bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive characterization of LINE-1 antisense promoter-driven genes across human cancers
Authors: Xu Baohong , Li Xueer , Zhang Shaoqi , Lian Meina , Huang Wenbin , Zhang Yin , Wang Yudong , Huang Zhiquan
Published: April 2023

Background Long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1 or L1) comprises 17% of the human genome. As the only autonomous and active retrotransposon, L1 plays an essential role in cancer initiation and progression. The studies of L1 in cancer mainly focus on the impact of L1 insertion into the new genome locus. The L1 5´ untranslated region (UTR) also contains antisense promoter (ASP) activity, generating L1-gene chimeric transcripts to a neighbor exon. Some of these ASP-driven genes have been reported to be overexpressed in cancer and promote cancer cell growth. However, little is known about overall expression patterns and the roles of L1 ASP-driven genes in human cancers.Results L1 ASP-driven genes were frequently dysregulated in cancer and associated with the cell cycle, the P13K/AKT pathway, and the GTPase signaling pathway. The expression of L1 ASP-driven genes was correlated with tumor patient prognosis. Hub L1 ASP-driven genes CENPU and MCM2 showed a correlation with immune infiltration, clinical T stage, and cancer stemness in pan-cancer. Knockdown of L1 ASP-driven gene LINC00491 resulted in a significant decrease in the ability of tumor growth and migration.Conclusions The expression of L1 ASP-driven genes is significantly dysregulated at the pan-cancer level, which is closely related to the tumor microenvironment and progression, as well as patient prognosis. Hub genes CENPU and MCM2 are expected to be new tumor diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Photophysical Properties of Bis(4'-chloro-2,2':6',2''- terpyridyl)nickel(II)chloride dihydrate
Authors: Thippeswamy Basavaraja , Suchetan Parameshwar A. , Mahadevan Kittappa M. , Nagabhushana H. , Vijayakumar Giriyapura R.
Published: April 2023

Ni(II) complex viz., bis(4'-chloro-2,2':6',2''-terpyridyl)nickel(II)chloride dihydrate, Ni(Cltpy)2(Cl2).2H2O was prepared under mild conditions by conventional method. A tridentate ligand 4'-chloro-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (Cltpy) was employed during the synthesis. The octahedral geometry of the complex was revealed by subjecting it to single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies. The synthesized complex, characterized primarily by fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) and elemental analysis, was investigated with the aim of determining their thermal behaviour using thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and photophysical properties through photoluminescence (PL) and diffuse reflectance (DR) spectrum. Recording of DR spectrum in the range 200-1100 nm showed a prominent peak at 630 nm and the band gap energy of 2.38 eV was resulted in accordance with Kubelka–Munk (K-M) theory. The PL spectra of the title compound displayed the emission of blue green light. The commission internationale de l’eclairage (CIE) coordinates (0.2641, 0.3722) were obtained from its CIE graph. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was carried out to find its surface morphology.
Effects of rational emotive behavior therapy on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of the elderly in nursing homes: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Qin Ning , Li Jie , Wu Xiaoqi , Zhang Chun , Luo Yating , Dong Xiaoqian , Cao Huan , Wang Sha , Liu Min , Xie Jianfei , Cheng Andy SK
Published: April 2023

Background Alexithymia, a subclinical cognitive-affective impairment, is prevalent in the elderly and increases the risk of mental disorders. There is a vast alexithymia treatment gap, with majority of the elderly in nursing homes lacking access to adequate mental health care. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on alexithymia, anxiety, depression and sleep quality of the elderly in nursing homes.Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted with two groups (the control group and intervention) from March to November 2021. This study enrolled 86 participants, two of whom were lost to follow-up; 42 received usual care (control group) and 42 received REBT based on usual care (intervention group) in nursing homes. The elderly in both groups were evaluated at baseline, within one-week post-intervention, and at 3-month follow-up. Generalized estimating equations were used by SPSS version 26 to assess the differential change in the outcomes between the two groups.Results The intervention group shows significantly greater improvement in alexithymia than the control group within one-week post-intervention (β = -8.167, 95%CI= -10.965, -5.368, P < 0.001) and at 3-month follow-up (β=-4.119, 95%CI= -7.171, -1.067, P = 0.008). Compared to the control group, the intervention group shows a significant improvement in sleep quality at 3-month follow‐up (β = -2.048, 95%CI=-4.004, -0.091, P = 0.040). For depression and anxiety, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups.Conclusions REBT showed to be an effective method for improving alexithymia and sleep quality of the elderly in nursing homes. However, it failed to significantly alleviate anxiety and depression at least in a short-term trial. Refining this intervention may have a broader, more substantial impact on future research.
Association Between Fibrosis-Related Gene Polymorphism and Long-term Allograft Outcome in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Yin Yu , Zhang Han , Sun Li , Han Qianguang , Zheng Ming , Chen Hao , Fei Shuang , Tan Ruoyun , Gu Min , Ju Xiaobing , Wang Zijie
Published: April 2023

