bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exciton density waves in Coulomb-coupled dual moiré lattices
Authors: Zeng Yihang , Xia Zhengchao , Dery Roei , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Shan Jie , Mak Kin Fai
Published: May 2022

Strongly correlated bosons in a lattice are a platform to realize rich bosonic states of matter and quantum phase transitions. While strongly correlated bosons in a lattice have been studied in cold-atom experiments, their realization in a solid-state system has remained challenging. Here we trap interlayer excitons--bosons composed of bound electron-hole pairs--in a lattice provided by an angle-aligned WS2/bilayer WSe2/WS2 multilayer; the heterostructure supports Coulomb-coupled triangular moiré lattices of nearly identical period at the top and bottom interfaces. We observe correlated insulating states when the combined electron filling factor of the two lattices, with arbitrary partitions, equals to 1/3,2/3,4/3 and 5/3. These new states can be interpreted as exciton density waves in a Bose-Fermi mixture of excitons and holes. Because of the strong repulsive interactions between the constituents, the holes form robust generalized Wigner crystals, which restrict the exciton fluid to channels that spontaneously break the translational symmetry of the lattice. Our results demonstrate that Coulomb-coupled moiré lattices are fertile ground for correlated many-boson phenomena.
C/EBPβ/AEP Signaling Activated by ApoE4 and 27-Hydroxycholesterol in Macrophages Mediates Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathies in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Liao Jianming , Liu Xia , Chen Guiqin , Wang Zhihao , Gu Xiaohuan , Wei Ling , Yu Shan Ping , Ye Keqiang
Published: May 2022

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits in cerebral vessel walls, is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and contributes to cerebrovascular dysfunctions. APOE4 is a strong genetic risk factor for both AD and CAA. However, the mechanisms underlying this genetic susceptibility remain incompletely understood. Here we show that ApoE4 and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) additively drive C/EBPβ/AEP signaling activation in macrophages, which impairs Aβ uptake and clearance and stimulates CAA formation, leading to cerebrovascular dysfunctions and microbleeds. To explore the pathological roles of ApoE4/27-OHC in CAA formation during AD pathogenesis, we crossed smooth muscle cells specific SMA-GFP mice with 5xFAD mice and found reduced blood flow, decreased vessel length and elevated oxidative stress and hemorrhagic lesions, which were exacerbated by ApoE4/27-OHC. Notably, ApoE4/27-OHC promoted Aβ deposits in leptomeningeal, cortical and hippocampal arteries and increased parenchymal Aβ load as compared to ApoE3/27-OHC, associated with strong C/EBPβ/AEP activation in macrophages that surrounded and infiltrated the microvessels. Depletion of C/EBPβ or AEP from 5xFAD/SMA-GFP mice ameliorated ApoE4/27-OHC-triggered CAA-associated vasculopathies and cerebrovascular disorders and senile plaques, alleviating cognitive disorders. Therefore, ApoE4 and 27-OHC jointly facilitate both CAA and AD pathologies via activating C/EBPβ/AEP pathway.
Standard Anterior Peritomy versus a Small Posterior Incision for the Implantation of the PRESERFLO Microshunt
Authors: Bamousa Ahmed , Verma-Fuehring Raoul , Dakroub Mohamad , Papadopoulos Kosmas , Hillenkamp Jost , Loewen Nils A.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: This study aimed at comparing two approaches for the implantation of PRESERFLO microshunts. The standardized approach (A) is an anterior approach that necessitates performing a 6-8 mm perilimbal peritomy. The second approach (P) merely required a 3 mm incision, about 2 mm away from the limbus. Methods: 126 patients, who received PRESERFLO microshunts, were retrospectively examined. Parameters compared included intraocular pressure (IOP), surgical time, medication count and complications. The follow-up duration was 9 months. Results: The baseline IOP was 21.8±8.5 mmHg and 23.9±8.1 mmHg, in A and P, respectively (p=0.08). Surgical duration differed significantly between groups (26±0.8 vs 10±0.4 minutes for A and P, respectively; p<0.001). Postoperative IOP levels were at 10.8±5.9 mmHg in A and 10.6±4.5 mmHg in P at 30 days (p=0.62) and remained thereafter similar throughout the study (all intra-group p-values>0.08). Additionally, no significant differences were recorded between groups at any point in time. Preoperative medication count was 3.2±1.3 drops in A and 3.3±1.0 drops in P(p=0.4). Postoperative values were 0.2±0.6 in A and 0.3±0.7 in P at 9 months. Both groups exhibited similar numbers of complications and surgical revisions (p-values>0.05). Conclusion: Both techniques showed satisfactory IOP and medication count reductions as well as similar safety profiles, with the posterior incision technique being 2.6 times faster than the anterior incision approach.
Effect of transferrin-modified liposomal curcumin on proliferation inhibition of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wei Xue-Qin
Published: May 2022

