bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile Public Transportation Application: Factors Influencing Urban Rail Transit Passengers' Use
Authors: Husnina Saraswaty Nur , Mokhtar Safizahanin , Muhammad Hussein Muhammad Zaly Shah , Mohamad Husny Hamid Zuhra Junaida , Sinniah Gobi Krishna , Abdul Ghani Nabila
Published: September 2022

This paper thoroughly explored and discussed the factors that affect Mobile Public Transportation Applications usage among urban rail transit passengers. To do so, a model known as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was chosen to determine the significant factors influencing mobile application usage among passengers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. During its primary data collection, an online survey was deployed to 109 passengers using an online survey platform. According to the modal split analysis, most female students and private-sector employees aged 18-29 years use the Mobile Public Transportation Application with route projection during an emergency, depending on the mobile application facilitating conditions. Moreover, based on the factors analysis' result, facilitating conditions are an essential factor compared to the other constructs. However, the study's findings might be biased towards a certain age and gender group due to its respondent reach. Therefore, an equal number of respondents in various age and gender groups is highly recommended for future research to fully grasp the factors that may affect passengers using the Mobile Public Transportation Application in urban mobility.
Knowledge of Dyslexia among Teacher Trainees in Malaysia
Authors: Izzati Suffiah  , Ai Cheng Julia Lee
Published: September 2022

Teacher trainees are a critical group of professionals responsible for identifying students with dyslexia in schools. This study aimed to examine the common understanding and misconceptions concerning dyslexia among Malaysian primary school teacher trainees. The study was conducted using a set of questionnaires known as the Knowledge and Belief about Developmental Dyslexia Scale (KBDDS) developed by Soriano et al. (2015) to investigate teachers' general knowledge, symptoms and diagnosis, and treatment of dyslexia. The questionnaire consists of 36 questions that require a true or false answer. Ninety-nine teacher trainees participated in the study. The results showed that there was a moderate proportion of teacher trainees who were not familiar with dyslexia in terms of general information (34%, n = 39), symptoms and diagnosis (23%, n = 23), and treatments (32%, n = 32). Based on the results, we can conclude that there were teacher trainees who were unfamiliar with dyslexia regarding the general information, symptoms and diagnosis, and treatments. Teacher trainees need to master every aspect of dyslexia because it will help them to enhance their skills in teaching students with dyslexia. This study's implication for improving pre-service teacher training programs for preparing teacher trainees to master the issues related to learning disabilities, special education, and especially dyslexia are discussed.
SIFAT FISIK VCO HASIL FERMENTASI SELAMA ≥ 24 JAMMENGGUNAKAN RAGI TEMPE DENGAN KONSENTRASI NUTRISI YEAST 2% B/V
Authors: Purnamasari Ita , Lusiani Cucuk Evi
Published: September 2022

Negara Indonesia merupakan negara agraris yang memiliki SDA (Sumber Daya Alam) dan lahan yang melimpah  sehingga dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai lahan perkebunan kelapa. Pemanfaatan kelapa khususnya bagian buah  salah satunya dapat digunakan untuk menghasilkan VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil). Pembuatan VCO dapat dilakukan  secara konvensional dengan metode fermentasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menentukan pengaruh waktu fermentasi terhadap warna, rasa, aroma, pH, dan, %yield VCO yang dihasilkan dari proses fermentasi  dengan ragi tempe. Pembuatan VCO diawali dengan pembuatan larutan starter untuk mengaktifkan yeast yang dilakukan dengan cara menambahkan ragi tempe (yeast) dan nutrisi yeast (konsentrasi 2% b/v) ke dalam tangki  pre-fermentor sederhana. Larutan starter selanjutnya dicampur dengan santan untuk dilakukan fermentasi  selama 24, 30, 36 jam. Produk VCO yang dihasilkan dianalisis untuk mengetahui sifat fisik dari VCO yang  meliputi warna, rasa, aroma, pH, dan %yield dari produk VCO. Berdasarkan hasil analisis sifat fisik dari VCO,  dapat disimpulkan bahwa sifat fisik VCO sesuai dengan SNI 7381.2008 yaitu transparan, memiliki rasa seperti  minyak kelapa, aroma seperti santan atau kelapa segar, nilai pH sebesar 5,5 dan nilai %yield tertinggi (11,30%) yang dihasilkan pada waktu fermentasi selama 36 jam.
Sistem Navigasi Mobile Robot Menggunakan Sensor CMPS12 Dengan Metode Fuzzy
Authors: Satriansyah Muhammad , Siradjuddin Indrazno , Sungkono Sungkono
Published: September 2022

Mobile Robot ini menggunakan 4 roda mekanum dengan metode Fuzzy menggunakan kontroller MyRio serta LABVIEW menjadi software untuk mengolah data di MyRio. Prinsip Kerja dari robot ini dimana kondisi awal dari proses kontrol robot ini yaitu bermula ketika robot berada random atau diam tergantung posisi awal yang ditentukan. Robot diberikan perintah agar sudut robot yang diinginkan dengan posisi sebenarnya robot sesuai dengan setpoint yang diinginkan. Setelah itu, saat Sensor CMPS12 pada robot mendeteksi arah orientasi gerak yang diinginkan antara sudut robot yang diinginkan dengan posisi sebenarnya tidak sesuai dengan setpoint, maka sensor akan mengirim data ke MyRio yang nantinya diteruskan ke kontroller MyRio untuk diolah dan diproses datanya menggunakan metode Fuzzy. Kemudian output dari data yang telah diolah dikirim driver motor BTN7960 untuk menggerakkan robot menyesuaikan setpoint sudut yang diinginkan.
Perancangan Sistem Hybrid Solar Cell dan PLN Menggunakan Solar Charger Controller dan Voltage Sensor
Authors: Haqiqi Aditya Ainul , Patma Tundung Subali , Fathoni Fathoni
Published: September 2022

