bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smile Intensity in Volleyball Players' Profile Photographs is Unrelated To Sports Performance
Authors: Chwiłkowska Patrycja , Behnke Maciej , Kaczmarek Lukasz
Published: December 2021

Studies indicated that individuals who tend to smile while taking their photographs tend to experience more positive emotions in their life and, in turn, achieve superior outcomes in several life domains. However, little is known whether positive emotionality revealed in players' profile photographs is related to sports performance. This study examined whether the smiling intensity in volleyball players' profiles (full, partial, and no smile) predicted individual (e.g., points scored, service, and reception errors) and team performance (winning a match). Building upon previous studies on positive emotions, we expected that players presenting full (Duchenne) smiles would achieve better results. We analyzed 196 volleyball players' profiles from the Polish highest-level professional league competition (PlusLiga). Raters coded smile intensity. Using three-level path models, we found that teams with more frequent Duchenne smiles performed as well as those who presented Duchenne smiles less often. We conclude that positive emotionality (as reflected in profile photo smiling) might be independent of male volleyball accomplishments.
Novel Insights for PI3KC3 in Mediating Lipid Accumulation in Yellow Catfish Pelteobagrus Fulvidraco
Authors: Zhuo Mei-Qin , Chen Jun , Wu Mei-Li , Wang Wen-biao
Published: December 2021

In this study, the transcriptional regulation of PI3KC3 by three transcript factors (PPARγ, PPARα and STAT3) and the potential role of PI3KC3 in mediating lipid accumulation were determined in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. The 5’-deletion assay, overexpression assay, site-mutation assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay suggested that PPARα, PPARγ and STAT3 negatively regulated the promoter activity of pi3kc3. Moreover, the transcriptional inactivation of pi3kc3 was directly mediated by PPARα and PPARγ under fatty acid (FA) treatment. Using primary hepatocytes from yellow catfish, FA incubation significantly increased triacylglyceride (TG), NEFA content, the mRNA level of pparα, pparγ, stat3 and dnmt3b, the protein level of PPARα, PPARγ and STAT3, and the methylation level of pi3kc3, but significantly reduced the mRNA and protein level of PI3KC3. Our findings offer new insights into the mechanisms for transcriptional regulation of PI3KC3 and for PI3KC3-mediated lipid accumulation in fish.
Seed Halopriming Improves Salinity Tolerance of Some Rice Cultivars During Seedling Stage
Authors: HIDAYAH Anik , NISAK Rizka Rohmatin , SUSANTO Febri Adi , NURINGTYAS Tri Rini , YAMAGUCHI Nobutoshi , Purwestri Yekti Asih
Published: December 2021

Background

Saline land in coastal areas has great potential for crop cultivation. Improving salt tolerance in rice is a key to expanding the available area for its growth and thus improving global food security. Seed priming with salt (halopriming) can enhance plant growth and decrease saline intolerance under salt stress conditions during the subsequent seedling stage. However, there is little known about rice defense mechanisms against salinity at seedling stages after seed halopriming treatment. This study focused on the effect of seed halopriming treatment on salinity tolerance in susceptible cultivars, IR 64, resistant cultivars, Pokkali, and two pigmented rice cultivars, Merah Kalimantan Selatan (Merah Kalsel) and Cempo Ireng Pendek (CI Pendek). We grew these cultivars in hydroponic culture, with and without halopriming at the seed stage, under either non-salt or salt stress conditions during the seedling stage.
Results

The SES scoring assessment showed that the level of salinity tolerance in susceptible cultivar, IR 64, and moderate cultivar, Merah Kalsel, improved after seed halopriming treatment. Furthermore improved the growth performance of IR 64 and Merah Kalsel rice seedlings. Quantitative PCR revealed that seed halopriming induced expression of the OsNHX1 and OsHKT1 genes in susceptible rice cultivar, IR 64 and Merah Kalsel thereby increasing the level of resistance to salinity. The level expression of OsSOS1 and OsHKT1 genes in resistant cultivar, Pokkali, also increased but not affected on the level of salinity tolerance. On the contrary, seed halopriming decreased the level expression of OsSOS1 genes in pigmented rice cultivar, CI Pendek, but not affected on the level of salinity tolerance. The transporter gene expression induction significantly improved salinity tolerance in salinity-susceptible rice, IR 64, and moderate tolerant rice cultivar, Merah Kalsel. Induction of expression of the OsSOS1 gene in susceptible rice, IR 64, after halopriming seed treatment leads to balance the osmotic pressure by ion exclusion mechanisms, so that be tolerant to salinity stress.
Conclusion

These results suggest that seed halopriming can improves salinity tolerance of salinity-susceptible and moderate tolerant rice cultivars.
The efficacy of an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation in the symptomatic management of mild COVID-19 cases: A double blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Das Sanjib kumar , Dash Durga Prasad , Panda Pradip Kumar , Sadana Sandhya , Kumar Reddy M. Ravi , K Venkatesh Hari , Pathak Jeetu , Kanchibhotla Divya
Published: December 2021