Curcumin can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of a variety of tumor cells, including oral tumor, but its use is severely limited by its low bioavailability and stability. In this study, transferrin-modified liposomal curcumin was constructed to detect its inhibition on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line HN4 and compared with liposomal curcumin and curcumin solution (curcumin dissolved in PBS (pH7.4, 0.01Mol/L)). Firstly, curcumin solution (Cur), liposomal curcumin (Cur-Lips) and transferrin-modified liposomal curcumin (Tf-Cur-Lips) were prepared. The regulatory effects of Cur, Cur-Lips and Tf-Cur-Lips on the internal and external disposal of curcumin were investigated by curcumin release in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo in rats. Then, HN4 cells were treated with Cur, Cur-Lips and Tf-Cur-Lips at different concentrations, respectively, and cck-8 was used to detect the effect of different experimental groups on HN4 cells proliferation. Finally, to investigate the molecular mechanism of curcumin inhibiting the proliferation and apoptosis of HN4 cells, the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes P53 and Fas was detected and compared by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR in Cur, Cur-Lips and Tf-Cur-Lips groups. We found that compared with Cur, Cur-Lips metabolic time was significantly prolonged, and transferrin modification could further improve the stability of liposomal curcumin and prolongate liposomal curcumin metabolic time. Compared with Cur and Cur-Lips, Tf-Cur-Lips can significantly enhance the proliferation inhibition of HN4 cells, induce their apoptosis, and up-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related genes P53 and Fas. In conclusion, compared with Cur and Cur-Lips, Tf-Cur-Lips have stronger inhibitory effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line HN4. This study will provide a new option for construction a long-term targeted curcumin delivery system against oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Weakened AMOC upper limb compensated by strengthened South Atlantic subtropical gyre circulation in CESM1-LE simulations
Authors: Marcello Fernanda , Tonelli Marcos , Ferrero Bruno , Wainer Ilana
Published: May 2022

The upper limb of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) brings shallow interocean contributions to replenish the North Atlantic export of deepwaters. It is primarily formed in the southern South Atlantic where the converging entrainment of Pacific and Indian Ocean waters meet and incorporate into the South Atlantic subtropical gyre (SASG) following a northward advection across the basin up to the western boundary. Here, the human-induced response of AMOC and SASG near-surface pathways are illustrated according to CESM1 Large Ensemble simulations from 1920 to 2100, where future projections derive from the most aggressive (yet most realistic) scenario in assumed fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. It is shown that the AMOC upper limb weakens not because less waters are being apported from the adjacent ocean basins — but because they are being mostly directed to recirculate in the anticlockwise SASG, turning back southward after reaching the South Atlantic western boundary.
A biophysical model for dopamine modulating working memory through reward system in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Yin Lining , Han Fang , Wang Qingyun
Published: May 2022

Dopamine modulates working memory in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and is crucial for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, the mechanism is unclear. Here we establish a biophysical model of the effect of dopamine (DA) in PFC to explain the mechanism how high dopamine concentrations induce persistent neuronal activities with the network plunging into a deep, stable attractor state. The state develops a defect in working memory and tends to obsession and compulsion. High dopamine levels act on synaptic plasticity according to Hebbian learning rules and reward learning, which in turn affects the strength of neuronal synaptic connections, resulting in the tendency of compulsion and learned obsession. In addition, we elucidate the potential mechanisms of dopamine antagonists in OCD, indicating that dopaminergic drugs might be available for treatment, even if the abnormality is a consequence of glutamate hypermetabolism rather than dopamine. The theory highlights the significance of early intervention and behavioral therapies for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It potentially offers new approaches to dopaminergic pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for OCD patients.
Screening of lactic acid bacteria with anti-adipogenic effect and potential probiotic properties from grains
Authors: Seo Min Ju , Won Sung-Min , Kwon Min Ju , Song Ji Hyeon , Lee Eun Bee , Cho Jun Hyeong , Park Kye Won , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: May 2022

A total of 187 lactic acid bacteria were isolated from four types of grains collected in South Korea. The bacterial strains were assigned as members of Levilactobacillus brevis, Latilactobacillus curvatus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactococcus taiwanesis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Weissella paramesenteroides based on the closest similarity using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The strains belonging to the same species were analyzed using RAPD-PCR, and one or two among strains showing the same band pattern were selected. Finally, 25 representative strains were selected for further functional study. Inhibitory effects of lipid accumulation were observed in the strains tested. Pediococcus pentosaceus K28, Levilactobacillus brevis RP21 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum RP12 significantly reduced lipid accumulation and decreased expression of six adipogenic marker genes in C3H10T1/2 adipocytes. The three strains survived under strong acidity and bile salt conditions. The three strains showed adhesion to Caco-2 cells similar to a reference strain LGG. The resistance of the three strains to several antibiotics was also assessed. Strains RP12 and K28 were confirmed not to produce harmful enzymes based on API ZYM kit results. Based on these results, strains K28, RP21 and RP12 isolated from grains had the ability to inhibit adipogenesis in adipocytes and potentially be useful as probiotics.
Functional insights from targeted imaging BACE1: The first near-infrared fluorescent probe for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis
Authors: Bi Anyao , Wu Junyong , Huang Shuai , Li Yongjiang , Zheng Fan , Ding Jipeng , Dong Jie , Xiang Daxiong , Zeng Wenbin
Published: May 2022