Background Renal allograft fibrosis is one of characteristic causes of long-term renal function loss. The purpose of our study is to investigate the association between fibrosis-related genes single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and kidney function in 5 years after kidney transplantation.Methods A total of 143 recipients were eligible for screening with 5-year follow-up information and SNP sequencing information from blood samples were included in this study. Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) analysis was conducted to identify tagger single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes. SNPs associated with the fifth year chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging were screened by SPSS and the "SNPassoc" package in RStudio and used for subsequent prediction model construction.Results A total of 275 renal transplant-related SNPs identified after target sequencing analysis. 64 Tagger SNPs were selected, and two SNPs (rs13969 and rs243849) were statistically significant for stage of CKD in 5 years. Finally, a model based on Gender, Age, rs1396, and rs243849 was constructed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Additionally, this model has a good performance in predicting uremia five years after kidney transplantation.Conclusion Two SNPs (rs13969 and rs243849) were identified to be significantly associated with long-term renal allograft function. Based on this, a prediction model for long-term allograft function was established containing Gender, Age, rs1396, and rs243849. However, an independent cohort should be enrolled to validate the predicting performance.
Motor unit behavior of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior in individuals with scapular dyskinesis
Authors: Kuniki Masahiro , Iwamoto Yoshitaka , Konishi Rei , Kuwahara Daisuke , Yamagiwa Daiki , Kito Nobuhiro
Published: April 2023

Scapular dyskinesis results from weakness of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior, but no studies have investigated the motor unit (MU) behavior required for muscle exertion. This study aimed to classify scapular dyskinesis into raising (SDR) and lowering (SDL) phases and investigated the MU behaviors of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior. Fifty healthy young subjects underwent a scapular dyskinesis test and were divided into Normal, SDR, and SDL groups. The subjects performed submaximal voluntary contractions of the lower trapezius and serratus anterior, and surface electromyography signals were decomposed into the MU action potential amplitude (MUAPAMP), mean firing rate (MFR), and recruitment threshold (RT). The average MUAPAMPand MFR and the slopes and y-intercepts of the linear MUAPAMP-RT and MFR-RT were compared. The MUAPAMP-RT slopes in the lower trapezius (p = 0.049,r = 0.420) and serratus anterior were smaller (p = 0.010,r = 0.490) and the MFR-RT y-intercept in the serratus anterior was lower (p = 0.004,r = 0.540) in the SDR group than in the Normal group. Differences in other parameters between the SDL and Normal groups were not significant. Lower trapezius and serratus anterior MU behavioral changes may cause scapular dyskinesis in the raising phase.
Silicon-mediated growth, physiological, biochemical and root alterations to confer drought and nickel stress tolerance in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Ishaq Humaira , Waraich Ejaz Ahmad , Hussain Saddam , Ahmad Muhammad , Ahmad Zahoor , ullah Saif
Published: April 2023

Purpose Abiotic stresses are the leading environmental factors which adversely affect plant growth and development particularly drought and nickel stress. Maize is susceptible to drought and nickel stress from germination to final kernel development stage. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the role of silicon to improve drought and nickel stress tolerance in maize.Methods Different treatments of the study were i) two drought stress levels (100% field capacity and 60% field capacity) ii) nickel stress (100 mg/kg) and iii) combined stress (drought and nickel stress) were used along with two levels of silicon applications, i) control and ii) 50 mg/kg).Results The result showed that silicon had significant effects on plant growth attributes, including Plant height, Leaf area and Leaf dry weight, stem fresh weight and stem dry weight. Plant height reduced up to 24% under drought stress, and 13% under nickel stress. While silicon application mitigated the adverse effects of these stresses and increased the shoot length upto 35%. Leaf water potential decreased under drought 25% and nickel stress 11% and combined stress showed 53% reduction as compared with control, but silicon application significantly improved the leaf water potential up to 12%. Gas Exchange Parameters i.e, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and respiration rate were significantly reduced under stress conditions. photosynthetic rate showed more reduction in combined stress (drought and nickel stress). as compared with the control (no stress). Silicon application @ 50 mg/kg improved the gas exchange parameters, protein contents, chlorophyll a and b under stress and non-stress conditions. Chlorophyll a and b increased up to 21% and 32% respectively as compared to control (no silicon application). The H2O2 values increased under the drought and nickel stress conditions and decreased in control-no stress. Drought and nickel stress decreased the levels of the catalase (CAT), peroxide dismutase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Soil application of silicon 50 mg/kg improved the values of SOD, POD and CAT.Conclusions In crux, the present investigation suggested that silicon application @ 50 mg/kg mitigated the harmful effects of drought and nickel alone and in combination by improving morpho-physiological, biochemical and antioxidant defense in maize. Si-applied plants significantly improved growth and stronger resistance to stress, which was linked to maintaining plant water status and photosynthetic pigments, lower oxidative damage, and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes under drought and nickel stress.
The application of artificial intelligence for construction project planning
Authors: Victor Nwosu Obinnaya Chikezie
Published: April 2023

