bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and Depth Distribution of Modern Benthic Foraminifera Offshore Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Goeting Sulia , Ćosović Vlasta , Benedetti Andrea , Fiorini Flavia , Kocsis László , Roslim Amajida , Briguglio Antonino
Published: July 2022

The distribution of modern benthic foraminifera is studied from offshore mixed carbonate-siliciclastic settings of Brunei Darussalam located in northwestern Borneo (South China Sea). The sediments were collected from 17 sites (i.e., shallow reefs, sunken wrecks, and two depth transects). A total of 231 species were identified from 8 to 63 m water depth. We conducted several analyses to understand the patterns of faunal composition, including: (1) Cluster analysis and Principal Component Analysis together with correlation to define relation among the sites; (2) Diversity indices, such as Shannon Index and Fisher's Alpha Index to assess diversity patterns at sites; and (3) Foram Index (FI) to determine whether the water quality indicates conditions that support reef growth. The most abundant foraminiferal groups from the reef and most wreck samples are larger benthic foraminifera (LBF), especially Calcarinidae and Amphisteginidae, whereas in the muddier sites the most abundant are smaller benthic foraminifera (SBF) with the genera Pseudorotalia and Asterorotalia. Certain species from the groups have shown patterns that do or do not correlate with depth and clay content.
Penerapan Hak Ex Officio Hakim dan Asas Ius Contra Legem dalam Perkara Perceraian dan Pembagian Harta Bersama di Pengadilan Agama Magetan Perspektif Hukum Progresif
Authors: Zainal Faizin  , Ahmad Junaidi
Published: July 2022

Throughout 2019 the Magetan Religious Court has decided on divorce cases accompanied by the distribution of joint assets in four cases. From the four cases, legal dynamics emerged in their decisions, namely regarding the use of ex officio rights with reference to statutory regulations and the application of the principle of ius contra legem in deciding cases. The focus of the study in this thesis is the application of the ex officio rights of judges and the principle of ius contra legem in the case of sharing assets in the Magetan Religious Court with a progressive legal perspective. The approach used in this research is the progressive legal approach, which studies how the law is applied and whether it is in accordance with the principles of justice that make law for humans. Meanwhile, the theory used is a legal discovery with the characteristics of progressive law. Whereas the use of ex officio rights by applying the principle of ius contra legem solely aims to protect the legal interests of justice seekers by using the spirit of progressive law which is based on the legal interests of justice seekers which must be put forward rather than merely referring to codified rules, however, the judges do not abandon the legal principles which form the basis of the judges' thinking and actions in examining, hearing and deciding cases.
Fenomena Multi Peran Wanita Karir pada Masa Pandemi Covid-19 di Kecamatan Tegalombo Kabupaten Pacitan
Authors: Suci Restiati  , Khusniati Rofiah
Published: July 2022

Career women do not mean having to work in an office, but they can also work from home, for example, selling online. It is intended that when women encounter a problem, they already have the provision of strong soft skills and hard skills so that they can help in dealing with the rigours of life. Therefore, it is hoped that this district will be able to excel in accordance with the expectations of the demands and needs of the times. So this study aims to describe the standard of multi-role career women, their programs, and their planning in the Tegalombo District. The research method used is qualitative with the type of phenomenological study and data collection methods using interviews, observation, and documentation. This research results in the position of career women's roles in economic prosperity, family education, and household harmony. It is hoped that the multi-role of career women in the Covid-19 era can describe the problems that occur, and further direct the quality and quantity of career women in improving survival.
Positive correlation between latent Epstein-Barr virus infection and severity of illness in IBD patients
Authors: Wei Hongtao , Xue Xiaowei , Ling Qing , Wang Pengyan , Zhou Weixun
Published: July 2022

Background: Inflammatory bowel (IBD) disease plays an important role in the prevention and disease management. Immunosuppressive therapies have been found to induce IBD pathogenesis and reactivate latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) . This study was aimed to explore the clinical significance of latent EBV infection in IBD patients. Methods: Latent EBV infection was determined by double staining for EBV encoded RNA (EBER) and CD20 in colon specimens of 43 IBD patients who underwent bowel resection. Based on the staining results, the patients were divided into two groups, according to their latent EBV infection states - negative (n=33) and positive (n=10). The clinic-pathological data were analyzed between the two different latent EBV groups and also between the mild-to-moderate and severe disease groups.Results: Systolic pressure (P=0.005), variety of disease (P=0.005), the severity of illness (P=0.002), and pre-op corticosteroids (P=0.025) were significantly different between the EBV-negative and EBV-positive groups. Systolic pressure (P=0.001), variety of disease (P=0.000), pre-op corticosteroids (P=0.011) and EBV infection (P=0.003) were significantly different between the mild-to-moderate and severe disease groups.Conclusions: IBD patients with latent EBV infection may manifest more severe illnesses. It is suggested that the role of EBV in IBD development should be further investigated and latent EBV infection in patients with serious IBD should be closely monitored, and therapeutic course should be optimized.
In vitro activity of therapeutic antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5
Authors: Touret Franck , Baronti Cécile , Pastorino Boris , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Ninove Laetitia , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: July 2022

