bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated use of well logging and geophysical data to define stratigraphy on a contaminated urban site in São Paulo, Brazil.
Authors: Netto Leonides Guireli , Barbosa Alexandre Muselli , Pereira João Pedro Silva , Gandolfo Otávio Coaracy Brasil , Guimarães Camila Camolesi , Birelli Carlos Alberto , de Freitas Leandro Gomes , Nascimento Claudio Augusto Oller do
Published: June 2022

One of the most important steps in the environmental remediation of contaminated areas is the stratigraphic characterization of the study area. The behavior of the contaminant in the environment is directly related to the lithological composition and hydrogeological factors of the stratigraphic layers. In the present study, geoenvironmental, geotechnical and geophysical investigations were applied in an old wood treatment area close to one of the main rivers in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The use of geophysics in this scenario resulted in information gain in relation to drilling tests, which are strictly punctual. Geophysical methods not commonly applied in environmental studies were used, associated with high resolution geoenvironmental investigation techniques, which allowed a detailed characterization of the the study area stratigraphy. Geophysical (MASW and gamma well logging) and geoenvironmental (electrical conductivity profiles) data were compared with granulometric variations in soil characterization laboratory tests. The results showed that the association of invasive and non-invasive investigation techniques is a viable alternative in studies of stratigraphic characterization of contaminated areas, mainly in tropical environments.
Effects of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with ADHD by activating serotonin and improving stress coping ability
Authors: Park Jong-In , Lee In-Ho , Kwon Ryeo-Won , Choo Eon-ah , Lee Jeong-Beom
Published: June 2022

BackgroundThe objective of this study was conducted to determine the effect of music therapy as an alternative treatment on depression in children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by activating serotonin (5-HT) and improving stress coping ability. Methods A total of 43 subjects participated in the experiment, consisting of an ADHD group (n = 18, age of 12.15 ± 2.43 years; height of 142.57 ± 9.98 cm; weight of 41.45 ± 13.87 kg) and a control group (n = 25, with age, height, and weight similar to those with ADHD). Music therapy was regularly performed for all subjects twice a week for three months, 50 minutes each, for a total of 24 times. From a neurophysiological perspective, changes in depression and stress were tracked by measuring 5-HT secretion, cortisol expression, blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and psychological scales. Results As a result of the measurement, in both ADHD group and control groups, 5-HT secretion was increased (p < 0.001), whereas cortisol expression (p < 0.001), BP (p < 0.05), and HR (p < 0.001) were decreased after music therapy. The psychological scale also showed positive changes (p < 0.01). ConclusionsIn conclusion, the application of music therapy as an alternative treatment for ADHD children and adolescents showed positive neurophysiological and psychological effects. Therefore, this study would like to propose a new alternative of medicine for preventing and treating depression through various uses of music therapy.
B cell receptor (BCR) diversity and differential CDR3s usage as potential immune indictors of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) Running title: Vital roles of BCR traits in DLBCL
Authors: Jiang Wenhua , Zhou Shiyong , Li Jian , Zhu Guoqing , Gao Mingyou , Zhao Kuo , Zhang Limeng , Xie Xiaojing , Zhao Ning , Tian Caijuan , Zhang Zhenzhen , Zhao Yanpeng , Guo Yixian , Cui Yunlong , Liu Pengfei
Published: June 2022

The aim of the present study was to characterize DLBCL of BCR distributions, and to screen specific BCR features as potential indicators related to DLBCL prognosis. A total of 13 patients with DLBCL and 5 healthy individuals were enrolled in the present study. In total, two high throughput sequencing methods, BCR repertoire and WES, were used to reveal BCR distributions and gene mutations, respectively. A series of comprehensive analyses were conducted to identify potential complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) indicators of DLBCL and to analyze their association with clinical characteristics. The relatively higher BCR diversity in patients with DLBCL was associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS). In addition, the top 10 differential CDR3s were screened as potential DLBCL indicators, and among these, four CDR3s [immunoglobulin heavy chain IGHV1-8/IGHJ6, IGHV3-74/IGHJ6, IGHV4-39/IGHJ3 and IGHV4-34/IGHJ4] exhibited a close relationship with PFS in patients with DLBCL. In further analysis, IGHV4-34/IGHJ4 and IGHV4-39/IGHJ3 were identified to be directly related to tumor metastasis, and IGHV4-39/IGHJ4 was related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. WES data were used to analyze the gene mutations in patients with DLBCL, indicating that two metastasis pathways (‘focal adhesion’ and ‘ECM-receptor interaction’) were involved in characteristic changes of BCR. In conclusion, BCR diversity and usage of 10 specific CDR3s were identified as potential DLBCL indicators in the present study. Clinically, inflammation and HBV infection were the two main factors associated with changes of BCR characteristics. In terms of the molecular mechanism, BCR distributions were closely associated with metastasis-related pathways.
Development of an AI and IoT Driven Decision Support System for Sheep Breeding Farms
Authors: Hamadani Ambreen , Ganai Nazir A.
Published: June 2022

