bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Erosion Risk Assessment using Geospatial Techniques
Authors: Ahad Ummar , Ali Syed Ahmad , Ali Umair
Published: October 2022

The present study emphasized the application of geospatial techniques in measurement of drainage and morphometric parameters. Dudhganga-Shaliganga catchment with 7 sub-basins (coded as DS1-DS7) was analyzed to assess the soil erosion risk using detailed measurement of drainage and morphometric parameters using geospatial techniques. Linear, shape and relief parameters were assessed for every sub-basin and accordingly ranks were assigned on the basis of interrelationship with soil erodibility. The stream order up to 6 has been analyzed with drainage density of 1.881 with sub-parallel drainage pattern. As for as the area of interest is concerned, drainage network is controlled by lithological and geomorphic conditions with effect of subsurface structures dominant in SW sub-basins. The sub-basins were divided into high, medium and low category in terms of priority for soil Management and conservation. Ranking reveals that DS1, DS2 and DS6 come under very high soil erosion susceptibility. Existence of these sub-basins towards Pir-Panjal side having high altitudinal, high slope and deep valley topography enhance soil erosion risk supported by deforestation, unmannered cultivation on hill slopes and changing face of landscape by human activities. Besides, the sub-basins showing higher erosion rick have higher concentration of lineaments which acts as weak planes and allows easy water flow and increases chances of landslides by lubrication. Consecutively, soil erosion during heavy rain fall also gives birth to siltation problems in the plainer low lying areas as said above, which is a very serious problem to eradicate. Thus, morphotectonic and morphometric analysis applied has given an importance inferences related to soil erosion risk assessment in the area.
Accidental acquisition of a JEV rescued virus with introns unspliced in the viral genome using intron-based stabilization approach
Authors: huang ying , Xu Hongshan , Liu Shan , Lu Jiansheng , Jia Lili , Li Yuhua , Wang Rong , Yang Peng , Yu Yongxin , Yang Zhixin
Published: October 2022

The intron-based stabilization approach is a very useful strategy for construction of stable flavivirus infectious clones. SA14-14-2 is a highly attenuated Japanese encephalitis (JE) live vaccine strain and widely used since 1989 in China. To develop safe and effective recombinant vaccines with SA14-14-2 as a backbone vector, we constructed the DNA-based infectious clone pCMW-JEV of SA14-14-2 using the intron-based stabilization approach, and acquired the rescued virus rDJEV which retained the identical biological properties of the parental virus. Unexpectedly, a rescued virus strain, designated rHV-DJEV, with altered virulence was accidentally acquired in one of the transfection experiments. rHV-DJEV showed up to 105-fold increased neurovirulence compared with SA14-14-2 parental strain. Genome sequencing found that the inserted introns still existed in the genome of rHV-DJEV. Therefore, we think that the intron-based stabilization approach should be used prudently in vaccine development and direct iDNA immunization.
Aggressive aneurysmal bone cysts. Endoscopic high-speed curettage combined with percutaneous bone grafting. Case Report
Authors: Megremis Panos , Megremis Orestis
Published: October 2022

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign, locally destructive hemorrhagic lesion, usually eccentrically located in the metaphysis of the long bones. A variety of treatments are available for the aggressive forms of aneurysmal bone cysts, ranging from curettage to en bloc resection technique in which the bone defect is reconstructed with vascularized or nonvascularized fibular autograft or allograft. We report a case of a 12-year-old boy with an aggressive ABC of the proximal humerus. This aggressive form of ABC had penetrated the proximal growth plate of the humerus and had expanded to the humeral epiphysis, up to the subchondral bone of the humeral head. He had been treated surgically, with an aggressive, high-speed endoscopic curettage and bone grafting of the cyst. To assess the functional recovery of the patient, the Modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was used. Successful healing of the ABC of the proximal humerus was evident four months postoperatively. The Modified Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score was increased from 21 points preoperatively to 30 points, five years postoperatively. Endoscopic high-speed curettage allows a precise, thorough, and aggressive resection of the pathological tissue, which is essential for the successful healing of an aggressive ABC.
Food Hygiene Management among Food Handlers of Chitwan Nepal- Pre –Post Study Design
Authors: Khanal Gayatri , Shrestha Niki , Shrestha Sarbada , Chapagain Shakuntala , Chhetri Mamta
Published: October 2022

Background: Improper food handling practices are one of the major single causes of unsafe food, which can cause more than 200 diseases. Maintaining food hygiene largely depends on factors such as unhygienic practices, insufficient sanitation, inadequate cooking, improper storage, and cross-contamination which can be controlled by adequate knowledge and proper practice of food handlers. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an awareness program on safe food handling practices among food handlers.
Methods: A pre-post study was conducted in Chitwan district among 38 food handlers to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational intervention. G Power version 3.1.9.7 software is used to calculate sample size. The data collection tool was a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered using Epi-data 3.1 software and analysed using SPSS 16. The statistical analysis carried out was descriptive and bivariate (Wilcoxon Rank Test).
Results: 68.4% of respondents were handling food without any formal education on food handling practices. 15.8% of café/restaurants were running without a license or registration. 52.6% of food handlers had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge in the pre-test, whereas none of them were included under this category in the post-test. The median (IQR) post-test was higher than the median (IQR) pre-test score, which was statistically significant by applying the Wilcoxon sign rank test (p = 0.001).
Conclusions: Food hygiene management education for food handlers is an effective intervention for improving food hygiene knowledge and management. Food handler knowledge can be increased by encouraging food establishments/restaurants in various food safety education or training packages, thereby reducing foodborne outbreaks and food safety threats.
Pyrolysis characteristics, kinetics and biochar of fermented pine-sawdust-based waste
Authors: Zhang Yiteng , Hu Jun , Cheng Xingxing , Tahir Mudassir Hussain
Published: October 2022

