestinal hematochezia by shaping gut microbiota, providing a strategy for the treatment of immunotherapy treatment for CRC treatments. UB combined with anti-PD-1 antibody could inhibit the growth of colon cancer. Urolithin B may thus contribute to anticancer treatments and provide a high immune response microenvironment for CRC patients’ further immunotherapy.
SEMDA: Secure and Efficient Multidimensional Data Aggregation in Smart Grid without a Trusted Third Party
Authors: Song Zichao , Zhong Weidong , Zhou Tanping , Chen Dong , Ding Yujie , Yang Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2023

Smart grids are a combination of traditional power system engineering as well as information and communications technology. Smart grid terminals provide convenient services to users by aggregating their data in real time. However, terminals can derive user privacy information from real-time data on smart devices. Therefore, security data aggregation has been widely studied in the field of smart grid. Most existing schemes are one-dimensional data aggregation or rely on a trusted third party. In reality, multidimensional data (such as a user’s electricity consumption or user’s main usage time, etc.) makes sense for terminals to flexibly adjust supply and demand strategies. In this paper, we propose an efficient and secure multidimensional data aggregation scheme that supports batch validation without a trusted third party. Firstly, we apply the Chinese remainder theorem to encode the user’s multidimensional data and realize the independence of each dimension in terminal decryption. Secondly, we adopt a secure key negotiation protocol that does not require a trusted third party. Finally, based on paillier homomorphic encryption and bilinear pairing, we construct an encryption scheme that can reuse the key and blind factor and support batch verification. The analysis results show that our scheme is secure for users’ privacy protection. Experimental results show that, compared with existing 1 dimensional aggregation schemes, our scheme has almost no growth in computational overhead for terminal decryption.
Circular RNA circFAT1(e2) Facilitates Cell Progression through the miR-30e-5P/MYBL2 Pathway in Glioma
Authors: Liu Zengjin , Guo Shewei , Yan Dongming , Bai Yahui , Song Zhenyu , Liu Xianzhi
Published: February 2023

Objective. To explore the mechanism of glioma from MYB family genes from the perspective of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Methods. First, the MYB family genes were analyzed by multiple bioinformatics analyses to identify one gene most associated with glioma. Then, the prognostic value and clinical characteristics of the gene were evaluated by bioinformatics analysis and experiments in glioma cells. Next, the target miRNA and circRNA were predicted and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Besides, the functions of target circRNA in glioma were investigated by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. At last, the relation between the screened MYB gene, miRNA, and circRNA in glioma was identified by rescue experiments. Results. After expression and Cox and survival analysis of six MYB family genes, MYBL2 was identified as the gene most associated with glioma. Then, we found that MYBL2 expression in primary gliomas was higher than those in other histologies, and it had variable expression according to clinical features. Furthermore, MYBL2 knockdown in glioma cells impairs cell growth, invasion, and migration in functional studies. Then, miR-30e-5p and circFAT1(e2) were identified as targets of MYBL2 by bioinformatics prediction and experimental verification. Finally, the relationship between circFAT1(e2), MYBL2, and miR-30e-5p was elucidated by rescue experiments. Conclusion. circFAT1(e2) could promote glioma development by regulating MYBL2 and miR-30e-5p, and MYBL2 has diagnostic and prognostic values in glioma.
Circulating miR-340-5p and miR-506-3p as Two Osteo-miRNAs for Predicting Osteoporosis in a Cohort of Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lu Zifeng , Cao Haiou , Hu Xiaoyin
Published: February 2023

