bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella isolated from Raw Retail Broiler Chicken Carcasses in Zambia
Authors: Muonga Elizabeth Muligisa , Mainda Geoffrey , Mukuma Mercy , Kwenda Geoffrey , Hang'ombe Bernard , Bumbangi Flavien , Phiri Nelson , Mwansa Mwaba , Munyeme Musso , Muma John Bwalya
Published: July 2022

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of foodborne pathogens is of public health concern, especially in developing countries such as Zambia. This study was undertaken to determine the antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella isolated from raw retail broiler chicken carcasses purchased from open and supermarkets in Zambia.Results A total of 189 E. coli and five Salmonella isolates were isolated. Identification and confirmation of the isolates were done using Analytical Profile Index (API 20E) (Biomerieux®) and 16S rRNA sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion technique using a panel of 10 antibiotics. Multiplex PCR was used to determine the presence of three target genes encoding for resistance: tetA, Sul1 and blaCTX-M. WHONET 2018 software was used to analyse AST results. The E. coli isolates were mostly resistant to tetracycline (79.4%), ampicillin (51.9%), and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (49.7%). Two of the five Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic. Forty- seven (45.2%) of the 104 isolates that were screened for the presence of the resistant genes possessed at least one of the targeted resistance genes.Conclusion This study has demonstrated the presence of AMR E. coli and Salmonella on raw retail broiler chicken carcasses from open and supermarkets, which is of public health concern.
Predictors of intra-hospital mortality in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in Nigeria: data from the MEDFUN Study.
Authors: Adeleye Olufunmilayo O , Ugwu Ejiofor T , Gezawa Ibrahim D , Okpe Innocent , Ezeani Ignatius , Enamino Marcelina
Published: July 2022

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are associated with high morbidity and mortality globally. Mortality in patients hospitalized for DFU in Nigeria is unacceptably high. This study was undertaken to determine factors that predict mortality in patients hospitalized for DFU in Nigeria.Methods: The current study was part of Multi-centre Evaluation of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Nigeria (MEDFUN), an observational study conducted in six tertiary healthcare institutions across the 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Consecutive type 1 or 2 diabetic patients hospitalized for DFU who consented to participate were recruited and subjected to relevant clinical, biochemical, and radiological assessments and multidisciplinary care until discharge or death. Data for type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients were expunged from current mortality analysis due to their small number.Results: Three hundred and twenty-three type 2 DM subjects with mean age and mean duration of DM of 57.2 11.4 years and 8.7± 5.8 years respectively participated in this study. The median duration of ulcers was 39 days with a range of 28 to 54 days and the majority (79.9%) presented with advanced ulcers of at least Wagner grade 3. Mortality of 21.4% was recorded in the study, with the highest mortality observed among subjects with Wagner grade 5. Variables significantly associated with mortality with their respective p values were DM duration more than 120 months (p 0.005), ulcer duration > one month (p 0.020), ulcer severity of Wagner grade 3 and above (p 0.001), peripheral arterial disease (p 0.005), proteinuria (p <0.001), positive blood cultures (p<0.001), low HDL (p <0.001), shock at presentation (p<0.001), cardiac failure (p 0.027),and renal impairment (p <0.001). On Multivariate regression analysis, presence of bacteraemia (OR 5.053; 95% CI 2.572-9.428) and renal impairment (OR 2.838; 95% CI 1.349 – 5.971) were significantly predictive of mortality independent of other variables.Conclusions: This study showed high intra-hospital mortality among patients with DFU, with the majority of deaths occurring among those with advanced ulcers, bacteraemia, cardiac failure, and renal impairment. Prompt attention to these factors might help improve survival from DFU in Nigeria.
Core-binding factor beta is required for osteoblast differentiation during fibula fracture healing
Authors: Guo Tuanmao , Xing Yan-Li , Chen Zhongning , Wang Xianhong , Zhu Hai-Yun , Yang Lan , Yan Yong
Published: July 2022

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to erroneous posting.
Stability analysis of hybrid systems with higher order transverse discontinuity mapping
Authors: Chawla Rohit , Rounak Aasifa , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: July 2022

