bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating immunity with mathematical models for SARS-CoV-2 after COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Sato Yasunori , Uwamino Yoshifumi , Nagashima Kengo , Yoshifuji Ayumi , Suga Shigeru , Nagao Mizuho , Fujisawa Takao , Ryuzaki Munekazu , Takemoto Yoshiaki , Namkoong Ho , Wakui Masatoshi , Matsushita Hiromichi , Hasegawa Naoki , Murata Mitsuru
Published: July 2022

Antibody waning after COVID-19 vaccinations results in the necessity of booster shots. Determining the timing of booster shots according to the decreasing antibodies of each individual will reduce the burden of excessive vaccine administration. We have developed a mathematical model to estimate waning antibody concentration (titer) during the timecourse after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine. Using consecutive antibody datasets of over 600 vaccinated healthcare workers, we demonstrated a two-compartment model that fits better than other models. Internal validation of the model demonstrated 97.0% accuracy and external validation of healthcare worker and hemodialyzed patient datasets demonstrated 98.2% and 83.3% accuracy, respectively. A smart device application developed using our model can rapidly calculate the timing of negative seroconversion with a single antibody titer measurement. Although further modification of the model is essential, the change in antibody titer over time from COVID-19 vaccination may be estimated with a two-compartment model.
Philadelfia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms display alterations in monocyte subpopulations frequency and immunophenotype
Authors: Bassan Vitor Leonardo , Barretto Gabriel Dessotti , de Almeida Felipe Campos , Palma Patrícia Vianna Bonini , Binelli Larissa Sarri , Silva João Paulo Lettieri da , Fontanari Caroline , Castro Ricardo Cardoso , Pontes Lorena Lôbo de Figueiredo , Frantz Fabiani Gai , de Castro Fabíola Attié
Published: July 2022

Philadelfia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are hematological diseases associated with driver mutations in JAK2, CALR and MPL genes. Moreover, several evidence suggests that chronic inflammation and alterations in stromal and immune cells may contribute to MPN’s pathophysiology. We evaluated the frequency and the immunophenotype of peripheral blood monocyte subpopulations in patients with polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (MF). Peripheral blood monocytes from PV (n=16), ET (n=16) and MF (n=15) patients and health donors (n=10) were isolated and submitted to immunophenotyping to determine the frequency of monocyte subpopulations and surface markers expression density. Plasma samples were used to measure the levels of soluble CD163, a biomarker of monocyte activity. PV, ET and MF patients presented increased frequency of intermediate and non-classical monocytes and reduced frequency of classical monocytes compared to controls. Positivity for JAK2 mutation was significantly associated with the percentage of intermediate monocytes. PV, ET and MF patients presented high-activated monocytes, evidenced by higher HLA-DR expression and increased soluble CD163 levels. The three MPN categories presented increased frequency of CD56+ aberrant monocytes, and PV and ET patients presented reduced frequency of CD80/86+ monocytes. Therefore, alterations in monocyte subpopulations frequency and surface markers expression pattern may contribute to oncoinflammation and may be associated with the pathophysiology of MPN.
Fungal endophyte comprehensively orchestrates nodulation and nitrogen utilization of legume crop (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Xie Xing-Guang , Sun Kai , Jiang Hui-Jun , Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Li Xiao-Gang , Han Ting , Chen Yan , Dai Chuan-Chao
Published: July 2022

