bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Visualization Study of Low-Tension Polymer Flooding for Viscous Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Guo Yujia , Song Haofeng , Mohanty Kishore
Published: December 2022

Polymer flooding improves the sweep efficiency of viscous oil recovery over waterflooding. The low-tension polymer (LTP) flooding has the potential to improve the displacement efficiency due to low interfacial tension (IFT) without sacrificing sweep efficiency. Compared with ultralow tension (<0.001 mN/m) alkaline-surfactant-polymer (ASP) floods, LTP flooding uses a low concentration surfactant to moderately reduce the IFT (>0.01 mN/m). The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance of LTP floods as a function of IFT for a viscous oil in a 2D sandpack. Over 20 nonionic surfactants/cosolvents were tested. A series of sandpack flooding experiments were conducted in a custom-designed 2D visualization cell. The results show that short-hydrophobic surfactants 2EH-xPO-yEO can reduce the IFT to as low as 0.05 dyne/cm. Flooding experiments were performed in sandpacks with and without connate water saturation. The sandpack was water-wet for the experiments with connate water. For the experiments without connate water, the sandpack was oil-wet. A base-case secondary polymer flood (without any surfactant) with a viscosity ratio (µo/µp) of 10 showed a stable displacement and an oil recovery of 82% at the first pore volume injected (PVI). An LTP flood with an IFT of 0.1 dyne/cm also had a stable displacement front, but a higher oil recovery at 1 PVI [90% original oil in place (OOIP)]. Further reduction in IFT to 0.05 dyne/cm resulted in an unstable displacement and a lower recovery of 65% OOIP. For the experiments without connate water saturation, sandpack was oil-wet; the base-case polymer flood at a viscosity ratio of 10 showed severe fingering and a low oil recovery at 1 PVI (58% OOIP). Adding surfactants did not improve the oil recovery in oil-wet sandpacks.
Adaptive Modulation for Automotive OFDM to Joint Radar-Communications Systems.
Authors: Ammar Khaoula , BELKACEM Oussama BEL HAJ , BOUALLEGUE Ridha
Published: December 2022

The JRC systems have the advantage of joint waveform signals for both radar sensing and vehicular communication functionality on the same device. These systems allow the management of the dedicated radio resources more efficiently and reduce the hardware cost. To improve the performance and to guarantee the permanent availability of the dual functionality offered by this system, we propose to use one of the promising approaches in wireless vehicular networks is the adaptive modulation (AM) techniques for OFDM transmission. This paper proposed an optimal approach based on the predicted instantaneous SNR of the overall subcarriers to choose the modes to be used by the transmitter for its next OFDM frame. AM-OFDM transmission parameter adaptation is an action of the transmitter in response to time and frequency-varying channel conditions. We evaluate the performance of the joint OFDM scheme in terms of outage probability (OP) for the communications functionality and the Ambiguity Function (AF) for radar sensing. The obtained results based on MatLab simulations show that significant improvements in bit error rate (BER) and sensing detection can be accomplished, illustrating the superiority of the adaptive modulation schemes compared to fixed transmission schemes within the automotive scenario
Analysis of the Structure of Embodied Carbon Network in the International Trade of Countries and Regions along the Belt and Road: from the Regional and Sectoral Perspectives
Authors: Xie Huiqiang , Yang Dan , Zhang Kuan , Yang Lisha
Published: December 2022

Carbon flows embodied in the rapid trade development of countries and regions along the Belt and Road have evolved into a complex carbon flow network. Considering 63 countries and 26 sectors, the study uses the EORA Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) model to construct the embodied carbon transfer networks in 1992, 1998, 2004, 2010 and 2016, respectively, and applies the social network approach to analyze the structural characteristics and evolution of carbon flow networks in countries and regions along the Belt and Road. The results show that, from the regional perspective, the net embodied carbon flow network of trade between countries is connected with an obvious core-periphery structure. The embodied carbon transfer network generally tends to expand over time. Moreover, the net carbon transfer network can be divided into four blocks, of which 13 countries, including China, India, Russia, Ukraine and Vietnam, are part of the main spillover block. From the sectoral perspective, the embodied carbon transfer network has generally tended to shrink. Industrial sectors such as electricity, gas and water act the role of "supplier" of embodied carbon in the industry, while service sectors such as education and health mainly play a part of "consumer". Moreover, six industries such as wood and paper industry constitute the main spillover block. Our findings can provide factual basis and policy implication for the coordinated control of carbon emissions in the "Belt and Road" initiative from both regional and sectoral perspectives.
Investigation of Millimeter Wave Propagation Characteristics at E-band for Future Multi-Gigabit Wireless Communications
Authors: Adula Segni Merga , Gebrestadik Atli Lemma
Published: December 2022