Pyrolysis characteristics, kinetics and modified biochar derived from pine sawdust after fermentation (FPD) were determined by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and comparison was established with pine sawdust (PD). The pretreatment i.e. fermentation changed the properties of raw materials and improved the pyrolysis properties . The variation range of CPI values of FPD was 6.51×10 -7 -16.38×10 -7 % 2 ·min -2 ·°C -3 , significantly higher than that of untreated samples determined under the same experimental conditions. The average activation energy of FPD was 367.95 kJ/mol attained by Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO) method, 389.45 kJ/mol by Kissinger-Akahira-Sonuse (KAS) and 346.55 kJ/mol attained by Starink method much higher than PD. Additionally, fermentation could enhance the adsorption capacity for methylene blue of biochar from 0.76 mg/g to 1.6mg/g due to the abundant surface functional groups and three-dimensional internal pore structure. The adsorption pattern of fermented pine wood shifted from chemisorption dominated to the synergetic adsorption of surface functional groups adsorption and intragranular filling. Pyrolysis kinetics and biochar determination provide an in-depth understanding of fermented pine sawdust pyrolysis behaviors and product characteristics, which is the basis for designing pyrolysis process and re-using fermentation residues.
Enhancing extracellular electron transfer through selective enrichment of Geobacter with Fe@CN modified carbon-based anode in microbial fuel cells
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Long , Xu Qiang , Yang Qian-Wen , Tian Rui-Rui , Li Biao , Yan Su , Zhang Xue-Ying , Zhou Jun , Yong Xiao-Yu
Published: October 2022

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been demonstrated as a renewable energy strategy to efficiently recover chemical energy stored in wastewater into clean electricity by exoelectrogens through a combination of microbial metabolism and electrochemical processes, yet the limited power density limits their application. Here, Fe coped carbon and nitrogen (Fe@CN) nano-material was synthesized by direct pyrolysis of FeCl3 and urea, which was further decorated to fabricate Fe@CN modified carbon paper anode to improve the bioelectrochemical performance of MFCs. With a higher electrochemically active surface area, the Fe@CN modified anode was beneficial for enhancing microorganisms adhesion and extracellular electron transfer (EET). Accordingly, the MFC with Fe@CN modified anode (MFC-Fe@CN) successfully achieved a highest voltage output of 792.76 mV and a prolonged stable voltage output of 300 h. Interestingly, Geobacter species (15.41% abundance) was significantly enriched in the EABs of MFC-Fe@CN, while MFC-CP (unmodified carbon paper anode) favored the other exoelectrogens (Dysgonomonas and Comamonas). This work demonstrated the feasibility of development on anode catalysts for the elaboration of the catalytic principle about interface modification, which may contribute to the practical application of MFC in energy generation and wastewater treatment.
Analysis of Development Status and Function Features of Diabetes Health Management Apps
Authors: Duan Beibei , Liu Mengdi , Ma Cunhao , Liu Weiwei
Published: October 2022

Background: Using Diabetes-related Apps can effectively reduce the patients’ level of glucose and rehospitalization rate. However, due to the serious homogeneity of diabetes apps content and uneven function quality, medical staffs and patients do not know how to choose. This study aimed to understand the development status of diabetes health management Apps, analyze their functions and characteristics, and provide recommendations for further improvement or development of diabetes-related Apps.
Methods: In May 2022, diabetes-related apps were screened in ten major App markets, including Android and iOS system by using the keywords either Chinese or English. The apps that met the criteria were downloaded and their functions and characteristics were analyzed. Silberg scale was used to assess their information accountability.
Results: 90 diabetes-related apps were included, including 69 Chinese apps and 21 English apps. Almost all (97.8%) of which were developed by companies and commercial teams. Most of the apps (96.7%, 87/90) were targeted at people with diabetes, and only 3.3% were for type 1 and gestational diabetes. The total mean score of Silberg scale was 3.67±0.83. Among 28 functions, individual customized function and social support function are rare.
Conclusion: At present, the overall accountability quality of diabetes-related apps is low. The functions are insufficient, and the individual customized functions need to be further explored. In the future, it should be strengthen the diversity and individualization of diabetes-related apps, increase the development of special types of diabetes apps, and encourage medical staffs and patients to participate in the designment and development of Apps.
Categorizing 161 plant mitochondrial group II introns into 29 families of related paralogues finds only limited links between intron mobility and intron-borne maturases
Authors: Zumkeller Simon , Knoop Volker
Published: October 2022