Objective. An increasing risk of developing osteoporosis which is characterized by bone production weakness and microarchitectural deterioration is found among postmenopausal women. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are secreted into the circulation from cells of various tissues in response to local disease severity including bone diseases. Herein, we set out to identify candidate miRNAs predictable for osteoporosis incidence in postmenopausal elderly women. Methods. The circulating miRNA expression profiles deposited in the dataset accessioned as GSE201543 were downloaded from the GEO database. The study included 176 postmenopausal women who underwent BMD testing, including 96 women reporting osteoporosis and 70 women reporting normal BMD. All subjects were submitted their serum samples for measurements of bone metabolism markers. Results. The miRNA expression profiles of the GSE201543 dataset were differentially analyzed and found 97 miRNAs being upregulated concomitantly with 31 miRNAs being downregulated in the serum samples between osteoporotic postmenopausal women and postmenopausal women with normal BMD. Osteoporotic postmenopausal women were demonstrated with elevated serum levels of miR-340-5p and miR-506-3p when compared to normal postmenopausal women. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that circulating miR-340-5p and miR-506-3p expressions were increased as BAP, β-CTx, and PINP levels increased, but osteocalcin and 25-(OH)VitD levels are declined in osteoporotic postmenopausal women. Results of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) showed circulating miR-340-5p and miR-506-3p expressions alone or combined together produced 0.843 AUC, 0.851 AUC, and 0.935 AUC, respectively, when used to predict the incidence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Conclusion. Our work suggested that circulating miR-340-5p and miR-506-3p function as osteo-miRNAs in postmenopausal women and may serve as potential noninvasive biomarkers for the incidence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Postharvest Ozone Fumigation of Grapes (cv Sangiovese) Differently Affects Volatile Organic Compounds and Polyphenol Profiles of Berries and Wine
Authors: Modesti Margherita , Brizzolara Stefano , Forniti Roberto , Ceccantoni Brunella , Bellincontro Andrea , Catelli Cesare , Mencarelli Fabio , Tonutti Pietro
Published: February 2023

Consumers are more and more oriented towards the purchase of safer food and beverages, which is pushing the wine sector to find alternatives to the use of sulfur dioxide. Ozone (O3) is already applied in the wine industry to produce sulfur dioxide-free wines through the patented method Purovino®. The aim of this two-year study was that of evaluating whether the postharvest treatment of grapes with ozone affects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyphenol profile in berries, and in turn, wine composition. Grape bunches (Vitis vinifera L.) of cv Sangiovese were fumigated overnight with gaseous ozone (max 20 g·h−1 with 6% w.w−1 of ozone) in a cold room at 4°C (±0.5). After treatment, grapes were processed into wine. In grapes, ozone treatments increased total polyphenol and flavonoid content and upregulated specific genes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, VvPAL, flavanol synthase 1, and VvFLS1) involved in polyphenol biosynthesis. Wine obtained from ozone-treated grapes had higher flavanol content than the control. Fumigation only slightly affected the different VOC classes of grapes and wine, including aroma compounds derived from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Although a season-dependent effect was observed, results showed that postharvest ozone treatments applied to avoid the use of sulfur dioxide introduced limited but, in general, positive modifications to grape and wine composition. This information provides assurance to winemakers that the maintenance of wine quality and typicity will be guaranteed when using ozone treatments.
Improved Grey Wolf Optimization- (IGWO-) Based Feature Selection on Multiview Features and Enhanced Multimodal-Sequential Network Intrusion Detection Approach
Authors: Yuvaraja M. , Arunkumar S. , Vinodh Kumar P. , Mary Immaculate Sheela L.
Published: February 2023

The goal of the network intrusion detection system (NIDS) is to spot malicious activity in a network. It seeks to do that by examining the behavior of the traffic network. To find abnormalities, the NIDS heavily use machine learning (ML) and data mining techniques. The performance of NIDSs is significantly impacted by feature selection. This is due to the numerous characteristics that are used in anomaly identification, which take a lot of time. The time required to analyze traffic behavior and raise the accuracy level is thus influenced by the feature selection strategy. In the current work, the researcher’s goal was to provide a feature selection model for NIDSs. IGWO (improved grey wolf optimizations) for FSs (feature selections) was proposed to address these difficulties. The three primary processes in this proposed study are preprocessing, extractions and classifications of FSs, and evaluations of results. IGWOs are used to choose a subset of input variables by minimizing features to measure the accuracy in the search space and discover the best solution. A particular structure of HPNs (hierarchical progressive networks) is controlled by the MDAEs (multimodal deep autoencoders) and ABLSTMs (attention-based long short-term memories) for enhanced multimodal-sequential IDSs, i.e., AB-LSTMs. It is possible to understand relationships between neighboring network connections automatically and efficiently integrate information from many levels of characteristics inside a network connection using the EMS-DHPN technique simultaneously. This work’s suggested hybrid IDSs called IGWO-EMS-DHPN technique were evaluated using two intrusion datasets: UNSW-NB15 and CICIDS-2017 which is compared with other existing classifiers in terms of relative accuracies, precisions, recalls, and

