bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catheterization of pulmonary and carotid arteries for concurrent measurement of mean pulmonary arterial (mPAP) and systemic arterial pressure (mSAP) in PAH rats
Authors: Ahsan Fakhrul , Sarkar Tanoy , Isbatan Ayman , Moinuddin Sakib M. , Chen Jiwang , Saha Dipongkor
Published: December 2022

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a group of pulmonary vascular disorders in which mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) becomes abnormally high because of various pathological conditions, including remodeling of the pulmonary arteries, lung and heart disorders, or congenital conditions. Various animal models, including mouse and rat models, have been used to recapitulate elevated mPAP observed in PH patients. However, the measurement and recording of mPAP and mean systemic arterial pressure (mSAP) in small animals require microsurgical procedures and a sophisticated data acquisition system. In this paper, we described the surgical procedures for right heart catheterizations (RHC) to measure mPAP in rats. We also explained the catheterization of the carotid artery for simultaneous measurement of mPAP and mSAP using the PowerLab Data Acquisition system. We enumerated the surgical steps involved in exposing the jugular vein and the carotid artery for catheterizing these two blood vessels. We listed the tools used for microsurgery in rats, described the methods for preparing catheters, and illustrated the process for inserting the catheters in the pulmonary and carotid arteries. Finally, we delineated the steps involved in the calibration and setup of the PowerLab system for recording both mPAP and mSAP. This is the first protocol wherein we meticulously explained the surgical procedures for RHC in rats and the recording of mPAP and mSAP. We believe this protocol would be essential for PH research. Investigators with little training in animal handling can reproduce this microsurgical procedure for RHC in rats and measure mPAP and mSAP in rat models of PH. Further, this protocol is likely to help master RHC in rats that are performed for other conditions such as heart failure, congenital heart disease, heart valve disorders, and heart transplantation.
The Emerging Role of MRI Neurography in the Diagnosis of Chronic Inguinal Pain
Authors: Hagopian Alexa De la Fuente , Vazquez Sebastian Guadarrama-Sistos , Farhat Souha , Reddy Narainsai K. , Trakhtenbroit Michael A. , Echo Anthony
Published: December 2022

Chronic pain is a frequent and notable complication after inguinal hernia repair, it has been extensively studied but its management and diagnosis are still difficult. The cause of chronic pain following inguinal hernia surgery is usually multifactorial. This case series highlights the utility of MRI neurography (MRN) in evaluating the damage to inguinal nerves after a hernia repair, with surgical confirmation of the preoperative imaging findings. A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent inguinal mesh removal and triple denervation of the groin. Inclusion criteria included MRI Neurography. All patients underwent surgical exploration of the inguinal canal for partial or complete mesh removal and triple denervation of the groin by the same senior surgeon. A total of nine patients who underwent triple denervation were included in this case series. MRN was then performed on 100% of patients. The postoperative mean VAS score adjusted for all patients was 1.6 (SD p), resulting in a 7.5 score difference compared to the preoperative VAS score (p). Since chronic groin pain can be a severely debilitating condition, diagnosis and treatment become imperative. MRN can detect direct and indirect signs of neuropathy even in the absence of a detectable compressive cause aids in management and diagnosis by finding the precise site of injury, and grading nerve injury to aid pre-operative assessment for the nerve surgeon. Thus, it is a valuable diagnostic tool to help with the diagnosis of nerve injuries in the setting of post-inguinal hernia groin pain.
Engineering extracellular vesicles with macrophage membranes fusion ameliorated psoriatic skin inflammation in imiquimod‐treated mice
Authors: Wang Zeng , Qin Zhizhen , Wang Jiadie , Xu Xinqi , Zhang Mengxin , Liang Yuyue , Huang Yukun , Yu Zengyang , Gong Yu , Zhou Luxian , Qiu Yiran , Ma Minglu , Li Dan , Li Bin
Published: December 2022

Backgrounds: Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that is difficult to cure and easy to relapse after drug withdrawal. Innate macrophage polarization reprogramming has a considerable impact on psoriasis prognosis. Herein, we introduce a method to ameliorate inflammatory responses based on macrophage membrane-engineered extracellular vesicles.
Results: Engineered extracellular vesicles inherited the high stability of M2 macrophage membrane and retained the macrophage reprogramming potential of Annexin A1 overexpressing T cell-derived exosomes. In the psoriasis-like skin mouse model, engineered extracellular vesicles successfully ameliorated inflammatory responses in the skin and spleen with high biosafety.
Conclusions: Our findings indicated that the M2 macrophage-like fusogenic extracellular vesicle-delivery platform had high inflammation-regulating ability and provided new insights and potential strategies for immunotherapy.
Structural and molecular insight into the disintegration of BRPs released by massive wasp stings using serratiopeptidase
Authors: Dhiman Ankita , Purohit Rituraj
Published: December 2022

