bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Local Camel Populations in Turkiye Using Morphological, Genetic, and Breeding Info
Authors: Gültekin Aysun Koç , Özdemir Demir , Bener Leyla , Toparslan Emine , Yılmaz Murat , Çağlı Alkan , Çoğan Hasan , Ertürk Devrim
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the demographic, morphological, and genetic characteristics of local camel populations reared in the Turkiye provinces of Aydin, Denizli, and Antalya, which have a long history of camel breeding. Although Turkiye has an old history of camel breeding in its historical process, the number of scientific studies aimed at identifying camel populations in Turkiye is almost negligible. In this study, local camel populations in Aydin, Denizli and Antalya cities of Turkiye were examined in three dimensions as demographic, morphological and genetic. A face-to-face survey of 117 breeders was used to determine demographic definitions. While the region where local camels were detected the most was determined as Antalya Region with 78.6%, it was determined that 82.6% of the breeders participating in the survey preferred to breed camels due to their docile temperament. Body measurements were made on 42 camels for morphological identification. Moreover, DNA were sampled with oral swabs from 57 camels (include 42 camels) for phylogenetic analyses using 16 SSR microsatellite loci to identify the genetic structure of local camel populations. The genetic analyses using SSR markers revealed that the camel populations in the Antalya region had a considerably more isolated genetic structure than the Aydin and Denizli populations, and consequently, these populations may be regarded the native camel population.
Costochondral Graft Rejection or Foreign Body Reaction 55 years after cleft lip revision: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Faisal Mohammad , Shrivastava Priyanshu Kumar , Narang Bindiya , Iftikhar Ifra , Sybil Deborah
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Management of cleft lip and palate is a complex procedure that requires multiple surgeries and placement of autogenous grafts for the closure of primary defects or to correct any secondary deformities. The use of dermal fillers, fat grafts, and alloplastic materials for lip augmentation have been well established in literature. However, there is no evidence of costochondral grafts being used to enhance lip fullness.
Case Presentation: This is a unique case report of a 68-year-old unilateral cleft lip patient who underwent secondary lip revision surgery at the age of 10 years, wherein a cartilaginous graft was obtained from her rib and placed in the upper lip. 55 years later, the patient presented with a tender upper lip swelling. Surgical resection revealed a pale whitish foreign body resembling cartilage. A review of literature was performed for previous reports of costochondral grafts in the oral and maxillofacial region and commonly used materials for secondary lip augmentation in cleft patients.
Conclusion: It is important to note here that the unusual placement of the costochondral graft invoked a delayed inflammatory response 55 years later, leading to failure, thus making this case rare and essential to report. This highlights the need for rigorous long-term follow-ups in patients with graft placement after a secondary cleft surgery.
Single PbS colloidal quantum dot transistor
Authors: Kenji Shibata , Yoshida Masaki , Hirakawa Kazuhiko , Otsuka Tomohiro , Bisri Satria , Iwasa Yoshihiro
Published: May 2023

Control and understanding of the carrier transport in colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) is crucial for device applications. However, due to the fluctuations in the size and morphology of CQD arrays, characterizing carrier transport has been challenging. In this work, we investigated the carrier transport through a single oleic acid-capped PbS CQD coupled to nanogap metal electrodes. We measured single electron tunneling through the CQDs and observed quantum dot size-dependent carrier transport, a large charging energy, orbital-dependent electron charging energy and conductance, electric field modulation of the electron confinement potential, and the Kondo effect, which provide nanoscopic insights into the carrier transport through CQDs at the single quantum dot level. These findings as well as the commercial availability and high stability make PbS CQDs promising for future development of optoelectronic and quantum information devices, particularly room-temperature single-electron transistors with excellent optical properties.
Full-scale field-free spin-orbit switching of the CoPt layer grown on vicinal substrates
Authors: Che Renchao , Luo Yongming , Liang Mengfan , Feng Zhongshu , Chen Haoran , Jiang Nan , Chen Jianhui , Yuan Mingyue , Zhang Jincang , Cheng Yifeng , Sun Lu , Bai Ru , Miao Xiaohe , Wang Ningning , Wu Yizheng
Published: May 2023

A simple, reliable and field-free spin orbit torque (SOT)-induced magnetization switching is a key ingredient for the development of the electrical controllable spintronic devices. Recently, the SOT induced deterministic switching of the CoPt single layer has attracts a lot of interests, as it could simplifies the structure and add new flexibility in the design of SOT devices, compared with the Ferromagnet/Heavy metal bilayer counterparts. Unfortunately, under the field-free switching strategies used nowadays, the switching of the CoPt layer is often partial, which sets a major obstacle for the practical applications. In this study, by growing the CoPt on vicinal substrates, we could achieve the full-scale (100% switching ratio) field-free switching of the CoPt layer. We demonstrate that when grown on vicinal substrates, the magnetic easy axis of the CoPt could be tilted from the normal direction of the film plane; the strength of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) would be also be tuned as well. Micromagnetic simulation further reveal that the field-free switching stems from tilted magnetic anisotropy induced by the vicinal substrate, while the enhancement of DMI help reducing the critical switching current. In addition, we also found that the vicinal substrates could also enhance the SOT efficiency. With such simplestructure, full-scale switching, tunable DMI and SOT efficiency, our results provide a new knob for the design SOT-MRAM and future spintronic devices.
Photocatalytic Redox-Neutral Selective Single C(sp3)–F Bond Activation of Perfluoroalkyl Imines under Redox-Neutral Conditions
Authors: Liu Qiang , Wang Tao , Zong Yuan-Yuan , Huang Tao , Jin Xiao-Ling , Wu Li-Zhu
Published: May 2023