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has infected millions of people globally, overwhelming the pharmaceutical industry and health care systems. The resulting crisis has highlighted the need for modern and traditional medicine systems to work together to find effective solutions quickly. Modern systems of medicine are primarily oriented towards symptomatic treatment, whereas the traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda emphasize prevention as well as treatment.Patients and methodsNF2 is polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation consisting of 19 ingredients from 13 herbs. 50 patients with confirmed symptomatic or asymptomatic case of COVID-19, reporting to the study site were invited to participate in a double blinded, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study duration was around 3 months, and the intervention period for an individual patient was 10 days.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in the NF2 arm in comparison to the placebo arm. On Day 5, the population in the NF2 arm showed a complete recovery from sputum formation, sore throat, headache and fever. By Day 10, 90-100% of the population in the NF2 arm showed a complete recovery from all symptoms, unlike the control arm.ConclusionNF2 facilitated a complete recovery from all clinical features of COVID-19 faster, when compared to the control. No side effects were observed during the entire study duration.
Topical Application of Houttuynia Cordata Thunb Ethanol Extracts Increases Tumor Infiltrating CD8+/Treg Cells Ratio and Inhibits Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vivo
Authors: Gao Lipeng , Gui Rong-Yin , Zheng Xin-Nan , Wang Ying-Xue , Gong Yao , Wang Tim Hua , Wang Jichuan , Huang Junyi , Liao Xin-Hua
Published: December 2021

Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT) is a medicinal and edible herb which has beneficial effects on various diseases due to its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-diabetic properties. Most of reports of its anti-cancer activity were conducted in vitro, and its effects on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has not been investigated yet. Using DMBA/TPA induced SCC mice model, we found that topical treatment by HCT, as well as its bioactive ingredient monomer, efficiently inhibited tumor growth. Mechanistically, we found tumor infiltrating CD4+, Foxp3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) were significantly reduced and CD8+/Treg cells ratio was largely increased in tumors after HCT treatment. In addition, several chemokines which recruited immune cells were largely reduced when SCC cancer cells were treated by HCT in vitro. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic effects of HCT on cutaneous SCC and indicate it might inhibit cancer through regulating tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and the tumor immune microenvironments.
Associations Between the Size of Individual Plantar Intrinsic and Extrinsic Foot Muscles and Toe Flexor Strength
Authors: Kusagawa Yuki , Kurihara Toshiyuki , Maeo Sumiaki , Sugiyama Takashi , Kanehisa Hiroaki , Isaka Tadao
Published: December 2021

Background
The size of the plantar intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles has been shown to be associated with toe flexor strength (TFS). Previous studies adopted the size of a limited plantar intrinsic foot muscle or a compartment containing several muscles as an independent variable for TFS. Among the plantar intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles, therefore, it is unclear which muscle(s) primarily contributes to TFS development. The present study aimed to clarify this subject.
Methods
In 17 young adult men, a series of anatomical cross-sectional area of individual plantar intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles was obtained along the foot length and the lower leg length, respectively, using the magnetic resonance imaging. Maximal anatomical cross-sectional area (ACSAmax) and muscle volume (MV) for each constituent muscle of the plantar intrinsic foot muscles (flexor hallucis brevis; flexor digitorum brevis, FDB; abductor hallucis; adductor hallucis oblique head, ADDH-OH; adductor hallucis transverse head, ADDH-TH; abductor digiti minimi; quadratus plantae) and extrinsic foot muscles (flexor hallucis longus; flexor digitorum longus) were measured. TFS was measured with a toe grip dynamometry.
Results
TFS was significantly associated with the ACSAmax for each of the ADDH-OH (r = 0.674, p = 0.003), ADDH-TH (r = 0.523, p = 0.031), and FDB (r = 0.492, p = 0.045), and the MV of the ADDH-OH (r = 0.582, p = 0.014). As for the ADDH-OH, the correlation coefficient with TFS was not statistically different between ACSAmax and MV (p = 0.189). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that ACSAmax and MV of the ADDH-OH alone explained 42% and 29%, respectively, of the variance in TFS.
Conclusion
The ADDH-OH is the key muscle that primarily contributes to TFS development among the plantar intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles.
Sex Differences in Brain Structure Account for the Sexual Distinction on Balanced Time Perspective
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Zhi , Cui Ji-fang , Huang Jia , Irish Muireann , Wang Ya , Chan Raymond
Published: December 2021