Objective and design: Serratiopeptidase a multifaceted therapeutic enzyme renowned for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-biofilm, fibrinolytic and anti-edemic properties. It is vital to uncover more about the assets of such efficacious enzyme in order to facilitates their contribution in all health-related issues, notably inflammatory ailments. The current study sought to determine whether serratiopeptidase would disintegrate bradykinin related peptides (BRPs) from wasp venom in the same manner as it does with human bradykinin. Methods: To accomplish this objective, we used molecular modeling, docking, MD simulation, MMG/PBSA along with the SMD simulations. Results: We docked selected BRPs on to the binding pocket of wild and previously identified mutant (N412D) of serratiopeptidase. Based on their docked scores, top two BRPs were selected and their conformational behavior was analyzed employing molecular dynamics studies. Additionally, thermodynamics end-state energy analysis reported that both the complexes exhibited higher stability and analogous ∆G values when compared to the reference complex. Further, to understand the unbinding mechanism, we condemned external pulling force on both peptides and observed that BRP-7 peptide was tightly anchored and laid out the highest pulling force to get detach from the active pocket of serratiopeptidase. Conclusion: The current study endorses up the current findings and paves the way for serratiopeptidase to be used as an anti-angioedemic as well as fixed dose combination in hypotensive drugs.
Controlled Fabrication of RuOxSey Composites for Enhanced Acidic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Du Peng , Lin Chaoliang , He Xian , Zheng Zhichuan , Xie Xinyu , Huang Kai , Lei Ming , Tang Haolin
Published: December 2022

Developing relatively cost-effective and high-performance Ru-based composites as electrocatalysts for acidic oxygen evolution has become the critical step toward emerging renewable energy conversion, in which exploring controllable synthetic strategies and investigating the intrinsic nature by non-metallic interfacial modulation is highly desirable. In this work, a facile tandem process is proposed by ball-milling and thermal annealing for the scalable synthesis of RuOxSey nanocomposites with in-situ formed crystalline RuSe2 and metallic Ru heterostructures on RuO2 substrate. The optimized RuOxSey-800 sample has been proved to an excellent OER activity and long-term stability in an acidic electrolyte due to its suitable microscopic morphology and phase composition, along with a relatively smaller Tafel slope of 45.4 mV dec− 1 compared with commercial RuO2 and most similar catalysts reported in the literature. The outstanding acidic OER performance can be ascribed to the enhanced electron transfer and more active site exposure by controllable selenization. This work paves a novel way for the design and large-scale production of various non-metallic modified composite catalysts for extensive applications of energy conversion and storage.
NAM-NAD+-ADO metabolic reprogramming is a key factor for DNMT3A mutation to promote leukemia development through regulating cell cycle and immune microenvironment
Authors: Wang Yueying , Yang Xuejiao , Wang Xiao , Yang Ying , Li Zhiyang , Chen Yunshuo , Shang Siqi
Published: December 2022

DNMT3A-R882H mutation is a frequent epigenetic mutation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)-M4 and M5, participating in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation by blocking the binding of transcription factor complexes to DNA. However, effective approaches that directly target this inactivating mutation for therapy remain lacking. For the first time, we show that the DNMT3A-R882H mutation can switch leukemia cells to undergo nicotinamide (NAM) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism and influence the formation of cyclin-CDK complexes by affecting the deacetylation function of SIRT6. Inhibition of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) can reduce the NAD + required for SIRT6 function, degrade CDKN1A/CDKN1B, and effectively induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. The NAMPT inhibitor FK866 can optimize the immune-infiltrating microenvironment by reducing the production of the downstream metabolite adenosine (ADO). Animal experiments have shown that NAMPT inhibition or knockdown can significantly inhibit tumor cell growth, reduce spleen infiltration of tumor cells, and prolong mouse lifespan. Our findings provide a potential direction for a targeted therapy at the metabolic level in AML with DNMT3A mutations.
Global mapping reveals more intensively exploited inland than coastal wetlands
Authors: Feng Lian , Xu Yang , Fang Hongwei , Song Xiao-Peng , Gieseke Fabian , Kariryaa Ankit , Oehmcke Stefan , Gibson Luke , Jiang Xiating , Lin Ruimin , Xu Wang , Zheng Chunmiao , Brandt Martin , Fensholt Rasmus
Published: December 2022

Losses of coastal wetlands have been observed worldwide, but the extent to which inland wetlands have been exploited by humans is currently unknown on a global scale. Here, we map the distribution of land reclamation over global inland and coastal wetlands using high-resolution satellite observations. Results show that the total area of reclaimed wetlands was 132,886 km2 globally, with about 2/3 contributed from inland wetlands. From 1984 to 2020, the net gain of reclaimed inland wetlands (26,385 km2) was 1.6 times that of coastal wetlands (16,371 km2), due primarily to reduced coastal exploitation in the last decade. We identified significant contributions of wetland reclamation to fishery production, and further revealed greater reclamation rates within than outside protected areas. Our study highlights that the more intensively reclaimed inland wetlands should be highly prioritized, and our global synthesis provides a critical benchmark for assessing potential consequences of wetland exploitation and for future restoration efforts.
On Demand Deployment of Edge Cloud Infrastructures for Federated Learning
Authors: Huedo Eduardo , Moreno-Vozmediano Rafael , Montero Rubén S. , Llorente Ignacio M.
Published: December 2022