Visible-light-promoted site-selective and direct C − F bond functionalization of polyfluorinated iminosulfides were accomplished with alkenes and water under redox-neutral conditions, affording a diverse array of mutifluorinated γ-lactams. A variety of perfluoroalkyl units included C2F5, C3F7, C4F9and C5F11underwent site-selective defluorofunctionlization. This protocol allows high chemoselectivity control and shows excellent functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies reveal that the remarkable changes of the electron geometries during the defluorination widen the redox window between the substrates and the products and ensure the chemoselectivity of single C(sp3) − F bond cleavage.
Inferring individual evaluation criteria for reaching trajectories with obstacle avoidance from EEG signals
Authors: Iwane Fumiaki , Billard Aude , Millan Jose del R.
Published: May 2023

When we avoid obstacles while reaching out for an object, we make sure that our arm passes the obstacle with sufficient margin. This comfort margin varies across users and is displayed as challenging environmental constraints. When passing a fragile object, risk adverse individuals may adopt a larger margin than risk-prone people. The deviation from the traditional quasi straight line is less efficient, as it leads to a longer path to the target. This study investigates whether such individual preference results from differentiated weighting given to energy minimization versus comfort, and monitors brain error-related potentials (ErrP) evoked when subjects observe a robot moving dangerously close to a fragile object. Seventeen healthy participants monitored a robot performing safe, daring and unsafe trajectories around a wine glass. Each participant displayed distinct evaluation criteria. ErrPs were consistent with such individual specific evaluation. A subject specific linear classifier trained to predict subject’s individual response encapsulated with high predictability individual specific weighting across energy efficiency and comfort. This study suggests that ErrPs could be used in conjunction with an optimal control approach to identify cost used by one individual’s central nervous system. It further opens new avenues for the use of brain-evoked potential to train assistive robotic devices through the use of neuroprosthetic interfaces.
Palladium/Xu-Phos-Catalyzed Enantioselective Alkoxyalkenylation of γ-Hydroxyalkenes: Side Arm Effect and Mechanistic Study
Authors: Zhang Junliang , Zhu Shuai , Ye Zihao , Chen Ming-Jie , Wang Lei , Wang Yu-Zhuo , Zhang Ke-Nan , Li Wenbo , Ding Han-Ming , Li Zhiming
Published: May 2023

Recently, the asymmetric bifunctionalization of alkenes has received much attention. However, the development of enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation has posed a considerable challenge and has lagged largely behind. Herein, we report a novel palladium-catalyzed enantioselective alkoxyalkenylation reaction, using a range of primary, secondary and tertiary γ-hydroxy-alkenes with alkenyl halides. By employing newly identified Xu-Phos (Xu8 and Xu9) with a suitable side-arm adjacent to the PCy2 motif, a series of allyl substituted tetrahydrofurans were obtained in good yields with up to 95% ee. Besides (E)-alkenyl halides, (Z)-alkenyl halide was also examined and provided the corresponding cis-product as a single diastereomer, supporting a stereospecific reductive elimination step. Moreover, deuterium labeling and VCD experiments were employed to determine a cis-oxypalladation mechanism, and DFT calculations helped us gain deeper insight into the side-arm effect on the chiral ligand. Finally, the practicability of this method is further demonstrated through a gram-scale synthesis and versatile transformation of the products.
Modeling and circuit design for three-terminal memristors
Authors: Kuang Xianyan , huan xianglan , xiao hongbiao
Published: May 2023

In this paper, a three-terminal memristor model is developed in order to improve the anti-interference performance of the memristor and address the issue that the resistance value of the conventional two-terminal memristor is readily impacted by voltage. In order to simulate and validate the function of the three-terminal memristor, the logic circuit and multiplication circuit are developed using this model in this work using the cadence ic617 program. According to the findings, the three-terminal memristor multiplication circuit uses less energy than the typical conventional multiplier circuit, consuming only 0.335 uW. The memristor offers the benefits of low power consumption, compact size, and great integratability as a nanoscale device. The use of three-terminal memristors can dramatically reduce the number of chip components and improve chip integration when Moore's law approaches a limit.
The crowding-out effect of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) on household expenditure patterns in Bangladesh
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Huque Rumana
Published: May 2023