Millimeter waves hold strong promise for future multi-Giga wireless communication due to the large available bandwidth. Due to the short wavelength of millimeter waves traveling a short distance, experiencing severe multipath, leading to large delay spread and path loss. i.e. large inter-symbol interference. However, the wideband propagation characteristics of these E-bands are not well studied. Therefore, in this paper, we aim to investigate the propagation characteristics of millimeter waves in the outdoor market at E-Band. In our paper, the Intelligent Ray Tracing model is used to predict wideband parameters that affect the propagation of millimeter waves by considering the geometry of environments. In this research, the biggest marketplace in Africa, Merkato is considered as a case study. We have found out that the propagation is mainly due to direct path as well as single and two-times reflections and diffractions from building walls. In particular, we have observed that 73 GHz produces the best outcome for path loss and received power when compared with other frequencies. A good agreement is observed between the simulation, ABG, and CI path loss model.
Gateway based Multi-hop Enhanced Stable Election Protocol for WSN-based IoT
Authors: Abdelnapi Noha MM. , Omran Nahla F. , Mohamed Eman Mousa
Published: December 2022

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are an essential component in the Internet of Things (IoT)-based applications because they gather the sensed data from the IoT environment. WSNs consist of nodes that contain sensing units to detect required information. Each sensor has a limited amount of energy, but this energy is exhausted as transmission occurs. To reduce the transmission energy consumption between the sender and the receiver, a hybrid and multi-hop routing protocol known as Gateway-based Multi-hop Enhanced Stable Election Protocol (M-GESEP) for WSN-based IoT is proposed in this paper. The monitoring area is divided into regions in which the communication of sensor nodes with Base Station (BS) is hybrid ( i.e., some nodes communicate data directly while others use the clustering algorithm to send their data). The simulation result demonstrates that the proposed M-GESEP can improve the network lifetime by 45%, 35%, and 38% of the SEP, EDEEC, and ESEP protocols.
The Knowledge Mapping of Hiv/aids in Indonesians Living on Six Major Islands Using the Indonesian Version of the Hiv-kq-18 Instrument
Authors: Arifin Bustanul , Rokhman M. Rifqi , Zulkarnain Zulkarnain , Perwitasari Dyah Aryani , Manggau Marianti , Rauf Saidah , Noor Rasuane , Padmawati Retna Siwi , Massi Muhammad Narum , Schans Jurjen van der , Postma Maarten J.
Published: December 2022

Background: Indonesia's total number of HIV/AIDS cases is still high. Inadequate knowledge about the risk of HIV infection will influence HIV prevention and therapy. This study aimed to map the level of HIV-related knowledge among Indonesians living on six major islands in Indonesia and investigate the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and HIV/AIDS knowledge.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Bahasa Indonesia version of the HIV Knowledge Questionnaire-18 items (HIV-KQ-18) Instrument. Data collection was done online through the Google form application.
Results: A total of 5,364 participants were recruited. The participants from Java had the highest degree of HIV/AIDS knowledge, which was 12.5% higher than participants from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Papua, and Maluku. Linear regression showed that region, educational level, monthly expenditure, occupation, background in health sciences, and workshop attendance were significantly correlated with HIV knowledge. Participants typically understand that "HIV/AIDS transmission" only happens when sex partners are changed. Additionally, the government still needs improvement in HIV/AIDS education, particularly in the HIV incubation period, HIV transmission from pregnant women to the fetus, and condom use as one method of protection.
Conclusion: There are disparities in HIV/AIDS knowledge levels among the major islands of Indonesia. Based on these findings, the government's health promotion program to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS must be implemented vigorously. Additionally, in line with our research findings, it is essential to broaden the scope of HIV/AIDS education and promotion materials.
Screening co-expressed target genes in rats and goats of blast lung injury through comparative transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Wang Hong , Gao Junhong , Fan Xiaolin , Lu Qing , Li Liang , Ma Ning , Wang Qi , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: December 2022

Background Blast lung injury (BLI) has been one of the most threat for human beings with the frequent occurrence of local wars, terrorist attacks and industrial explosions. The underlying mechanisms remains unclear. In this paper, transcriptome sequencing was performed in the lung tissues of the two species of goat and rat to identify the potential therapeutic targets involved in BLI. Results In this paper, the BLI models of rat and goat were successfully by validated HE-stain. Reddish edema fluid, erythrocyte, and even focal or patchy bleeding occurred in the alveolar cavity were visible under microscope. The genomic information of the two species was obtained by transcriptome sequencing. There were 83 DEGs co-expressed in rats and goats, among which 49 genes showed the same expression trend, including 38 up-regulated expression genes and 11 down-regulated expression genes. By the enrichment analysis, IL-17 signaling pathway and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathway are involved in BLI mechanism. The genes expressed in lung were screened for experimental verification, the main genes associated with BLI in both goat and rat are AGR2, ANKRD65, BPIFA1, BPIFB1 and KRT4. Conclusion In this study, the whole genomes of two species of BLI models were sequenced to dissect the basic characteristics of their genomes, laying the foundation for further investigation the mechanisms of BLI. By the genomic analysis, the expressed genes were involved in IL-17 signaling pathway and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathway associated with BLI. Finally, AGR2, ANKRD65, BPIFA1, BPIFB1 and KRT4 were highly expressed in both goat and rat BLI model, which could be used as potential target genes and may serve as biomarkers for the prognosis, diagnosis and therapy for BLI.
Climate resilience of European wine regions
Authors: Tscholl Simon , Candiago Sebastian , Marsoner Thomas , Fraga Helder , Giupponi Carlo , Vigl Lukas Egarter
Published: December 2022