Federated learning on the edge allows the use of more powerful servers and more complex training models. This paper presents the deployment of a real federated learning framework on top of a real geo-distributed edge computing infrastructure, based on a commercial edge provider, using the OpenNebula cloud platform. Results show the feasibility, performance and cost efficiency of the solution.
A prediction nomogram based on machine learning methods for acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with acute pancreatitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Hu Hongjie , Wang Yuxin , Song Yaqin , Wu Shuhui , Li Dayong , Jing Liang , Qin Lei , Xia Zhaohui , Zhu Wei
Published: December 2022

To construct a predictive nomograph for acute pancreatitis (AP) complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) using machine learning methods. This study was designed as a retrospective investigation of data from patients enrolled with AP. These patients were divided into a training cohort and a testing cohort. Machine learning methods were used to select independent predictive factors and to establish a nomogram model, and the feasibility of the nomogram model was evaluated by the test set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the discriminatory ability, precision, and clinical applicability of the model. A total of 427 patients were included, 344 of whom were in the training cohort and 83 in the testing cohort. The support vector machine (SVM) model showed the best performance among the six machine-learning models. Age, sex, the sequential organ failure score (SOFA), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet count (PLT), total serum bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL) levels were the best predictors for patients with AP presenting ARDS through the SVM learning model. These seven variables were incorporated to construct a nomogram. The C-index of the model was 0.7977 in the training cohort and 0.8484 in the testing cohort. The calibration curve for predictive probability showed that the nomogram-based predictions were in good agreement with the actual observations. The DCA plot demonstrated a good net benefit for this model, and external validation confirmed its reliability. The prediction nomogram constructed based on the SVM model in this study can effectively predict the probability of AP complicated by ARDS.
Molecular diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis in pre-school children, school-aged children and women of reproductive age at community level in central Senegal
Authors: Sow Doudou , Sylla Khadime , Dieng Ndeye Marème , Senghor Bruno , Gaye Papa Mouhamadou , Fall Cheikh B. , Goumballa Ndiaw , Diallo Aldiouma , Ndiaye Jean Louis A. , Parola Philippe , Sokhna Cheikh , Doucouré Souleymane , Faye Babacar
Published: December 2022

Background: Urogenital schistosomiasis is a major public health concerns in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, the disease is endemic in all the regions of the country. Recently, WHO strongly recommend including the pre-school children and the women of reproductive age during the mass drug administration campaign. So, it is important to describe the burden of the disease in these group at risk using innovative diagnosis tools. This study aimed to assess the use of real time PCR in the detection of schistosomiasis cases at community level in a seasonal transmission area.
Materials and methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out in Niakhar located in the centre of Senegal. Pre-schoolchildren, school-aged children and female adolescents and adults were invited to participate in the study in April 2018. Urine samples were collected and examined using hemastix reagents strips, filtration technique and real-time PCR. Schistosoma haematobium was detected identified by targeting the Dra1 gene. The prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was determined for each group and the performance of the real-time PCR was compared with the conventional techniques.
Results: A total of 428 participants were enrolled in this study including 87 (20.3%) pre-school children (1-5 years), 262 (61.2%) school-aged children between (5-14 years), 17 (3.9%) adolescents (15-17 years) and 62 (14.4%) female adults. The comparison of the diagnostic techniques has shown that the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis is more important using molecular technique (34.6%) compared to the microscopy (20.3%). The percentage rate of hematuria using the hemastix was 23.1%. School-aged children between 5 and 14 years old were the most affected with 29.0% and 43.1% under microscopy and RT-PCR respectively. In female participants, the microscopic prevalence decreases with the age, from 21.4% in school-aged children to 17.6% in adolescents and 9.7% in adults. There was a good correlation between the number of eggs per 10 ml and the cycle threshold range.
Conclusion: These results show the importance of the use of molecular tools in the surveillance of schistosomiasis particularly in pre-school children and women of reproductive age.
Revealing Corynebacterium glutamicum proteoforms through top- down proteomics
Authors: Melo Reynaldo Magalhães , de Souza Jaques Miranda Ferreira , Williams Thomas Christopher Rhys , Fontes Wagner , de Sousa Marcelo Valle , Ricart Carlos André Ornelas , Vale Luis Henrique Ferreira do
Published: December 2022

Corynebacterium glutamicum is a bacterium widely employed in the industrial production of amino acids as well as a broad range of other biotechnological products. The present study describes the characterization of C. glutamicum proteoforms, and their post-translational modifications (PTMs) employing top-down proteomics. Despite previous evidence of PTMs having roles in the regulation of C. glutamicum metabolism, this is the first top-down proteome analysis of this organism. We identified 1125 proteoforms from 273 proteins, with 60% of proteins presenting at least one mass shift, suggesting the presence of PTMs, including several acetylated, oxidized and formylated proteoforms. Furthermore, proteins relevant to amino acid production, protein secretion, and oxidative stress were identified with mass shifts suggesting the presence of uncharacterized PTMs and proteoforms that may affect biotechnologically relevant processes in this industrial workhorse. For instance, the membrane proteins mepB and SecG were identified as a cleaved and a formylated proteoform, respectively. While in the central metabolism, OdhI was identified as two proteoforms with potential biological relevance: a cleaved proteoform and a proteoform with PTMs corresponding to a 70 Da mass shift.
Atenolol oxidation by Zeolite X encapsulated Cu (II)-L complex (L = a Schiff base ligand)
Authors: Hasani Fatmeh , Tabatabaee Masoumeh , Sharif Mahboubeh A. , Mahmoodi Mhboubeh
Published: December 2022