Any building project's success depends on its planning. Due to the complexity of the construction business and the many aspects to consider, including money, supplies, labour, and timelines, this process may be difficult. AI can speed up and improve planning. This study examines the use of AI for building project planning. The research starts by examining building project planning and its problems. Next, the article covers machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision AI technologies for building project planning. This study examines AI in building project planning. AI might revolutionize construction by improving project efficiency, accuracy, and performance. The study discusses predictive analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing for building project planning. The difficulties and prospects of AI in building project planning are also examined. The study finishes by examining how AI might be used to improve construction project planning and management. The article assesses AI's potential in building project planning and advises practitioners on how to use it. The study article then examines AI-planned construction projects. These examples demonstrate how AI may speed up construction, reduce waste, and streamline projects. Finally, the article discusses the merits and downsides of utilising AI to plan building projects and suggests further research. This study report shows how important AI is for planning construction projects and how these technologies can be used to improve the performance of construction projects.
Zebrafish as a biological model for assessing water quality along tropical hydrographic river basins in Northeast Brazil.
Authors: Alves Romulo Nepomuceno , Mariz Célio Freire , Alves Maria Karolaine de Melo , Silva Andrea Shirley Xavier da , Zanardi-Lamardo Eliete , de Carvalho Paulo Sérgio Martins
Published: April 2023

Tropical rivers are the main destinations for tailings from urban, industrial and agricultural activities. The present study aimed to investigate if early stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) development is a viable biological model to assess the toxicity of surface waters of tropical rivers, and whether that toxicity could be correlated to standard water quality indexes. Embryos were exposed to samples from 55 sites from 10 hydrographic basins of rivers in Pernambuco State, northeastern Brazil. Lethality rates, sublethal toxicity based on the general morphology score (GMS) and frequencies of abnormalities were analyzed. Significant mortality was observed in samples of 7 basins. The GMS indicated significant delay in embryo-larval development in 50% of the samples. Highest toxicity was detected in basins within Recife metropolitan area, where 61% of the samples caused sublethal toxicity. Most frequent developmental abnormalities included non-inflation of the swim bladder, delayed hatching and blood stasis. Highest frequencies of blood stasis were detected in samples with highest NH3 concentrations, corroborated by a positive correlation suggesting the existence of a causal relationship. A significant correlation was detected between water quality indexes and GMS with a greater toxic effect being observed in samples collected in areas of greater urban density and greater contamination by domestic sewage. This study demonstrates that the early stages of the zebrafish is a viable ecotoxicological model to assess the toxicity of surface waters and can contribute to a better understanding between the chemical composition and the adverse effects suffered by fish early life stages in tropical rivers.
Teachers' perceptions of asthma care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A cross-country qualitative analysis
Authors: Naidoo Kimesh , Dladla Sindiswa , Mphahlele Reratilwe , Mosler Gioia , Muyemayema Sophie , Ssemata Andrew , Mkutumula Elisabeth , Adeyeye Olufunke , Goodman Yinka , Kuyinu Yetunde , Nantanda Rebecca , Addo-Yobo E , Ticklay Ismail , Mujuru HA , Grigg Jonathon , Masekela Refiloe
Published: April 2023

Background
Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease among children and adolescents worldwide. However, the burden of severe asthma is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to explore teachers' perceptions of asthma care across six African countries.
Methods
We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. FGDs were conducted in Accra (Ghana), Blantyre (Malawi), Lagos (Nigeria), Durban (South Africa), Kampala (Uganda), and Harare (Zimbabwe) between 01 November 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Results
We identified two key themes related to asthma care: (1) barriers to asthma care and (2) suggestions to improve the care of asthma learners. Teachers reported a lack of knowledge and skills among themselves, learners, and caregivers. Some teachers believed that myths about asthma and restrictions on themselves administering care exacerbated challenges faced by learners with asthma. Most teachers identified a need for all-inclusive asthma training programmes for teachers, learners and caregivers, focusing on acute episodes and mitigating triggers. Utilising teachers with personal experiences with asthma to advocate and support these initiatives was suggested. Recommendations were made for annual screening to enable early identification of learners with asthma and clarity on restricting teachers administering asthma medications.
Conclusions
Teachers across African schools identify multiple barriers to asthma care. Structured school education programs and annual asthma screening are key to addressing some barriers to care.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and associated factors in the adult population of Belgium: a general population cohort study between March 2021 and April 2022
Authors: Heyden Johan Van der , Leclercq Victoria , Duysburgh Els , Cornelissen Laura , Desombere Isabelle , Roukaerts Inge , Gisle Lydia
Published: April 2023