Background
β-Secretase (BACE1) is the vital enzyme in the pathogenic processes of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the development of a powerful tool with sensitivity for BACE1 determination in vivo is a challenge.
Methods
A novel NIR fluorescent probe HBAE was synthetized starting from 2-hydroxy-3-methylbenzaldehyde and 2-amino-benzenethiol via five steps. The fluorescence mechanism in the ESIPT systems of HBAE was insighted studied with time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) at the TDPBE0 level with the def2-TZVP approach. The corresponding docking between HBAE and BACE1 (PDB: 5I3Y) was performed through the ducking method by DOCK6.8. Then the BBB permeability of HBAE is verified by transwell orifice plate. 5XFAD mice and age-matched wild-type mice were employed to observe the brain kinetics by intravenous injection. Finally, immunohistochemistry was performed on the AD brain section to reveal the levels of BACE1 in hippocampus and cortex areas and other regions in AD mice through the brain tissue slices by HBAE.
Results
The novel NIR fluorescent probe was self-assembly to nanomaterial and subsequently was successfully applied in imaging BACE1 in AD model mice. The capability of HBAE in reflecting different level of BACE1 was performed by the specific imaging of the hippocampus region.
Conclusions
We reported the first ESIPT near-infrared fluorescence material for monitoring endogenous BACE1 in the AD live model mice, thus offering a versatile chemical tool for visualizing in the pathological processes of AD live brains. Remarkably, high resolution images showed the localization of red fluorescence stains in hippocampus of the AD brain. This study provides a promising way for functional insights from protein BACE1 in vivo.
Pathophysiology of COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 mimics neoplastic cells, and long COVID-19 syndrome can be a Warburg effect and ACE-2 internalization consequence
Authors: Zanella Luiz Gonzaga Francisco de Assis Barros D'Elia
Published: May 2022

This article develops a theory involving SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiological mechanisms based on an extensive literature review and is reinforced by two years of dealing with COVID-19 patients in different footage of the natural history of the disease. SARS-CoV-2 mimics the Warburg effect (W.E.), a well-described mechanism in neoplastic cells to obtain energy and substrates to enable cell growth. The W.E. is responsible for characteristic clinical and laboratory findings such as elevated lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), lactate, uraemia, and acidosis, in addition to explaining why a specific profile of patients evolves into severe forms of the disease. This article also exposes a hypothesis for maintaining the inflammatory status after acute SARS-COV-2 infection, "The Long COVID-19 Syndrome". Assessment of the PubMed platform followed by evaluation of articles that supported issues regarding COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 AND AEROBIC GLYCOLISIS/WARBURG EFFECT. COVID-19 is a biphasic infectious disease (such as yellow fever, for example) that causes tenacious immune-metabolic changes that impact the inflammatory status. The hyperlactatemia (type B) in COVID-19 is due to the metabolic shift to aerobic glycolysis (W.E.), and it can differentiate chronic or acute COVID-19 inflammatory status from septic shock hyperlactatemia, especially when associated with negative cultures. This article sheds light on the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and possibilities for treatment and improvement in the clinical management of patients affected by this severe and catastrophic disease. The COVID-19 signature is the Warburg effect + ACE-2 + innate response + hypoxia + phenylalanine (Phe) and tryptophan (Try) metabolism. The disease’s magnitude is directly proportional to the patient's exposure to hypoxia.
Boosting Human Capacities: How Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Persons Differ in Attitudes Toward Human Enhancement and Naturalness
Authors: Döbler Niklas Alexander , Carbon Claus-Christian
Published: May 2022

Background: Vaccinations are a key measure to fight a pandemic like COVID-19. Even if widely available, some people still reject receiving them. One perspective on this reluctance is that vaccinations are a sophisticated biotechnology capable of augmenting the capacities of the human body, making it an instance of Human Enhancement (HE): Technologies that aim to improve humans. Global vaccination efforts against SARS-CoV-2 evoke public reactions similar to those in the more general HE debate. One important issue here: Naturalness. We exemplify and discuss the reluctance to vaccinate against SARS-CoV-2 regarding factors influencing both: the attitudes toward HE and vaccination.Methods: We conducted an online survey (N = 314 persons); 256 individuals (81.5%) were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, and n = 58 (18.5%) not. Participants answered questions concerning their attitudes on nature and naturalness, willingness to use cognitive enhancement methods, HE, psychological effects of vaccination, and planned vaccination. Several Bayesian regression models were constructed to predict the willingness to use cognitive enhancement, the attitude toward vaccinations, and whether people plan for further vaccination doses.Results: Participants are more willing to use methods to improve cognitive abilities if considered natural, non-invasive, and not used frequently. Vaccinated and unvaccinated participants clearly differed in nearly all variables, especially those reflecting on the attitude toward naturalness and related phenomena. Participants did not see vaccinations as a prime example of HE. Rating of vaccination as enhancement did not predict attitude on vaccination. Naturalness attitude and not being vaccinated were negatively associated with the attitude toward vaccinations and mediated the effect of being vaccinated. A positive attitude toward HE positively predicted attitude toward vaccinations. Support of disease control measures and attitude toward vaccinations positively predicted the plan to get more doses. Conclusions. Unvaccinated participants seem to reject vaccinations not because they label them as HE, but seem reluctant to both phenomena due to the same reasons. Any unnatural, invasive intervention is deemed unfavorable. When already vaccinated, naturalness becomes less important. If HE in the form of vaccination constitutes an essential measure to fight a pandemic, concerns about the naturalness and sanctity of the human body must be addressed.
Exploring bioactive compounds from Arthrospira platensis related for treatment of Systemic lupus erythematosus using network analysis
Authors: Chaiprasert Amnart , Ping Han , Laomettachit Teeraphan , Ruengjitchatchawalya Marasri
Published: May 2022

Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Immunosuppressive drugs are essential for SLE treatment, but there are concerns relating to their toxicity. Beneficial effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in humans have been demonstrated in many immunologic conditions; however, the bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action have not been clearly identified. This study aims to discover potential bioactive compounds from A. platensis C1 for SLE treatment.
Results
A total of 833 compounds of A. platensis C1 were retrieved from the Spirulina-Proteome Repository (SpirPro) database and by literature mining. We retrieved structures and bioassays of these compounds from the PubChem database; and collected approved and potential drugs for SLE treatment from DrugBank and other databases. Our result demonstrated that cytidine, desthiobiotin, lomustine, agmatine, and anthranilic acid, from the alga, had Tanimoto matching scores of 100% with the following drugs: beta-arabinosylcytosine/cytarabine, d-dethiobiotin, lomustine, agmatine, and anthranilic acid, respectively. The bioassay matching and disease-gene-drug-compound network analysis, using VisANT 4.0 and Cytoscape, revealed 471 SLE-related genes. Among the SLE-related genes, MDM2, TP53, and JAK2 were identified as targets of cytarabine, while PPARG and IL1B were identified as targets of d-dethiobiotin. Binding affinity scores between the drug ligands and bioactive compound ligands with their corresponding receptors by were good and similar by molecular docking and stable by molecular dynamics.
Conclusion
Cytidine, desthiobiotin, lomustine, agmatine, and anthralinic acid from A. platensis C1 were identified as potential bioactive compounds for SLE treatment, using structural similarity matching, bioassay matching, disease-gene-drug-compound network analysis, and molecular docking and dynamics.
A simple strategy for low-cost portable monitoring of plasma drug concentrations using a sustainable boron-doped-diamond chip
Authors: Saiki Takuro , Ogata Genki , Sawamura Seishiro , Asai Kai , Razvina Olga , Watanabe Kota , Kato Rito , Zhang Qi , Akiyama Koei , Madhurantakam Sasya , Nashimoto Haruma , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Moriyama Masato , Horii Arata , Kondo Chie , Ochiai Ryosuke , Kusuhara Hiroyuki , Saijo Yasuo , Einaga Yasuaki , Hibino Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Monitoring of plasma drug concentrations is required for effective and safe pharmacotherapies. Recent technical advances gave rise to various portable or wearable biosensors for rapid on-site monitoring. These devices are not yet popular owing to not only insufficient evaluation of accuracy on clinical samples and sensor-to-sensor variability but also the need for complicated costly fabrication processes. To address these bottlenecks, here, we describe a simple strategy based on boron-doped diamond (BDD) without any engineering modifications. As a test compound, we selected pazopanib, a molecular-targeting anticancer drug whose monitoring is recommended. When assaying rat plasma spiked with pazopanib, a sensing system constructed from a ~1 cm2 BDD plate chip detected concentrations in the clinically relevant range. The response was stable in a series of 60 measurements on the same chip, indicating excellent repeatability of the assay and high sustainability of the material. When plasma samples collected from orally treated healthy rats or patients with cancers were analysed with the system, the results overall matched the concentrations determined by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Additionally, the reproducibility of BDD chip–based assays was tested. Finally, we constructed a portable system with a palm-sized sensor containing a BDD chip and demonstrated that the setup successfully quantifies the drug in plasma from ~40 µL of whole blood of a dosed rat within a short turnaround time: ~10 min. This approach with the ‘reusable’ sensor, which can also possibly detect other drug types, may accelerate point-of-testing assays and advance personalised medicine while reducing medical costs.
Weak-keys and key-recovery attack for TinyJAMBU
Authors: Dutta Pranjal , Rajas Mahesh Sreekumar , Sarkar Santanu
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we study NIST lightweight 3 rd round candidate TinyJAMBU. The core component of TinyJAMBU is the keyed permutation P n , which which is based on a non-linear feedback shift register. By analysing this permutation carefully, we are able to find good cubes that are used to build distinguishers in the weak-key setting. These distinguishers outperform the best-known distinguishers, which were proposed in the esteemed Nature Scientific Reports by Teng et al. We also study the exact degree in nonce of the feedback polynomial of P n. This helped us in concluding that TinyJAMBU with more than 445 rounds is secure against distinguishers using 32 sized cubes in the normal setting. Finally, we give new key-recovery attacks against TinyJAMBU using the concepts of monomial trail presented by Hu et al. at ASIACRYPT 2020. Our attacks are unlikely to jeopardise the security of the entire 640 rounds TinyJAMBU, but we strongly anticipate that they will shed new lights on the cipher’s security.
Antioxidant and chlorophyll dynamics differ between perennial flax (Linum perenne and Linum lewisii) and annual flax (Linum usitatissimum and Linum grandiflorum).
Authors: Nisbett Kenyon J , Alokozai Abida , Elias Miron , Shaikh Shiza , Mott G Adam , Brown Jason
Published: May 2022