In this research zeolite‑X encapsulated M(II)-L complex (M = Co, Cu and L = 6,6'-((1E,1'E)-(ethane-1,2-diylbis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))bis(2-methoxyphenol)) was selected as an efficient heterogeneous catalytic for the oxidation of atenolol as beta-blocker. The reaction is monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbance of oxidation product at λ = 350 nm and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Some parameters including concentration of catalyst, concentration of H2O2 and reaction time were investigated and optimized. Approximately all atenolol has been oxidized after 120 min in the presences of M-L-X as catalyst, H2O2 as oxidant and optimizes conditions. Study of recovering and reusing of catalyst show the regenerated catalyst can be used for several times with negligible activity losses compared to first time.
The differential association between social capital and benevolent sexism belief by gender in Japan
Authors: Shakagori Shiori , Nawa Nobutoshi , Tabuchi Takahiro , Takahashi Hidehiko , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Benevolent sexism, defined as glorifying behaviors found to follow traditional gender roles, can lead to gender inequity and prejudice. Recent studies revealed the dark side of social capital on health through discrimination against outsiders. In the context of benevolent sexism, men and women who do not conform to traditional gender roles may be subject to discrimination. However, empirical studies on the association between social capital and benevolent sexism belief are scarce. We aimed to examine the association between social capital and benevolent sexism belief.
Methods: This study used data from a large online survey conducted from September to October 2021 in Japan (n = 27,952; 13,752 men and 14,200 women). We measured benevolent sexism belief by the Benevolent Sexism Scale for Japanese and individual-level social capital via a questionnaire. We examined associations between both individual-level social capital and prefecture-level social capital, and benevolent sexism after adjusting for covariates, stratified by sex.
Results: Among men, both individual-level and prefecture-level social capital were associated with higher benevolent sexism beliefs (coefficient: 0.20 (95%CI: 0.09, 0.32) and 0.17 (95%CI: 0.01, 0.33), respectively). In contrast, among women, individual-level social capital was inversely associated with benevolent sexism belief (coefficient −0.43 (95%CI: −0.54, −0.31)), and prefecture-level social capital was not associated with benevolent sexism belief (coefficient: 0.03 (95%CI: −0.10, 0.16)).
Conclusion: This study suggested that both individual and community social capital may accelerate benevolent sexism among men, while individual social capital plays a protective role in benevolent sexism among women.
The evolution tendency and driving factors of carbon emissions in Qingdao City
Authors: zhang peifeng
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we analyzed the evolution tendency of carbon emissions using the coefficient of variation, the Sen’s slope method and the Mann–Kendall (MK) test, and explored the influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors on carbon emissions by Geodetector, in Qingdao City. The results shown that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the area with moderate variation (0.1<Cv<1) and growth trend (β>0) of carbon emissions accounted for 73.8% and 80.8% of the whole city, respectively. The maximum value of carbon emissions increased from 0.66 million to 2.05 million tons, and the average value increased by 58.86 tons/a. The area with the value of carbon emissions higher than 2000t/km2 increased yearly. (2) The carbon emissions decreased gradually from the urban center to the periphery. The urban area had the largest variation degree (Cv=0.32) and a significant growth trend of carbon emissions, while Laixi, Jiaozhou and Pingdu were minor. (3) The socioeconomic factors (GDP density, population density and floor area ratio) had a significant impact on the spatio-temporal differentiation of carbon emissions in Qingdao, and the influence of environmental factors (temperature, elevation, land use type and slope) was weak. The interaction of GDP density and population density had the explanatory power of 81.9% on the spatial distribution of carbon emissions. The research indicated that the carbon emissions increased yearly and existed significant spatio-temporal difference in Qingdao city.
Evaluation of extracurricular medical education in cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology; students’ opinion on current medical training
Authors: Mathari Sulayman el , Arrouby Aïmane , Boulidam Noor , Kluin Jolanda
Published: December 2022

Introduction:
Medical students in the Netherlands have a relatively low exposure to cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology. This results in discrepancies between starting levels of medical residents and expected standards in clinical practice. Another side effect is the international decline in interest in a career in these cardiovascular fields. To compensate for this, extracurricular education programs focused on cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology have been set up.
This study aims to evaluate the impact and benefits of an extracurricular education program on students' knowledge of cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology and to explore possible factors involved in (academic) career decision making.
Methods:
66 participants were enrolled in the extracurricular education program VECTOR and were included in a cross-sectional cohort study. All participants scored their familiarity with different aspects of cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology prior to and after the course. Data was analyzed using Linear regression and Wilcoxon Signed Rank testing.
Results:
Participants demonstrated a significant trend towards improved familiarity with cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology after the program (p = <.001). Significant increased knowledge scores were reported for all specified subdomains after the course with an increase in academic interest in cardiology (p = <.001) and cardiothoracic surgery (p = <.001). Students revealed that clinical responsibilities and a healthy work-life balance were considered most important when deciding upon their future career.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the benefit of an extracurricular education program in cardiothoracic surgery and cardiology for undergraduates and could possibly aid students in preparing for clinical practice.
Breaking the Barrier 2k for Subset Feedback Vertex Set in Chordal Graphs
Authors: Bai Tian , Xiao Mingyu
Published: December 2022