Kebutuhan  energi  di  dunia  terus  meningkat  sedangkan  sumber  energi  fosil  yang  digunakan  terus  menipis,  sehingga dibutuhkan suatu energi alternatif untuk memasok kebutuhan energi. Skripsi ini merancang sistem hibrid antara solar cell, baterai, PLN untuk mensuplai beban DC 12V. Sistem ini menggunakan solar cell sebesar 50wp dan mengalami keadaan puncak pada pukul 12.00 dengan menghasilkan tegangan 21,10V, arus 0,39A dan daya sebesar 8,07W. Tegangan keluaran dari  solar  cell  akan  masuk ke Solar Charger Controller untuk diatur daya output sehingga bisa digunakan untuk charging accu. Penyearah digunakan untuk mengubah tegangan AC 220V menjadi tegangan DC 12V. Untuk switch sumberdaya digunakan Relay dengan trigger data dari Voltage Sensor. Keadaan baterai 100% ketika tegangan mencapai 12,71V dan dilakukan pengisian ketika keadaan baterai 30%-40% dengan tegangan sebesar 11,8V. untuk sistem pengisian daya dikontrol oleh Solar Charger Controller sedangkan untuk Sistem hybrid dengan pemindahan sumberdaya dikontrol oleh Arduino melalui Voltage Sensor. Agar tegangan pada batterai bisa dibaca oleh Arduino maka dibutuh pembagi tegangan dengan nilai maksimal 5V, pembagi tegangan ini akan menjadi satu rangkaian dengan Voltage Sensor.
A Layer & Request Priority-based Framework for Dynamic Resource Allocation in Cloud- Fog - Edge Hybrid Computing Environment
Authors: Patel Sandip Kumar , Patel Ritesh
Published: September 2022

One of the most promising frameworks is the fog computing paradigm for time-sensitive applications such as IoT (Internet of Things). Though it is an extended type of computing paradigm, which is mainly used to support cloud computing for executing deadline-based user requirements in IoT applications. However, there are certain challenges related to the hybrid IoT -cloud environment such as poor latency, increased execution time, computational burden and overload on the computing nodes. This paper offers A Layer & Request priority-based framework for Dynamic Resource Allocation Method (LP-DRAM), a new approach based on layer priority for ensuring effective resource allocation in a fog-cloud architecture. By performing load balancing across the computer nodes, the suggested method achieves an effective resource allocation. Unlike conventional resource allocation techniques, the proposed work assumes that the node type and the location are not fixed. The tasks are allocated based on two constrain, duration and layer priority basis i.e, the tasks are initially assigned to edge computing nodes and based on the resource availability in edge nodes, the tasks are further allocated to fog and cloud computing nodes. The proposed approach's performance was analyzed by comparing it to existing methodologies such as First Fit (FF), Best Fit (BF), First Fit Decreasing (FFD), Best Fit Decreasing (BFD), and DRAM techniques to validate the effectiveness of the proposed LP-DRAM.
A Lot-Sizing Model for a Multi-State System with Deteriorating Items, Variable Production Rate, and Imperfect Quality
Authors: Tshinangi Kapya , Adetunji Olufemi , Yadavalli V. S. S.
Published: September 2022

Conventional production systems assume that during the manufacturing processes, machines operate without breakdown over an infinite planning horizon and manufacture only products of good quality. Imperfect production processes as a result of machine degradation are common in manufacturing. This paper deals with a problem that concerns the modelling and evaluation of the performance of a multi-state production system that is subject to degradation and its effect on lot sizing. Here, we consider that the cycle starts with a particular production rate until a point when the inventory reaches a certain level after which the failure mode is activated due to the deterioration of certain components, leading to a reduction in the production rate in order to ensure the continuity of supply until the maximum inventory level is reached. Production then stops to restore the machine and the cycle starts again. We have assumed that the rate at which inventory deteriorates is exponential and that demand is constant. A numerical example is used to illustrate the model application, followed by sensitivity analysis. This paper contributes to lot sizing in the area of machine reliability by considering a production system in a degraded state with a non-increasing production rate for deteriorating items with imperfect quality and partial backlogging.
Numerically Detection Fluid Characteristic Effects in Porous Media
for Plastic Manufacturing Process Reconstruction
Authors: Pangaribawa Muttaqin Rahmat , Wiyono Sunardi , Sarjito  , Sutopo Niko Aji , Khusaini Fiki Amirul
Published: September 2022

