bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic structure of cyanoprokaryotes and microalgae in the steppe soil of Askania Nova
Authors: SOLONENKO ANATOLIY , BREN OLEKSANDR , BREN OKSANA
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the species composition and diversity of cyanoprokaryota and microalgae in the steppe soil of Askania Nova. There were identified a total of 135 species belonging to 6 phyla, 8 classes, 33 orders, 48 families, and 76 genera, with Chlorophyta, Cyanoprokaryota, and Xanthophyta being the most predominant in terms of species richness. The partial soil algoflora is diverse and stable over time due to the strict conservation regime in the reserve. The leading orders were Chlamydomonadales, Mischococcales, and Oscillatoriales, and the leading families were Chlamydomonadaceae, Pleurochloridaceae, and Leptolyngbyaceae. The most diverse genera were Chlamydomonas, Leptolyngbya, Phormidium, and Nostoc. There were also registered 39 species with the highest frequency of occurrence, including Hantzschia amphioxys, Klebsormidium flaccidum, and Pinnularia borealis. The prevalence of Chlamydomonadales representatives at all taxonomic levels suggests that anthropogenic factors may be impacting the area. Cluster and correspondence analyses showed conformity for certain associations in terms of similarity of species composition and species richness of cyanoprokaryota and microalgae.
Interactions between DC-SIGN and the envelope protein from Dengue and Zika viruses: a structural perspective based on molecular dynamics and MM/GBSA analyses
Authors: Menechino Bruno Stein Barbosa , Kato Rodrigo Bentes , Franz Helena Cristina Ferreira , Silva Pedro Eduardo Almeida , Corat Marcus , Neto Daniel Ferreira Lima
Published: May 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) and Dengue Virus (DENV) share a lot of similarities, being both flaviviruses and neglected tropical diseases that cause a worldwide burden that is increasing with climate change. Studying the interactions of cell recptors and viruses is essential to further the knowledge and development of ways to prevent and control flaviviral diseases. An important interaction occurs between the envelopeof the two viruses and a protein on the surface of immune cells, called DC-SIGN. We describe this interaction in a structural comparison involving homology modeling of these proteins, guided docking based on deposited crystallography, molecular dynamics of the docked complexes and for the decomposition of interacting residues we employed an analysis of the surface area accessible by the Generalized Bourne method. The region of interest for the discussion is predominantly electropositive in the DENV envelope, but when comparing the same region in the ZIKV envelope, we can observe that there is a decrease in charges, not to the point of making the region electronegative as a whole, but enough for the surroundings of the interaction region to become neutral with electronegative trends. These results suggest better interaction of ZIKV with the DC-SIGN receptor, particularly in the CRD portion
Numerical multi-objective optimization of segmented and variable blank holder force trajectories in deep drawing based on DNN-GA-MCS strategy
Authors: Guo Feng , Jeong Hoyoung , Park Donghwi , Sung Booyong , Kim Naksoo
Published: May 2023

This research introduces a novel methodology for mitigating defects in sheet metal forming processes. The proposed approach employs a segmented and variable blank holder force (S-VBHF) trajectory, adjusting the blank holder force (BHF) during the forming cycle, enhancing formability, and reducing failure, wrinkling and springback defects. Optimal process parameters, including the S-VBHF, friction coefficient and drawbead restraining force (DBRF), were determined through a systematic methodology integrating deep neural network, genetic algorithm and Monte Carlo simulation (DNN-GA-MCS) techniques. The design constraint, defined as sheet failure during the forming process, was quantitatively evaluated using the forming limit diagram (FLD) to ensure rigorous assessment. The proposed methodology was validated through numerical simulations using a cylindrical cup provided by NUMISHEET 2011 (BM1) as test samples. The simulation results demonstrated a significant improvement in the formed sheet quality, characterized by reductions of 8.33%, 10.81% and 5.88% in failure, wrinkling and springback defects, respectively. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed approach in enhancing the quality of sheet metal forming processes and mitigating defects.
Noradrenaline depresses facial stimulation-evoked cerebellar MLI-PC synaptic transmission via α2-AR/PKA signaling cascade in vivo in mice
Authors: Wu Mao-Cheng , Chu Chun-Ping , Wang Jun-Ya , Weng Wen-Cai , Wang Ting-Qi , Liu Yue , Qiu De-Lai
Published: May 2023