The Subset Feedback Vertex Set problem (SFVS), to delete $k$ vertices from a given graph such that any vertex in a vertex subset (called a terminal set) is not in a cycle in the remaining graph, generalizes the famous Feedback Vertex Set problem and Multiway Cut problem. SFVS remains $|NP|$-hard even in split and chordal graphs, and SFVS in Chordal Graphs can be considered as a special case of the 3-Hitting Set problem. However, it is not easy to solve SFVS in Chordal Graphs faster than 3-Hitting Set. In 2019, Philip, Rajan, Saurabh, and Tale (Algorithmica 2019) proved that SFVS in Chordal Graphs can be solved in $2^{k}n^{\mathcal{O}(1)}$ time, slightly improving the best result $2.076^{k}n^{\mathcal{O}(1)}$ for 3-Hitting Set. In this paper, we break the ``$2^{k}$-barrier'' for SFVS in Chordal Graphs by giving a $1.619^{k}n^{\mathcal{O}(1)}$-time algorithm. Our algorithm uses reduction and branching rules based on the Dulmage-Mendelsohn decomposition and a divide-and-conquer method.
Systematic identification of endogenous strong constitutive promoters from the diazotrophic rhizosphere bacetrium Pseudomonas stutzeri DSM4166 to improve its nitrogenase activity
Authors: Yu Guangle , Li Xiaochen , Duan Qiuyue , Fu Jun , Zhang Youming , Wang Hailong , Luan Ji
Published: December 2022

Background: Biological nitrogen fixation converting atmospheric dinitrogen to ammonia is an important way to provide nitrogen for plants. Pseudomonas stutzeri DSM4166 is a diazotrophic Gram-negative bacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of cereal Sorghum nutans. Endogenous constitutive promoters are important for engineering of the nitrogen fixation pathway, however, they have not been systematically characterized in DSM4166.
Results: Twenty-four candidate promoters were identified from DSM4166 by RNA-seq analysis. These 24 promoters were cloned and characterized using the firefly luciferase gene. The strengths of fourteen promoters varied from 100 to 959% of the strength of the gentamicin resistance gene promoter. The strongest P12445 promoter was used to overexpress the biological nitrogen fixation pathway-specific positive regulator gene nifA. The transcription level of nitrogen fixation genes in DSM4166 were significantly increased and the nitrogenase activity was enhanced by 23 folds. When the nifHDK nitrogenase genes and nifA were both overexpressed by endogenous strong constitutive promoters, the nitrogen fixation efficiency of DSM4166 was increased by 51 folds.
Conclusions: The endogenous strong constitutive promoters identified in this study will facilitate development of DSM4166 as a microbial cell factory for nitrogen fixation and production of other useful compounds.
Fe-MnO2 nanosheets loading dihydroartemisinin for ferroptosis and immunotherapy
Authors: Huang Dandan , Xu Dafen , Chen Wenxin , Wu Ruimei , Wen Yujuan , Liu Ailin , Lin Liqing , Lin Xinhua , Wang Xuewen
Published: December 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) seriously threatens human health and life due to its high mortality. Ferroptosis is an emerging therapeutic based on accumulating the abnormal reactive oxygen species (ROS) of cancer cells. However, the therapeutic effect of a single treatment modality is often limited. A combination therapy of ferroptosis and immunotherapy has shown excellent therapeutic efficacy and is widely used for the treatment of cancer. Here, we designed a nanodrug that loaded DHA on Fe3+-doped MnO2 nanosheets (Fe-MnO2/DHA) to treat HCC.
Results: Fe-MnO2/DHA would degrade by the glutathione (GSH) of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to release Fe2+, Mn2+ and DHA, leading to ROS accumulation because of Fenton/Fenton-like reaction and breakage of endoperoxide bridge from dihydroartemisinin (DHA) to amplify oxidative stress. Meanwhile, depleting GSH promoted the inactivation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), resulting in lipid peroxide (LPO) accumulation. The resulting LPO and ROS induce ferroptosis and apoptosis of liver cancer cells. Consequently, Fe-MnO2/DHA three-pronged stimulation activates oxidative stress, resulting in high levels of targeted ICD. It could enhance the infiltration of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells as well as promote macrophage polarization. DHA also acted as an immunomodulator to inhibit regulatory T cells (Tregs) for systemic antitumor.
Conclusion: Fe-MnO2/DHA presents a multimodal therapy for HCC driven by ferroptosis, apoptosis and immune activation, significantly advancing synergistic cancer treatment of HCC. The designed nanodrug can act as a promising platform for HCC treatment.
Bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps in treating deep sternal wound infection following CABG in diabetic patients：two cases report
Authors: Liu Zhenhao , Hu Yuyuan , Cheng Xinmeng , Wu Nan , Yang Tao , Yang Lingbo , Wang Xuening
Published: December 2022