Over centuries, European vintners have developed profound knowledge about grapes, environment, and techniques that yields the most distinguishable wines. In many regions, this knowledge is reflected in the system of wine geographical indications (GI), but climate change is challenging this historical union. Here, we present the first climate change vulnerability assessment of 1174 wine GIs across Europe and propose climate-resilient development pathways using an ensemble of biophysical and socioeconomic indicators. Results indicate that wine regions in Southern Europe are among the most vulnerable, with high levels also found in Eastern Europe. Vulnerability is driven by the rigidity of the GI system, which restricts the exploitation of suitable bioclimatic conditions and existing grape cultivar diversity, as well as contextual deficiencies, such as limited socioeconomic resources. Building a climate-resilient wine sector will require rethinking the GI system by allowing innovation to compensate for the negative effects of climate change.
Integrin α10β1-selected equine mesenchymal stem cells reduce lameness and joint degradation and increase immunomodulatory factors interleukin-10 and prostaglandin E2 in experimental post-traumatic osteoarthritis
Authors: Andersen Camilla , Jacobsen Stine , Uvebrant Kristina , IV John F Griffin , Walters Else Marie , Berg Lise Charlotte , Lundgren-Åkerlund Evy , Lindegaard Casper
Published: December 2022

Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained much attention for their potential to treat osteoarthritis (OA). Integrin α10β1-selected equine MSCs (integrin α10-MSCs) have previously been shown to decrease cartilage degradation and bone sclerosis in an experimental equine post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) model, and recently we demonstrated that human integrin α10β1-selected MSCs were able to home to experimental cartilage defects in rabbit knees and directly participate in cartilage regeneration. The aim of this study was to further investigate disease modifying effects of integrin α10β1-selected MSCs with respect to joint function, cartilage health and immunomodulation in an experimental equine post-traumatic OA-model. Design In this non-randomized, partially blinded experimental case-control study, OA was induced using a carpal osteochondral fragment model in female horses. Eighteen days after surgery, eight horses received 2 x 107male integrin α10-MSCs intra-articularly and 9 were left untreated. Lameness, response to carpal flexion, carpal skin temperature and circumference was assessed weekly, along with synovial fluid analysis of inflammatory mediators. After euthanasia (70 days after OA induction), carpi were evaluated by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), macroscopic pathology, and histology. The integrin α10-MSCs were traced by Y-chromosome PCR. Results Lameness, response to carpal flexion and carpal skin temperature were significantly improved over time after integrin α10-MSC treatment. The treated horses had significantly milder macroscopic cartilage pathology and lower cartilage histology scores compared to the untreated group. Prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-10 increased in the synovial fluid after integrin α10-MSC injection. MSCs were found in the synovial fluid of treated horses up to day 17 after treatment and in the articular cartilage and subchondral bone in five out of eight treated horses after euthanasia, 52 days after integrin α10-MSC treatment. The integrin α10-MSC injection did not cause any signs of joint flare. Conclusion This study demonstrates that intra-articular injection of integrin α10-MSCs is safe, alleviate pathological changes in the joint and improve joint function in an equine OA model. The results suggest that integrin α10-MSCs hold potential to be a disease modifying treatment of OA.
A multi-lead ECG monitoring combined with a programmed intracavitary ECG to complete LBBaP pacing: study protocol for a Single-center, prospective study
Authors: Wang Min , Sun Yaxun , sheng Xia , Zhang Jiefang , Ye Yang , Yang Ying , Fu Guosheng , Shan Yu
Published: December 2022

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP) has emerged as an alternative method for delivering physiological pacing to provide a near physiological ventricular activation. However, the clinical application and promotion of LBBaP is currently largely depended on the electrophysiological multichannel recorder to record the intracardiac electrogram (EGM). It is difficult for many primary hospitals lack of relevant equipment to carry out such operations.
Methods: We aim to recruit 100 patients of bradycardia with a pacemaker indication and nomal ejection fraction(EF>50%), using multi-lead surface electrocardiogram (ECM) monitoring and pacing system analyzer(PSA), combining with the nine-zone pacing method of the LBBaP, to complete LBBaP without an electrophysiological multichannel recorder, only based on the changes of paced QRS morphology on the multi-lead ECG monitoring and the intracavitary electrocardiogram p potential seen in pacing system analyzer. After completing the lead implantation, we will assess multiple parameters to verify whether the LBBaP is successfully achieved and to judge the feasibility and effectiveness of LBBaP using this method without electrophysiological multichannel recorder.
Discussion: This study will aim to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility to achieve LBBaP combining the multi-lead ECG monitoring and the intracavitary ECG of pacing system analyzer without electrophysiological multichannel recorder.
Trial registration: This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100044845; March 30, 2021 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=124207).
WITHDRAWN: A new method of facial image compression based on meta-heuristic algorithms with variable bit budget allocation
Authors: khodadadi Reza , Ardeshir Gholamreza , Grailu Hadi
Published: December 2022