Background This cohort study assessed seroprevalence trends of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general Belgian population between March 2021 and April 2022, and explored factors associated with seropositivity among the vaccinated and unvaccinated population. Seroreversion and its potential determinants were also examined. Methods A random sample of the adult population in Belgium was invited to provide a saliva sample and to complete a survey questionnaire. Participants were followed up twice for a new saliva sample and updated information. Antibodies were assessed with a semi-quantitative measure of anti-RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) IgG ELISA. Seven time periods were defined for estimating SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence using post stratification weights to match the population distribution. Seroreversion was defined as passing from a positive to a negative antibody test from one data collection point to the next. Potential determinants of seropositivity were assessed through hierarchical multiple logistic regressions. Results In total 6,178 valid observations were obtained from 2,768 individuals. SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence increased from 25.1% in the beginning of the study period to 92.3% in the end. Among the vaccinated population, factors significantly associated with a higher seropositivity were being younger, having a bachelor diploma, living with others, having had a vaccine in the last 3 months and having received a nucleic-acid vaccine or a combination. Lower seropositivity rates were observed among vaccinated people with a neurological disease and transplant patients. Factors significantly associated with a higher seropositivity rate among the unvaccinated population were having non-O blood type and being non-smoker. Among fully vaccinated people the seroreversion rate was much lower (0.3%) among those who had received their latest vaccine in the last 3 months compared to those who had received their latest vaccine more than 3 months ago (2.7%). Conclusions The rapid increase in antibody seropositivity in the general adult population in Belgium during the study period was driven by the vaccination campaign which ran at full speed during this period. Factors associated with higher and lower seropositivity were identified among the vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Effectiveness of Active release technique, Positional release technique and Myofascial Release technique on Pain, Range of Motion, Functional Disability as against conventional treatment in Patients with Cervicogenic Headache: Four arm parallel randomized study
Authors: Patil Deepali
Published: April 2023

Introduction- Unilateral pain is important symptom of cervicogenic headache. If this condition persists resulted in reduced neck range of motion (ROM). CGH occurs because of disease of the cervical region bony, disc, and/or soft tissue component with or without neck pain. Reduced neck range of motion, unilateral headache, aggravation of pain with exterior burden crossways the same side upper neck, and initiation of attacks by various components (3)..
Methodology- Patients with cervicogenic headache will receive one conventional treatment, three myofascial procedures, and one other treatment in this four-arm parallel study. While active release technique is a new approach in this disease, positional release and myofascial release technique have both been researched in this condition.
Discussion- This research compares the effects of MFR, ART, and PRT on patients with cervicogenic headaches.
Conclusion- Conclusions will be made based on how three techniques affect pain, ROM, and function in people with cervicogenic headaches, which will assist patients and the therapist in taking a better approach to rehabilitation.
Rapid analysis of Radix Astragali using a portable Raman spectrometer with 1064-nm laser excitation and data fusion with PLS-DA
Authors: Lu Hanzhi , Wang Yi , Zhu Jianyong , Huang Jin , Li Fulun
Published: April 2023

Background Radix Astragali is a medicinal herb with various physiological activities and a long history of use dating back 2,000 years. Tens of thousands of tonnes of Radix Astragali are sold worldwide each year. Their clinical applications are affected by many factors, including geographical origin. Conventional microscopic examination and chromatography-based fingerprinting of Radix Astragali roots are tedious extraction procedures, resulting in loss of their original form. Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive and non-destructive technique that can be used in the in-situ analysis of herbal samples. In this study, we investigated the potential of a 1064 nm-excited portable Raman spectrometer and data fusion for the rapid analysis of Radix Astragali samples from different sources and origins.Results A portable Raman spectrometer was used for the analysis of certified and counterfeit Radix Astragali samples as well as for the determination of their geographical origin. Dispersive Raman scattering, excited at 1064 nm, produced minimal fluorescence background and facilitated easy detection of the weak Raman signal. By moving the Raman probe point-by-point from the centre of the sample to the margin, the spectral fingerprints, composed of dozens of Raman spectra representing the entire Radix Astragali samples, were obtained. Principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were applied to the Radix Astragali spectral data to compare the classification results, leading to efficient discrimination between genuine and counterfeit Radix Astragali. However, there were high similarities among Radix Astragali samples from different regions owing to the similarities in their main chemical compositions. In the PLS-DA model using data fusion combined with different pre-processing methods, the samples from Shanxi Province were separated from those belonging to other habitats.Conclusion Using a combination of 1064-nm excitation and point-by-point spectral collection mode, the fused Raman spectral data can effectively improve the recognition rate and accuracy of herbal samples, which can be a valuable tool for the identification of genuine medicinal herbs.
Key age-friendly components of municipalities that foster social participation of aging Canadians: results from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Levasseur Mélanie , Dubois Marie-France , Généreux Mélissa , Naud Daniel , Trottier Lise , Menec Verena , Roy Mathieu , Gabaude Catherine , Couturier Yves , Raina Parminder
Published: April 2023