This article generalizes the implementation of higher order corrections to state transition matrices during instantaneous reversals in hybrid dynamical systems impacting a discontinuity boundary transversally. A closed form expression for saltation terms in systems possessing a degree of smoothness zero is derived. The difference in flight times of two closely initiated trajectories in state space to the impacting surface has been estimated up to O (2). A comparison of the times of impact estimated with the first order approximation reveals that higher order corrections lead to a significant improvement of estimates. Next, two new algorithms to estimate the Lyapunov spectrum and Floquet multipliers for piecewise-smooth systems have been presented using the derived second order corrections. Stability analyses are subsequently carried out using the proposed framework for two representative cases i.e., of a hard impact oscillator and a pair impact oscillator. It is established that the obtained Floquet multipliers and Lyapunov spectrum accurately predict the stability of the dynamical states, as validated by their corresponding bifurcation diagrams.
Flap Structure within Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Periodically Obstructs hACE2 Binding Subdomain Bearing Similarities to HIV-1 Protease Flap
Authors: Peters Michael H.
Published: July 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 prefusion spike protein is characterized by a high degree of flexibility and temporal transformations associated with its multifunctional behavior. In this study, we have examined the dynamics of the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in detail. Its primary, binding subdomain with human Angiotensin Covering Enzyme II includes a highly conspicuous flap or loop that is part of a beta hairpin loop structural motif. Dynamic details of the RBD obtained through RMSF and Order Parameter calculations are consistent with structural details including the stability of “glue” points or dominant interaction energy residues of the RBD in the Up and Down states with its neighboring N-terminal domain (NTD) protomer. The RBD flap in the Up state protomer periodically obstructs the binding site on an approximate 70 nanosecond time interval and is reminiscent of an HIV-1 protease polypeptide flap that opens and closes to modulate that enzymes activity. No claim is made here regarding the possible modulating role of the flap; however, the flap may be a potential site for therapeutic targeting aimed at keeping it in the closed state, as previously demonstrated in the inhibition of the HIV-1 protease polypeptide. The RBD primary binding subdomain is further shown to have not only similar dynamics but, also, an approximate 30% sequence similarity to the HIV-1 protease polypeptide.
Long-term monitoring indicates no adverse effects to intertidal habitats from biosolids applications onto an adjacent coastal forestry plantation
Authors: Campos Carlos , Berthelsen Anna , Gower Fiona , Floerl Lisa , Morrisey Don , Gillespie Paul
Published: July 2022

Stabilised organic solids derived from sewage sludge (‘biosolids’) are applied to land in many countries as an alternative to disposal as landfill. This study evaluates the long-term effects of biosolids applied to forestry plantations on the adjacent intertidal habitats of Moturoa / Rabbit Island (Aotearoa New Zealand). On this island, biosolids are applied to enhance soil fertility and growth of trees (Pinus radiata). However, applications may affect the quality of groundwater and surface water (e.g., increasing concentrations of nutrients and trace metals) and, via seepage into adjacent coastal areas, potentially adversely affect intertidal habitats and biota. Shoreline topography, macroalgal cover, sediment grain size, concentrations of nutrients, trace metals and faecal indicator bacteria, and benthic infaunal community characteristics were studied on three occasions (2008, 2014 and 2019) at twelve intertidal transect sites (four ‘reference’ and eight ‘application’) adjacent to forestry blocks where biosolids have been applied intermittently over a period of 24 years. No long-term adverse changes to the environment and community characteristics attributed to biosolids application were detected between reference and application sites. The study provides evidence that biosolids application can co-occur without detectable adverse effects on the nearby intertidal environment.
Effect of Folic Acid Versus Placebo on Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women Attending a Rural Family Practice Centre: A randomized controlled clinical
Authors: Mekhamer Fatma Tohamy , Elalfy Samar Aly , Ahmed Safwat Abd El-Maksoud , Awad Mohammed Mohammady , Saudi Rabab Atta
Published: July 2022

Background
By 2025, the number of postmenopausal women is expected to approach 1.1 billion worldwide. Menopausal symptoms can be severe that it affects quality of life (QOL) of menopausal women. So, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of folic acid on the frequency, severity, score of hot flashes and QOL of post-menopausal women.
Methods
A double blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at El Mahsama Family Practice Center, Ismailia, Egypt, carried out between August 2019 and October 2020 on 100 postmenopausal women who were randomly allocated into two groups: 5mg /daily folic acid group or identical-appearing placebo group for 4 weeks. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric history. Daily hot flashes record was used to gather information about the frequency, severity, score of hot flashes. QOL was assessed by menopause specific quality of life (MENQOL).
Results
There was statistically significance difference between both groups regarding hot flashes frequency, severity and hot flashes score (p < 0.015, 0.001, and 0.002) respectively. Folic acid group shows that 22% of participants were clinically improved compared with no clinical improvement among the placebo group (χ2 = 12.360, p < 0.001). It was found that there was no statistically significant difference between intervention and control group regarding their MENQOL domains after treatment.
Conclusion
Folic acid was effective in reducing frequency, severity, and hot flashes score in postmenopausal women so it can be recommended as an accessible and affordable method to treat hot flashes.
Metabolomic analysis reveals key metabolites alleviating green spots by exogenous sucrose spraying in air-curing cigar tobacco leaves
Authors: Li Nanfen , Yu Jun , Yang Jinpeng , Wang Sheliang , Yu Lianying , Xu Fangsen , Yang Chunlei
Published: July 2022

