bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and PD-L1 Expression in Pleomorphic Lobular Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Göker Menekse , Van de Vijver Koen , Denys Hannelore , Braems Geert , Van Dorpe Jo , Veldeman Liv , Vergauwen Glenn , Monten Chris , Naert Eline , Van Den Broecke Rudy , Deblaere Stephanie
Published: April 2023

Background: The prognostic and predictive role of stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) is undetermined in pleomorphic invasive lobular cancer (pILC). The same applies for the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in this rare breast cancer subtype. Here, we aimed to investigate the expression of sTILs, and analyze the PD-L1 expression levels in pILC.
Methods: Archival tissues from sixty-six patients with pILC were collected. The sTIL density was scored as a percentage of tumor area, using the following cut-offs: 0%; <5%; 5-9%; and 10-50%. PD-L1 expression was analyzed using IHC on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, using the SP142 and 22C3 antibodies. Results: 82% of the sixty-six patients were hormone receptor-positive; 8% of cases were triple negative (TN), while 10% showed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification. sTILs were present in 64% (1%) of the study population. Using the SP142 antibody, 36% of tumors demonstrated a positive PD-L1 score of 1%, and 28% had a positive PD-L1 score of 1 using the 22C3 antibody. There was no correlation of sTILs or PD-L1 expression with tumor size, tumor grade, nodal status, expression of estrogen receptor (ER) or amplification of HER2. Our data did not show any difference in survival between the three molecular subtypes of pILC with respect to sTILs and PD-L1 expression.
Conclusion: This study shows that pILCs show some degree of sTILs and PD-L1 expression, however this was not associated with survival benefit. Additional large trials are needed to understand the immune infiltration in lobular cancer, even more in the pleomorphic subtype.
Microglial Responses to Stress-Induced Depression: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Afridi Ruqayya , Suk Kyoungho
Published: April 2023

Chronic stress is a major risk factor for various psychiatric diseases, including depression; it induces a range of cellular and structural adaptations, culminating in altered neurocircuitry and subsequent depression. Accumulating evidence suggests that microglial cells orchestrate stress-induced depression. Preclinical studies of stress-induced depression revealed microglial inflammatory activation in regions of the brain that regulate mood. Although studies have identified several molecules that trigger inflammatory responses in microglia, the pathways that regulate stress-induced microglial activation remain unclear. Understanding the exact triggers that induce microglial inflammatory activation can help find therapeutic targets to treat depression. In the current review, we summarize the recent literature on possible sources of microglial inflammatory activation in animal models of chronic stress-induced depression. In addition, we describe how microglial inflammatory signaling affects neuronal health and causes depressive behavior. Finally, we propose ways to target the microglial inflammatory cascade to treat depressive disorders.
Molecular Detection and Phylogenetic Analyses of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. In Livestock in Bangladesh
Authors: Mohanta Uday Kumar , Chikufenji Boniface , Galon Eloiza May , Ji Shengwei , Ma Zhuowei , El‒Sayed Shimaa Abd El‒Salam , Ringo Aaron Edmond , Do Thanh Thom , Xuan Xuenan
Published: April 2023

Piroplasmosis, caused by Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., poses significant constraints for livestock production and upgradation in Bangladesh. Besides examining blood smears, few molecular reports are available from some selected areas in the country. Therefore, the actual scenario of piroplasmosis in Bangladesh is deficient. This study aimed to screen the piroplasms in different livestock species by molecular tools. A total of 276 blood samples were collected from cattle, gayals (Bos frontalis) and goats in five geographies of Bangladesh. Thereafter, screening was conducted through a polymerase chain reaction, and species were confirmed by sequencing. The prevalence of Babesia bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis, Theileria annulata and T. orientalis was 49.28%, 0.72%, 1.09%, 32.26%, 6.52% and 46.01%, respectively. The highest prevalence (79/109; 72.48%) of co-infections was observed with B. bigemina and T. orientalis. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences of B. bigemina, B. bovis, B. naoakii, B. ovis and T. annulata were included in one clade in the respective phylogram. In contrast, the sequences of T. orientalis were separated into two clades, corresponding to Type 5 and 7. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular report on piroplasms in gayals and goats in Bangladesh.
Intramolecularly Stabilized o-Carboranyl Aluminum Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and X-ray Structural Studies
Authors: Lee Jong-Dae , Sohn Honglae
Published: April 2023