The science of animal breeding is based on the use of statistical designs and genetic models. A fundamental requirement, however, is the availability of accurate and reliable pedigreed data and tools facilitating sophisticated computations. The sheep husbandry sector in India has been quite unable to tap into the potential of either. As the global challenges of food insecurity and population explosion become more pressing, there is a dire need to revamp the existing breeding and farm management systems. To address this challenge, farming practices must evolve to become a part of the technological revolution. Keeping this in view, Smart Sheep Breeder (SSB) – a fully functional multi-use online Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things -enabled Decision Support System (DSS) for automatic performance recording, farm data management, data mining, biometrical analysis, e-governance, decision-making in sheep farms was developed. This mega database thus developed would be capable of across farm genetic ranking of sheep and effective dissemination of germplasm. The first-of-its-kind tool in India is available as a web-based tool and android application which facilitates performance recording in animals in simple-to-use data entry e-forms and generate customized reports on various aspects of sheep production. SSB uses artificial intelligence and world class biometrical genetic algorithms to calculate breeding values, and inbreeding coefficients, construct selection indices and generate pedigree, history sheets as well as more than 40 types of custom-tailored animal and farm reports and graphs. The algorithms used were validated using farm data and comparison with established methods. Smart Sheep Breeder could thus prove to be indispensable for the present farming systems which could subsequently be used by breeders across India.
A neuroprotective role of Ufmylation through Atg9 in the aging brain of Drosophila
Authors: Li Huifang , Wei Zhenhao , Yu Zhenghong , Cai Yafei , Ma Fei , Cheng Yun , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2022

Ufmylation is a recently identified small ubiquitin-like modification, whose biological function and relevant cellular targets are poorly understood. Here we present evidence of a neuroprotective role for Ufmylation involving Autophagy-related gene 9 (Atg9) in the aging brain of Drosophila. The Ufm1 system ensures the health of aged neurons via Atg9 by coordinating autophagy and mTORC1, and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) activity. Neuron-specific expression of Atg9 suppresses the age-associated movement defect and lethality caused by loss of Ufmylation. Furthermore, Atg9 is identified as a conserved target of Ufm1 conjugation mediated by Ddrgk1, a critical regulator of Ufmylation. Mammalian Ddrgk1 was shown to be indispensable for the stability of endogenous Atg9A protein in mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells. Taken together, our findings might have important implications for neurodegenerative diseases in mammals.
Localized phosphorus promotes nutrient productivity of Brassica chinensis genotype with strong root morphological plasticity
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Deshan , Tang Xiaoyan , Gao Xiang , Ruan Yunze , Zhang Yuqiang , Shen Jianbo
Published: June 2022

Aims
Crops adjust root morphological and/or exudation traits in response to phosphorus (P) availability and heterogeneous-supplied P, governing crop productivity. Yet, how the intraspecific plasticity of root P-acquisition strategies influence plant adaptation to localized P fertilization across doses remains obscure.
Methods
Root P-acquisition traits were assessed in Brassica chinensis L. Xiaqing and Yanchun grown in soil with four mineral P fertilization levels (0, 15, 24, and 30 kg P ha− 1), and with broadcast and localized P across two levels (15 and 24 kg P ha− 1) to characterize efficient strategies in relation to large plant P productivity.
Results
Genotype of Xiaqing stimulated growth of roots with large specific length and increased exudation of acid phosphatase and carboxylates under 15 kg P ha− 1 fertilization as compared to those in 24 and 30 kg P ha− 1 soil. Conversely, Yanchun increased root elongation in 15 kg P ha− 1 soil compared with crops in soil fertilizing 30 kg P ha− 1. Xiaqing and Yanchun stimulated root proliferation in P-rich soil volume with 15 and 24 kg P ha− 1, but with longer roots in the former than the later genotype. Localized P at 15 kg P ha− 1 level, compared with 24 kg P ha− 1, increased root length in patchy soil zone and promoted P acquisition in Xiaqing and Yanchun.
Conclusion
Genotype of Xiaqing exhibited strong root plasticity in response to low and localized P application compared with Yanchun. Nutrient-efficient genotype coupling with localized fertilization was important to increase crop yield, saving fertilizer in vegetable cropping system.
RETRACTED: Wearing compression socks results in significantly lower pulse wave velocity in human peripheral arteries
Authors: Morinaga Kosuke , Nakahara Masako , Matsura Kotaro , Ishihara Shigekazu , Idobata Yasuhiro , Kobata Takafumi , Tsuji Toshio
Published: June 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Prevalence and mechanism of carbapenem-resistant genes in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Khalid Komal , Kashif Amer Sohail , Amir Afreenish , Waris Muhammad Asim , Gul Sania , Gilani Syed Omer , Zafar Saima , Nawaz Eid , Ullah Nadeem , Ikram Aamer
Published: June 2022