Cigar variety CX-010 tobacco leaves would produce localized green spots during the air-curing period, and spraying exogenous sucrose could effectively alleviate the occurrence of the green spots. To investigate the alleviation effect and physiological mechanism of exogenous sucrose treatment, the total water content of tobacco leaves was measured in different sucrose treatments during the air-curing period, as well as the number and size of green spots, and non-targeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics analysis was performed with the tobacco leaves of T3 (0.4 mol/L sucrose) and control (CK, without spraying) treatments at different air-curing stages. The results showed that, in the early air-curing stage, the total water content of tobacco leaves showed a trend of T3 (0.4 mol/L sucrose) < CK < T2 (0.2 mol/L sucrose) < T1 (0.1 mol/L sucrose), and the number and size of green spots showed a trend of T3 < T2 < T1 < CK. 259 and 178 significantly differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) between T3 and CK-treated tobacco leaves were identified in the early air-curing and the end of air-curing, respectively, which mainly included lipid and lipid-like molecules, carbohydrates, as well as organic acids and their derivatives. Based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, it was found that DEMs were significantly enriched in 9 pathways, including tryptophan metabolism and tyrosine metabolism, at the early air-curing stage and 7 pathways, including benzoxazinoid biosynthesis and arginine biosynthesis, at the end of air-curing. The exogenous sucrose treatment significantly altered abundance as well as metabolic pathways in tobacco leaves, and most of the significantly altered KEGG metabolic pathways and associated differential metabolites were related to resistance to stress, which may play a key role in alleviating the appearance of green spots.
The Nonlinearity of Regulation in Biological Networks
Authors: Murrugarra David , Manicka Santosh , Johnson Kathleen , Levin Michael
Published: July 2022

Nonlinearity is a characteristic of complex biological regulatory networks that has implications ranging from therapy to control. To better understand its nature, we analyzed a suite of published Boolean network models, containing a variety of complex nonlinear interactions, using a probabilistic generalization of Boolean logic that George Boole himself had proposed. The continuous-nature of this formulation made the models amenable to Taylor decomposition that revealed their distinct layers of nonlinearity. A comparison of the resulting series of approximations of the models with
the corresponding sets of randomized ensembles showed that the biological networks are on average relatively less nonlinear, suggesting that they may have been optimized for linearity by natural selection for the purpose of controllability. A further categorical analysis of the biological models revealed that the nonlinearity of cancer and disease networks could not only be sometimes higher than expected but are also relatively more variable, suggesting that the agents of disease may leverage the heterogeneity of regulatory nonlinearity to their advantage.
Identify Anticancer Effects of Toona Sinensis Leaves through MEK/ERK signaling pathway in Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Tsai Cheng Yu , Tsai Tai-Hsin , Ko Huey-Jiun , Kuo Keng-Liang , Wu Chieh-Hsin , Su Hui-Yuan , Lieu Ann-Shung , Kwan Aij-Lie , Loh Joon-Khim , Lin Chih-Lung , Hong Yi-Ren , Su Yu-Feng
Published: July 2022

Introduction:
Toona sinensis is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in South-East Asia. The aqueous extracts of T. sinensis leaves (TSL) exhibit anticancer effects in various types of cancer. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of TSL treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).
Methods
After treating A172 and U251 GBM with TSL, cell cycle and apoptotic cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, as well as anti-proliferative efficacy by MTT assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP production were quantified by CellROX, Dihydroethidium (DHE) and Tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM). Apoptosis and MEK/ERK pathway related protein levels were detected by western blot.
Results
TSL treatment induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M and apoptosis. It also caused excessive ROS and decreased ATP production via blockage of electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, leading to ROS regulated mitochondrial dysfunction. Under TSL treatment in two GBM cells, the Bax and Puma protein level were elevated whereas Bcl-2 was descended. The mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and caspase-dependent pathway related proteins including cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved PARP were induced. Finally, U0126 as an inhibitor of MEK/ERK kinase was applied to demonstrate that the MEK/ERK pathway was responsible for the inhibition of ROS-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction and promoted apoptosis.
Conclusion
TSL treatment suppressed MEK/ERK activation to induce apoptosis through ROS-regulated mitochondrial dysfunction in GBM cells and provide a therapeutic potential in GBM therapy.
Anxiety and depression status prior to radioactive iodine therapy among differentiated thyroid cancer patients during the COVID‑19 epidemic
Authors: Qiao Tingting , Gao Dingwei , Tong Junyu , Shen Yun , Ma Jiayue , Lv Zhongwei , Li Dan
Published: July 2022

Objection: The psychological health of thyroid cancer patients cannot be ignored, however, few studies have been conducted on the psychological status and influencing factors of thyroid cancer patients before radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of anxiety and depression in thyroid cancer patients prior to RAI therapy. Methods: Clinical data were collected among differentiated thyroid cancer patients (DTCs) preparing for RAI therapy. Anxiety and depression were measured before RAI therapy by using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). We used chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to find independent risk factors for anxiety and depression.Results: A total of 112 patients with thyroid cancer were included. Of these, 72.32 % (n=81) were female, with an mean age of 41.50 years. Anxiety and depression were reported by 46 (41.08%) and 38 (33.93%) patients, respectively. Based on chi-square test and univariate logistic regression analysis, being female and having ever-experienced RAI therapy were independent risk factors for anxiety and depression among DTCs prior to RAI therapy. On multivariate analysis, only being female was significant associated with anxiety and depression in these patients. Conclusions: Incidence of anxiety and depression increased in DTCs prior to RAI therapy. Being female and ever-experienced RAI therapy significant influenced anxiety and depression. Based on these findings, anxiety and depression assessment should be an important part of pre-RAI therapy in DTCs, and appropriate psychological nursing intervention can be carried out for key patients.
Pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells with pulmonary arterial hypertension depends metabolism on glycolysis under normoxia and mitochondrial respiration under hypoxia
Authors: Akagi Satoshi , Nakamura Kazufumi , Kondo Megumi , Hirohata Satoshi , Udono Heiichiro , Nishida Mikako , Saito Yukihiro , Yoshida Masashi , Miyoshi Toru , Ito Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

