bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does litter size affect the response of postpartum nursing ewes to hormonal estrous induction during spring?
Authors: Bottino Juan Pedro , Pérez-Clariget Raquel , Ungerfeld Rodolfo
Published: October 2022

The objective of this study was to determine if the litter size of nursing ewes affects the response to hormonal treatments to induce estrus and ovulation during the non-breeding season. For this, 124 Corriedale ewes were used, 56 ewes that had lambed during spring and remaining nursing a single lamb (GS, n = 30) or twin lambs (GT, n = 26). Another group of ewes that did not lamb was included as a control group (GC, n = 68). Estrus was induced 38 days after lambing with intravaginal sponges impregned with medroxyprogesterone acetate, that remained 7 days in situ, plus the administration of 350 IU of eCG at withdrawal. Once detected in estrus, the ewes were cervically inseminated, and 8 and 40 days later the presence of corpus luteum (CL) and pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasonography respectively. The percentage of ewes that came into estrus did not differ between groups. More GC than GT ewes had CL (P = 0.02), with GS not differing from the other groups. The conception and pregnancy rates were greater in GC than in GS and GT ewes (P ≤ 0.03). The litter size had no effect on the response to estrous induction; however, nursing impaired the pregnancy outcome, probably due to the failure in the ovulatory process or the early regression of the CL.
Addressing DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) norms with potentially toxic elements for assessing the nutritional status of Eucalyptus amended with sewage sludge
Authors: Cardoso Paulo Henrique Silveira , Rodrigues Bruno Rodrigues , Casagrande Beatriz Papa , Alvares Clayton Alcarde , Nogueira Thiago Assis Rodrigues , Capra Gian Franco , Jani Arun Dilipkumar , Hamilton Abreu-Junior Cassio
Published: October 2022

Background
The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) gave valuable indices of the nutritional status of Eucalyptus amended with sewage sludge (SS).
Aims
Our objective was to establish a DRIS norms and analytical method for Eucalyptus under SS application, by verifying in particular, the influence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) on the nutritional and plant development.
Method
Data on mean annual increment, nutrient, and PTE concentration were obtained in an experiment at 22, 44, 54, and 76 months after planting Eucalyptus amended with SS.
Results
Our results indicated that DRIS can give valuable data on the nutritional balance indices, in which it was possible to verify that Ba was the most limiting element due to its excess present both in the low and high yielding subpopulations, ranging from 10 to 40% of the populations with excess of Ba. The nutritional diagnosis in agreement with the DRIS model ranged from 60 to 98% among the populations. When modeling the DRIS functions with inclusion of PTEs, a consistent evaluation of the Eucalyptus nutritional status was observed, which generated more reliable indices that were able to rank the limiting elements for the Eucalyptus productivity.
Conclusion
The new approach proved to be an effective tool for interpreting DRIS indices, by presenting reliable data when PTEs are included. Thus, the inclusion of PTEs in DRIS functions can provide valuable information, by determining which element can cause more damage to the plants. The need for specific norms for each region, plant age and sludge management are highlighted.
A randomised controlled trial to investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for depressed non-responders to Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) high-intensity therapies: study protocol
Authors: Barnhofer Thorsten , Dunn Barnaby D. , Strauss Clara , Ruths Florian , Barrett Barbara , Ryan Mary , Ladwa Asha , Stafford Frances , Fichera Roberta , Baber Hannah , McGuinness Ailis , Metcalfe Isabella , Harding Delilah , Walker Sarah , Ganguli Poushali , Rhodes Shelley , Young Allan , Warren Fiona
Published: October 2022

• Background: Major Depression represents a pressing challenge for health care. In England, Increasing Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services provide evidence-based psychological therapies in a stepped care approach to patients with depression. While introduction of these services has successfully increased access to therapy, estimates suggest that about 50 percent of depressed patients who have come to the end of the IAPT pathway still show significant levels of symptoms. This study will investigate whether Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), a group intervention combining training in mindfulness meditation and elements from cognitive therapy, can have beneficial effects in depressed patients who have not responded to high-intensity therapy in IAPT. It will seek to establish the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MBCT as compared to the treatment these patients would usually receive.
• Methods: In a 2-arm randomised controlled trial, patients who currently meet criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and who have not sufficiently responded to at least 12 sessions of IAPT high-intensity therapy will be allocated, at a ratio of 1:1, to receive either MBCT (in addition to treatment as usual [TAU]) or continue with TAU only. Assessments will take place at baseline, 10-weeks and 34-weeks post-randomisation. The primary outcome will be reduction in depression symptomatology 34 weeks post-randomisation as assessed using the Public Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Secondary outcomes will include depressive symptomatology at 10-weeks post-randomisation and other clinical outcomes measured at 10-week and 34-week follow-up, along with a series of binarized outcomes to indicate clinically significant and reliable change. Evaluations of cost-effectiveness will be based on assessments of service use costs collected using the Adult Service Use Schedule and health utilities derived from the EQ-5D.
• Discussion: This trial will add to the evidence-base for the use of MBCT in depressed treatment non-responders. It will constitute the first trial to test MBCT following non-response to psychological therapy, with results providing a direct estimate of efficacy within the IAPT pathway. As such, its results will offer an important basis for decisions regarding the adoption of MBCT for non-responders within IAPT.
• Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05236959, 11.02.2022; ISRCTN: 17755571, 02.02.2021
Tunisian children ans adolescents coping with parental cancer
Authors: Berrazaga Yosra , Korbi Sinan , Mejri Nesrine , Rachdi Haifa , Saadi Mariem , Daoud Nouha , Boussen Hammouda
Published: October 2022