Sex differences in behaviour and cognition have been widely observed, however, little is known about such differences in maintaining a balanced time perspective or their potential underlying neural substrates. To answer the above questions, two studies were conducted. In Study 1, time perspective was assessed in 1,913 college students, including 771 males and 1,092 females, and demonstrated that females had a significantly more balanced time perspective than males. In Study 2, 58 males and 47 females underwent assessment of time perspective and structural brain imaging. Voxel-based morphometry analysis and cortical thickness analysis were used to analyse the structural imaging data. Results showed that compared with males, females demonstrated a more balanced time perspective, which primarily related to lower grey matter volume in left precuneus, right cerebellum, right putamen and left supplementary motor area. Analysis of cortical thickness failed to reveal any significant sex differences. Furthermore, the sex difference in grey matter volume of left precuneus, right cerebellum, right putamen and left supplementary motor area could account for the difference in balanced time perspective between males and females. The findings deepen our understanding of sex differences in human cognition and their potential neural signature, and may inform tailored interventions to support a balanced time perspective in daily life.
Traumatic Brain Injury Alters Dendritic Cell Differentiation And Distribution In Lymphoid And Non-Lymphoid Organs
Authors: Tsymbalyuk Orest , Gerzanich Volodymyr , Simard Marc , Rathinam Chozha
Published: December 2021

Pathophysiological consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) mediated secondary injury remain incompletely understood. In particular, the impact of TBI on the differentiation and maintenance of dendritic cells (DCs), remains completely unknown. Here, we report that DC- differentiation, maintenance and functions are altered at both early and late phases of TBI. Our studies identify that; 1. frequencies and absolute numbers of DCs in the spleen and BM are altered at both acute and late phases of TBI; 2. surface expression of key molecules involved in antigen presentation of DCs were affected both at early and late phases of TBI; 3. distribution and functions of tissue-specific DC subsets of both circulatory and lymphatic systems were imbalanced following TBI; 4. early differentiation program of DCs, especially the commitment of hematopoietic stem cells to common DC progenitors, were deregulated after TBI; and 5. intracellular ROS levels were reduced in DC progenitors and differentiated DCs at both early and late phases of TBI. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that TBI affects the distribution pattern of DCs and induces an imbalance among DC subsets in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. In addition, the current study demonstrates that TBI results in reduced levels of ROS in DCs at both early and late phases of TBI, which may explain altered DC differentiation paradigm following TBI. A deeper understanding on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to DC defects following TBI would be essential and beneficial in treating infections in patients with acute central nervous system (CNS) injuries.
Coenzyme A restriction as a factor underlying pre-eclampsia and other antenatal conditions.
Authors: Hodgman Charlie , Atiomo William , Khan Gulafshana
Published: December 2021

Pre-eclampsia is the most common pregnancy complication affecting 1 in 20 pregnancies, characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, most often to the liver and kidneys. Metabolic network analysis of published lipidomic data points to a shortage of Coenzyme A (CoA). Gene-expression profile data reveal alterations to many areas of metabolism and, crucially, to conflicting cellular regulatory mechanisms arising from the overproduction of signalling lipids driven by CoA limitation. Adverse feedback loops appear, forming sphingosine-1-phosphate (a cause of hypertension, hypoxia and inflammation), cytotoxic isoketovaleric acid (inducing acidosis and organ damage) and a thrombogenic lysophosphatidyl serine. These also induce mitochondrial and oxidative stress, leading to untimely apoptosis, which is possibly the cause of CoA restriction. This work provides a molecular basis for the signs of pre-eclampsia, why other conditions are risk factors and what might be done to treat and reduce the risk of this and related diseases.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Leptospira Interrogans Serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae Human Vaccine Strain and Epidemic Isolate of China
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Ying , Du Zhongli , Xin Xiaofang , Ye Qiang , Xu Yinghua
Published: December 2021

Background: Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae is the predominant pathogen causing leptospirosis in China and is still used as the vaccine strain for the current human inactivated vaccine. Unlike the clade ST17, which is distributed worldwide, ST1 is the most prevalent in serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae in China. Purpose and Methods: To further characterize leptospiral pathogens, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation and parallel reaction monitoring were used to analyze differences at the proteomic level between serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae vaccine strain 56001 (ST1) and circulating isolate 200502 (ST17) from different periods. Results: Two hundred and eighty-one proteins were differentially expressed between ST17 and ST1, of which 166 were upregulated (>1.2 fold change, P < 0.05) and 115 (>1.2-fold change, P < 0.05) were downregulated. Function prediction revealed that nine upregulated proteins were outer membrane proteins, including several known immunogenic and/or virulence-related proteins, such as ompL1, LipL71 and LipL41. Furthermore, important expression differences in carbohydrate, amino acid, and energy metabolism and transport proteins were identified between ST1 and ST17, suggesting that these differences may reflect metabolic diversity and the potential of the pathogens to adapt to different environments. Conclusion: In summary, our findings provide insights into better understanding the component strains of the Chinese human leptospirosis vaccine at the proteomic level. Additionally, these data facilitate evaluating the mechanisms by which pathogenic Leptospira species adapt to the host environment.
Design and Evaluation of 3D-Printed 4 Structures Coated By CWPU/Graphene as Strain Sensor: Truss, Honeycomb, Chiral Truss, Re-entrant
Authors: Choi Hyeong Yeol , Shin Eun Joo , Lee Sun Hee
Published: December 2021