One of the important research areas in imaging is the formation of images, which plays an important role in many different applications, including surveillance, control, and security affairs. On the other hand, high spatial resolution is one of the most important factors for increasing image quality, but it increases the amount of storage memory. Based on this, it is expected that the processing methods will be concentrated in this area. In face recognition systems, one of the existing challenges is maintaining the image recognition rate. These images in the recognition system may affect the efficiency of the system, and as a result, it may be inferred that the percentage of recognition is found. Proposing a method that at least does not reduce detection rates would be very desirable. This article investigates how to compress facial images with high spatial resolution using innovative algorithms to reduce or even increase their accuracy as much as possible. In this article, meta-heuristic algorithms (genetics and gray wolf) are used in a way that they are responsible for identifying the important and similar areas of matching macroblocks in the whole image segmentation. So how arranging the length of the bit string of each block is appropriate to achieve the target estimation to achieve the highest recognition accuracy value, PSNR value, and SSIM value of the image set? In the simulation and evaluation section, the facial images of the CIE and FEI databases have been examined as a selective study, and the recognition efficiency of the images for the conditions without/with compression and the common SPIHT and JPEG coding methods and compared with the proposed method. The simulation results show the significant impact of the proposed methods using meta-heuristic algorithms in increasing the quality of PSNR and SSIM in contrast to the recognition efficiency. According to the proposed method, the larger the value of dividing the blocks, the better the average PSNR and SSIM, assuming the highest recognition accuracy can be reached in both meta-heuristic algorithms. In general, depending on the type of application of the problem, there is a compromise to achieve the highest average PSNR or SSIM, using a genetic algorithm or gray wolf. The gray wolf algorithm, however, reaches its optimal answer much faster than the genetic algorithm.
Loess deposit reveals variations of 100-kyr cycle of temperature and 20-kyr cycle of precipitation at the low latitude of East Asia
Authors: Li Xusheng , Zhou Yuwen , Han Zhiyong , Yuan Xiaokang , Yi Shuangwen , Lu Huayu
Published: December 2022

The cycle of precipitation change indicated by different proxy indicators are found to be inconsistent, which results in the “Chinese 100-kyr Problem”. The loess deposited in the past ~350 ka at the low latitude of East Asia is measured here. We find that the magnetic susceptibility varied at 100-kyr and 40-kyr cycles, can be interpreted as proxy for temperature. In contrast, the DCB-extractable iron varied at 50-kyr, 20-kyr and 10-kyr cycles, can be interpreted as proxy for precipitation. Our results indicate that the temperature and precipitation in the past ~350 ka at the low latitude of East Asia have varied at different cycles, and the change of East Asian summer monsoon indicated by the precipitation in this region is mainly forced by the insolation change due to a variation in the precession.
Pouring From An Empty Cup: Burnout Among Surgical Residents in Central Ethiopia. 2020
Authors: Duguma Yeabsera Mekonnen , Kejela Segni , Abay Eleleta Surafel , Abebe Nebyou Seyoum
Published: December 2022

Background
Medical training is academically rigorous and physically and psychologically demanding. Immense clinical responsibilities, substandard work environments, and the toll these take on the mind and body contribute to significant stress. Burnouts emanate from these factors and in turn affect the work performance and satisfaction of an individual at every level of practice.
Material and method
This is a cross-sectional study involving all surgical residents across all fields of specialty: general surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, urology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery in Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences.
Result
Of the 190 surgical residents in training at the time of the study, 159 completed the survey, amounting to a response rate of 83%. Following further exclusion of incomplete data, a total of 146 responses were analyzed. Of these, 88 (60%) fulfilled at least one criterion of the sub-scales for burnout while 21 (14.4%) met the criteria for burnout in all sub-scales.
Considering the individual contributions of the factors, the result showed that both sleep for more than 6 hours (B=0.357, t=4.6, p<0.001) and residence within the hospital compound (B= 0.229, t=2.96, p=0.004) positively predicted Emotional Exhaustion subscale. In contrast, involvement in extra-professional activities (B=-0.247, t=-3.16, p=0.002) and taking vacations (B=-0.27, t=-3.47, p<0.001) were negative predictors of Depersonalization, while sleep more than 6 hours (B=0.212, t= 2.71 p=0.008) and frequent duties (>1 per week) (B=0.17, t=2.2, p=0.029) positively predicted it. Finally, residence within the hospital compound (B=-0.206, t=-2.62, p=0.01) negatively predicted Personal Accomplishment, while involvement in extra-professional activities (B=0.238, t=-3.03, p=0.003) and being religious (B=0.174, t= 2.21, p=0.028) positively predicted Personal Accomplishment.
Conclusion
The burnout rate was found to be high (60.3%) among our study population. Engagement in extra-professional activities, religious pursuits, and vacations was protective against at least one burnout sub-scale. Residence within the hospital compound, more frequent duty programs, and longer sleep hours were predictors of at least one of the burnout sub-scales. Institutions at large, and the specific residency programs therein should assess the rate of burnout in their respective programs along with the risk factors in order to dampen the rate and effects of it.
BCG vaccination induces different mechanisms of mycobacterial growth control compared to natural protection
Authors: Meijgaarden Krista van , Li Wenchao , Moorlag Simone , Koeken Valerie , Koenen Hans , Joosten Leo , Vyakarnam Annapurna , Ahmed Asma , Rakshit Srabanti , Adiga Vasista , Ottenhoff Tom , Li Yang , Netea Mihai , Joosten Simone
Published: December 2022