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the coping mechanisms of children of cancer parents in the Tunisian context where cancer remains a taboo subject in many families.
Methods: Parents treated for cancer (n=103) how have children<18 years old, were asked to complete a questionnaire between July and December 2020.The questionnaire included items about: emotional and behavioral impact on children.
Results: We interviewed 75 women (72.8%), mean age was 43 years old. Forty percent of the patients had adolescents (aged 12-18 years), 35% had school-aged children (6-12 years) and 25% had children preschoolers (<6 years). In our study, 82.5% of parents told their children about the disease. Among the children who were not aware of their parent’s illness, we observed significantly more preschoolers (61% vs 17.6%, p=0.001). In 41.7% of cases, parents didn’t disclose the whole truth to their kids. The announcement procedure was perceived as a stressful task by half of the participants. In our study, 96% of participants observed a behavioral change in their kids: anxiety in 35.1%, depression in 21.6%, violent behavior and aggression in 21.6%, emotional dependency in 10.3% and addiction in 6.2% of the cases. School failure was reported in 58.7% of cases mainly seen in children aged 6-12 years. Parent’s gender (OR=2.88 [0.38-21]), educational level (OR=0.59 [0.059-5.894]) didn’t significantly predict kids’ behavior change.
Conclusion: Tunisian parents with cancer seemed to lift the taboo surrounding their disease by involving their children in the acceptance process of the disease despite the developmental disruption it can generate.
Immature Myeloid Cell Deposition in Old Bone Marrow Revealed by Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Kim Woo Jin , Kim Ki-Tae , Moon Jae-I , Park Seung Gwa , Cho Young Dan , Kim Hyun Jung , Shin Hye-Rim , Yoon Heein , Ryoo Hyun-Mo
Published: October 2022

Aging causes dysfunction of innate immunity, although hematopoietic stem cells of aged bone marrow (BM) show an increased differentiation potential to myeloid lineage cells. The alteration of cellular heterogeneity and intercellular communications between BM immune cells may provide important clues to understanding age-dependent immune dysfunction. Here, we provide a deep single-cell transcriptomic analysis of total immune cell populations of young and old BM. We identified the well-organized differentiation status of 11 myeloid/lymphoid lineage cell populations and age-dependent alterations in the proportions of cells. The neutrophil lineages showed the most prominent alteration by aging, and subclustering of neutrophils indicated that the specific immature neutrophils are increased in old BM. In addition, we identified age-dependent alterations in secretory phenotypes associated with a decline in innate immunity and immune cell differentiation. Among these secretory phenotypes, SPP1 could be suggested as a representative signal that triggers myeloid skewing and immature neutrophil deposition in aged BM. Collectively, these results provide a novel link between the altered immune cell proportions in BM and age-dependent dysregulation of innate immunity.
Low-level wind shear of wind field modeling and simulation
Authors: Zhang Ye , Jia Meng
Published: October 2022

Three wind shear wind field modeling methods has been introduced in this paper. By use of computer numerical simulation, the model can not only simulate the real wind shear of wind field, buy can also provide other useful physical quantities. In the study of low-level wind shear detection system process, the wind field model that can truly reflect the physical characteristics change of wind field is establised. The experiments results show that the most typical shear wind field is caused by the down flow.
The way ahead for improving the health of Syrian women through identification of core competencies
Authors: Haidar Shireen , Dashash Mayssoon
Published: October 2022

Background: The rates and causes of perinatal deaths of mothers in Syria, as well as the coverage rates in reproductive and maternal health, reflect a serious decline in the quality of care. Researchers indicate that lack of clinical skills are the main reason of maternal death. Therefore, this study was undertaken at identifying the essential competencies required in order to deliver the best health care to women.Methods:A purposive, multidisciplinary sample of 22 medical experts participated in the study, and two rounds of modified Delphi technique were applied using two criteria, percentage and mean value, to identify core competencies regarding women's health.Results:55 core competencies, including 22 cognitive, 17 skills, 16 attitudes, were identified, and divided into 35 essential and 20 important competencies. Also, 53 competencies were determined as necessary for the general practitioner, including 15 cognitive (knowledge), 16 skills, 22 attitudes, whereas 17 competencies were considered, exclusively, for the specialist.ConclusionsUndergraduates need to focus on competencies that are related mostly to preventive and promotive maternal, and antenatal care. It is hoped that this approach would help curriculum planners in Syrian medical schools and other faculties in the world with similar circumstances, to address these competencies in their curricula that consequently improve the quality of life and well- being of women.
Elastic surface coatings with cross-linking networks for strengthening glass fibers in scale-up production
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Zhang Dedong , Liu Dong , Huyan Chenxi , Li Junfeng , Han Xiang , Li Xinxin , Chen Fei
Published: October 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Lycium barbarum glycopeptide targets PER2 to inhibit lipogenesis in glioblastoma by downregulating SREBP1c
Authors: Xia Hechun , Yao Jian , Hui Jianwen , Chen Yanjun , Luo Dongyang , Yan Jiangshu , Zhang Yifan , Lan Yuanxiang , Yan Xiurui , Wang Zhihua , Fan Heng
Published: October 2022

Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is a substance with various biological activities extracted from Lycium barbarum. LbGPs are peptidoglycans with a short peptide backbone and a complex, branched glycan moiety, which is further extracted and isolated from LBPs. Previous studies have shown that LbGP can inhibit cancer cell growth, but its specific mechanism is not completely clear. In this study, we found that LbGP could inhibit the proliferation of glioma cells and promote the expression of period 2 (PER2) through the PKA-CREB pathway. In addition, LbGP could inhibit the de novo synthesis of lipids by downregulating SREBP1c and its target genes, which depended on the expression of PER2. Moreover, PER2 negatively regulated the expression of SREBP1c via suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In summary, LbGP may upregulate the expression of PER2 to reduce the expression of SREBP1c, inhibit lipid synthesis in glioblastoma, and inhibit glioblastoma cell proliferation. This study provides an alternative drug for the treatment of glioma and elucidates its potential mechanism.
Biodegradable PBAT, PBS and PHBV polymers characterization for porous structure: further steps to sustainable plastics
Authors: Lima Guilherme M.R. , Mukherjee Adrivit , Picchioni Francesco , Bose Ranjita K.
Published: October 2022

Plastic pollution is one of the main issues of the modern era. When plastic is wrongly disposed of, it can be found in contaminated water, land, and even in the air. One of the solutions to tackle plastic con-tamination in the world is introducing polymers that require fewermaterials to fulfill the same function in addition to biodegradable and biobased options. Biodegradable polymers tackle end-of-life pollution when wrongly discarded, and biobased polymers use fewer or none fossil-based resources. In this study, we characterize the bioplastics Polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), Polybutylene succinate(PBS), and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) as further steps to stage the features of promising alternatives to currently utilized plastics. We access the chemical, thermal and mechanical characteristics of commercially available PBAT, PBS, and PHBV polymers.These results help us to understand purity, process behavior, and per-ceive different porous morphology. In addition, we successfully produce porous materials using a green process with carbon dioxide. Because of their respective features, all three polymers resulted in microcellularporous, but PBAT and PBS resulted in closed cells and PHBV opencells. Since each polymer has different thermal properties, the process temperature follows their respective melting temperature.In order to see the morphology of each sample, the porous material was cut and analyzed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The possibility to make porous samples with different morphology also adds value to the polymers and introduces new options to fill more applications.
Evaluation of the trueness of intraoral scanning for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect
Authors: Cao Rongkai , Zhang Shilei , Li Lishan , Xu Hui , Cao Yujie
Published: October 2022

Objectives.
The trueness of intraoral scanning (IOS) for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect has not been investigated sufficiently. This study aimed to evaluate trueness of digital dental impressions obtained by IOS for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect by quantitatively comparing liner distance and best-fit algorithm measurement with model scanning.
Materials and Methods.
Three ceramic blocks were pasted on healthy palate mucosa using medical tissue glue in 10 subjects. Digital dental impressions were scanned by IOS and imported into the software. Plaster dental impressions obtained by silicone rubber were also taken and scanned. Linear distance and best-fit algorithm measurement were performed using model scanning as the reference. To examine linear distance, Paired t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied. The best-fit algorithm measurement of dentition was evaluated with Kolmogorov–Smirnoff test. The level of significance was set to α = .05.
Results.
Paired t-test showed no difference between IOS and model scanning for liner distance in group A and C, while for group B, significant differences were observed (P < 0.05). Results of ANOVA indicated differences among groups (P < 0.05). For best-fit algorithm measurement, Kolmogorov–Smirnoff test showed no significant difference between IOS and model scanning (P = 0.18).
Conclusion.
IOS demonstrated satisfactory results in trueness of digital dental impressions for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect, while functional impressions were needed in defect or flap areas to better meet clinical requirements.
Clinical Relevance.
The feasibility of digital dental impressions for partially edentulous patients with maxillary defect using IOS was illustrated in this study, which provided references for clinical treatment.
An ancient metalloenzyme evolves through metal preference modulation
Authors: Sendra Kacper , Barwinska-Sendra Anna , Mackenzie Eilidh , Basle Arnaud , Kehl-Fie Thomas , Waldron Kevin
Published: October 2022