The noradrenergic fibers of locus coeruleus (LC) together with mossy fibers and climbing fibers comprise the three types of cerebellar afferents, which modulate cerebellar neuronal circuit function via adrenergic receptors (ARs). We previously demonstrated that noradrenaline (NA) modulated synaptic transmission in mouse cerebellar cortex. In the present study, we investigated the effect of NA on the facial stimulation-evoked cerebellar molecular layer interneuron (MLI)-Purkinje cell (PC) synaptic transmission in urethane-anesthetized mice using in vivo cell-attached recording technique and pharmacological method. The MLI-PC synaptic transmission was induced by air-puff stimulation (duration: 60 ms) of ipsilateral whisker pad, which exhibited negative components (P1 and P2) accompanied with a pause of simple spike (SS). Cerebellar molecular layer application of NA (15 µM) decreased the amplitude and area under the curve (AUC) of P1, and the pause of SS, but increased the P2/P1 ratio. The NA-induced decrease in P1 amplitude was concentration-dependent, and the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 10.94 µM. The NA-induced depression of the facial stimulation-evoked MLI-PC GABAergic synaptic transmission was completely abolished by blockade of α-ARs or α2-AR, but not by antagonist of α1-AR or β-AR. Bath application of α2-AR agonist inhibited the MLI-PC synaptic transmission, as well as occluded the effect of NA on the synaptic response. NA-induced depression of the MLI-PC synaptic transmission was completely blocked by a mixture of α2A- and 2B-AR antagonists, as well as abolished by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA). In addition, electrical stimulation of molecular layer evoked MLI-PC GABAergic synaptic transmission in the presence of AMPA receptor antagonist, which was inhibited by NA through α2-AR. Our results indicate that NA inhibits MLI–PC GABAergic synaptic transmission via an α2-AR/PKA signaling pathway, at least in part through a presynaptic mechanism. These results suggest that the adrenergic neurons in the LC may modulate the output of PCs through regulating MLI–PC synaptic transmission in sensory information transmission of mouse cerebellar cortex.
Mobbing calls of seven species of Parids under the paradigm of the FME-D combination
Authors: Salis Ambre , Lengagne Thierry , Miele Vincent , Sieving Kathryn , Henry Hannah , Léna Jean-Paul
Published: May 2023

The combinatorial properties of birds’ mobbing calls provide a focus for understanding signal evolution in the higher vertebrates. Indeed, when mobbing a predator, several Parids produce a combinatorial call: first, frequency-modulated elements (FME) followed by broadband frequency notes (D notes). No quantitative data is present in the literature to confirm the ubiquity of this combinatorial call in Parids’ mobbing calls. In the present study, we recorded sequences of seven species and analyzed whether (1) the dichotomy between FME and D notes stands for all species despite the large variation in acoustic properties found between species, and (2) whether the FME-D call is pervasive in mobbing situations. FME and D notes were efficiently labelled and clustered in each species because of their large differences in peak frequency and bandwidth. Modulation and duration, in contrast, were not useful for all species. With the help of a machine learning program, we analyzed the organization of the calls produced by the seven species. Six of them used FME-D calls more than chance but the coal tit P. ater rarely produced FME-D calls. No other particular call combination was predominant in all of the seven species (e.g. D-FME calls). These results pave the way for comparative research on combinatoriality in Parids to better understand to which extent birds process combinatorial rules.
Female sex and overweight are associated with a lower quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis: a single center cohort study
Authors: Wilcke Hannah , Glaubitz Stefanie , Kück Fabian , Anten Christoph , Liebetanz David , Schmidt Jens , Zschüntzsch Jana
Published: May 2023

Background:
Myasthenia gravis (MG) affects individuals as a chronic paraneoplastic or autoimmune disease for many years. Commonly, chronic diseases significantly reduce the patients’ quality of life. Aiming to improve the future quality of life in MG, this study assessed the key determinants relevant for living with MG. As gender-specific medicine is becoming increasingly important, this study also focused on understanding gender differences in the outcome of MG.
Methods:
The study is a combined monocentric, retrospective and prospective database analysis of patient records based on 2,370 presentations of 165 patients with clinically, serologically and/or electrophysiologically confirmed MG over an observation period of up to 47 years. The data collection included the following parameters: antibody status, disease severity, age, medication use, gender, and disease duration. In addition, a prospective survey was conducted on the quality of life using the Myasthenia gravis-specific 15-item Quality of Life scale (MG-QoL15) and on the activities of daily living using the MG-specific Activities of Daily Living scale (MG-ADL).
Results:
Of the 165 patients, 85 were male (51.5%) and 80 were female (48.5%). The remaining baseline characteristics (e.g. age and antibody status) were consistent with other myasthenia gravis cohorts. A high body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.005) and a high disease severity (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with lower disease-specific quality of life. Additionally, the quality of life in women with MG was significantly reduced compared to male patients (19.7 vs. 13.0 points in the MG-QoL15, p = 0.024). Gender differences were also observable in terms of the period between initial manifestation and initial diagnosis and women were significantly more impaired in their activities of daily living (MG-ADL) than men (4.8 vs. 3.0 points, p = 0.032).
Conclusion:
Women with MG had significantly poorer disease specific quality of life compared to men as well as patients with a higher BMI. In order to improve the quality of life, gender-specific medicine and a normal BMI are essential.
Trial registration
Study approval by the Ethics Committee of the University Medical Center Göttingen was granted (number 6/5/18).
Prolonging somatic cell proliferation through constitutive hox gene expression in C. elegans
Authors: Heinze Svenia , Berger Simon , Engleitner Stefanie , Daube Michael , Hajnal Alex
Published: May 2023