Bacillus Calmette-Guèrin (BCG) vaccination induces considerable protection in infants and young children against not only severe forms of tuberculosis (TB), but also all-cause mortality and heterologous infections. These effects are mediated through a combination of specific adaptive immune memory and sustained innate immune activation (also called trained immunity). To delineate factors influencing mycobacterial growth control, we investigated the effects of BCG vaccination in healthy Dutch adults. About a quarter of individuals already controlled BCG outgrowth prior to vaccination, whereas a quarter of vaccinees acquired the capacity to control 3 months upon BCG vaccination. This leaves a considerable percentage of the population (54% of total) incapable to control BCG outgrowth even after vaccination. Detailed characterization of biological samples, including single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), identified multiple processes associated with mycobacterial growth control. Differential gene expression was abundant in all cell types of individuals with natural control, compared to those who did not control mycobacterial growth. In contrast, BCG-induced acquired control was mostly characterized by differential gene expression in monocytes. Control prior to BCG vaccination was associated with increased oxidative phosphorylation, whereas control acquired upon BCG vaccination was associated with glycolysis. Moreover, samples with natural control expressed genes linked to the type I IFN pathway, whereas samples with acquired control expressed genes associated with the Th1 pathway. These data suggest that natural control and control induced upon BCG vaccination employ different mechanisms to control BCG outgrowth, and that a substantial proportion of individuals (≈50%) fail to develop measurable growth control even following BCG vaccination.
Genetic diversity analysis of volunteer wheat based on microsatellite simple sequence repeats(SSR) markers
Authors: Su Wangcang , Xu Hongle , Sun Lanlan , Wu Renhai , Lu Chuantao
Published: December 2022

In order to study the genetic diversity and population structure within and between volunteer wheat and cultivated wheat(Triticum aestivum L.), 195 volunteer wheats and 29 cultivated wheats were analyzed based on 16 pairs of highly-polymorphic microsatellite simple sequence repeats (SSR) primers and a microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE) detection system. A total of 110 polymorphic alleles were detected by capillary electrophoresis(CE) with each pair of primers identifying 2–15 alleles with an average of 6.875 alleles. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.1089 to 0.7843, with an average of 0.5613. Genetic diversity arguments from 224 samples showed that volunteer wheat was more varied than cultivated wheat. Based on the SSR information, the 224 samples were classified into seven groups, which corresponded to the volunteer wheats and cultivated wheats through principle component analysis (PCA). We propose that volunteer wheat and cultivated wheat have rather distant phylogenetic relationships. Hence, it is important for wheat breeding to study the genetic relationship between volunteer wheat and cultivated wheat.
Identification of novel protein biomarkers and drug targets for colorectal cancer by integrating human plasma proteome with genome
Authors: Sun Jing , Zhao Jianhui , Jiang Fangyuan , Wang Lijuan , Xiao Qian , Han Fengyan , Chen Jie , Yuan Shuai , Wei Jingsun , Larsson Susanna , Honghe Zhang , Dunlop Malcolm , Farrington Susan , Ding Kefeng , Theodoratou Evropi , Li Xue
Published: December 2022

Background:Proteome is a major source of therapeutic targets. We conducted a proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) study to identify candidate protein markers and therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer (CRC).
Methods: Protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) were derived from seven published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on plasma proteosome, and summary-level data were extracted for 4,853 circulating protein markers. Genetic associations with CRC were obtained from a large-scaled GWAS meta-analysis (16,871 cases and 26,328 controls), the FinnGen cohort (4,957 cases and 304,197 controls) and the UK Biobank (9,276 cases and 477,069 controls). Colocalization and summary-data-based MR (SMR) analyses were performed sequentially to verify the causal role of candidate proteins. Single cell-type expression analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI), and druggability evaluation were further conducted to detect the specific cell type with enrichment expression and prioritize potential therapeutic targets.
Results: Collectively, genetically predicted levels of 13 proteins were associated with CRC risk. Elevated levels of two proteins (GREM1, CHRDL2) and decreased levels of 11 proteins were associated with an increased risk of CRC, among which six (CLSTN3, POLR2F, ADPGK, CSAG1, STXBP6, FUT3) were novel protein markers. These protein-coding genes mainly expressed in tissue stem cells, epithelial cells, and monocytes in colon tumor tissue. Two interactive pairs of proteins (GREM1 and CHRDL2; MMP2 and TIMP2) were identified to be involved in osteoclast differentiation and tumorigenesis pathways; four proteins (POLR2F, CSF2RA, CD86, MMP2) have been targeted for drug development on autoimmune diseases and other cancers, with the potentials of being repurposed as therapeutic targets for CRC.
Conclusion: This study identified several protein biomarkers to be associated with CRC risk and provided new insights into the etiology and promising targets for the development of screening biomarkers and therapeutic drugs for CRC.
Warburg effect enhanced by AKR1B10 promotes acquired resistance to pemetrexed in lung cancer-derived brain metastasis
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Duan Wenzhe , Xia Shengkai , Zhou Yang , Tang Mengyi , Xu Mingxin , Li Xinyu , Wang Qi
Published: December 2022

