bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Torque Control Based Induction Motor Speed Control Using Anticipating Power Impulse Technique
Authors: Karupusamy Sathishkumar , Kalnoor Gauri , Kumar Anil
Published: August 2022

In this model the induction motor speed controlis based on torque control drive is analysis the output power using Anticipating Power Impulse Technique (APIT). Induction motors are used in various applications, this is a model of a motor used in constant speed applications. Vibrations and singularities are eliminated with the sliding mode control of conventional terminals. In this method, the reference state is determined in a systematic manner so that the maximum torque per ampere and flux limiting operation and the reference torque tracking can be determined. The difficulty of a controller driver is choosing a switch with the proper control scheme to achieve dynamic and steady state response speed requirements and the proposed method is completely varied from conventional model. AnAnticipating Power Impulse Technique (APIT)is the proposed systemto the induction motor drive is control it is also applied to be speed control of the motor. The system presented here analyses motor current and rotor position, which helps to obtain a suitable switching pulse diver circuit. Because of low switching loss speed control. In this system, MATLAB software is used to develop control circuit simulations. It is expected that the simulation output will reduce the torque ripple verified by experiments and Anticipating Power Impulse Technique(APIT), giving the system output excellent stability.
Twice evasions of Omicron variants explain the temporal patterns in six Asia and Oceania countries
Authors: Chen Boqiang , Zhao Yanji , Jin Zhen , He Daihai , Li Huaichen
Published: August 2022

Background: The ongoing Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has emerged and caused multiple pandemic waves in the following six countries: India, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Some of the countries had been much less studied in this devastating pandemic. This study aims to assess the impact of Omicron variant in these six countries and estimate the infection fatality rate (IFR) and the transmission rate β(t) in the unit of basic reproduction number R 0 (t) in these six South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania countries.Method: We propose a Susceptible-Vaccinated-Exposed-Infectious-Hospitalized-Death-Recovered model with a time-varying transmission rate to fit the multiple waves of COVID-19 pandemic in the aforementioned six countries. The level of immune evasion and the intrinsic transmissibility advantage of Omicron variant is also estimated in this model.Results: We fit our model to the reported cases well. We estimate the IFR (in the range of 0.016% to 0.136%) and the transmission rate β(t) in the unit of basic reproduction number R 0 (t) (in the range of 0 to 9) in the six countries. The multiple pandemic waves in each country are observed in our simulation results.Conclusions: The invasion of Omicron variant caused the new pandemic waves in the six countries. The higher R 0 (t) suggests the intrinsic transmissibility advantage of Omicron variant. Our model simulation forecast implies that the Omicron pandemic wave may be mitigated due to the increasing immunized population and the vaccine coverage.
Uniform expansion vs. non-uniform expansion of gross tumor volume based on recurrence patterns to form planning target volume of stereotactic body radiation therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: protocol of a randomized phase II study
Authors: Jiang Lingong , Zhu Xiaofei , Yu Haiyan , Zhao Xianzhi , Ye Yusheng , Cao Yangsen , Ju Xiaoping , Cao Fei , Zhang Huojun
Published: August 2022

• Background: There is no guideline or consensus on target delineations of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Two different modes of target delineation are compared to identify a superior one beneficial for improvement of outcomes.• Methods: The study is a single-center, randomized phase II trial. Patients are randomly allocated to two groups with different delineations of planning target volume (PTV) of SBRT followed by a same chemotherapy regimen. Patients in Arm A receive uniform expansions of gross tumor volume (GTV) to form PTV, while PTV is contoured by non-uniform expansions of GTV based on recurrence patterns in Arm B. The primary endpoint is 1-year local control rate (1y-LC), and the secondary endpoints are disease progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related toxicity. Radiotherapy-induced adverse events (AEs) are recorded according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC), and chemotherapy AEs are graded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0 (CTCAE 5.0). This trial protocol has been approved by the Ethics committee of Changhai hospital. The ethics number is CHEC2020-099.• Discussion: Empirical uniform expansions of GTV is commonly practiced in most centers for delineations of PTV. However, limited evidence has confirmed potential benefits of this method. Therefore, we designed this prospective phase II study to investigate the hypothesis that better outcomes are found in the proposed method in our previous study than that used now.• Trial registration: Registration number: NCT04699539. Date of registration: 07 January, 2021.
Highly efficient current-driven magnetic octupole domain-wall dynamics
Authors: Wu Mingxing , Chen Taishi , Nomoto Takuya , Isshiki Hironari , Nakatani Yoshinobu , Higo Tomoya , Tomita Takahiro , Kondou Kouta , Arita Ryotaro , Nakatsuji Satoru , Otani YoshiChika
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Smoking as a risk factor for visual field progression in exfoliation glaucoma patients in Sweden
Authors: Ayala Marcelo
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The present study aimed to identify if smoking was a risk factor for visual field progression in exfoliation glaucoma patients. Methods: Prospective nonrandomized cohort study. The study included patients with diagnosed exfoliation glaucoma. All included patients were followed for at least three years with reliable visual fields. At least five reliable visual fields were needed to be included in the study. Exfoliation glaucoma was defined using the European Glaucoma Society Guidelines. The visual fields were tested using the 24-2 test point pattern of the Humphrey Field Analyzer. Smoking was assessed through questionnaires. Outcomes: Visual field progression. Three different approaches were used: difference in mean deviation (MD), rate of progression (ROP), and guided progression analysis (GPA). Results: Totally, n=113 patients were included; of them, n=57 were smokers. Smoking was a significant predictor for visual field progression in the three models (MD/ROP/GPA) studied (p=<0.001/p=<0.001/p=<0.001). Other predictors were in the MD model: IOP at diagnosis (p=0.04) and SLT treatment (p=0.001). In the ROP model: MD (p=0.01), VFI (p=0.005), number of medications (p=0.001) and SLT (p=0.001). In the GPA model: the number of medications (p=0.002). Conclusions: Smoking strongly predicted visual field deterioration in all the models studied. Therefore, patients should be advised to quit smoking when establishing the glaucoma diagnosis to slow down the progression of the disease.
Red Deer Optimized Recurrent Neural Network for the Classification of Power Quality Disturbance
Authors: Dawood Zamrooth , K Babulal C
Published: August 2022