The replacement of the Omicron BA.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 by the BA.2 and the rapid growth of the BA.5 sub lineage, which have both different sets of mutations in the spike glycoprotein, alters the spectrum of activity of therapeutic antibodies currently licensed in the European Union. Using clinical strains of the Omicron BA.2 and BA.5 variants, we compared the neutralising power of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron BA.1, BA.2 and BA.5 variants, using an ancestral strain (lineage B.1, D614G) and a Delta variant strain as reference. Sotrovimab/Vir-7831 is less active against BA.2 than against BA.1 (fold change reduction ~1,4) and even less active against BA.5 (fold change reduction ~2.7). Within the Evusheld /AZD7442 cocktail, Cilgavimab/AZD1061 is more active against BA.2 and BA.5 than against BA.1 (fold change increase ~32), whilst the very low activity of Tixagevimab/AZD8895 against BA.1 is not enhanced against BA.2 nor BA.5. In total, compared to BA.1, the activity of the Evusheld/AZD7442 is significantly improved against BA.2 and that against BA.5 is intermediate but closer to that against BA.2.
Microbiome network in the pelagic and benthic offshore systems of the northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Scicchitano Daniel , Martire Marco Lo , Palladino Giorgia , Nanetti Enrico , Fabbrini Marco , Dell'Anno Antonio , Rampelli Simone , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Candela Marco
Published: July 2022

Background
Because of their recognized global importance, there is now the urgent need to map diversity and distribution patterns of marine microbial communities. Even if available studies provided some advances in the understanding the biogeographical patterns of marine microbiomes at the global scale, their degree of plasticity at the local scale it is still underexplored, and functional implications still need to be dissected. In this scenario here we provide a synoptical study on the microbiomes of the water column and surface sediments from 19 sites in a 130 km2 area located 13.5 Km afar from the coast in the North-Western Adriatic Sea (Italy), providing the finest-scale mapping of marine microbiomes in the Mediterranean sea.
Results
Pelagic and benthic microbiomes in the study area showed sector specific-patterns and distinct assemblage structures, corresponding to specific variations in the microbiome network structure. While maintaining a balanced structure in term of provided ecosystem services (e.g., hydrocarbon degradation and nutrient cycling), sector-specific patterns of over-abundant modules - and taxa - were defined, with the South sector (the closest to the coast) characterized by microbial groups of terrestrial origins, both in the pelagic and the benthic realms.
Conclusions
By the granular assessment of the marine microbiome changes at the local scale, we have been able to highlight the admission of terrestrial microorganisms in the marine microbiome networks, as a possible natural process characterizing eutrophic coastal area. This raises the question about the biological threshold for terrestrial microorganisms to be admitted in the marine microbiome networks, without disturbing the ecological balance.
PROFILE OF LIVER CHOLESTATIC BIOMARKERS FOLLOWING PROLONGED KETAMINE ADMINISTRATION IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19
Authors: Henrie¹ Julie , Gerard¹ Ludovic , Declerfayt¹ Caroline , Lejeune¹ Adrienne , Baldin² Pamela , Robert¹ Arnaud , Laterre¹ Pierre-François , Hantson Philippe
Published: July 2022

Background. To investigate the possible influence of prolonged ketamine (K) or esketamine (ESK) infusion on the profile of liver cholestatic biomarkers in patients with COVID-19 infection. Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on 135 patients with COVID-19 related ARDS who received prolonged K or ESK infusion. They were compared to 15 COVID-19 ICU patients who did not receive K/ESK while being mechanically ventilated and 108 COVID-19 patients who did not receive mechanical ventilation nor K/ESK. The profile of the liver function tests was analysed in the groups. Results. Peak values of ALP, GGT and bilirubin were higher in the K/ESK group, but not for AST and ALT. Peak values of ALP were significantly higher among patients who underwent mechanical ventilation and who received K/ESK, compared with mechanically ventilated patients who did not receive K/ESK. There was correlation between these peak values and the cumulative dose and duration of K/ESK therapy. Conclusions. Based on the observations of biliary anomalies in chronic ketamine abusers, prolonged exposure to ketamine sedation during mechanical ventilation may also be involved, in addition to viral infection causing secondary sclerosing cholangitis. The safety of prolonged ketamine sedation on the biliary tract requires further investigations.
Fuzi polysaccharides improve immunity in immunosuppressed mice by regulating gut microbiota composition
Authors: Tu Ran , Zhou Cheng , Huang Wenfeng , Feng Zhengping , Zhao Qiufang , Shi Xiaofei , Cui Langjun , Chen Keke
Published: July 2022