Background：Deep sternal wound infection（DSWI）is a life-threatening complication after cardiac operations, especially after coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG) in diabetic patients. Bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps has been recently carried out for DSWI treatment.
Case presentation：Two diabetic patients suffering from DSWI after CABG were treated by Bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps in our hospital. Both of them were discharged with full recovery.
Conclusion：Satisfactory results can be obtained by bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps with adequate infected tissue debridement and drainage. And this procedure should be performed actively when DSWI occurs in diabetic patients after CABG.
Coptotermes curvignathus effect on durability, flexural and compression strength of recycled polyethylene composites reinforced with Ceiba pentandra fibres
Authors: Sesan Aina Kehinde , Oluyinka Olaniran Samuel , Olayiwola yetunde bolarinwa , Owolabi Temitope Olayemi , Olufemi Babatoba
Published: December 2022

Polyethylene composites reinforced with wood dust from Ceiba pentandra were produced at one proportional variable of wood to polymer ratio. The polymers employed for the study were derived from recycled polyethylene embalmed dihydrogene monoxide bags. Derived homogenous particlesize of 1.00 mm of wood and polyethylene particles were used for production at ascending varying percentage of 40, 50, and 60 for wood and at descending varying percentages of 60, 50, and 40 for polyethylene. The effects of Coptotermes curvignathus attack on weight and mechanical properties of wood polyethylene composites were investigated while the extent of damages was examined. The properties which include weight, density, flexural modulus, flexural strength, compressive strength were determined before and after field exposure. The percentage weight changes were also determined after 12 weeks of graveyard field exposure. The mechanical values obtained before and after termite attacks ranged from 781.03 Kg/cm3 to 810.60 Kg/cm3 for density, 1087.76 Nmm− 2 to 4320.02 Nmm− 2 for flexural modulus, 43.68 Nmm− 2 to 59.14 Nmm− 2 for flexural strength and 18.43 Nmm− 2 to 32.55 Nmm− 2 for compressive strength. The density of the wood polyethylene composites was found to be at peak values when the wood content was at 40% while polyethylene content was at 60%. The wood polyethylene composites made at equal percentage of 50/50 was found to be at lowest values for all properties accessed both before and after termite exposures. The proportional percentage of wood/ polyethylene significantly affects the outcome of weight, density, flexural modulus and compressive strength of the composites after exposure to graveyard under tropical climate. This study revealed that the WPC products can be classified as very durable and durable while WPC at proportional ratio of 40/60 can be adopted for house application in Nigeria.
The effect of Taxation on financial performance: the case of Tunisian companies
Authors: ALI Abdelhakim BEN , ZOUAGHI Lamia
Published: December 2022

This article presents an empirical study of the effect of taxation on the performance of Tunisian companies. The study is based on a sample of 122 large Tunisian companies over the 2015-2019 period. The econometric method used is that of panel data. The results show that corporate income tax, tax incentives, firm size, liquidity, and leverage have significant (negative/positive) effects on the financial performance of Tunisian companies. These results may interest investors, practitioners, and regulators who wish to discover the investment climate in Tunisia. Tax policymakers are urged to lower corporate income tax and maximize the tax incentives to attract domestic and foreign investors. Finally, this paper extends the existing literature by examining the effect of taxation on firm performance in the Tunisian context.JEL Classifications L25; H25; C23.
Structural, Impedance Spectroscopy, and Electrical Properties in BiBaNiMnO6 Double Perovskite for some Device Applications
Authors: Nassar K. Iben , Tayari F. , Slimi M. , Rammeh N , Tixera Silvia Sorto , P.FG M.
Published: December 2022

Due to potential technological applications in a variety of industries, including electronic devices, telecommunications, magnetism, and the health sector, double perovskite materials have attracted a lot of attention from researchers in recent years. In this article, we develop a new BiBaNiMnO6 is a chemical compound studies of the structural and electrical characteristics of the sol-gel-produced double perovskite material have been discussed under various experimental circumstances. The creation of a single-phase, space group R3̅C, secondary phase-free rhombohedral system is confirmed by the room temperature X-ray diffraction study. Dielectric, impedance, conductivity, and modulus of the sample were all tested at different temperatures (100-360K) and frequencies (1kHz-1MHz), and the results reveal numerous surprising properties of the material. Electrical impedance analysis reveals that the sample is represented by an equivalent electrical circuit that is connected in parallel and contains a resistance, capacitance, and a fractal capacitance CPE. Semicircles of Nyquist plots provide evidence that the material exhibits non-Debye type relaxation behavior. There is a relaxation process in the material, as demonstrated by the analysis of the complex modulus approach, the real and imaginary component as a function of frequency for various temperatures. The Jonscher's power law's detailed investigation of the frequency dependence of conductivity at various temperatures reveals a thermally the conduction mechanism is activated. Electrical conductivity and modulus activation energies are very near, suggesting that the relaxation and conduction processes use the same sort of charge carrier. The two models of conduction are correlated barrier hopping (CBH) and non-overlapping small-polaron tunneling (NSPT). Electrical properties of the produced material are really intriguing. Knowing that capacitors can be employed in electrical fields.
Clot waveform analysis for perioperative hemostatic monitoring in a hemophilia A patient on emicizumab undergoing liver transplantation
Authors: Awane Mai , Wakui Masatoshi , Ozaki Yuko , Kondo Yoshino , Oka Shusaku , Fujimori Yuta , Yatabe Yoko , Arai Tomoko , Yamada Yohei , Hori Shutaro , Obara Hideaki , Hasegawa Yasushi , Matsushita Hiromichi
Published: December 2022