Among plants, there is considerable variation in maximum lifespan, with annual species living less than one year and perennial species living as long as 43 600 years. According to the Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging, the maximum lifespan of an organism is partly determined by the rate at which it accumulates oxidative damage to its biomolecules. Consequently, perennial species have likely evolved mechanisms to slow down the accumulation of biomolecular oxidative damage relative to annual species. The present study aimed to evaluate this prediction using annual and perennial flax ( Linum ). While there are several mechanisms by which the accumulation of oxidative damage to biomolecules can be reduced, we focused on the role of antioxidants and biomolecular damage repair. Epicotyl growth and leaf production of annual—but not perennial—species were significantly affected by supplementation with exogenous ascorbic acid or glutathione, suggesting that annuals may have lower levels of endogenous antioxidants than perennials. Furthermore, while rates of chlorophyll degradation in response to exogenous H 2 O 2 did not differ between annual and perennial species, rates of chlorophyll resynthesis following such exposure were 2-fold faster in perennial species, whether assessed via image colour or spectrophotometric analysis, reflecting their greater capacity to repair oxidative damage to chlorophyll compared to annuals. Similarly, when plants were exposed to complete darkness for several days, chlorophyll degradation rates were significantly lower in perennials than annuals, perhaps because annuals quickly redistributed resources from leaves to flowers. When subsequently reintroduced to natural light cycles, chlorophyll resynthesis occurred 2-fold more quickly in perennials than annuals. Overall, our study illuminates that the evolutionary transitions between life history strategies in plants have been accompanied by physiological modifications to antioxidant and chlorophyll dynamics that reflect the need for perennial species to delay the aging process in order to survive for multiple growing seasons.
Comparing the effects of different organic mulching materials on weed control, soil moisture conservation, and wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity in the moisture deficit areas
Authors: Mezgebe Hailay , Girmay Gebreyohannes , Teka Kassa
Published: May 2022

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity, in water deficit areas such as Ethiopia, is threatened by low soil fertility, weed infestation and moisture stress. Organic Mulch was believed to avert these challenges but only limited scientific information, on its level of effects (crop yield, soil moisture conservation and weed control), was available. Hence, an experiment was carried out on Cambisols in Tigray/Ethiopia during the 2019/20 growing season following a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Four organic mulch types (maize stalk, sorghum stalk, wheat straw, and finger millet straw), each at the rates of 2 ton ha− 1 were compared against the control (no mulch). Their economic visibility was evaluated using partial budget analysis. Our experimental results revealed that mulched plots had a significantly higher weed control efficiency, soil moisture content, grain yield, and net benefit as compared to the control. Mulching in general improved Wheat grain yield by 26.8%, soil moisture (at 0–20 cm) by 73.7%, weed control efficiency by 57.4%, and net benefit by 19.7% as compared to the control. Maize and sorghum stover mulches were the most profitable mulch types which increased net benefit by 38.2 and 27.6%, respectively. It can be concluded that organic mulching with Maize and Sorghum stover is a good option to improve crop production, soil moisture and reduce weed infestation in the moisture deficit areas.
LncRNA AC008622.2 is an unfavorable prognostic factor of Liver hepatocellular carcinoma: a bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Wang Shengkai , Liu Jingjing , Gu Mengjie , Ye Ruifan
Published: May 2022

Background
Globally, Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is among the most commonly reported cancer type. Despite numerous reports and efforts of this condition, its pathogenesis remains incompletely clear.
Methods
To search for candidate genes that play a role in LIHC carcinogenesis and progression, we analyzed LncRNA AC008622.2 mRNA expression using LIHC data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A chi-square (χ2) test was performed to assess relationships of AC008622.2 mRNA expressions and clinic-pathological characteristics. The diagnostic value of AC008622.2 for LIHC was generated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve assessment. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were analyzed to determine the prognostic significance of AC008622.2 for LIHC outcomes. Interactions between AC008622.2 cells and infiltrated immune cells were analysed via ESTIMATE. Furthermore, a compound-target-lncRNA network was constructed from the TCMSP database.
Results
AC008622.2 mRNA expressions in LIHC tissues were elevated. AC008622.2 demonstrated specific value in LIHC diagnosis. High AC008622.2 levels correlated with histologicalal grade, clinical stage, and T classification of LIHC. Elevated AC008622.2 mRNA levels were associated with worse overall survival, and poor progression-free interval. Furthermore, attest to univariate analysis, AC008622.2 was established to be an independent risk factor for LIHC development. Additionally, there were significantly positive correlations between AC008622.2 expression and infiltrating immune cells, such as NK cells, neutrophils, DCs, cytotoxic cells, CD8 + T cells as well as B cells. Furthermore, a visualization network was constructed and suggested that AC008622.2 has 9 overlapping target genes with Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder.
Conclusions
AC008622.2 is a potential diagnostic as well as prognostic marker for LIHC.
Exploring sustainable care pathways.
Authors: Vasset Frøydis , Sather Eva Walderhaug , Svindseth Marit , Iversen Valentina Cabral , Crawford Paul
Published: May 2022