BackgroundGram-negative Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen, being highly reported for causing various nosocomial infections worldwide. The present study aimed to characterize the presence of carbapenem-resistant genes among multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains, isolated from the tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. MethodsBiochemical tests were performed for the initial identification of bacterial strains and further confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done by using the standard Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and carbapenem resistance determinants were further screened Metallo-beta-lactamase manufacture through Imipenem/Imipenem-EDTA-CDT. All 46 imipenem-resistant and 44 MBL positive isolates of A. baumannii were further amplified by PCR. ResultsThe OXA-51-like gene was detected in 45 strains (97.82%), while OXA-23-like was detected in 44 (95.65%) strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Moreover, New Dehli MBL, blaNDM gene was identified in four (9.09%) MBL positive carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) isolates. All blaNDM isolates were co-expressed by the OXA-23-like gene while OXA-51-like was absent in one blaNDM positive strain of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. ConclusionA high prevalence of OXA-51-like and OXA-23-like genes was seen among the carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, followed by blaNDM-1. The study findings showed the significant presence of carbapenem-resistant genes in MDR Acinetobacter baumannii strains, which may lead to clinical therapeutic failures.
Comparative transcriptomics reveals key genes contributing to the differences in drought tolerance among three cultivars of Foxtail millet (Setaria italica)
Authors: Guo Yue , Hao Dongdong , Wang Xiaoxia , Wang Hui , Wu Zehao , Yang Pu , Zhang Ben
Published: June 2022

Foxtail millet ( Setaria italica L.) is an important food crop with strong drought stress tolerance. The response of foxtail millet to drought stress is a complex regulatory network, and the physiological mechanism of foxtail millet's adaptation to drought stress is still unclear. This study investigated three different cultivars of foxtail millet with different drought resistance. Drought stress reduced the water content and chlorophyll content of foxtail millet leaves and increased the content of MDA and soluble protein. From strong to weak drought resistance order was Jigu39, Jingu21, and Longgu16. The transcriptome analysis of these three cultivars was carried out. 2954, 1531 and 2344 differentially expressed genes under drought stress were identified in Jigu39, Jingu21 and Longgu16. The GO and KEGG pathway analysis identified DEGs significantly enriched in photosynthesis, chlorophyll metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism in all three cultivars. In addition, we identified 46 genes whose trends of transcription change were consistent with the drought resistance trends among three cultivars of foxtail millet. Among them, 32 genes were first identified related to drought response in foxtail millet, which was worth for further research.
Identification of stages of Dysplasia using Graf type Ultrasound Images
Authors: Pavithra S , R Vanithamani , Justin Judith
Published: June 2022

Dysplasia is a congenital condition of the muscles and joints that occurs in the fetus. In hip dysplasia, the femoral head of the upper femur does not fully cover the hip portion of the bone, and as a result, the hip can become partially or fully dislocated. In addition to joint immobility and osteoarthritis, it can also cause prolonged pain in the joints. Infants with dysplasia should be treated as soon as possible to avoid troublesome experiences. Ultrasound examination of the hip is used to detect dysplasia, as it is non-invasive and less harmful to the body. However, ultrasound images are limited by speckle noise. Hence, speckle reduction is crucial to improve the image quality and for extracting features. Ultrasound images with speckle noise can be de-speckled using a hybrid model composed of Speckle Reduction Anisotropic Diffusion (SRAD) and Deep Neural Network (DNN). With respect to Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), Mean Square Error (MSE) and Structural Similarity Index (SSIM), the performance is compared with that of state-of-the-art methods for speckle reduction. It has been observed that the proposed model is efficient in reducing speckle noise. The work emphasizes the classification of hip dysplasia. Denoising the image enables the extraction of statistical features, including skewness, kurtosis, alpha angle, mean, standard deviation, and convexity. For the purpose of classifying stages of dysplasia, the extracted features are fed into classifiers like Boosted Trees, Random Forest, Multi-class SVM, and Naive Bayes. The performance of the classifiers is measured by the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, Dice Coefficient (DC), Jaccard index (JI), and F1 score. The Boosted Trees algorithm performs better than the other classifiers used in this study.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates noise-induced cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation in rats by modulating the gut-brain axis
Authors: Li Xiaofang , Zheng Pengfang , Cao Wa , She Xiaojun , Yang Honglian , Ma Kefeng , Wu Fangshan , Gao Xiujie , Fu Yu , Yin Jiayi , Wei Fei , Jiang Shoufang , Cui Bo
Published: June 2022