Municipalities can foster the social participation of aging adults. Although making municipalities age-friendly is recognized as a promising way to help aging adults stay involved in their communities, little is known about the key components (e.g., services and structures) that foster social participation. This study thus aimed to identify key age-friendly components (AFC) best associated with the social participation of older Canadians. Secondary analyses were carried out using baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (n=25,411) in selected municipalities (m=110 with ≥30 respondents), the Age-friendly Survey, and census data. Social participation was estimated based on the number of community activities outside the home per month. AFC included housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and buildings, safety, recreation, workforce participation, information, respect, health and community services. Multilevel models were used to examine the association between individual social participation, key AFC, and environmental characteristics, while controlling for individual characteristics. Aged between 45 and 89, half of the participants were women who were engaged in 20.2±12.5 activities per month. About 2.5% of the variance in social participation was attributable to municipalities. Better outdoor spaces and buildings (p<0.001), worse communication and information (p<0.01), and lower material deprivation (p<0.001), were associated with higher social participation. Age was the only individual-level variable to have a significant random effect, indicating that municipal contexts may mediate its impact with social participation. This study provides insights to help facilitate social participation and promote age-friendliness, by maintaining safe indoor and outdoor mobility, and informing older adults of available activities.
An Investigation on Mechanical and Durable Properties of Eggshell Based Geopolymer Concrete using Flyash and GGBS
Authors: Chary Konnoju Saikumar , Munilakshmi Nijagala
Published: April 2023

This research work represents an investigation of the mechanical, durable properties and microstructure of geopolymer concrete mixed using Eggshell powder, class F fly ash (FA) and Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). An optimal combination of FA, GGBS and Eggshell powder was determined using the compressive strength tests of geopolymer pastes and to find the durable properties like acid attack test and sorptivity test were conducted with various different replacements of FA with GGBS and Eggshell powder. The test results are to be taken on the mix proportions of geopolymer concrete various mix to be taken at 28,56, and 90 days respectively. This paper aims to examine the effects of chemical changes of reaction generating liquid on the strength and durable properties done to analyse the microstructure of the mortar through SEM, XRD, FT-IR and porosity assessments. The porosity analysis enabled us to indirectly verify the remarkable mechanical performance obtained by the activation of polymerization according to the chemical components of the Reaction Generating Liquid.
Integrative Rare Disease Biomedical Profile based Network Supporting Drug Repurposing, a case study of Glioblastoma
Authors: McGowan Erin , Sanjak Jaleal , Mathé Ewy A. , Zhu Qian
Published: April 2023

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and common malignant primary brain tumor; however, treatment remains a significant challenge. This study aims to identify drug repurposing candidates for GBM by developing an integrative rare disease profile network containing heterogeneous types of biomedical data.Methods We developed a Glioblastoma-based Biomedical Profile Network (GBPN) by extracting and integrating biomedical information pertinent to GBM-related diseases from the NCATS GARD Knowledge Graph (NGKG). We further clustered the GBPN based on modularity classes which resulted in multiple focused subgraphs, named mc_GBPN. We then identified high-influence nodes by performing network analysis over the mc_GBPN and validated those nodes that could be potential drug repositioning candidates for GBM.Results We developed the GBPN with 1,466 nodes and 107,423 edges and consequently the mc_GBPN with forty-one modularity classes. A list of the ten most influential nodes were identified from the mc_GBPN. These notably include Riluzole, stem cell therapy, cannabidiol, and VK-0214, with proven evidence for treating GBM.Conclusion Our GBM-targeted network analysis allowed us to effectively identify potential candidates for drug repurposing. This could lead to less invasive treatments for glioblastoma while significantly reducing research costs by shortening the drug development timeline. Furthermore, this workflow can be extended to other disease areas.
High normal alanine aminotransferase is an indicator for better response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Cai Chao , Shang Wen-Xuan , Lin En-Hua , Jiang Yu-Chun , Xu Ke , Chen Lu , Chen Rui-Cong , Cai Yi-Jing , Lin Ji , Cai Ting-Chen , Lin Xiu-Li , Zhang Lei , Yang Nai-Bin , Zhang Hui-Fang , Lu Ming-Qin
Published: April 2023