Aims
This research aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of endophytic fungus Phomopsis liquidambaris promoting nodulation and rhizosphere nitrogen (N) availability of continuous cropping peanuts during the whole growth stage under field conditions.
Methods
A consecutive 2-year field plot experiment was performed. The abundance and diversity of rhizosphere N transformation-related microorganisms and rhizosphere available N level were detected. The nodulation related physiological activities of peanuts and Bradyrhizobium sp. were analyzed. Low N fertilizer experiment was performed to verify the mechanisms of P. liquidambaris improving overall N utilization throughout growth period of peanuts.
Results
The colonization of fungal endophyte P. liquidambaris inhibited the growth of peanut rhizosphere ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria, resulting in reduction of rhizosphere nitrate (NO3−-N), but increase of ammonium (NH4+-N) at the seedling stage, which stimulated nodulation-related physiological responses of host peanuts. Simultaneously, peanut-specific Bradyrhizobium sp. in rhizosphere was enriched, and their nodulation-related biological activities were enhanced by the specific root exudates derived from P. liquidambaris colonization. Along with host development, P. liquidambaris further reshaped the communities of rhizosphere N transformation related microflora and then increase rhizosphere N availability at the crucial mid-late growth stage. Using low N fertilizer experiment, we confirmed that P. liquidambaris acted as a promising inoculant to maintain yield stabilization by stimulating nodulation in the early-stage and increasing rhizosphere N availability in the mid-late stage of long-term monocropped peanuts.
Conclusions
The underlying mechanisms of P. liquidambaris promoting nodulation and rhizosphere N availability were elucidated and contributed to reduce N fertilizer inputs.
Study on the Optimal Allocation of Public Service Facilities from the Perspective of Living Circle—A Case Study of Xiangyang High-tech Zone, China
Authors: Peng Jiandong , Liu Yue , Ruan Zehan , Yang Hong
Published: July 2022

The equitable allocation of public service facilities is directly related to the healthy development and socially just functioning of cities. Traditional location-allocation models mostly take travel distance and facility construction cost as the decision-making objectives, with relatively single optimization objectives, and are not sufficiently adaptable to reality. The introduction of the accessibility analysis and the concept of equalization of public services diversify the objectives of urban public service facility optimization decisions. The construction of the circle of life is based on residents' behavior and helps to improve its adaptability in the configuration of public services.This study assesses the accessibility of high-tech zones in Xiangyang City, China, from a Living Circle perspective, based on the Gaussian Two-step Floating Catchment Area (G2SFCA), and integrates the advantages of the Minimum Facility Point(MFP) model, the Maximum Covering Location Problem(MCLP) model and the P-Median model to address the equity and efficiency of facilities. Results showed that after using the improved location-allocation models, the accessibility and coverage of facilities were significantly improved, and the spatial layout of facilities was more rational. The research results contributed to the study of spatial problems and spatial equity in facility allocation.
A novel gene signature based on endoplasmic reticulum stress for overall survival prediction for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Du Xuezhi , He Yingjie , Dong Penggang , Wei Yaying , Huang Hao , Yao Hao , Sun Jinjin
Published: July 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most common human cancers, the death cases induced by HCC are increasing these years. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) occurs when misfolded proteins can't be disposed properly. It’s reported that ERS plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of human malignant tumors.
Results
In our study, we established an ERS-related gene signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients. The TCGA-LIHC cohort was used as train set while the ICGC-LIRI-JP cohort was used as validation set. A 9-genes ERS-related signature was constructed and the Riskscore was calculated according to it. The results of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) showed that the area under the curve (AUC) were 0.784 at 1 year, 0.780 at 2 years, 0.793 at 3 years in train set, this index in validation set were 0.694 at 1 year, 0.622 at 2 years, 0.613 at 3 years respectively. The cases in train set were grouped into high-risk group and low risk group based on the median value of Riskscore. The analysis of immune status revealed an immunosuppressive microenvironment in the high-risk group. The analysis of tumor mutation burden (TMB) and copy number variants (CNV) analysis revealed that the high-risk group patients had a higher genomic mutation frequency in low-risk group had a better prognosis than the high-risk group patients. In Univariate Cox regression analysis, the hazard ratio of Riskscore to the OS was 2.718 (95% CI: 2.173–3.399). In Multivariate Cox regression analysis, the hazard ratio of Riskscore was 2.422 (95% CI:1.805–3.25). At last, we established a nomogram according to the Riskscore and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. The AUCs of the nomogram were 0.851 at 1 year, 0.860 at 2 years, 0.866 at 3 years.
Conclusion
In our study, a novel ERS-related gene signature was constructed to forecast the overall survival of HCC patients. This study maybe provide a new understanding of the tumorigenesis and new therapeutic targets for HCC.
A Conjoint Study and Segmentation on the Preferred Online Learning Attributes of Senior High School Learners amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cano Junar S.
Published: July 2022