Research work aimed to prove the cooling effectiveness and efficiency of heating numerically. It was carried out by reconstructing the mold to reduce condensation while keeping the production cycle time. The simulation was done using CFD Fluent, Finite Volume Method (FVM) with a solution method of pressure-velocity, SIMPLE coupling, and second-order upwind discretization scheme. The model's boundary condition represents plastic packaging's production process. The simulation was done to optimize performance during production. Reconstruction and simulation were undertaken. The initial investigation was to produce data for cooling time versus the whole production time. The research result indicated that the average cooling time was 3/5 of the total production time. There were 15.5706 of 26.4206 sec and 15.641 of 26.491 sec, respectively. Further investigation was focused on investigating heat absorption and transfer through cells in the matrix. The porous effect showed temperature gradient reduction between cooled and cooler temperatures by simulation in color. The phenomenon predicted that the Ra contributed to the rate of temperature decrease revealed. There is also an apparent increase in temperature interfaces is evidence. The porous media application with The Rayleigh Number ≥ 105 retained the potential cooling effectivity and heating efficiency. By simulation, a series of discussions of the result of research, the potential may apply in the plastic mold to reconstruct the space and its methods using filling-porous. It is relevant because the heating ability in the phase change of fluid that creates particular characteristics has the potential to make effective cooling.
Immediate hypersensitivity to COVID-19 vaccines: Focus on biological diagnosis
Authors: Nicaise-Roland Pascale , Granger Vanessa , Soria Angèle , Barbaud Annick , Pallardy Marc , Chollet-Martin Sylvie , de Chaisemartin Luc
Published: September 2022

Soon after the release of the new anti-COVID mRNA vaccines, reports came in from the US and the UK of anaphylactic reactions. Fueled by the necessary caution toward these new vaccine platforms, these reports had a great impact and were largely commented upon in the scientific literature and global media. The current estimated frequency is of 5 cases per million doses. Very little biological data are presented in the literature to support the anaphylaxis diagnosis in these patients in addition to skin tests. Allergic reactions to vaccines are rare and mostly due to vaccine excipient. Therefore, the poly-ethylene-glycol (PEG) present in both mRNA formulation, and already known to be immunogenic, was soon suspected to be the potential culprit. Several hypersensitivity mechanisms to PEG or to other vaccine components can be suspected, even if the classical IgE-dependent anaphylaxis seems to be one of the most plausible candidates. In the early 2022, the international guidelines recommended to perform skin prick tests and basophil activation tests (BAT) in people experiencing allergic reaction to the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine or with a history of PEG allergy. The aim of this review is to discuss the main potential mechanisms of immediate allergy to COVID19 vaccines based on published data, together with the various techniques used to confirm or not sensitization to one component.
The druggable genome: Twenty years later
Authors: Radoux Chris J. , Vianello Francesca , McGreig Jake , Desai Nikita , Bradley Anthony R.
Published: September 2022

The concept of the druggable genome has been with us for 20 years. During this time, researchers have developed several methods and resources to help assess a target’s druggability. In parallel, evidence for target-disease associations has been collated at scale by Open Targets. More recently, the Protein Data Bank in Europe (PDBe) have built a knowledge base matching per-residue annotations with available protein structure. While each resource is useful in isolation, we believe there is enormous potential in bringing all relevant data into a single knowledge graph, from gene-level to protein residue. Automation is vital for the processing and assessment of all available structures. We have developed scalable, automated workflows that provide hotspot-based druggability assessments for all available structures across large numbers of targets. Ultimately, we will run our method at a proteome scale, an ambition made more realistic by the arrival of AlphaFold 2. Bringing together annotations from the residue up to the gene level and building connections within the graph to represent pathways or protein-protein interactions will create complexity that mirrors the biological systems they represent. Such complexity is difficult for the human mind to utilise effectively, particularly at scale. We believe that graph-based AI methods will be able to expertly navigate such a knowledge graph, selecting the targets of the future.
A deep learning approach for anterior cruciate ligament rupture localization on knee MR images
Authors: Qu Cheng , Yang Heng , Wang Cong , Wang Chongyang , Ying Mengjie , Chen Zheyi , Yang Kai , Zhang Jing , Li Kang , Dimitriou Dimitris , Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Liu Xudong
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a deep learning-based method to localize and classify anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures on knee MR images by using arthroscopy as the reference standard.

Methods: We proposed a fully automated ACL rupture localization system to localize and classify ACL ruptures. The classification of ACL ruptures was based on the projection coordinates of the ACL rupture point on the line connecting the center coordinates of the femoral and tibial footprints. The line was divided into three equal parts and the position of the projection coordinates indicated the classification of the ACL ruptures (femoral side, middle and tibial side). In total, 85 patients (mean age: 27; male: 56) who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery under arthroscopy were included. Three clinical readers evaluated the datasets separately and their diagnostic performances were compared with those of the model. The performance metrics included the accuracy, error rate, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1-score. A one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the performance of the convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and clinical readers. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to assess interobserver agreement between the clinical readers.

Results: The accuracy of ACL localization was 3.77 ± 2.74 and 4.68 ± 3.92 (mm) for three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) CNNs, respectively. There was no significant difference in the ACL rupture location performance between the 3D and 2D CNNs or among the clinical readers (Accuracy, p < 0.01). The 3D CNNs performed best among the five evaluators in classifying the femoral side (sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.79), middle side (sensitivity of 0.71 and specificity of 0.84) and tibial side ACL rupture (sensitivity of 0.71 and specificity of 0.99), and the overall accuracy for sides classifying of ACL rupture achieved 0.79.