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-scores in categorizations. While several classifiers have been developed, the suggested IGWO-EMS-DHPN classifier obtains maximum accuracy.
[Retracted] Effects of Early Weight‐Bearing Treadmill Training Combined with Pre‐Emptive Analgesia on Femoral Fracture Recovery
Authors: Chen Yunqiang , Ouyang Jiemiao , Chen Hong
Published: February 2023

Background. The effect of pre‐emptive analgesia plus early weight‐bearing treadmill training (EWBTT) on healing and motor function recovery of femoral shaft fracture is not clear. Methods. A total of 60 SD male rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: group A (pre‐emptive analgesia with EWBTT), group B (pre‐emptive analgesia with delayed weight‐bearing treadmill training, DWBTT), group C (pre‐emptive analgesia with no weight‐bearing), and group D (EWBTT with no pre‐emptive analgesia). All rats were molded by internal fixation with Kirschner wire after right femoral shaft fracture. In groups A, B, and C, tramadol was intramuscularly injected 15 minutes before surgery. EWBTT was performed at day 1 postoperatively in groups A and D, and DWBTT was performed at day 14 postoperatively in group B. Oblique plate test was accomplished to assess hindlimb motor function recovery of rats in each group. Status of fracture healing was assessed through digital radiography (DR). Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (MBP‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in callus were performed to explore fracture healing. The expression of BMP‐2 and VEGF protein in quadriceps femoris muscle was detected by Western blot technique and mRNA expression of BMP‐2 and VEGF in callus ascertained via reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) technique. Results. For oblique plate test, rats in group A outperformed those in groups B and C at all time points after operation. DR image revealed that large numbers of callus growth, blurred fracture line, and obvious continuous callus passing through the fracture line can be found in group A at day 28 postoperatively, which is the best healing status among all groups. HE staining of callus confirmed the optimal effect of healing for rats in group A. VEGF and BMP‐2 expression by immunohistochemistry showed a significantly higher positive score for callus in group A while those in group C being the lowest at all time points postoperatively. Significantly higher expression level of VEGF and BMP‐2 protein was detected in quadriceps femoris muscle from group A, which exceeded those in all other groups at all time points. RT‐PCR testing proved the highest expression of BMP‐2 and VEGF mRNA in callus of rats from group A, significantly higher than those of other groups. Conclusions. Both pre‐emptive analgesia and EWBTT can effectively invoke the expression of VEGF and BMP‐2 and promote recovery of hindlimb locomotor function in rats with femoral fracture, and the combination of them leads to more superior results.
Identification and Analysis of Crucial Genes in H. pylori-Associated Gastric Cancer Using an Integrated Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Ding Wei , Jiang Huaji , Ye Nianyuan , Zhuang Ling , Yuan Zhiping , Tan Yulin , Xue Wenbo , Xu Xuezhong
Published: February 2023