Background Consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) or sugary drinks may reduce or even eliminate the household income allocation for other essential commodities. Reducing expenditure for consumption of other household commodities is known as the crowding-out effect of SSB. We aimed to determine the crowding-out effect of SSB expenditure on other household commodities. In addition, we also identified the factors influencing the household's decision to purchase of SSBs.Methods We used the logistic regression (logit and multinomial logit models) and the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) models. In order to find the probability of a given change in the socio-demographic variables, we also estimated the average marginal effects from the logistic regression. In addition, we regressed the SUR model by gender differences. We used Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) 2016 data to estimate our chosen econometric models. HIES is nationally representative data on the household level across the country and is conducted using a multistage random sampling method by covering 46075 households.Results The findings from the logit model describe that the greater proportion of male members, larger household size, household heads with higher education, profession, having a refrigerator, members living outside of the house, and households with higher income positively affect the decision of purchasing SSB. However, the determinants vary with the various types of SSB. The unadjusted crowding out effect shows that expenditure on SSB or sugar-added drinks crowds out the household expenditure on food, clothing, housing, and energy items. On the other hand, the adjusted crowding out effect crowds out the spending on housing, education, transportation, and social and state responsibilities.Conclusion Although the household expenditure on beverages and sugar-added drinks is still moderate (around 2% of monthly household expenditure), the increased spending on beverages and sugar-added drinks is concerning due to the displacement of household expenditure for basic commodities such as food, clothing, housing, education, and energy. Therefore, evidence-based policies to regulate the sale and consumption of SSB are required for a healthy nation.
Analysis of Single Photon Detectors in Differential
Phase Shift Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Sharma Vishal
Published: May 2023

In the current research work, an analysis of differential phase shift quantum key distribution using InGaAs/InP and Silicon-APD (avalanche photodiode) as single photon detectors is performed. Various performance parameters of interest such as shifted key rate, secure key rate, and secure communication distance obtained are investigated. In this optical fiber-based differential phase shift quantum key distribution, it is observed that Si-APD under frequency conversion method at telecommunication window outperforms the InGaAs/InP APD.
Stable Densities, Fractional Integrals and the Mittag-Leffler Function
Authors: Sibisi Nomvelo Karabo
Published: May 2023

This paper combines probability theory and fractional calculus to derive a novel integral representation of the three-parameter Mittag-Leffler function or Prabhakar function, where the three parameters are combinations of four base parameters. The fundamental concept is the Riemann-Liouville fractional integral of the one-sided stable density, conditioned on a scale factor. Integrating with respect to a gamma-distributed scale factor induces a mixture of Riemann-Liouville integrals. A particular combination of four base parameters leads to a representation of the Prabhakar function as a weighted mixture of Riemann-Liouville integrals at different scales. The Prabhakar function constructed in this manner is the Laplace transform of a four-parameter distribution. This general approach gives various known results as special cases (notably, the two-parameter generalised Mittag-Leffler distribution).
Effect of degalactosylated bovine glycoprotein formulations MAF and M сapsules on lymphopenia and clinical outcomes in hospitalized Covid-19 patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Inui Toshio , Kruglova Oksana , Martynenko Olga , Martynenko Kostiantyn , Tieroshyn Vadym , Gavrylov Anatoliy , Kubo Kentaro , Kutsyn Borys , Kubashko Alla , Veklych Zoryana , Terashima Yurika , Mette Martin , Kutsyna Galyna
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND
Targeting mucosal immunity of the gut, which is known to provide antigen processing, while avoiding excessive or unnecessary inflammation, was tested as a way to modulate Covid-19 severity.

METHODS

Randomized open-label trial in 204 adults hospitalized with non-critical Covid-19 who received for 14 days in addition to standard of care (SOC) degalactosylated bovine glycoproteins formulations of either MAF Capsules (MAF group) or M Capsules (M group) or SOC only (control group).
RESULTS
Median recovery time when patients did not require supplemental oxygen was 6 days in both study groups compared to 9 days in the control (MAF vs. control; P=0.020 and M vs. control; P=0.004). A greater reduction in mortality was seen in the MAF group compared to the control by day 14 (8.3% vs. 1.6%; P=0.121) and by day 29 (15.3% vs. 3.2%; P=0.020), and similarly in the M group by day 14 (8.3% vs. 2.9%; P=0.276) and by day 29 (15.3% vs. 2.9%; P=0.017). The proportion of those who had baseline absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) lower than 0.8x10^9/L was 13/63 (20.6%), 17/69 (27.0%), and 18/72 (25.0%) of patients in MAF, M, and control group respectively. Day 29 mortality among these lymphopenic patients was three times higher than for the intent-to-treat population (21% vs. 7%) and consisted in above subgroups: 2/13 (15%), 2/17 (12%), and 6/18 (33%) of patients. There showed decreased mortality in both study subgroups correlated with greater ALC restoration above 0.8x109/L level seen on day 14 in 77% and 59% of patients in MAF and M subgroups respectively compared to 22% of patients in control subgroup. Incidences of any ALC decrease below the baseline level on day 14 occurred in 25.4% of patients in the MAF group and 29.0% of patients in the M group compared to 45.8% in control and ALC depletion by ≥50% from the baseline level consisted of 7.9%, 5.8%, and 15.3% of cases in these groups respectively.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that both study agents prevented ALC depletion and accelerated its restoration, which is believed one of the mechanisms of improved crucial clinical outcomes in hospitalized Covid-19 patients.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04762628, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04762628.
Carbon dioxide and nitrate co-electroreduction to urea on CuOxZnOy
Authors: Figueiredo Marta , Anastasiadou Dimitra , Ligt Bianca , He Yungyang , de Poll Rim van , Simons Jérôme
Published: May 2023