Group II introns are common in the two endosymbiotic organelle genomes of plants. Chloroplasts harbor 22 positionally conserved group II introns whereas their occurrence in land plant mitogenomes is highly variable and specific for the seven major embryophyte clades: liverworts, mosses, hornworts, lycophytes, ferns, gymnosperms and flowering plants. Each plant group features “signature selections” of ca. 20–30 paralogues from a superset of altogether 105 group II introns meantime identified in embryophyte mtDNAs, suggesting massive intron gains and losses along the backbone of plant phylogeny. We report on systematically categorizing plant mitochondrial group II introns into “families”, comprising evidently related paralogues at different insertion sites, which may even be more similar than their respective orthologues in phylogenetically distant taxa. Including streptophyte algae extends our sampling to 161 and we sort 104 streptophyte mitochondrial group II introns into 25 core families of related paralogues evidently arising from retrotransposition events. Adding to discoveries of only recently created intron paralogues, hypermobile introns and twintrons, our survey led to further discoveries including previously overlooked “fossil” introns in spacer regions or e.g., in therps8pseudogene of lycophytes. Initially excluding intron-borne maturase sequences for family categorization, we added an independent analysis of maturase phylogenies and find a surprising incongruence between intron mobility and the presence of intron-borne maturases. Intriguingly, however, we find that several examples of nuclear splicing factors meantime characterized simultaneously facilitate splicing of independent paralogues now placed into the same intron families. Altogether this suggests that plant group II intron mobility, in contrast to their bacterial counterparts, is not intimately linked to intron-encoded maturases.
Kenyan palliative care providers’ and leaders’ perceptions of palliative care research needs and support to facilitate rigorous research
Authors: Cartmell KB , Doherty EA , Gikaara N , Ali Z , Qanungo S , Melikam ES , Powell RA
Published: October 2022

Background: Palliative care (PC) can reduce symptom distress and improve quality of life for patients and their families experiencing life-threatening illness. While the need for PC in Kenya is high, PC service delivery and research is limited. Qualitative research is needed to explore potential areas for PC research and support needed to enable that research. This insight is critical for informing a national PC research agenda and mobilizing limited resources for conducting rigorous PC research in Kenya.
Objectives: To explore perceptions of priority areas for PC research and support needed to facilitate rigorous research from the perspective of Kenyan PC providers and leaders.
Methods: Focus groups (FGs) were conducted in November and December of 2018 using a semi-structured interview guide. FGs were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach.
Results: Three FGs were conducted (n=22 participants). Eleven themes related to PC research emerged, including research on: 1) beliefs about death, disease, and treatment to inform PC; 2) awareness about PC, 3) integration of PC within the health system; 4) understanding caregiver experiences and needs; 5) community health volunteers (CHVs) and volunteer programs; 6) evaluation of costs and benefits of PC; 7) use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in PC; 8) use of advanced diagnostics and extensive treatment in incurable disease; 9) other suggestions for research, 10) populations for whom PC research is needed; and 11) resources for enabling research.
Conclusions: Kenyan PC providers and leaders identified key areas requiring increased scientific inquiry and critical resources needed to enable this research. These findings can help to focus future PC research in Kenya and encourage funding agencies to prioritize the issues identified.
The Mycobiome of Bats in the American Southwest is Structured by Geography, Bat Species, and Behavior
Authors: K Patrick J , Winter Ara S. , Woodhams Douglas C. , Northup Diana E.
Published: October 2022

Bats are widespread mammals that play key roles in ecosystems as pollinators and insectivores. However, there is a paucity of information about bat-associated microbes, in particular their fungal communities, despite the important role microbes play in host health and overall host function. The emerging fungal disease, white-nose syndrome, presents a potential challenge to the bat microbiome and understanding healthy bat-associated taxa will provide valuable information about potential microbiome-pathogen interactions. To address this knowledge gap, we collected 174 bat fur/skin swabs from 14 species of bats captured in five locations in New Mexico and Arizona and used high-throughput sequencing of the fungal internal transcribed (ITS) region to characterize bat-associated fungal communities. Our results revealed a highly heterogeneous bat mycobiome that was structured by geography and bat species. Furthermore, our data suggest that bat-associated fungal communities are affected by bat foraging, indicating the bat skin microbiota is dynamic on short time scales. Finally, despite the strong effects of site and species, we found widespread and abundant taxa from several taxonomic groups including the genera Alternaria and Metschnikowia that have the potential to be inhibitory towards fungal and bacterial pathogens.
3D printing of foetal vascular rings: feasibility and applicability
Authors: Huang Jia , Wang Hao , Yang Yuanting , Chen Qian , Hu Jiaqi , Shi Hua , Zhou Qing
Published: October 2022