While the prognosis and the quality of life of hemophilia A patients have been improved greatly, liver diseases due to hepatitis virus infection from blood products previously administered, which require liver transplantation, are increasing. How to optimize perioperative factor VIII (FVIII) replacement through hemostatic monitoring is critically important in hemophilia A patients undergoing liver transplantation. Clot waveform analysis (CWA) extends the interpretation of measurement curves for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) or prothrombin time to provide global information about coagulation abnormalities and disorders such as coagulation factor deficiencies. We performed CWA to monitor perioperative hemostasis in a hemophilia A patient on emicizumab undergoing liver transplantation using a brain-dead donor for liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis virus C infection. To gain accurate results of APTT-CWA as well as of APTT and FVIII activity measurement, plasma samples were treated with anti-idiotype monoclonal antibodies against emicizumab to cancel its interference with the coagulation assays due to binding human activated FIX (FIXa) and FX to functionally mimic FVIIIa. Kinetics of the maximum coagulation velocity and acceleration roughly mimicked that of the FVIII activity. These CWA parameters better correlated with FVIII activity than APTT. The plateaus of them were observed at FVIII activity of 100% or more, likely supporting the protocol for perioperative FVIII replacement. Thus, CWA may measure coagulation potential in hemophilia A patients undergoing liver transplantation, aiding in optimizing perioperative FVIII replacement for proper hemostatic management.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Methyl Orange Anion Association with α-Cyclodextrin Using a Conductometric Approach
Authors: Khouri Sa'ib J. , Altwaiq Abdel mnim M.
Published: December 2022

The electrical conductivities of aqueous solutions of the azo dye methyl orange (sodium salt) were measured at 25.0 °C in the concentration range between 2.103 × 10-4 and 9.255 × 10-4 mol L-1. Molar conductivity values fit the Debye-Hückel-Wager equation for a symmetric electrolyte. The value of the molar conductivity of the sodium salt of methyl orange at infinite dilution is 77.93 ± 0.38 S cm2 mol-1. For the anions of methyl orange, the ionic conductivity at infinite dilution was calculated to be 27.82 S cm2 mol-1. Using the same methodology, a thermodynamic analysis of the association between methyl orange anion and α-cyclodextrin was conducted at 20.0, 25.0, 32.0, and 40.0 °C. The measured molar conductivities decreased as the mole ratio of α-cyclodextrin to methyl orange went below 3. The conductivity measurements were analysed using a model using 1:1 stoichiometry at the four different temperatures. The values of AHo and ASo are determined, as well as a discussion of their relevance.
An Electronic Decision Support System that Considers Risk and Site-Specificity in the Evaluation of Irrigation Water Quality
Authors: du Plessis HM , Annandale JG , Benadé N
Published: December 2022

Irrigators are increasingly challenged to maintain or even increase production using less water, sometimes of a poorer quality, and often from unconventional sources. This paper describes the main features of a newly developed software-based Decision Support System (DSS), with which to assess the Fitness for Use (FFU) of water for irrigation. Included in the analysis are site-specific factors, several non-traditional water constituents, and an assessment of the risk of negative effects. A simplified soil water balance and chemistry model is used to assess the water balance components of a cropping system and the redistribution of solutes within a soil profile. Simulations generate user-friendly, colour-coded output, that highlights expected effects of water constituents on soil quality, crop yield and quality, and on irrigation equipment. Because the DSS uses mainly internationally accepted cause-effect relationships to assess the effect of water quality constituents, it is envisaged that the DSS will find universal acceptance and application among irrigation users. In addition to assessing the FFU of irrigation water, the DSS also caters for calculating so-called Water Quality Requirements (WQR). WQRs represent the threshold levels of water quality constituents for irrigation at specified levels of acceptability or risk. Knowledge of WQRs will assist water resource managers to set site-specific targets for the maximum levels of water quality constituents that can be tolerated in a water source before impacting negatively on successful irrigation.
Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in working horses in Egypt
Authors: Salem Shebl E. , El-Ghany Amany M. Abd , Elsheikh Hussein A. , Abdel-Ghany Enas M. , Ras Refaat
Published: December 2022