Objective:To investigate liver histologic disease in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal ALT (<40U/L), as well as to evaluate the potential benefits of antiviral therapy for these patients, and to establish a management strategy for them.
Methods:We retrospectively examined 1352 patients who underwent liver biopsy from 2017 to 2021 and then obtain their 1-year follow up data to establish a predict model of 1-year HBVDNA clearance rate through Logistic regression.
Results:The proportion of patient with significant histological disease (significant liver necroinflammation or fibrosis) in the high nALT group was significantly higher than that in the low nALT group (56.43% vs 43.82%, p < 0.001, Table 1). HbeAg negative, GGT and ALT value (OR 0.024, 95% CI 0.011–0.055, p < 0.001; OR 1.027, 95% CI 1.006–1.050, p = 0.013; OR 1.993,95% CI 1.115–3.560, p = 0.020, Table 4) were independent predict factors. High normal ALT is an indicator of 1-year HBVDNA clearance after antiviral treatment.
Conclusion: CHB patients with high-normal ALT have significantly higher histological disease rates, and these patients may benefit better from antiviral therapy. We suggest should undergo histological evaluation of liver disease as soon as possible. We also propose these patients should be offered antiviral therapy when feasible.
Potentialities of Medicinal Indigenous taxa for accumulation of macro- and micro elements increasing nearby Abu-Tartur phosphate mining ore, Egypt
Authors: Elshamy Maha , Al-Balawi Siham M. , Ramadan Samah M.
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims
Some wild taxa (Astragalus vogalii, Sesbania sesban, Trigonella hamosa, Melilotus indicus, Senna italica, Bidens pilosa and Conyza bonariensis) growing around Abu-Tartur phosphate mining ore in Egypt, were conducted to identify species accumulation of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mo, Se, B, Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Ag, Si and Na in plants and soils.
Methods
These metals levels were measured by atomic spectroscopy techniques, including flame-AAS, GF-AAS, and ICP-AES.
Results
The bioavailability of trace elements to plants was affected by soil factors such as soil pH, organic matter (OM) content. Soil considered alkali soil (pH range from 7.4- 8.6) with low organic contents (1.26-1.80 %). By comparing the soil content around the phosphate mining area in the Western Desert as part of the extremely dry deserts range with the ideal agricultural soil content of macronutrients, it was found that there were low contents of them. Bioconcentration Factor, Translocation Factor (TF), Biological Accumulation Coefficient (BAC) and element accumulation index (EAI) were calculated for the studied metals associated with phosphate mining process. BF and BAC for all metals are more than unity.
Conclusion
Our study showed that these native plants with a high BF and low (TF) and have the potential for phytostabilization and will be used in phytoremediation of the metallic pollutants in soils after further research in accumulation mechanism of phosphate mining spoils.
Iodine-supported implants in prevention and treatment of surgical site infections for compromised hosts: A prospective study
Authors: Shirai Toshiharu , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Terauchi Ryu , Tsuchida Shinji , Shimomura Seiji , Kajino Yoshitomo , Takahashi Kenji
Published: April 2023

Background
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following orthopedic implantation. We developed an iodine coating for titanium implants to reduce implant-related infectionsand conducted a prospective clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and potential drawbacks of iodine-supported implants.
Patients and Methods
Between July 2008 and July 2017, 653 patients (377 male and 27 female patients; mean age, 48.6) with postoperative infection or a compromised status were treated using iodine-loaded titanium implants. The mean follow-up period was 41.7 months. In 477 patients, iodine-supported implants were used to prevent infection and in 176 patients, to treat active infection (one-stage surgery, 89 patients; two-stage surgery,87 patients). In the limbs and pelvis, the primary diagnoses included the following: 161 tumors, 92 deformities/shortening, 47 pseudarthrosis, 42 fractures, 32 infected TKA, 25 osteoarthritis, 21 pyogenic arthritis, 20 infected THA, and 6 osteomyelitis. In the spinal cases, there were 136 cases of tumors, 36 cases of pyogenic spondylitis, and 35 cases of degeneration. Five modes of implant failure were identified and classified as follows: soft tissue failure(type 1), aseptic loosening (type 2), structural failure (type 3), infection (type 4), and tumor progression (type 5).
Results
The overall failure rate in our series was 26.3% (172/653). There were 101 mechanical failures, including 22 type 1, 20 type 2, and 59 type 3 failures. Non-mechanical causes accounted for 71 failures, including 45 type 4 and 26 type 5 failures. The overall incidence of infections was 6.8%. The mean time to the onset of infection after implantation was 9.1 months. The overall infection rate was 3.7% in the prevention cases and 15.3% in the treatment cases. There was no difference between one-stage replacement (14.6%) and two-stage replacement (16.0%). There were 11 cases of treatment for SSI of spine surgery, and the re-infection rate was 0% using iodine-coated instruments.
Conclusions
The five modes of failure of the iodine-supported implant were satisfactory compared with previous reports. In particular, because the infection rate of iodine-coated implants used for compromised hosts is low compared with other methods, postoperative infection is more easily controlled. It can be considered highly effective for spinal infections that require one-stage revision surgery.
Level of Evidence: IV
Trial registration: prospective, observation study
Reliable Binary Interaction Parameters for SRK EOS for Modeling CO2 and H2 Storage in Depleted Oil and Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Kundu Gaurav , Upadhyay Rajeev , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: April 2023

Modeling Underground Hydrogen (H2) Storage (UHS) and Underground Carbon dioxide (CO2) Storage (UCS) in depleted oil and gas reservoirs requires compositional simulation. Cubic Equation of State (EOS) models for the reservoir fluids have the edge over other models like GERG 2008 and PC SAFT. Soave-Redlich-Kwong (SRK) EOS, a reliable choice of EOS, needs reliable Binary Interaction Parameters (BIPs) for its efficient and reliable application to UHS and UCS modeling. Existing correlations for estimating BIPs for SRK EOS may not be suitable for binaries having long-chain n-alkanes. This exhaustive work presents optimized BIPs and correlations for components relevant to UHS and UCS storages in depleted oil and gas reservoirs. The optimization process uses large amounts of data (3241 P-x data for binary mixtures, 35 critical points data for multicomponent mixtures) and a two-step process. Optimized BIP values are presented in terms of correlations as functions of temperature (T) and carbon number (CN) of the n-alkanes. A comparative analysis shows that the developed correlations are more reliable for compositional phase behavior than Chueh and Prausnitz (1967) and Oellrich et al. (1981) BIP-correlations commonly used in commercial simulators. The BIPs developed for CO2, N2, and n-alkanes mixture have fitting accuracy of 1.3% and 1.9% in terms of Average Absolute Relative Deviations (AARDs) for critical temperature and critical pressure, respectively, for 35 natural gas mixtures with SRK EOS. The correlations proposed are more reliable estimates for developing an EOS model for UHS and UCS in depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
A synergistic effect of fibrous carboxymethyl cellulose with equine collagen improved the hemostatic properties of freeze-dried wound dressings
Authors: Sedlář Marian , Kacvinská Katarína , Fohlerová Zdenka , Izsák David , Chalupová Marta , Suchý Pavel , Dohnalová Marcela , Sopuch Tomáš , Vojtová Lucy
Published: April 2023