Power Quality Disturbance (PQD) in a power grid distribution destroys the quality of power to the user. Thus, early detection of disturbances in the power grid distribution is essential to diagnose the network before failure. Several disturbances in the power grid may cause voltage sag, voltage swell, or occurrence of both. In the proposed method deep recurrent neural network (DRNN) is used for classifying the PQD as well as Red Deer Optimization (RDO) algorithm is used for optimizing the weight from DRNN. Based on the behaviour of deer roaring rate will optimize the weight of DRNN from RDO. Signal processing is done by S-transform (ST) because of the better performance in signals detection in terms of a high order of noise. The proposed method is implemented in Simulink tool and the results are compared with the existing methods. The result shows that the power disturbances are classified with high accuracy of 99.95% and precision of 99.98% that are higher than the existing methods.
Methodology of estimation of temperature mode in the 2xBgu type railway braking system
Authors: Yevtushenko Aleksander A. , Kuciej Michal , Grzes Piotr , Wasilewski Piotr
Published: August 2022

The article describes two numerical FEM models of frictional heating to estimate the temperature distribution in the 2xBgu friction brake of a rail vehicle during repetitive braking. The numerical tests were compared with the temperature measurements carried out on a full-scale inertia dynamometer for two different friction materials of brake blocks working in the 2xBgu system. The paper demonstrates, by comparison with experimental data, that the proposed numerical models can be used as a tool supporting engineering works to determine the temperature of friction elements of a railway block brake, also for long-lasting braking processes.
GRK5 deficiency in the hippocampus leads to Alzheimer’s Disease-like phenotypes via the abnormal microglia alterations
Authors: Shen Hongtao , Zhang Tianzhen , Ji Yao , Zhang Yu , Wang Yongxiang , Jiang Yuling , Chen Xiongjin , Wu Kefeng , Li Yunfeng , Lu Xingyu , Cui Lili , Zhao Bin , Wang Yan
Published: August 2022

GRK5 is a member of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) kinase family and is closely associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the biological function of GRK5 in the brain and the causal link between GRK5 deficiency and AD-like pathology is unknown. Here, we show that GRK5 is reduced in the AD mouse brain, and mice with reduced GRK5 in the hippocampus induce cognitive impairment. AD-like molecular pathology, such as significant neuronal damage and loss, enhanced tau proteins phosphorylation, and increased level of Aβ peptides in the hippocampus were also observed in the GRK5 deficiency mice. Mechanismly, GRK5 is located in microglia and plays an essential role in maintaining the morphology and function of microglia. CRK5 deficiency elicits microglial morphology change and pfo-inflammation-associated gene increase. In addition, transcriptional analysis of hippocampal tissues revealed that neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions and TNF signaling are striking changes in GRK5 deficiency mice, which have the same trend in the AD mouse. In conclusion, our results further confirm the vital role of GRK5 in maintaining normal cognitive function in mice. Provide a possible mechanism that GRK5 maintains the microglia homeostasis, and its loss may induce microglia function deficit and cause other AD-related molecular pathogenesis.
Assessment of soil erosion due to windmill establishment on Chatrigudda hillock near Vani Vilasa Sagara reservoir, South India
Authors: Nagabovanalli Prakash , S Ashoksuraj B , Sreeniva Sandhya Thoppil , S Shivaraj , T Chikkaramappa , R Gangadharappa N
Published: August 2022

