bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CLUSTER: A biomarker-integrated targeted therapy study in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhou Qing , Chen Hua-Jun , Wang Bin-Chao , Wang Zhen , Tu Hai-Yan , Xu Chong-Rui , Zheng Ming-Ying , Bai Xiao-Yan , Sun Yue-Li , Yan Hong-Hong , Gan Bin , Tao Hong , Wang Yingying , Zhao Sylvia , Yang Jin-Ji , Lai Clinton , Wu Yi-Long
Published: July 2022

PurposeTo better understand the relevance of genomic characteristics of NSCLC for the management of advanced NSCLC in Chinese patients, the phase II CLUSTER umbrella trial simultaneously investigated the efficacy of multiple targeted therapies in Chinese patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and pre-specified genetic alterations. MethodsCLUSTER was an open-label, umbrella design study with four treatment arms. Capmatinib (METi), ceritinib (ALKi), binimetinib (MEKi), and alpelisib (PI3Kai) monotherapies were investigated in previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC and matched genetic alterations. The primary endpoint for all treatment arms was overall response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1. Although not a predefined endpoint, a post-hoc analysis of the overall anti-tumor activity in all treated patients enrolled in the study was also performed. ResultsCeritinib met the pre‑specified statistical threshold for efficacy with an ORR of 73%, whereas an ORR of 19% and 9% were attained with capmatinib and binimetinib, respectively. The overall anti-tumor activity in all treated patients showed encouraging results. ConclusionDespite the limited number of patients in some of the treatment arms and the stringent criteria for preliminary activity, these findings confirm the feasibility of conducting biomarker-integrated studies in China, and warrant the implementation of further umbrella trials to simultaneously evaluate the efficacy of multiple targeted treatments.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02276027 Registered 27 October 2014 - Retrospectively registeredhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02276027
Pyloric Balloon Dilation Guided by Digital Subtraction Angiography for Postsurgical Gastroparesis Syndrome is More Effective than Conservative Medical Treatment
Authors: ping guo wei , hua Chen wen , qi Wang
Published: July 2022

Purpose
To compare the clinical efficacy of pyloric balloon dilation guided by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) with conservative medical treatment for treating postsurgical gastroparesis syndrome (PGS).
Materials and Methods
We reviewed the data of 41 patients with PGS treated with pyloric balloon dilation guided by DSA or conservative medical treatment from January 2012 to February 2021. The median follow-up period was 588 (experimental group) and 626 days (control group). The average length of stay (ALOS) was compared between the two groups.
Results
After pyloric balloon dilation guided by DSA, all 21 patients in the experimental group resumed normal eating within 1–2 days. Upper gastroenterography confirmed good gastrointestinal motility in all 21 patients; all were discharged within 1 week. All 20 patients in the control group received conservative medical treatment; gastrointestinal peristalsis was gradually restored, abdominal distention and vomiting improved, and gastrointestinal fluid drainage gradually reduced to under 400mL/d within 20–48 days. The ALOS in the experimental group (10.2 ± 1.3 days) was significantly shorter than that in the control group (34.5 ± 14.2 days).
Conclusions
Compared with conservative medical treatment, pyloric balloon dilation guided by DSA has better clinical efficacy in the treatment of PGS and can be used as first-line treatment for PGS. However, the mechanism of action remains unclear and requires further investigation.
WITHDRAWN: Performance Evaluation of Fiber-reinforced Ferroconcrete Composite Using Response Surface Methodology-based Model for Prediction
Authors: Awolusi Temitope Funmilayo , Ekhasomhi Alenoghena I. , Aluko Oluwatobi Gbenga , Akinkurolere Olanike Olufunke
Published: July 2022

Research on the reuse of construction wastes has received massive thoughtfulness in the last few decades due to the advantage of natural resources conservation, construction costs, environmental benefits, and enabling the production of eco-sustainable construction materials. Fiber-reinforced ferroconcrete is a new generation type of concrete with effective performance. In this study, the fiber-reinforced ferroconcrete contains waste aluminum fiber, cement, ceramic waste powder, corrugated wire mesh, and fine and coarse aggregate. The cement content in the concrete mix were partially replaced with ceramic powder and aluminum fibers added in proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 0%, 1%, and 2% to the concrete mix, respectively. The variation of both ceramic powder and aluminum fibers was done using the central composite design of Response Surface Methodology(RSM) to improve the performance of concrete through mechanical characteristics. The results show that at a 20% proportion of ceramic powder and 1% aluminum fiber, there was an increase in the compressive strength, flexural strength, and split tensile strength more than conventional concrete, with the ferroconcrete having strengths of 15.88 N/mm2, 6.68 N/mm2, and 3.83 N/mm2 respectively. Based on the independent variables (Aluminum fiber and Ceramic powder) considered, the Response surface methodology models were used to predict the responses. The results of the predicted data show a straight-line linear progression as the coefficient of determination (R2) tends to 1, indicating suitable model for predicting the response of the variables on the fiber-reinforced ferroconcrete.
Understanding the ups and downs, application of hydrologic restoration measures for a large Subtropical Lake.
Authors: Julian Paul , Welch Zach
Published: July 2022