Bleeding is one of the most commonly occurring injuries; it can be painful and even life-threatening condition. The hemostats are substances that promote blood clotting and fasten hemostasis. In this paper, we evaluated the hemostatic effect of freeze-dried wound dressings based on equine collagen, porcine collagen, fibrous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and their mixtures. The wound dressings were investigated for their morphological structure, chemical structure, absorption properties, in vitro hemostasis, cytotoxicity assay and lastly, for in vivo hemostasis. We have found out that adding fibrous CMC into collagen-based hemostatic wound dressings creates a strong synergistic effect, which significantly improves absorption capacity by almost doubling it, as well as supports clotting time. Based on the in vivo studies on partial nephrectomy in rats, the time needed for achieving hemostasis was significantly lower due to the synergy of collagen and CMC. Our materials were compared to the commonly used hemostatic sealing patch on the market (Tachosil) during the in vivo testing, and sample of a mixture of equine collagen and CMC showed better hemostatic efficacy.
Genomic variations and mutational analysis of South Indian isolates of BmNPV
Authors: Sathyanarayana Madhuri , Neelagund S. E. , Hegde Rajat , Sajjan Dayanand B
Published: April 2023

BmNPV belongs to the genus AlphaBaculovirus and is an arthropod-specific virus that infects the commercial sericulture insect B. mori. BmNPV was identified in the virus family Baculoviridae and has a large, circular, double-stranded DNA genome of 128.4 kb expressing 143 proteins. Many viruses are studied because of their damaging effects, the study of Baculoviruses was triggered by their potential utility to control insect pests. Later, the utility of Baculoviruses as expression vectors was evidenced, and a new research area emerged. We are attempting to investigate the genomic diversity of BmNPV from different locations in the southern Indian states, as it is one of the leading parts that have embraced sericulture on a large scale. The genome analysis of BmNPV provides additional data that may help to understand Baculovirus evolution and adaptations to their hosts. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the relationships between the 4 B. mori Baculoviruses. Sequencing of BmNPV's whole genome from different isolates followed by mutational analysis would reveal information about the functional role of important viral genes, which can be demonstrated with the help of In silico bioinformatics models. This resulted in the presence of SNPs and INDELS in the most important genes of BmNPV, which may lead to further changes in the gene products.
Aggregate Query Frameworks for Preserving Privacy Data in Big Data Analytics
Authors: Riyana Surapon , Sasujit Kittikorn , Homdoung Nigran
Published: April 2023

Data utility and data privacy are both serious issues that must be considered when datasets are released to use in big data analytics because they are traded-off issues. That is, high-utility datasets are generally high risks in terms of privacy violation issues. Likewise, datasets are formed to be high security in terms of privacy preservation, they often lead to data utility issues. To address these issues in datasets, several privacy preservation models have been proposed such as k-Anonymity, l-Diversity, t-Closeness, Anatomy, k-Likeness, and (lp1, . . . , lpn)-Privacy, i.e., all users’ explicit identifier values and all unique quasi-identifier values in datasets are removed and distorted respectively. Unfortunately, these privacy preservation models are static data models and still have data utility issues that must be addressed. Thus, they could be insufficient to address privacy violation issues in big data analytics. For this reason, a new efficient and effective privacy preservation model is proposed in this work such that it is based on aggregate query answers that can guarantee the confidence of the range and the minimized number of values that can be re-identified. The aims of the proposed privacy preservation model are that aside from privacy preservation constraints, the complexity and data utility are also maintained as much as possible. Furthermore, we show that the proposed model is a privacy preservation model that is efficient and effective by using extensive experiments.
Exploring the hub genes and mechanisms of Daphne altaica. treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Hailati Sendaer , Talihati Ziruo , Abudurousuli Kayisaier , Han Meng , Nuer Muhadaisi , Khan Nawaz , Maihemuti Nulibiya , Simayi Jimilihan , Dilimulati Dilihuma , nueraihemaiti Nuerbiye , Zhou Wenting
Published: April 2023