Conclusion: The proposed deep learning-based model achieved high diagnostic performances in locating and classifying ACL fractures on knee MR images.
A xylan assisted surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate for rapid food safety detection
Authors: Xiang Zhouyang , He Mengyun , Li Li , Bobokalonov Jamshed , Dzhonmurodov Abduvali , Ji Xingxiang
Published: September 2022

Cellulose fiber/paper-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is considered as a promising food safety detection technology due to its non-toxicity, low cost, flexibility, and hygroscopicity for possible rapid on-site agricultural product contaminant detection. However, it faces the problems of poor noble metal adhesion and toxic noble metal reducing agent. In this study, a natural macromolecule—xylan was used as both a reducing agent and a stabilizing agent to prepare stable Au-Ag bimetal nanoparticles, which were anchored on the paper surface by xylans in order to fabricate a paper-based Au-Ag bimetallic SERS substrate. The results show that the SERS substrate has a high Raman enhancement performance and reproductively. The substrate can effectively detect trace pesticide, i.e., thiram, and the limit of detection is as low as 1 × 10–6 mol/L (0.24 ppm). In addition, the paper-based SERS substrate can be used for direct detection of pesticide residues on the surface of fruit. The paper-based SERS substrate developed in this study has great potential in applications for rapid food safety detection.
Engineering diabetic human skin equivalent for in vitro and in vivo applications
Authors: Abedin-Do Atieh , Zhang Ze , Douville Yvan , Méthot Mirelle , Bernatchez Julien , Rouabhia Mahmoud
Published: September 2022

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Diabetes contributes to 70% of all non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, which are directly caused by diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) that are difficult to heal. Non-healing diabetic ulcers represent one of modern society’s most difficult medical challenges. One of the promising initiatives to treat DFU is the grafting of autologous skin or stimulating the skin cells at the edge of the wound to proliferate and close the wound. The present study was to engineer a diabetic human skin equivalent (DHSE) that contains fibroblasts and keratinocytes extracted from the skin collected from diabetic patients. The DHSE was used to investigate whether exposure to low-intensity electrical stimulation (ES) could promote diabetic cell activity. The ES was generated by a direct current (DC) electric field of 20 or 40 mV/mm. We demonstrated that the fibroblasts and keratinocytes could be extracted from older diabetics, cultured, and used to engineer DHSE. Interestingly, the exposure of DHSE to ES led to a structural improvement through tissue stratification, increased Ki-67 expression, and the deposition of basement membrane proteins (laminin and type IV collagen). The DHSE exposed to ES showed a high level of keratin 5 and 14 expressions in the basal and supra-basal layers. The keratinocyte proliferation was supported by an increased secretion of the keratinocyte growth factor (FGF-7). Exposure to ES decreased the activity of metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9. In conclusion, we extracted keratinocytes and fibroblasts from the skin of diabetic-old donors. These cells were used to engineer skin equivalents and demonstrate that ES can promote diabetic wound healing. This DHSE can be a promising tool for various in vitro studies to understand the wound healing mechanisms under chronic inflammatory conditions such as diabetes. The DHSE could also be used as an autologous substrate to cover the DFU permanently.
Loss of the fructose transporter SLC2A5 inhibits cancer cell migration
Authors: Groenendyk Jody , Stoletov Konstantin , Paskevicius Tautvydas , Li Wenjuan , Dai Ning , Pujol Myriam , Busaan Erin , Ng Hoi Hei , Boukouris Aristeidis E. , Saleme Bruno , Haromy Alois , Cui Kaisa , Hu Miao , Yan Yanan , Zhang Rui , Michelakis Evangelos , Chen Xing-Zhen , Lewis John D. , Tang Jingfeng , Agellon Luis B. , Michalak Marek
Published: September 2022

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer patient death and the elevation of SLC2A5 gene expression is often observed in metastatic cancer cells. Here we evaluated the importance of SLC2A5 in cancer cell motility by silencing its gene. We discovered that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inactivation of the SLC2A5 gene inhibited cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro as well as metastases in vivo in several animal models. Moreover, SLC2A5-attenuated cancer cells exhibited dramatic alterations in mitochondrial architecture and localization, uncovering the importance of SLC2A5 in directing mitochondrial function for cancer cell motility and migration. The direct association of increased abundance of SLC2A5 in cancer cells with metastatic risk in several types of cancers identifies SLC2A5 as an important therapeutic target to reduce or prevent cancer metastasis.
Macrophage, a potential targeted therapeutic immune cell for cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Ganyi , Jiang Hongwei , Yao Yiwei , Tao Zhonghao , Chen Wen , Huang Fuhua , Chen Xin
Published: September 2022