Fuzi is a traditional Chinese medicine, and polysaccharides therein are considered the most bioactive compounds, with immunomodulatory effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been evaluated. This study assessed the effects of Fuzi polysaccharides (FPS) on the gut microbiota and immune function of mice immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide (CP). The results showed that PFS increased the concentration of acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and n-butyric acid in the cecum of treated mice. FPS decreased the relative abundance of Helicobacter, Anaerotruncus, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospira, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG-003, Mucispirillum, and Mycoplasma and increased the relative abundance of Rhodospirillales, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-013, Mollicutes_RF39, Ruminococcus_1, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Muribaculaceae in the gut. Furthermore, FPS increased the spleen and thymus indexes and the number of white blood cells and lymphocytes. CP decreased the relative mRNA expression of NF-кB, IL-6, and iNOS, the differentiation of CD4+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, and the protein expression of occludin and zonula occludens-1, whereas FPS reduced these effects. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the gut microbial composition was significantly correlated with inflammatory gene expression and intestinal barrier function.
DNA methylation at insulin-insulin like growth factor 2 is associated with prenatal exposure to sulfur dioxide and childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms
Authors: Choi Yoon-Jung , Cho Jinwoo , Hong Yun-Chul , Lee Dong-wook , Moon Sungji , Park Soo Jin , Lee Kyung-shin , Shin Choong Ho , Lee Young Ah , Kim Bung-Nyun , Kaminsky Zachary , Kim Johanna Inhyang , Lim Youn-Hee
Published: July 2022

Backgrounds
: Epigenetic influence plays a role in the association between exposure to air pollution and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, research regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2) is scarce. Herein, we investigate the associations between prenatal SO2 exposure and ADHD rating scale (ARS) scores at ages 4, 6, and 8 years repeatedly in a mother-child cohort (n = 329). Whole blood samples were obtained at ages 2 and 6 years, and genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) was analyzed for 51 children using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation BeadChip. We analyzed the associations between prenatal SO2 exposure and DNAm levels at ages 2 and 6, and investigated the association between the DNAm levels at the significant CpGs and ARS at ages 4, 6, and 8. Weighted gene co-methylation network analysis was conducted to detect modules weighted for prenatal SO2 exposure and ARS.
Results
Prenatal SO2 exposure was associated with ADHD symptoms. DNAm levels at the 6 CpGs (cg07583420 (INS-IGF2), cg05075097 (INS-IGF2), cg25163476 (INS-IGF2), cg20296524 (TARBP1), cg15705054 (PBXIP1), and cg05951817 (SLC6A4)) at age 2 were associated with prenatal SO2 exposure levels; however, DNAm at age 6 was not associated with prenatal SO2 exposure. Of the 6 CpGs, 5 were grouped into a module correlated with prenatal SO2 exposure and ARS, of which cg07583420 (INS-IGF2) was persistently linked with ARS at ages 4, 6, and 8.
Conclusions
Changes in DNAm levels associated with prenatal SO2 exposure during early childhood are linked to increases in ARS in later childhood.
Fast in vivo assay of creatine kinase in the human brain by 31P magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Widmaier Mark , Lim Song-I , Wenz Daniel , Xin Lijing
Published: July 2022

A new and efficient magnetisation transfer 31P magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MT-31P-MRF) approach is introduced to measure the creatine kinase metabolic rate kCK between phosphocreatine (PCr) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in human brain. The MRF framework is extended to overcome challenges in conventional 31P measurement methods in the human brain in vivo by reducing specific absorption rate deposition, incorporating system imperfection into a model, and testing a range of values for each parameter to arrive at their estimation. To compute complex high-dimensional datasets, we propose a nested iteration interpolation method (NIIM). As the number of parameters to estimate increases, the size of the dictionary grows exponentially. NIIM can reduce the computational load by breaking dictionary matching into subsolutions of linear computational order. The MT-31P-MRF combined with the NIIM provides T1PCr , T 1ATP , and kCK estimates in good agreement with those obtained by the exchange kinetics by band inversion transfer (EBIT) method and literature values. Furthermore, the test-retest reproducibility results showed that the MT-31P-MRF achieves less than 10% of the coefficient of variation for T1PCr , T 1ATP , and kCK measurements in 4 min 15 s, which is more than four times faster than the EBIT method. We conclude that MT-31P-MRF in combination with the NIIM is a fast, accurate and reproducible approach for in vivo kCK assays in the human brain, which enables the potential for investigating energy metabolism in a clinical setting.
Development of a measure to assess the quality of proxy decisions about research participation on behalf of adults lacking capacity to consent: the Combined Scale for Proxy Informed Consent Decisions (CONCORD scale)
Authors: Shepherd Victoria , Hood Kerenza , Gillies Katie , Wood Fiona
Published: July 2022

Background
Recruitment of adults lacking capacity to consent into trials requires the involvement of an alternative ‘proxy’ decision-maker, usually a family member. This can be challenging for family members, with some experiencing emotional and decisional burden. Interventions to support proxy consent decisions in non-emergency settings are being developed. However, the ability to evaluate interventions is limited due to a lack of measures that capture outcomes of known importance, as identified through a core outcome set (COS).
Methods
Using established measure development principles, a four-stage process was used to develop and refine items for a new measure of proxy decision quality: 1) findings from a recent scoping review and consensus study were reviewed to identify items for inclusion in the scale and any existing outcome measures; 2) assessment of content coverage by existing measures and identification of insufficiency; 3) construction of a novel scale; 4) cognitive testing to explore comprehension of the scale and test its content adequacy through interviews with family members of people with impaired capacity.
Results
A range of outcome measures associated with healthcare decision-making and informed consent decisions, such as the Decisional Conflict Scale, were identified in the scoping review. These measures were mapped against the key constructs identified in the COS to assess content coverage. Insufficient coverage of areas such as proxy-specific satisfaction and knowledge sufficiency by existing instruments indicated that a novel measure was needed. An initial version of a combined measure (the CONCORD scale) was drafted and tested during cognitive interviews with eleven family members. The interviews established comprehension, acceptability, feasibility, and content adequacy of the scale. Participants suggested re-phrasing and re-ordering some questions, leading to the creation of a revised version.
Conclusions
The CONCORD scale provides a brief measure to evaluate the quality of decisions made on behalf of an adult who lacks capacity to consent in non-emergency settings, enabling the evaluation of interventions to improve proxy decision quality. Initial evaluation indicates it has content adequacy and is feasible to use. Further statistical validation work is being undertaken.
A Photodynamically Sensitized Dendritic Cell Vaccine that Promotes the Anti-Tumor effects of Anti-PD-L1 Monoclonal Antibody in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shuang Li , Wang Ding , Cheng Jinzhang , Sun Jicheng , Kalvakolanu Dhan V. , Zhao Xue , Wang Di , You Yunhan , Zhang Ling , Yu Dan
Published: July 2022