Background. The relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer (GC) has been widely studied, and H. pylori is considered as the main factor. Utilizing bioinformatics analysis, this study examined gene signatures related to progressing H. pylori-associated GC. Materials and Methods. The dataset GSE13195 was chosen to search for abnormally expressed genes in H. pylori-associated GC and normal tissues. The TCGA-STAD database was chosen to verify the expression of key genes in GC and normal tissues. Results. In GSE13195, a total of 332 differential expression genes (DEGs) were screened. The results of weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that the light cyan, plum2, black, and magenta4 modules were associated with stages (T3, T2, and T4), while the orangered4, salmon2, pink, and navajowhite2 modules were correlated with lymph node metastasis (N3, N2, and N0). Based on the results of DEGs and hub genes, a total of 7 key genes (ADAM28, FCER1G, MRPL14, SOSTDC1, TYROBP, C1QC, and C3) were screened out. These gene mRNA levels were able to distinguish between normal and H. pylori-associated GC tissue using receiver operating characteristic curves. After transcriptional level verification and survival analysis, ADAM28 and C1QC were excluded. An immune infiltration study revealed that key genes were involved in regulating the infiltration levels of cells associated with innate immune response, antigen presentation process, humoral immune response, or Tcell-mediated immune response. In addition, drugs targeting FCER1G and TYROBP have been approved and are under investigation. Conclusion. Our study identified five key genes involved in H. pylori-associated GC tumorigenesis. Patients with higher levels of C3 expression had a poorer prognosis than those with lower levels. In addition, these key genes may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for H. pylori-associated GC diagnosis, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in the future.
Study on Water Absorption Characteristics, Various Chemical Treatments, and Applications of Biological Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Thirumalaisamy Ramakrishnan , Senthil Kumar S. , Chelladurai Samson Jerold Samuel , Gnanasekaran S. , Sivananthan S. , Geetha N. K. , Ramesh A. , Assefa Gizachew Balcha
Published: February 2023

This study presents an extensive survey of the many surface treatments that may be given to natural fibers for use in advanced composites. When put into reality, the primary disadvantages of working through biological fibers are the increased level of moisture intake that natural fibers possess as well as their low dimensional stability. The fundamental purpose of applying surface treatments to natural fibers is to optimize the bonding strength as well as the pressure transferability in composites made of biological natural fibers. Natural fiber-strengthened polymer composites (NFPC) have overall mechanical qualities that are strongly dependent on the morphological, aspect ratio, hydrophilic propensity, and high stiffness of the natural fibers that are employed in the composite. Cellulosic fibers are being studied for their effects both before and after being used as reinforcements for thermoset and thermoplastic polymers. Some of the chemicals utilized in treatments include alkalis, silane, acetyl, benzoylation, acrylation and polyamide grafting, maleated linking agents, ammonium nitrate, peroxide, phenoxy, stearic acid, potassium chalcopyrite, triazine, synthetic derivatives of fatty acids (oleoyl chloride), and fungi. After chemical treatment, composites made from organic fibers are stronger and more dimensionally stable than the untreated sample.
NOTCH4 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Is Associated with Brain Arteriovenous Malformation in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Zhong Ming , Zhang Jianbo , Li Zhenjun , Liu Ziying , Fan Haiyan , Su Hengxian , Meng Hongliang , Zhang Xin , Li Xifeng , Duan Chuan-Zhi , He Xuying
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are high-flow intracranial vascular malformations characterized by the direct connection of arteries to veins without an intervening capillary bed. They are one of the main causes of intracranial hemorrhage and epilepsy, although morbidity is low. Angiogenesis, heredity, inflammation, and arteriovenous malformation syndromes play important roles in BAVM formation. Animal experiments and previous studies have confirmed that NOTCH4 may be associated with BAVM development. Our study identifies a connection between NOTCH4 gene polymorphisms and BAVM in a Chinese Han population. Methods: We enrolled 150 patients with BAVMs confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2017 to July 2019. Simultaneously, 150 patients without cerebrovascular disease were confirmed by computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography/DSA. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and NOTCH4 genotypes were identified by PCR-ligase detection reaction. The χ2 test or Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the differences in allele and genotype frequencies between the BAVM group, control group, bleeding group, and other complications. Results: Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs443198 and rs438475, were significantly associated with BAVM. No SNP genotypes were significantly associated with hemorrhage or epilepsy. SNPs rs443198_AA-SNP and rs438475_AA-SNP may be associated with a lower risk of BAVM (p = 0.011, odds ratio (OR) = 0.459, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.250–0.845; p = 0.033, OR = 0.759, 95% CI: 0.479–1.204). Conclusion: NOTCH4 gene polymorphisms were associated with BAVM and may be a risk factor in a Chinese Han population.
Biased Clonal Evolution in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia through Imbalances Affecting the der(17) but Not the der(15) Chromosome: Report of Two Cases
Authors: García-Romero Adriana , González-Arreola Rosa María , Borjas-Gutiérrez César , Magaña-Torres María Teresa , González-García Juan Ramón
Published: February 2023