Soil erosion is an inexorable process of land degradation affecting economy and environment of the region. Assessment of soil erosion is important for planning and implementing conservational practice in the affected region. In the present study, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with remote sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) were employed to estimate soil loss in Chatrigudda, a hillock located near Vani Vilasa Sagara Reservoir (VVS) in the central part of Karnataka, India. The RUSLE factors were obtained through pre-recorded meteorological data and data from field survey as well as from remote sensing. ESRI ArcGIS version 10.2 software was employed to delineate the windmill-established site of Vani Vilasa Sagara reservoir and digital elevation model (DEM) with 30 m resolution raster was used to develop the drainage and contour map through hydrology tool. The soil erosion map was created using the "Kriging method" in the GIS platform's geostatistical analyst tool. The RUSLE method estimated that annual soil loss in the region ranged from 0.33 to 40.89 t ha-1 year-1, with an average annual soil loss of 7.04 tha1yr1. The majority of the region (%) experiences only minor erosion (5 t ha-1 year-1). Moderate (5–10 t ha-1 year-1) to very high (20–40 t ha-1 year-1) and severe (40–80 t ha-1 year-1) erosions occurred in areas where high human interventions were made to construct roads for windmills. We believe that the computed soil erosion results from RUSLE will be useful in developing land management strategies to reduce the extent of soil degradation in the hillock.
Early spring onset increases carbon uptake more than late fall senescence: Modeling future phenological change in a US northern deciduous forest
Authors: Teets Aaron Forrest , Bailey Amey S. , Hufkens Koen , Ollinger Scott , Schädel Christina , Seyednasrollah Bijan , Richardson Andrew D.
Published: August 2022

The timing of spring leaf development and fall senescence determine how long deciduous forests actively exchange carbon and water with the atmosphere. Being able to model these dates is therefore critical to accurately representing ecosystem processes in biogeochemical models. Despite this, there has been relatively little effort to improve internal phenology predictions in widely used biogeochemical models. Here, we optimized the phenology algorithms in a regionally developed biogeochemical model (PnET-CN) using phenology data from eight midlatitude PhenoCam sites in eastern North America. We then performed a sensitivity analysis to determine how the optimization affected future predictions of carbon, water, and nitrogen cycling at Bartlett Experimental Forest, New Hampshire. Compared to the original PnET-CN phenology models, our new spring and fall models resulted in shorter season lengths and more abrupt transitions that were more representative of observations. The new phenology models affected daily estimates and interannual variability of modeled carbon exchange, but they did not have a large influence on the magnitude or long-term trends of annual totals. Under future climate projections, our new phenology models predict larger shifts in season length in the fall (1.1 – 3.2 days decade -1 ) compared to the spring (0.9 – 1.5 days decade -1 ). However, for every day the season is longer, our results show that spring can have over twice the effect on annual carbon and water exchange totals compared to the fall. These findings highlight the importance of accurately modeling season length for future projections of carbon and water cycling.
Aluminum induces oxidative mitochondrial DNA release via a HIF-1α-related pathway to activate NLRP3 inflammasomes in astrocytes
Authors: Liu Ziyue , Hao Chenyu , Zhu Xiaoying , Song Yushuai , Hao Wudi , Wu Shengwen , Yang Jinghua , Lu Xiaobo , Jin Cuihong
Published: August 2022

Aluminum compounds are widely distributed in nature and are frequently used in daily life. However, they are environmental etiologic factors for neurodegenerative diseases. Aluminum causes neuroinflammation, but the roles of astrocytes in this process have not yet been fully established. We established rat models of subchronic aluminum exposure by allowing them to drink water containing AlCl3 for 12 w. Primary astrocytes were isolated and treated with AlCl3. In vitro, YC-1 was used as an inhibitor of HIF-1α. Aluminum exposure activated astrocytes, suppressed α-KGDH activities while increasing SDH activities, which stabilized HIF-1α to enhance HIF-1α levels and its colocalization with PKM2 in the nucleus. Furthermore, activated PKM2 induced the phosphorylation of C-Myc at Ser62 to prevent its degradation, which upregulated CLIC4 protein levels to disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential. During this process, OX-mt DNA was released. In the cytoplasm, OX-mt DNA bound and stimulated the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in more IL-1β release to trigger neuroinflammation. Treatment with YC-1 reversed these outcomes. These findings imply that astrocytes have an important role in aluminum-induced neuroinflammation.
Culture of human nasal olfactory stem cells and their extracellular vesicles as advanced therapy medicinal products
Authors: Jaloux Charlotte , Bonnet Maxime , Vogtensperger Marie , Witters Marie , Veran Julie , Giraudo Laurent , Sabatier Florence , Michel Justin , Lacroix Romaric , Chareyre Corinne , Legré Regis , Guiraudie-Capraz Gaelle , Féron François
Published: August 2022