The metabolic state of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) from patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is not well understood. In this study, we examined the balance between glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in non-PAH-PASMCs and PAH-PASMCs under normoxia and hypoxia. Under both normoxia and hypoxia, the mRNA and protein levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) were increased in PAH-PASMCs compared with non-PAH-PASMCs. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) mRNA, as well as the intracellular lactate concentration, was also increased in PAH-PASMCs compared with non-PAH-PASMCs under normoxic conditions. However, LDH mRNA and the intracellular lactate concentration was not significantly increased in PAH-PASMCs compared with non-PAH-PASMCs under hypoxic conditions. Cellular oxygen consumption rates (OCR) were significantly lower in PAH-PASMCs than non-PAH-PASMCs under normoxia. Under hypoxia, however, OCR levels were significantly higher in PAH-PASMCs than non-PAH-PASMCs. Extracellular acidification rates were significantly higher in PAH-PASMCs than non-PAH-PASMCs under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. These data suggest that glycolysis is favored under normoxic conditions, while mitochondrial respiration is preserved under hypoxia specifically in PAH-PASMCs. These metabolic characteristics of PAH-PASMCs may be important for the pathogenic features of PAH, such as the resistance to hypoxia.
Normative beliefs and aggression: The mediating roles of empathy and anger
Authors: Swit Cara S , Harty Seth C
Published: July 2022

This study examined a two-mediator model with both empathy and anger as mediators in the association between children’s normative beliefs about aggression and forms (relational and physical) and functions (reactive and proactive) of aggressive behavior. Ninety-eight children (54% males, Mage=46.21months, SD=8.84months) reported their approval of relationally and physically aggressive behaviors depicted in iconic (animation) and enactive (toy figurines) hypothetical scenarios. Children’s aggression, empathy and anger were measured using teacher reports. No main effects of normative beliefs about aggression on the corresponding aggressive behavior were found. Normative beliefs about aggression were negatively associated with empathy and empathy was significantly associated with relational aggression, suggesting that developing social emotional processes mediate the relation between social cognitions and aggression. Anger was associated with aggression, but not normative beliefs about aggression. The findings provide support for the distinction between subtypes of aggressive behavior in young children and the developing social-cognitive and affective processes that influence these behaviors.
A virtual model knowledge updating method driven by data
Authors: Luo Ruiping , Sheng Buyun , Fu Gaocai , Huang Yuzhe , Jian Yuchao , Chen GENG
Published: July 2022

The initial construction of the unit-level virtual model in the discrete production line lacks the understanding of physical entities and the actual operating environment, which makes it difficult for the virtual model knowledge to correctly drive the behavior of physical entities. In order to solve the above problems, a virtual model knowledge updating method driven by data is studied. Firstly, the knowledge in the virtual model is divided into basic functional units according to functions, and the knowledge of each functional unit is encapsulated into knowledge components such as forward kinematics, motion control, material generation, etc., and the knowledge component base is constructed. Secondly, this method establishes the evaluation index of effectiveness, usability, and reliability of knowledge components, and can screen out appropriate groups of knowledge component combinations from the knowledge component base. Then, based on the measurement value, it is used to update the trigger judgment and select a group of knowledge components with the smallest difference between the simulation output of virtual model and the real data of physical entities from multiple groups of knowledge combinations, so as to realize the iterative update of the model. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the method are verified by examples.
Gomphrena globosa L. extract alleviates carbon tetrachoride-induced liver injury in mice by activating antioxidant signaling pathways and promoting autophagy
Authors: Wei Yunfei , Tan Wenxi , Qin Haiyan , Jin Meiyu , Yu Hao , Cheng Jiaqi , feng haihua
Published: July 2022

Background Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) is highly toxic to animal liver and is a major factor leading to liver injury. Gomphrena globosa L. (GgL) is a comestible plant with anti-inflammation and antioxidation properties. This study was aim to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of GgL on liver injury. Methods and Results A mice model of chronic liver injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (0.4 mL/kg) for 3 weeks, and the mice were treated intraperitoneally with different concentrations of GgL crude extract (GgCE; 100, 200, 300 mg/kg) or Bifendatatum (Bif; 20 mg/kg) in the last 2 weeks. The results showed that GgCE treatment could alleviate the liver injury induced by CCL4, improve the pathological changes caused by CCL4 on the mice liver, and enhance the antioxidant capacity. We also found that GgCE increased the expression of antioxidant stress related proteins, decreased the phosphorylation levels of autophagy related proteins PI3K and mTOR, and decreased the expression of LC3 Ⅱ and P62 proteins. Conclusions These results suggest that GgCE alleviated CCL4-induced chronic liver injury in mice by activating antioxidant signaling pathways and promoting autophagy, indicating a potential therapeutic effect of GgCE on liver injury.
Crustal deformation analysis associated with 2019 Kashmir earthquake using DInSAR technique
Authors: Nath Somalin , Prasad Ashutosh Venkatesh , Chatterjee R. S. , Mohanty S. P.
Published: July 2022