The educational systems were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in the sudden shift in the instructional implementation from face-to-face to fully online distance learning. This study examined the socio-demographic characteristics and access to technological resources, and explored senior high school learners' preferred online learning attributes and their segmentation. The study employed a descriptive and exploratory research design. Using Cochran's formula, the study determined 300 respondents who were identified through a random sampling technique. The statistical treatments utilized were frequency count, percentage, conjoint, and cluster analysis. The data were gathered through an online-administered survey instrument. Results revealed that multiple-choice and multiple-type exams, synchronous delivery type with slides, individual tasks, and learning materials with visual aids were the most valued online learning attributes by the learners. Further analysis revealed that learners could be classified into two groups based on their preferences. This study provides insights for academic institutions in redesigning their online learning systems.
Towards Adversariality in Depth Estimation Based on Local Equilibrium Disparity Consensus and Ego-motion
Authors: MEKHZOUM Hamza , BOURJA Omar , ABDELALI Hamd AIT , DERROUZ Hatim
Published: July 2022

We ask whether Adversariality in left-right stereo images can learn to estimate an optimal depth map through a consensus-based loss function and ego-motion. We describe the workflow as merging supervised learning (AS) and unsupervised learning (U) models. The supervised learning model optimizes a depth estimation network with prior knowledge of ground-truth depth maps. Inspired by the recent works on adversarial neural networks, we formulate the supervised model as an adversarial learning task. Thus we generate two depth maps from left-right stereo images, respectively. Based on their learning behavior–that is, the loss function, we take the then optimal depth map. On the contrary, the unsupervised learning module has no knowledge of the ground-truth depth yet optimizes the depth estimation network using 3D geometry. Our framework is trained and benchmarked on the KITTI driving dataset.
Silver nanoparticles enhance oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in liver and kidney tissues: Potential protective role of thymoquinone
Authors: Salama Basma , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Alghamdi Khalid S. , Al-Amer Osama , Hassan Khalid E. , Elhefny Mohamed A. , Albarakati Alaa , Alharthi Fahad , Althagafi Hussam A. , Sberi Hassan Al , Amin Hatem K. , Lokman Maha S. , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Albrakati Ashraf , Moneim Ahmed E. Abdel , Kassab Rami B. , Fathalla Ayah S.
Published: July 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most common nanomaterials in consumer products. Therefore, it ‎has been crucial to control AgNPs toxicological effects to improve their safety and increase the outcome of their applications. This work investigated the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) against ‎AgNPs-induced hepatic and renal cytotoxicity in rats. Serum markers of liver and kidney functions as ‎well as liver and kidney oxidative stress status, pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis markers, and ‎histopathology were assessed. TQ reversed AgNPs-induced elevation in serum liver and kidney function markers, including aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, urea, and ‎creatinine. Moreover, TQ co-administration with AgNPs alleviates hepatic and renal oxidative insults ‎by decreasing MDA and NO levels with a significant increase in the activity of ‎antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione recycling enzymes peroxidase ‎and reductase) compared to AgNPs-treated rats. Besides, TQ upregulated hepatic and renal Nrf2 gene ‎expression in AgNPs intoxicated rats. Furthermore, TQ co-administration decreased the hepatic and ‎renal pro-inflammatory mediators represented by, IL-1β, TNF-α, TGF-β, and NF-κB levels. Besides, TQ co-‎administration decreased apoptotic protein (Bax) levels and increased the anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) levels. These findings were confirmed by the histopathological examination of hepatic and renal ‎tissues. Our data affirmed the protective effect of TQ against AgNPs cytotoxicity and proposed a ‎possible mechanism of TQ antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Consequently, we ‎could conclude that using TQ might control AgNPs toxicological effects, improve their safety, and increase ‎the outcome of their applications.
Convergence in perceptions of ecosystem services supports green infrastructure decision-making in a semi-arid city
Authors: Mosleh Leila , Neghaban-Azar Masoud , Pavao-Zuckerman Mitchell
Published: July 2022