Cardiomyopathy is a major cause of heart failure, leading to systolic and diastolic dysfunction and promoting adverse cardiac remodeling. Macrophages, as key immune cells of the heart, play a crucial role in inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, exogenous and cardiac resident macrophages are functionally and phenotypically different during cardiac injury. Although experimental evidence has shown that macrophage-targeted therapy is promising in cardiomyopathy, clinical translation remains challenging. In this article, the molecular mechanism of macrophages in cardiomyopathy has been discussed in detail based on existing literature. The issues and considerations of clinical treatment strategies for myocardial fibrosis has also been analyzed.
Oxytocin promotes epicardial cell activation and heart regeneration after cardiac injury
Authors: Wasserman Aaron H. , Huang Amanda R. , Lewis-Israeli Yonatan R. , Dooley McKenna D. , Mitchell Allison L. , Venkatesan Manigandan , Aguirre Aitor
Published: September 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and frequently leads to massive heart injury and the loss of billions of cardiac muscle cells and associated vasculature. Critical work in the last 2 decades demonstrated that these lost cells can be partially regenerated by the epicardium, the outermost mesothelial layer of the heart, in a process that highly recapitulates its role in heart development. Upon cardiac injury, mature epicardial cells activate and undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to form epicardium-derived progenitor cells (EpiPCs), multipotent progenitors that can differentiate into several important cardiac lineages, including cardiomyocytes and vascular cells. In mammals, this process alone is insufficient for significant regeneration, but it might be possible to prime it by administering specific reprogramming factors, leading to enhanced EpiPC function. Here, we show that oxytocin (OXT), a hypothalamic neuroendocrine peptide, induces epicardial cell proliferation, EMT, and transcriptional activity in a model of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived epicardial cells. In addition, we demonstrate that OXT is produced after cardiac cryoinjury in zebrafish, and that it elicits significant epicardial activation promoting heart regeneration. Oxytocin signaling is also critical for proper epicardium development in zebrafish embryos. The above processes are significantly impaired when OXT signaling is inhibited chemically or genetically through RNA interference. RNA sequencing data suggests that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway is the primary mediator of OXT-induced epicardial activation. Our research reveals for the first time an evolutionary conserved brain-controlled mechanism inducing cellular reprogramming and regeneration of the injured mammalian and zebrafish heart, a finding that could contribute to translational advances for the treatment of cardiac injuries.
One-step synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots as fluorescence sensors for the parallel detection of cadmium and mercury ions
Authors: Tan Qiren , Li Xiaoying , Wang Lumei , Zhao Jie , Yang Qinyan , Sun Peng , Deng Yun , Shen Guoqing
Published: September 2022

Cadmium (Cd2+) and mercury ions (Hg2+) are essential for the quality control of food samples because of their serious toxicity to human health, but the effective and simple strategy for their parallel detection remains challenging. In this paper, a rapid and simple parallel detection method for Cd2+ and Hg2+ was developed using carbon dots (CDs) as fluorescent sensors. A one-step hydrothermal method with a single precursor l-arginine as both the carbon and nitrogen sources was employed to prepare nitrogen-doped CDs (N-CDs). N-CDs exhibited a uniform particle size and excitation-independent fluorescence emission. The maximum emission wavelength of N-CDs was observed at 354 nm with the excitation wavelength at 295 nm. The quantum yield of N-CDs reached as high as 71.6% in water. By using sodium diphosphate and phytic acid as masking agents, the fluorescent sensor can be quenched by Cd2+ and Hg2+ in the linear range of 0–26.8 μM and 0–49.9 μM within 5 min. Other common ions in farm products showed no significant effect on the fluorescence intensity of the sensing system. The results demonstrated that the sensing system had good selectivity and sensitivity for Cd2+ and Hg2+. The detection limits for Cd2+ and Hg2+ were 0.20 and 0.188 μM, respectively. In addition, the fluorescent sensor had been successfully applied for the detection of Cd2+ and Hg2+ in fruits and vegetables, and the recoveries were 86.44–109.40% and 86.62–115.32%, respectively. The proposed fluorescent sensor provides a rapid, simple, and sensitive detection method for Cd2+ and Hg2+ in food samples and thus a novel quantitative detection method for heavy metal ions in foods.
Use of whole-cell bioreporters to assess bioavailability of contaminants in aquatic systems
Authors: Zhu Yi , Elcin Evrim , Jiang Mengyuan , Li Boling , Wang Hailong , Zhang Xiaokai , Wang Zhenyu
Published: September 2022

Water contamination has become increasingly a critical global environmental issue that threatens human and ecosystems’ health. Monitoring and risk assessment of toxic pollutants in water bodies is essential to identifying water pollution treatment needs. Compared with the traditional monitoring approaches, environmental biosensing via whole-cell bioreporters (WCBs) has exhibited excellent capabilities for detecting bioavailability of multiple pollutants by providing a fast, simple, versatile and economical way for environmental risk assessment. The performance of WCBs is determined by its elements of construction, such as host strain, regulatory and reporter genes, as well as experimental conditions. Previously, numerous studies have focused on the design and construction of WCB rather than improving the detection process and commercialization of this technology. For investigators working in the environmental field, WCB can be used to detect pollutants is more important than how they are constructed. This work provides a review of the development of WCBs and a brief introduction to genetic construction strategies and aims to summarize key studies on the application of WCB technology in detection of water contaminants, including organic pollutants and heavy metals. In addition, the current status of commercialization of WCBs is highlighted.
Identification of compelling inhibitors of human norovirus 3CL protease to combat gastroenteritis: A structure-based virtual screening and molecular dynamics study
Authors: He Shan , Nahhas Alaa F. , Habib Alaa Hamed , Alshehri Mohammed Ali , Alshamrani Saleh , Asiri Saeed A. , Alnamshan Mashael M. , Helmi Nawal , Al-Dhuayan Ibtesam , Almulhim Jawaher , Alharbi Ahmed M. , Su Dongxiao , Kumari Ankita , Rahaman Abdul
Published: September 2022