Working horses support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Egypt but can pose potential zoonotic risk to their handlers such as cryptosporidiosis. Working horses were recruited into the study from 37 villages/areas in two Egyptian governorates. Faecal samples were collected from 607 horses and were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. infection using modified Zielh-Neelsen staining technique. Data about signalment, concurrent disease and level of strongyle infection were collected. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection was calculated using a bootstrap method and potential risk factors for the infection were investigated using mixed-effects logistic regression models that included the sampling location as a random-effects variable. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection was 28.7% (95% confidence interval = 23.5–33.9). None of the variables investigated including age and sex of the animals were associated with the risk of the infection. The study identified greater prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in the study area and further studies may be required to genotype these parasites. Personal hygiene such as hand sanitation should be practiced when managing these horses.
Developing a Parenting Model for the Decent Use of Digital Media among the Teenagers in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: BakiBillah Abul Hasan , Khan Ayub , Muhammad Faisal , Chowdhury ABM Alauddin , Shahinuzzaman Md. , Hossain Syed Billal , Akram Muhammad , Almasri Nihad A. , Wani Mohammad Amin , Chowdhury Moniruddin , Ghosh Sanchita , Mukherjee Tilottama , Kabir Russell
Published: December 2022

Background: In Bangladesh, parents are crucial in ensuring that teens use digital gadgets responsibly. The purpose of this study was to create a parenting paradigm within the context of the government's purges.
Method: Nineteen key informants took part in this study as part of the qualitative inquiry.
Results: Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and play a variety of roles that all support the same goal. The parenting model was created using the information from the interviews. By placing secondary and upper secondary educational institutions at the core of government action, parents will be educated. This approach was first proposed to be used in the "Generation Breakthrough" program of the Ministry of Education. Parents should be invited to the institutions to learn about the actions that need to be performed and followed under the two main categories, preventative and curative. Technology, the spoken word, psychology, and relationships built on evidence and trust are all examples of preventive approaches. Corrective measures include counseling, assistance with cyber security, legal services, and law enforcement.
Conclusion: In order to ensure that teens are using digital gadgets responsibly, this study suggests educating and empowering parents through a realistic strategy.
Roles of NLR and percentage of neutrophils in assessing the prognosis of sepsis: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wen Xiaoyue , Zhang Yujing , Song Chaoying , Shang You , Yuan Shiying , Zhang Jiancheng
Published: December 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the early predictive value of inflammation-related parameters in-hospital mortality of patients with sepsis.
Methods: We retrospectively recruited 606 patients diagnosed with sepsis from January 2009 to October 2022 in Wuhan Union Hospital. The inflammation-related parameters including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil percentage (NE%), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in in-hospital survivals and non-survivals on the first, second, third, and seventh days after hospital admission were collected and analyzed.
Results: NLR and NE% in non-survivals (n = 185) were significantly higher than those in survivals (n = 421) (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of NLR or NE% was 0.880 or 0.852 on day 1, 0.770 or 0.790 on day 2, 0.784 or 0.777 on day 3, and 0.732 or 0.741 on day 7. The optimal cut-off value of NLR or NE% for predicting in-hospital mortality were 10.769 or 87.70% on day 1, 17.544 or 90.69% on day 2, 14.395 or 85.00% on day 3, and 9.105 or 83.93% on day 7. The day 1, 2, 3 and 7 NLR, and day 1, 2 and 3 NE% were significant predictors of in-hospital mortality in the Cox proportional hazards models.
Conclusions: NLR and NE% were significant early biomarkers for predicting in-hospital mortality of septic patients. The combined NLR and NE% improved the evaluation for further early prediction of in-hospital mortality.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05636202. Registered 08 November 2022.
Patient care errors and related problems (part I): development and validation of the model
Authors: Al-Worafi Yaser Mohammed
Published: December 2022

Aims
The aim of this study was to develop and validate the patient care errors and related problems model.
Methodology
The patient care errors and related problems model was developed and validated based on many steps, including an extensive literature review, experts’ opinions, and the Delphi method. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 21 (SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21.0, IBM Corp., USA). The qualitative part was manually analyzed, then summarized all transcripts.
Results
After an extensive literature review and many rounds of discussion with experts, the patient care errors, and related problems model was developed and validated. The patient care errors and related problems model were divided into many themes related to the following: preventive medicine, self-care, patient assessment and diagnosis and management plan.
Conclusion
The patient care errors and related problems model has been developed and validated, which can be used as a tool for assessing patient care errors and related problems.
Chronic heart failure in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report and discussion
Authors: Bereda Gudisa
Published: December 2022

The involvement of the heart in COVID-19 infection appears to have a major negative influence on patient prognosis and survival. Myocarditis is caused by COVID-19, which can lead to heart failure and arrhythmias. On October 11, 2022, a 60-year-old middle-aged black African female widow was admitted with history of muscular weakness for two days and lack of appetite, and occasional vomiting for one day. She arrived at the emergency room after complaining for two days of peeing less than usual, weakness, a fast heartbeat, swelling in the feet, pink blood-tinged mucus, fever, headache, dehydration, a non-productive cough, and shortness of breath. Her neurological assessment to determine her level of consciousness indicated a Glasgow coma rating of 10/15. Routine reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (COVID-19) testing was performed in the emergency room; she tested positive. To treat her proven COVID-19 infection, she was received subcutaneous enoxaparin 80 mg every 12 hours as prophylaxis of deep venous thromboembolism. Because of a probable lung bacterial superinfection, 1 g of ceftriaxone and 500 mg of azithromycin were given orally once a day for five days to reduce her hospital-acquired infectious diseases.