Background: Patients with mental health problems experience numerous transitions into and out of hospital. Aim: The review studies assessing clinical care pathways between psychiatric hospitalization and community health services. Methods: We used publications between 2009-2020 to allow a broad scoping review of the published research. Sixteen review-articles were identified, 12 primary studies were chosen, both on care pathways in the transition between psychiatric hospital and community. Results: Organizational issues: Systems and procedures to ensure clear responsibilities and transparency at each stage of the pathways of care. Resources: Information-technology in objectively improving patient outcome. Information/documentation: Providing patients with adequate structured information and documented plans at the appropriate time. Patient/families: Continuous collaborative decision-making. Clinical care and teamwork: Collaboration between mental health and other professionals to guarantee that planned activities meet patient need. Ethical issues: Respectful communication and patient-centred, non-humiliating care.Conclusions: System and procedures ensure clear responsibilities and transparency. Information technology support decision-making and referral and objectively improve patient outcomes in care pathways. Collaboration between mental health and other professionals guarantee that planned activities meet patients’ needs along with regular meetings sharing key information. Around-the-clock ambulant-teams important to transition success. Informed-shared decision-making between parties, support patient participation and respectful communication.
Prioritizing the indicators responsible for sustainable municipal solid waste management using SF-AHP and SF-TOPSIS
Authors: KAUR MANBIR
Published: May 2022

Municipal corporations of small cities in India are struggling with the challenges that emerge from the unstructured solid waste management system. For successful implementation of the municipal solid waste management system, all the essential components of this system need to work effectively and efficiently. Identification of performance indicators is completed with the help of a literature review and expert information. Interviews were conducted with experts working in solid waste management, and three decision criteria, i.e., importance, performance, and understandability, were defined to evaluate the selected performance indicators. For uncertainties, criteria weights were established using the spherical fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach, and the combined pair-wise comparison matrix was aggregated by applying the spherical fuzzy TOPSIS method. Eventually, the indicators responsible for sustainable waste management were selected and ranked. An assessment of the conceptual framework of MSWM is also proposed for practical implementation of the rated indicators for the MSWM system in Dinanagar and other cities with similar situations.
Study on the molecular mechanism of aster tataricus L. f. in the treatment of radiation pneumonitis based on Systems Pharmacology
Authors: Zhang Mengmei , Li Guangcai , Hu Huaqing , Mu Yi , Li Yang , Luo Jihang , Tang Yan , Xu Guangmin , Yang Ze , Liu Xiao
Published: May 2022

Background: The occurrence of radiation pneumonia not only affects the efficacy of radiotherapy, but also seriously threatens the health of patients undergoing radiotherapy for lung cancer. Studies have suggested that feining granule is a potentially effective drug for the treatment of radiation pneumonitis, but its mechanism and the main components of its effect are still unclear. Our study used bioinformatics methods to analyze the main the main drug- aster tataricus L. f. in Feining granules, and study its main targets and pathways in the treatment of radiation pneumonia. Methods: Analyzed the effective drug components and targets of aster through the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) website. And obtained gene targets related to radiation pneumonia through the website of Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM, https://www.omim.org/), Genecard (https://www.genecards.org/) and Disgenet (https://www.disgenet.org/home/). Protein–protein interaction (PPI), Go and Kegg analysis of the obtained drugs and gene-related targets were conducted. Verify the effects of small molecule drugs on corresponding targets by conducting molecular docking experiments Results: A total of 193 targets were identified for 13 molecules of aster tataricus L. f., and 897 genes were identified to be related to radiation pneumonia. Finally, we obtained 111 genes by crossing drug and disease related target genes. After PPI, Go and Kegg analysis, we found TP53, HSP90AA1, RELA, JUN, AKT1, MAPK1, TNF and IL-6 are the most critical genes, and these key genes were most focused on the gene ontologies of DNA-binding transcription factor, RNA polymerase II-specific DNA-binding transcription factor and protein serine/threonine kinase activity, and the pathways of lipids and atherosclerosis, advanced glycation end products and their receptors, and interleukin 17. Through molecular docking experiments, it was found that the small molecules of quercetin and luteolin bind tightly to Rela and jun proteins. Conclusion: Through this study, we reveal the mechanism of action of aster in the treatment of radiation pneumonia, and provides a basis for the research on the treatment of radiation pneumonia and the development of new pharmaceutical ingredients in aster tataricus L. f. Quercetin and luteolin may be effective small molecules for radiation pneumonitis
Automatic preform design and optimization for aeroengine disk forgings
Authors: han yan , Wang Menghan , chen yifeng , chen mingfei , xiang xiang
Published: May 2022