Effective management of cities using ecosystem services from green infrastructure (GI) requires explicit consideration of the linkages between provision of services and ecosystem service demands (i.e., governance priorities). Identification of stakeholder knowledge and objectives in GI decision-making contexts with respect to ecosystem services may improve urban planning; yet this information is rarely explicit in local contexts and cases. We address this gap by surveying environmental stakeholders and practitioners to investigate how perceptions of ecosystem services influence GI practice in Tucson, AZ. Results indicate that the semi-arid environment and urban design led to prioritizations that focus on water sustainability and urban heat mitigation. We found strong agreement in environmental perceptions between different management sectors. We observed matches (as well as mismatches) between the ecosystem service priorities and important environmental issues. Ecosystem services prioritization revealed a unique classification of ecosystem services that reflects stakeholder priorities. Our findings suggest the study of ecosystem services supply and demand can inform local urban management. These findings from a semi-arid city further suggest that understanding stakeholder knowledge, perceptions, and priorities should be important for cities in other regions where GI is being implemented as an environmental solution to provide ecosystem services.
Integrating Virtual Simulation with Course Curriculum to Improve Patient Advocacy through Speaking Up
Authors: Violato Efrem , Witschen Brian , Watson Jordan
Published: July 2022

Purpose Healthcare teams consist of interdisciplinary groups of health professionals that tend to be hierarchically structured. Often it is necessary to challenge authority through speaking up, however, within hierarchies’ individuals tend to demonstrate obedience to authority. Speaking up is an essential skill for preventing patient harm that must be developed. Virtual Simulation integrated with curriculum using Kolb’s Learning Cycle is a promising avenue for improving interprofessional collaboration. Methods An experimental design was used to determine if a gamified VS along with instruction on patient-advocacy would increase the rate of speaking up in Respiratory Therapy students (n=34) during in-person simulation delivered one month after the classroom instruction. The in-person simulation required students to challenge a senior anesthesiologist to prevent patient harm. Effects of personality and individual differences were also examined. Results The VS resulted in speaking up at a higher rate than in the control condition (p=0.04) and used CUS more often (p<0.001). No individual differences or personality measures were predictive of speaking up. Conclusion The findings from the present study support the integration of VS with course curriculum on patient-advocacy, showing improved performance during in-person simulation one month after course delivery. Longitudinal investigation is necessary to determine if the improved performance is indicative of increased likelihood of speaking up in the future.
Treatment of Waste Mwfs by Coagulation and Membrane Filtration
Authors: Köker Berk , Cebeci Meltem Sarioglu
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to treat of waste metalworking fluids (MWFs) originating from the metalworking industry. In the first stage, microfiltration (MF) and chemical coagulation, in which ferric chloride (FeCl2·4H2O) is used as a coagulant, were tried in the treatment of wastewater. It has been observed that ferric chloride has a negative effect on the subsequent treatment stages and the removal efficiency is lower than the microfiltration membranes. removal efficiency of MF membrane (TM10) were found to be 67.2% for COD, 93.2% for SS, 99.3% for turbidity, 98.6% for oil/grease while coagulation with ferric chloride were found to be 24.9% for COD, 66.8% for SS, 50.2% for turbidity, 91.9% for oil/grease. TM10 MF membrane was obtained as best result for pretreatment.The wastewater from the first stage was fed to three different ultrafiltration membranes of 1-10 kDa MWCO. The GE membrane provided the best removal, but not much different from the GH membrane. However, the GH membrane provided higher flux.The total removals after NF were found to be 96.2% for COD, 99.9% for SS, total oil/grease removal and 70.7% for EC. This ensures that the treated wastewater can be reused as process water.
Antihypertensive treatment reduces intra-aneurysmal blood flow in hypertensive patients with intracranial aneurysms
Authors: Peng Fei , Fu Mingzhu , Chen Xuge , Niu Hao , Feng Xin , Xia Jiaxiang , He Xiaoxin , Xu Boya , Li Rui , Liu Aihua
Published: July 2022