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by the chromosomal translocation t(15;17)(q24;q21), raising two hybrid genes: PML::RARA and RARA::PML. There is a biased clonal evolution in APL since imbalances affecting the der(15) chromosome (the one that carries the transforming PML::RARA gene) have never been reported; instead, imbalances of the der(17), mainly in form of an ider(17)(q10), have been repeatedly documented. We here present two cases with APL who acquired an ider(17)(q10) as a secondary chromosomal change. The presence of the ider(17)(q10) implies several genomic consequences with potential to fuel tumor progression: (1) a duplication of the hybrid gene RARA::PML; (2) a cumulative haploinsufficiency for tumor suppressor genes located in the 17p arm; and (3) a cumulative triplosensitivity of genes located in 17q10→RARA::PML→15qter. Both our patients were treated following the PETHEMA LPA 2012 protocol with ATRA plus idarubicin and they have had a long event-free survival.
miR-142-3p Suppresses Invasion and Adhesion of Mesothelioma Cells by Downregulating ITGAV
Authors: Endo Ihiro , Amatya Vishwa Jeet , Kushitani Kei , Nakagiri Tetsuya , Aoe Kohei , Takeshima Yukio
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Currently, the efficacy of therapeutics is limited in malignant mesothelioma, and developing more effective therapies is the need of the hour. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), have attracted attention as therapeutic targets. To explore potential therapeutic targets, we focused on miR-142-3p expression, which was found to be significantly downregulated in mesothelioma cell lines in our previous study. Methods: Mesothelioma cell lines and tissues were validated for expression of miR-142-3p or integrin subunit alpha-V (ITGAV). We transfected mesothelioma cell lines with miR-142-3p mimic and ITGAV siRNA and analyzed their biological functions. Results: We found that miR-142-3p was significantly downregulated in mesothelioma tissues. Transfection with miR-142-3p mimic significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Bioinformatics analysis of potential targets of miR-142-3p identified ITGAV. Membrane ITGAV expression in mesothelioma cell lines was confirmed using immunocytochemistry. ITGAV was significantly upregulated in mesothelioma tissues. Moreover, transfection of miR-142-3p mimics into mesothelioma cell lines significantly suppressed ITGAV expression, indicating that miR-142-3p targets ITGAV. Next, ITGAV siRNA transfection into mesothelioma cell lines inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Further investigation of cell adhesion mechanisms showed that the miR-142-3p/ITGAV axis specifically affects mesothelioma cell adhesion via vitronectin in the extracellular matrix. Conclusion: This study proposed that the miR-142-3p/ITGAV axis is involved in tumor progression in malignant mesothelioma.
Experimental Investigations of Monomethyl and Dimethyl Fumarate in an Astrocyte-Microglia Co-Culture Model of Inflammation
Authors: Corvace Franco , Faustmann Timo Jendrik , Heckers Sandra , Faustmann Pedro M. , Ismail Fatme Seval
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and monomethyl fumarate (MMF) belong to the disease-modifying drugs in treatment of MS. There is evidence that astrocytes and microglia are involved in MS pathology, but few studies are available about MMF and DMF effects on astrocytes and microglia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MMF and DMF on microglial activation and morphology as well as potential effects on glial viability, Cx43, and AQP4 expressions in different set-ups of an in vitro astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Methods: Primary rat glial co-cultures of astrocytes containing 5% (M5, mimicking “physiological” conditions) or 30% (M30, mimicking “pathological, inflammatory” conditions) of microglia were treated with different concentrations of MMF (0.1, 0.5, and 2 μg/mL) or DMF (1.5, 5, and 15 μM) for 24 h. Viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity of glial cells were examined using MTT assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed to analyze the microglial phenotypes. Connexin 43 (Cx43) and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expressions were quantified by immunoblot analysis. Results: Treatment with different concentrations of MMF or DMF for 24 h did not change the glial cell viability in M5 and M30 co-cultures. Microglial phenotypes were not altered by DMF under physiological M5 conditions, but treatment with higher concentration of DMF (15 μM) induced microglial activation under inflammatory M30 conditions. Incubation with different concentrations of MMF had no effects on microglial phenotypes. The Cx43 expression in M5 and M30 co-cultures was not changed significantly by immunoblot analysis after incubation with different concentrations of DMF or MMF for 24 h. The AQP4 expression was significantly increased in M5 co-cultures after incubation with 5 μm DMF. Under the other conditions, AQP4 expression was not affected by DMF or MMF. Discussion: In different set-ups of the astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation, MMF has not shown significant effects. DMF had only limited effects on microglia phenotypes and AQP4 expression. In summary, mechanisms of action of fumarates probably do not involve direct effects on microglia phenotypes as well as Cx43 and AQP4 expression.
Hypertension Correlates With Stronger Blood Flow Pulsatility in Small Perforating Cerebral Arteries Assessed With 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: van den Kerkhof Marieke , van der Thiel Merel M. , Postma Alida A. , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Kroon Abraham A. , Jansen Jacobus F.A. , Backes Walter H.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Hypertension alters the structure and function of cerebral blood vessels, and is an important risk factor for stroke and cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). However, the pathophysiological process is not yet well understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the pulsatility measures in small perforating arteries and hypertension, since hypertension-induced arterial stiffening may lead to a higher blood flow pulsatility and lower damping.