To ensure a more uniform microstructure distribution of forging and improve the service performance of aeroengine disk parts, an automated preform design method is proposed for integrated preform shape design and optimization based on the NURBS curve, finite element method (FEM), and genetic algorithm (GA). Firstly, the random preform shape graph is automatically constructed by the NURBS curve design criterion. The volume and shape complexity are used as the constraints of the preform. Then the ratio of the mesh area within the set strain range to the total mesh area is used as the fitness function for the uniformity of deformation, and the genetic algorithm module is used for optimization. Finally, a large disk forging is an example of its optimal design. The results show that the deformation uniformity of the forgings is excellent, its fitness value is as high as 99.59%, and there are no problems such as folding, underfilling, and limited distribution of flash, which verifies the effectiveness of the method. In addition, the method has the advantage of strong universality, which can find the preform shape with good deformation uniformity for any shape forgings.
Stiff left atrial syndrome with pulmonary veins occlusion after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation: a life-long complication that can lead to heart transplantation
Authors: Kronenberger Rani , Tanaka Kaoru , De Asmundis Carlo , Meir Mark La
Published: May 2022

Background
Stiff left atrial syndrome (SLAS) and pulmonary vein (PV) occlusion are rare yet potentially major life-long complications after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). While mostly controlled by medical management, SLAS can progress to refractory congestive heart failure. Treatment of PV stenosis and occlusion remains a challenging problem with ongoing risk for recurrence regardless of techniques employed. Herein we present the case of a now 50-year-old male with acquired PV occlusion and SLAS who, over the course of ten years, despite multiple interventions, ultimately required a heart transplantation.
Case presentation:
After undergoing three radiofrequency catheter procedures for paroxysmal AF, a hybrid ablation was planned due to reappearance of symptomatic AF. Preoperative echocardiography and chest computed tomography revealed an occlusion of both left PVs. Furthermore, left atrial dysfunction, high pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressures were diagnosed as well as an important reduction of the left atrial volume. The diagnosis of stiff left atrial syndrome was made. Primary surgical repair of the left-sided PVs was performed using a pericardial patch as a tubular neo-vein, combined with cryoablation in the left and right atrium to treat the patient’s arrhythmia. Initial results were favorable, however, after two years the patient experienced progressive restenosis with hemoptysis. Therefore, stenting of the common left PV was performed. Over the years, progressive right heart failure with severe tricuspid regurgitation developed, despite maximal medical therapy, which led to the need for heart transplantation.
Conclusion
The impact of PV occlusion and SLAS after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation can be lifelong and devastating for the clinical course of the patient. Since the presence of a small left atrium could be an important predictor for SLAS in case of redo ablation, preprocedural imaging should guide the operator to an algorithm of a decision making containing lesion set, energy source and safety of re-ablation.
Autologous fibrin glue versus suture for conjunctival autograft in primary pterygium: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cioba Christine , Marafon Samara Bárbara , Fortes Barbara Gastal Borges , Cavalheiro Mariana Thomé , Fabris Marcelo , Michel Gustavo , Zambon Gabriela Maria , Marcon Alexandre , Marinho Diane Ruschel
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To describe and compare the autologous fibrin glue versus traditional sutures for conjunctival graft attachment in patients undergoing primary pterygium excision surgery.Method: Randomized clinical trial, including patients who underwent pterygium surgery with autologous conjunctival graft. According to randomization, a single-trained surgeon performed graft fixation with autologous glue or sutures. The glue was prepared immediately before the surgery, using the patient´s blood components. Postoperative assessments were performed on days 1, 7, 21, 30 and 180. The study evaluated postoperative edema and pain, and complications. Mean surgical time was compared. Recurrence of the pterygium was assessed six months postoperatively.Results: The study evaluated 61 eyes. Thirty-three eyes underwent pterygium surgery using the glue technique, and 28 underwent the traditional suture technique. Fifty-one patients (83.60%) had the graft successfully adhered to at the end of follow-up. Ten patients (10/33) lost their graft in the glue group, and only 69.70% of them had the graft present in the 4th week versus 100% of the patients in the suture group (p = 0.001). Pain scores were lower in the glue group, and clinical edema was significantly higher. There was no statistical difference in graft retraction. The presence of granuloma, necrosis and postoperative infection was not different.Conclusion: Autologous fibrin glue is an available option for ACG fixation in particular contexts where fibrin glue is unavailable and it could offer advantages compared to sutures. Improvements in the autologous glue technique are necessary before widely applying it.
Diagnosis of Erythemato-Squamous Skin Diseases with Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: BOZOK Mustafa Necati , ÇALHAN Ali
Published: May 2022

Since erythema squamous skin diseases show very close findings in clinical examination, a biopsy is taken from the patient for definitive diagnosis and the diagnosis of the disease can be made according to the biopsy result. On literature, classification studies were carried out on these diseases using machine learning and classification methods. Researches were mostly focused on optimizing and reducing database features for better classification score. Due to importance of reflecting spesifications of diseases we especially focused on dataset features named as as clinic or histopathological features findings. In this study, histopathological features of diseases were discussed first and than we developed an algorithm to remove outlier data from the dataset. This algorithm leads us to discover a threshold value to achieve better outlier removal. Logistic Regression, KNeihgbors Classifier, Support Vector Classifier, Gaussian Naive Bayes, Decision Tree Classifier and Random Forest Classifier methods applied to the outlier free dataset. It was determined that the Gaussian Naive Bayes method was the most appropriate classification method with 100% score. The results we obtained as a result of the algorithm we developed, being compatible with the clinical and histopathological features of skin diseases with erythema squamous, is a positive result for this study.
Obesity affects pulmonary function in Japanese adult patients with asthma, but not those without asthma
Authors: Tashiro Hiroki , Takahashi Koichiro , Kurihara Yuki , Sadamatsu Hironori , Kuwahara Yuki , Tajiri Ryo , Kimura Shinya , Sueoka-Aragane Naoko
Published: May 2022