hox genes encode a conserved family of homeobox transcription factors that are essential to determine the identity of body segments during embryogenesis and maintain adult somatic stem cells competent to regenerate organs. In contrast to higher organisms, somatic cells in C. elegans irreversibly exit the cell cycle after completing their cell lineage, and the adult soma cannot regenerate.
Here, we show that hox gene expression levels in C. elegans determine the temporal competence of somatic cells to proliferate. Down-regulation of the central hox gene lin-39 in dividing vulval cells results in their premature cell cycle exit, whereas constitutive lin-39 expression causes precocious Pn.p cell and sex myoblast divisions and prolongs the proliferative phase of the vulval cells past their normal point of arrest. Furthermore, ectopic expression of hox genes in the quiescent anchor cell re-activates the cell cycle and induces proliferation until young adulthood. Thus, constitutive expression of a single hox transcription factor is sufficient to prolong somatic cell proliferation beyond the restriction imposed by the cell lineage. The down-regulation of hox gene expression in most somatic cells at the end of larval development is one cause for the absence of cell proliferation in adult C. elegans.
Trusting Young Children Causes Them to Cheat Less
Authors: Zhao Li , Harris Paul , Mao Haiying , Lee Kang
Published: May 2023

Trust and honesty are essential for human interactions. Philosophers since antiquity have long posited that they are causally linked. Evidence shows that honesty elicits trust from others but little is known about the reverse: Does trust lead to honesty? Here we investigated whether trusting young children can cause them to become more honest using a naturalistic field study design (total N = 328 across five studies; 168 boys; Mage = 5.67, SDage = 0.28). We observed kindergarten children’s cheating behavior after they had been entrusted by an adult to help her with a task. We found that children who were trusted cheated less than children who were not trusted. Our study provides novel evidence for the causal effect of trust on honesty and contributes to the understanding of how social factors influence morality. This finding also points to the potential of using adult trust as an effective method to promote honesty in children.
Risk of epilepsy in gonadal teratoma: A nationwide population- based study
Authors: Kim Seonghoon , Kim Hasung , Lee Jungkuk , Lee Si Baek , Hong Yun Jeong , Oh Yoon-Sang , Park Jeong Wook
Published: May 2023

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder. Systemic tumors are associated with an increased risk of epileptic events. Paraneoplastic encephalitis related to gonadal teratoma is frequently accompanied by seizures and life-threatening status epilepticus (SE). However, the risk of epilepsy in gonadal teratoma has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the relationship between epileptic events and gonadal teratoma. This retrospective cohort study used the Korean National Health Insurance (KNHI) database. The study population was divided into two study arms (ovarian teratoma vs. control and testicular teratoma vs. control) with 1:2 age and gender-matched control groups without a history of gonadal teratoma or other malignancy. Participants with other malignancies, neurologic disorders, and metastatic brain lesions were excluded. We observed the occurrence of epileptic events during the observation period (2013–2018) and investigated the risk of epileptic events in each gonadal teratoma group compared to controls. In addition, the influence of malignancy and tumor removal was investigated. The final analysis included 94,203 women with ovarian teratoma, 2,314 men with testicular teratoma, and controls. Ovarian teratoma is associated with a higher risk of epilepsy without SE (HR, 1.244; 95% CI, 1.112–1.391) and epilepsy with SE (HR, 2.012; 95% CI, 1.220–3.318) compared to the control group. The risk of epilepsy without SE was higher in malignant ovarian teratoma (HR, 1.661; 95% CI, 1.358–2.033) than in benign (HR, 1.172; 95% CI, 1.037–1.324). Testicular teratoma did not show significant relations with epileptic events. The risk of epileptic events showed a tendency to decrease after removing the ovarian teratoma. This study found that ovarian teratoma is associated with a higher risk of epileptic events, especially in malignant tumors, whereas testicular teratoma did not show significant differences in epileptic events compared to the control group. This study adds to the current understanding of the association between gonadal teratoma and epileptic events.
Double Boron–Oxygen-Fused Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Skeletal Editing and Applications in Organic Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Xu Kewei , Zheng Jianbing , Fang Xiaoli , Yang Yun-Fang , Lou Weiwei , Chu Qingshan , Dai Jianxin , Chen Qidong , Yang Yuning , She Yuan-Bin , Li Guijie
Published: May 2023

We developed an efficient one-pot strategy for the facile synthesis of novel double boron–oxygen-fused polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (dBO-PAHs) with high regioselectivity and efficient skeletal editing. The BO-fused rings exhibit low aromaticity, endowing the dBO-PAHs with high chemical and thermal stabilities. The incorporation of the B–O units enables the dBO-PAHs to show single-component, low-temperature ultralong afterglow of up to 20 s after UV excitation. Moreover, the dBO-PAHs can also serve as ideal n-type host materials for high-brightness and high-efficiency deep-blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs); compared to single host, BO1b:mCBP co-hosts-based deep-blue OLEDs exhibited dramatically brightness and efficiency enhancements with significantly reduced efficiency roll-offs; device 7 using PtON1 as emitter achieved a maximum brightness (Lmax) of 15722 cd/m2 with a peak EQE of 27.1%, which represented the record-high Lmax among Pt(II)-based deep-blue OLEDs with CIEy < 0.20; device 9 employing PtON-TBBI as emitter demonstrated a 4.6-fold Lmax enhancement with a high color-purity (CIEy = 0.104), and also achieved a record-high EQE (28.0%) among Pt(II)-based deep-blue OLEDs. This work demonstrates the great potential of the dBO-PAHs as ultralong afterglow and novel n-type host materials in optoelectronic applications.
Multidisciplinary prehabilitation to improve frailty and functional capacity in high-risk elective surgical patients: a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Wong Henry MK , Qi Ding , Ma Bosco HM , Hou PY , Kwong Calvin KW , Lee Anna , Group* Prehab Study
Published: May 2023