The chelating aluminum complex [2-(Me2NCH2)C2B10H10]AlX2 (X = Br 3, CH3 4) was synthesized using 2-dimethylaminomethyl-o-carboranyl lithium (2) with aluminum tribromide or dimethylaluminum bromide, resulting in a modest yield. Compound 4 was obtained by reacting compound 3 with CH3Li in toluene. All compounds were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, 1H, 11B, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. X-ray structural studies of CabNAlBr2 (3) and CabNAlMe2 (4) indicated that the Al atom was located at the center of a distorted tetrahedron. Crystal structures of the CabNAlBr2 (3) [a = 8.9360(3) Å, b = 12.0358(9) Å, c = 14.7730(4) Å, α = β = γ = 90°] and the CabNAlMe2 (4) [a = 8.9551(3) Å, b = 11.9126(9) Å, c = 14.7711(4) Å, α = β = γ = 90°] were obtained. The reactivity of aluminum complexes 3 and 4 with Lewis bases, such as H2O, pyridine, alkylamines, and arylamines, confirmed their rapid decomposition.
Acceleration of exit to steady-state mode when modeling semiconductor converters
Authors: Yagup V. G. , Yagup K. V.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the article is to develop a method and algorithm for the accelerated calculation of steady states of thyristor converters using computer models of converters based on the use of the theory of difference equations in the form of recurrent linear relationships for state variables on the boundaries of the converter periods. Methodology. The article is devoted to the solution of the problem of reducing the cost of computer time to achieve the steady state of the thyristor converter. For this, it is proposed to use difference equations, for which the values of the state variables at the limits of the periods of the converter's operation are taken as variables. These values are accumulated during the initial periods of the transient process of the converter, after which the coefficients of the difference equations are calculated, and the following limit values of the state variables are found using the defined difference equations. A program in the algorithmic language of the MATLAB system is presented, which implements the proposed method and algorithm compatible with the visual model of the converter. Results. The theoretical foundations of the proposed method and the area of its applicability are substantiated. Recommendations are presented for determining the number of periods of the flow process that must be calculated for further implementation of the method. An algorithm for forming matrix relations for determining the coefficients of difference equations with respect to the values of state variables at the boundaries of periods is shown. Matrix equations are given that allow calculating the parameters of the steady state. All stages of the algorithm are illustrated with numerical examples. Originality. The method rationally combines all the advantages of visual modeling based on the numerical integration of equations using the method of state variables for the periods of operation of the converter with the analytical solution of the recurrence relations obtained on this basis for the values of state variables at the boundaries of adjacent periods. Practical value. The proposed method makes it possible to reduce by several orders of magnitude the computer time spent on calculating the parameters of the steady-state mode of the converter and, at the same time, to significantly improve the accuracy of these calculations. The practical application of the method is very effective in research and design of thyristor converters of electrical energy parameters.
Efficient method for transformer models implementation in distribution load flow matrix
Authors: Kadri M. , Hamouda A. , Sayah S.
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Most distribution networks are unbalanced and therefore require a specific solution for load flow. There are many works on the subject in the literature, but they mainly focus on simple network configurations. Among the methods dedicated to this problem, one can refer to the load flow method based on the bus injection to branch current and branch current to bus voltage matrices. Problem. Although this method is regarded as simple and complete, its drawback is the difficulty in supporting the transformer model as well as its winding connection types. Nevertheless, the method requires the system per unit to derive the load flow solution. Goal. In the present paper, our concern is the implementation of distribution transformers in the modeling and calculation of load flow in unbalanced networks. Methodology. Unlike previous method, distribution transformer model is introduced in the topology matrices without simplifying assumptions. Particularly, topology matrices were modified to take into account all winding types of both primary and secondary sides of transformer that conserve the equivalent scheme of an ideal transformer in series with an impedance. In addition, the adopted transformer models overcome the singularity problem that can be encountered when switching from the primary to the secondary side of transformer and inversely. Practical value. The proposed approach was applied to various distribution networks such as IEEE 4-nodes, IEEE 13-nodes and IEEE 37-nodes. The obtained results validate the method and show its effectiveness.
The Influence of Push-Pull-Mooring Effects on E-Wallet Customer Switching in Generation Z in DKI Jakarta
Authors:   IPB University, Yunita Eka , Munandar Jono Mintarto
Published: April 2023

Research Aims: This research aims to identify the characteristics of Generation Z e-wallet customers in DKI Jakarta; analyse the effect of push-pull-mooring effects on switching intention; analyse the moderating effect of the mooring effects on the relationship between push effects and pull effects with switching intention; and analyse the effect of switching intention on the switching behaviour of Generation Z e-wallet customers. Design/Methodology/Approach: Respondents in this study were 262 respondents. The sampling technique was done by non-probability sampling with the purposive sampling method. The data analysis technique used is descriptive analysis and SEM-PLS. Research Findings: The results of this study indicate that the push effects do not affect switching intention. Pull and mooring effects positively and significantly affect switching intention. Mooring effects positively and significantly affect switching intention and behaviour. Mooring effects cannot moderate the relationship between push and pull effects to switching intention. Switching intention has a positive and significant effect on switching behaviour. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study discusses the influence of the push-pull-mooring effect on customers switching from one e-wallet brand to another, especially in the z generation, who are very close to technology. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: For the sake of increasing the pull effect to get the customer's attention back in the South East Asian with Indonesia as a reference (provide the discount, cashback, and promotional events), increasing mooring effects by creating strong relationships with customers through the convenience and benefits provided by using an e-wallet (loyalty program, e-mail marketing, respond quickly to consumer consultations). Research Limitation & Implications: This research is limited to Generation Z and e-wallet products. Sampling in this study is also only in Jakarta. Keywords: e-wallet, push-pull-mooring effect, switching intention, switching behaviour
The Mediating Role of Attitude in the Relationship Between the Extrinsic and Intrinsic Attributes of Japanese Frozen Foods and Consumers’ Intention to Purchase Them: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors:   Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Omar Nor Asiah ,   Universitas Indonesia, Lahath Aishath , Astuti Rifelly Dewi , Jamaludin Nurul Atasha , Alam Syed Shah
Published: April 2023