Human noroviruses (NV) are the most prevalent cause of sporadic and pandemic acute gastroenteritis. NV infections cause substantial morbidity and death globally, especially amongst the aged, immunocompromised individuals, and children. There are presently no authorized NV vaccines, small-molecule therapies, or prophylactics for humans. NV 3 C L protease (3CLP) has been identified as a promising therapeutic target for anti-NV drug development. Herein, we employed a structure-based virtual screening method to screen a library of 700 antiviral compounds against the active site residues of 3CLP. We report three compounds, Sorafenib, YM201636, and LDC4297, that were revealed to have a higher binding energy (BE) value with 3CLP than the control (Dipeptidyl inhibitor 7) following a sequential screening, in-depth molecular docking and visualization, physicochemical and pharmacological property analysis, and molecular dynamics (MD) study. Sorafenib, YM201636, and LDC4297 had BEs of -11.67, -10.34, and -9.78 kcal/mol with 3CLP, respectively, while control had a BE of -6.38 kcal/mol. Furthermore, MD simulations of the two best compounds and control were used to further optimize the interactions, and a 100 ns MD simulation revealed that they form stable complexes with 3CLP. The estimated physicochemical, drug-like, and ADMET properties of these hits suggest that they might be employed as 3CLP inhibitors in the management of gastroenteritis. However, wet lab tests are a prerequisite to optimize them as NV 3CLP inhibitors.
In-silico molecular modelling, MM/GBSA binding free energy and molecular dynamics simulation study of novel pyrido fused imidazo[4,5-c]quinolines as potential anti-tumor agents
Authors: Dasmahapatra Upala , Kumar Chitluri Kiran , Das Soumyadip , Subramanian Prathima Thimma , Murali Poornimaa , Isaac Arnold Emerson , Ramanathan Karuppasamy , MM Balamurali , Chanda Kaushik
Published: September 2022

With an alarming increase in the number of cancer patients and a variety of tumors, it is high time for intensive investigation on more efficient and potent anti-tumor agents. Though numerous agents have enriched the literature, still there exist challenges, with the availability of different targets and possible cross-reactivity. Herein we have chosen the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) as the target of interest and investigated the potential of pyrido fused imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline derivatives to bind strongly to the active site, thereby inhibiting the progression of various types of tumors. The AutoDock, Glide and the Prime-MM/GBSA analysis are used to execute the molecular docking investigation and validation for the designed compounds. The anti-tumor property evaluations were carried out by using PASS algorithm. Based on the GLIDE score, the binding affinity of the designed molecules towards the target PI3K was evaluated. The energetics associated with static interactions revealed 1j as the most potential candidate and the dynamic investigations including RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA and hydrogen bonding also supported the same through relative stabilization induced through ligand interactions. Subsequently, the binding free energy of the Wortmannin and 1j complex calculated using MM-PBSA analysis. Further evaluations with PASS prediction algorithm also supported the above results. The studies reveal that there is evidence for considering appropriate pyrido fused imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline compounds as potential anti-tumor agents.
Meaningful, gamified training of reading fluency
Authors: Massler Ute , Müller Wolfgang , Iurgel Ido , Haake Susanne , Gantikow Alexander , Hadzilacos Thanasis
Published: September 2022

Improving learners' reading is of importance. The digital world is centred on the written word, and today's labour market requires high literacy levels. Furthermore, the development of school and foreign language skills among learners, especially those of weaker learners, is crucial as the effects of globalisation allow for increased work mobility and the necessity for lifelong learning. GameLet provides effective training scenarios for reading fluency, a prerequisite for reading comprehension, in schools with gamified, self-guided, personalised, media-based individual and collaborative learning, thereby allowing educators to intensify and extend learning activities to out-of-school settings. At the core of GameLet lies the production of a podcast by the learners that encourages them to read repeatedly, hence improving their reading fluency, and to successfully record their role in a digitalRecording Studio. Increasing reading fluency is targeted by means of media-supported individual and cooperative learning phases with various training methods. Furthermore, GameLet implements meaningful digital media-based Gamification mechanisms for the purpose of increasing student motivation. The software is web-based and was developed with a focus on user-centred design and an agile and design-based approach. Prototype development followed an iterative and participative process, in which students and teachers of three participating partner countries interacted with the developed materials. Artefacts were tested in both face-to-face and online settings. GameLet exemplifies the successful application of Gamification for improving and extending classical learning scenarios at school as well as the design of effective learning technologies that are meaningful, gamified, effective and usable.
Prevalence, treatment, and attributed mortality of elevated blood pressure among a nationwide population-based cohort of stroke survivors in China
Authors: Wang Bin , Bai Xueke , Yang Yang , Cui Jianlan , Song Lijuan , Liu Jiamin , Lu Jiapeng , Cai Jun
Published: September 2022

Background

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in stroke survivors. China has the highest prevalence of stroke survivors and accounts for one-third of stroke-related deaths worldwide. We aimed to describe the prevalence and treatment of elevated BP across age, sex, and region, and assess the mortality attributable to elevated BP among stroke survivors in China.

Materials and methods

Based on 3,820,651 participants aged 35–75 years from all 31 provinces in mainland China recruited from September 2014 to September 2020, we assessed the prevalence and treatment of elevated BP (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) among those with self-reported stroke and stratified by age group, sex, and geographic region. We estimated the age- and sex-specific population attributable fractions of death from elevated BP.