Background
Frailty is associated with worse outcomes and higher healthcare costs. The long waiting time for surgery is a potential “teachable” moment. We examined the feasibility and safety of a pilot prehabilitation program on high-risk frail patients undergoing major elective surgery.
Methods
A single-centre, retrospective pilot study (Dec 2020-Nov 2021) on a one-stop prehabilitation program (structured exercise training, nutritional counselling/therapy and psychological support) in collaboration with geriatricians and allied health professionals. At least 4 weeks before surgery, patients at high risk of frailty or malnutrition, or undergoing major hepatectomy, esophagectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy or radical cystectomy were referred for prehabilitation (2–3 sessions/week). The primary outcomes were the feasibility and safety of prehabilitation. The secondary outcomes were changes in functional, emotional, and nutritional status, and days alive and at home within 30 days after surgery (DAH30) associated with prehabilitation.
Results
Over a 12-month period, 72 out of 111 patients (64.9%) from the Perioperative Medicine Clinic were eligible for prehabilitation, of which 54 (75%) were recruited. Mean (standard deviation) age was 71.9 (6.9) years. The adherence rate to three-weeks of prehabilitation was high in 52 (96.3%) participants. Prehabilitation improved exercise capacity (P = 0.08), enhanced some functional mobility measures (P = 0.02), and increased nutritional energy (P = 0.04) and protein intakes (P < 0.01). However, prehabilitation-related changes in muscle strength, cognitive function and emotional resilience were minimal. The median (interquatile range) DAH30 was 19 (14–23) days. No adverse events were reported
Conclusions
This outpatient based, one-stop multidisciplinary prehabilitation program was feasible, safe, and improved several measures of patient’s physiological reserve and functional capacity.
Clinical trial registration ID:
NCT05668221
Causal associations between hand grip strength and pulmonary function: A two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Xianghu , Xu Wenyuan , Gu Yanchao , Li Zhanghua , Sun Guiju
Published: May 2023

Background: Several observational studies have reported an association between hand grip strength (HGS) and pulmonary function (PF). However, causality is unclear. To investigate whether HGS and PF are causally associated, we performed Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.
Methods: We identified 110 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for right-hand grip strength (RGHS) and 103 independent SNPs for left-hand grip strength (LGHS) at the genome-wide significant threshold (P < 5 × 10−8) from MRC-IEU Consortium and evaluated these related to PF. MR estimates were calculated using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method and multiple sensitivity analyses were further performed.
Results: Genetical liability to HGS was positively causally associated with forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), but not with FVC/FEV1. In addition, there was positive causal association between RGHS and FVC (OR=1.519; 95% CI, 1.418-1.627; P=8.96E-33), and FEV1 (OR=1.486; 95% CI, 1.390-1.589; P=3.19E-31); and positive causal association between LGHS and FVC (OR=1.464; 95% CI, 1.385-1.548; P=2.83E-41) and FEV1 (OR=1.419; 95% CI, 1.340-1.502; P=3.19E-33). Nevertheless, no associations were observed between RGHS and FEV1/FVC (OR=0.998; 95% CI, 0.902-1.103; and between LGHS and FEV1/FVC (OR=0.966; 95% CI, 0.861-1.083; P=5.52E-01). Similar results were shown in several sensitivity analyses.
Conclusion: Our study provides support at the genetic level that GHS is positively causally associated with FVC and FEV1, but not with FVC/FEV1. Interventions for HGS in PF impairment deserve further exploration as potential indicators of PF assessment.
A Mathematical Model for Simulating Photoacoustic Signal Generation Process in Biological Tissues
Authors: GadAllah Mohammed Tarek , Mohamed Abd El-Naser A. , Hefnawy Alaa , Zidan Hassan , El-Banby Ghada , Badawy Samir Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Background
Biomedical photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a hybrid imaging modality based on the laser-generated ultrasound waves due to the photoacoustic (PA) effect physical phenomenon that has been reported firstly by A. G. Bell in 1880. Numerical modeling based simulation for PA signal generation process in biological tissues helps researchers for decreasing error trials in-vitro and hence decreasing error rates for in-vivo experiments. Numerical modeling methods help in obtaining a rapid modeling procedure comparable to pure mathematics. However, if a proper simplified mathematical model can be founded before applying numerical modeling techniques, it will be a great advantage for the overall numerical model. More scientific theories, equations, and assumptions through the biomedical PA imaging research literature have been proposed trying to mathematically model the complete PA signal generation and propagation process in biological tissues. However, most of them have so complicated details. Hence, the researchers, especially the beginners, will find a hard difficulty to explore and obtain a proper simplified mathematical model describing the process. That’s why this paper is introduced.
Methods
In this paper we have tried to simplify understanding for the biomedical PA wave’s generation and propagation process, deducing a simplified mathematical model for the whole process. The proposed deduced model is based on three steps: a- pulsed laser irradiance, b- diffusion of light through biological tissue, and c- acoustic pressure wave generation and propagation from the target tissue to the ultrasound transducer surface.
Real-time monitoring method for surface roughness of γ-TiAl alloy based on deep learning of time-frequency diagram
Authors: Wu Yongxian , Liu Linyan , Huang Lei , wang zhenhua
Published: May 2023