Urea is a commonly used nitrogen fertiliser synthesised from ammonia and carbon dioxide using thermal catalysis. This process results in high CO2 emissions associated with the required amounts of ammonia, Electrocatalysis provides an alternative method to urea production with reduced carbon emissions while utilising waste products like nitrate. This manuscript reports on urea synthesis from the electroreduction of nitrate and carbon dioxide using CuOxZnOy electrodes under mild conditions. Catalysts with different ratios of CuO and ZnO, synthesised via flame spray pyrolysis, were explored for the reaction. The results revealed that all the CuOxZnOy electrocatalyst compositions produce urea, but the efficiency strongly depends on the metal ratio composition of the catalysts. The CuO50ZnO50 composition had the best performance in terms of selectivity (41% at -1.3 V vs Ag/AgCl) and activity (0.27 mA/cm2 at -1.3 V vs Ag/AgCl) towards urea production Thus, this material is within the most efficient electrocatalyst for urea production reported so far. This pioneer study systematically evaluates bimetallic catalysts with varying compositions for urea synthesis from CO2 and nitrate.
Impact of Oxygen Enrichment and CO2-H2O Dilution on Stability and Pollutant Emissions of Non-Premixed Swirling Turbulent Flames
Authors: Boushaki Toufik , Zaidaoui Hajar , Chakchak Sawssen , Ghabi Ahlem , El-Rahman Ahmed I. Abd , Ghoniem Ahmed. F.
Published: May 2023

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR: water vapor and CO2), with and without O2 enrichment, on non-premixed turbulent flames stabilized on a swirl burner. The motivations include CO2 capture applications using O2 and CO2, combustion of biogas that contains CO2 and the use of EGR or H2O in certain industrial applications to reduce pollutant emissions. Experiments were carried out on a coaxial swirl burner placed in a combustion chamber of 25 kW of nominal power. The oxidant (air-O2, +H2O, +CO2) is introduced in the annular part though a swirler. The fuel (CH4) is fed though the central tube and injected radially at the exit section. The study focused on laminar burning velocity, pollutant emissions, flame stability, and flow fields measurements with different fractions of O2, H2O and CO2 in the mixture. The fraction of diluents varied from 0 to 20%, O2 concentration from 21 to 25% (in vol.) and the swirl number from 0.8 to 1.4. Different measurements were recorded: OH* chemiluminescence to locate the flame front, Stereo-PIV to analyze the flow field, pollutant emissions analysis (NOx and CO) and temperatures in the combustion chamber. Results show that dilution significantly influences flame characteristics. Dilution increases the lift-off height and reduces flame stability especially with high fractions (16-20%). O2 enrichment decreases lift-off height and enhances flame stability. Increase dilution reduces NOx and increases CO emissions. Stereo-PIV measurements highlight the turbulent coherent structure of the swirling flow and the effect of dilution on axial and tangential velocities. The effect of dilution on the underlying laminar burning velocity were determined by 1D calculation using COSILAB with GRI3.0 mechanism.
Development and validation of an Emoji Sticker Scale from the Patient-Reported Outcome Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events for patients with breast cancer
Authors: Suzuki Yoko , Iwamoto Takayuki , Uno Maya , Hatono Minami , Kajiwara Yukiko , Takahashi Yuko , Kochi Mariko , Shien Tadahiko , Kikawa Yuichiro , Uemura Yukari , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Taira Naruto , Doihara Hiroyoshi , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Emojis are commonly used for daily communication and may be useful in assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate an Emoji Sticker Scale (ESS) as a new PRO measurement.
Methods: Eighteen original ESS items were developed from the PRO-CTCAE. In cohort one, the ESS validity and reliability were examined in patients with breast cancer, using a semi-structured five-question survey to investigate content validity. PROs with PRO-CTCAE and ESS were examined twice to determine criteria validity and test-retest reliability. In cohort two, the responsiveness of the scales were examined in patients treated with anthracycline, docetaxel, paclitaxel, and endocrine therapy. PROs with PRO-CTCAE and ESS were investigated two or three times, depending on the therapy.
Results: Patients were enrolled from August 2019 to October 2020. In cohort one (n=70), most patients had no difficulties with the ESS, but 16 patients indicated that it was difficult to understand severities in the ESS. For criterion validity, Spearman rank correlation coefficients (rs) between PRO-CTCAE and ESS items were ≥0.41, except for “Decreased appetite.” For test-retest reliability, κ coefficients of the ESS were ≥0.41 for 16/18 items (88.9%). Response time was significantly shorter for the ESS than for PRO-CTCAE (p<0.001). In cohort two (n=106), score changes between PRO-CTCAE and ESS for relevant symptoms all had correlations with rs≥0.41.
Conclusion Parts of the original ESS developed from PRO-CTCAE require updating. However, this study provides a comprehensive confirmation of the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the ESS.
Effects of Polyphenols from Water Chestnut (Trapa japonica) on Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Yasuda Midori , Yasutake Kenichiro , Oikawa Daichi , Yoshinaga Iori , Nakashima Kanako , Mitsuta Ai , Saiki Madoka , Kishikawa Yuki , Miyabara Hiroya
Published: May 2023