Hydrologic regimes in shallow lakes strongly influence the system’s function and ecology. Changes in water levels can have nonlinear, disproportionate effects in these low gradient systems. High water levels can submerge upper elevation littoral areas, degrade benthic habitats, and redistribute sediments and nutrients throughout the lake. When water levels are low, wetland littoral areas are dried out, prompting shifts in plant communities. Lake Okeechobee, a large shallow lake, is a diverse and complex ecosystem managed for multiple purposes. Currently, water levels within the lake are managed based on the Lake Okeechobee Regulation Schedule of 2008, which is being replaced due to the completion of key restoration projects. The new regulation schedule, Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM), updates water management rules while attempting to balance the needs of downstream systems; salinity and water quality in the Caloosahatchee and Saint Lucie estuaries, and more water for the southern Everglades. This study evaluates LOSOM relative to ecologically significant performance measures for the lake. Overall, the proposed regulation schedule is expected to cause deeper average lake levels, increased occurrence of damaging high-stage events, and reduced frequency of low-stage events. While decreases in the severity and frequency of low stages will be beneficial, increases in high stages may impact the long-term ecology of the system. As lake management shifts to optimize restoration efforts around and downstream of Lake Okeechobee, restoration projects upstream of the lake become critical to building and improving resilience in this central South Florida ecosystem.
Effects of Selenium on Some Reproductive Parameters in Acrylamide- Induced Testis Toxicity in Rats
Authors: YILDIRIM SERKAN , Sengul Emin , Aksu Emrah Hicazi , Cinar İrfan , Gelen Volkan , Tekin Samet , Dag Yusuf
Published: July 2022

In this study, the effects of Selenium (Se) in testis toxicity induced by Acrylamide (ACR) in rats were investigated. In our study, 50 male adult rats were used and the rats were divided into 5 groups; Control, ACR, Se0.5 + ACR, Se1 + ACR, and Se1. Se and ACR treatments were applied to the rats for 10 days. On the 11th day of the experimental study, intracardiac blood samples from the rats were taken under anesthesia and decapitated. Sperm motility and morphology were evaluated. Dihydrotestosterone, FSH, and LH levels in sera were analyzed with commercial ELISA kits. MDA, SOD, GSH, GPx, CAT, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels in testicular tissues were analyzed by commercial ELISA kits. Expression analysis of HSD17B1, StAR, CYP17A1, MAPk14, and P-53 as target genes was performed with Real Time-PCR System technology for each cDNA sample synthesized from rat testis RNA. Testicular tissues were evaluated by histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent examinations. Serum dihydrotestosterone and FSH levels significantly decreased in the ACR group compared to the control group, while LH levels increased. A high dose of Se prevented these changes caused by ACR. ACR induced testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, changes in the expression of reproductive enzymes, some changes in sperm motility and morphology, DNA, and tissue damage, and Se administration prevented these changes caused by ACR. As a result of this study, it was determined that Se prevents oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and DNA damage in testicular toxicity induced by ACR in rats.
Comparison of intermittent screening (using ultra-sensitive malaria Rapid Diagnostic test) and treatment (using a newly registered antimalarial Pyronaridine - Artesunate – PYRAMAX®) to standard intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for the prevention of malaria in pregnant women living in endemic areas. ULTRAPYRAPREG
Authors: Tevuzula Vivi Maketa , Kabalu Japhet , Kabena Melissa , Luzolo Flory , Muhindo-Mavoko Hypolite , Schallig Henk D. F. H. , Kayentao Kassoum , Mens Petra F. , Lutumba Pascal , Tinto Halidou
Published: July 2022

Background
Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) is an important malaria control strategy in sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed it overcomes the risk of misdiagnosis due to low peripheral parasitemia during pregnancy by treating women with SP on predetermined schedules. However, over time, the spread of Plasmodium resistant strains has threaten this strategy in many countries. As an alternative, the Intermittent Screening and Treatment for pregnancy (ISTp) aims at a monthly screening of pregnant women, preferably by using very sensitive tests such as ultrasensitive rapid diagnostic tests (us-RDT) and the treatment of positive cases with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) regardless of the presence of symptoms. Unlike IPTp-SP, ISTp prevents overuse of antimalarials limiting the drug pressure on parasites, an advantage which can be potentiated by using an ACT like Pyronaridine - Artesunate (Pyramax®) that is not yet used in pregnant women in the field.
Methods
This study aims to compare the non-inferiority of ISTp using us-RDTs and Pyramax® versus IPTp-SP on malaria in pregnancy through a randomized clinical trial performed in Kisenso, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a malaria perennial transmission area.
Discussion
The results will be essential for the National Malaria Control Program to update malaria prevention policy in pregnant women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04783051
Prediction of students’ performance in a national medical exam using machine learning techniques
Authors: Hashemi Hanieh Zehtab , Rahimi Rezvan , Parvasideh Parvane , Bahrevar Zahra
Published: July 2022