Evolutionary processes create functional diversity of natural proteins, the essential building blocks of all biological systems. Although descriptions of general protein evolution are extensive1, studies of natural proteins sampled across the tree of life and evaluated in a single experimental system are virtually non-existent. Almost half of all enzymes require metals2,3 and metalloproteins tend to optimally utilise the physicochemical properties of a specific metal cofactor. Life must constantly adapt to changes in metal-bioavailability, including exposure of pathogens to nutritional immunity4,5 and biogeological oxygenation of Earth’s atmosphere6,7. These changes can challenge the ability of metalloenzymes to maintain activity and presumptively drive their evolution. Here, we studied metal-preference evolution within the natural diversity of the iron/manganese superoxide dismutase (SodFM) enzyme family, important scavengers of toxic reactive oxygen species. We identified and experimentally verified residues with critically conserved roles in determining metal-preference that, when combined with an understanding of the protein’s evolutionary history, enabled improved prediction of metal-utilisation across the five SodFM subfamilies defined herein. By combining phylogenetics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and structural biology we demonstrate that SodFM metal-utilisation can be evolutionarily fine-tuned by sliding on a continuous scale between perfect manganese- and iron-specificities. Over the history of life, SodFM metal-preference has been modulated multiple independent times within different evolutionary and ecological contexts and can be changed within short evolutionary timeframes. Our data shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms by which diverse metalloenzyme families can change their metal preference over time in nature or by design in man-made systems.
Clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with HER2-low breast cancer
Authors: Yang Xin , Li Yao , lu Xu , Ren Xiaotian , Hua Bin
Published: October 2022

Background
Low human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression is an emerging concept in breast cancer that is defined as immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1 + or IHC 2 + and negative in situ hybridization (ISH) but has been poorly investigated. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of low HER2 expression among HER2-negative breast cancers and compare the clinicopathological features and prognosis of HER2-low patients with those of HER2-zero patients.
Methods
We collected the data of 684 patients with primary HER2-negative breast cancer who underwent surgery between January 2012 and September 2021 from our self-built database. Clinicopathological features, recurrence-free interval (RFI) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were compared between HER2-low and HER2-zero (IHC 0) patients.
Results
Among the 684 patients, 512 (74.9%) patients had low HER2 expression, and 172 (25.1%) patients had zero HER2 expression. The average age was 57.7 ± 12.6 years, 472 (69.0%) patients were aged < 65 years, and 212 (31.0%) patients were aged ≥ 65 years. Compared to HER2-zero tumors, HER2-low tumors had a higher proportion of hormone receptor (HR)-positive cases (89.6% vs. 75.6%, P < 0.001) and a lower rate of histological grade III cases (29.4% vs. 38.8%, P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that low HER2 expression was associated with prolonged RFI in breast cancer patients, especially in HR + breast cancer patients (P = 0.028) and < 65-year-old breast cancer patients (P = 0.000). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that low HER2 expression was a low-risk factor for RFI (HR: 0.531, 95% CI: 0.292–0.967, P = 0.038) but had no influence on BCSS (P = 0.272).
Conclusions
HER2-low tumors had a higher proportion of HR positivity and a lower rate of histological grade III than HER2-zero tumors. Low HER2 expression seemed to be a protective factor for RFI, especially in patients with HR + and those younger than 65 years.
Perception and practices of depth of anesthesia monitoring and intraoperative awareness event rate among Jordanian anesthesiologists: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nawafleh Sager , Alrawashdeh Ahmad , Ababneh Omar , Hani Diab Bani , Bani-Hani Morad , Bataineh Adel , Al-Salameh Faisal , Abuzaid Sajeda , Yasser Omer , Khairallah Khaled , Modanat Zaid Al
Published: October 2022