Background
Environmental noise exposure is linked to neuroinflammation and imbalance of the gut microbiota. Promoting gut microbiota homeostasis may be a key factor in relieving the deleterious non-auditory effects of noise. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) intervention on noise-induced cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation in rats.
Methods
Learning and memory were measured using the Morris water maze, while 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content. Endothelial tight junction proteins and serum inflammatory mediators were assessed to explore the underlying pathological mechanisms.
Results
The results indicated that LGG intervention ameliorated noise-induced memory deterioration, promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, inhibited harmful bacteria, improved dysregulation of SCFA-producing bacteria, and regulated SCFAs levels. Mechanistically, noise exposure led to a decrease in tight junction proteins in the gut and hippocampus and an increase in serum inflammatory mediators, which were significantly alleviated by LGG intervention.
Conclusions
Taken together, LGG intervention reduced gut bacterial translocation, restored gut and blood-brain barrier functions, and improved gut bacterial balance in rats exposed to chronic noise, thereby protecting against cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation by modulating the gut-brain axis.
Increased complexity in volcanic architecture along waning hotspots
Authors: Tapu Al-Tamini , Ubide Teresa , Vasconcelos Paulo
Published: June 2022

Mantle plumes are key drivers of intraplate volcanism on Earth. Hotspot flux controls the lifetime of volcanism, yet its impact on magma plumbing architecture, composition of erupted products, and eruptive styles remain poorly constrained. Here, we combine geochemistry and geochronology on Earth's longest continental hotspot chain to assess the effect of waning plume activity on pre-eruptive magma transfer, storage, and differentiation. We identify two groups of age-progressive Cenozoic volcanoes across eastern Australia. The Northern volcanoes are older and "long-lived" (3.5–7 Ma activity) and erupted high volumes (>800 km3) of magmas with bimodal compositions, including relatively homogeneous basalts with aphyric texture (~3 vol% phenocrysts). In contrast, the southern volcanic chain splits into two parallel tracks, where volcanoes become "short-lived" (~1.5 Ma or less), erupting <300 km3 of more evolved basalts that show greater compositional and textural complexity (~12 vol% zoned phenocrysts). The inflection point coincides with a change in plate motion, suggesting geodynamic controls on plume flux, which in turn controls plumbing system architecture. Our results suggest waning flux leads to increasingly complex feeder systems and enhanced magma differentiation. Similar trends in hotspot tracks globally suggest that hotspot flux plays a crucial role in the evolution of intraplate volcanoes.
Validated LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous analysis of veterinary drugs in cultured meat media
Authors: Gu Song-Yi , Kim Jong Jib , Lee Jongsoo , Park Kyung-Ho , Lee Sang-Yoon , Kim Sang-Gu
Published: June 2022

The development of alternative meat, such as cultured meat, is of current interest due to its potential to solve various problems common to the livestock industry. Cultured meat is defined as in vitro, lab-grown, or synthetic meat, and is produced through the differentiation and culture of animal cells. To increase the efficiency of this culture veterinary drugs are commonly employed. It is therefore necessary to develop a method that allows the amounts of veterinary drugs, growth-promoting hormones, and antibiotics to be determined in cultured meat, to ultimately ensure an adequate safety profile. In this study, we report the development of an analytical method based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous analysis of various veterinary drugs. Validation of the developed method indicated a high accuracy and precision, in addition to a linearity of 0.9868–0.9999. Using this method, the veterinary drugs present in samples of culture media were analyzed. Importantly, penicillin was detected in the range of 2 to 44,259 mg/L, and no other veterinary drugs were detected. It is therefore expected the implementation of this method will improve the safety profile of the cultured meat market, in addition to securing the safety of new food technologies.
TOP2A Serves as a Prognostic Marker Associated with Immune Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Su Qiuming , Zhang Shengning , Ran Jianghua
Published: June 2022

Background
TOP2A is a key enzyme that controls the topological state of DNA during DNA replication and transcription. We aim to explore the role of TOP2A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods
The expression and prognostic value of TOP2A in HCC were analyzed by TIMER, TCGA, GEO, HPA, GEPIA and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases. The potential molecular mechanism of TOP2A in HCC was researched by GSEA software. The construction of the TOP2A gene co-expression network was completed by the cBioPortal database. The relationship between TOP2A and immune cell infiltration in HCC was explored through the CIBERSORT and TIMER databases.
Results
TOP2A was overexpressed in HCC and was associated with a poor prognosis. High expression of TOP2A was associated with worse pathological grade, deeper invasion depth, and advanced TNM stage, which was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for HCC (HR = 1.863, P = 0.004). The GSEA results indicated that TOP2A was closely related to tumorigenesis and cellular metabolism. Furthermore, TOP2A and its co-expressed genes were positively associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells. These co-expressed genes were independent prognostic factors, and the expression of these genes combined with macrophage levels helped to predict prognosis of HCC. In terms of immune infiltration, HCC patients with high TOP2A expression that the proportions of resting memory CD4 + T cells, activated CD4 + T cells, follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils were significantly increased. The copy number variations of TOP2A affected the level of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. The expression of TOP2A was positively correlated with immune gene markers of T cell exhaustion in the HCC microenvironment.
Conclusion
TOP2A is a prognostic molecular marker of HCC, which is related to immune cell infiltration.
Examining master of nursing specialist postgraduates’ perception of educational service quality in clinical practice base: The SERVPERF model
Authors: Qin Lumei , Shi Chongqing , Li Bingjie , Ma Li
Published: June 2022