A strain sensor characterized by elasticity has recently been studied in various ways to be applied to monitoring humans or robots. Here, 4 types of 3D-printed auxetic lattice structures using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as raw material were characterized: truss and honeycomb with positive Poisson's ratio and chiral truss and re-entrant with negative Poisson's ratio. Each structure was fabricated as a flexible and stable strain sensor by coating graphene through a dip-coating process. The fabricated auxetic structures have excellent strength, flexibility, and electrical conductivity desirable for a strain sensor and detect a constant change in resistance at a given strain. The 3D-printed auxetic lattice 4 type structures coated with CWPU/Graphene suggest potential applications of multifunctional strain sensors under deformation.
Rumen Microbiota Alterations During Ketosis is Associated with the Development of Mastitis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Xiang Kaihe , Hu Xiaoyu , Mu Ruiying , Li Shuang , Wang Ying , Zhao Caijun , Zhang Naisheng , Fu Yunhe
Published: December 2021

Backgroud: Mastitis is the most serious disease endangering animal husbandry, especially dairy farming. Clinical investigations indicated that cows suffering from ketosis have a higher probability of mastitis. Rumen microbiota is closely related to ruminant health. However, it is not clear what role it plays in this process.Results: The microbiota in rumen fluid and milk from ketosis cows were determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that the richness of bacterial community both in rumen and milk were changed in ketosis cows. The abundance of genus Prevotella, Ruminococcus, Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-001 and Streptococcus in rumen fluid from ketosis cows decreased significantly and were negatively correlated with blood BHBA and milk SCC. In contrast, the abundance of genus Luteimonas, Thermomonas, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, NK4A214_group, Paracoccus, Acetitomaculum, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Deinococcus, Saccharofermentans and Butyrivibrio in rumen fluid from ketosis cows increased significantly and were positively correlated with blood BHBA and milk SCC. In addition, the abundance of F082 and Thermomonas were increased, while the abundance of genus Acinetobacter and UCG-005 were reduced both in milk and rumen fluid in ketosis cows than healthy cows. Conclusions: Ketosis in dairy cows is capable of inducing mastitis. The rumen microbiota of ketotic cows changed significantly and is associated with the development of mastitis. Targeting rumen microbiota regulation may be a promising strategy to prevent metabolism disorder and its secondary diseases in dairy cows.
Health Care Technologies and Nursing Care
Authors: ÇİFTÇİOĞLU Gülcan
Published: December 2021

Background: The Evaluation of Health Technologies is a multidisciplinary activity that systematically, transparent, impartial, effectively summarizing the safety, clinical efficacy and effectiveness, cost, cost-effectiveness, organizational mplications, social consequences, legal, ethical and organizational considerations of the application of a health technology The Evaluation of Health Technologies has significantly improved the decision-making process. To evaluate the reliability of technological measuring devices used in patient care. Methods: This study is a descriptive and observational study. The research was conducted between December 2019-April 2020 in Mardin Province hospitals. The population of the study consisted of 245 patients who were hospitalized in the clinics of these hospitals, over the age of 18 and 65 years agreed to participate in the study. The data were collected through a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (number, percentage and average) were used to evaluate the data. In order to conduct the study, written permission was obtained from the relevant institutions, ethics committee permission from the university and written consent from the individuals participating in the study. Results: The average age of the patients participating in the study was 42 years, and 35.1% were male, 64.9% were female, 82.0% were married and 69.4% were literate or primary school graduates. It was determined that 45% of the patients had at least one chronic disease and 38% of them used medication continuously. While the mean hunger blood glucose levels of the patients participating in the study were 128 mg / dl in measurements with the glucometer device, blood glucose laboratory levels obtained from the vein were found to be 122 mg / dl. Pulses of the patients were found to be 85 / min on average with a pulse oximeter device, and 87 / min on average in measurement by palpation from the artery method. While the temperature measurement average values of the patients were found to be 36.6 ° C with the forehead non-contact measurement device, the average temperature was found to be 35.7 ° C with the armpit digital measurement device. Conclusion: The use of technology in nursing care applications is an indispensable element. However, for the safe use of technological devices in nursing care, it is extremely important to measure the measurement devices used correctly. Significant differences were detected in the blood glucose levels measured with the glucometer device. We can say that there is a difference in thermometers, but pulse oximetry devices measure safely. More comprehensive research is recommended on this subject.
Gender Differences In Pleasure: The Mediating Roles of Cognitive Flexibility And Emotional Expressivity
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Zhang Zhihao , Wiley James A. , Fu Tingting , Yan Jin
Published: December 2021