Research Aims: To examine the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting consumers’ attitudes toward Japanese-made frozen foods and, hence, consumers’ purchasing behaviour. Design/Methodology/Approach: Consumers who were aware of Japanese-made frozen foods were the sample chosen. Convenience sampling plus a cross-sectional, self-administered online survey questionnaire collected data from 307 participants. Research Findings: Findings showed that brand reputation, halal label, convenience, and food quality were positively related to attitude towards Japanese frozen food, whereas health consciousness was negatively associated with attitude. Attitudes toward Japanese frozen foods were found to mediate relationships between brand reputation and purchase intention, halal label and purchase intention, and food quality and purchase intention of the foods. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Given the fierce competition and growth within the frozen food industry, this study advanced the knowledge of Malaysian consumer purchasing behaviour in the context of Japanese frozen foods. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian Context: The mediating role of attitude toward Japanese frozen foods in the relationship between extrinsic and intrinsic product factors and purchase intention among consumers in Malaysia provided valuable insights on foods exported from a predominantly non-Muslim country to a predominantly Muslim country in South East Asia. Research Limitation & Implications: The scope of this study was limited to Malaysians who were aware of Japanese frozen foods. Examining the extrinsic and intrinsic attributes of the foods was crucial because the awareness of and preference for Japanese frozen foods is still low in Malaysia, and there is limited knowledge about the products. Keywords: Extrinsic Factors, Intrinsic Factors, Attitude, Purchase Intention, Japanese Frozen Foods, Malaysia
Interbirth Intervals of Immigrant and Refugee Women in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Olorunsaiye Comfort Z. , Huber Larissa R. Brunner , Ouedraogo Samira P.
Published: April 2023

Background and Objective:

Despite guidelines recommending an interval of at least 18–24 months between a live birth and the conception of the next pregnancy, nearly one-third of pregnancies in the United States are conceived within 18 months of a previous live birth. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between multiple immigration-related variables and interbirth intervals among reproductive-aged immigrant and refugee women living in the United States.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of reproductive-aged immigrant and refugee women in the United States. The data were collected via an online survey administered by Lucid LLC. We included data on women who had complete information on nativity and birth history in the descriptive analysis (n = 653). The exposure variables were immigration pathway, length of time since immigration, and country/region of birth. The outcome variable was interbirth interval (≤18, 19–35, or ≥36 months). We used multivariable ordinal logistic regression, adjusted for confounders, to determine the factors associated with having a longer interbirth interval among women with second- or higher-order births (n = 245).

Results:

Approximately 37.4% of study participants had a short interbirth interval. Women who immigrated to the United States for educational (aOR = 4.57; 95% CI, 1.57–9.58) or employment opportunities (aOR = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.07–5.31) had higher odds of reporting a longer interbirth interval (19–35 or ≥36 months) than women born in the United States. Women born in an African country had 0.79 times the odds (aOR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.02–0.98) of being in a higher category of interbirth interval.

Conclusion and Global Health Implications:

Although all birthing women should be counseled on optimal birth spacing through the use of postpartum contraception, immigrant and refugee women would benefit from further research and policy and program interventions to help them in achieving optimal birth spacing. SRH research in African immigrant and refugee communities is especially important for identifying ameliorable factors for improving birth spacing.
Prevalence of Cervical and Thoracic Spinal Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ju Chang Il , Kim Seok-won , Kim Pius , Lee Seung Myung
Published: April 2023

Objective: This study aimed to comprehensively assess the prevalence and distribution of degenerative cervical and thoracic diseases with compression of the spinal cord, such as disc herniation (TDH) or hypertrophied ligamentum flavum causing stenosis, by reviewing the literature. Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE to identify articles on the prevalence of degenerative diseases with compression of the spinal cord in the cervical and thoracic spine. The levels of evidence were classified according to the NASS 2005 method. We selected articles containing information on the prevalence of degenerative cervical and thoracic diseases.Results: We identified 358 articles. Thirty-eight met our criteria, with evidence ranging from levels I to V. The prevalence of asymptomatic spinal cord compression lesions was found to be relatively high in elderly people with underlying conditions. Non-traumatic spinal cord injuries are caused by various degenerative diseases involving spinal cord compression, such as cervical myelopathy, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and ossification of the ligamentum flavum, and are observed in more than 50% of patients with lesions in Japan and the United States, more than 30% in Europe, and more than 20% in Australia. Regarding thoracic lesions, a prevalence of 5% to 10% has been reported for various spinal cord compression lesions such as herniated disc, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and ossification of the ligamentum flavum.Conclusion: Spinal cord compressive lesions appear not to be rare in the cervical and thoracic spine. The radiographic findings of various stenotic lesions must be well understood and correlated with clinical symptoms before treatment decisions.
Deep Global Multiple-Scale and Local Spatial-Channel attention Dual-Branch Network for Pose-Invariant Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: chaoji Liu , Xingqiao Liu , Chong Chen , Kang Zhou
Published: April 2023