Background
Vascular rings(VRs) exhibit complex and diverse forms that are difficult to conceptualize using traditional two-dimensional (2D) schematic. Inexperienced medical students and parents who lack a medical technology background face significant challenges in understanding VRs. The purpose of this research is to develop three-dimensional (3D) printing models of VRs to provide new technical imaging support for medical education and parental consultation.
Methods
This study included 42 fetuses diagnosed as VRs. Foetal echocardiography, modeling and 3D printing were performed, and the dimensional accuracy of models was analyzed. The value of 3D printing in the teaching of VRs was analyzed based on comparing the test results before and after the teaching intervention of 48 medical students and the satisfaction survey. A brief survey was conducted to 40 parents to assess the value of the 3D printed model in prenatal consultations.
Results
Forty models of VRs were successfully obtained, which reproduced the anatomical shape of the VRs space with high dimensional accuracy. No differences in the prelecture test results were noted between the 3D printing group and the 2D image group. After the lecture, the knowledge of both groups improved, but the postlecture score and the change in the prelecture versus postlecture score were greater in the 3D printing group, and the subjective satisfaction survey feedback in the 3D printing group was also better (P < 0.05). Similar results were observed from the parental questionnaire, the vast majority of parents have an enthusiastic and positive attitude towards the use of 3D printed models and suggest using them in future prenatal consultations.
Conclusions
Three-dimensional printing technology providing a new tool for effectively displaying different types of foetal VRs. This tool helps physicians and families understand the complex structure of foetal great vessels, positively impacting medical instruction and prenatal counselling.
Knowledge of early gastric cancer screening among adults ≥45 years in China: Who, when, and how
Authors: He Xiaoci , Qian Wang , Zhao Shuping , Qi Wei
Published: October 2022

Objective
Gastric cancer remains the fifth most diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. A better understanding of gastric cancer or early screening is crucial in disease prevention. In our country, the understanding of gastric cancer is still relatively lacking. Howere, little is known about the knowledge of early gastric cancer screening, especially among the ≥ 45-year population in China. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of early gastric cancer screening and associated factors in the population ≥ 45 years in Shijiazhuang, China, 2022.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in public places in Shijiazhuang, China, through the distribution of structured questionnaires. From 1 August 2022 to 10 August 2022, 1200 subjects over 45 were enrolled in the study. The descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0.
Results
A total of 1053 respondents participated in the study with a response rate of 88%.Only 17.5% of respondents had good early gastric cancer screening knowledge. In terms of specific screening knowledge, 64.0% of participants agreed that gastroscopy is the gold standard for early gastric cancer screening(how). However, only 19.9% were aware of the starting age of early screening (when), and less than 50% correctly identified the target group (who) from the H. pylori infection population (lowest,20.5%) to individuals with gastric diseases (highest,47.6%). Independent factors related to higher screening knowledge included female sex(OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.01–2.38),higher education level(OR = 4.03, 95% CI = 2.68–6.06), being with a personal/family experience of gastric diseases(OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.12–2.52).
Conclusion
In China, people ≥ 45 years have poor knowledge about early gastric cancer screening, especially a lack of awareness of specific information, including starting age(when)and target group༈who༉. Sex, education level, and personal/family experience of gastric diseases were found to be independent predictors of the early screening knowledge of respondents. Therefore, males aged 45 years and older, those with low education levels, and those without a personal/family experience of gastric diseases could be a key group in early screening education.
A Study of Manufacturing and Inventory Strategies in Close-Loop Supply Chain: A Two-Phase News-vendor Model with an Extended Warranty
Authors: Jalapathy P , M Mubashir Unnissa
Published: October 2022

Closed-loop supply chain procedures provide manufacturers with a competitive advantage over their competitors. Also, the supply chain involves a manufacturer and customers, in which the manufacturer produces and sells products from the manufacturing market. Interestingly, combining forward and reversal strategies presents challenges on both the on-demand and supply sides of the market. When customers purchase products, they are uncertain about the quality of the product, and the manufacturer offers a warranty to assure the customers about the reliability and quality of the products. This paper presents a two-phase News-vendor framework for warranted and non-warranted products with inventory carryover to describe the best manufacturing and re(manufacturing) procedures. The demand is modeled in stochastic nature with one dimensional extended warranty for both new and reman products. Two scenarios are considered to demonstrate the importance of providing an extended warranty. Finally, the numerical analysis concludes that the expected profit affects the manufacturer’s influence when providing a warranty and graphical results reveal that offering an extended warranty and lowering holding expenditure enhances the manufacturer’s expected total profit over two phases.
The Burden Assessment Scale in Spanish family caregivers of people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: García-Alandete Joaquín , Fernández-Felipe Isabel , Fonseca-Baeza Sara , Fernández Irene , Rodríguez Sandra Pérez , Marco José H. , Guillén Verónica
Published: October 2022

Bakground.
Caregiving is a strong source of stress and leads the family caregiver to experience the burden of being responsible for the care of a severely mentally ill family member. The Burden Assessment Scale (BAS) assesses burden in family caregivers. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the BAS in a sample of family caregivers of people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
Methods.
Participants were 233 Spanish family caregivers (157 women and 76 men aged between 16–76 years old, M = 54.44, SD = 10.09) of people diagnosed with BPD. The BAS, the Multicultural Quality of Life Index, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 were used.
Results.
An exploratory analysis resulted in a three-factor 16-item model (Disrupted Activities; Personal and Social Dysfunction; Worry, Guilt, and Being Overwhelmed) with an excellent fit (χ²(101) = 56.873, p = 1.000, CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.000, RMSEA = .000, SRMR = .060), good internal consistency (ω = .93), a negative correlation with quality of life, and a positive correlation with anxiety, depression, and stress.
Conclusion.
The model obtained for the BAS is a valid, reliable, and useful tool for assessing burden in family caregivers of relatives diagnosed with BPD.
Diagnostic accuracy of Left atrial function and strain for differentiating between acute and chronic myocardial infarction
Authors: Jiang Xiaofeng , Yan Yi , Yang Zhi , Wen Miao , Long Yitian , Fu Bing , Jiang Jian
Published: October 2022