Background: Gender differences have been found to be associated with individuals’ pleasure. Cognitive flexibility and emotional expressivity might play an important role between gender differences and pleasure. This current study is to explore the mediating role of cognitive flexibility and emotional expressivity in the relationship between gender differences and pleasure.Method: In this cross-sectional study, a sample of 1107 full-time university students from five colleges in Tianjin, Chinese mainland was investigated by questionnaire. All participants completed the Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale (TEPs), the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory (CFI), and the Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire (BEQ). Results: The results of independent T-test suggested that females reported better emotional expressivity, anticipatory pleasure and consummatory pleasure than males, whereas males had better cognitive flexibility than females. Regression analyses using bootstrapping procedures revealed that the partially mediation effects of both cognitive flexibility and emotional expressivity on the influence of gender differences in anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Results of this present study stated that cognitive flexibility and emotional expressivity play a partial mediating role in explaining gender differences in anticipatory and consummatory pleasure. Conclusion: Females had higher anticipatory and consummatory pleasure because they benefited from their better use of emotional regulation strategy to express their emotion.
Chemical Pond Water Contamination–icpms Investigations in the Various Areas of Eluru City, Andhra Pradesh, India-a Case Study.
Authors: REDDY BOGGU JAGAN MOHAN , Rao Ganteda Rama , Ranjitha K. V. B. , S G. Satya , Katari Naresh Kumar
Published: December 2021

The several stagnant water resources contamination in urban areas mainly caused by anthropogenic activities and as well as pathogenic organisms. The objective of the present study is to determine the chemical contamination in pond water regardingsudden appearance of health problems among the people of certain areas in Eluru, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The results of ICP-MS investigations showed elemental impurities in water samples and physio-chemical parameters of pond water such as pH, TDS, EC, CC , Total Hardness etc., are studied in detailed.
Genes in the Azoospermia Factor A Region of the Y Chromosome Show Sexual Dimorphism in Rat Brain Prior to Gonadal Sex Differentiation
Authors: Pradhan Ajay , Pramanik Subrata , Olsson Per-Erik
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe classical concept of brain sex differentiation suggests that steroid hormones released from the gonads program male and female brains differently. However, several studies indicate that steroid hormones are not the only determinant of brain sex differentiation and that genetic differences could also be involved.MethodsIn this study, we have performed RNA sequencing of rat brains at embryonic days 12 (E12), E13, and E14. The aim was to identify differentially expressed genes between male and female rat brains during early development. ResultsAnalysis of genes expressed with the highest sex differences showed that Xist was highly expressed in females having XX genotype with an increasing ratio over time. Analysis of genes expressed with the highest male expression identified three main genes. At E12, two genes located in the azoospermia factor A (AZFa) region on the Y chromosome were highly expressed in males. These were Ddx3y (1552-fold higher in males) and Kdm6c (147-fold higher in males). The expression of Kdm6c, but not Ddx3y, remained high at both E13 and E14. In qRT-PCR analysis, these two genes were highly expressed in all the stages in male brain. In addition to these genes, one of the several copies of Sry in the rat genome, Sry4, showed a high expression in the male brains at all three time points. At all three time points several other genes were also found to show sex bias, but with lower differences in gene expression. ConclusionThe observed sex-specific expression of genes at early development suggests that the rat brain is sexually dimorphic prior to gonadal action on the brain and identifies the AZFa region genes as a possible contributor to male brain development.
Serum O-Glycosylated Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B During Nucleos(t)ide Analog Therapy
Authors: Murata Ayato , Angata Kiyohiko , Sogabe Maki , Sato Shunsuke , Ichida Takafumi , Narimatsu Hisashi , Genda Takuya
Published: December 2021

Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a component of hepatitis B virus (HBV) virions and non-infectious subviral particles (SVPs). O-glycosylation of the PreS2 domain of middle HBsAg protein is a distinct characteristic of genotype C HBV virions versus SVPs. We measured serum O-glycosylated HBsAg levels in 47 treatment-naïve patients with genotype C chronic hepatitis B (CHB) at baseline and after 48 weeks of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy by immunoassay using a monoclonal antibody against the O-glycosylated PreS2 domain of middle HBsAg, and analyzed their correlations with conventional HBV marker levels. At baseline, serum O-glycosylated HBsAg levels were significantly correlated with HBV DNA, HBsAg, and hepatitis B-core related antigen (HBcrAg) levels. HBV DNA and O-glycosylated HBsAg levels were decreased after 48 weeks of NA therapy. The correlation between O-glycosylated HBsAg and HBsAg or HBcrAg levels was lost in patients who achieved undetectable HBV DNA. HBV DNA and RNA were detected in the O-glycosylated HBsAg-binding serum fraction, and the proportion of HBV RNA increased during NA therapy. In conclusion, serum O-glycosylated HBsAg levels change during NA therapy and may reflect combined serum HBV DNA and RNA virion levels, and an O-glycosylated HBsAg-based immunoassay may allow monitoring viral kinetics during NA therapy.
Development and Validation of a Robust Apoptosis-related Prognostic Classifier in Patients With Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Zhifeng , Wang Yi , Chen Fengmei , Zhang Yinquan , Guan Zhengmao
Published: December 2021