Background:The olfactory ecto-mesenchymal stem cell (OE-MSC) are mesenchymal stem cells originating from the lamina propria of the nasal mucosa. They have neurogenic and immune-modulatory properties and showed therapeutic potential in animal models of spinal cord trauma, hearing loss, Parkinsons’s disease, amnesia, and peripheral nerve injury.In this paper we designed a protocol that meet the requirements set by human health agencies to manufacture these stem cells for clinical applications. Once purified, OE-MSCs can be usedper seor expanded in order to get the extracellular vesicles (EV) they secrete. A protocol for the extraction of these vesicles was validated and the EV from the OE-MSC were functionally tested on anin vitromodel.Methods:Nasal mucosa biopsies from three donors were used to validate the manufacturing process of clinical grade OE-MSC. All stages were performed by expert staff of the cell therapy laboratory according to aseptic handling manipulations, requiring grade A laminar airflow.Results:Enzymatic digestion provides more rapidly a high number of cells and is less likely to be contaminated. Foetal calf serum was replaced with human platelet lysate and allowed stronger cell proliferation, with the optimal percentage of platelet lysate being 10%. Cultivated OE-MSCs are sterile, highly proliferative (percentage of CFU-F progenitors was 15,5%) and their maintenance does not induce chromosomal rearrangement (karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis were normal). These cells express the usual phenotypic markers of OE-MSC. Purification of the EVs was performed with ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography. Purified vesicles expressed the recognized markers of EVs (Minimal Information for Studies of Extracellular Vesicles (“MISEV”) guidelines) and promoted cell differentiation and neurite elongation in a model of neuroblastoma Neuro2a cell line.Conclusions:We developed a safer and more efficient manufacturing process for clinical-grade olfactory stem cells, these cells can now be used in humans. A phase I clinical trial will begin soon. An efficient protocol for the purification of the OE-MSC EVs have been validated. These EVs exert neurogenic propertiesin vitro. More studies are needed to understand the exact mechanisms of action of these EVs and prove their efficacy and safety in animal models.
Beyond Income: Material Hardship and the Health and Healthcare of Premature Children
Authors: Cordova-Ramos Erika , Brochier Annelise , Tripodis Yorghos , Garg Arvin , Parker Margaret
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To estimate national prevalence of household hardships (food insufficiency, financial hardship, and difficulty paying medical bills) among children born term and preterm; and examine associations of household hardships with preterm children’s overall health status, emergency room visits, and unmet healthcare needs.Methods: We studied 24,026 children aged 0-3 years born term, preterm with moderately low birth weight (1501-2499 grams) and preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW; ≤1,500 grams). Using propensity score matching to control for correlates of poverty, we examined associations of hardships and child outcomes. Results: Compared with term, households with preterm VLBW children had >2-fold higher odds of financial hardship (aOR:2.63; 95%CI: 1.26-5.46) and >5-fold higher odds of difficulty paying bills (aOR:5.60; 95%CI: 2.35-10.35). Matching for demographics, special healthcare needs, income and receipt of public benefits, hardships were independently associated with adverse preterm children’s outcomes.Conclusions: Addressing household hardships is needed to optimize preterm child outcomes.
A digital twin defined autonomous milling process towards the online optimal control of milling deformation for thin-walled parts
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhou Guanghui , Xu Qingfeng , Wei Zhibo , Han Chong , Wang Zenghui
Published: August 2022

Thin-walled parts are widely used in the aerospace industry, where the milling deformation of the parts caused by their thin-walled draping and extremely large size ratio characteristics as well as high material removal rate has been the most common quality issue that greatly influences the assembly performance and operation safety of aerospace equipment. Hence, effective management of milling deformation of a thin-walled part will significantly improve its quality, which, however, is still made difficult by the lack of a real-time deformation perception, optimization, and control method. To bridge the gap, this paper proposes a novel online optimal control method of milling deformation for thin-walled parts by incorporating digital twins into the milling process of thin-walled parts. To this end, a reference framework of the milling process digital twin (MPDT) for thin-walled parts are designed, where the autonomous operation logic of MPDT for online optimal control of milling deformation is further clarified. On that basis, three key enabling technologies of MPDT are introduced from the perspective of multidimensional high-fidelity MPDT modeling, knowledge-driven low-latency milling deformation simulation, and online optimal control of milling deformation, which provide an insight into the industrial implementation of MPDT. In addition, a MPDT prototype system is implemented, where its application and evaluation results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Cloning and Expression of a Levansucrase (SacB) Gene from Bacillus licheniformis MJ8 in Escherichia coli and Enzymatic Synthesis of Levan
Authors: Omar Mustafa M. , Awda Jasim M.
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Primary exploring the value of metagenomic next‐generation sequencing in detecting pathogenic bacteria of cholangitis with biliary atresia after Kasai operation
Authors: Yu Pu , Pan Yongkang , Zhan Janghua
Published: August 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in detecting pathogenic bacteria of cholangitis for patients with biliary atresia after Kasai operation.
Methods
Patients of biliary atresia with cholangitis after Kasai operation who were admitted to Xi'an Children's Hospital from July 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Both blood culture and mNGS were carried out in all of these patients. The detection rate of pathogenic bacteria, pathogenic bacteria spectrum, test time, inflammatory indicators and liver function were compared. The correlation between drug resistance gene and drug resistance phenotype was analyzed. All the patients were followed up for 0.5-3 years to evaluate the onset of cholangitis and the survival status of autologous liver.
Results
a total of 30 episodes of cholangitis in 25 patients were included in this study. There were significant differences in the detection rate of pathogenic bacteria [23.3 vs.73.3%, P < 0.05] and the test time [120 (114.5–120) vs.16 (16–21) h, P < 0.001] between the blood culture and mNGS. Inflammatory indicators (CRP, PCT) and liver function (TB, DB, GGT) were compared before and after anti-infection, and there was significant statistical difference with two methods. Four kinds of bacteria were detected by blood cultures, and 10 kinds of bacteria were detected by mNGS. The drug-resistant phenotypes and drug-resistant genotypes of 3 Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were compared, h Cholangitis occurred 3 times in 1 case (4%) and twice in 3 cases (12%). Autologous liver survived in 17 cases (68%).
Conclusion
Compared with traditional blood culture, mNGS is more efficient, convenient and accurate in the detection of pathogens. It provides a new method for the accurate detection of pathogenic bacteria of cholangitis with biliary atresia after Kasai operation.
Enhanced sonocatalytic performance of PEG-modified hierarchical Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 microspheres in Methylene Blue degradation
Authors: Hu Xuemei , Qiao Junqiang , Zhou Jianping , Bao Jianqing , He Wei
Published: August 2022