Predicting student academic performance in educational information systems becomes one of the major concerns in improving the quality of academic institutions. Educational data mining can identify the settings that characterize students’ behavior. This study develops prediction models for students’ performance using neural networks, deep learning, and random forest. Deep learning uses multiple hidden layers to represent the data at a higher level, using linear or non-linear transformations. Random Forest that is, a variety of Decision tree algorithms uses the randomization concept to produce many models based on a random selection of input space. We train the models on a national exam dataset. In the following, we compare results with the neural network as a well-known method. The experimental result shows that Deep learning finds a deep data structure by finding better features and achieves accurate results. Although, Random Forest gains a higher accuracy in predicting students’ performance.
Seasonal and diurnal soil respiration dynamics under different land management practices in the sub-tropical highland agroecology of Ethiopia
Authors: Fekadu Genetu , Adgo Enyew , Meshesha Derege Tsegaye , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Peng Fei , Tsubo Mitsuru , Masunaga Tsugiyuki , Tassew Asaminew , Mulualem Temesgen , Demissie Simeneh
Published: July 2022

The temporal dynamics of soil respiration change in response to different land management practices is not well documented. This study investigated the effects of soil bunds on the monthly and diurnal dynamics of soil respiration rates in the highlands of the Upper Blue Nile basin in Ethiopia. Six plots (with and without soil bunds, three replicates) were used for measurement of seasonal soil respiration, and eighteen plots were used for measurement of diurnal soil respiration. We collected seasonal variation data on a monthly basis from September 2020 to August 2021. Diurnal soil respiration data were collected four times daily (5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m., and 11 p.m.) for two weeks from 16–29 September 2021. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed that seasonal soil respiration rates differed significantly (p < 0.05) between plots with and without soil bunds in all seasons. In plots with soil bunds, seasonal soil respiration rates were lowest in February (1.89 ± 0.3 µmol CO2 m− 2 s− 1, mean ± SE) and highest in October (14.54 ± 0.5 µmol CO2 m− 2 s− 1). Diurnal soil respiration rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 11 a.m. than at other times, and was lowest at 5 a.m. Both soil temperature and moisture significantly affected seasonal variation in soil respiration. Diurnal variation in soil respiration was significantly affected by soil temperature but not by soil moisture. Further study is required to explore how differences in soil microorganisms between different land management practices affect soil respiration rates.
Characterization of a sex-determining locus and development of early molecular assays in Telfairia occidentalis, a dioecious cucurbit
Authors: Metry Adrian , Adeyemo Oyenike Arike , Grünig Sandra , Parisod Christian
Published: July 2022

Although there exist over 7’000 crop species, only a few are commercially valuable and grown on a large scale in monocultures worldwide. However, underutilised crops (also called orphan crops) have great potential for food security and Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) is one such orphan crop grown in West Africa for its nutritious leaves and oil and protein-rich seeds. In this dioecious crop, farmers like to eliminate male plants and mostly keep females to increase their yield but face the challenge of determining sex with limited morphological differences between females and males before flowering. This study used double digested restriction site-associated DNA sequencing data (ddRADseq) to examine the genetic diversity within and among landraces of T. occidentalis, identify common sex-determining loci, and establish reliable assays to characterize the sex of immature plants in the vegetative state. Two molecular assays for distinguishing males from females of T. occidentalis were thereupon developed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to genotype sex-specific sequence variation either through restriction by Mfe1 or the direct use of sex-specific primers. Both assays require standard laboratory conditions to reach a certainty of 94.3% for females and 95.7% for males from studied samples. With the inclusion of additional landraces, medium to large scale farms growing T. occidentalis as a crop can readily benefit from an early determination of the sex of plants.
Reconstruction of Typhoon Frequency and Social Impact in Honshu Island, Japan since AD1600
Authors: Pan Wei , Yuga Kobayashi , YAN Wanglin
Published: July 2022