Background: Previous studies have investigated the perception of the service quality on education and health. However, there has been little research on Master of Nursing specialist (MNS) postgraduates’ perception of the educational service quality in the clinical base.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using convenience sampling, and 176 master of nursing specialist postgraduates from September-November 2020 in clinical practice base in six Provinces were selected for the study and surveyed using the general information questionnaire and the modified SERVPERF scale. Multiple linear regression was used to explore associated factors of educational service quality in clinical practice base on the master of nursing specialist postgraduates.Results: The Cronbach’s α coefficient and split-half reliability of the modified SERVPERF scale were satisfied. Master of nursing specialist postgraduates’ perceptions of each dimension of the educational service quality in the clinical practice base was 76.00%, 75.97%, 76.88%, 79.67%, and 77.75%, respectively, which was moderate. The items where masters of nursing specialist postgraduates rated their perception highest contain item D6, item D3, item B4, item A3, and item A4, which show they were satisfied with the quality of educational services; the 5 items with the lowest scores were item B3, item B2, item B6, item B7, and item E3, which stand for the weakest links in the clinical practice base. Multiple linear regression showed that practical teaching time was undertaken by clinical practice base and the level of clinical practice base were influential factors in the degree of master of nursing specialist postgraduates’ perception of educational service quality on clinical practice base (p < 0.05).Conclusion: This study showed that master of nursing specialist postgraduates had a moderate level of perception of educational service quality in clinical practice base, and practical teaching time was undertaken by clinical practice base and the level of clinical practice base were influential factors. Clinical practice base should pay attention to the problem of master of nursing specialist postgraduates’ perception of educational service quality and prevent and intervene early to improve the quality of educational service.
Development of a prosthetic device for swimming based on engineering design approach
Authors: Francisco Marta Gomes , Junior Osiris Canciglieri , Okumura Maria Lucia Miyake , Sant'Anna Angelo Marcio Oliveira
Published: June 2022

Engineering design with innovative characteristics that offer additional benefits to the customer is a process consisting of complex activities that require research, planning, and systematic methods. A prominent product development process has been driven by technological innovations used to assist the disabled in acquiring greater autonomy and performing daily tasks. Assistive product development has ensured the disabled more excellent prospects, contributing to providing or expanding the functional abilities of people with disabilities, resulting in the promotion of independent living and inclusion. This paper aims to develop a prosthetic device to aid patients with hand agenesis in practicing swimming based on the engineering design approach. The assistive product development was made based on the four phases: (i) demand perception, (ii) product projection, (iii) product characterization, and (iv) optimization. In addition, it was used for Monte Carlo simulation, multivariate analysis, and tolerance interval analysis techniques in the product development phases. We developed this approach as an alternative to classical engineering design used in the additive manufacturing process for prosthetic devices. The assistive product set aims to significantly stimulate the hand agenesis patient in physical activity, representing one of the doors of entry for social inclusion, providing a better quality of physical and emotional life for the individual with a disability.
Response to brolucizumab treatment for refractory serous pigment epithelial detachment secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Nam Seung Wan , Byun Zeeyoon , Ham Don-Il , Kong Mingui
Published: June 2022

Retinal pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) secondary to polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) are refractory to previous anti-VEGF treatment. This study evaluated the effect of brolucizumab on refractory serous PEDs secondary to PCV. This retrospective study included 26 eyes of 26 patients. Intravitreal brolucizumab 6.0 mg was administered, followed by pro re nata (PRN) retreatment at monthly follow-ups. All patients underwent spectralis domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography before the first brolucizumab injection. SD-OCT was repeated at follow-up visits. The height and width of the serous PEDs, measured using SD-OCT, were analyzed. The number of previous anti-VEGF injections was 12.3 ± 15.0. During brolucizumab treatment, anatomical improvement was achieved and maintained in the height and width of the PEDs (p < 0.05). However, the visual outcome did not improve significantly (p > 0.05). A good response was achieved in 69.2% of eyes at 1 month and at the last visit. Relapse and complete resolution were observed in 27.8% and 23.1% of patients, respectively. Intraocular inflammation, vascular obstruction, and retinal pigment epithelial tears were not observed. The results indicate that intravitreal brolucizumab may be an effective and safe treatment option for refractory serous PEDs in patients with PCV.
Influence of residual stress on critical rotational speed of circular saw blades with different structures
Authors: Li Bo , Yu Mingyang , Zhang Boyang , Zhang Qingdong
Published: June 2022