γ-TiAl alloy is a typically difficult material to machine, and machining defects such as grain pull-out and material spalling are common during machining, resulting in component scrap. As a result, it is critical to investigate the real-time monitoring method of surface roughness during milling. A new model for predicting surface roughness is proposed in this article. Based on the idea of deep learning, the prediction problem of surface roughness is turned into a classification problem. The features of the force signal are extracted using a continuous wavelet transform, and the one-dimensional signal is converted into a two-dimensional time-frequency diagram to obtain more information. The transfer learning mechanism is introduced to make the model run faster and improve prediction accuracy. The overfitting problem is solved and the model's generalization ability is improved through batch normalization and dropout layer, and the prediction accuracy is increased by 3%. The results show that the method has high recognition accuracy, with a maximum classification accuracy of 98% and an average accuracy of 96.12%, a 6% improvement over the traditional model, allowing it to accurately realize real-time monitoring of surface quality in milling processing.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety between Percutaneous Transforaminal Endoscopic Discectomy and Tubular Microdiscectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Shichao , Wang Rui , Chen Haodong , Zhuang Yuandong , Chen Chunmei
Published: May 2023

Background
Existing studies suggested that the efficacy and safety of tubular microdiscectomy (TMD) and percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic discectomy (TED) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) was similar to open microdiscectomy (OMD). No head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between TMD and TED for LDH have been reported, however, making room for indirect, integrated comparisons. Network meta-analysis (NMA) based on RCTs was used to comparing the clinical efficacy and safety of TMD and TED for LDH.
Methods
We systematically searched online databases of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase from inception through March 2023 for eligible literature. The following search terms were used: “transforaminal endoscopic discectomy,” “microdiscectomy,” “endoscopic,” “minimally invasive,” “tubular microdiscectomy,” “spinal disease,” and “randomized clinical trial”. Primary outcomes were Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain, complications, and reoperation. Direct comparison meta-analyses and NMA were carried out.
Results
Eight RCTs (1391 patients) met the inclusion criteria. NMA indicated that there was no significant difference in any of the outcomes between TED and TMD. Trend analyses of rank probabilities showed that cumulative probabilities of being the most effective treatment, as measured by primary outcomes (VAS, ODI, reoperation, complications), were: TED (95%, 77%, 23%, 58%), TMD (4%, 22%, 54%, 36%), OMD (1%,1%, 23%, 6%).
Conclusion
This NMA showed no significant differences between TED and TMD in efficacy and safety for LDH.
PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020156123.
Incidence of congenital tracheal stenosis in left pulmonary artery sling diagnosed by bronchoscopy
Authors: Tsuji Emi , Morita Keiichi , Matsuhisa Hironori , Bitoh Yuko , Hatakeyama Tadashi
Published: May 2023

Purpose Congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) has been reported to occur in 50–65% of cases of left pulmonary artery sling (LPAS), but the exact incidence rate is unknown. This study aimed to determine the actual rate by using bronchoscopy and to elucidate morphological features in computed tomography (CT) diagnosis.Methods We performed a single institutional retrospective review of all patients with LPAS between January 2010 and March 2022. The percentage of complete tracheal rings in patients with LPAS was evaluated using bronchoscopy. The anteroposterior/lateral diameter ratios at the smallest and largest diameters of each CTS patient’s trachea were measured on CT. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze the differences between the two parts.Results Fifty-two patients with LPAS were enrolled. All patients had complete tracheal rings on bronchoscopy. CT analysis of 32 patients with CTS was performed. The median anteroposterior/lateral diameter ratio at the smallest diameter was 1.05 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.95–1.15); the median ratio at the largest diameter was 0.94 (IQR, 0.89–0.99). There was a significant difference between the two parts (p = 0.013).Conclusion CTS might be universally associated with LPAS. The circular tracheal cross-section on CT might imply the existence of a complete tracheal ring.
Design, synthesis, and characterization of novel Xc- transport inhibitors: Inhibition of microglial glutamate release and neurotoxicity
Authors: Gajewski Mariusz , Barger Steven
Published: May 2023

Neuroinflammation appears to involve some degree of excitotoxicity promulgated by microglia, which release glutamate via the system Xc- cystine-glutamate antiporter. With the aim of mitigating this source of neuronal stress and toxicity, we have developed a panel of inhibitors of the Xc- antiporter. The compounds were based on L-tyrosine, as elements of its structure align with those of glutamate, a primary physiological substrate of the Xc- antiporter. In addition to 3,5-dibromotyrosine, ten compounds were synthesized via amidation of that parent molecule with a selection of acyl halides. These agents were tested for the ability to inhibit release of glutamate from microglia activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an activity exhibited by eight of the compounds. Two of these were further tested for the ability to inhibit death of primary cortical neurons in the presence of activated microglia. While both showed some neuroprotective activity, they were quantitatively distinct with a compound we refer to as “35DBTA7” showing the greatest efficacy. This agent may hold promise in reducing the neurodegenerative effects of neuroinflammation in conditions such as encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or neurodegenerative diseases.
Psychometric of the interpersonal communication skills scale: A confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Salahshouri Arash , Fathi Sheida , Jiba Mostafa , Mohamadian Hashem
Published: May 2023