Background
The left atrial strain and strain rate in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) were measured using the cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking (CMR-TT) technique, and its usefulness in the quantitative assessment of myocardial infarction for differentiating between acute and chronic myocardial infarction was assessed.
Methods
Consecutive 36 AMI patients and 29 CMI patients who underwent CMR were retrospectively analyzed as well as 30 controls. By analyzing the strain from long and short left ventricular view cines from CMR-TT, the left atrial and ventricular functions were measured. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis was used to test the diagnostic accuracy of the CMR-TT strain parameters in distinguishing acute from chronic myocardial infarction.
Results
Participants in both AMI and CMI demonstrated decreased LA reservoir function, conduit function, and LA booster pump dysfunction as compared to the controls. The LA strain was more sensitive than the LV global strain for determining the stage of MI. Of all the LA strain parameters measured, SRa produced the best areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.879 in demonstrating distinction between acute and chronic myocardial infarction. The LV strain and LA functional parameters showed the largest significant differences between chronic myocardial infarction and normal (P < 0.001, respectively), while there was no difference between AMI and normals.
Conclusions
CMR-TT-derived LA strain is a promising and robust tool for demonstrating impaired LA mechanics and quantifying LA dynamics, both of which have high sensitivity and specificity in the differential diagnosis of acute versus chronic myocardial infarction, and their use in clinical application is thus worth promoting.
MLKL Deficiency Attenuated Hepatocyte Oxidative DNA Damage by Activating Mitophagy to Suppress Macrophage cGAS-STING Signaling During Liver Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury.
Authors: Rao Zhuqing , Xu Jian , Wu Dongming , Zhou Shun , Hu Haoran , Li Fei , Guan Zhu , Zhan Xinyu , Gao Yiyun , Wang Ping
Published: October 2022

Mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL)-mediated necroptosis has been implicated in aggravating liver ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. However, the precise role and mechanism of MLKL in regulating oxidative DNA damage of hepatocytes and subsequent activation of macrophage stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of MLKL in regulating the interplay between hepatocyte injury and macrophage pro-inflammatory responses during liver IR injury. We found that IR increased MLKL expression in liver tissues of wild type (WT) mice. MLKL knockout (KO) attenuated liver IR injury and suppressed the activation of cGAS-STING signaling in intrahepatic macrophages, which was abrogated by STING activation with its agonist. Mechanistically, IR induced oxidative DNA damage in hepatocytes, leading to cGAS-STING activation in macrophages, which was suppressed by MLKL KO. Moreover, increased PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-mediated mitophagy contributed to reduced oxidative DNA damage in hepatocytes and subsequent decreased activation of STING signaling in macrophages in MLKL KO mice. Our findings demonstrated a non-canonical role of MLKL in the pathogenesis of liver IR. MLKL deficiency significantly promoted PINK1-mediated mitophagy activation to inhibit oxidative DNA damage in hepatocytes, which in turn suppressed macrophage cGAS-STING activation and inflammatory liver IR injury.
A Comparison of Special Intrauterine Balloons and Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices in the Treatment of Intrauterine Adhesions
Authors: Zhuang Lin-Lin , Wang Kai , Shen Hai-Lan , Lin Jia-Hui , Lu Ye , Luo Zhen-Yu , Wang Wen-Rong
Published: October 2022

Purpose
This study aimed to compare the efficacy of a special kind of intrauterine balloon (IUB) and that of an intrauterine contraception device (IUD) for patients with IUAs after transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA).
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, after TCRA, 31 patients received a special IUB, and 38 patients received an IUD. The Fisher exact test, logistic regression method, Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model were used for statistical analysis. A two-sided value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The readhesion rate significantly differed between the IUB group and IUD group, at 15.39% and 54.06%, respectively (P = 0.002). For recurrent moderate IUA, patients in the IUB group had lower scores than patients in the IUD group (P = 0.035). There was a significant difference in the intrauterine pregnancy rate of IUA patients in the IUB group and IUD group after treatment, with rates of 55.56% and 14.29%, respectively (P = 0.015).
Conclusion
Patients in the special IUB group had better outcomes than those in the IUD group, which has certain guiding significance for clinical work.
A Sequential Machine Learning Model for Identifying At-risk NASH by Combining Liver Stiffness Measurement and Protein Biomarkers
Authors: Li Guanlin , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Tan Qingxiong , Lin Huapeng , Wilson Jonathan Matthew , Bowsman Lenden M , Haas Joseph V , Chan Anthony Wing-Hung , Leung Howard Ho-Wai , Zhang Xinrong , Tse Yee-Kit , Shu Sally She-Ting , Chim Angel Mei-Ling , Chan Henry Lik-Yuen , Yuen Pong Chi , Wong Vincent Wai-Sun , Duffin Kevin L. , Chen Yu
Published: October 2022