Circular saw blade is an important tool for wood processing. The controllable residual stress formed by tensioning process has an obvious influence on the critical rotational speed of circular saw blade. With the diversification of circular saw blade structure and tensioning method, the influence of residual stress field on critical rotational speed of circular saw blade deserves further study. In this paper, four types of circular saw blades were built by finite element method. Circular elastic thermal expansion zone and annular elastic thermal expansion zone were used to produce a certain distribution of residual stress field for circular saw blade. Critical rotational speed of circular saw blade with residual stress field was obtained by finite element method and vibration theory. The theoretical analysis results were shown as follows. For the four types of circular saw blades in this paper, when the tangential tensile stress with sufficient value is formed on the outer edge of circular saw blade, the critical rotational speed of circular saw blade will be increased compared with circular saw blade with no residual stress and the critical rotational speed will be increased with the tangential tensile stress.
The relationship between red blood cell distribution width and islet β-cell function indexes in patients with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults
Authors: Fu Xiuli , Tan Qin , Wei Wei , Ding Sheng , Wang Zhongjing
Published: June 2022

Aims
The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between red blood cell distribution and islet β-cell function indexes in patients with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults.
Methods
A total of 487 LADA patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into three groups according to RDW tertiles. Clinical and laboratory measurements of age, height, weight, duration of diabetes, blood pressure, RDW, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), C-peptide and blood lipids were performed. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) were assessed using homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) based on fasting blood glucose (FBG) and fasting C-peptide index (FCP). Correlations and multiple linear regressions were implemented to determine the association of RDW and islet function indexes.
Results
As the increase of serum RDW level, the presence of β-cell secretion increased(P < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated that there were significant correlations between RDW and male sex, age, duration, TG, Cr, FCP, and HOMA-β in all subjects. Multiple linear regressions indicated that RDW was significantly correlated with HOMA-β in the total population in both unadjusted and adjusted analysis. This finding could be reproduced in the subgroup of low GAD titers for HOMA-β. RDW were significantly associated with HbA1c in LADA patients with high GAD titers, but the correlation was not found in subgroup with low GAD titers in either unadjusted analyses or adjusted analysis.
Conclusions
RDW is associated with β-cell function assessed by HOMA-β after adjusting for covariates in LADA patients with low GAD titers.
Investigating the Conditions of Automatic Assembly
Authors: Vartanov Mikhail Vladimirovich , Inna Nikolaevna Zinina , Irina Leontievna Klimenko , Tran Dinh Van
Published: June 2022

The paper's purpose is to provide the technological reliability of the robotic assembly of joints with RK profile based on adaptation devices and low-frequency oscillations. Ensuring the assembly conditions are achieved by the vibration device that provides oscillations relative to the two axes, perpendicular to the assembly direction, and rotation about the assembly axis. An adaptive gripper compensates for the linear error in the position parts with a flexible connection. A mathematical model describing the assembly process of parts relative to the non-inertial coordinate system is developed. The technological modes of profile parts assembly are defined. The robotic assembly method of profile joints by the adaptation devices, namely a combination of elastic fixing of the installed profile part and the simultaneous rotation and vibration of the base part to improve the process reliability, is developed. Experimental studies confirmed the adequacy of the created mathematical model. The patent for the assembly method of profile joints with a gap is received.
Plasma Exosomal Proteins Predict the Prognosis of Acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Hai-Yang , Wang Hong-Jiang , Du Xiang-Peng , Liu Jia-Peng , Yang Xin-Chun , Zheng Mei-Li
Published: June 2022

Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (ASTEMI) leads to great morbidity and mortality, even after immediate reperfusion therapy by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Plasma exosomal proteins detected in the acute stage are supposed to affect the outcomes of ASTEMI. The present study collected ASTEMI patients with ischemic time around 6 hours and underwent successful emergency PCI, used exosomal proteomics to identify the plasma exosomal proteins, and performed a 1-year follow-up on ASTEMI outcomes. We observed that plasma exosomes concentration significantly decreased in ASTEMI after PCI than before it. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that several plasma exosomal proteins detected were strong predictors for coronary reintervention, which were revalidated in Cox regressions; while several plasma exosomal proteins were strong predictors for heart failure, which were revalidated in logistic regressions. The protein–protein network interactions and literature review suggest that plasma exosomal proteins might correlate with ASTEMI prognosis though involving in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, regulation of cardiac muscle contraction, inflammation, platelet activation, or ferroptosis. Our results provide potential preventive and therapeutic targets for ASTEMI outcomes after PCI.
Writing Self-Efficacy in Post-Secondary Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mitchell Kim M. , Zumbrunn Sharon , Demczuk Lisa , Berry Danielle
Published: June 2022