Pose-invariant facial expression recognition (FER) is a hot yet challenging research topic in computer vision fields, especially with the involvement of different observation angles, which makes the recognition results inconsistent from one view to another. In this work, a deep global multiple-scale and local spatial-channel attention (GM-LSCA) dual-branch network is developed for pose-invariant FER. The designed GM-LSCA network contains four main parts, i.e., the feature extraction module, the global multiple-scale (GM) module, the local spatial-channel attention (LSCA) module and decision-level fusion model. The feature extraction module serves to extract texture information and normalize it to the same size. The GM model can extract deep global features at a granular level, which can integrate deep feature information and enhance the network characterization capability. The LSCA module aims to force the network to extract salient feature from local patches, which can release the sensitivity of self-occlusion and pose-variant to deeper feature maps. Finally, the decision-level method is used to further improve recognition accuracy. Extensive experiments were carried out on four public database and the results demonstrated the validity and feasibility of GMSE-LA network.
Enhancing the Biological Activity of Endolichenic Trichoderma Isolated from Lichens Cryptothecia spp. and Dirinaria spp.
Authors: Nguyen Tang-Phu , Vo-Thi Mong-Cam , Nguyen-Thi Ngoc-Minh , Vo-Thi Hong-Tuoi , Ngo Quoc-Khanh , Le Trung-Son , Tran Thi-Giang , Nguyen Thi-Lien
Published: April 2023

Endolichenic fungi are considered a promising source of new materials. For further evaluation of some biological activities of the Trichoderma strains isolated from lichens Dirinaria spp. and Cryptothecia spp., their antifungal and antibacterial activities were screened by the methods of dual culture and environmental toxicity. Substrate degradation was evaluated using the qualitative enzyme assays. Fourteen strains of Trichoderma spp. were isolated from 60 lichen samples. All the isolates were able to inhibit the radial growth of tested fungal strains (Bipolaris spp., Colletotrichum spp., Corynespora cassiicola, and Fusarium spp.). Otherwise, only 12/14 isolates were found capable of competing for substrates with Ralstonia solanacearum. The cell-free supernatant obtained from the cultures possessed both antifungal and antibacterial activities. The antagonistic activity of the isolates was selective. Most of the isolates were able to degrade at least one of the investigated substrates, namely cellulose, pectin, and starch. All strains could produce peroxidase; none of the isolates possessed laccase and tyrosinase. A potential antagonistic fungal strain VDT6 has been identified as Trichoderma harzianum. The assessment results indicated that the Trichoderma isolates could be used in agriculture as biological control agents.
A single Vigenere circuit and two genetic operators interacting at the DNA level are combined to encrypt a color image.
Authors: JARJAR ABDELLATIF , JARJAR Mariem , abid abdellah , JARJAR Mohamed , Kaddouhi Samir El , Benazzi ABDELHAMID
Published: April 2023

The pixel of an image is always thought of as being the most important component in the encryption process. Our new technology will act on the bit by treating it as the key component of the encrypted image by using new dynamic replacement functions and strong diffusion functions that take values from tables of random size substitutions manufactured from multiple linear congruence generators that subscribe to the Hull and Dobell theorem. Two algebraic operators combined with two genetic operators will be applied at the DNA level in the output. In order to demonstrate that, with this new technology, our system is more susceptible to all known assaults, a huge number of images selected at random from databases were engaged in the simulations.
Measurement of Tourism Carbon Emission and Carbon Carrying Capacity in the Yellow River Basin and Analysis of Spatial and Temporal Evolution
Authors: Peng Ruijuan , SU Rui , Gao Wan-Qianrong , ZHANG Xinhong
Published: April 2023