Background Pemetrexed (PEM), as a rare chemotherapeutic agent that can efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier, has profound implications for the treatment of patients with lung cancer brain metastasis (BM). However, resistance to PEM limits the therapeutic efficacy. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 B10 (AKR1B10) was recently found to be elevated in lung cancer BM. The link between AKR1B10 and BM-acquired PEM is unknown. Methods PEM drug-sensitivity was assessed in the preclinical BM model of PC9 lung adenocarcinoma cells and the BM cells with or without AKR1B10 interferencein vitroandin vivo.Metabolic reprogramming of BM attributed to AKR1B10 was identified by chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics, and the mechanism of how AKR1B10 mediates PEM chemoresistance via a way of modified metabolism was revealed by RNA sequencing as well as further molecular biology experimental approaches. Results The brain metastasis subpopulation (PC9-BrM3) showed obvious resistance to PEM compared to the parental PC9 cells and silencing AKR1B10 in BM cells could increase the PEM sensitivityin vitroandin vivo. Metabolic profiling revealed that AKR1B10 prominently facilitated the Warburg metabolism characterized by the overproduction of pyruvate and lactate. Glycolysis regulated by AKR1B10 is vital for the resistance of lung cancer BM cells to PEM. In mechanism, knockdown of AKR1B10 elicited inhibition of a series of glycolysis-related enzymes (LDHA, LDHB) at the transcriptional level. Besides, the Warburg effects enhanced by AKR1B10 constantly fueled phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling, which was also helpful for the chemoresistance. Conclusions Our finding demonstrated that AKR1B10 promotes acquired PEM resistance in lung cancer BM, providing novel strategies to sensitize PEM response in the treatment of lung cancer patients suffering from BM.
Lysophosphatidylethanolamine correlated with cognitive improvements after treatment with olanzapine in drug-naïve first-episode schizophrenia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Su Lei , Xiu Meihong , Guan Xiaoni , Wu Fengchun
Published: December 2022

Background
Cognitive deficits are a core symptom of schizophrenia (SCZ). Lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LysoPE) has been reported to be involved in cognitive decline, but no studies have investigated its role in cognitive impairment in SCZ. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether plasma LysoPE could predict the cognitive effects of olanzapine (OLA) monotherapy in SCZ.
Methods
Twenty-five drug-naïve first-episode (DNFE) patients with SCZ were recruited and treated with OLA for 4 weeks. Cognitive function was evaluated at baseline and at 4-week follow-up. LysoPE concentrations were measured by an untargeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based metabolomics approach.
Results
Significant improvements in immediate memory and delayed memory domains were observed after treatment. Nine differential LysoPE species were identified after OLA monotherapy, and all LysoPE concentrations were significantly increased after treatment, except for LysoPE(22:6). Increased LysoPE(22:1) concentration was positively correlated with cognitive improvement in patients. Baseline LysoPE(16:1) was a predictor for cognitive improvement after OLA monotherapy. Further regression analyses, after controlling for confounders, confirmed all these associations found in this study.
Conclusion
Our study provides preliminary evidence for the role of LysoPE in cognitive improvement after OLA treatment in patients with first-episode drug-naïve SCZ.
The Influence of Fixation and Cryopreservation of Cerebrospinal Fluid on Antigen Expression and Cell Percentages by Flow Cytometric Analysis
Authors: Singh Gabriela , Laarhoven Arjan , Adams Rozanne , Reid Timothy Dawson , Combrinck Jill , Dorp Suzanne , Riou Catherine , Thango Nqobile , Enslin Johannes , Kruger Stefan , Figaji Anthony Aaron , Rohlwink Ursula Karin
Published: December 2022