Methods:

We examined 28 patients with essential hypertension and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (mean age: 63.4, range: 43–81 years, 26 males). Blood flow velocity waveforms were acquired in the lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) and the middle cerebral artery using phase-contrast MRI at 7 Tesla. Several cSVD markers were scored. The velocity and pulsatility measures were compared between the hypertensives and controls.

Results:

A higher pulsatility index (PI) in the LSAs and a lower damping factor (DF) was found in the hypertensive compared to the normotensive group (
P
=0.015,
P
=0.015, respectively), but no association was found for the PI in the middle cerebral artery. Higher systolic and mean arterial pressures were associated with higher PI in the LSA and DF. For diastolic blood pressure, only an association with a lower DF was found. Adjusting for cSVD score did not alter these relationships.

Conclusions:

This study shows a higher PI in the LSAs and a lower DF in subjects with hypertension, independent of cSVD presence. This supports the hypothesis that hypertension-induced arterial remodeling may alter the intracerebral blood flow velocity profiles, which could eventually contribute to cerebral tissue damage.

Registration:

URL:
https://trialsearch.who.int/
; Unique identifier: NL7537 and NL8798
How Intermittent Brain States Modulate Neurophysiological Processes in Cognitive Flexibility
Authors: Wendiggensen Paul , Beste Christian
Published: February 2023

Cognitive flexibility is an essential facet of everyday life, for example, when switching between different tasks. Neurophysiological accounts on cognitive flexibility have often focused on the task switch itself, disregarding preceding processes and the possible impact of “brain states” before engaging in cognitive flexibility. In a combined working memory/task-switching paradigm, we examined how neuronal processes during cognitive flexibility are interrelated to preceding neuronal processes across time and brain regions in a sample of n = 42 healthy adults. The interrelation of alpha- and theta-band-related processes over brain states ahead and during response selection was investigated on a functional neuroanatomical level using EEG-beamforming. The results showed that response selection processes (reflected by theta-band activity) seem to be strongly connected to “idling” and preparatory brain activity states (in both the theta- and alpha-band). Notably, the superior parietal cortex seems to play a crucial role by assembling alpha-band-related inhibitory processes from the rule- and goal-based actions during “idling” brain states, namely, short-term maintenance of rules (temporal cortex), task-set reconfiguration (superior frontal/precentral regions), and perceptual control (occipital cortex). This information is further relayed to response selection processes associated with theta-band activity. Notably, when the task has to be switched, theta-band activity in the superior frontal gyrus indicates a need for cognitive control in the “idling” brain state, which also seems to be relayed by BA7. The results indicate the importance of brain activity states ahead of response selection processes for cognitive flexibility.
The Epistemic Case for Sci-Art: Toward a Posthuman Praxis
Authors: Thompson-Bell Jacob
Published: February 2023