Water chestnut (Trapa japonica), a uniquely shaped floating plant with thorns, contains many peculiar polyphenols. These polyphenols have been shown to exhibit high antioxidant activity and suppress postprandial blood glucose level rise. In recent years, obesity and lipid metabolism disorders have become a worldwide problem. Therefore, with the aim of investigating the effects of water chestnut polyphenols on lipid metabolism, we conducted in vitro studies, animal experiments, and human clinical studies (randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and parallel-group comparative studies). Water chestnut polyphenol exhibited lipase inhibitory activity and inhibited fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. In contrast, animal experiments using mice revealed that triglycerides and free fatty acids in the blood plasma of the polyphenol-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Human clinical studies showed that the consumption of water chestnut tea significantly reduced visceral fat area and abdominal circumference; however, no significant difference was observed from the results for the placebo group. These results suggest a possible preventive effect of water chestnut polyphenols on the development of metabolic syndrome. This study was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trial Registry (UMIN000038165, October 4, 2019).
Safety and environmental impact control of cross passage construction in soft soil strata using tunnel boring machine method
Authors: Yunkang Ma , Wei Yan , Yanjie Song , Meiqin Zhang , Sheng Zhou , Tianfang Xiong , Jia Geng , Xiaofan Li , Xuesong Cheng
Published: May 2023

The Tianjin area is covered by soft, water-bearing silt and silty sand strata and has a high groundwater table. The excavation of a cross passage in this area entails a high risk of water and sand inflows and a significant impact on the structural integrity of the mainline tunnels—particularly during the excavation of the break-out and break-in openings. However, few cross passages have been excavated in water-bearing soft soil strata using the tunnel boring machine (TBM) method, and the necessary safety control techniques and environmental impact of TBM tunnelling of cross passages in such soil strata remain unclear, which limits the application of this tunnelling method. In this study, a cross passage excavated using the TBM method—the first of its kind in the Tianjin area—was investigated. We identified the key risk control measures for the construction process, particularly the excavation of the break-out and break-in openings, and analysed the TBM operating parameters, monitoring ground and building settlements, and monitored mainline tunnel deformations and mechanical responses at key points of the construction process, revealing the ground and tunnel structure deformation patterns during the cross passage excavation. Our major conclusions are as follows. 1) The ground surrounding the cross passage break-out opening was stabilised by performing two rounds of grouting and small-range freezing, and the break-in opening was excavated using a completely enclosed steel sleeve. These measures effectively prevented the risk of water and sand inflows during the excavation of the break-out and break-in openings in the silt and silty sand strata. 2) The thrust of the TBM was approximately 2000 kN during the break-out phase, and it increased to 3500 kN after the break-out opening was excavated. The torsional moment of the cutter disc was large during the break-out phase. Break-out mainline tunnel displacement monitoring data indicated that the thrust had a significant effect on the mainline tunnel during the break-out phase. 3) The TBM tunnelling of the cross passage caused ground loss, and the ground settlement increased as the excavation proceeded. The ground settlement exhibited a U-shaped distribution along the cross passage axis, with the maximum settlement being 10 mm. During the break-out phase, the deformation of the break-out mainline tunnel exhibited a duck-egg-shaped distribution. The clearance convergence of the break-out mainline tunnel was within ± 4, and the displacement and clearance convergence of the break-in mainline tunnel were controlled within ± 1 mm.
Distinct microbial taxa are associated with LDL-cholesterol reduction after 12 weeks of Lactobacillus plantarum intake in mild hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Kerlikowsky Felix , Müller Mattea , Greupner Theresa , Amend Lena , Strowig Till , Hahn Andreas
Published: May 2023

Probiotic microbes such as Lactobacillus may reduce serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum strains CECT7527, CECT7528 and CECT7529 (LP) on the serum lipids, cardiovascular parameters and fecal gut microbiota composition in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 86 healthy adult participants with untreated elevated LDL cholesterol ≥ 160 mg/dL was conducted. Participants were randomly allocated to either placebo or LP (1.2 x109 CFU/d) for 12 weeks. LDL, HDL, TC and triglycerides (TG), cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, arterial stiffness) and fecal gut microbiota composition (16S rRNA gene sequencing) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Both groups were comparable regarding age, sex and LDL-C at baseline. LDL-C decreased (mean decrease − 6.6 mg/dl ± -14.0 mg/dl, Ptime*intervention = 0.006) in the LP group but not in the placebo group. No effects were observed on HDL, TG or cardiovascular parameters or overall gut microbiota composition. Responders to LP intervention (> 5% LDL-C reduction) were characterized by higher BMI, pronounced TC reduction, higher abundance of fecal Roseburia and lower abundance of Oscillibacter. In conclusion, 12-week of L. plantarum intake moderately reduced LDL-C and TC as compared to placebo. LDL-C lowering efficacy of L. plantarum strains may potentially be dependent on individual difference in the gut microbiota. Trial registration: DRKS00006189, dated 17/12/2019.
Investigation of the Structural, Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Vanadium Substituted Mn-Zn Ferrites
Authors: Jyoti Atanu Sarker , Biswas G G , Rana Md. Rasel , Islam Shariful , Hossain Md. Emran , Khan Nazrul Islam , Hoque K. , Ali Md. Ashraf
Published: May 2023