Purpose Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is a frequent digestive tract malignant carcinoma with a high fatality rate. Daphne altaica. (D. altaica), a medicinal plant that is frequently employed in Kazakh traditional medicine, and which has traditionally been used to cure cancer and respiratory conditions, but research on the mechanism is lacking. Therefore, we examined and verified the hub genes and mechanism of D. altaica treating ESCC.Methods Active compounds and targets of D. altaica were screened by databases such as TCMSP, and ESCC targets were screened by databases such as GeneCards and constructed the compound-target network and PPI network. Meantime, datasets between tissues and adjacent non-cancerous tissues from GEO database (GSE100942, GPL570) were analyzed to obtain DEGs using the limma package in R. Hub genes were validated using data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter database, TIMER2.0 and GEPIA2 databases. Finally, AutoDock software was used to predict the binding sites through molecular docking.Results In total, 830 compound targets were obtained from TCMSP and other databases. And 17710 disease targets were acquired based on GeneCards and other databases. And we constructed the compound-target network and PPI network. Then, 127 DEGs were observed (82 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated genes). Hub genes were screened including TOP2A, NUF2, CDKN2A, BCHE, and NEK2, and had been validated with the help of several publicly available databases. Finally, molecular docking results showed more stable binding between five hub genes and active compounds .Conclusions In the present study, five hub genes were screened and validated, and potential mechanisms of action were predicted, which could provide a theoretical understanding of the treatment of ESCC with D. altaica.
Evaluating Use Of Waste Marble In The Ceramic Wall Tile, PP Composite And Performance Tests
Authors: Şık Emrah
Published: April 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
High prevalence of colistin heteroresistance in specific species and lineages of Enterobacter cloacae complex derived from human clinical specimens
Authors: Fukuzawa Shota , Sato Toyotaka , Aoki Kotaro , Yamamoto Soh , Ogasawara Noriko , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Horiuchi Motohiro , Takahashi Satoshi , Yokota Shin-ichi
Published: April 2023

Background Colistin (CST) is a last-line drug for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. CST-heteroresistant Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) has been isolated. However, integrated analysis of epidemiology and resistance mechanisms based on the complete ECC species identification has not been performed.
Methods Clinical isolates identified as “E. cloacae complex” by MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper Compass in a university hospital in Japan were analyzed. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of CST were determined by the broth microdilution method. The population analysis profiling (PAP) was performed for detecting the heteroresistant phenotype. The heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) cluster was determined from its partial nucleotide sequence. From the data of whole-genome sequencing, average nucleotide identity (ANI) for determining ECC species, multilocus sequence type, core genome SNPs-based phylogenetic analysis were performed. phoPQ-, eptA-, and arnT-deleted mutants were established to evaluate the mechanism underlying colistin heteroresistance. The arnT mRNA expression levels were determined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR.
Results Thirty-eight CST-resistant isolates, all of which exhibited the heteroresistant phenotype by PAP, were found from 138 ECC clinical isolates (27.5%). The prevalence of CST-resistant isolates did not significantly differ among the origin of specimens (29.0%, 27.8%, and 20.2% for respiratory, urine, and blood specimens, respectively). hsp60clusters, core genome phylogeny, and ANI revealed that the CST-heteroresistant isolates were found in all or most of Enterobacter roggenkampii (hsp60 cluster IV), Enterobacter kobei (cluster II), Enterobacter chuandaensis (clusters III and IX), and Enterobacter cloacaesubspecies (cluster XI and XII). No heteroresistant isolates were found in Enterobacter hormaechei subspecies (cluster VIII, VI, and III) and Enterobacter ludwigii (cluster V). Upregulation of arnT, which encodes 4-amino-4-deoxy-L-arabinose transferase, mRNA induced by CST was observed in the CST-heteroresistant isolates, and it is mediated by phoPQ pathway. Isolates possessing mcr-9- and mcr-10 (3.6% and 5.6% of total ECC isolates, respectively) exhibited similar CST susceptibility and PAP compared with mcr-negative isolates.
Conclusions Significant prevalence (approximately 28%) of CST heteroresistance is observed in ECC clinical isolates, and theyare accumulated in specific species and lineages. Heteroresistance is occurred by upregulation of arnT mRNA induced by CST. Acquisition of mcr genes contributes less to CST resistance in ECC.
Pseudorange Bias from Inter-Signal Interference: the QZSS L5-L5S Case
Authors: Sleewaegen Jean-Marie , Montenbruck Oliver , Steigenberger Peter
Published: April 2023

Analysis of the bias between Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) L5-Q and L5-I pseudoranges reveals decimeter-level variations over the satellite passes, a phenomenon that is not observed on any other GNSS signal. The paper provides a study of this QZSS peculiarity. It is shown that the bias depends on the orientation of the line-of-sight vector with respect to the transmit antenna panel of the QZSS satellite, and that the amplitude of its variation is satellite dependent. The cause of the L5 bias is identified as interference from the L5S signal transmitted by QZSS satellites at the same frequency and from a different antenna. The interference introduces a distortion of the correlation peak dependent on the primary and secondary code selected for the L5 and L5S signals and on the relative delay and phase between the received L5 and L5S signals. This distortion induces tracking biases affecting pseudoranges produced using the pilot signal component. A theoretical model of the interference is provided, and it is shown that the bias variation can be accurately modelled and compensated for if L5 and L5S measurements are available.