This article seeks to strengthen the epistemic case for sci-art by demonstrating how partnerships across paradigms can combine methodologies rooted in multiple knowledge traditions. Drawing on Robin Nelson’s multimodal conceptualization of artistic research and Bruno Latour’s model of science as a circulatory system of heterogeneous human and nonhuman phenomena, the author characterizes sci-art as a form of posthuman praxis, which opens new epistemic positions through transversal forms of inquiry, thereby revealing shared human/nonhuman cultures. Sci-art is thus proposed as a means of drawing together humans and nonhumans into more productive, empathic associations.
Ecocentric Governance: Recognising the Rights of Nature
Authors: Kanwal Poonam
Published: February 2023

Anthropocentric mode of consciousness has disturbed the internal cohesion and inter-relatedness of the natural world and is leading the world towards environmental devastation. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to humanity and is the face of this crisis. In view of this, the paper argues that we should make a shift towards ecocentric ways of thinking which look at nature in holistic terms and recognise the intrinsic value and rights of all the constituents of nature—rivers, mountains, plants and animals including human beings. Human existence is possible only when different constituents of nature interact with each other in a positive way. The paper argues that ecocentric awareness should be embedded in human governance system, law, education, culture and ethics, to save the world from environmental devastation.
The different roles of productive aging activities in the life satisfaction of older adults in urban and rural China
Authors: Xie Lili , Han Wenting
Published: February 2023

This study used nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey 2018 to investigate correlations between older people’s productive aging activities and their life satisfaction. The results show that volunteering and grandparenting are positively associated with life satisfaction in older adults, although more so in the rural sample. Furthermore, working is positively associated with life satisfaction in urban older adults, while an opposite relationship was found among rural older adults. The findings imply that properly encouraging the productive engagement of older adults might be a win-win strategy in actively coping with the challenges of population aging.
Jute-basalt reinforced epoxy hybrid composites for lightweight structural automotive applications
Authors: Alshahrani Hassan , Sebaey Tamer A , Awd Allah Mahmoud M , Abd El-baky Marwa A
Published: February 2023

The utilization of lightweight construction is one of the keys to increase the fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental effect of automobiles. Natural fiber composites are replacing expensive synthetic fibers increasingly commonly in the automotive sector. To further lower the weight and price of the vehicle without losing rigidity and strength, basalt (B) fiber could be incorporated into jute (J) fiber composites. For the generation of hybrid composite laminates, woven textiles made of J-fiber and B-fiber were combined with an epoxy matrix. The primary mechanical features of the J-B/epoxy composite laminates, including tensile, bending, shear, and bearing characteristics, were investigated. Hand lay-up approach was used to prepare the hybrid composite laminates. The impact of the number of J-plies relative to the number of B-plies on the mechanical properties was explored. The findings proved that the basalt/epoxy composite has the maximum ultimate tensile strength, young’s modulus, toughness modulus, bending strength, bending modulus, in-plane shear strength, and bearing strength. Whereas the J/epoxy composite showed the maximum failure strain and bending strain. Hybridizing J-fiber with B-fiber improved the tensile, bending, in-plane shear, and bearing characteristics of the prepared composite. The maximum specific tensile, bending, in-plane shear, and bearing strengths are displayed by 3B-2 J-3B, followed by 2B-4 J-2B.