Background: A number of protein biomarkers have been proposed for the assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but few have been externally validated and directly compared. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracies of 13 protein biomarkers and develop a biomarker-based machine learning algorithm to predict at-risk non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with NAFLD.
Methods: 281 NAFLD patients had blood biomarker tested within one week before liver biopsy. We used three machine learning methods to select biomarkers in training (70%) and testing (30%) datasets, and then input selected features into a logistic regression model to predict at-risk NASH (NAFLD activity score ≥4 with at least 1 point in each component and fibrosis stage ≥2).
Results: Among 13 protein biomarkers tested, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and Pro-C3 had the highest accuracy for at-risk NASH and advanced fibrosis (F3-4), respectively. All three machine learning models selected GDF-15, Pro-C3, and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 as the best predictors of at-risk NASH, and the logistic regression FibNASH-3 model had an area under receiver-operating characteristics curve of 0.784. Using LSM ≥8kPa as the first step, the sequential model had a 79.2% positive predictive value for at-risk NASH. During a mean follow-up of 9.7 years, 3% and 16.7% of patients with low and high sequential model score developed hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhotic complications, respectively (P<0.01).
Conclusions: The study provides a head-to-head comparison of 13 protein biomarkers. FibNASH-3 has the ability to accurately identify at-risk NASH in NAFLD patients and predict the development of liver-related events.
Preclinical evaluation of pentagamavunone-1 as monotherapy and combination therapy for pancreatic cancer in multiple xenograft models
Authors: Kamitani Naoki , Nakamae Ikuko , Yoneda-Kato Noriko , Kato Jun-ya , Sho Masayuki
Published: October 2022

We previously reported that pentagamavunone-1 (PGV-1) effectively inhibited cell proliferation in many types of human tumors, including pancreatic cancer, by inducing M phase (prometaphase) arrest, senescence, and apoptosis with few side effects. However, a detailed evaluation of the effects of PGV-1 on pancreatic cancer cells in an in vivo setting has not yet been conducted. The present study investigated the potential efficacy of PGV-1 as both monotherapy and combination therapy for pancreatic cancer using multiple xenograft mouse assays. A cell-line derived xenograft model (CDX-M) with pancreatic cancer cell line and a patient-derived xenograft mouse model (PDX-M) using resected pancreatic cancer samples without neoadjuvant chemotherapy were established in both heterotopic and orthotopic manners. PGV-1 effectively suppressed tumor formation at the heterotopic and orthotopic sites in CDX-M than in untreated mice. Combination therapy with PGV-1 and gemcitabine more effectively suppressed tumor formation than monotherapy with PGV-1 or gemcitabine when administered after tumor formation. Monotherapy with PGV-1 or gemcitabine less effectively suppressed tumor formation in PDX-M than in CDX-M, whereas combination therapy with PGV-1 and gemcitabine more effectively suppressed tumor formation. PGV-1 as monotherapy and combination therapy with gemcitabine effectively inhibited tumor formation and has potential as an anticancer candidate for pancreatic cancer.
CO2 capture-driven thermal and electric energy harvesting using amine-functionalized solvents with a poly(amidoamine) impregnated membrane
Authors: Kim Seonggon , Kim Minjae , Kang Yong Tae
Published: October 2022

The energy consumed for CO2 capture in processes that capture, store, and utilize carbon frequently approaches 80% of the total energy consumed, and its reduction is a major area of focus. Herein, a system that captures CO2 from flue gas to produce electricity is proposed. The exothermic reaction heat of amine-CO2 in the point-source CO2 capture process is harvested and converted into electricity using a thermoelectric (TE) device. The reaction heat of synthesized amine-functionalized mixtures (TEPA@SBA/MEA+PZ) is 52% higher compared with that obtained from the primary amine absorbent. The flue gas channel and solvent reservoir are separated using a membrane composed of tetraethylenepentamine-impregnated poly (ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate that selectively permeates CO2, to minimize heat loss due to mass transfer. The CO2 working capacity of TEPA@SBA/MEA+PZ is 6.6 mmol/g, which is defined as the capture capacity under steady-state conditions of 15 mol% CO2 and 85 mol% N2. Simultaneously, electricity can be harvested at a rate of 7.5 kJ/kg with a TE device composed of Bi2Te3. When put to industrial use, the proposed system can reduce the CO2 emission of power plants from 0.8 ton/MWh to 0.25 ton/MWh, while simultaneously generating an additional 0.6% of the total electricity production.
Computation of Randić and Sum-Connectivity Indices for H3BO3 Layer Structure’s Derivatives
Authors: Hussain Muhammad , Rehman Atiq ur , Inc Mustafa , Iqbal Muhammad Sajid , Muhammad Alizeh
Published: October 2022

Chemical compounds have variety of physicochemical, toxicological and pharmacological properties which predict their nature and how they will react. But the study of these properties requires Herculean and laborious experimentation so its alternative, topological indices were invented about 150 years ago. In this research paper, miscellaneous mathematical and computational methods are applied for the calculation of two versions of Randić index and two versions of sum-connectivity index for the subdivision n S(H3BO3), line graph L(H3BO3) and caged chain C(H3BO3) of H3BO3 layer structure.
Bright Semiconductor Single-Photon Sources Pumped by Heterogeneously Integrated Micropillar lasers with Electrical Injections
Authors: Li Xueshi , Liu Shunfa , Wei Yuming , Ma Jiantao , Song Changkun , Yu Ying , Su Rongbin , Geng Wei , Chen You-Ling , ni haiqiao , Liu Hanqing , Su Xiangbin , Niu Zhichuan , Liu Jin
Published: October 2022