To investigate the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of tourism carbon emissions and carbon carrying capacity in the Yellow River Basin, this paper uses panel data to measure tourism carbon emissions, carbon carrying capacity and net tourism carbon emissions in 65 cities in the Yellow River Basin at three time points, 2009, 2014 and 2019, based on carbon emissions, carbon carrying capacity and net tourism carbon emissions models, and uses Arc GIS software to visually present tourism carbon emissions The spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of tourism carbon emissions and carbon carrying capacity were visualized by Arc GIS software. The study shows that (ⅰ) tourism carbon emissions in the Yellow River Basin show a rapid growth trend from 2009 to 2019, with an increase of 931.95%; the tourism carbon emissions of 65 cities in the Yellow River Basin vary widely, with spatial differentiation showing high in the east, low in the west, high in the middle and lower reaches, and low in the upper reaches, and showing significant urban cluster centrality characteristics. (ⅱ) The carbon carrying capacity of the Yellow River Basin shows growth from 2009-2019, from 29.21 million tons in 2009 to 86.22 million tons in 2019, an increase of 195.17%; the high value area of tourism carbon carrying capacity of the Yellow River Basin is mainly concentrated in the middle and upper reaches of the urban agglomeration, and the regional differences of carbon carrying capacity intensity of the upper, middle and lower reaches of the urban agglomeration in the basin are significant. (ⅲ) The net tourism carbon emissions in the Yellow River Basin from 2009 to 2019 are generally in carbon surplus, showing more obvious local clustering characteristics, the spatial divergence pattern of urban cluster effect is significant, and the carbon surplus area expands from the surrounding to the center, showing spatial clustering characteristics.
A holistically 3D-printed flexible millimeter-wave Doppler radar: Towards fully printed high-frequency multilayer flexible hybrid electronics systems
Authors: Tang Hong , Zhang YIngjie , Zheng Bowen , An Sensong , Haerinia Mohammad , Dong Yunxi , Huang Yi , Guo Wei , Zhang Hualiang
Published: April 2023

Flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) is an emerging technology enabled through the integration of advanced semiconductor devices and 3D printing technology. It unlocks tremendous market potential by realizing low-cost flexible circuits and systems that can be conformally integrated into various applications. However, the operating frequencies of most reported FHE systems are relatively low. It is also worth to note that reported FHE systems have been limited to relatively simple design concept (since complex systems will impose challenges in aspects such as multilayer interconnections, printing materials, and bonding layers). Here, we report a fully 3D-printed flexible four-layer millimeter-wave Doppler radar (i.e., a millimeter-wave FHE system). The sensing performance and flexibility of the 3D-printed radar are characterized and validated by general field tests and bending tests, respectively. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of developing fully 3D-printed high-frequency multilayer FHE, which can be conformally integrated into irregular surfaces (e.g., vehicle bumpers) for applications such as vehicle radars and wearable electronics.
Integrating Digital Cultural Detective Games with Social Emotional Learning to Foster Cultural Sensitivity and Intercultural Empathy among Bilingual Kindergarten Teachers: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Chen Guanzheng
Published: April 2023

Background Fostering cultural sensitivity and intercultural empathy is essential for bilingual kindergarten teachers working in diverse and globalized societies. Conventional cultural training programs may fall short in cultivating these critical skills. This mixed-methods study investigates the potential advantages of incorporating digital culture detective games into social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula to enhance cultural sensitivity and intercultural empathy among bilingual kindergarten teachers in a Chinese context.Methods A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating a randomized controlled trial with a phenomenological approach. The study comprised 60 bilingual kindergarten teachers from a Chinese city who were randomly allocated to either an experimental group that received a cultural training program featuring the digital culture detective game or a control group that underwent traditional cultural training. Participants completed the Cultural Sensitivity Questionnaire (CSQ) and the Davis Interpersonal Response Index (IRI) pre-and post-intervention. Observation notes were collected using the Intercultural Empathy Observation Checklist (IEOC) and the Cultural Sensitivity Observation Checklist (CSOC) during lessons. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subset of participants from both groups to explore their experiences and perceptions.Results Quantitative findings revealed significant enhancements in cultural sensitivity and intercultural empathy in the experimental group compared to the control group. Effect sizes demonstrated the considerable impact of incorporating digital culture detective games into SEL curricula. Qualitative findings identified themes related to the game's positive influence on bilingual kindergarten teachers' cultural sensitivity and intercultural empathy, such as heightened awareness, understanding, and appreciation of cultural differences, as well as improved communication and relationship-building skills.Conclusions This study provides evidence that integrating digital culture detective games into SEL curricula can effectively augment cultural sensitivity and intercultural empathy among bilingual kindergarten teachers in a Chinese context. The findings emphasize the potential of innovative digital games in cultural training programs for enhancing social-emotional competencies and intercultural communication skills. Future research is warranted to examine the long-term effects and applicability of this approach across various educational contexts and populations.
Biomanufactured High-Performance Triboelectric Fibers for Respirators
Authors: demirel melik , Boy Ramiz , Singhal Khushank , Mazeed Tarek , Abdullah Abu
Published: April 2023

The global covid pandemic has accentuated the importance of respiratory health, driving us to look for better solutions. Although traditional respirators and face masks are typically made from petroleum-based polymers like polypropylene or polyester, which unfortunately contribute to ecological damage since they can't be recycled naturally, an environmental alternative is needed that helps create a healthier world. Alternative biopolymer-based fibers offer a much more planet-friendly solution for mask manufacturing, which can be functionalized with proteins that increase their triboelectric properties even beyond what is reported in the literature. Here, we studied bioengineered material comprised of tandem repeat proteins and regenerated cellulose, which can be precisely tuned to generate an enhanced triboelectric charge. Our fibers are not only ideal for filters, but these specialized fibers also act as a promising component in energy systems and electronics, which has the potential for maintaining a sustainable circular economy by biomanufactured fibers.
Norcholic acid: a novel biomarker of early kidney injury in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Sun Dan-Qin , Xu Cuifang , Chen Wen-Ying , Yuan Fuqiang , Targher Giovanni , Lonardo Amedeo D. , Zhao Jing , Liu Ana , Su Mingming , Shi Jun-Ping , Ni Yan , Ming-Hua Zheng
Published: April 2023