Background
Intraoperative awareness is the second most common complication of surgeries, and it negatively affects patients and healthcare professionals. Based on the limited previous studies, there ‎is a wide variation in the incidence intraoperative awareness and in the practices and attitudes of depth of anesthesia (DoA) monitoring among healthcare systems and anesthesiologists. This study aimed to evaluate the Jordanian anesthesiologists’ practice and attitudes toward DoA monitoring and their estimation of the incidence of ‎intraoperative awareness.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey of the Jordanian anesthesiologists working in public, private, and university hospitals was utilized using questionnaire ‎developed based on previous studies. Practice and attitude in using DoA monitors were evaluated. Anesthesiologists were asked to best estimate the number of anesthesia procedures and frequency of intraoperative awareness events in the year before. Percentages and 95% Confidence Intervals (95%CI) were reported and compared between groups using chi-square tests.‎
Results
A total of 107 physicians participated and completed the survey. About one-third of the participant (34.6%; 95% CI 26.1–44.2) had never used a DoA monitor and only 6.5% (96% CI ) reported using it as a “daily practice”. The use of a DoA monitor was associated with experience and type of health sector. However, 81.3% (95% CI 66.5–83.5) believed that currently available DoA monitors are effective for DoA monitoring, and only 4.7% (95%CI ‎1.9–10.8‎) reported it as being “invalid”. Most participants reported that the main purpose of using the DoA monitor was to prevent awareness (86.0%; 95%CI 77.9–91.4), guide the delivery of anesthetics (63.6%; 95%CI 53.9–72.2), and reduce recovery time (57%; 95%CI 47.4–66.1). The event rate of intraoperative awareness was estimated at 0.4% among participated anesthesiologists. Most of participants’ hospitals lacked policy intended to prevent intraoperative awareness.
Conclusions
Most anesthesiologists believed in the role of DoA monitors in preventing intraoperative awareness, however, their attitudes and knowledge are inadequate, and few use DoA monitors in routine practices. In Jordan, large efforts are needed to regulate the use of DoA monitoring and reduce the incidence of intraoperative awareness.
PIM2 kinase regulates the expression of TIGIT and energy metabolism on NK cell in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Liu ZhaoYun , Wang Hao , Li YiMan , Meng NanHao , Liu Hui , Ding Kai , Fu Rong
Published: October 2022

Background: PIM2 kinase play a vital role in the generation of plasma cell and bone loss in multiple myeloma(MM), which highly related to the tumor progression and as a potential therapy target in MM. In immune cell,PIM2 kinase involved in the regulation of lymphocyte like T cell and B cell, However, its role in NK cells remains unclear.
Methods: Single-cell RNA sequencing data were analysed the expression of PIM2 kinase in NK cells from MM patients and healthy donors.Immune checkpoint expression, cell apoptosis, and NK cell function had been evaluated through flow cytometry.Then, NCBI, UCSC, JASPAR and GEPIA database were used to predict promoter of TIGIT.NK-92 cells with ETS-1 knockdown were established by using sh-RNA. Kinase functional assay (ADP-Glo) were used to confirm PIM2 inhibitor from 160 kinds of natural flavonoids compound.Samples treated with or without drugs were analyzed using mass spectrometry and RNA-seq. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR), and the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) were measured by assay kit.
Result: The PIM2 kinase was highly expressed in the NK cells from MM patients based on single-cell sequencing analysis and confirmed in clinical sample by PCR and flow cytometry.Inhibition of PIM2 kinase can increase the function of NK cells and down regulation TIGIT expression. Mechanism, we confirmed that ETS-1 which was directly binding to the promoter of TIGIT was up-regulated by PIM2 kinase, which can lead the strengthened transcription of TIGIT on NK cells.Furthermore, two novel natural flavonoids compound named Kaempferol and Quercetin dihydrate as PIM2 kinase inhibitors exhibiting higher efficiency at low dose in MM cells,while influence the expression of TIGIT and energy metabolism on NK-92 cells. For in vitro experiment,PIM2 kinase inhibitors can activate NK cell killing function and decrease TIGIT expression,while promoted the apoptosis of MM cells irrespective of adding BMSCs or not in co-culture systems BMSCs.
Conclusion: PIM2 kinase involved in the regulation of NK cell.Inhibiting PIM2 kinase could down-regulate the expression of TIGIT and improve energy metabolism to enhance NK cell anti myeloma cell.
KGCNA-CNN-BiLSTM：Knowledge graph and hybrid neural networks for drugs association prediction
Authors: Liu Shuang , Zhu Xiaomin
Published: October 2022

Drug association (DDIs) prediction is also called drug interaction prediction, which refers to the interactions between drug and drug that lead to unexpected side effects when two or more drugs are taken simultaneously or successively. Previous studies on DDIs prediction using methods such as molecular representation and network embedding were extremely complex, expensive and time-consuming, and were limited in acquiring rich neighborhood information about drug entities and their surroundings during the forecasting process. A drug linkage prediction method based on knowledge graphs and hybrid neural networks was proposed based on the deficiencies of the above methods. This method is mainly based on methods such as knowledge graphs, graph convolutional network, Convolutional-BiLSTM network and attention mechanisms to solve the limitations in acquiring rich neighborhood information about KG entities during the forecasting process. It transforms drug linkage prediction research into a link prediction problem and views drug relationships with known interactions as edges in the interaction graph. It can effectively discover interactions of unknown drugs; meanwhile, performance comparisons are performed with existing DDIs prediction methods. The results show that higher performance is achieved in terms of indicators such as ACC and F1 values, which validate the effectiveness of the model. Finally, future directions in this field are proposed based on an analysis and summary of challenges faced by current DDIs predictions.
Genome-wide analysis of the KANADI gene family and its expression patterns under different nitrogen treatments in Populus trichocarpa
Authors: Niu Minghui , Zhang Heng , Li Xiangyang , Hu Zhibao , Zhang Hongjiao , Xu Zhiru , Qu Chunpu , Liu Guanjun
Published: October 2022