This work revealed the role of altering vanadium (V) content in Mn–Zn ferrites. We used the traditional solid-state reaction method to prepare the Mn_0.5 Zn_0.5 V_x Fe_(2 - x) O_4 (x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) ferrites. Powder X-ray diffraction was used to analyze the samples' crystal structures, revealing the prepared sample's spinal cubic crystal structure. With increasing Vanadium concentration, the lattice constant drops proportionately. We used Debye-Scherrer (D-S), Williamson-Hall (W-H) Plot, Halder-Wagner (H-W) Langford, and Size Strain Plot (SSP) methods to compare different structural properties. We also used the impedance analyzer to investigate the samples' dielectric characteristics and AC conductivity at room temperature over a frequency range of 1 KHz to 100 MHz. The magnetic properties, i.e., Saturation magnetization (Ms), Coercive field (Hc), and Remanent magnetization (Mr), were estimated from the ferromagnetic hysteresis behavior of the samples measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The saturation magnetization was observed to decrease with an increase in V content. The Mr and HC vary non-linearly with V contents. The prepared samples' initial permeability was tested, and a reasonably constant complex permeability (µ') was recorded over a wide frequency range (~ 1000 Hz).
Transcriptional activity of the long control region in human papillomavirus type 33 intratype variants
Authors: Gyöngyösi Eszter , László Brigitta , Szalmás Anita , Kónya József , Veress György
Published: May 2023

Background High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for the development of cervical and other anogenital cancers. Intratype sequence variants of certain high-risk HPV types (e. g. 16, 18 and 31) are thought to have different oncogenic potential, partly due to nucleotide sequence variation in the viral long control region (LCR). The LCR has an important role in the regulation of viral replication and transcription. The purpose of this study was to explore sequence variation in the LCR of HPV 33 intratype variants in Hungary and to see whether there are differences in the transcriptional activities of the variants.Methods The complete HPV 33 LCR was amplified from HPV 33 positive cervical samples. After sequencing the LCR variants, multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analyses were carried out. Representative HPV 33 LCR sequence variants were selected for cloning and functional analysis. After transient transfection of HeLa cells, luciferase reporter assays were used to analyse the transcriptional activities of different LCR variants.Results Altogether 10 different variants were identified by sequence analysis of the HPV 33 LCR. The results of phylogenetic analysis showed that 3 variants belonged to sublineage A1, while the other 7 variants clustered with sublineage A2. Variants belonging to sublineage A2 have significantly lower transcriptional activities than variants belonging to sublineage A1. Within sublineage A2, the two variants analysed had significantly different transcriptional activities, which was shown to be caused by the A7879G variation.Conclusions Nucleotide variation in the HPV 33 LCR can result in altered transcriptional activity of the intratype variants. Our results can help to understand the correlation between LCR polymorphism and the oncogenic potential of HPV 33 variants.
Assessment of climate change impact on thermal bioclimatic indicators in a tropical region with the climate projections from CMIP6 modele Dynamics
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Islam H. M. Touhidul , Ahmed Sharif , Bhattacharjya Debu Kumar , Khan Md. Shah Kamal , Mahmud Golam Iftekhar , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: May 2023

The global mean surface temperature is expected to continue to rise as a result of climate change. However, the effects of this transformation are not uniformly distributed across the globe, making regional analysis essential. As a monsoon region with tropical and low-lying terrain, Bangladesh is especially susceptible to the effects of climate change. Despite this, no effort has been made to evaluate the potential changes in thermal bioclimatic indicators (TBIs) in practical applications, which is crucial. Using a multi-model ensemble (MME) of 18 CMIP6 GCMs, this study projected the variations in 11 TBIs across Bangladesh for the near (2015–2044), mid (2045–2074), and far (2075–2100) futures under three SSPs: low (SSP126), medium (SSP245), and high (SSP585). The study revealed that in the future, the average annual temperature in Bangladesh will increase by 0.62 to 1.85°C for SSP126, by 0.51 to 2.81°C for SSP245, and by 0.54 to 4.88°C for SSP585, indicating a rise in temperature that is consistent with the global average. In addition, the study predicted that the diurnal temperature range (DTR) could decrease by -0.17 to -2.50°C, and that isothermality could decrease by as much as -0.30% at many stations. The projected temperature rise would be highly variable, ranging from 0.14 to 0.39°C in the northeast and southeast to 0.17 to 2.66°C in the northwestern, central, and southwestern regions. In addition, the study revealed a considerable increase in average temperature between the coldest and warmest quarters. The average temperature would increase significantly more in the drier quarter than in the wettest quarter. These findings are crucial for establishing mitigation goals and adapting to climate change in Bangladesh, underscoring the urgency of taking the necessary steps to combat the negative effects of global warming.
Sex-Based Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Among Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: De Matteis Giuseppe , Biscetti Federico , Polla Davide Antonio Della , Serra Amato , Burzo Maria Livia , Fuorlo Mariella , Nicolazzi Maria Anna , Novelli Angela , Santoliquido Angelo , Gambassi Giovanni , Gasbarrini Antonio , Flex Andrea , Franceschi Francesco , Covino Marcello
Published: May 2023