Background. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are promising tools in combating several cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, a substantial portion of HNSCC patients do not respond to PD-L1 antibody. Here we describe a photodynamic therapeutic (PDT) approach to enhance anti-tumor effects of the anti-PD-L1 antibody. Methods. Phototoxicity of PDT was confirmed using fluorescence microscopy, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry analyses. Phenotypic and functional maturation of immature DCs (imDCs) induced by PDT were measured using flow cytometry and ELISA. A mouse model was established using the HNSCC line, SCC7, and was used to evaluate therapeutic effects of PDT-DC vaccine in facilitating anti-tumor immunity of PD-L1 antibody. Results. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) of SCC7 cells was induced by PDT with 0.5 μM of m-THPC and the 5 J/cm2 of light dose. ICD of SCC7 cells stimulated imDCs maturation. In vivo assays suggested that PDT-DC vaccine and anti-PD-L1 mAb synergistically induced anti-tumor immunity and suppressed tumor progression.Conclusions. PDT-DC vaccine enhances therapeutic effects of PD-L1 antibody, which might provide a novel approach for HNSCC immunotherapy.
Safety and Efficacy of Enhanced recovery after laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery: a single-center randomized controlled study
Authors: Li Ming-zhe , Chen Xin , Wang Chen , Li Shi-zeng , Xia Bin , Wu Wen-hui , Zhang Chang-hua , He Yu-long
Published: July 2022

Background: The role of Eintraoperative joint organ removal or transit abdominal surgery recovery after surgery (ERAS) in reducing hospital stay time and perioperative hospitalization costs have been proven. However, most studies have been carried out in areas rich in medical resources. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of ERAS compared with traditional perioperative period care for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in areas poor in medical resources in China.Methods: A randomized controlled trial on laparoscopic cholecystectomy was conducted at The People's Hospital of Fengqing from July 2020 to March 2021. Patients were randomly divided into an ERAS group and a traditional care group. The main outcome was the length of hospital stay after surgery. The secondary outcomes included hospitalization costs and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for postoperative pain, first exhaust time, and first semi-liquid diet time after surgery. The ERAS group was provided with perioperative education, nutritional support, preoperative 2 h oral carbohydrates, restricted rehydration, intraoperative insulation, no drainage tubes, wound hemp, early mobilization postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prevention and multi-modal analgesia, early activity.Results: The study was conducted on a total of 140 patients with 70 patients each in the ERAS group and traditional care groups. In the ERAS group, The length of hospital stay after surgery was shorter (4.06 vs.4.61 days, P<0.05), the average hospitalization cost (CNY 7900 vs. 8470, P<0.05),and VAS score (3.10 vs. 3.57 points, compared to the eraser group P<0.001) was lower, the first exhaust time was shorter (12.2 vs. 14.2 hours, P<0.001), the first semi-liquid diet time after surgery was shorter(14.5 vs. 16.8 hours, P<0.001), and the incidence of major postoperative complications was lower (bile leakage, postoperative bleeding, bile duct damage) (0% vs. 12.9%, P<0.05). No significant difference in surgery time (57.8 vs. 54.6 min, P>0.05) was observed between the two groups.Conclusion: Even in areas poor in medical resources in China, the use of the ERAS concept for LC surgery can reduce the length of hospital stay, cut down the cost of hospitalization, and lessen the pain of patients after surgery and accelerate postoperative recovery.
Wavy changes in sinus hairs are correlated with feline leukaemia virus infection
Authors: Morishita Masataka , Sunden Yuji , Horiguchi Misaki , Sakoya Hirosei , Yokogawa Mana , Ino Hiroyuki , Une Satoshi , Kawata Mutsumi , Hosoido Taisei , Morita Takehito
Published: July 2022