In this research regarding typhoons in Honshu, documentary records in AD1600-1883, early instrumental records in AD1884-1939, and meteorological records since AD1939 are used to determine typhoons through such exclusive terms as "Ame-Kaze" (heavy rain and wind), "Arashi" (storm or typhoon), "Fu-Su Damage" (the flood disaster or typhoon), and "Dai-Fu" (typhoon) and such expressions of "wind, rain and tide". A typhoon is determined by the criteria that the latitude distance is less than 2.4 and the movement speed is 24.8 km/h - 41.7 km/h. The typhoon frequency series for Honshu Island during AD1600-2020 was formed by linking data about typhoons in documentary records with data about "significant" typhoons in instrumental records. The frequency sequence suggests that the typhoon frequency in Honshu hits the highest record in the past 20 years since the 17 th century. On the inter-decadal scale, global/hemispheric warming has coincided with the increasingly frequent typhoons in this century, but in the long term, the former shows a phased positive correlation with the typhoon frequency, with rapid warming in the Northern Hemisphere occurring at the same pace as frequent typhoon activity, a phenomenon that has only been more clearly demonstrated since the turn of the century. The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, to some extent, has an antiphase relationship with the typhoon frequency in Honshu on the inter-decadal scale. As ENSO intensifies, the typhoon frequency in Honshu decreases. However, La Nina is not related to the increasingly frequent typhoons in this region. From the 1820s to the 1840s, Honshu saw a marked increase in typhoon frequency, which led to frequent "flood disasters or typhoons", exacerbating social unrest in Japan at that time. In the "Tenpō Reform" (AD1841-1843), the last reform chance for Tokugawa Shogunate, the Shogun chose AD1841 with rare typhoons to launch political reform. However, it ultimately failed as typhoons came back to Honshu in AD1843. This failure accelerated the downfall and breakdown of the Shogunate.
Nutritional status and depressive symptoms in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization: association with inflammation
Authors: Duan Hongyan , Zhang Jie , Wang Peng , Guo Jiayan , Zhang Jianfeng , Jiang Jianwei
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To evaluate whether there are relationships among nutritional status, depressive symptoms and inflammation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).Methods: One hundred thirty patients with HCC undergoing TACE were recruited for this study. Nutritional status and depressive symptoms were assessed after TACE by using questionnaires derived from the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale depression subscale (HADS-D), respectively. Systemic inflammation was evaluated using the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR).Results: A total of 89.2% of the patients were malnourished, and 58.5% of the patients presented with depressive symptoms. Poor nutritional status was significantly correlated with depressive symptoms (r=0.651, p<0.001), whereas no significant correlations were found between nutritional status and NLR (r=0.085, p=0.066), PLR (r=0.162, p=0.066), or SII (r=0.130, p=0.140). Depression was significantly correlated with PLR (r=0.294, p=0.001) and SII (r=0.197, p=0.024), but there was no correlation between depressive symptoms and NLR (p >0.05). A multiple linear regression model showed that the PG-SGA score (β=0.469 (95% CI: 0.351-0.586), p<0.01) was independently associated with depression symptoms, but there was no significant association between PLR and depression (β=0.003 (95% CI: -0.002-0.007)), p=0.230). There was no significant interaction effect of PG-SGA × PLR on depression (β=0.000 (95% CI: -0.001-0.001), p=0.596). A similar multiple linear regression model indicated no independent effect of a SII or PG-SGA × SII interaction on depression (β=0.000 (95% CI: -0.001-0.001), p=0.926, β = 0.000 (95% CI: 0.000-0.000), p=0.513), but PG-SGA was associated with depression (β=0.472 (95% CI: 0.353-0.591), p＜0.001).Conclusion: Depression was significantly correlated with nutrition, PLR and SII, although the potential mechanism underlying the correlation between nutritional status and depression is not clearly related to inflammation.
Clinical outcomes of concomitant use of proton pump inhibitors and regorafenib in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: a multicenter study
Authors: Yekedüz Emre , Özbay Mehmet Fatih , Çağlayan Dilek , Yıldırım Atila , Erol Cihan , Yıldırım Hasan Çağrı , Tunç Sezai , Özyurt Neslihan , Özdemir Feyyaz , Şendur Mehmet Ali Nahit , Işıkdoğan Abdurrahman , Kılıçkap Saadettin , Ürün Yüksel , Yalçın Şuayib , Artaç Mehmet , Coşkun Hasan Şenol , Utkan Güngör
Published: July 2022

AimTo compare survival outcomes, response rates, and adverse events (AEs) in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) user and non-user patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with regorafenib.MethodsWe included 272 patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib in this study. Patients were divided into two categories according to their status of PPI use. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were time to treatment failure (TTF), response rates, and safety. To exclude immortal time bias in survival analyses, we compared PPI non-user patients and all patients.ResultsThere were 141 and 131 patients in the PPI non-user and user groups. Baseline characteristics were similar in each group. Pantoprazole was the most used PPI. At the median 35.2 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 32.6-37.9) months follow-up, the median OS was similar in PPI non-user and all patients (6.9 months (95% CI: 5.3-8.5) and 7.7 months (95% CI:6.6-8.8), p = 0.913). TTF was also similar in PPI non-user and all patients (3.3 months (95% CI:2.7-3.9) and 3.5 months (95% CI:3.0-4.0), p = 0.661). In multivariable analysis, no statistically significant difference was observed between PPI user and non-user groups in OS and TTF (Hazard Ratio (HR):0.99, 95% CI:0.77-1.28, p =0.963 for OS; HR:0.93, 0.77-1.20, p=0.598 for TTF). The objective response rates (ORR) were similar in the PPI non-user and user groups (19.8% and 16.8%, p=0.455). The rates of any grade AEs were also similar in each group.ConclusionThis study showed that PPI was not associated with worse survival outcomes and safety profile in patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib.
MiRNA-21 promotes the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells by regulating Ajuba/Isl1 axis pathway
Authors: Yang Wengang , Zhao Lei , Xue Song , Liu Jidong , Shan Jianggui , Wang Chenxi
Published: July 2022