The 2019 Mw 5.6 Kashmir earthquake occurred near the foothill regions of Himalaya causing severe damage to the buildings area in spite of lesser magnitude. The difference in intensity of damage in the area indicates difference in sediment load, underlying structures and the ongoing tectonic activity in the area. Complex tectonic setup making the area one of the seismically active region in Himalayan Belt. Bounded by two major faults, Samwal Fault and Jhelum Fault, the area is modified by both the tectonic forces. DInSAR observations from this study suggested that most deformation was concentrated in between NE - SW Samwal fault and NW - SE Jhelum Fault. The phase profile indicates upliftment of 0.27 m in south of EW Samwal Fault whereas subsidence of 0.16 m near northern side on LOS direction.
Investigating factors that influence the practice of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in a peri-urban general hospital in Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Baaba , Bayor Fidelis , Doat Abdul-Razak , Kappiah Jamilatu , Akayuure Collins Adombine , Kampo Sylvanus
Published: July 2022

Background: In Ghana, only 52% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies and the rate of increase has been steadily slow across all geographical areas of Ghana. The purpose of this study was to determine the various factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding among mothers who visited the child welfare clinic at the Tema General Hospital.Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the Child Welfare Clinic of the Tema General Hospital. A random sampling technique was used to recruit mothers with children between the ages of 6 months and 24 months attending the Child Welfare Clinic. Mothers were interviewed with the aid of a structured questionnaire.Results: About 65.8 % of mothers exclusively breastfed their infants for six months. Mothers who had good knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding had 96.3% increased odds of exclusively breastfeeding their babies (COR: 0.037, p = 0.000, CI = 95%). Also, mothers whose spouses complained of exclusively breastfeeding had decreased odds (COR: 0.205, p = 0.000, CI = 95%). Finally, mothers who had poor attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding were 8.733 times less likely to exclusively breastfeed their babies for six months (COR = 8.733, p = 0.000, CI = 95%).Conclusions: High rate of exclusive breastfeeding among mothers who visited the child welfare clinic was found. The level of knowledge and attitude of the mothers towards exclusive breastfeeding significantly influenced the six months practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Spouses also showed a high influence on whether or not mothers should exclusively breastfeed their babies.
Digital Joint Equivalent Channel Hybrid Precoding for MillimeterWave Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: WANG Linyu , ZHU Mingjun , XIANG Jianhong , JIANG Hanyu
Published: July 2022

Aiming at the problem that the spectral efficiency of hybrid precoding (HP) is too low in the current millimeter-wave (mmWave) massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system, this paper proposes a digital joint equivalent channel hybrid precoding algorithm. Based on the introduction of digital encoding matrix iteration. First, the objective function is expanded to obtain the relation equation, and the pseudo-inverse iterative function of the analog encoder is derived by using the pseudo-inverse method, which solves the problem of greatly increasing the amount of computation caused by the lack of rank of the digital encoding matrix, and reduces the overall complexity of hybrid precoding. Secondly, the analog coding matrix and the millimeter-wave sparse channel matrix are combined into an equivalent channel, and then the equivalent channel is subjected to Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) to obtain a digital coding matrix, and then the derived pseudo-inverse iterative function is used to iteratively regenerates the simulated encoding matrix. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm improves the system spectral efficiency by 10~20% compared with other algorithms, and the stability is also improved.
BotFinder: A Novel Framework for Social Bots Detection in Online Social Networks Based on Graph Embedding and Community Detection
Authors: Li Shudong , Zhao Chuanyu , Li Qing , Huang Jiuming , Zhao Dawei , Zhu Peican
Published: July 2022

With the widespread popularity of online social networks (OSNs), the number of users has also increased exponentially in recent years. At the same time, Social bots, i.e. accounts that controlled by program, are also on the rise. Service providers of OSNs often use them to keep social networks active. Meanwhile, some social bots are also registered for malicious purposes. It is necessary to detect these malicious social bots to present a real public opinion environment. We propose BotFinder, a framework to detect malicious social bots in OSNs. Specifically, it combines machine learning and graph methods so that the potential features of social bots can be effectively extracted. Regarding the feature engineering, we generate second order features and use coding methods to encode variables that have high cardinality. These features make full use of both labelled and unlabeled samples. With respect to the graphs, we firstly generate node vectors through embedding method, following which the similarity between vectors of humans and bots can be further calculated; Then, we use an unsupervised method to diffuse labels and thus the performance can be improved again. To valid the performance of the proposed method, we conduct extensive experiments on the dataset provided by an artificial intelligence contest which is composed of over eight million records of users. Results show that our approach reaches a F1-score of 0.8850, which is much better compared to the state of the art.
Silibinin inhibits human cancer fibrosarcoma cell invasion through MMPs, p-p38, and IL-1β expression
Authors: In Ah , Kim Moon-Moo
Published: July 2022