Background KANADI(KAN) was a plant-specific gene that controlled the polarity development of lateral organs. It mainly acted on the abaxial characteristics of plants to make the lateral organs asymmetrical. However, it had not been identified in woody plants.
Methods and Results In this study, the members of the KAN gene family in Populus trichocarpawere identified and analyzed using the bioinformatics method. The results showed that a total of 8 KAN family members were screened out, and each member contained the unique GARP domain and conserved region of the family proteins. Phylogenetic analysis and their gene structures revealed that all KANgenes from P. trichocarpa, Arabidopsis thaliana, and Nicotiana benthamiana could be divided into four subgroups, while the eight genes in P.trichocarpa were classified into three subgroups, respectively. The analysis of tissue-specific expression indicated that PtKAN1 was highly expressed in young leaves, PtKAN6 was highly expressed in young leaves and mature leaves, PtKAN2, PtKAN5, and PtKAN7 were highly expressed in nodes and internodes, PtKAN8was highly expressed in roots, and PtKAN3 and PtKAN4 showed low expression levels in all tissues. Among them, PtKAN2and PtKAN6, and PtKAN4 and PtKAN5 might have functional redundancy. Under high nitrogen concentrations, PtKAN2 and PtKAN8were highly expressed in mature stems and leaves, respectively, while PtKAN4, PtKAN5, and PtKAN7 were highly expressed in roots.
Conclusions This study laid a theoretical foundation for further study of the KANgene-mediated nitrogen effect on root development.
Hybrid graphene electrode for diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy in free-moving animal models
Authors: Ahn Jong-Hyun , Lim Jeongsik , lee sangwon , Kim Jejung , Hong Jeonghoon , Lim Sooho , Kim Kyungtae , Kim Jeongwoo , Yang Sungchil , Yang Sunggu
Published: October 2022

Various electrophysiological and imaging techniques have been studied for the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. In particular, electrocorticography (ECoG) provides valuable information that can guide clinical treatment in patients with epilepsy. To date, it is necessary to define the clinical benefits of ECoG in free-moving animals for the treatment of epilepsy. Here, we present the results of simultaneous recordings of multiple cortical sites and responsive neurostimulations for epilepsy treatment carried out in free-moving rats. In this study, we developed a high-density, flexible electrode array comprising graphene/Au/graphene which stably wraps onto the cortex surface of living rat’s brain, exhibiting superior signal-to-noise ratio. The hybrid graphene multichannel electrode successfully detected brain signals with high-throughput spatiotemporal resolution and substantially suppressed pilocarpine-induced epileptic discharges and behavior. The simultaneous recording and neurostimulation in awake animals can lead to a fundamental change in the approaches used for the treatment of medically intractable epilepsy.
Kiss and spit metabolomics highlights the role of host purine metabolism during pathogen infection
Authors: Gallego-Lopez Gina , Olson William , Perdomo Andres Tibabuzo , Stevenson David , Amador-Noguez Daniel , Lawrence Grant , Leahy James , Knoll Laura
Published: October 2022

Intracellular bacteria and protists are auxotrophic for many metabolites and must rely on the host cell to supply these nutrients. The mechanisms of how pathogens manipulate host metabolism to their benefit are not understood. These questions are difficult to address for intracellular pathogens because one cannot easily distinguish the origin of the metabolite as host or pathogen derived. The obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii manipulates the host cell by a pre-invasion process called “kiss and spit”, where the contents of the parasite rhoptry organelles are secreted into the host cytoplasm before invasion occurs. Here, we demonstrated that rhoptry contents from kiss and spit altered metabolite abundance in nucleotide synthesis, the pentose phosphate pathway, glycolysis, and amino acid synthesis. An increase in 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) abundance led us to investigate the activation of host cytosolic nucleosidase II (cN-II) to provide purines for the parasite.
Frailty knowledge level and its influencing factors among older adults in China
Authors: Zhou Tian , Qu Zhe , Ge Song , Wu Xiang , Zhang Xiao , Wang Aming , Tang Xianping
Published: October 2022

Background

Raising older adults’ frailty knowledge level and encouraging them to actively engage in the prevention and treatment of frailty is important to promote healthy aging. This study aimed to investigate frailty knowledge level and its influencing factors among community-dwelling older adults in China.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included a total of 734 community-dwelling older adults in China. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess their frailty knowledge level. Logistic regression and decision tree analysis were used to examine the association between the following factors and frailty knowledge level: gender, age, residential area, co-residence, marital status, education level, monthly income, pension insurance, smoking status, drinking status, exercise status, body mass index, type of chronic disease, number of oral medications, nutritional status, cognitive status, depression, social activity, social isolation, and frailty.

Results

Most of the participants (mean age 72.01, standard deviation 9.45) were female (51.1%) and living with a spouse (76.4%). They knew little about frailty and had misunderstandings about frailty. Nearly half of them made a wrong judgment on their frailty status (42.50%). Most participants expected to obtain frailty knowledge in the community (33.92%). Those who were female, lived in rural areas, lived alone, had not attended school, had a monthly income < 3,000RMB, were at risk for malnutrition, were depressed, and were socially isolated were more likely to lack knowledge on frailty. In contrast, those with advanced age and were at pre-frailty or frailty stage were significantly more knowledgeable about frailty. The group that was least knowledgeable about frailty was those who had never attended school or primary school and had loose friend ties (1.3%).