Background: Apoptosis plays an important role in the tumorigenesis and the development of osteosarcoma, but the reliable biomarkers for individual treatment and prognosis of osteosarcoma based on apoptosis is lacking.Methods: A total of 1476 apoptosis-related genes were extracted from pathways and biological processes associated with apoptosis downloaded from MSigDB. All of those genes were used to identified the prognosis-related genes by univariate cox regression in the TARGET dataset and the ARS was constructed using the LASSO regression. The performance of the classifier was verified in the training and validation groups. The infiltration of immune cells and the expression levels of the immune checkpoint in different groups were also analyzed. Finally, a nomogram based on ARS and other Clinicopathological factors was constructed to facilitate clinical application.Results: ARS containing 22 apoptosis-related genes were identified, and its predictive ability performed well in both the training and validation groups. Macrophages M1 were highly expressed in the low-score group, and NK cells resting was highly expressed in the high-score group. The samples with low-score had higher expression of CTLA4 and PDL1. A nomogram with excellent predictive effectiveness (AUC= 0.932, 0.984, 0.939, 0.939, 0.948) was constructed to facilitate clinical decision-making.Conclusion: A prognostic classifier based on 22 apoptosis-related genes and a nomogram were constructed to predict the overall survival of patients with osteosarcoma. The classifier also provides a reference for selecting suitable patients for immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Deposition Geometrical Characteristics of Wire Arc Additive Manufactured AA2219 Aluminium Alloy With Cold Metal Transfer Pulse Advance Arc Mode
Authors: Zhang Yazhou , Gao Ming , Lu Yang , Du Wenbo
Published: December 2021

A cold metal transfer pulse advance (CMT-PA) arc mode was employed in this paper for the additive manufacturing of Al alloy. The effects of process parameters on the surface morphology and effective width percentage were investigated. And a deposition width model was built by the multiple linear regressions. Based on the principle that the volume of sample is equal to that of filler wire, a deposition height model was simultaneously derived. The results show that the process parameters affect the trends of droplet spreading in horizontal direction and molten pool tangential direction by changing the heat input and arc force. The disparity between two trends directly determines the final deposition geometrical characteristics. The influences of three factors on the effective width percentage show a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. So it provides a process window of good deposition forming. Using the optimal parameter in the window, the effective width percentage reaches to 83% and machining allowance is only 0.8 mm, which significantly improves materials utilization and reduces manufacturing costs. Besides, the error rates of deposition width and height models are less than 4% and 6%, respectively. Two models can facilitate manufacturing different size parts and make a profit for the actual production.
Structure-antioxidant Activity Relationships of Dendrocandin Analogues Determined Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Zhang Ning , Wu Yilong , Qiao Miao , Yuan Wenjuan , Li Xingyu , Wang Xuanjun , Sheng Jun , Zi Cheng-Ting
Published: December 2021

Quantum-chemical calculations based on the density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6–311++G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6–31G(d,p) level were employed to study the relationship between the antioxidant properties and chemical structures of six dendrocandin (DDCD) analogues in the gas phase and two solvents (methanol and water). The hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), electron-transfer-proton-transfer (ET-PT), and sequential proton-loss-electron-transfer (SPLET) mechanisms are explored. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), reactivity indices (η, μ, ω, ω+, and ω–), and molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs) were also evaluated. The results suggest that the D ring plays an important role in mediating the antioxidant activity of DDCDs. For all the studied compounds, indicating that HAT was identified as the most favorable mechanism, whereas the SPLET mechanism was the most thermodynamically favorable pathway in polar solvents. The results of our study should aid in the development of new or modified antioxidant compounds.
Comparison of Different Hardware Configurations for 2D SLAM Techniques Based on Google Cartographer Use Case
Authors: Sobczak Łukasz , Filus Katarzyna , Domańska Joanna , Domański Adam
Published: December 2021

One of the most challenging topics in Robotics is Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) in the indoor environments. Due to the fact that Global Navigation Satellite Systems cannot be successfully used in such environments, different data sources are used for this purpose, among others LiDARs (Light Detection and Ranging), which have advanced from numerous other technologies. Other embedded sensors can be used along with LiDARs to improve SLAM accuracy, e.g. the ones available in the Inertial Measurement Units and wheel odometry sensors. Evaluation of different SLAM algorithms and possible hardware configurations in real environments is time consuming and expensive. For that reason, in this paper we evaluate the performance of different hardware configuration used with Google Cartographer SLAM algorithms in simulation framework proposed in 1. Our use case is an actual robot used for room decontamination. The results show that for our robot the best hardware configuration consists of three LiDARs 2D, IMU and wheel odometry sensors. The proposed simulation-based methodology is a cost-effective alternative to real-world evaluation. It allows easy automation and provides access to precise ground truth. It is especially beneficial in the early stages of product design and to reduce the number of necessary real-life tests and hardware configurations.
Open-Source, Low-Cost, In-Situ Turbidity Sensor for River Network Monitoring
Authors: Droujko Jessica , Molnar Peter
Published: December 2021