The emerging hybrid integrated quantum photonics combines advantages of different functional components into a single chip to meet the stringent requirements for quantum information processing. Despite the tremendous progress in hybrid integrations of III-V quantum emitters with silicon-based photonic circuits and superconducting single-photon detectors, on-chip optical excitations of quantum emitters via miniaturized lasers towards single-photon sources (SPSs) with low power consumptions, small device footprints and excellent coherence properties is highly desirable yet illusive. In this work, we present realizations of bright semiconductor singe-photon sources heterogeneously integrated with on-chip electrically-injected microlasers. Different from previous one-by-one transfer printing technique implemented in hybrid quantum dot (QD) photonic devices, multiple deterministically coupled QD-circular Bragg Grating (CBG) SPSs were integrated with electrically-injected micropillar lasers at one time via a potentially scalable transfer printing process assisted by the wide-field photoluminescence (PL) imaging technique. Optically pumped by electrically-injected microlasers, pure single photons are generated with a high-brightness of a count rate of 3.8 M/s and an extraction efficiency of 21.5%. Such a high-brightness is due to the enhancement by the cavity mode of the CBG, which is confirmed by a Purcell factor of 2.5. Our work provides a powerful tool for advancing hybrid integrated quantum photonics in general and boosts the developments for realizing highly-compact, energy-efficient and coherent SPSs in particular.
Solvent-free synthesis and characterization of bimetallic UiO-66(Zr/Sn) heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Aresha Ahmed , Shaban Ebtehal A. , Sun Yinyong , El-Nahas Ahmed M. , Kashar Tahani I.
Published: October 2022

UiO-66(Zr) has been demonstrated to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the esterification of oleic acid and methanol for biodiesel production. For the development of multi-functional sites in the structure of UiO-66(Zr), direct synthesis of UiO-66(Zr) with extra metal centers is a challenge. Based on our previous work of solvent-free synthesis, tin-doped UiO-66(Zr) was prepared under solvent-free conditions. The produced materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 sorption technique, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) analysis of NH3. The results indicate that UiO-66(Zr/Sn)-green with bimetal centers exhibits superior catalytic performance in the esterification of oleic acid. Additionally, the influence of tin integration on the structure and reactivity of UiO-66(Zr) significantly accelerates the esterification process at room temperature. Such catalyst could easily be recycled and reused.
Location prediction model of zero value insulator based on PNN
Authors: He Baina , Wu Shuo , Wang Lemiao , Zhang Jingru , Lin Xin , Meng Fantao , Liu Yang
Published: October 2022

Zero insulators directly reduce the electrical performance of insulator strings, affecting the safe and reliable operation of transmission lines. The grounding current of the insulator string contains the characteristic information of insulator electrical performance. Extracting the characteristic information of grounding current can realize the detection of zero value insulator, which is of great significance to ensure the safe operation of transmission lines. In this paper, the composite insulator used on ultra high voltage (UHV) lines is studied to analyze the influence of zero insulators on the electric field distribution. Furthermore, the corresponding characteristics of the zero insulators at different locations are extracted. The fitting relationship between the characteristic quantity and the zero-insulator position is analyzed. The effective characteristics of grounding current are selected as training sample to establish the zero-insulator position prediction model based on probabilistic neural network (PNN). The research result is meaningful for the detection of zero insulators.
Hydrochemical characteristics of the Ramsar-listed Koshi Tappu Wetland, Nepal
Authors: Neupane Shristi , Pant Ramesh Raj , Thapa Lal B , Shah Deep Narayan , Gautam Birendra , Adhikari Barsha , Khanal Barsha , Acharya Anueva , Adhikari Saroj
Published: October 2022

Nepal abounds a vast array of freshwater bodies, from sub-tropical lowlands to glacier-fed highlands with varying water quality. This study evaluated the spatial variations in water quality at the Koshi Tappu Wetland, the first Ramsar site of Nepal, located in the eastern Tarai region within the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. Nineteen water quality parameters were chosen and analyzed from twenty-one different sampling points within the wetland. Parameters including pH, EC, TDS, turbidity, and DO were analyzed on-site, whereas HCO3−, Cl−, NH4+, NO3−, SO42− PO43−, K+, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, CaH, MgH, Na+, and Fe3+ were analyzed in the laboratory. Multivariate methods such as hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA), and geochemical indices such as Piper and mixing diagrams were applied to assess the spatial variation in water quality. Findings indicated Ca2+ as the principal cation and HCO3− as the principal anion regulating the hydrochemistry of the wetland. Based on CA, three spatial clusters were observed, which depicted variations in chemical composition with the PCA results highlighting the primary contamination sources and controlling factors of the sampling locations with 84.13% of the total variance. Findings from the PCA and ionic relationship analyses elucidated that the hydrochemistry of the Koshi Tappu wetland is mainly controlled by carbonate weathering processes with minor contribution of silicate weathering and anthropogenic activities.
Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group Guideline for the Gene-Drug Interaction of CYP2D6 and COMT with Atomoxetine, Methylphenidate and Clonidine
Authors: Nijenhuis Marga , Soree Bianca , Jama Wafa , de Boer-Veger Nienke , Buunk Anne Marie , Guchelaar Henk-Jan , Houwink Isa , Rongen Gerard , Schaik Ron van , Swen Jesse , Touw Daan , Weide Jan van der , Westrhenen Roos van , Deneer Vera , Risselada Arne
Published: October 2022