Conclusion

Frailty knowledge level among older adults in China is low, especially among those at high risk for frailty. Therefore, it is crucial to develop tailored measures to raise frailty knowledge level among older adults in China.
Effect of supplemental branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrients during endoscopic injection sclerotherapy or endoscopic variceal ligation in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Kikugawa Chihiro , Hiramatsu Akira , Kinami Takahiro , Yamasaki Shintaro , Johira Yusuke , Kosaka Masanari , Yano Shigeki , Amioka Kei , Naruto Kensuke , Ando Yuwa , Yamaoka Kenji , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Fujino Hatsue , Oono Atsushi , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Yamauchi Masami , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Imamura Michio , Aikata Hiroshi , Oka Shiro
Published: October 2022

Background
Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) are hallmark treatments for esophageal varices. Protein energy malnutrition can worsen when dietary restrictions are a required part of these treatments for patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrients (BCAA-EN) during EIS or EVL.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed patients with LC who underwent EIS or EVL in our hospital from November 2008 to January 2016. Of the 55 eligible patients, 15 received a restricted diet and the remaining 40 patients received a restricted diet plus supplemental BCAA-EN during EIS or EVL. To reduce selection bias, we used one-to-two propensity score matching; 14 patients were assigned to a control group, and 28 were assigned to a BCAAEN group. Various blood chemistry parameters were measured and compared before and after treatment.
Results
Albumin concentrations in serum declined significantly in the control group but not in the BCAA-EN group. In patients with a Child-Pugh score of 5, albumin in serum did not decrease significantly in either group, although it did decrease in patients with a Child-Pugh score of 6 or more in the control group and was maintained in the BCAA-EN group. Multivariate analysis showed that only supplemental BCAA-EN was associated with the maintenance of albumin in serum.
Conclusions
Supplemental BCAA-EN would be effective in the maintenance of albumin in the serum of patients undergoing EIS or EVL, particularly for patients with advanced liver dysfunction.
More agglomerations, more polarization? Urban development during the last 20 years in China
Authors: Peng Jian , Hu Yi'na , Stuhlmacher Michelle , GEORGESCU Matei , Wang Man , II Billie Turner
Published: October 2022

Urban polarization, characterized by differences in city-size distribution, is underway in China, wherein the government aims to promote coordinated development among cities of different sizes based on urban agglomerations. This study explored the spatial-temporal characteristics of urban area expansion of 23 urban agglomerations in China and assess the city-size change within the agglomerations by the urban primacy index and Pareto exponent. The urban area extent within these 23 UAs increased by 280.90% in the study period. Coastal urban agglomerations were larger in size and maintained a relatively high annual growth rate compared to inland agglomerations, indicating a more polarized pattern. Changes within the agglomerations resulted in less polarization given that the urban primacy and Pareto exponent inside most UAs decreased. Policies implemented to achieve enhanced urbanization coordination in China appear to be partially successful, but the polarization process remains hard to break due to the complexities of the process.
Physics assisted machine learning methods for predicting the cracking performance of recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Han Xiangyu , Cui Kai , Xiao Qinghua
Published: October 2022

The poor cracking performance has become the obstacle for the application of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), but its prediction is hard to implement. In this study, the physics assisted machine learning methods are adopted to predict the cracking performance of RAC. With the assistance of physics, 9 features are effectively selected as the inputting variables, the splitting tensile strength is selected as characterization parameter of cracking. The CART, SVR, Adaboost and Random Forests algorithm are used to construct the predictive models, the Firefly algorithm is used to search the optimum hyperparameters. By comparing the predicted value and experimental data during training and testing procedure, the Adaboost model is proved to be the excellent model for predicting the tensile strength of RAC. Combined with the physical mechanism, the important analysis proves that the contents of recycled aggregates, aggregate size and water contents are three most influential factors for the predictive models, and these factors should be carefully considered during designing the mixture of RAC. Moreover, the reliability of predictive models is verified by physical experiments.
Walrus Optimization Algorithm: A New Bio-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithm
Authors: Trojovský Pavel , Dehghani Mohammad
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a new bio-Inspired metaheuristic algorithm called Walrus Optimization Algorithm (WaOA) mimics walrus behaviors in nature. The fundamental inspirations employed in WaOA design are the process of feeding, migrating, escaping, and fighting predators. The WaOA implementation steps are mathematically modeled in three different phases exploration, migration, and exploitation. Sixty-eight standard benchmark functions have been employed to evaluate WaOA performance in optimization applications. The ability of WaOA to provide solutions to optimization problems has been compared with the results of ten well-known metaheuristic algorithms. The simulation results show that WaOA, with its high capability in balancing exploration and exploitation, offers superior performance and is far more competitive than the ten compared algorithms. In addition, the use of WaOA in addressing four design engineering issues demonstrates the apparent effectiveness of WaOA in real-world applications.
An experimental study of proton implantation in olivine
Authors: Bissbort Thilo , Jiang Qinting , Becker Hans-Werner , Foteinou Varvara , Chakraborty Sumit
Published: October 2022