Fine sediment transport in rivers is important for catchment nutrient fluxes, global biogeochemical cycles, water quality and pollution in riverine, coastal and marine ecosystems. Monitoring of suspended sediment in rivers with current sensors is challenging and expensive and most monitoring setups are restricted to few single site measurements. To better understand the spatial heterogeneity of fine sediment sources and transport in river networks there is a need for new smart water turbidity sensing that is multi-site, accurate and affordable. In this work, we have created such a sensor, which detects scattered light from an LED source using two detectors in a control volume, and can be placed in a river. We compare several replicates of our sensor to different commercial turbidity probes in a mixing tank experiment using two sediment types over a wide range of typical concentrations observed in rivers. Our results show that we can achieve precise and reproducible turbidity measurements in the 0-4000 NTU or 0-16g/L range. Our sensor can also be used directly as a suspended sediment sensor and bypass an unnecessary calibration to Formazin. The developed turbidity sensor is much cheaper than existing options of comparable quality and is especially intended for distributed sensing across river networks.
Influences of Dielectric Constant and Scan Rate to Hysteresis Effect in Perovskite Solar Cell: Simulation and Experimental Analyses
Authors: Huang Jun-Yu , Yang You-Wei , Hsu Wei-Hsuan , Chang En-Wen , Chen Mei-Hsin , Wu Yuh-Renn
Published: December 2021

In this work, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with different transport layers were fabricated to understand the hysteresis phenomenon under a series of scan rates. The experimental results show that the hysteresis phenomenon would be affected by the dielectric constant of transport layers and scan rate significantly. To explain this, a modified Poisson and drift-diffusion solver coupled with a fully time-dependent ion migration model is developed to analyze how the ion migration affects the performance and hysteresis of PSCs. The modeling results show that the most crucial factor in the hysteresis behavior is the built-in electric field of the perovskite. The non-linear hysteresis curves are demonstrated under different scan rates, and the mechanism of the hysteresis behavior is explained. Additionally, other factors contributing to the degree of hysteresis are determined to be the degree of degradation in the perovskite material, the quality of the perovskite crystal, and the materials of the transport layer, which corresponds to the total ion density, carrier lifetime of perovskite, and the dielectric constant of the transport layer, respectively. Finally, it was found that the dielectric constant of the transport layer is a key factor affecting hysteresis in perovskite solar cells.
Osteogenic Effects of Triterpene Saponin Soyasapogenol B on Differentiation, Mineralization, Autophagy, and Necroptosis
Authors: Park Kyung-Ran , Lee Joon Yeop , Kim Soo Hyun , Kwon Il Keun , Yun Hyung-Mun
Published: December 2021

Background: Triterpenoid saponins are a diverse group of natural compounds in plants. A triterpene saponin, Soyasapogenol B (SoyB), from Arachis hypogaea (peanut) has various pharmacological properties. This study aimed to elucidate pharmacological properties and mechanisms of SoyB on bone-forming cells. Methods: Cell viability adhesion, and migration were analyzed using MTT assay, cell adhesion assay, and Boyden chamber assay. Osteogenic activity and osteogenicity were analyzed using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. Cell signaling, protein expression, and autophagy were analyzed using Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence assay, and DAPGreen autophagy detection assay. Results and Conclusion: In the present study, SoyB (> 99.99% purity), triterpene saponin, was isolated from the fruit of A. hypogaea. At concentrations ranging from 1 to 20 mM, SoyB showed no cell proliferation effects, whereas 30 - 100 mM SoyB increased cell proliferation in MC3T3-E1 cells. Next, osteoblast differentiation was analyzed and found that SoyB enhanced ALP staining and activity and bone mineralization as evidence for early and late osteoblast differentiation. SoyB also induced RUNX2 expression in nucleus with the increased phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 and JNK2 during osteoblast differentiation. In addition, SoyB-mediated osteoblast differentiation was not associated with autophagy and necroptosis. Furthermore, SoyB increased cell migration and adhesion with the upregulation of MMP13 levels during osteoblast differentiation. The findings of this study provide new evidence that SoyB possesses biological effects on osteogenic activity and osteogenicity in bone-forming cells, and suggest a potentially beneficial role for peanuts foods and drugs containing SoyB in the treatment and prevention of bone diseases.
Location of Semi-Rigid Connection Effect On The Seismic Performance of Steel Frame Structures
Authors: Elhout Emad A.
Published: December 2021

In design steel frames, combining semi-rigid and rigid connections can result in better structural performance, particularly in seismic locations. In this study, the effects of semi-rigid beam-to-column connections located on the seismic performance of steel frame structures are investigated. The analysis uses six and twelve-story moment resisting steel frames (MRSF) with rigid, semi-rigid, and dual beam-column connections. These frames are designed according to the Egyptian design codes. Drain-2Dx computer program and seven earthquake ground motions are used in the non-linear dynamic analysis. The rotational stiffness of beam-to-column connections is indicated through the end fixity factors with a value equal to 0.6. The performances of these frames are evaluated through the roof drift ratio (RDR), the maximum story drift ratios (SDR), and the maximum column axial compression force (MACF). The results indicated that the quantities of fundamental periods, roof drift ratio, the story drift ratio, and the column axial compression force are related to stiffness, rigidity, and the number of semi-rigid connections in steel frames.
Penicillium Amapaense sp. nov. Exilicaulis Section and New Records of Penicillium Labradorum in Brazil Isolated from Amazon River Sediments with Potential Applications in Agriculture and Biotechnology
Authors: Silva Ingride Jarline S. da , Sousa Thiago F. , de Queiroz Claudia Afras , Castro Gleucinei dos Santos , Caniato Fernanda F. , de Medeiros Lívia S. , Angolini Célio F. F. , Hanada Rogério E. , Koolen Hector H. Ferreira , Silva Gilvan Ferreira da
Published: December 2021