Background Silibinin is a single compound of silymarin that is obtained from the seeds of milk thistle plants. Their natural compound has an alternative function to suppress lung cancer and liver protection. Normal cells are converted into cancer cells due to defects in the genes that regulate cell division. Cancer cells break down vascular walls and basal membranes to obtain sufficient oxygen and nutrients, causing metastasis to other tissues. Therefore, the development of natural substances to suppress metastasis through MMPs, the metastatic enzymes, is necessary. Our investigation aimed to study the activation of silibinin on metastasis inhibition of human cancer fibrosarcoma cells.Methods and Results The cytotoxicity of silibinin in HT1080 cells was measured by MTT assay. The gelatinolytic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were determined by using a gelatin zymography assay. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assay was performed to investigate the protein expression of silibinin on metastasis inhibition. Silibinin above 5 μM showed reducing power activity. Even though the cell cytotoxicity was measured in the presence of silibinin below 5 μM, the cell cytotoxicity of silibinin was shown above 15 μM. Silibinin above 20 μM remarkably inhibited the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activation under PMA treatment conditions. Furthermore, silibinin at 25 μM suppressed metastasis by reducing the levels of TIMP-1, MMP-2, IL-1β, ERK1/2, and p-p38 expression and silibinin above 10 μM inhibited cell invasion on HT1080 cells.Conclusion These results suggest that silibinin could exert an excellent effect on the suppression of metastatic enzymes, leading to the inhibition of cell invasion.
Ultrasonographic study of female perineal body and its supportive function on pelvic floor
Authors: Zhou Minzhi , Shui Wen , Bai Wenkun , Wu Xing , Ying Tao
Published: July 2022

Purpose The first aim of this study was to observe the morphology of perineal body (PB) through two-dimensional (2D) high-frequency ultrasound. Secondary aims were to estimate PB tissue properties using shear wave elastography (SWE) technology, and to explore the supportive mechanism of PB on levator hiatus (LH) and different pelvic compartments preliminarily. Methods This retrospective study investigated 258 women who went to urogynecological clinic. Women were divided into different groups after clinical examination and ultrasound scan. 2D ultrasound with SWE technology was peformed to observe the morphology of PB and estimate elastic module. The supportive function of PB on pelvic compartments was evaluated by studying the relationship between the mobility of PB and bladder, uterus and anorectal junction. The supportive function of PB on LH was evaluated by studying the measurements varieties. ANOVA and Pearson analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results Four representative ultrasonic manifestations of PB morphology were presented in our study. The PB diameters and Young’s modulus showed statistical difference between groups. Compared with bladder and uterus, the mobility of PB is more related to anorectal junction. There was no statistical difference between the changes of both PB morphology measurements and Young’s modulus and LH dimensions.Conclusion The study confirmed that it was feasible to observe the morphology of PB and evaluated elastic function by ultrasound scan. PB is influenced by parity and strongly associated with posterior pelvic compartment. PB has no significant effect on limiting the size of LH.
Pediatric Surgical Waitlist in LMICs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Klazura Greg , Park Paul , Yap Ava , Laverde Ruth , Bryce Emma , Cheung Maija , Bioh Ernestina , Hamilton Sacha , Kisa Phyllis , Kakembo Nasser , Ugazzi Michele , Situma Martin , Borgstein Eric , Derbew Miliard , Negash Samuel , Tadesse Amezene , Bvulani Bruce , Ki Bertille , Toussaint Tapsoba , Bokhary Zaitun , Sama Godfrey , Ameh Emmanuel , Mulewa Mulenga , Mwansa Jonathan , Onah Ifeanyichukwu , Amado Vanda , Ugarte Daniel , Massaga Fabian , Byabato Samwel , Adeyemo Wasiu Lanre , Ogunlewe Olugbemiga , Nandi Bip , Ozgediz Doruk
Published: July 2022

Purpose: COVID-19 led to significant reduction in surgery worldwide. Studies, however, of the effect on surgical volume for pediatric patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited.Methods: A survey was developed to estimate waitlists in LMICs for priority surgical conditions in children. The survey was piloted and revised before it was deployed over email to 19 surgeons. Pediatric surgeons at 15 different sites in 8 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and Ecuador completed the survey from February 2021 to June 2021. The survey included the total number of children awaiting surgery and estimates for specific conditions. Respondents were also able to add additional procedures. Results: Public hospitals had longer wait times than private facilities. The median waitlist was 90 patients and the median wait time was 2 months for elective surgeries.Conclusion: Lengthy surgical wait times affect surgical access in LMICs. COVID-19 had been associated with surgical delays around the world, exacerbating existing surgical backlogs. Our results revealed significant delays for elective, urgent and emergent cases across Sub-Saharan Africa. Stakeholders should consider approaches to scale the limited surgical and perioperative resources in LMICs, create mitigation strategies for future pandemics, and establish ways to monitor waitlists on an ongoing basis.
Effect of acute salinity on the biochemical, antioxidant and digestive pepsin enzyme activities in juvenile freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens)
Authors: Amankwah Justice Frimpong , Jin Wu , Ma Xueyan , Xu Pao , Wen Haibo , Li Hongxia
Published: July 2022