BackgroundBile acids (BAs) are signaling molecules that regulate numerous metabolic processes in metabolic dysfunction-associated (MAFLD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Whether BAs are also associated with early abnormalities in renal function in MAFLD is uncertain.MethodsWe quantitatively measured plasma BA concentrations in biopsy-proven MAFLD patients with or without abnormal albuminuria (defined as albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 30 mg/g) and in healthy controls, by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsPlasma BA profiles (conjugated BAs, glycine-conjugated BAs, glycine-conjugated primary BAs, total conjugated primary BAs, and glycine-conjugated primary BAs) were up-regulated in MAFLD patients with abnormal albuminuria compared to their counterparts with normal albuminuria and healthy controls. In particular, we identified a distinct individual BA, i.e., norcholic acid (NorCA) that was markedly upregulated in MAFLD patients with abnormal albuminuria, and that was also positively correlated with albuminuria. Moreover, the combination of NorCA, tauro-deoxycholic acid, tauro-lithocholic acid and cholic acid, improved identification of abnormal albuminuria in MAFLD patients in a predictive model, that also included diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, and serum alanine aminotransferase levels (AUC = 0.80, 95%CI 0.740–0.863).ConclusionBA biomarkers are increased in patients with MAFLD and abnormal albuminuria and further investigation of their role in renal function is warranted.
Enhanced toxic gas sensing properties with hexagonal- polyhedral 3D like ZSO chemiresistive sensor
Authors: Sonker Rakesh K.
Published: April 2023

An enhanced thickness modification of gas sensing device was fabricated in our lab which integrates the gas adsorbent and the electrochemical detection of toxic gas (NO2). The polyhedral perovskite ZSO nanocomposite has been synthesized by sol-gel method and report on novel, selectivity, low operating temperature NO2 gas sensor based on ZSO nanocomposite. The conventional ZSO nanocomposite material has been measured the influence of width discrepancy from 230 nm to 644 nm. The ZSO nanocomposite film thickness ~ 460 nm exhibited a greatest sensor response ~ 2.1×103 towards 20 ppm NO2 at an operating temperature of 90°C. Moreover, NO2 detection was observed earlier response kinetics in which response and recovery time to be 3.51 and 6.91 min, respectively. The detected reproducibility tested sensor was 97%. The sensor exhibits high selectivity to NO2 (20 ppm) than other cross-sensitivity such as CO, acetone, IPA, CH4, NH3 and CO2 (2000 ppm) were also investigated. Finally, the investigated senor could be used for the trace detection of NO2 at industrial level.
Ten-organ developmental proteome atlas from infancy to adulthood mice
Authors: Ding Xianting , Wang Qingwen , Ding Xingwen , Xu Zhixiao , Wang Boqian , Wang Aiting , Wang Liping , Song Sunfengda , Ding Yi , Chen Youming , Zhang Shuang , Jiang Lai
Published: April 2023

The early-life organ development and maturation process shapes the fundamental blueprint for the later-life phenotype. However, the proteome atlas of self-multi-organs from infancy to adulthood is currently not available. Herein, we present a comprehensive proteomic analysis of ten mice organs (brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, intestine, muscle and skin) acquired from the same individuals at three essential developmental stages (1-week, 4-week and 8-week after birth) by data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry. We identified and quantified 11,533 proteins in 10 organs and obtained 115 age-related differentially expressed proteins that were co-expressed in all organs from infancy to adulthood. We found that spliceosome proteins prevalently play essential regulatory functions in the early-life development of multiple organs, in the expression of unique organ properties, and in the sexual dimorphism of organs. This self-multi-organ proteome atlas provides a fundamental baseline for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying organ development and maturation in early- life.
Analgesic Effects of Combined Thoracic Paravertebral Block Anesthesia or Erector Spinae Plane Block with Ultrasound-guided TAPB in Endoscopic Esophagectomy
Authors: Li Changke , Cai Qingxiang , Liu Wenyue , Zhou Lin , Chen Wen
Published: April 2023