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent medical condition associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Despite the high clinical burden, sex-based differences among PAD patients are not well defined yet, in contrast to other atherosclerotic diseases.
This study aimed to describe sex-based differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes among hospitalized patients affected by PAD.
This was a retrospective study evaluating all patients with a diagnosis of PAD admitted to the Emergency Department. The primary endpoint of the study was the difference between male and female PAD patients in cumulative occurrence of a Major Acute Cardiovascular Event (MACE) and of a Major Acute Limb Events (MALE).
A total of 1640 patients were enrolled. Among them, 1103 (67,3%) were males while females were significantly older (median age of 75 years vs 71 years). Females underwent more angioplasty treatments for revascularization than men (29.8% vs 25.6%); males were treated mostly with amputations (19.9 % vs 15.3%). Although MALE and MACE events were more commonly reported in the male group, there was not a statistically significant gender related-difference (OR 1.27 [0.99 – 1.64]; p=0.059) (OR 0.75 [0.50 – 1.11] p=0.153). However, despite lower extremity PAD severity seeming similar between the two sexes, among these patients males had a higher probability of undergoing lower limb amputations, of cardiovascular death and of myocardial infarction.
Among hospitalized patients affected by PAD, even if there was not a sex-based significant difference in the incidence of MALE and MACE, adverse clinical outcomes were more common in males.
Stress-induced Worsening Diastolic Function in Patients with Coronary Slow Flow: A Study from G-SPECT Imaging
Authors: Wang Su , Meng Jing Jing , Wang Qian , Cheng Yu Tong , Krittanawong Chayakrit , El-Am Edward A. , Chaaya Rody G. Bou , Zhang Xiao Li , Sun Tao
Published: May 2023

Background Gated 99m Tc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (G-SPECT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that offers accurate evaluation of myocardial perfusion and resting left ventricular diastolic function in patients with coronary slow flow (CSF). However, it’s uses to estimate the diastolic function during stress is still not well determined.Objective To evaluate the left ventricular diastolic function at rest and during stress in CSF patients using G-SPECT and to determine the association between the clinical variables and the rest-stress changes in diastolic function.Methods We identified 18 angiographically proven CSF patients (56 ± 8.9 years, 12 male), from January 2017 through October 2018, who underwent a 2-day 99mTc-t sestamibi adenosine/exercise stress test along with rest protocols. The cardiac diastolic function parameters, including peak filling rate (PFR), time to peak filling (TTPF), and peak filling rate normalized to EDV (end diastolic volume) (PFR/EDV) were obtained using G‑SPECT. Then, the association between the diastolic function parameter changes (Δ stress-rest) and cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed.Results Compared with rest, summed stress scores were significantly higher (P = 0.01). TTPF, PFR, and PFR adjusted by EDV(PFR/EDV) alone showed no significant difference between rest and stress as diastolic dysfunction was present in both states. There was progressive decrease in TTPF, PFR and PFR/EDV with stress. In stepwise regression model, total cholesterol was significantly associated with the difference of summed scores (ΔStress-Rest) (β = 0.518, P = 0.028). In the same model, uric acid was found inversely associated with the difference in TTPF (ΔStress-Rest) and PFR/EDV (ΔStress-Rest) (β= -0.516, P = 0.028 and β= -0.560, P = 0.015, respectively).Conclusion Uric acid is significantly associated with the diastolic function worsening during stress in CSF patients. It may be a potential predictor and possible therapeutic target to attenuate the early diastolic function deterioration in these patients.
Intrahepatic Macrophage Reprogramming Associated with Lipid Metabolism in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Peng Bo , Li Hao , Liu Kai , Zhang Pengpeng , Zhuang Quan , Li Junhui , Yang Min , Cheng Ke , Ming Yingzi
Published: May 2023