A lethal dose toxicity experiment was set up to determine the salinity level which could kill half of the freshwater drum under different salinities of (0 mg/L, 5000 mg/L, 7500 mg/L, 10000 mg/L, 12500 mg/L, 15000 mg/L, 17500 mg/L, 20000 mg/L, 25000 mg/L). It was then observed that the freshwater drum swarm normally and survived up to a salinity level of 15000 mg/L with death occurring in a dose dependent manner. Based on the knowledge obtained from the lethal toxicity experiment, an acute salinity experiment was piloted to ascertain the effect of varying salinity levels of (0 mg/L, 7500mg/L and 15000mg/L) on biochemical, antioxidant, and digestive pepsin activities in the juvenile freshwater drum (A. grunniens). During the experiment, 15 fish with an initial weight of 46.5 ± 0.05 were cultured in plastic tanks (140L) in three (3) replicates across the different salinity levels and at different sampling points of 0, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours. In the experimentation, Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate transaminase (AST) activities were significantly affected at different salinity levels and time points (P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) were observed to be significantly affected in their activities in the different salinity levels and time. The digestive pepsin activities detected in the juvenile (A. grunniens) exhibited significant differences across the different salinity levels and time (P < 0.05). The results revealed that no severe damage were observed in the fish organs across the different salinity levels and sampling time and as such the juveniles can survive and swim normally up to a salinity level of 15000mg/L. However further experiment should be undertaken for longer periods.
Design of a new electrochemical aptasensor based on screen printed carbon electrode modified with gold nanoparticles for the detection of fumonisin B1 in maize flour
Authors: Naghshbandi Behnaz , Adabi Mohsen , Bagheri Kamran Pooshang , Tavakolipour Hamid
Published: July 2022

A new aptasensor for the detection of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in the maize samples was developed based on DNA- aptamer recognition and electrochemical technique. A thiol-modified single stranded DNA (ss-HSDNA) was immobilized on screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) electrodeposited by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The morphology and structure of SPCE and AuNPs/SPCE were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The SEM results demonstrated that the SPCE had a flat sheet-like structure and the AuNPs were homogeneously electrodeposited on the SPCE. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) experiments in the [Fe(CN)6]-3/-4 solution were conducted to investigate each step of electrode modification as well as aptasensor performance. Aptamer-FB1 interaction prevented the electron transfer permitting the determination of FB1 in the range of 0.5-500 ng/L with a low detection limit (0.2 ng/mL). The designed aptasensor was also showed high selectivity, acceptable repeatability and reproducibility, good long-term stability and excellent recovery. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the findings achieved via the designed aptasensor and HPLC. Therefore, a simple construction process and fine electrochemical performance of the proposed aptasensor have a great potential for the detection of FB1 in maize samples.
Plasma levels and tissue expression of liver-type fatty acid-binding protein in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Chang Chi-Chang , Hsu Chia-Chang , Yu Teng-Hung , Hung Wei-Chin , Kuo Shyh-Ming , Chen Chia-Chi , Wu Cheng-Ching , Chung Fu-Mei , Lee Yau-Jiunn , Wei Ching-Ting
Published: July 2022

Background
Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is widely expressed in hepatocytes and plays a role in lipid metabolism. It has been demonstrated to be overexpressed in different types of cancer; however, few studies have investigated the association between L-FABP and breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the association between plasma concentrations of L-FABP in breast cancer patients and the expression of L-FABP in breast cancer tissue.
Method
A total of 196 patients with breast cancer and 57 age-matched control subjects were studied. Plasma L-FABP concentrations were measured using ELISA in both groups. The expression of L-FABP in breast cancer tissue was examined using immunohistochemistry.
Result
The patients had higher plasma L-FABP levels than the controls (7.6 ng/mL (interquartile range 5.2–12.1) vs. 6.3 ng/mL (interquartile range 5.3–8.5), p = 0.008). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an independent association between L-FABP and breast cancer, even after adjusting for known biomarkers. Moreover, the rates of pathologic stage T2 + T3 + T4, clinical stage III, positive HER-2 receptor status, and negative estrogen receptor status were significantly higher in the patients with an L-FABP level greater than the median. Furthermore, the L-FABP level gradually increased with increasing stage. In addition, L-FABP was detected in the cytoplasm, nuclear, or both cytoplasm and nuclear of the all breast cancer tissue examined, not in the normal tissue.
Conclusions
Plasma L-FABP levels were significantly higher in the patients with breast cancer than in the controls. In addition, L-FABP was expressed in breast cancer tissue, which suggests that L-FABP may be involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
Calcium phosphate cement with icariin-loaded gelatin microspheres as a local drug delivery system for bone regeneration
Authors: Liu Ning , Huang Shuo , Guo Fang , Zhai Shafei , Wang Danyang , Li Fang , Liu Changkui
Published: July 2022