Background: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is retroviruses with global impact on the health of domestic cats. Serological viral detection method has already established, however, there is no report about the appearance of FeLV infected cats. We noticed the cats infected with FeLV often possess wavy sinus hairs (WSH). To investigate the relationship between WSH and FeLV infection, the association between the “presence or absence of wavy changes in sinus hairs” and FeLV infection was examined in 358 cats including 56 cats with WSH using the chi-square test. The results of blood tests from 223 cases were subjected to multivariate analysis (logistic analysis). WSH were observed under light microscopy, and upper lip tissues (proboscis) were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Results: WSH were significantly correlated with FeLV antigen positivity in the blood. Of 56 cases with WSH, 50 (89.3%) were positive for FeLV. The association of WSH with FeLV positivity was confirmed by multivariate analysis. Narrowing, degeneration, and tearing of the hair medulla were observed in cats with WSH. Mild infiltration of mononuclear cells in the tissues, but no degeneration or necrosis, were found. Positive FeLV antigen (p27, gp70 and p15E) signals were observed in various epithelial cells including sinus hair follicles. Conclusions: The data suggest that wavy changes in sinus hairs, a characteristic finding, were highly associated with FeLV infection. Although the pathogenesis of wavy changes in sinus associated with FeLV is unclear, the present findings may be useful for controlling FeLV infection.
Goreisan alleviates cerebral oedema by inhibiting aquaporin 4 function: In vivo study using an established mouse model of cerebral oedema
Authors: Shimizu Tomofumi , Matsumoto Chinami , Kido Toshitaka , Murakami Kazuhito , Isohama Yoichiro
Published: July 2022

Low atmospheric pressure triggers weather-related illnesses, such as headaches. Although many individuals are affected by weather-related illnesses, only a few therapeutic drugs are available. In Japan, Goreisan (GRS) is traditionally used to relieve headaches; however, its mechanism of action is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of action of GRS against headaches, focusing on water dynamics in the brain. We used a well-established mouse model of cerebral oedema to evaluate the effects of GRS on related symptoms and brain water content. The mouse model was also subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using H217O to assess water dynamics in the brain. The effect of GRS on water permeability through aquaporin 4 (AQP4) was examined in vitro. GRS inhibited the loss of righting reflex and survival in the mouse model by ameliorating the increase in brain water content. MRI evaluation of water dynamics suggested that GRS inhibited water influx into the brain. Evaluation of water permeability in Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing AQP4 showed that GRS inhibited AQP4 function. These findings provide insights into the alleviating effects of GRS on headaches caused by cerebral oedema. This study could serve as a basis for developing novel therapeutic agents for treating weather-related illnesses.
Enhancement of nitrogen removal iron-based with an electric-magnetic field in an Upflow microaerobic sludge reactor (UMSR)
Authors: Algonin Abdulatti , Zhao Bowei , Cui Ying , Xie Fei , Yue Xiuping
Published: July 2022

Traditional denitrification often produces high operating costs and excessive sludge disposal expenses due to conventional carbon sources. And Fe0 reactivity enhancement methods are complex and hazardous. Researchers are interested in prolonging the release of Fe2+, Fe3+, and H+ from Fe0 corrosion, accelerating the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+, and reactors' hydraulic retention time (HRT). Novel coupling of electric-magnetic field (MF) with Fe0 and C-Fe0 powder in an upflow microaerobic sludge reactor (UMSR) proved excellent in removing nitrogen from wastewater without organic carbon resources. In the current study, the reactor was operated for 78 ± 2 days, divided into five stages (without Fe0, with Fe0, coupling with MF, without coupling with MF, and coupling with MF again), at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2.5 hours, with an influent loading of ammonium (NH4+-N) 50 ± 2 mg/L, at 25°C–27°C, and less than 1.0 mg/L dissolved oxygen (DO). After coupling the electric (MF) 48mT with Fe0, the removal efficiencies were enhanced by 76% for (NO3−-N) with an effluent concentration of 8.7 mg/L, 72% for (NH4+-N) with an effluent concentration of 13.6 mg/L, and 76% for total nitrogen removal (TN), respectively. The sludge was rich in ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, heterotrophic nitrifying bacteria, and denitrifying bacteria. After coupling (MF) with Fe0, the denitrification bacteria community underwent the most substantial change.
Positive Effects of a psychological preparation program for MRI “iMReady” in children with cognitive issues – how to meet the patients’ needs best
Authors: Weiler-Wichtl Liesa Josephine , Fries Jonathan , Fohn-Erhold Verena , Schwarzinger Agathe , Holzer Angelika Elisabeth , Pletschko Thomas , Furtner-Sra Julia , Prayer Daniela , Bär Paul , Slavc Irene , Peyrl Andreas , Azizi Amedeo , Leiss Ulrike
Published: July 2022