At present, most patients with esophageal cancer choose endoscopic radical resection of esophageal cancer as the preferred surgical option. In recent years, the wide application of this surgical approach significantly reduces the damage to patients from previous thoracotomy. However, there are still some patients who develop chronic pain syndrome after surgery, which affects their mental health. Ultrasound-guided transverse abdominal muscle block (TAPB) has a wide range of block, and can ensure the effective implementation of radical surgery. However, single TAPB is not enough to meet the analgesic requirements in the operation area of endoscopic radical resection of cancer. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and erector spinae plane block (ESP) are commonly used blocking methods in clinical practice and have good analgesic effects during the perioperative period of thoracic surgery. however, each of them has its own limitations. On account of this, we studied the application effect of ultrasound-guided TAPB combined with TPVB or ESP in endoscopic radical resection of esophageal cancer under general anesthesia.
Vaccine against Trypanosoma cruzi infection using the Parasite Antigen TcTASV Displayed at Baculovirus Capsid
Authors: Tekiel Valeria , Masip Yamil , Caeiro Lucas , Cosenza Maximiliano , Postan Miriam , Molina Guido , Taboga Oscar , Molinari María
Published: April 2023

Chagas' is a neglected disease caused by the eukaryotic kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Currently there are about 8 million infected people worldwide, most of them at the chronic phase of the disease, which involves cardiac, digestive or neurologic manifestations. There is an urgent need for a vaccine because treatments are only effective at the initial phase of the infection, which is generally underdiagnosed. Selection and combination of antigens, adjuvants, and delivery platforms for vaccine formulations should be designed to trigger mixed humoral and cellular immune responses, considering that T. cruzi has a complex life cycle with both intracellular and bloodstream circulating parasite stages in the vertebrate host. Here we report the effectiveness of the vaccination with a T. cruzi-specific protein family (TcTASV), employing both recombinant proteins with aluminum hydroxide and recombinant baculovirus displaying a TcTASV antigen at the capsid. Vaccination stimulated immunological responses with production of lytic antibodies and antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ IFNɣ secreting lymphocytes. More than 90% of vaccinated animals survived after lethal challenges with T. cruzi while all control mice died before 30 days post infection. Vaccination also induced a strong decrease of chronic tissue parasitism, and generated immunological memory that allowed vaccinated and infected animals to control both the reactivation of the infection after immunosuppression as well as a second challenge with T. cruzi. Interestingly, inoculation with wild type baculovirus trained the immune system to partially protect mice against T. cruzi. In brief, we demonstrated, for the first time, that the combination of the baculovirus platform and the TcTASV family provides effective protection against Trypanosoma cruzi, being a promising vaccine for Chagas’ disease.
The effect of 2D culture on stemness-related transcriptome in shed microvesicles of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Fard Fatemeh Foroughi , Bakhshandeh Behnaz , Jahanafrooz Zohreh
Published: April 2023

Background Over the past years, the applications of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grow rapidly in medicine as a promising option for regenerative medicine. So, increasing demands for MSCs and their derivations as cell-based drugs in the market are anticipated. One of the major challenges in MSC therapy is possible alterations in the stemness potential of MSCs during in vitro culture and proliferation. Microvesicles (MVs) reflect the transcriptional status of cells of origin. This study aimed to investigate the impact of 2D culture on stemness characteristics of MSCs by focusing on transcriptome in shed MVs.Methods and Results MVs were isolated from rat bone marrow MSCs using ultracentrifugation. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering were applied to characterizing MVs. Then, some markers related to stemness and differentiation were evaluated in shed MVs during 10-day culture. Meanwhile the cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in cultured MSCs. Based on our results, not only MSCs-derived MVs preserved somewhat their stemness contents but also MSCs maintained proliferative during 10-day 2D culture.Conclusion Taken together, 2D culture had no significant effect on the biological state of MSCs which strengthened their applications in cell therapies. Further studies are needed to identify the protein component of MVs to give some benefits for biomimetic approaches.
Wheat powdery mildew resistance gene Pm13 from Aegilops longissima encodes a unique mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein
Authors: Liu Wenxuan , Li Huanhuan , Men Wenqiang , Ma Chao , Liu Qianwen , Dong Zhenjie , Tian Xiubin , Wang Chaoli , Liu Cheng , Gill Harsimardeep , Ma Pengtao , Zhang Zhibin , Liu Bao , Zhao Yue , Sehgal Sunish
Published: April 2023

Wheat powdery mildew is one of the most destructive diseases threatening global wheat production. The wild relatives of wheat comprise rich sources of diversity for powdery mildew resistance. Here, we report map-based cloning of broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance gene Pm13 from wild wheat species Aegilops longissima. Pm13 encodes a novel mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) protein which contains an N-terminal HeLo domain and a C-terminal authentic serine/threonine kinase (STK) domain, a unique domain architecture that has not been reported in plant disease-resistance genes. The resistance function of Pm13 was validated by loss-of-function mutants, gene silencing, transgenic assay, and allelic association analyses. Thus, Pm13 represents a special class of plant resistance genes revealing a novel aspect of host-pathogen interactions. Though introgressed into wheat ~30 years ago it was hardly exploited due to linkage drag. The new lines with small Ae. longissima Pm13 segment will lead to wide-scale deployment in wheat cultivars.
Resistance to clothianidin reduces the efficacy of SumiShield® 50WG, a neonicotinoid formulation for indoor residual spraying, against Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Fouet Caroline , Ashu Fred , Ambadiang Marilène , Tchapga Williams , Wondji Charles , Kamdem Colince
Published: April 2023