Results

Among 91,406 stroke survivors, the mean (SD) age was 62 (8) years, and 49.0% were male. The median interquartile range (IQR) stroke duration was 4 (2, 7) years. The prevalence of elevated BP was 61.3% overall, and increased with age (from 47.5% aged 35–44 years to 64.6% aged 65–75 years). The increment of prevalence was larger in female patients than male patients. Elevated BP was more prevalent in northeast (66.8%) and less in south (54.3%) China. Treatment rate among patients with elevated BP was 38.1%, and rates were low across all age groups, sexes, and regions. Elevated BP accounted for 33 and 21% of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among stroke survivors, respectively. The proportion exceeded 50% for cardiovascular mortality among patients aged 35–54 years.

Conclusion

In this nationwide cohort of stroke survivors from China, elevated BP and its non-treatment were highly prevalent across all age groups, sexes, and regions. Elevated BP accounted for nearly one-third cardiovascular mortality in stroke survivors, and particularly higher in young and middle-aged patients. National strategies targeting elevated BP are warranted to address the high stroke burden in China.
Oxygen saturation before and after mechanical thrombectomy and functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yu Shuhong , Yu Shuai , Zhang Hang , Dai Qingyong , Huang Hao , Luo Yi , Guo Zhiliang , Xiao Guodong
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Currently, there is a lack of effective neuroprotective strategies to break the ceiling effect of mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and one of the most promising is normobaric oxygen treatment. However, the impact of pre- and post-MT oxygen saturation on clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains unclear. We aimed to determine the influence of preoperative and postoperative oxygen saturation on 3-month poor outcome in patients with AIS.

Methods

A total of 239 consecutive stroke patients with successful recanalization by MT between May 2017 and March 2021 were analyzed. Oxygen saturation was measured non-invasively by pulse oximetry at baseline and continually after MT. Regression analysis was used to assess the association of preoperative and postoperative oxygen saturation with a 3-month poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score: 3–6).

Results

Decreased preoperative oxygen saturation level was associated with an increased risk of poor outcome (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73–0.98; P = 0.0293). Postoperative oxygen saturation had the opposite effect on poor outcome (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.13–2.27; P = 0.0088).

Conclusion

Preoperative and postoperative oxygen saturation have different impacts on 3-month poor outcome in patients with AIS with successful recanalization by MT.
High-density thrombus and maximum transverse diameter on multi-spiral computed tomography angiography combine to predict abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture
Authors: Liu Heqian , Chen Zhipeng , Tang Chen , Fan Haijian , Mai Xiaoli , Cai Jing , Qiao Tong
Published: September 2022

Objective

We attempted to measure maximum transverse diameter (MTD) of and CT values of ILT by using multi-spiral computed tomography angiography (MSCTA) to investigate the predictive value of MTD with different CT values of thrombus on the risk of AAA rupture.

Methods

Forty-five intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA) and 17 ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAA) were included in this study. MTD and CT values in their planes were measured from MSCTA images and aneurysm lumen and thrombus volumes were calculated for the range of different CT values.

Results

The median of maximum CT value of thrombus at the plane of MTD was higher in RAAA (107.0 HU) than the median in IAAA (84.5 HU) (P < 0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the maximum CT value was a risk factor for RAAA (P < 0.001). It was further found that the area under the ROC curve for thrombus maximum CT value in the MTD plane to predict RAAA was 0.848 (P < 0.001), with a cut-off value of 97.5 HU, a sensitivity of 82.35%, and a specificity of 84.44%. And the MTD of the abnormal lumen combined with the maximum CT value at its plane predicted RAAA with an area under the ROC curve of 0.901, a sensitivity of 76.47%, and a specificity of 97.78%. The further analysis of thrombus volume in the range of different CT value showed that median thrombus volume in RAAA in the range of 30 HU~150 HU was 124.2 cm3 which was higher than the median of 81.4 cm3 in IAAA (P = 0.005). To exclude confounding factors (aneurysm volume), we calculated the standardized thrombus (ILT volume/total aneurysm volume), and the thrombus volume in the range of 30 HU~150 HU in RAAA was positively correlated with the standardized thrombus volume (ρ = 0.885, P < 0.001), while the thrombus volume in the range of −100 HU~30 HU was not correlated with it (ρ = 0.309, P = 0.228).

Conclusions

High-density ILT shown on MSCTA in AAAs is associated with aneurysm rupture, and its maximum transverse diameter combined with the maximum CT value in its plane is a better predictor of RAAA.
Alcohol consumption and atrial fibrillation risk: An updated dose-response meta-analysis of over 10 million participants
Authors: Jiang Hezi , Mei Xiaofei , Jiang Yufeng , Yao Jialu , Shen Jinsheng , Chen Tan , Zhou Yafeng
Published: September 2022

Background

The treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) has made significant progress, but the prevention of AF has not received the attention it deserves. A few recent large-sized studies have conducted dose response analysis and reported different conclusions from previous studies on alcohol consumption and AF risk.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine the potential non-linear association between alcohol consumption and risk of AF and explore the potential differences of gender.