Background and PurposeThe effect of the antihypertensive treatment on hemodynamics in intracranial aneurysms (IAs) are unclear. We used four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging to investigate changes in IA hemodynamics after short-term nifedipine treatment (10 mg).MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study recruited patients with IAs and hypertension between December 2018 and December 2021. Patients would underwent the first MRI at baseline and a second MRI after nifedipine treatment. Changes of IA hemodynamics [blood flow velocity (VIA) and volume (FlowIA), time-averaged wall shear stress (aWSS)] would be evaluated. Paired sample t test and Cohen’s d were used to evaluate hemodynamic changes and the significance.ResultsFifty-five patients with 58 unruptured IAs and a mean reduction of systolic blood pressure (BP) value of 20.35 (range, 7-40 mmHg) were included. After oral nifedipine treatment, VIA, FlowIA, and aWSS decreased significantly (P< 0.001, Cohen’s d= 0.71; P< 0.001, Cohen’s d= 0.58; P< 0.001, Cohen’s d= 0.56; respectively), The changes of intra-aneurysmal blood flow were insignificant associated with the level of BP reduction.ConclusionsAfter nifedipine medication, intra-aneurysmal blood flow decreased, which was independent of the level of BP reduction. Potential mechanisms underlying intra-aneurysmal hemodynamic changes need further clarified to define the level of BP control.Clinical Trial Registration-URL: https://www.chictr.org.cn. Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800019985.
Bojungikki-Tang enhances the effect of PD-1 blockade in a murine model of lung carcinoma
Authors: Chun Jaemoo , Kang Han Na , Yi Jin-Mu , Hong Se Hyang , Park Sang-Min , Jeong Mi-Kyung
Published: July 2022

Although immunotherapy is effective against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), only a limited number of patients benefit from it clinically. Resistance to immunotherapeutic agents hinders effective treatment. Of late, the usefulness of herbal medicines in combination with immunotherapy is being investigated. Bojungikki-Tang (BJIKT) is a widely used traditional herbal medicine, but its antitumor effect with immunotherapy in NSCLC are unclear. Thus, in this study, we investigated the combined effects of BJIKT and anti-PD-1 antibody in a KLN205-DBA/2 syngeneic lung cancer model. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analyses were performed to analyze the changes in immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. BJIKT plus anti-PD-1 antibody significantly inhibited tumor growth unlike the respective monotherapies. The combination treatment increased the population of CD8 + cytotoxic T cells and decreased the number of Ki67 + cells in the tumor tissues compared to that observed with monotherapy. The combination treatment decreased the proportion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, but increased the proportion of M2-like macrophages, compared to that observed with monotherapy. Cytokine analysis showed that the combination treatment increased the levels of T helper type 1-related cytokines, including IFN-γ and TNF-α. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that BJIKT might regulate immune functions related to NSCLC progression. These findings indicate that combination treatment with BJIKT and anti-PD-1 antibody effectively suppresses tumor growth by regulating immune function, and may be an alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of NSCLC.
Massive sequential spatial transcriptional RNA sequencing by capturing mouse spinal cord tissue sections
Authors: Wu Huachuan , Li Jianfeng , Li Xianlong , Gao Manman , Tian Wei , Chen Dafu , Zhou Zhiyu , Liu Shaoyu
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To prepare for the analysis of spatio-temporal heterogeneity in the pathological process of spinal cord injury, by capturing sections of mouse spinal cord tissue, RNA sequencing was performed for massive sequential spatial transcriptional.Background: With the innovation of sequencing technology, probing the gene expression of an individual cell enables the identification of cell characteristics, type and state. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) systematically identifies cell populations in tissues, but characterization of their spatial architectures remains challenging. Spatial transcriptomics assays gene expression at the RNA level, while preserving the valuable spatial context of data.Methods: T9-T11 thoracic spinal cord tissue sections were captured from mice suffering spinal cord injury for downstream massive sequential spatial transcriptional RNA sequencing by utilizing Poly-A capture and unique spatial barcodes to achieve unbiased gene expression at high spatial resolution.Results: Different sample libraries in four capture regions were constructed, and a total of 16 spatio-temporal heterogeneous spinal cord injury samples after data separation were successfully captured.Conclusions: The 10x Genomics Visium platform enables to obtain frozen sections from fresh or frozen stored spinal cord samples to study spatial-temporal characteristics of cells clustering, investigates heterogeneity and signaling pathways within spinal cords, which helps to augment ongoing neuroscience and spatial transcriptomics research.
Assessment of Streamflow in Ungauged Basin by Using Physical similarity approach
Authors:   Siddik Ahmed Barbhuiya1, Raghuvanshi Akash Singh , Tiwari H L
Published: July 2022