Background: In order to improve patient outcomes, healthcare professionals' communication skills need to be evaluated. A valid, culturally appropriate, and endemic scale for assessing interpersonal communication skills among the staff of comprehensive health centers in Iran was examined to achieve such an objective.
Materials & methods: A convenience sampling was used in November and December 2021 to collect information from 170 voluntary healthcare staff. The questionnaire had 30 items and seven factors. First- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis was used to validate the scale. Model fit was evaluated with GFI, AGFI, CFI, NFI, SRMR, RMSEA, and CN indices during confirmatory factor analysis. Discriminant validity was measured through Fronell-Larcker Criterion. Data were analyzed using Lisrel 8.8 & Smartpls 3.2.8 software.
Results: The predictive power of the model using the Q2-index based on the blindfolding test was equal to % 44. The first-order CFA results indicated that the indices had an acceptable value(χ2= 767.17; DF=375; CFI=0.98; GFI=0.82; AGFI=0.80; NFI=0.97; SRMR=0.22; CN= 127.83; RMSEA=0.068). Also, the fit indices of the second-order measurement model demonstrated the the adequacy and their desirability. (χ2= 797.24; DF=381; CFI=0.98; GFI=0.82; AGFI=0.78; NFI=0.97; SRMR=0.059; CN= 127.33; RMSEA=0.068). In terms of the importance-performance map analysis, the general and listening skills had the highest scores.
Conclusion: To develop interpersonal communication skills among healthcare staff, this scale could be useful. The results will need to be compared after further evaluation. It proposes to replicate skills training programs in other populations to determine their effectiveness.
Sparsity-Aware Distributed Adaptive Filtering with Robustness Against Impulsive Noise and Low SNR
Authors: Carmo Rafael Moura , Ferreira Guilherme R. , Campelo Pedro Henrique , Resende Leonardo C. , Lima Leonardo , Henriques Felipe Rocha , Haddad Diego Barreto
Published: May 2023

Distributed inference tasks could be performed by adaptive filtering techniques. Several enhancement strategies for such techniques were proposed, such as sparsity-aware algorithms, coefficients reuse and correntropy-based cost functions in the case of impulsive noise. In this paper, a general framework based on La-grange multipliers for the derivation of sophisticated algorithms that incorporate most of these improvements is described. A new general identification algorithm is derived as an example of the proposed approach and its performance is assessed in a distributed setting.
Early use of Thymalfasin prevents progression of common COVID-19 infection to severe pneumonia
Authors: Wang Zirui , Wang Cong , Fei Xiaohua , Wu Haixing , Niu Peiqin , Shen Changxing
Published: May 2023

Introduction
Thymosin drugs are commonly used for the treatment of viral infections due to their immunomodulatory effects. Whether the use of thymosin drugs can reduce the rate of COVID-19 progression to severe pneumonia has not been well documented. The aim of the present study was to explore the clinical value of Thymalfasin in preventing COVID-19 progression to severe pneumonia by retrospective review of the clinical data of 338 inpatients with common COVID-19 infection who received treatment in our hospital.
Methods
The primary index of observation was whether progression to severe pneumonia occurred within a week after admission, and the secondary indexes were the length of hospital stay, time of negative conversion of COVID-19 antigen, the number of peripheral lymphocytes and white blood cells (WBC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels.
Results
The length of hospital stay of patients in Thymalfasin group was significantly shorter than that of patients in the control group (p < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the use of Thymalfasin was an independent protective factor affecting the progression to severe pneumonia. Multifactorial Cox model analysis indicated that negative conversion of COVID-19 antigen was significantly faster in patients using Thymalfasin and younger patients.
Conclusion
Thymalfasin can prevent progression of common COVID-19 infection to severe pneumonia via multiple immunity-enhancing and anti-inflammatory protective mechanisms. However, it is necessary to grasp the timing of treatment to achieve better therapeutic effects. The present study demonstrated that use of Thymalfasin within a week of confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 infection could offer greater clinical efficacy.
Computational Modelling Studies on In Silico Missenses in COVID-19 proteins and their effects on Ligand-Protein Interactions*
Authors: Sule Laxmi , Gupta Swagata , Jain Nilanjana , Sapre Nitin S
Published: May 2023