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) studies the effect of heritable genetic variation on drug response. Clinical adoption of PGx has remained limited, despite progress in the field. To promote implementation, the Dutch Pharmacogenetics Working Group (DPWG) develops evidence-based guidelines on how to optimize pharmacotherapy based on PGx test results. This guideline describes optimization of atomoxetine therapy based on genetic variation in the CYP2D6 gene. The CYP2D6 enzyme is involved in conversion of atomoxetine into the metabolite 4-hydroxyatomoxetine. With decreasing CYP2D6 enzyme activity, the exposure to atomoxetine and the risk of atomoxetine induced side effects increases. So, for patients with genetically absent CYP2D6 enzyme activity (CYP2D6 poor metabolisers), the DPWG recommends to start with the normal initial dose, bearing in mind that increasing this dose probably will not be required. In case of side effects and/or a late response, the DPWG recommends to reduce the dose and check for sustained effectiveness for both poor metabolisers and patients with genetically reduced CYP2D6 enzyme activity (CYP2D6 intermediate metabolisers). Extra vigilance for ineffectiveness is required in patients with genetically increased CYP2D6 enzyme activity (CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolisers). No interaction was found between the CYP2D6 and COMT genes and methylphenidate. In addition, no interaction was found between CYP2D6 and clonidine, confirming the suitability of clonidine as a possible alternative for atomoxetine in variant CYP2D6 metabolisers. The DPWG classifies CYP2D6 genotyping as being “potentially beneficial” for atomoxetine. CYP2D6 testing prior to treatment can be considered on an individual patient basis.
Synthesis, characterization and evaluation the performance of some novel pyridinone derivatives as corrosion inhibitors in some petroleum applications
Authors: Darwish Gehad A. , Ammar Yousry A. , Al-Sharbasy S. , Migahed M. A.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, newly synthesized pyridinone derivatives namely; 6-amino-2-oxo-1-(((1-phenyl-3-(p-tolyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl) methylene) amino)-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbo- nitrile (II) and 6-amino-1-(((2-chloro-7-ethoxyquinnolin-3-yl) methylene) amino)-2-oxo-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (III) were synthesized in laboratory and their chemical structure were characterized via elemental analysis, FTIR, 1H- and 13C -NMR spectroscopic analysis tools. The performance of the newly synthesized pyridinone derivatives as anticorrosion for carbon steel alloys in 2 M HCl aggressive medium were carried out using weight loss measurement as chemical testing method, in addition to PDP and EIS as electrochemical measurements. The collected data revealed that these pyridinone derivatives operated as excellent anticorrosion for metallic structures. PDP results revealed that these pyridinone derivatives behave as mixed type inhibitors. The adsorption isotherm revealed that undertaken compounds obeyed Langmuir adsorption isotherm. EIS data confirmed that the values charge transfer resistance (Rct) was increased by increasing the concentration of the injected inhibitor molecules, while the electrochemical double layer (Cdl) was dramatically decreased. The work was supported by two surface analysis methods such as SEM and EDX. Finally, a suitable inhibition mechanism was assumed and discussed in details.
Functional connectivity discriminates epileptogenic states and predicts surgical outcome in children with drug resistant epilepsy
Authors: Rijal Sakar , Corona Ludovica , Perry M Scott , Tamilia Eleonora , Madsen Joseph , Stone Scellig , Bolton Jeffrey , Pearl Phillip L , Papadelis Christos
Published: October 2022

Normal brain functioning emerges from a complex interplay among regions forming networks. In epilepsy, these networks are disrupted causing seizures. Nodes of these networks are the target of epilepsy surgery. Here, we assess whether functional connectivity (FC) using intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) can quantify epileptogenicity and predict surgical outcome in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). We computed Amplitude Envelope Correlation (AEC) and Phase Locking Value (PLV) for different states (i.e., interictal with no spikes, interictal with spikes, pre-ictal, ictal, and post-ictal) and for different frequency bands. We then computed each node’s strength (i.e., AEC or PLV at iEEG electrodes). We observed differences in nodal strength among the different states following a hierarchical epileptogenic organization: lower FC in interictal and pre-ictal states followed by higher FC values in ictal and post-ictal states (p < 0.05). We also observed higher nodal strength within resection for patients with good outcome (n = 22, Engel I), but not for poor outcome (n = 9, Engel II-IV), for all states (except ictal) and all bands (p < 0.05). Resection of hubs with high nodal strength was predictive of outcome (75–92% positive and 47–63% negative predictive values). Our findings suggest that FC can discriminate epileptogenic states and predict outcome in children with DRE.