Estimating runoff in an ungauged basin is important for explaining hydrological phenomena and managing water resources within the basin. Regionalization methods are considered most common approaches for estimating the runoff in an ungauged basin. Among them physical similarity method is one, but very few studies have considered the climatic attribute for catchment classification and for determining the donor catchments under physical similarity method. In the present study, based on physical similarity of catchments 3 groups were categorized. A total of 10 catchments were used in the present study. K-mean Clustering algorithm was used to classify the catchments into 3 groups within each categorized group. Donor catchments were evaluated for each group within each categorized group based on the performance of GR4J hydrological model. KGE, R & Pbias were used as the statistical measure to evaluate the model performance as well as to select the donor catchment. Model parameters evaluated from donor catchment were transferred to target catchment for streamflow assessment & model performance evaluation. Results showed that the GR4J model performed reasonably well for the catchments having lower mean elevation and large area. Among 3 categorized groups, PA group performed reasonably well. This may be due to inclusion of both the physical and climate attributes for catchment classification.
Aren't aluminum and iron resorbed from old leaves?
Authors: Hu Nan , Mao Qinggong , Sun Xibin , Xu Qianhao , Li Meimei , Chen Hao
Published: July 2022

Purpose
Leaf resorption is an important mechanism for plant nutrient conservation, but not all elements are resorbed by plants. It is believed that aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) are accumulated in old leaves rather than be resorbed due to their toxic effects, but this view never be systematically evaluated.
Methods
Here, a data synthesis was conducted to explore the patterns and controls on leaf resorption efficiency of Al and Fe, based on 34 published studies with 272 data points.
Results
The resorption efficiency of Al was positive in conifer plants (11.3%), but was negative in deciduous and evergreen plants (-94.2% and − 111.2%, respectively). The resorption efficiency of Fe was positive in nitrogen-fixing plants (39.2%), but was negative in non-nitrogen-fixing plants (-37.0%). Lower soil pH favored the leaf Al resorption, but limited the leaf Fe resorption. Higher precipitation inhibited the leaf Fe resorption.
Conclusions
In contrast to the general belief, our study highlights that Al and Fe can be resorbed from old leaves, depending mainly on plant species and soil environment. This knowledge is an important supplement for understanding leaf nutrient resorption process, and is helpful for modeling global biogeochemical cycle.
Normative Data of the Korean Version of the MNREAD Acuity Chart
Authors: Kim Ungsoo Samuel , Kim Keun Soo , Kim Yoon Shin
Published: July 2022

Background: To develop the normative data of the Korean version of the MNREAD acuity chart.Methods: A Korean version was prepared based on the MNREAD acuity chart developed by Gordon Legge of the University of Minnesota, USA. A linguist selected the representative 80 sentences composed of 9 words at the level of the 2nd and 3rd grades of elementary school. Reading abilities were measured for 20-35 years old with normal visual acuity (corrected visual acuity of 1.0 or better) for 80 sentences. Among 80 sentences, 38 items with a similar speed were prepared for the right and left eyes of the Korean version according to the format of the MNREAD acuity chart. Reading speed (word per minute, wpm) for healthy participants, the reading acuity (the smallest detectable font size), and the critical print size (the smallest font size without reduction of reading speed) were analyzed.Results: The average age of the experimental group was 28.3 ± 2.6 years (male: female 4=16). The average reading speed for 38 sentences was 3.66 ± 0.69 seconds, and there was no difference in the average reading speed between sentences (p=0.836). The reading speed was 146.2 wpm for the right eye and 142.5 wpm for the left eye in logMAR 1.0 size, and 97.7 wpm and 99.7 wpm in logMAR 0.0 size. Reading acuity was measured as logMAR 0.0 or better in 80% of cases. All subjects showed a critical print size of 0.2 or better logMAR.Conclusion: Using the Korean version of the MNREAD acuity chart, the reading ability including reading acuity, reading speed and critical print size, can be measured. It is thought that it will be a useful tool to measure reading ability even for those who speak Korean as their native language.
STK4 antisense RNA 1-p53 affects osteosarcoma
Authors:   Jingyu Hou1,   Weitao Yao1,   Guoqing Liu1,   Fangxing Wu1,   Qiang Yan1,   Liangyu Guo1,   Chuchu Wang2
Published: July 2022