Purpose: To study the mechanism of miRNA-21 targeting Ajuba/ Isl1 axis to affect bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) differentiation into cardiomyocyte-like cells. Methods: BMSCs were cultured, 5-aza was used to induce BMSCs differentiation into cardiomyocyte-like cells,and DAPI was used to label bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. miRNA-21 overexpression (miR-21-OE) and knockdown (miR-21-KD) plasmids were constructed to infect BMSCs. ajuba-OE and ajuba-KD were also constructed to infect BMSCs. The miRNA-21 targeting Ajuba directly was examined by luciferase reporter assays. The expression of miRNA-21 was detected by RT-qPCR, the expression of Ajuba, Isl1 and cTnI was detected both by RT-qPCR and Western Blot (WB). The differentiation ability of BMSCs in all groups was examined by immunofluorescence staining of cTnI.Results: bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were successfully isolating and culturing, also, successful induction and culture of BMSCs.Identification of characteristic antigens of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was done well,DAPI labeled bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was good.The expression of miRNA-20 or ajuba in BMSCs was efficiently regulated by miR-21-OE, miR-21-KD, ajuba overexpression (ajuba-OE) or Ajuba lowxpression (ajuba-KD) lentivirus infection, respectively. Luciferase reporter assays showed miR-21 could bind with the 3’UTR of Ajuba. MiRNA-21 overexpression increased the expression of Isl1 both at mRNA and protein levels in BMSCs, miRNA-21 knockdown decreased the expression of Isl1. Next, we found Ajuba overexpression decreased the expression of Isl1, Ajuba knockdown increased the expression of Isl1. Finally, we verified that Ajuba negatively regulated the differentiation of BMSCs into cardiomyocyte-like cells.Conclusion: miRNA-21 could regulate differentiation of BMSC to cardiomyocyte-like cells through Ajuba/Isl1 axis pathway in BMSCs, which providing the novel target for treating many ischemic heart diseases.
Quantitative analysis of the renal pelvic and bladder urinary proteome
Authors: Pan Yilin , Wong Christine Yim‐Ping , Ma Haiying , Tse Ryan Tsz-Hei , Cheng Carol Ka-Lo , Tan Miaomiao , Chiu Peter Ka-Fung , Teoh Jeremy Yuen‐Chun , Wang Xin , Ng Chi‐Fai , Zhang Liang
Published: July 2022

Urine proteome is a valuable reservoir of biomarkers for disease diagnosis and monitoring. Following its formation as the plasma filtrate in the kidney, urine is progressively modified by the active reabsorption and secretion of the cells lining the urinary tract. However, little is known about how the urine proteome changes as it passes along the urinary tract. To investigate this, we compared the proteome composition of renal pelvis urine (RPU) and individually self-voided bladder urine (BU) collected from 7 one-side urinary tract obstruction male patients. While no exclusive proteins were observed for either type of urine sample, BU had more proteins that were overrepresented at a higher frequency than RPU. Furthermore, the label-free quantitative analysis indicated that the BU proteome has a higher diversity in dominant proteins in conjunction with more upregulated proteins. Functional annotation revealed the BU-RPU differential proteins are enriched in exosomes and extracellular proteins, indicating active urothelial-urinary interactions. These differential proteins can facilitate biomarker discovery for diseases affecting the urinary tract.
Molecular subtypes based on cell death genes predict prognosis and immunotherapy effect in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gan Kai , Li Zhitao , Bao Sheng , Xu Yuting , Jin Li , Ma Meidiao , Deng Lin , Peng Yingzheng , Li Na , Miao Yinglei , Zeng Zhong , Huang Hanfei
Published: July 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death in many regions of the world. Cell death plays an important role in the development of tumor, and there is no comprehensive analysis of the role of cell death genes in HCC. This study aims to identify different HCC molecular subtypes based on cell death genes, and compare the prognosis and immunotherapy effect of different subtypes.
Methods
Cell death genes associated with HCC prognosis were screened by univariate COX analysis from the cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and Gene Expression Database (GEO), respectively. Based on the expression of cell death genes, NMF consensus clustering was used to subtype HCC. The differences of tumor microenvironment score, cytolytic immune response, inflammation score, tumor mutation load, immune checkpoint expression level and TIDE score among diffrent subtypes were analyzed using R software.
Results
HCC was divided into two subtypes based on the expression values of eight cell death genes associated with prognosis of HCC in three data sets. The prognosis and immunotherapy response of C1 subtype were better. There were differences in tumor microenvironment score, cytolytic immune response, inflammation score, immune checkpoint expression level and TIDE score between the two HCC subtypes.
Conclusions
we classified different subtypes of HCC based on cell death genes, determined the relationship between different HCC subtypes and prognosis, studied the tumor microenvironment of different HCC subtypes and predicted their response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy, providing molecular basis for immunotargeted therapy.
Effect of Discharge Accumulation on Wire Breakage in WEDM Process
Authors: Wang Jun , Sánchez José. A. , Izquierdo Borja , Ayesta Izaro
Published: July 2022