Background
A growing body of evidence has supported alternatives to sedation and general anesthesia for increasing treatment compliance of children during MRI examinations. Particularities in children with a brain tumor (frequency of examinations, neuropsychological deficits (attention, memory)) have a significant impact on methods and are given special consideration in this study. The aim of the present study was to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of an MRI training program and to investigate the moderating factors for successful MRI examination for a group of young patients with pediatric brain tumors and/or NF1 and (2) to examine the effect of the training on the patient’s well-being.
Methods
A total of 87 patients of the neuro-oncology unit (mean age: 6.83 years) underwent a two-step program to prepare children for MRI, including an in vitro strategy training inside the scanner and were recorded using a process-oriented screening (emotional wellbeing and level of information), which was developed for this purpose. All data was analyzed retrospectively and the data of a subgroup of 17 patients was also analyzed prospectively (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04474678).
Results
81% of the children who had received MRI training managed to successfully undergo the MRI scan without sedation and/or anesthesia making the success rate almost five times as high as in the group that did not receive the intervention. Memory, attentional difficulties, and hyperactivity were significant neuropsychological moderators for successful or unsuccessful scanning. Furthermore, the training was effective in improving the psychological well-being of the patients.
Conclusion
Based on the results, the MRI training is an effective alternative to sedation of young patients for MRI examinations and a promising tool for improving patient well-being related to the diagnostic procedure. However, specialized psychological staff and an interdisciplinary approach are required to adapt the intervention to the children’s individual neuropsychological needs.
Trial registration number:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04474678
Microarray Analysis Reveals the Potential Molecular Mechanism of Lp299v in Stable Coronary Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Fu Zhenyang , Song Xiaolei , Shen Anna , Zhou Tao
Published: July 2022

A growing body of evidence has confirmed that inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the formation and treatment of coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD). An increase in circulatory levels of inflammatory cytokines has been found in patients with CAD, while the molecular mechanisms of inflammation still remain elusive. This study was designed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and to explore the molecular mechanism and core genes that are involved in the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (Lp299v) supplementation. Microarray dataset (GSE156357) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The DEGs were identified by the R software. Then, the Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses and construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were performed by DAVID, STRING, and Cytoscape. In daily alcohol user (DAU) group, 7,541 DEGs were identified, including 206 up-regulated and 7,335 down-regulated DEGs. In non-daily alcohol user (non-DAU) group, 2,799 DEGs were identified (2,491 up-regulated and 308 down-regulated DEGs). The GO enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in cell division, mitosis, and chemotactic cytokines. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that Lp299v supplementation reduced the levels of chemotactic cytokines, and weakened immune response. Proteins of G protein-coupled receptor, inflammatory response, regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis-related proteins were found in the PPI network. The core genes were associated with G protein-coupled receptor, inflammatory response, and cell proliferation and apoptosis. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) enriched the DEGs in 4 modules. This study indicated the expressions of chemokine receptors and regulation of immune response in the Lp299v supplementation. Meanwhile, it was supposed that chemokine receptors may have a cellular effect.
Achieving Reversible Superhydrophobic-Superhydrophilic Switching of Lignocellulosic Paper Surface with Modified Nano-TiO2 Coating
Authors: Li Yulei , Shi Baoying , Luan Xiayu , Hao Zhanhua , Wang Yufeng
Published: July 2022

Environmentally friendly flexible materials with functionalities such as reversibly tunable wettability have become much sought after because of their great potential for biological, chemical and electronic applications. We prepared a flexible superhydrophobic material by coating the hydrophobic nano-TiO2 particles on lignocellulosic paper. The coated paper surfaces exhibited a reversible switching between superhydrophobicity and superhydrophilicity through UV irradiation and heating, respectively. After the UV irradiation treatment for about 100 minutes, the wettability of the coated paper is switched from superhydrophobicity to superhydrophilicity. After the coated paper with superhydrophilicity is heated for 25 hours, the water contact angle (WCA) recovers to the original superhydrophobic state. Compared to the literatures, the switching time between two kinds of superwettability is significantly reduced. SEM images and XPS spectra indicate that the change in chemical composition of the coated paper surface is responsible for the reversible switching of wettability. The coated paper developed in this study is an attractive smart material with reversibly switchable wettability which has significant potential application in many fields which require tunable wettability.
An improved hyperparameter optimization framework for AutoML systems using evolutionary algorithms
Authors: Vincent Amala Mary , P. Jidesh
Published: July 2022

Machine learning strategy has changed the face of automated models by integrating themselves into many application domains. The spectrum of applications ranges over various domains, from atmospheric analysis to medical diagnosis. All these applications are design-sensitive, implying that the model's performance depends highly on the selected machine learning algorithm, training procedures, regularization methods, and most importantly, how the hyperparameters are tuned. With the advent of AutoML systems, all these processes including hyperparameter optimization can be automated, producing better performance and faster results. The ideal hyperparameter setting for machine learning models has a direct and significant impact on the model's performance. This paper studies different AutoML models and the hyperparameter techniques used by them for image classification problems. We also discuss some of the libraries for hyperparameter optimization and analyse how they work for different image classification problems. Moreover, the paper proposes a framework for hyperparameter optimization that combines Bayesian optimization and evolutionary algorithms. Experiments are carried out on image classification benchmark datasets to assess the performance of different optimization approaches including the proposed model.
Learning an Improved Object Detection Approach Based on the YOLO Algorithm to Identify Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Lingzhe , Lin Chenyu , Chen Jingyao , Li Jun , Zhu Yuqian , Zhu Jinfeng , Chen Lijin , Li Xiaofeng , Chen Bingdi
Published: July 2022