In this work, hierarchical Cu2ZnSnS4 microspheres were synthesized via a hydrothermal method with the utilization of PEG as surfactant. The as-prepared CZTS samples were systemically characterized by XRD, Raman, TEM, XPS, UV-Vis, PL and BET techniques. The sonocatalytic activity of as-prepared Cu2ZnSnS4 was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue. The results displayed that the PEG-modified Cu2ZnSnS4 microspheres with smaller optical band gap and lower recombination rate of electrons and holes lead to rapid removal of methylene blue. Over 95.0% methylene blue was snonocatalytic degraded by PEG-modified Cu2ZnSnS4 microspheres after 20 min, while only about 82.1% of methylene blue was degraded over Cu2ZnSnS4 without PEG modification. The effect of radical scavengers on methylene blue degradation process was investigated and clarified that the sonogenerated holes and hydroxyl radicals are the main active oxidative species in sonocatalytic process.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-efficacy scores and intensity of depressiveness in people aged over 60 years providing kinship foster care
Authors: Giezek Marta , Landowski Marek , Kożybska Marta , Karakiewicz Beata
Published: August 2022

Background: The objective of this study has been to investigate whether the COVID-19 pandemic has had impact on self-efficacy scores and intensity of depressive severity in people aged over 60 who provide kinship foster care to their grandchildren. Methods: The study subjects were selected from among individuals aged over 60 years providing kinship foster care to their grand-children. The participants were asked to complete the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) before and during the pandemic. The questionnaire was com-pleted in whole twice by 40 participants. Results: There are no statistically significant differences between the GSE and GDS scores obtained before and during the pandemic. In study subjects with the oldest child in foster care aged 10 years or less, the GDS score decreased in a statistically sig-nificant way (p=0.03). The correlation coefficient of the GSE and GDS scores before the pandemic was -0.46 (p = 0.003), while that of scores during the pandemic was -0.43 (p = 0.006).Conclusions: Neither the sense of self-efficacy nor the intensity of depressiveness of the study subjects changed significantly during the pandemic. Both before and during the pandemic, the intensity of depres-siveness decreased as the sense of self-efficacy increased.
Potential benefits of joint hypothetical interventions on diet, lead, and cadmium on mortality in US adults
Authors: Laouali Nasser , Benmarhnia Tarik , Oulhote Youssef
Published: August 2022

Background: Previous studies reported associations between high blood lead levels (BLLs) and urinary cadmium (UCd) concentrations and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. It is hypothesized that these associations are mediated by inflammation; therefore, adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet may mitigate these effects. We sought to estimate the potential effects of joint hypothetical interventions on metals levels and adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet or fruits and vegetables (FV) intake on the expected mortality distributions.Methods: We used data on 14,311 adults aged ≥20 years enrolled in the NHANES-III between 1988 and 1994 and followed up through Dec 31, 2015. We estimated daily FV servings and adherence to the dietary inflammatory index at baseline using 24-hour dietary recalls. Mortality was determined from the National Death Index records. We used the parametric g-formula with pooled logistic regression models to estimate the absolute risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality under different hypothetical interventions compared to the natural course (no intervention).Results: Overall, we observed a decreased mortality risk when intervening to lower metals levels or increasing adherence to an anti-inflammatory diet or the daily FV servings. The joint intervention to lower BLLs and UCd and increase the adherence to the anti-inflammatory diet had the strongest impact on cancer mortality risk (risk difference [RD] = -1.50% (-2.52% to -0.62%)) compared to the joint intervention only on metals levels RD= -0.97% (-1.89 to 0.70). The same pattern of associations was observed for the joint intervention to lower both metals and increased daily FV servings and cardiovascular diseases mortality risk. Conclusion: Higher diet quality may constitute a complementary approach to the interventions to reduce exposures to cadmium and lead to further minimize their effects on mortality. A paradigm shift is required from a pollutant-focused only to a combination with a human-focused approach for health protection against these metals.
Predictors of intra-hospital mortality in patients with acute heart failure and type 2 diabetes seen at the Soavinandriana Hospital Center: a retrospective study
Authors: Raharinavalona Sitraka Angelo , Raherison Rija Eric , Razanamparany Thierry , Ralamboson Solofo Andrianarivelo , Andrianasolo Radonirina Lazasoa , Rakotomalala Andrianirina Dave Patrick
Published: August 2022