In recent years, WEDM has been adopted in precision machining as an important alternative machining method because of its greater flexibility and lower wear cost compared with traditional machining. Whereas wire breakage during WEDM is an unignorable problem that influences the machining quality and efficiency. Therefore, it has been a research topic of considerable interest. This work focuses on exploring the reason for the wire breakage. Firstly, by observing the wire after discharges and using the finite element method, a complete thermal model considering both latent heat and flushing efficiency was built. With this model the simulation of the crater on the wire was finished. Then based on the result gotten from the simulation and experiment, the inverse fitting was chosen to find the precise heat partition ratio to the wire. After that, a wire breakage experiment was done and through locating the position of discharges before wire breakage, the influence of consecutive discharges on the wire was simulated with the gotten model. Finally, the findings of this work allow for a more in-depth understanding of the effect of discharge accumulation on wire breakage.
The law of blast stress wave propagation and fracture development in soft and hard composite rock
Authors: Ding Xiaohua , Yang Yuqing , Zhou Wei , An Wen , Li Jinyu , Ebelia Manda
Published: July 2022

The process of blasting stress wave propagation and crack propagation is directly affected by the physical properties of the rock mass and internal joints in the rock. In soft and hard rock layers, the blasting process is more complicated due to the blasting stress wave needs to penetrate two kinds of rocks with different physical properties and the interface between soft and hard rock. This study analyzed the modal transformation of stress waves at the interface of composite stratified rock and the process was reproduced by finite element analysis. Further, development law of cracks was also been studied. The research results show that: In the single blasting-hole model, a triangular crack area caused by reflected stress waves appears at the rock interface of rock medium I near the blast hole. In the rock medium II, the tensile crack generated by the interface wave appeared on the side away from the blast hole. And the development of the tensile crack is related to the incident mode of the blast stress wave and the incident angle. In the deep hole blasting model, the incidence of the detonation wave front from hard rock to soft rock promote to the fragmentation of the hard rock.
The prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms and their correlation to patients' health state in Palestine
Authors: Naseef Hani , Khalil Abdallah , Eschek Malak , Dababat Aseel , Qattosa Maram , Orabi Tala , Joza Mohammad , Mashaala Carmen , Al-Shami Ni'Meh , Rabba Abdullah , Jaradat Nidal
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims: Many symptoms have been reported by individuals infected with the SARS-Cov2 virus. This study assessed the prevalence of selected COVID-19 symptoms among infected individuals in Palestine and its association with patient health status and comorbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional observation questionnaire-based study was conducted to collect data from confirmed SARS Cov-2 infection patients. The questionnaire was distributed face-to-face or online. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used to find significant relationships among data variables. Results: 680 participants completed the questionnaire; the mean age was 28.1 ± 11·8. A total of 572 (84.1%) developed at least one symptom during infection. The most common reported symptoms during the infection were fatigue (93.1%), headache (90.7%), loss of smell (89.0%), and joint pain. In patients older than 50, loss of sense of smell was the least encountered symptom, while fatigue, loss of taste, and fever were most common in patients younger than 40. Patients with at least one comorbid condition suffered most from fatigue and headache. Conclusions: Various demographic factors and determinants found to affect the infection with COVID-19, type of symptoms, and comorbidities involved. Even though it has been almost three years since the pandemic started, and with the availability of vaccines and emergent viral mutations, awareness of signs and symptoms and uncovering newer symptoms are essential in making the diagnosis, halting and controlling the virus's spread. Therefore, COVID-19 infection and related symptoms remain challenging for health care providers and researchers, as the disease requires much investigation effort to be well understood.
Analyzing Binding affinities and Drug likeness of Alprazolam through Molecular docking and ADME toxicity
Authors: Mallari Praveen , Paramanik Vijay
Published: July 2022

GABAergic, Gamma Amino Butyric Acid A (GABAA) receptors are permeable to the chloride ion gated channel, on hyperexcitability alters the ions gradients and leads to anxiety-related diseases. The study aims to elucidate the potent inhibitory ligands of alprazolam and their analogues, those retrieved from the PubChem database as ligands against GABAA receptor as a target to reduce the daily dose administration. In-silico methods like molecular docking was performed using docking tool, AutoDock and AutoDock vina version 4.2, Absorption Digestion Metabolism Excretion toxicity through Swiss ADME and OSIRIS online tools to find potent lead ligand and predicting drug-likeness. Molecular docking showed that three compounds A3, A8, and A9 had significant binding affinities (-8.0 to -8.2 kcal/mol) to the target. The ADME toxicity study showed three ligands (PubChem ID: 1032832, 12632256, and 12632257) with good binding affinity, obeyed Lipinski’s rule of five. A8 chemical compound can cross the blood-brain barrier out of three ligands, A3 and A9 ligands were remained in the gastrointestinal region, which is represented in the BOILED-Egg model. The study revealed one potent antagonist of GABAA receptors, namely 8-chloro-1,4-dimethyl-6-phenyl-4H- [1, 2, 4] triazolo [4,3-a] [1, 4] benzodiazepine, these can be further exploited for wet-lab studies perhaps used for the therapeutics as anxiolytic drug.
A Novel Design of Low Power Modified PPN SRAM Cell based Memory Array and its Analytical Reviews for Cache Memories
Authors: K Gavaskar , Surendar N , Thrisali S , Vishal M
Published: July 2022