The genus Penicillium is recognized for its ability to produce bioactive molecules with a wide range of biotechnological applications. Currently, the genus is distributed in 28 sections, with more than 50 species in the Exilicaulis section. Representative species of this section are responsible for the production of antimicrobial compounds, but they can also produce genotoxic compounds that affect commercial mushroom production or cause disease in immunosuppressed animals. In the present study, based on morphological characters such as the length of the conidia, phialides and stipes, as well as sequence analysis of the ITS region and partial sequence of CAM, TUB2 and RPB2 loci, we describe a new fungal species denominated Penicillium amapaense and report for the first time the occurrence of Penicillium labrodorum in Brazil, both of which were isolated from sediments of the Amazon River. The isolates obtained in this study for each species were submitted to antibiosis assays against 12 phytopathogenic fungi that affect important agricultural crops in Brazil and showed inhibition of 11 out of 12 of them. The production of amylase, cellulase and siderophore as well phosphate solubilization was also detected. Metabolomic analysis indicates the ability of P. labrodorum and Penicillium amapaense sp nov. to produce polyketides such as known curvularins and anthraquinones. In addition to these, unknown compounds were also detected. These results indicate the biotechnological and agricultural potential of P. labradorum and P. amapaense.
Effect of Exercise Training On Autophagic Process in White Adipose Tissue of High Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Daneshyar Saeed , Tavoosidana Gholamreza , Jalali-Moghim Fatemeh , Amani-Shalamzari Sadegh
Published: December 2021

Background. Some studies have established a relationship between obesity and the autophagic process in adipose tissue. This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise training on the autophagic process in white adipose tissue (WAT) of high fat diet-induced obese mice.Methods and Results. C57BL/6 mice were assigned into three groups included: 1) Control 2), High-Fat Diet-induced Obesity (HFD-Ob), and 3) High-Fat Diet with Exercise Training (HFD-Ex). The subjects of HFD-Ob were fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks. The mice of HFD-Ex had eight weeks of endurance training on a treadmill in addition to having the HFD. The Real-Time–PCR and western blot methods were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of markers of the autophagic process. HFD caused an upregulation in the factors of the autophagosome formation, including ATG5 and ATG7, LC3, and the exercise training could augment the upregulation. Further, the training program prevented the change in LAMP2 expression (a marker of autophagolysosome), which being reduced by HFD. The lysosomal clearance factors (CTSB and CTSL) were raised in HFD-Ob and differently changed in HFD-Ex.Conclusion. HFD-induced obesity promoted the early and last steps of autophagy whereas defected the intermediate-step of it. Interestingly, the exercise training enhanced the early phase of autophagy, which being increased by HFD. Further, the training program could modify the rising effect of HFD on the last step of autophagy. It seems that a part of the protective effect of exercise training on obesity-related complications may be mediated by modulating the autophagic process in white adipose tissue.
CT Guided Placement of the End of the Microcoil in the Pleural Cavity: A More Helpful Method for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) Resection of Ground Glass Opacity (GGO)
Authors: An Jianli , Dong Yanchao , Li Yanguo , Han Xiaoyu , Niu Hongtao , Zou Zibo , Wu Jingpeng , Tian Ye , Chen Zhuo
Published: December 2021

Objective To investigate and summarize the effectiveness and safety of CT guided microcoil localization before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for the removal of ground glass opacity (GGO).Method 147 patients with GGO who were treated in our hospital from January 2019 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to the final position of the end of the microcoil, intracavity group (n=78) and extracavity group (n=69). Comparison of the two groups of patients with puncture complications, and the influence of the end position of the coil for VATS.Results The proportion of supine and prone position in the intracavity group was significantly higher than that in the extracavity group (82.1% vs. 66.7%, P<0.05). The incidence of intrapulmonary hemorrhage, chest pain and coil displacement in the intracavitary group was significantly lower than that in the extracavitary group (28.2% vs. 46.4%; 19.2% vs. 39.1%;1.3% vs. 11.6%, P<0.05), and the incidence of pneumothorax had no significant difference(P>0.05). The time of VATS and the rate of conversion to thoracotomy in the intracavity group were significantly lower than those in the extracavity group (103.4±21.0min vs. 112.2±17.3min, 0% vs. 5.8%, P<0.05).Conclusion CT-guided placement of the microcoil was a very practical, simple and convenient localization method before VATS with high success rate and few complications, further more, it was a better method to place the end of the coil in the pleural cavity because of the lower complication rate, shorter VATS time and lower rate of thoracotomy conversion.