The paper presents the incorporation of in silico missenses and studies the effect of missenses to understand its effect on the Ligand-Protein interactions, of COVID-19 protein. In silico protein-ligand interaction, studies are being used to understand and investigate the drug-likeness of various molecules. 19 novel COVID-19 proteins are designed by inducing in silico missenses by mutating N691 amino acid residue in 7bv2 protein, the only residue forming H-bond with the ligand molecule in the parent protein. The work illustrates the effects of in silico-induced mutation on various interactions such as H-Bond, VDW, π-alkyl interactions, and changes in the number and type of surrounding amino acid residues. The results have suggested a common pattern of behaviour on mutation with T, V, W, and Y. Further, it is observed that the number and type of amino acid residues increase on mutation, suggesting the effect of mutation on the ligand-protein binding.
NIR-activatable O2 self-supplying nanoplatform via enhanced ferroptosis against colorectal cancer resistance
Authors: Jiang Hao , Tian Hailong , Wang Zhihan , Li Bowen , Chen Rui , Luo Kangjia , Lu Shuaijun , Nice Prof. , Huang Prof. , Gao Feng
Published: May 2023

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer worldwide, with chemo-resistance remaining a major obstacle in CRC treatment. Notably, the imbalance of redox homeostasis-mediated ferroptosis and the modulation of hypoxic tumor microenvironment are regarded as new entry points for overcoming the chemo-resistance of CRC.Methods We rationally designed a light-activatable oxygen self-supplying chemo-photothermal nanoplatform by co-assembling cisplatin (CDDP) and linoleic acid (LA)-tailored IR820 via enhanced ferroptosis against colorectal cancer chemo-resistance. In this nanoplatform, CDDP can produce hydrogen peroxide in CRC cells through a series of enzymatic reactions and subsequently release oxygen under near-infrared (NIR)-triggered photothermal to alleviate hypoxia. Additionally, the introduced LA can add exogenous unsaturated fatty acids into CRC cells, triggering ferroptosis via oxidative stress-related peroxidized lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, photothermal can efficiently boost the rate of enzymatic response and local blood flow, hence increasing the oxygen supply and oxidizing LA for enhanced ferroptosis.Results This nanoplatform exhibited excellent anti-tumor efficacy in chemo-resistant cell lines and showed potent inhibitory capability in nude mice xenograft models.Conclusions Taken together, this nanoplatform provides a promising paradigm via enhanced ferroptosis and alleviated hypoxia tumor microenvironment against CRC chemo-resistance.
Can Relationship Patterns Be Transferred?The Influence of Parent-Child Attachment on Interpersonal Harmony Among Adolescents
Authors: Ma Yue , Wu Jie , Zha Shi-qi , Zhang Lin-ran , Yang Chun
Published: May 2023

Objective: Based on attachment theory and ecological systems theory, this paper explores the impact of parent-child attachment on interpersonal harmony adolescents and the mechanism of psychological boundary and cognitive flexibility.
Methods: 505 adolescents were investigated by parent-child attachment questionnaire, psychological boundary questionnaire, cognitive flexibility questionnaire, and interpersonal comprehensive diagnostic scale, of which 51.5% were boys.
Results: Parent-child attachment was negatively predicted interpersonal relationships. In other words, the higher the level of parent-child attachment, the lower level of interpersonal disturbance, and the more harmonious the interpersonal relationship. Psychological boundary and cognitive flexibility play mediating roles between parent-child attachment and interpersonal harmony respectively, and the mediation effect accounted for 15.58% and 18.83% of the total effect respectively. The results support the parallel mediation model of parent-child attachment and interpersonal harmony among adolescents .
Conclusion: The results support the parallel mediation model of psychological boundary and cognitive flexibility between parent-child attachment and interpersonal harmony.
Selective impairment of attention function in human immunodeficiency virus-negative patients with early forms of neurosyphilis
Authors: He Caifeng , Yuan Tao , Yuan Lili , Wang Jun , Lu Xiaohong , Hu Wenlong , Qiang Di , Cui Yong , Ci Chao , Shang Xianjin
Published: May 2023

Background
Cognitive impairment is common in patients with late neurosyphilis (NS). However, the relationship between early forms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative NS and cognitive decline remains poorly understood. Hence, this study aimed to explore the characteristics of attention functions (the main cognitive aspect) in HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS and their association with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities.
Methods
In this study, 31 HIV-negative patients without NS, 30 HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS, and 35 healthy controls were enrolled from September 2020 to November 2022. The attentional network test was used to evaluate the performance of three components of attention, namely, alerting, orienting, and executive control.
Results
Patients with early forms of NS showed poorer performance in orienting and alerting functions than those without NS (F = 6.952, P = 0.011 and F = 8.794, P = 0.004, respectively); however, no difference was observed in executive function between the two groups (F = 0.001, P = 0.980). Multivariate analysis of variance using the Bonferroni post-hoc test indicated that patients with NS exhibited less efficient orienting function (P = 0.023), alerting function (P = 0.003) but not executive function (P = 1.0) than those without NS. Moreover, compared with contemporary healthy controls, a significant difference in orienting function was observed in patients with NS (P < 0.001). The NS group comprised more patients with MRI abnormalities in the frontal lobes and/or the temporoparietal junction than the non-NS group (24/25 vs. 13/19, P = 0.032).
Conclusions
HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS demonstrated obvious orientation and alerting function impairment. Brain MRI abnormalities in the frontal and/or parietal lobes and/or the temporoparietal junction indicated the presence of potential neural structure and network priority barriers pertaining to selective attention deficit.
Health workers’ experience of providing second-trimester abortion care in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: McLean Emily , Blystad Astrid , Mirkuzie Alemnesh H. , Miljeteig Ingrid
Published: May 2023