Cache memory is a storage space that is essential for storing the repetitive data and the instructions to perform an operation. In modern processors speed has been increased significantly but memory enhancements are mainly focusing on the ability to store more data in less space and to reduce the latency. The circuit of 10 T SRAM cell based on PNN Inverter proposed in this paper is made up of 2 cross-coupled PNN inverters (1 PMOS and 2 NMOS transistors), single ended separate read circuit (2 NMOS transistors) and 2 access transistors (2 NMOS). Different leakage current control techniques like LECTOR and KLECTOR are applied to the 10T PPN and 10T PNN SRAM cells to improve their hold performance and their results are compared. The 8X8 memory array consists of memory cells, row and column decoders, pre-charge circuits, sense amplifiers and write driver circuits. The various parameters like delay, dynamic power, power delay product, leakage power and static noise margin for read, write, and hold operations are measured and compared with other SRAM cells. CADENCE Virtuoso Tool is used for designing the various circuits in 90 nm technology. Simulation results shows that the proposed SRAM cell has better performance comparing to other cells so it is used for creating the array structure. The 8X8 10T PNN SRAM cell-based array has less power and less delay when compared with other array structures.
COL5A2 is a prognostic-related biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Meiru , Zhang Lixian
Published: July 2022

Background
The prognosis for gastric cancer (GC), one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers, is very poor. There is evidence that collagen type V alpha 2 (COL5A2) is increased in various cancers, yet it remains unclear how it contributes to the prognosis and immunity of gastric cancer.
Methods
Transcriptome profiling and clinical data of GC patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and GEO datasets GSE84437. COL5A2 expression mRNA level as well as the relationship between COL5A2 and clinicopathological factors were analyzed through R software. We conducted survival analysis, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis to evaluate the prognosis and independent factors of GC. Co-expressed analysis was performed with cBioPortal and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) 2.0. To identify the underlying mechanism, we first performed differential expression analysis, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of differential expression genes (DEGs) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The TISIDB and TIMER2.0 database were used to calculate immune cell infiltration levels. Furthermore, TIMER2.0 and The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database were employed to analyze immune infiltrates gene marker sets. Additionally, we analyzed association of COL5A2 expression with immunological checkpoint inhibitors in R software. Immunophenoscore (IPS) analysis was used to evaluate the sensitivity to immunotherapy response.
Results
COL5A2 expression was elevated in GC, and associated with worse overall survival. A significant correlation was found between COL5A2 overexpression and T-stage progression in GC. COL5A2 was found to be an independent factor for the unfortunate outcome in Cox regression analysis. The co-expressed genes of COL5A2 associated with tumor stage or poor survival. Enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) - related processes, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and focal adhesion. GSEA analyses revealed that COL5A2 was associated with tumor progression-related pathways. Meanwhile, COL5A2 expression was correlated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Moreover, the low COL5A2 expression group exhibited a higher IPS score, which was correlated with better immunotherapy results.
Conclusions
COL5A2 might act as a prognostic biomarker of GC prognosis and immune infiltration and may provide a therapeutic intervention strategy.
Ambient Environment Adaptive Elastomer Constructed by Microphase Separation and Segment Complexation of Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Wang Weijie , Zhang Caihong , Huang Hao , Xue Bing , Yang Shuguang
Published: July 2022

Elastomers with environmental adaption have attracted considerable attentions for advanced applications in various areas. Here, we fabricate an ambient environment adaptive elastomer by assembling triblock copolymers polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid)-b-polystyrene (SAS) and polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene (SES). Owing to microphase separation of triblock polymers and hydrogen-bonding complexation of their middle segments, SAS/SES complex presents dichotomy of vitrified hard PS domains and soft PAA/PEO domains which presents major relaxation transition in temperature zone 10–30 ℃ and relative humidity (RH) 40% − 60%. SAS/SES elastomer presents quick adaption to the ambient environment change with temperature and humidity coupling. Moreover, after a loading-unloading cycle training, SAS/SES elastomer exhibits domain orientation, low energy dissipation, high recovery ratio, and distinct strain stiffening compared with the pristine complex. SAS/SES elastomer has potential to be used as sensing and adaption component for complicated intelligent systems.
Multi-response Optimization of IC Wire Bonding for Large Probe Marks by the RSM and Desirability Function Approach
Authors: Chiu Jing-Er , Wang Chau-Shing , Lu Shih-Wen
Published: July 2022