In this systematic review, we examine studies of writing self-efficacy conducted with post-secondary students, published between 1984 and 2021. We aimed to examine the methodological choices, writing contexts, and types of pedagogies explored in studies of writing self-efficacy with post-secondary students, and to summarize the practical implications noted across the included studies. A total of 56 studies met eligibility criteria. All studies were quantitative in nature, conducted in English language settings, focused on students in college or graduate school, and included at least one writing self-efficacy measure. Across the 56 studies, the three variables most commonly appearing alongside writing self-efficacy were writing performance, writing apprehension or writing anxiety, and change in writing self-efficacy over time. Writing contexts and measures of writing self-efficacy varied greatly across the included studies. Common practical implications noted across studies included students’ tendency to overinflate their writing self-efficacy, recognition of the developmental nature of writing ability, the importance of teacher attitudes and instructional climate, the power of feedback, and approaches to teaching and guiding writing. Based on this review, we see several directions for future research: 1) a need for longitudinal studies; 2) a need for research to be situated; 3) a need to consider the impacts of diversity in writing self-efficacy research; and 4) the need for consistent use of strong multidimensional measures of writing self-efficacy.
Harvesting distance effect on tree species diversity in traditional agroforestry landscape: A case of Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in South Africa
Authors: Makhubele Lucky , Araia Mulugeta G , Chirwa Paxie W
Published: June 2022

Traditional agroforestry has been recognised to contribute to biodiversity conservation; however, biodiversity strategies often lack information about drivers of tree species diversity loss, which is crucial for decision-making. Anthropogenic disturbance has positive and negative effects on tree species richness and diversity. This study was conducted in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, and used distance from the nucleus of the community to the forest as a parameter to assess tree species richness and diversity. Vegetation data were collected using three transects of 150 m in each distance level and sampled a total area of 1000 m2 by sampling five rectangular plots of \(20m x 10m \left(200{m}^{2}\right)\). Data analysis was conducted using Chao1, PERMANOVA, nMDS, PERMDISP, DISTLIM, dbRDA and SIMPER. The findings are in consonant with distance decay of community similarity hypotheses, with estimated tree species richness of 76, 93 and 95 species in an immediate distance, intermediate distance and far distance, respectively. Moreover, the highest species variation was observed at an intermediate distance, which indicates that there is greater species composition at an intermediate distance compared to immediate and far distances. The results confirm that the distance and associated factors have major detrimental effects on tree species richness and biodiversity in traditional agroforestry landscapes. Harvesting of provisioning ecosystem services is found and known to be extremely high in the study area. Effective interventions such as planting native trees and conserving the existing vegetation must be implemented to reduce and halt overexploitation.
Patterns of skin temperature during exercise that act as a thermal controller of the body
Authors: Park Young Hwan , Kim Young Ha , Suh Seong Woo
Published: June 2022

Background: Many studies have suggested that skin temperature acts as a thermal controller of the body, but the results were varied depending on type of exercise, intensity, and duration. This study aimed to establish thermal control pattern of the body by investigating the systematic skin temperature response to a treadmill exercise and a crunch exercise.Methods: Ten male volunteers majoring in professional physical education participated for the study. Treadmill exercise and crunch exercise were performed to assess skin temperature response in whole-body exercise and selective abdominal muscle exercise, respectively. The body surface was categorized into 21 specific regions of interest (ROIs) and the skin temperatures of ROIs were measured with infrared thermography at before and after exercise.Results: All skin temperature except anterior forearm, anterior thigh, anterior genual, posterior arm, and posterior cubital regions of the treadmill exercise were significantly reduced after exercise (p < 0.05), and the degree of temperature reduction was 1.7 ± 1.1 ˚C. Among these regions, the pectoral, umbilical, and infrascapular regions showed significant temperature reduction compare to the other ROIs in both exercises (p < 0.05).Conclusion: A significant reduction of the skin temperature in the pectoral, umbilical, and infrascapular regions indicates that these regions may play an important role in thermally controlling of the body during exercise.Level of evidence: II
Dexmedetomidine for pain management and sedation in neonates and infants during intensive care
Authors: Tervonen Miikka , Cajanus Johanna , Kallio Merja , Huhtamäki Heikki , Peltoniemi Outi
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To assess the safety of continuous dexmedetomidine infusion in neonates and infants during intensive care. Methods: A register-based cohort study was conducted in the pediatric intensive care unit at Oulu University Hospital. The study population consisted of all children under 6 months of age who received dexmedetomidine during 2010–2016. Sixty percent of the 198 infants included in the study had congenital malformation, and 50% had undergone surgery. Adverse cardiorespiratory outcomes were defined as abnormal values of heart rate or blood pressure according to the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS) Scale.Results: Neonates experienced severe bradycardia (16% vs. 12% in 1–3 months of age and 2% in those aged 3–6 months, p=0.015) and severe hypotension more often than older infants (43% vs. 11% in those aged 1–3 months and 28% in those aged 3–6 months, p=0.002). Logistic regression showed a dose-dependent increase in bradycardia and severe hypotension. Adverse cardiovascular events were managed with additional fluid boluses and discontinuation of the infusion. The overall dosage of dexmedetomidine was a risk factor for withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions: Adverse cardiovascular events were commonly noted during dexmedetomidine administration in neonates and infants. Increased attention should be paid to cardiovascular outcomes and withdrawal symptoms in the neonatal patients. Lower dexmedetomidine doses may be required during the sedation of neonates.
The Chemical Components of Dufour’s and Venom Gland of Camponotus japonicus (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Xu Wenjing , Zhao Mengqin , Tang Lingxiao , Ma Ruoqing , He Hong
Published: June 2022