Background
Obesity is a factor associated with the severity of asthma, which is characterized by airway obstruction. Pulmonary function testing is one of the important examinations for evaluating airway obstruction. However, the impact of obesity on pulmonary function in patients with asthma is not fully understood.
Methods
A total of 193 patients with asthma and 2,159 patients without asthma who visited Saga University Hospital were investigated retrospectively. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 kg/m2. Pulmonary functions including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were compared between patients with asthma and those without asthma, focusing especially on obesity.
Results
%FVC, FEV1, and %FEV1, but not FVC were significantly lower in patients with asthma than in those without asthma (p < 0.01, < 0.01, < 0.01, 0.25, respectively). In patients with asthma, FVC, %FVC, FEV1, and %FEV1 were significantly lower in patients with obesity than in those without obesity (all p < 0.01). In addition, BMI was negatively correlated with FEV1 (ρ = − 0.22, p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis in patients with asthma, FVC (β value [95% confidence interval] 1.9 [1.1–3.4], p = 0.02) and FEV1 (2.7 [1.4–5.4], p < 0.01) were still significant between patients with obesity versus patients without obesity. However, those obesity-associated differences were not observed in patients without asthma.
Conclusion
Obesity reduces pulmonary function including FVC and FEV1 in patients with asthma but not in those without asthma.
Trial registration
The present study was retrospectively registered.
Ultra-thin crystalline silicon-based strain gauges with deep learning algorithms for silent speech interfaces
Authors: Yu Ki Jun , Kim Taemin , Shin Yejee , Kang Kyowon , Kim Kiho , Kim Gwanho , Byeon Yunsu , Kim Hwayeon , Gao Yuyan , Kim Jihyun , Lee Jinyoung , Um Seyun , Kwon Yoohwan , Son Byung Gwan , Lee Jeong Ryong , Son Geonhui , Kim Taeseong , Jun Yohan , Cho Myeongki , Sang Mingyu , Shin Jongwoon , Kim Kyubeen , Suh Jungmin , Choi Heekyeong , Hong Seokjun , Cheng Huanyu , Kang Hong-Goo , Hwang Dosik
Published: May 2022

A wearable silent speech interface (SSI) is a promising platform that enables verbal communication without vocalization. The most widely studied methodology for SSI focuses on surface electromyography (sEMG). However, sEMG suffers from low scalability because of signal quality-related issues, including signal-to-noise ratio and interelectrode interference. Hence, in this study, we present a novel SSI by utilizing crystalline-silicon-based strain sensors combined with a 3D convolutional deep learning algorithm. Two perpendicularly placed strain gauges with minimized cell dimension (< 0.1 mm2) could capture the biaxial strain information with high reliability. We attached four strain sensors near the subject’s mouths and collected strain data of unprecedently large wordsets (100 words), which our SSI can classify at a high accuracy rate (87.53%). Several analysis methods were demonstrated to verify the system’s reliability, as well as the performance comparison with another SSI using sEMG electrodes with the same dimension, which exhibited an accuracy rate of 35.00%.
Clinical characteristics and predictive factors of postoperative intra-abdominal abscess after distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Nakano Yutaka , Endo Yutaka , Kitago Minoru , Nishiyama Ryo , Yagi Hiroshi , Abe Yuta , Hasegawa Yasushi , Hori Shutaro , Tanaka Masayuki , Shimane Gaku , Soga Shigeyoshi , Egawa Tomohisa , Okuda Shigeo , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The postoperative mortality rate of distal pancreatectomy is lower than that of pancreaticoduodenectomy, although persistent complications may occur after distal pancreatectomy. Fluid collection (FC) is frequently observed after distal pancreatectomy; however, FC may occasionally progress to postoperative intra-abdominal abscess (PIAA), which requires conservative or progressive interventional treatment. This study aimed to compare the status between patients with or without PIAA, identify predictive factors for PIAA and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, and investigate clinical characteristics of patients with PIAA with interventional drainage.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of patients who underwent distal pancreatectomy between January 2012 and December 2019 at two high-volume centers, where hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeries were performed by expert specialist surgeons. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive factors for PIAA.Results: Overall, 242 patients were analyzed, among whom 49 (20.2%) had PIAA. The median postoperative period of PIAA formation was 9 (range: 3–49) days. Among the 49 patients with PIAA, 25 (51.0%) underwent percutaneous ultrasound, computed tomography, or endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions for PIAA. In the univariate analysis, preoperative indices representing abdominal fat mass (i.e., body mass index, subcutaneous fat area, and visceral fat area) were identified as predictive factors for PIAA; in the multivariate analysis, C-reactive protein (CRP) level (continuous variable) on postoperative day (POD) 3 (odds ratio: 1.189, 95.0% confidence interval: 1.111-1.274; P<0.001) was the only independent and significant predictive factor for PIAA.Conclusions: CRP level on POD 3 was an independent and significant predictive factor for PIAA after distal pancreatectomy.