In the undertaken study, a recognition system for circulating tumor cells was developed based on the YOLOv4 algorithm. The algorithm possesses the features of multi-layer high-level stacking, weight sharing, local connection and pooling that can be used to identify and category CTC tumor cells. The study is designed following five steps. The first step enriches many circulating tumor cells by targeting Negative Surface Charges of Cancer Cells by Multifunctional Nanoprobes. The second step screens the collected 1573 biological image samples based on circulating tumor cells according to the abnormal morphology of the nucleus and abnormal cytoplasm. The third step contains image preprocessing, unscrambling the training set and the test set, and training the YOLOv4 model along with improving the YOLOv4 model based on the test results. The fourth step has a circulating tumor cell feature extraction system based on the optimized YOLOv4 model to organize images of circulating tumor cells. The last step inputs the simulated blood sample cell image and the real blood sample cell image into the system for comparison and verification. When the proportion of the training set is 90% and the proportion of the test set is 10%, the model of IOU is the best, which is 98.88%. When the simulated blood sample image containing internal reference cells has put into the system, the average accuracy rate obtained from 10 experiments is 93.26%. When the real blood sample image has participated into the system, the average accuracy rate obtained from the 10 experiments is 85.67%. Comparing the current traditional pathology recognition, the artificial intelligence recognition system based on circulating tumor cells shows excellent computing performance and a lot time can be spared.
Reciprocal Analysis of Groundwater Potentiality and Vulnerability Modeling in the Bahabad Plain, Iran
Authors: Yazdi Seyedeh Sofia Atashi , Motamedvaziri Baharak , Hosseini Seyed Zeynalabedin , Ahmadi Hassan
Published: July 2022

Heuristic and statistical groundwater quality assessment models are efficient tools in the zoning of groundwater vulnerability to contamination. An important reciprocal methodology, yet neglected in Iran, was conducted to assess the performance of three groundwater vulnerability models, namely GODS, SI and DRASTIC, and a data mining model for groundwater potential, maximum entropy (MaxEnt). For both the training and validation stages for the MaxEnt model, the Mahalanobis distance technique was adopted. The vulnerability rates obtained from the DRASTIC model with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.76 had a statistically significant correlation with nitrate concentrations in the 21 wells, compared to SI and GODS. The DRASTIC model can better reflect the vulnerability of groundwater resources to contamination. The impact of the vadose zone with an average effective weight of 33 is more important to other parameters, followed by depth to groundwater (D) (32.01), net recharge (R) (28.95) and the aquifer media (A) (18.1). These weights may not be changed. MaxEnt showed significant performance in both the training and validation stages with the respective area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) values of 0.907 and 0.901. A reciprocal analysis between the vulnerability map in the superior model and the groundwater potential map derived from MaxEnt revealed that areas with high groundwater potential are still in safe state, but require more attention as the top priority for amendment practices. In addition, approximately 8.7% of the entire study area has a high vulnerability to contamination, which requires immediate pragmatic actions.
Novel extracellular role of REIC/Dkk-3 protein in PD-L1 regulation in cancer cells
Authors: Gohara Yuma , Tomonobu Nahoko , Kinoshita Rie , Futami Junichiro , Audebert Léna , Chen Youyi , Komalasari Ni Luh Gede Yoni , Jiang Fan , Yoshizawa Chikako , Murata Hitoshi , Yamamoto Ken-ichi , Watanabe Masami , Kumon Hiromi , Sakaguchi Masakiyo
Published: July 2022

The adenovirus-REIC/Dkk-3 expression vector (Ad-REIC) is a clinical study's focus, with the goal of using this gene to exploit the quenching of several cancer types. REIC/DKK-3 gene's cancer-suppressing mechanisms depend on multiple pathways that exert both direct and indirect effects on cancers. The direct effect is triggered by REIC/Dkk-3-mediated ER-stress that causes cancer-selective apoptosis, and the indirect effect can be classified in two ways: (i) Ad-REIC-mis-infected cancer-associated fibroblasts that lead to the production of IL-7, an important activator of T cells and NK cells, and (ii) the secretory REIC/Dkk-3 protein that promotes dendritic cell polarization from monocytes. With these unique features, Ad-REIC exerts an effective and selective prevention of cancer as if it were acting as an anticancer vaccine. However, the question of how REIC/Dkk-3 protein leverages an anticancer immunity has remained to be answered. We herein report a novel function of the extracellular REIC/Dkk-3 that regulates an immune checkpoint via a modulation of PD-L1 on the cancer-cell surface. We identified novel interactions of REIC/Dkk-3 with the membrane proteins C5aR, CXCR2, CXCR6 and CMTM6. These proteins all functioned to stabilize PD-L1 on the cell surface. Due to the dominant expression of CMTM6 among the proteins in cancer cells, we focused on CMTM6 and observed that REIC/Dkk-3 competitively bound with CMTM6 to PD-L1, which induced the liberation of PD-L1 from CMTM6 binding; the released PD-L1 immediately underwent endocytosis-mediated degradation. These results increase our understanding of not only the physiological nature of the extracellular REIC/Dkk-3 protein but also the Ad-REIC-mediated anticancer effects.
Biochar as a carbon dioxide removal strategy in integrated long-run climate scenarios
Authors: Bergero Candelaria , Wise Marshall , Lamers Patrick , Wang Yong , Weber Maridee
Published: July 2022