The pauci-cellular nature of cerebrospinal (CSF), particularly ventricular CSF, and the rapid cell death following sampling, incumbers the use of flow cytometric analysis of these samples in the investigation of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. Developing a method that allows long-term storage and batched analysis of CSF samples without compromising cell integrity is highly desirable in clinical research, given that CSF is often sampled after hours creating logistical difficulties for fresh processing. We examined percentages and relative proportion of peripheral and brain-derived immune cells in Cryopreserved and Transfix-treated CSF, compared to freshly processed CSF. Cell proportions were more comparable between Fresh and Cryopreserved CSF (mean of differences = 3.19), than between Fresh and Transfix-treated CSF (mean of differences = 14.82). No significant differences in cell percentages were observed in Fresh versus Cryopreserved CSF; however significantly lower cell percentages were observed in Transfix-treated CSF compared to Fresh CSF [(CD11b++ (p = 0.01), CD4+ (p = 0.001), CD8+ (p = 0.007), NK cells (p = 0.04), as well as CD69+ activation marker (p = 0.001)]. Furthermore, loss of marker expression of various lymphocyte sub-populations were observed in Transfix-treated CSF. Cryopreservation is a feasible option for long-term storage of ventricular CSF and allows accurate immunophenotyping of peripheral and brain-derived cell populations by flow cytometry.
Molecular evidence of the intestinal exposure to Ancylostoma caninum among humans in Jamaica
Authors: Lee Mellesia F. , Cadogan Paul , Eytle Sarah , Walochnik Julia , Lindo John
Published: December 2022

Canine and feline hookworms are important causes of skin infections in humans including creeping eruption or cutaneous larva migrans. Further, Ancylostoma caninum has been shown to cause intestinal infections in humans resulting in eosinophilic enteritis. To determine the prevalence of Ancylostoma species in dogs and possible intestinal exposure of humans in Jamaica, stool samples from both species were screened using PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-1), 5,8S and ITS-2 region of the ribosomal DNA genes. The prevalence of hookworm infections in dogs based on PCR was 60.9% (78/128). DNA sequencing revealed that A. caninum accounted for 88.2% (30/34) and A. braziliense for 11.8% (4/34) of infections in dogs. Further, DNA of A. caninum targeting the same gene fragment was identified in 22.1% (17/77) of stool samples from patients presenting at hospital with the gastrointestinal symptoms. This report of molecular identification of A. caninum DNA in human stools provide further support that intestinal infection with this parasite may be underreported in endemic areas.
Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Fibromyalgia at the Kinshasa University Hospital : a Series of Clinical Cases
Authors: Mavinga Aldo Nzita , Mbuyi Jenny wa Mbuyi , Matanda Denis Tshitemb , Mulumba Christophe Badibanga , Nkodila Aliocha Natuhoyila , Lebughe Pierrot Litite , Mbuyi Jean-Marie Muamba , Malemba Jean-Jacques Kabasele
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND. Fibromyalgia is a controversial and often underreported clinical entity in routine medical practice. The present study aimed to describe its epidemiological and clinical profile in patients attending the Kinshasa University Hospital.
METHODS. This is a series of clinical cases carried out in patients attending rheumatology practice at the Kinshasa University Hospital from December 2020 to March 2022. The following informations including age, sex, painful symptomatology, psychosomatic signs, the circumstances of the disease onset, factors that emphasize or reduce symptoms, the number of previous medical visits and, the impact on socio-professional life were collected. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was defined according to the ACR 2010 criteria. Fibromyalgia was considered severe when it was associated with disability. Standard statistical tests were used to analyze the results.
RESULTS. 585 patients were followed during the study period. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was retained in 63 of them, corresponding to a frequency of 10.8%. The sex ratio was 2 in favor of women and the mean age was 50.9±12.4 years. The mean diagnostic score was 17.6±3.6. Painful manifestations were dominated by arm involvement (84.1%). Fatigue was the most common psychosomatic manifestation (93.7%). Anxiety (41.3%) dominated the basic psychic state of patients and the average of previous medical visits number was 5.2±1.6. Fibromyalgia was often triggered by emotional stress (44.4%). Quiet rest (42.9%) was the main calming factor. 60.3% of patients developped the severe form of the disease.
CONCLUSION. Fibromyalgia is among common disease for which patients visit the rheumatology unit. So, it is required a special consideration from health care workers particularly rheumatologists for an early diagnosis.
Analysis of the glycolysis pathway in Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei after germination promotion and inhibition
Authors: Zhu Bo , Qian Dong , feng Juan , Sun Fuying , Jin Shan , Zhou Ying , Ma Rongrong , Chen Jiong
Published: December 2022

Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is an important factor limiting the growth of Penaeus vannamei. Its simple transmission route and lack of effective control drugs often lead to great losses for the shrimp aquaculture industry. In this study, some basic information of EHP was provided, including EHP spore purification, germination promoting treatment, quantification determination of the key genes expression, and the activities determination of key enzymes in glycolysis pathway at the stage of spore germination. The result showed that light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic analyses confirmed KOH promoted germination. The expression of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene was stable, with high-level expression in treatment groups. Hexokinase gene expression and enzyme activity increased after promoting germination treatment. These findings indicated that the glycolytic pathway is enhanced during EHP germination. The results suggest that we can prevent EHP from invading host cells by attempting to block the energy supply.
On the usefulness of mock genomes to define heterotic pools, testers, and hybrid predictions in orphan crops.
Authors: Machado Ingrid , DoVale Júlio César , Sabadin Felipe , Fritsche-Neto Roberto
Published: December 2022