Chronic exposure of mosquito larvae to pesticide residues in agricultural areas is often associated with evolution of resistance to insecticides used for vector control. This presents a concern for the efficacy of clothianidin, an agricultural neonicotinoid qualified for Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS). Using standard bioassays, we tested if reduced susceptibility to clothianidin affects the efficacy of SumiShield® 50WG, one of the two newly approved formulations, which contains 50% clothianidin. We simultaneously monitored susceptibility to clothianidin and to SumiShield® 50WG, testing adults of Anopheles gambiae, An. coluzzii and Culex sp collected from urban, suburban and agricultural areas of Yaoundé. We found that the level of susceptibility to the active ingredient predicted the efficacy of SumiShield® 50WG. This formulation was very potent against populations that achieved 100% mortality within 72 h of exposure to a discriminating dose of clothianidin. By contrast, mortality leveled off at 75.4 ± 3.5% within 7 days of exposure to SumiShield® 50WG in An. gambiae adults collected from a farm where spraying of acetamiprid and imidacloprid is driving cross-resistance to clothianidin. These findings indicate that more potent formulations of clothianidin or different insecticides should be prioritized in areas where resistance is emerging.
Association and Mechanism of KCNJ11 Gene Polymorphism with the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cardiopulmonary Function
Authors: Sun Ping , Chen Nan , Zheng Huifang , Wang Fangyuan , Zhang Sheping , Xia Xiaohui
Published: April 2023

Background The effects of exercise training exhibit individual variability and are significantly influenced by genetic factors. This study aims to investigate the association between KCNJ11 gene polymorphisms and changes in cardiopulmonary function after high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in healthy college students, to identify gene markers that are sensitive to HIIT intervention and to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the impact of polymorphic loci on phenotype.Methods A total of 259 healthy college students underwent 12 weeks of HIIT training, and changes in maximal oxygen uptake, anaerobic threshold, and efficiency index were measured before and after the training. Genotyping of KCNJ11 gene polymorphic loci was performed using microarray, and the plink software was used to analyze the association between changes in indicators before and after training and genotype. The Gene Cards database was searched, and the 3D SNP software was used to analyze the biological function of polymorphic loci.Results 1) The rs5219 locus in the KCNJ11 gene region was significantly associated with changes in maximal oxygen uptake before and after training (P = 0.015 < 0.05), and the T allele was the dominant genotype; rs5218 locus was significantly associated with changes in quantitative load heart rate before and after training (P = 0.04 < 0.05), and the G allele was the dominant genotype. 2) Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis showed that in skeletal and cardiac muscle, the regulatory genes of the rs5219 locus were ABCC8, KCNC1, and the expression of T allele was lower than that of C allele; the regulatory genes of the rs5218 locus were ABCC8, KCNJ11, and the expression of G allele was lower than that of A allele. 3) The 3DSNP functional prediction showed that rs5219 was located in the same linkage disequilibrium block as a polymorphic locus with strong regulatory function.Conclusions The KCNJ11 gene SNPs rs5219-T and rs5218-G genotypes have a positive effect on the improvement of cardiopulmonary function after 12 weeks of HIIT training and can serve as molecular markers for predicting the effectiveness of HIIT training. Rs5219 and rs5218 are eQTL loci, and their biological mechanisms may be achieved through tissue-specific expression of polymorphic loci, long-distance regulation of target genes, and linkage disequilibrium mechanisms.
The Effects of ICT on Performance and Well-Being According to Employee Position Level in the Gabonese Civil Service: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Medzo-M’engone Joseph , Chaumon Marc-Éric Bobillier , Préau Marie
Published: April 2023

Background We examined the impact of ICT demands on the performance and psychological well-being at work (PWBW) of civil servants. The moderating role of employee position levels was also assessed. Therefore, we hypothesised that the impact of ICT would predict the performance (H1) and PWBW (H2) of civil servants and that employee position levels would play a moderating role in the relationship between the impact of ICT on civil servants' performance and PWBW (H3).Methods A total of 367 civil servants from different public institutions (35.01% female; Mage = 37.44 years, SDage = 7.35) responded to the questionnaire at all stages. The Work Performance scale, the PWBW scale and the ICT Demands scale were applied to assess the impact of ICT on participants’ work performance and PWBW respectively. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance, hierarchical linear regression and structural equation modeling (SEM).Results The results showed that the impact of ICT was generally more positive among supervisors than among the officers in T2 (1 year later) predicting a higher level of performance and PWBW of supervisors than officers in T3 (2 years later). The results also showed that employee position levels moderated the relationship between ICT demands, performance, and PWBW.Conclusions The results of this study provide important insights into the existing literature and help practitioners in the world of work, particularly in developing countries, to better understand how the introduction of a technological tool into employee practices can engender individual attitudes, emotions and behaviours that are appropriate or inappropriate for the goals of the organisation and how the employee's perception of a technological artifact changes according to job level.