The solar wind is a multi-ion flux that progressively modifies the composition and structure of near-surface domains in atmosphere-less solar objects, like asteroids. A bombardment of the target by different elements like hydrogen (H) at various energies (keV to MeV) causes, among other things, the implantation of solar wind particles in crystalline and amorphous materials. It is important to understand the mechanisms and features of this process (e.g., how much is implanted and retained), in order to constrain its contribution to the chemical budget of solar objects. Yet, there has been no detailed study on H implantation into olivine (e.g., the quantification of maximum retainable H), a major mineral in this context. We performed experiments on H implantation in San Carlos olivine at 10 and 20 keV with increasing fluences (up to 3·1018 at/cm²) to simulate solar wind irradiation. Nanoscale H profiles that result from implantation were analyzed using Nuclear Resonance Reaction Analysis after each implantation to observe the evolution of the H distribution as a function of fluence. We observed that after a systematic growth of the characteristic, approximately Gaussian shaped, H profiles with increasing fluences, a maximum concentration at H ~ 20 at% is attained. The maximum concentration is independent of ion energy, but the maximum penetration depth is a function of beam energy and is greater at higher energies. Based on these observations we were able to constrain the maximum retainable H in olivine as a function of ion energy.
Metaphors of adolescence during COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-method analysis in relation to well-being and alexithymia.
Authors: Farina Eleonora , Pepe Alessandro
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the association between alexithymic traits, self-perceived well-being, and self-representations in adolescents as expressed via narrative metaphors during the COVID-19 epidemic. The sample comprised 229 Italian adolescents (51.1% females, mean age = 16.64). The research design was based on an exploratory, parallel, mixed-method approach. A semi-structured online interview was used as the major data gathering tool including both standardized quantitative questionnaire and open-ended questions. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, quantitative textual analysis and multidimensional co-word correspondence analysis. Main findings reveal a general low level of perceived well-being associated with alexithymia, affecting adolescents’ lexical choices for their metaphors. Alexithymia-related low levels of well-being correspond to metaphors in which confusion and overpowering emotions predominate. Vivid pictures indicating vitality and a bright view on the future is often correlated with high levels of well-being. Metaphors emerge as powerful tools for investigating well-being in adolescents since closely related to inner states.
Finger exposure dose and efficacy using radiographic aids and protective gloves
Authors: Iwawaki Atsushi , Otaka Yusei , Ishii Takeru , Ochiai Akihiro , Kito Shinji , Saka Hideki
Published: October 2022

For X-ray radiography in special circumstances, it is assumed that the detector is retained in the oral cavity, and there are concerns about damaging health effects due to exposure of workers’ fingers in the retained area. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of X-ray radiographic aids (auxiliary tools for radiography) and protective gloves by measuring the dose to hands and fingers when using radiographic aids and protective gloves. By using protective gloves, a significant dose reduction was observed at a maximum of 63% and an average of 61.5%. In addition, since there was no significant difference in the finger exposure dose even if disposable gloves were used as well as protective gloves, it was considered that the risk of exposure prevention and contamination with other samples could be reduced while also reducing the stochastic effect on hand exposure. When the radiographic aid was held at the end and protective gloves were used in combination, the dose was reduced by about 90% as compared to a case in which radiographic aid was held directly in the oral cavity. Based on the results of this study, it is considered that the combined use of radiographic aids and protective gloves is very effective in reducing the hand exposure dose to the operator.
Research on the Influence Path of Digital Technology to Promote Green Transformation under Public Green Concern
Authors: Li Wenchao , Jiang Hongren , Ostic Dragana , He Dan
Published: October 2022

Using digital technology to promote green transformation has important guiding significance for policy construction and practical promotion of green transformation, but its impact path is unclear. Based on the panel fixed effect model, this paper uses the data of 30 Chinese provinces (Tibet is not included) from 2011 to 2019 to examine the impact of digital technology on green development level and the mediating effect of public green attention on green development level. The results show that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between digital technology and green development level. At present, although China’s digital technology directly inhibits the level of green development, it can indirectly enhance the level of green development and help green transformation by enhancing the public’ s attention to green. And in the proposed emphasis on digital technology to guide public opinion to focus on green development, it is necessary to distinguish between the eastern and central and western regions according to different conditions in each region, and then implement different green transformation strategies. Provinces and cities in the eastern region should regard foreign enterprises, private enterprises and state-owned enterprises as the same and jointly assume the responsibility of green development. Provinces and cities in the central and western regions need to further improve infrastructure construction and actively guide green transformation.