Background Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe syndrome with high short-term mortality, but the pathophysiology still remains largely unknown. Immune dysregulation and metabolic disorders contribute to the progression of ACLF, but the crosstalk between immunity and metabolism during ACLF is less understood. This study aims to depict the immune microenvironment in the liver during ACLF, and explore the role of lipid metabolic disorder on immunity.Methods Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed using the liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls, cirrhosis patients and ACLF patients. A series of inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines were detected using liver and plasma samples. The lipid metabolomics targeted free fatty acids (FFAs) in the liver was also detected.Results The scRNA-seq analysis of liver NPCs showed a significant increase of monocytes/macrophages (Mono/Mac) infiltration in ACLF livers, whereas the resident Kupffer cells (KCs) were exhausted. A characterized TREM2+ Mono/Mac subpopulation was identified in ACLF, and showed immunosuppressive function. Combined with the scRNA-seq data from PBMCs, the pseudotime analysis revealed that the TREM2+ Mono/Mac were differentiated from the peripheral monocytes and correlated with lipid metabolism-related genes including APOE, APOC1, FABP5 and TREM2. The targeted lipid metabolomics proved the accumulation of unsaturated FFAs associated with α-linolenic acid (α-LA) and α-LA metabolism and beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids in the ACLF livers, indicating that unsaturated FFAs might promote the differentiation of TREM2+ Mono/Mac during ACLF.Conclusions The reprogramming of macrophages was found in the liver during ACLF. The immunosuppressive TREM2+ macrophages were enriched in the ACLF liver and contributed to the immunosuppressive hepatic microenvironment. The accumulation of unsaturated FFAs in the ACLF liver promoted the reprogramming of the macrophages. It might be a potential target to improve the immune deficiency of ACLF patients through regulating lipid metabolism.
Regional Frequency Analysis of Drought Indexes by L-Moments Method
Authors: Aktürk Gaye , Çıtakoğlu Hatice , Demir Vahdettin
Published: May 2023

Drought has been experienced frequently in Turkey in the last two decades as the effects of withdrawn water resources become more evident. Drought; causes problems for planners and managers. For this reason, in order to provide an accurate framework for sustainable water resources management, it is necessary to investigate the characteristics of drought events and to estimate the return periods of the drought with the help the regional frequency analysis. In this study, firstly, the characteristics of meteorological droughts in the Kızılırmak Basin which has semi-arid climate characteristics, were determined by using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Z-Score Index (ZSI), China-Z Index (CZI) and Modified China-Z Index (MCZI) as a measure of drought severity and also the applicability and performance of the selected indices to the basin were investigated. Secondly, regional frequency analysis was performed by using L-moment methods for the maximum drought severity values obtained for each year as a result of the application of the four drought indices on a 12-month time scale. According to the results of the meteorological drought analysis of the four drought indices, it was noted that the most severe and long-lasting droughts occurred mainly in the 2000s, the drought severity values increased as the return period increased and also the drought severity values obtained by MCZI method give the extraordinary results than other indices. Thus, it has been seen that the MCZI method is generally not suitable for use in the basin. According to the results of regional frequency analysis, Kızılırmak Basin, which is H1<1, was determined as acceptable homogeneous for all four indices according to the Hosking and Wallis homogeneity test. For each index, the optimum regional distribution function was investigated and Pearson type‒III distribution for SPI and ZSI; distribution of general extreme values for CZI; for MCZI, the generalized logistic distribution was determined as the most appropriate distribution. As a result of the index-flood frequency analysis calculated by using the most appropriate distribution, regional drought severity maps were created for the study area with the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) Method for the return periods between 5 years and 1000 years. Using the maps obtained, it is feasible to predict the drought probability of any point in the basin that does not have adequate data for hydrological investigations.
ICGA combined with EP monitoring in microclipping of cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Yin Bokai , Chen Xinjun , Chen Jincao , Zhao Wenyuan , Li Zhengwei
Published: May 2023

Objective Cerebral aneurysm is one of the common cerebrovascular diseases in neurosurgery, and rupture of cerebral aneurysm is the most important cause of spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage. How to precisely clip the aneurysm has been a topic worth discussing, so the authors explore the value of ICGA combined with electrophysiological monitoring in microclipping of cerebral aneurysms.Methods Using the method of retrospective analysis of cases, 661 patients with cerebral aneurysms admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery of Wuhan University Central South Hospital from 2021.8 to 2022.10 were studied, 390 patients with aneurysm clipping were included, and patients with Hunt-Hess classification ≥ 4 were excluded, and whether to use ICGA combined with EP in microclipping of the ruptured and unruptured aneurysm in pterional approach was investigated at the time of discharge, respectively. The MRS and total hospital days were compared to investigate the value of ICGA combined with EP in microclipping of cerebral aneurysms.Results All 390 patients enrolled in the group had successful aneurysm clipping, and 178 patients were screened for ruptured aneurysm pterional approach and 120 patients for unruptured aneurysm pterional approachwing point access; the MRS at discharge was significantly lower in the ICGA combined with EP group than in the no EP group for ruptured aneurysm pterional approach microclipping (p < 0.001), and the mean number of days in hospital was significantly lower (p < 0.01). Patients in the ICGA combined with EP group in microclipping of unruptured aneurysms with pterional approach also had significantly lower MRS at discharge compared with patients in the ICGA alone group (p < 0.001), with no statistically significant difference in the mean number of days in hospital (p = 0.09).Conclusions In open cerebral aneurysm microclipping, the use of ICGA combined with EP monitoring for both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms significantly reduces the rate of misclipping of the penetrating vessels, avoids stenosis or occlusion of the aneurysm-carrying artery, effectively reduces the rate of false negative ICGA, reduces the occurrence of postoperative neurological deficits, and shortens the total hospital stay to some extent. The combination of ICGA and EP monitoring in cerebral aneurysm microclipping is worth promoting.