Background
Second-trimester abortions are less common than abortions in the first trimester, yet they disproportionately account for a higher burden of abortion-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. Health workers play a crucial role in granting or denying access to these services, yet little is known about their experiences. Ethiopia has been successful in reducing mortality due to unsafe abortion over the past decade, but access to second trimester abortion remains a challenge. The aim of this study is to better understand this issue by exploring the experiences of second-trimester abortion providers working in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods
A qualitative study with 13 in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 health workers directly involved in providing second-trimester abortions, this included obstetrician and gynaecologist specialists and residents, general practitioners, nurses, and midwives. Data was collected at four public hospitals and one non-governmental clinic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and analysed using Malterud´s text-condensation method.
Results
The providers recognized the critical need for second-trimester abortion services and were motivated by their empathy towards women who often sought care late due to inequality and poverty making it difficult to access abortion before the second trimester. However, service provision was challenging, and barriers like lack of access to essential drugs and equipment, few providers willing to conduct abortions late in pregnancy and unclear guidelines were common. This led to very demanding working conditions. They experienced ethical dilemmas concerning the possible viability of the fetus and women desperately requesting the service after the legal limit.
Conclusions
Second-trimester abortion providers faced several barriers and ethical dilemmas pushing their moral threshold and medical risk-taking in an effort to deliver second-trimester abortions to vulnerable women in need of the service. Effort is needed to minimize health system barriers and improve guidelines and support for second-trimester abortion providers in order to increase access and quality of second-trimester abortion services in Ethiopia. The barriers forcing women into second trimester abortions also need to be addressed.
Genome-wide Identification and Expression analysis of the NRT Genes in Ginkgo biloba under nitrate treatment reveal the potential roles during calluses browning
Authors: Feng Jin , Zhu Can , Cao Jiaqi , Liu Chen , Zhang Jiaqi , Cao Fuliang , Zhou Xiaohong
Published: May 2023

Nitrate is a primary nitrogen source for plant growth, and previous studies have indicated a correlation between nitrogen and browning. Nitrate transporters (NRTs) are crucial in nitrate allocation. Here, we utilized a genome-wide approach to identify and analyze the expression pattern of 74 potential GbNRTs under nitrate treatments during calluses browning in Ginkgo, including 68 GbNPFs, 4 GbNRT2 and 2 GbNRT3. Conserved domains, motifs, phylogeny, and cis-acting elements were analyzed to demonstrate the evolutionary conservation and functional diversity of GbNRTs. Our analysis showed that the NPF family was divided into eight branches, with the GbNPF2 and GbNPF6 subfamilies split into three groups. Each GbNRT contained 108-214 CREs of 19-36 types, especially with binding sites of auxin and transcription factors MYB and bHLH. The E1X1X2E2R motif had significant variations in GbNPFs, indicating changes in the potential dynamic proton transporting ability. The expression profiles of GbNRTs indicated that they may function in regulating nitrate uptake and modulating the signaling of auxin and polyphenols biosynthesis, thereby affecting browning in Ginkgo callus induction. These findings provide a better understanding of the role of NRTs during NO3- uptake and utilization in vitro culture, which is crucial to prevent browning and develop an efficient regeneration and suspension production system in Ginkgo.
Robotic excision of parametrial endometriosis with the new Versius robotic system: a preliminary case series.
Authors: Gaia Giorgia , Afonina Margarita , Felline Mauro , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Terzoni Stefano , Maruccia Serena , Iannuzzi Veronica , Podda Martina , Alboni Carlo , Spinillo Arsenio , Marconi Anna Maria
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Endometriosis affects 10% of the female population in reproductive age. Although a greater awareness of the condition and constant progress in understanding its natural history, its treatment remain challenging. When it comes to surgical intervention, the minimally invasive, laparoscopic, or robotic approach is the gold standard. While offering better visualization and refinement of movements, the robotic system is burdened by often unaffordable costs. Since the Da Vinci patent expired, new platforms have entered this scene, trying to preserve the advantages of robotics, while cutting costs. To date, there are no deep infiltrating endometriosis cases reported in literature afforded with the new Versius surgical system.
Materials and methods: We considered prospectively 3 patients undergoing robotic surgery for parametrial endometriosis with the versius system, in our tertiary referral multiplatform robotic center. The surgical technique was described step by step. Demographics, intra-operative robotic events and peri-operative outcomes were collected.
Results: A total of 3 procedures were performed. The median BMI was 18.52 kg/m 2, [16.33-20.96]. The median age was 41 years [36-51]. Median docking time was 51 minutes [37-60], median console time 180 [136-223] minutes. Pneumoperitoneum was maintained at 9 mmHg. A single high priority collision occurred. Blood loss was negligible. There were no peri-operative complications nor conversions.
Conclusions: Versius appeared to be a safe and feasible option for deep infiltrating endometriosis surgery. Our experience suggests operative room configuration and port placement to better perform these challenging procedures. These suggestions may enhance the mini-invasiveness while beating costs and making robotics worldwide approachable.