Dufour’s and venom gland are the two most developed glands which connected with the female reproductive organs, and they play many important roles in defense, foraging, information exchange and reproduction of ants. Their main chemical secretions varied between ant species, even castes of the same ant species. In this study the chemical components of the Dufour’s and venom glands in different castes of Camponotus jamponicus (original worker, minor worker, major worker, gyne and queen) were analyzed by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) with two sample processing methods (Hexane solution method and solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME)). The secretion of Dufour’s gland is characterized with high ratio of alkanes and many kinds of alcohols, esters and alkenes, in which, n-Undecane is the dominant secretion in all castes except the original workers and its proportion significantly varies among castes. The secretion of venom gland mainly includes alkanes, acids, some ketones and alcohols, in which, Formic acid and n-Undecane are dominant components and their proportion shows obviously different among castes. Therefore, the chemical composition and the proportion of the main components of the two glands are significantly different among castes which should be closely related to the labor division in their social life. This study provides basic information for us to further understand the function of the two glands in the social life of ants.
Cadmium, Arsenic and Mineral Nutrients in Rice, and Potential Risks for Human Health in South China
Authors: Liu Qinghui , Lu Weisheng , Bai Cuihua , Xu Congzhuo , Ye Maozhi , Zhu Yongcong , Yao Lixian
Published: June 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important staple food crop worldwide. For people fed on rice, toxic elements cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) and mineral nutrients in rice are pivotal to evaluate potential risks of harmful element intake and malnutrition. We collected rice samples of 208 cultivars (83 inbred and 125 hybrid) from fields in South China, and determined Cd, As, As species, and mineral elements in brown rice. Histochemistry analysis shows that Cd and As in brown rice were 0.26 ± 0.32 and 0.21 ± 0.08 mg·kg− 1, respectively. Inorganic As (iAs) was the dominative As species in rice. Brown rice Cd and iAs in 35.1% and 52.4% of the 208 cultivars exceeded rice Cd and iAs limits. Significant variations of rice subspecies and regions were found for Cd, As and mineral nutrients in brown rice (P < 0.05). Inbred rice has lower As uptake and more balanced mineral nutrition than hybrid species. Significant correlation was observed between Cd, As versus mineral elements like Ca, Zn, B and Mo (P < 0.05). Health risk assessment indicates that high risks of Cd intake and malnutrition, in particular to Ca, protein and Fe, can be caused by rice consumption in South China.
Characterization of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films degraded using bacteria strains isolated from oil contaminated soil
Authors: Akhigbe Godswill E. , EnochOghene Adebisi E. , Olumurewa Kayode O. , Koleoso Olusegun , Ogbonna Ngozi D.
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the low-density polythene (LDPE) film degradation potential of microorganisms isolated from oil contaminated soil, and characterizing the LDPE films after degradation period by analyzing the morphological and chemical composition. The bacteria strains isolated from petroleum contaminated soils were used as bio-degraders for the analysis and isolates with great degradation activity were identified via 16S RNA gene amplification technique. The growth rates of the bacterial isolates and their LDPE utilization in the medium were monitored for 78 days, using UV spectrophotometry. Thereafter, the LDPE in the media were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed. Results obtained from weight loss measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and energy dispersal x-ray (EDX) revealed a reduction in weight, porosity and fragility of all the analyzed LDPE films that were subjected to bacteria degradation. Isolates with good degradation of LDPE films were identified as Proteus mirabilis (Accession number: MN124173.1) and Proteus mirabilis (Accession number: KY027145.1), having a weight loss of 89.72% and 71.80% respectively. The identification and utilization of potential LDPE microbial degraders are useful in the management of plastic waste, leading to a reduction in global plastic waste and a clean environment.