Wire bonding is key to high-quality IC assembly in semiconductor packaging. An electrical test was conducted before wire bonding. During the electrical test, the needle probes touched the surface of each bond pad resulting in a probe trace left, called probe marks. The probe mark on the bond pad affects the adhesion between the bond pad and copper ball. Generally, the bond ball can be removed easily under shear testing if the ratio of probe mark area to pad area is greater than 20%. A large probe mark causes a defect in the yield. However, rejecting the orders of wafer batches with large probe marks will result in a loss of market share and good relationships with clients. In order to find the optimal parameter settings for the batches of chips with probe mark areas larger than 20% and deal with multiple response problems, this study aims to optimize the parameters of operation for the IC with large probe marks in the wire bonding process to improve process capability and production yield. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimization with the desirability function approach was introduced into the central composite design to obtain the optimal process parameters efficiently and eliminate defects. The optimal parameter settings for the four factors were determined as follows: 90 mA bond power, 12 ms bond time, 10 g bond force, and 180 °C bond temperature. The validation testing confirms that optimal parameter settings increase yield from 98.84% to 99.94% with good process capability, helping companies improve quality, reduce defect costs, and improve customer relationships.
Effect of an experimental desensitizing gel on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching - a double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vochikovski Laína , Favoreto Michael Willian , Rezende Marcia , Terra Renata Maria Oleniki , Silva Karine Letícia da , Farago Paulo Vitor , Loguercio Alessandro D. , Reis Alessandra
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To evaluate the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS), and the efficacy of in-office bleaching after applying an experimental desensitizing gel composed of 10% calcium gluconate, 0.1% dexamethasone acetate, 10% potassium nitrate, and 5% glutaraldehyde.Material and Methods: In a split-mouth, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 participants had their upper hemiarches randomized into experimental and placebo groups. Desensitizing and placebo gels were applied for 10 min before in-office bleaching (35% hydrogen peroxide, 1x50 min; two bleaching sessions; one-week interval). TS was recorded immediately after bleaching, 1, 24, and 48 h after each session, with a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) and a five-point numerical rating scale (NRS). The color was recorded at baseline, one week after each session, and one month after the end of bleaching using shade guide units (ΔSGUs) and a spectrophotometer (ΔEab, ΔE00, and ΔWID). Results: Most participants (96%) felt some discomfort during treatment regardless of the study group. The odds ratio for pain was 0.65 (95% CI 0.1 to 4.1; p = 1.0). The intensity of TS did not differ between groups (p > 0.31), and it was only 0.34 VAS units lower in the experimental group. A significant color change occurred in all groups regardless of the group.Conclusions: The desensitizing experimental gel applied before in-office bleaching did not reduce the risk and the intensity of TS and did not affect color change.Clinical Relevance: Although the experimental desensitizing agent with varying mechanisms of action did not jeopardize the color change, it did not reduce the risk or intensity of in-office bleaching. Clinical Trial Registration Number: RBR-7T7D4D
Global Economic Limits of Groundwater When Used as a Last Resort for Irrigation
Authors: Bierkens Marc , De Graaf Inge E.M. , Lips Stephanie , Perrone Debra , Reinhard A.J. (Stijn) , Jasechko Scott , Himst Tim van der , Beek Rens van
Published: July 2022

Under pressure of population growth and increasing food demand, irrigated agriculture has become increasingly dependent on groundwater, which has resulted in high rates of groundwater depletion in many aquifers around the globe. Groundwater level declines increase pumping costs and may render irrigated agriculture uneconomic, however, the depths at which groundwater pumping ceases to be economically efficient remain unclear. Here, we estimate the maximum (deepest) depth to groundwater at which groundwater pumping becomes uneconomic when groundwater is used as a last resort for irrigating current crops. We show that the maximum depth to groundwater at which pumping for irrigation becomes uneconomic varies strongly between regions, with the maximum depths (>1000 m) found in large sedimentary basins where lucrative crops are grown. From the perspective of irrigated agriculture, the global volume of economically extractable groundwater currently under irrigation is estimated as 0.88 ± 0.08 million km3 which is estimated to be less than 8.4 ± 0.7% of the estimated volume of fresh groundwater in the Earth’s uppermost 2 km, and represents a current present value of 28.1 ± 7.4 trillion USD. Although globally the time until groundwater depletion renders pumping uneconomic is long in many areas, the remaining value of economically recoverable groundwater is likely to sharply decline in the coming century.
Primary and potential secondary risks of landslide outburst floods
Authors: Gao Yunjian , Lee Chack Fan , Deng Jianhui , Zhao Siyuan , Dai Wen , Zhu Jun , He Zhiliang , Yang Zhongkang , Lane Stuart N.
Published: July 2022

Outburst floods triggered by breaching of landslide dams may cause severe loss of life and property downstream. Accurate identification and assessment of such floods, especially when they leading to secondary impacts, is critical. In 2018, the Baige landslide in the Tibetan Plateau twice blocked the Jinsha River, eventually resulting in a severe outburst flood. The Baige landslide remains active and it is possible that a breach happens again. Based on numerical simulation using a hydrodynamic model, remote sensing, and field investigation, we reproduce the outburst flood process and assess the hazard associated with future floods. The results show that the hydrodynamic model could accurately simulate the outburst flood process, with overall accuracy and kappa accuracy for the flood extent of 0.956 and 0.911. Three future dam break scenarios were considered with landslide dams of heights 30m, 35m, and 51m. The potential storage capacity / back-flow reaches 142x106m3/32km, 182x106m3/40km, and 331x106m3/50km in the valley upstream. Failure of these three dams leads to maximum inundation in the downstream of study reach of 1.674 km2, 1.833 km2, and 1.927 km2. These results demonstrate the serious secondary hazard associated with this region.