Background
The concomitant presence of acute heart failure (AHF) and diabetes is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to determine the characteristics of AHF in patients with type 2 diabetes and the predictors of intra-hospital mortality.
Methods
This was a descriptive and analytical retrospective study, carried out in the Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases departments of the Soavinandrina Hospital Center over a period of 2 years. The diagnosis of AHF and diabetes was made according to the criteria of the European Society of Cardiology and the American Diabetes Association, respectively.
Results
The prevalence of AHF in type 2 diabetes was 16.9%. With a male predominance, the mean age of the patients was 61.6 ± 10.2 years. The average of diabetes duration was 5.5 ± 4.5 years, and which was unbalanced in 82.5%. AHF was mainly manifested by breathlessness (88.9%), bilateral pulmonary crepitations (79.4%) and ankle swelling (71.4%). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was reduced in 69.8% of cases. AHF was mostly decompensated by infections (49.2%). With a rate of 6.3%, intra-hospital mortality was significantly correlated with the average of diabetes duration (p = 0.0002), history of heart disease (p = 0.0032), absence previous basic treatment for heart failure (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, p < 0.05), arterial oxygen desaturation in ambient air ≤ 90% (p = 0.0106), severity breathlessness (p = 0.0398) and decrease in LVEF (p = 0.0140).
Conclusion
AHF in patients with type 2 diabetes is frequent and serious, requiring early, adequate, and multidisciplinary management. Therapeutic education and infection prevention are essential.
Household level of Air Pollution and its impact on the occurrence of Acute Respiratory Illness among children under five: Secondary analyses of Demographic and Health Survey in West Africa
Authors: DAFFE Mouhamadou Lamine , THIAM Salimata , BAH Fatoumata , NDONG Awa , Cabral Mathilde , DIOP Cheikh , TOURE Aminata , LAM Absa , FALL Mamadou
Published: August 2022

Background
One in ten deaths of children under five are attributable to indoor air pollution, and Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) are a direct cause.
Objective
This study made it possible to characterize indoor air pollution in West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) area and to estimate its impact on occurrence of ARI in children under five.
Methods
This is a secondary analysis on dataset from WAEMU member states’ Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). Pollution is characterized by using a composite variable called “Household level of air pollution”, created from questions related to degradation factors of indoor air quality (domestic combustion processes) and impact measurement was carried out by logistic regression.
Results
Burkina Faso stands out with a greater number of households with a high level of pollution (63.7%) followed by Benin (43.7%) then Togo (43.0%). The main exposure factor "Household level of air pollution" was only associated with ARI in Togo (prevalence: 51.3%; chi-2: p-value < 0.001). Exposure to high level of pollution constitutes an excess risk, although it is not significant (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.13, 95% [0.66–1.92]) and this could be explained by the highly infectious etiology of the ARI.
Rapid method for simultaneous determination of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid isomers in milk by GC-FID
Authors: Porto Brenda Lee Simas , Faria Isaura Daniele Leite , Souza Jéssica Cordeiro Queiroz , Moreira Olívia Brito de Oliveira , Gama Marco Antônio Sundfeld , Oliveira Marcone Augusto Leal
Published: August 2022

Ruminant milk is the main source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the human diet, with cis-9, trans-11 CLA being the major among CLA isomers in milk fat. Small amounts of trans-10, cis-12 CLA is also found in synthetic supplements, predominantly. As both isomers being biologically active with potential health benefits, there is great interest in quantifying them in both natural and synthetic sources. An alternative method for the analysis of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA in milk by fast gas chromatography (GC) has been proposed in the present study. Milk fat was extracted and the fatty acid methyl ester mixture obtained by alkaline catalysis was injected into a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and fitted with an ionic liquid SLB-IL111 chromatographic column (15 m x 0.10 mm x 0.08 µm). Separation of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers was achieved in less than 5 min using a 168 °C isotherm run. Both CLA isomers were quantified by standard addition and the results were compared with those obtained using the traditional 100-m long CP-SIL88 capillary column, with no significant differences being detected within 95% confidence interval. The proposed method allowed for the rapid quantification of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers by GC-FID, which could be particularly useful in focused regulatory routines of a large number of samples with greater analytical frequency.
Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery could reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage: A single institutional retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kondo Akihiro , Kumamoto Kensuke , Asano Eisuke , Feng Dongping , Kobara Hideki , Okano Keiichi
Published: August 2022

Background: There is insufficient evidence on whether indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography can reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL). This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the effect of ICG fluorescence angiography on AL rates in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery at a single institution.Methods: Patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection or intersphincteric resection with ICG fluorescence angiography (ICG group; n=73) and patients who underwent a similar surgical procedure for rectal cancer without ICG fluorescence (non-ICG group; n=114) were enrolled consecutively in this study. ICG fluorescence angiography was performed prior to transection of the proximal colon, and anastomosis was performed with sufficient perfusion using ICG fluorescence imaging. AL incidence was compared between both groups, and the risk factors for AL were analyzed. Results: AL occurred in 3 (4.1%) and 14 (12.3%) patients in the ICG and non-ICG groups, respectively. In the ICG group, the median perfusion time from ICG injection was 34 s, and 5 patients (6.8%) required revision of the proximal transection line. None of the patients requiring revision of the proximal transection line developed AL. In the univariate analysis, longer operating time (odds ratio: 2.758; 95% confidence interval: 1.023–7.624) and no implementation of ICG fluorescence angiography (odds ratio: 3.266; 95% confidence interval: 1.038–11.793) were significant factors associated with AL incidence, although the creation of a diverting stoma or insertion of a transanal tube was insignificant.Conclusion: ICG fluorescence angiography was associated with a significant reduction in AL during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. Changes in the surgical plan due to ICG fluorescence visibility may help improve the short-term outcomes of patients with rectal cancer.
The survey of Capparis extracts effects on expressional profile of essential self-renewal genes in MCF7 cell line
Authors: Marji Faezeh Askarian , Javid Ameneh , Noroozi Mojgan , Mirzaei Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2022