Methods

In this updated dose-response meta-analysis, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched until June 2022. Risk estimates were reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The random-effects restricted cubic spline models are used to evaluate the potential non-linear association between alcohol consumption and AF risk.

Results

A total of 10,151,366 participants with 214,365 cases of AF enrolled in 13 prospective studies. The overall meta-analysis showed that a 1 drink/day increase in alcohol consumption increased the risk of AF by 6% (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.08). In gender subgroup analysis, pooled results were different between men (RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.05–1.11) and women (RR: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.96–1.14). A linear relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of AF was found in men (p = 0.87) while a J-shaped curve was observed in women (p = 0.00). Regional subgroup analysis yielded broadly comparable results in Americas (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.03–1.12), Europe (RR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.99–1.1) and Asia (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.99–1.14).

Conclusion

The relationship between AF risk and alcohol consumption is linear in men, while a potential non-linear J-shaped relationship is shown in women.

Condensed abstract

We conducted a dose-response meta-analysis on the relationship between alcohol consumption and risk of atrial fibrillation. We merged the data of over 10 million participants and found gender differences in the pattern of association with AF and alcohol consumption. The relationship between AF risk and alcohol consumption is linear in men, while a potential non-linear J-shaped relationship is shown in women. In summary, this research is vital in furthering our understanding of the role of alcohol consumption in new-onset AF, especially among different genders.
Antegrade axillary arterial perfusion in 3D endoscopic minimally-invasive mitral valve surgery
Authors: Petersen Johannes , Naito Shiho , Kloth Benjamin , Pecha Simon , Zipfel Svante , Alassar Yousuf , Detter Christian , Conradi Lenard , Reichenspurner Hermann , Girdauskas Evaldas
Published: September 2022

Background

Minimally-invasive (MIS) mitral valve (MV) surgery has become standard therapy in many cardiac surgery centers. While femoral arterial perfusion is the preferred cannulation strategy in MIS mitral valve surgery, retrograde arterial perfusion is known to be associated with an increased risk for cerebral atheroembolism, particularly in atherosclerosis patients. Therefore, antegrade perfusion may be beneficial in such cases. This analysis aimed to compare outcomes of antegrade axillary vs. retrograde femoral perfusion in the MIS mitral valve surgery.

Methods

This analysis includes 50 consecutive patients who underwent MIS between 2016 and 2020 using arterial cannulation of right axillary artery (Group A) due to severe aortic arteriosclerosis. Perioperative outcomes of the study group were compared with a historical control group of retrograde femoral perfusion (Group F) which was adjusted for age and gender (n = 50). Primary endpoint of the study was in-hospital mortality and perioperative cerebrovascular events.

Results

Patients in group A had a significantly higher perioperative risk as compared to Group F (EuroSCORE II: 3.9 ± 2.5 vs. 1.6 ± 1.5; p = 0.001; STS-Score: 2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 1.3 ± 0.6; p = 0.023). Cardiopulmonary bypass time (group A: 172 ± 46; group F: 178 ± 51 min; p = 0.627) and duration of surgery (group A: 260 ± 65; group F: 257 ± 69 min; p = 0.870) were similar. However, aortic cross clamp time was significantly shorter in group A as compared to group F (86 ± 20 vs. 111 ± 29 min, p < 0.001). There was no perioperative stroke in either groups. In-hospital mortality was similar in both groups (group A: 1 patient; group F: 0 patients; p = 0.289). In group A, one patient required central aortic repair due to intraoperative aortic dissection. No further cardiovascular events occurred in Group A patients.

Conclusion

Selective use of antegrade axillary artery perfusion in patients with systemic atherosclerosis shows similar in-hospital outcomes as compared to lower risk patients undergoing retrograde femoral perfusion. Patients with higher perioperative risk and severe atherosclerosis can be safely treated via the minimally invasive approach with antegrade axillary perfusion.
Dynamic numerical simulation and risk predictive assessment of the slope debris flow for the rear mountain at the management office of the Erlang Mountain Tunnel
Authors: Wang Hao , Dai Lin , Pan Deng , Yue Jianwei , Fu Dewei , Yan Tiantian
Published: September 2022

The Erlang Mountain Tunnel Management Office is located in Luding County, Sichuan Province, China. A long-term open-pit limestone mine is located on the rear mountain, 1 km from the west entrance of the Erlang Mountain Tunnel Management Office for the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Dangerous rock masses and a large accumulation of mine waste slag are present o-n the hillside, which can easily produce slope debris flow disasters. This paper analyzes the formation causes of slope debris flow through field investigation and uses RAMMS (Rapid mass movement simulation) software to study the influence of base friction coefficient μ and ξ on slope debris flow. Numerical simulation predicted level of danger of the movement process from the aspects of Velocity, deposition height, flow, topography. When the dry Coulomb friction value μ increased from 0.3 to 0.4, the debris velocity decreased and began to spread out along the slope. The flow process can be divided into four parts, and found that the velocity and discharge are different in the upstream and downstream of the slope constriction. The slope constriction has a significant amplification effect on the velocity and discharge. The velocity is amplified by 31.1%, and the discharge is amplified by 14.5%. In addition, based on the dynamic characteristics and the frequency of rainstorms, the risk of debris flow is divided into four levels: low, medium, high, and extremely high. The hazard map of slope debris flow in the rainstorm return period (20 years) is established, which provides a basis for the assessment and prediction of debris flow.