Limiting global warming to under 2°C would require stringent mitigation and likely additional carbon dioxide removals (CDR) to compensate for hard-to-avoid emissions. The relatively low cost and potential co-benefits of biochar as a soil amendment has gained attention in this context. We use a global multisector model to analyze biochar deployment in the context of energy system uses of biomass with CDR under different carbon price trajectories. We find that biochar can create an annual sink of up to 2.8 GtCO2, reducing global mean temperature increases by an additional 0.5-1.8% across scenarios by 2100 for a given carbon price path. In our scenarios, biochar’s deployment is dependent on potential crop yield gains and application rates, and the competition for resources with other CDR measures. We find that biochar can serve as a competitive CDR strategy, especially at lower carbon prices when bioenergy with carbon capture and storage is not economical.
Using sediment geochemical records to infer past lake water total phosphorus concentrations at a site with high internal P loading, Lake Søbygaard, Denmark
Authors: Boyle John , Moyle Madeleine , Søndergaard Martin , Jeppesen Erik
Published: July 2022

In lakes where phosphorus (P) supply is dominated by external loads, long-term mean lake water TP concentrations can be successfully reconstructed from sediment P profiles and dating using the SI-TP (Sediment Inferred lake water Total Phosphorus) mass balance model. However, it has not yet been shown that the model is applicable at lakes with high internal P loading, where sediment diagenesis releases P to the water column and degrades the sediment P record. Here we apply the SI-TP model to Lake Søbygaard in Denmark, a shallow lake with exceptionally high internal P loading for several decades since the external loading was reduced by 80-90% in 1982. Our aim was to test the impact of this sediment degradation on P record integrity. Using six published sediment P records collected over the period 1985 to 2004, we applied the model without site specific calibration. Degradation of the sediment P record by diagenesis was observed, and occurred at a rate consistent with theoretical models, offering a potential approach to correct for degradation Even neglecting degradation, the resulting sediment inferred lake water TP (SI-TP) record was found to be similar in magnitude and temporal trend to the corresponding monitored TP values. From this test of SI-TP model performance at Lake Søbygaard we conclude that the model has the potential to be more widely applied at lakes with high internal P loading.
Intelligent tunicate swarm information system for regression neuron modelling - novel state estimation learning
Authors: Reddy K. Harinadha
Published: July 2022

Intelligent information systems are essentially needed to identify netwok state during a operation, especially abnormal state. Gravitational force of tuncate swarm optimization (gTSO) intelligent system is proposed to obtain the optimal intelligent system control weight matrix (CWM) in a general regression neural net/network (GRNN) training. Optimized CWM computed based on the variation of in gTSO intelligent control ∆g(t) and GRNN learning parameter u(t). Now gTSO based GRNN control is computed and used for state identification either in normal operation or abnormal operation. Hereafter proposed gTSO based GRNN learning optimization applied for identification of system state by considering the different operational events like normal operational event (NoE) and abnormal operational event (ANoE). Especially ANoEs are tested with all possible test conditions to proper identification of system state.
Complex Complementary Sequence Real Orthogonal Spreading OFDM Scheme for HF Communication Link
Authors: Wang Sang-Dok , Cha Yong-Suk , Pak Myong-Hak , Choe Hyok
Published: July 2022

The complementary M-ary orthogonal spreading with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CMOS-OFDM) is an efficient scheme for providing high bit error rate (BER) performance and low peak to mean envelop power ratio (PMEPR) in high frequency (HF) communications system. In the CMOS-OFDM, orthogonal spreading OFDM is implemented based on orthogonal complementary sequence pairs where there is an issue that one data symbol is transmitted through two OFDM symbols. In this paper, we present the M-ary orthogonal spreading OFDM scheme using complex complementary sequences which satisfy real domain orthogonality. The complementary real orthogonal spreading OFDM (CROS-OFDM) is restrict the PMEPR to 3dB and provides two times the bit rate of CMOS-OFDM. The CROS-OFDM scheme uses zero-center complementary sequences like the CMOS-OFDM and hence it is suitable to the HF OFDM and Wi-Fi system where the direct current subcarrier is not used. The simulation results show that the CROS-OFDM provides higher bit rate and BER performance.
Clinical Association of Viral Tropism and Serum Cytokines in Untreated HIV-1 Infection Patients
Authors: Zhang Na , Yu Shuang-Mei , Yan Chang-Xin , Wang Xiao-Xiong , Teng Lei , Wang Jia-Ye , Zhou HaiZhou
Published: July 2022

Objective
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection disturbs the balance of CD4+ T cells and monocytes in the immune system. In the early stage of infection, the virus stimulates the activation and proliferation of immune cells, induces the release of cytokines, destroys CD4+ T cells, and accelerates HIV-1 replication and AIDS progression. It is essential to explore cytokine changes after HIV-1 infection and further understand the underlying mechanism of HIV infection.
Materials and methods
In this study, we enrolled 38 HIV-infected subjects and 30 healthy subjects. We measured and compared CD4+ T cell counts, the tropism of HIV and the serum cytokine levels in different groups.
Results
Our results showed significantly higher serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in HIV-infected patients. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were observed in the < 200/mL CD4+ T cell count group, and higher levels of IL-2 were observed in the CCR5-tropic HIV strain group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we found that HIV infection-induced activation of the immune system. IL-6 and IL-17 may predict the severity of HIV disease and regulate HIV infection. The level of IL-2 depended on the type of virus strain.