Several drugs have been proposed for the treatment of breast cancer, but none has fully treated the disease, so far. this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous-alcoholic extract of unripe Capparis fruit as an anticancer agent on expressional pattern of OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 as essential self-renewal pathway genes in MCF7 cell line (human breast carcinoma). MCF7 cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium, consisting of different concentrations of aqueous-alcoholic extract of unripe Capparis fruit (125, 250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 5000 μg/ml) for 48 and 72 hours. MTT assay was used to determine the cell proliferation inhibition (IC50). RT-PCR method was carried out to assess the fold changes of OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 genes. One-way ANOVA was used for the statistical analysis of obtained data. Hydroalcoholic extract of the unripe Capparis fruit caused time- and concentration-dependent cell death in MCF7 cells. IC50 was observed at 48h culture period with 4817.51 μg/mL , and 72h with 2724.29 μg/ml fruit extract, respectively. Our results have shown that cell death was induced by increasing Capparis extract concentration. According to RT-PCR findings on capparis extract-treated cells, the mean expression of OCT4, NANOG and SOX2 genes decreased after 48 and 72h of incubation with IC50 concentration compared to controls.Capparis plant species is able to decrease the expression of self-renewal genes in MCF7 cell line. Therefore, the Capparis extract can be considered as a promising candidate for the management of human breast cancer after clinical trials.
The dysregulation of NME1, LINC00511, and LINC01028 could disturb the regular apoptosis process and promote breast cancer in the Isfahan population: integrated bioinformatics and experimental analyses
Authors: Bakhshayesh Mahdieh , Chamgordani Parisa Rabiei , Sanaei Shima , Farhadi Haniyeh , Omidghaemi Shadi , Azadeh Mansoureh
Published: August 2022

Background: NME1 is a crucial gene in the proliferation, cancer survival, and differentiation processes. The abnormal changes in the expression of NME1 could cause disturbance in the mentioned processes and lead the normal cells to different abnormalities, including cancer. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women and ranks second among causes for cancer related death in women. In this study, the expression pattern of NME1 and the two lncRNAs that have possible interaction with NME1 (LINC01028 and LINC00528) had been evaluated In the Isfahan breast cancer (BC) patients.Methods and results: Microarray, pathway enrichment, Gene Ontology, RNA and Protein interaction, and co-expression analyses were performed to find novel integrated genes, proteins, and RNAs (coding and non-coding) in the BC patients, based on the bioinformatics tools (R programming language and online databases). After finding novel genes and RNAs, a real-time PCR experiment was performed to evaluate the accurate relative expression of found RNAs in the Isfahan human breast cancer samples. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that NME1 protein could regulate apoptotic-related proteins. Also, based on ENCORI and microarray data analysis, the expression of NME1 and LINC00511 (FC: 6.49, FDR < 0.0001) have a significant up-regulation in the BC samples. Also, LINC01028 had a significantly low expression in the mentioned datasets (FC: 0.08, FDR < 0.0001). A real-time PCR experiment validated the bioinformatics results. Based on the experiment, NME1 (logFC: 2.664, P. Value < 0.0001) and LINC00511 (logFC: 2.058, P. Value: 0.0180). Also, LINC01028 have significant low-expression in the BC samples (logFC: -2.219, P. Value: 0.0006).Conclusion: Based on the bioinformatics and experimental analyses, NME1, LINC00511, and LINC01028 could be three prognostic biomarkers in the Isfahan BC population. The disturbance of the expression level of mentioned RNAs can change the regular apoptosis process and promote BC development in the patients.
Self-care behaviours and associated factors among type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana: A systematic review
Authors: Opoku Richmond , Ackon Solomon Kwesi , Kumah Emmanuel , Botchwey Charles Owusu-Aduomi , Appiah Nana Esi , Korsah Shadrach , Peprah Michael
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Diabetes remains an emerging public health challenge in Ghana. The control of cardio‑metabolic risk factors among type 2 diabetes patients in the country is suboptimal, leading to massive healthcare costs. This systematic review examined the extent of adherence to self-care behaviours and associated factors among type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana.Methods: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Google scholar were used to identify quantitative observational studies published between 1990 and June 2022. Studies exclusive to type 2 diabetes patients ≥18 years of age in a Ghanaian setting were included in this review. Findings of primary studies were analysed using narrative synthesis.Results: Eleven (11) studies, presenting data on a total of 2,503 type 2 diabetes patients, were included. All the studies were published in the last decade (2015-2021) and a majority (45.5%) of them were from the Greater Accra Region. The mean number of days (per week) participants adhered to a self‐care behaviour were in the ranges of 3.9–4.4 for diet, 4.2–4.8 for physical activity, 0.5–2.2 for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), and 2.9–5.0 for foot care. Adherence rates for medication were in the range of 33.5–84.5%. Patient-related factors, sociodemographic/economic-related factors, condition-related factors, and healthcare system-related factors were associated with the practice of self-care behaviours.Conclusion: Adherence to self-care behaviours among type 2 diabetes patients in Ghana remains an ongoing challenge, with significant variations in adherence among patients with different characteristics. Public health interventions are needed to address the variations in adherence to self-care behaviours among type 2 diabetes patients.
The oncogenic function and potential mechanism of basic transcription factor 3 in melanoma
Authors: Niu Ningning , Li Yongqi , Yu Hong , Guo Liang , Guo Zhen , Lan Shijie , Liu Qiongyang , Zhang Yiqun , Gui Jianping , Wu Di
Published: August 2022