Background: Icariin (ICA), a main active ingredient of Herba Epimedium, could promote bone formation, inhibit bone resorption and alleviate inﬂammatory responses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ICA on the inhibition of bacteria associated with peri-implantitis, and fabricate a calcium phosphate cement with ICA-loaded gelatin microspheres as a local drug delivery system efficiently promoting bone formation and alleviating inflammation. Results: The encapsulation efficiency of gelatin microspheres reached the maximum value of 76.26 ± 3.97%, when the concentration of ICA was 0.5 mM. Gelatin microspheres with ICA revealed a controlled release profile, gelatin microspheres with 0.5 mM ICA exhibited a higher ICA release profile than the other groups during a 21 d monitoring span. The results of SEM, XRD and FTIR demonstrated successful fabrication of the ICA-loaded calcium phosphate cement. In addition, the ICA-loaded composite cement promoted the proliferation of BMSCs and significantly stimulated the differentiation and maturation of BMSCs. In vivo, H&E and Masson staining experiments demonstrated that the CPC/GMs(ICA) material exhibited better capacity for bone regeneration than CPC/GMs and CPC, and the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the tissue around CPC/GMs(ICA) material was significantly lower than CPC/GMs and CPC in IHC staining (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In this study, ICA exhibited limited antibacterial activity against bacteria associated with peri-implantitis. A composite material of calcium phosphate cement with ICA-loaded gelatin microspheres was developed, which not only promoting osteoinductivity and bone formation, but also alleviating inflammation, demonstrating its potential as a promising bone substitute material for treatment of peri-implantitis.
The Modulation Classification Methods in Ppm-vlc Systems
Authors: Ağır Tuba Tanyıldızı , Sönmez Mehmet
Published: July 2022

Intelligent methods have been applied to many fields for a long time. Recently, Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems widely include learning and classification models to improve their performances. The classification of L- Pulse Position Modulation (L-PPM) formats is crucial for VLC systems since the modulation order L is very effective for providing energy efficiency and increasing the transmission capacity. In this paper, therefore, it is reported for the first time, the classification of PPM schemes in VLC systems by using Decision Tree, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and a Direct Decision-based Linear Model (LM) technique. A novel feature extraction model is derived to be able to classify the type of PPM modulation schemes. A comparison has been given to observe the performance of classification schemes by taking into account the level of Signal to Noise Ratio and the transmission distance between receiver and transmitter. The KNN method gives the best accuracy performance against other schemes at the SNR of 25dB and the distance of 2.32m and more, while the Tree model is superior to KNN at the distances of 2.25m and 2.20m. Additionally, it has been obtained the best accuracy of 97.85% by the Decision Tree Model at the distance of 2.20m.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking Myocardial Strain Analysis in Suspected Acute Myocarditis: Diagnostic Value and Association with Severity of Myocardial Injury
Authors: Gao Qian , Yi Wenfang , Gao Chao , Qi Tianfu , Li Lili , Xie Kaipeng , Zhao Wei , Chen Wei
Published: July 2022

Background: Albeit that cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) has enabled quantitative assessment of global myocardial strain in the diagnosis of suspected acute myocarditis, the cardiac segmental dysfunction remains understudied. The aim of the present study was using CMR-FT to assess the global and segmental dysfunction of the myocardium for diagnosis of suspected acute myocarditis.Methods: 47 patients with suspected acute myocarditis (divided into impaired and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] groups) and 39 healthy controls (HCs) were studied. A total of 752 segments were divided into three subgroups, including segments with non-involvement (SNi), segments with edema (SE), and segments with both edema and late gadolinium enhancement (SE+LGE). 272 healthy segments served as the control group (SHCs).Results: Compared with HCs, patients with preserved LVEF showed impaired global circumferential strain (GCS) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Segmental strain analysis showed that the peak radial strain (PRS), peak circumferential strain (PCS), and peak longitudinal strain (PLS) values significantly reduced in SE+LGE compared with SHCs, SNi, SE. PCS significantly reduced in SNi (-15.3±5.8% vs. -20.3±6.4%, p<0.001) and SE (-15.2±5.6% vs. -20.3±6.4%, p<0.001), compared with SHCs. The area under the curve (AUC) values of GLS (0.723) and GCS (0.710) were higher than that of global peak radial strain (0.657) in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Model with updated Lake Louise Criteria could result in a further increase in diagnostic performance.Conclusions: Global and segmental myocardial strain were impaired in patients with suspected acute myocarditis, even in the edema or relatively non-involved regions. CMR-FT may serve as an incremental tool for assessment of cardiac dysfunction and provide important additional imaging-evidence for distinguishing the different severity of myocardial injury in myocarditis.