The advances in genomics in recent years have increased the accuracy and efficiency of breeding programs for many crops. Nevertheless, the adoption of genomic enhancement for several other crops essential in developing countries is still limited, especially for those that do not have a reference genome. These crops are more often called orphans. This is the first report to show how the results provided by different platforms, including the use of a simulated genome called the mock genome, can generate in population structure and genetic diversity studies, especially when the intention is to use this information to support the formation of heterotic groups, choice of testers and genomic prediction of single-crosses. For that, we used a method to assemble a reference genome to perform the SNP calling without needing an external genome. Thus, we compared the analysis results using the mock genome with the standard approaches (Array and GBS). The results showed that the GBS-Mock presented similar results to the standard methods of genetic diversity studies, division of heterotic groups, the definition of testers, and genomic prediction. These results showed that a mock genome constructed from the population's intrinsic polymorphisms to perform the SNP calling is an effective alternative for conducting genomic studies of this nature in orphan crops, especially those that do not have a reference genome.
Predictors of survival outcomes of different histopathological subtypes and stages of Wilms tumor treated following the SIOP 2001 Protocol, Pediatric Tertiary Care Centre Pakistan experience
Authors: Anjum Aysha , Hashim Imran , Goraya Amber , Sahrish Fariha , Ahmad Alia
Published: December 2022

Background:
Wilms tumor is the most common pediatric renal neoplasm. Following preoperative therapy, various histological subtypes, risks, and clinical stages are determined. The survival outcome of different subtypes is excellent depending upon the stage of the patient. In developed countries, overall survival and disease-free survival are excellent due to early presentation and closer follow-up.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted at the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Department, Children’s Hospital Lahore. All diagnosed WT cases from 1st January 2014 who completed their treatment before 31st December 2018 was included. Entire management was based on SIOP 2001. Patients presenting before nephrectomy received four cycles of preoperative chemotherapy depending upon the clinical stage. After nephrectomy, the postoperative chemotherapy regimen was based on the stage, risk stratification, and metastatic status of the patient. The survival outcome of different histopathological subtypes, and stages were determined via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the p-value was calculated via a log-rank test.
Results
The mean age of the 93 children was 44.4 months. The majority of the males (55.9%) were affected and commonly noted in the right-sided kidney (55.9%). The majority of patients completed the entire course of treatment (77.4%). The overall survival of all histological subtypes and stages was 77.4% and 77.1%, respectively. Event-free survival was 88.2% and 89.4%, respectively, at the 48-month-follow-up. Our study showed that febrile neutropenia is a major culprit affecting treatment outcomes.
Conclusions
The advanced stage presentation is quite typical in developing nations and contributes to the decreased OS and EFS seen in different histological subtypes and stages. In our study, OS significantly dropped from 45.3% in stage III to 12.9% in stage IV disease (P < 0.001). Despite belonging to a low-middle-income class country and uneducated background, the majority of the patients completed the entire course of treatment, and relapse was fairly rare. The perks of the current study are that our hospital is the only pediatric tertiary care center in Lahore, which has investigated a variety of parameters influencing the course of WT treatment over four years.
SCADA Authentication Identification Over The Next Generation CyberNet
Authors: Mughaid Ala , ALZU'BI SHADI , AlZioud Adel , Ghazo Alaa Al
Published: December 2022

SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system is an advanced control system used in industrial and service sectors such as oil and gas, water treatment, nuclear energy, and electrical power generation to control and monitor the manufacturing or servicing process and maintain the process within predetermined values in order to induce desirable outcomes.
The SCADA architecture employs several protocols, including Modbus/RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, DNP3 and IEC60870. This paper will concentrate on the most widely used protocol in SCADA systems, Modbus TCP/IP, due to its widespread use, simplicity, and robustness. SCADA systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks because Modbus/TCP lacks security measures for access control, authentication, and confidentiality. The paper contains valuable contribution by introducing an authentication technique to check the validity of messages in which the authorized users only pass this check, thereby adding a security measure to the SCADA system in terms of cyber-attacks.
Association Between Changes in Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Levels and Radiographic Progression in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Kim Tae-Hwan , Park Seo Young , Shin Ji Hui , Lee Seunghun , Joo Kyung Bin , Koo Bon San
Published: December 2022

This retrospective study evaluated the electronic medical records of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) between January 2001 and December 2018 to determine the relationship between serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and radiographic changes over time. Longitudinal data including serum ALP levels were imputed by linear interpolation at 3-month intervals. Among the serum ALP levels for 8 years prior to modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) measurement, the serum ALP level having the highest beta coefficient with the mSASSS was selected. Linear mixed models with the selected serum ALP levels, mSASSS, and clinical variables were investigated. We included 1122 patients, with a mean follow-up period of 8.20 (standard deviation: 2.85) years. The serum ALP level from 5 years and 3 months prior showed the highest beta coefficient with the mSASSS. In the linear mixed model, the serum ALP level 5 years and 3 months before radiographic changes was significantly associated with the mSASSS (β = 0.021, 95% confidence interval: 0.017–0.025,p < 0.001). Serum ALP levels measured approximately 5 years before may be a surrogate marker for predicting spinal radiographic changes. Long-term prospective clinical and experimental studies of > 5 years are required for biomarker discovery or therapeutic research on AS radiographic progression.