Objective
Basic transcription factor 3 (BTF3) has been shown to exert carcinogenic effects in several types of tumors. But its role in melanoma is still unclear. This study aims to explore the proliferative effect and molecular mechanisms of BTF3 in melanoma.
Methods
We used GFP-labeled BTF3-shRNA lentiviral vectors to knock down the expression of the BTF3 gene in melanoma cells, and then evaluated the effect of BTF3 on the cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and colony formation of melanoma cells through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Furthermore, we selected the representative tumor masses from the xenografted melanoma for microarray hybridization and bio-information analysis to screen out genes that significantly interact with BTF3. Through conducting hierarchical clustering analyze we predicted the prominent pathways and biological effects of BTF3-ralated genes, and further verify the expression of some representative genes by qRT-PCR and western blot.
Results
BTF3 is heterogeneously expressed in melanoma tissues and cells. Knockdown the expression of BTF3 attenuated the proliferation of melanoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. The melanoma cells exhibited more apoptosis, significant G2/M arrest, and deficient DNA damage repair capability conferred by transfection of BTF3-shRNA lentiviral vector. Furthermore, the results of bioinformatics analysis and western blot assay suggested that BTF3 might involve in p53 signaling, complement system, wnt/β-catenin signaling, FGF signaling, and other classical signaling pathways through interacting with some important genes such as TP53, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1), tumor protein p53 inducible protein 3 (TP53I3), and insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3). The upstream regulators of BTF3 include doxorubicin, nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1), TP53, etc.
Conclusion
BTF3 promotes the progression of melanoma by interacting with some key genes such as p53. Our findings provide novel insights into the role of BTF3 as an oncogenic gene in melanoma and suggest that BTF3 expression level may serve as a potential biomarker in response to clinical treatment.
Immune Response and Clinical Outcomes of BNT162b2 and mRNA1273 Fourth Dose COVID-19 Vaccines; Three Months Follow-up
Authors: Canetti Michal , Barda Noam , Gilboa Mayan , Indenbaum Victoria , Mandelboim Michal , Gonen Tal , Asraf Keren , Weiss-Ottolenghi Yael , Amit Sharon , Doolman Ram , Mendelson Ella , Harats Dror , Freedman Laurence S , Kreiss Yitshak , Lustig Yaniv , Regev-Yochay Gili
Published: August 2022

Booster doses for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic are under consideration in many countries. We report a three-month follow-up of 700 participants in a fourth vaccine dose study, comparing BNT162b2 and mRNA1273, administered four months after a third BNT162b2 dose. Waning of the immune response was evident during follow-up, with an 11% (ß=0.89, 95% CI, 0.88–0.9) and 21% (ß=0.79, 95% CI, 0.76–0.82) multiplicative decay per week of IgG and neutralizing antibodies, respectively, in the mRNA1273 group, and of 14% (ß=0.86, 95% CI, 0.86–0.87) and 26% (ß=0.74, 95% CI, 0.72–0.76), respectively, in the BNT162b2 group. Direct neutralization of Omicron variants was low relative to ancestral strains. Cumulatively over the study period, both vaccines showed little efficacy against infection but were highly efficacious against substantial disease [89% [(IRR 0.11, 95% CI, 0.02–0.37) and 71% (IRR 0.29, 95% CI, 0.13–0.57) for mRNA1273 and BNT162b2, respectively]. These results are informative for further boosting policy-making.
Investigating the X-aminopyridine (X = 2 and 3) molecules sensing by Al12N12 and B12N12 fullerene-like nanocages: DFT, QTAIM, RDG and TD-DFT insights
Authors: Fouegue Aymard Didier Tamafo
Published: August 2022

The adsorption of 2-aminopyridine (2-AP) and 3-aminopyridine (3-AP) on the external surface of B12N12and Al12N12fullerene-like nanocages (FLNs) is probed herein via DFT/M06-2X/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. It came out from the study that all FLN@X-AP states investigated are spontaneously formed. Moreover, topological analysis demonstrated that the boron nitride FLN can strongly adsorbed the APs through B-N covalent interactions. Energy values of -345.22 and − 328.55 kJ/mol respectively after the adsorption of 2-AP and 3-AP were further found for the above mentioned bonds. A significant change in the HOMO-LUMO band gap of B12N12, with values of 22.01 and 32.71% have been obtained following the adsorption of 2-AP and 3-AP respectively. Accordingly, the conductivity of B12N12is greatly enhanced by the adsorption of the APs. The above observations, combined with those found from the analysis of dipole moments and molecular electrostatic potential maps predict B12N12to be more sensitive to the aminopyridines investigated than the Al12N12FLN from the theoretical point of view.