Background
LncRNA STK4 antisense RNA 1(STK4-AS1) has been identified as a potential biomarker associated with multiple cancers. We proposed that STK4-AS1 plays a role in the proliferation of osteosarcoma by regulating the cell cycle.
Methods
We compared the expression of STK4-AS1, p53, and p21 in osteosarcoma vs normal samples in clinical tissues and cell lines. We determined the effect of overexpression and knockdown of STK4-AS1 in p53 expressing osteosarcoma cells U2OS, p53 muted osteosarcoma cells MG63, and osteoblast cells hFOB on p53 and p21 expression and the cell viability. For U2OS and MG63, the cell cycle was analyzed and the expression of cyclin proteins was determined. We overexpressed p53 or p21 in STK4-AS1 overexpressed cells to explore the association of STK4-AS1 and p53 in U2OS.
Results
The STK4-AS1 expression was higher and p53 and p21 expression were lower in osteosarcoma tissue and cells than in their non-cancer counterparts. The expression of STK4-AS1 was negatively correlated with the expression of p53 or p21. Knockdown of STK4-AS1 in U2OS decreased the cell viability, increased cells in the G0/G1 phase, decreased cells in the S and G2/M phase, decreased expression of cyclin A and B, increased p53 and p21, and had no effect on cyclin D and cyclin E, while overexpression of STK4-AS1 did the opposes. Overexpression of p53 or p21 recovered some changes caused by STK4-AS1 overexpression in U2OS. MG63 expressed no p53 and the expression of p21, cyclin A, and cyclin B, cell viability, and cell cycle were not affected by altered STK4-AS1 levels. In hFOB cells, the expression of p53 and p21 was decreased and the cell viability was increased when STK4-AS1 was overexpressed, but they were not affected when STK4-AS1 was knocked down.
Conclusion
LncRNA STK4-AS1 promoted the cell cycle of osteosarcoma cells by inhibiting p53 expression.
Improvements in malaria surveillance through the electronic Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR) system in mainland Tanzania, 2013-2021
Authors: Joseph Joseph J. , Mkali Humphrey R. , Reaves Erik J. , Mwaipape Osia S. , Mohamed Ally , Lazaro Samwel N. , Aaron Sijenunu , Chacky Frank , Mahendeka Anna , Rulagirwa Hermes S. , Mwenesi Mwendwa , Mwakapaje Elibariki , Ally Ally Y. , Kitojo Chonge , Serbantez Naomi , Nyinondi Ssanyu , Lalji Shabbir M. , Wilillo Ritha , Al-mafazy Abdul-wahid , Kabula Bilali I. , John Claud , Bisanzio Donal , Eckert Erin , Reithinger Richard , Ngondi Jeremiah M.
Published: July 2022

Background Tanzania has made remarkable progress in reducing malaria burden and aims to transition from malaria control to sub-national elimination. In 2013, electronic weekly and monthly reporting platforms using the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) were introduced. Weekly reporting was implemented through the mobile phone-based Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (eIDSR) platform and progressively scaled-up from 67 to 7,471 (100%) public and private health facilities between 2013 and 2020. This study describes the roll-out and large-scale implementation of eIDSR and compares the consistency between weekly eIDSR and monthly DHIS2 malaria indicator data reporting, including to assess its usefulness for malaria outbreak detection and case-based surveillance (CBS) in low transmission areas. Methods The indicators included in the analysis were number of patients tested for malaria, number of confirmed malaria cases, and clinical cases (treated presumptively for malaria). The analysis described the time trends of reporting, testing, test positivity, and malaria cases between 2013 and 2021. For both weekly eIDSR and monthly DHIS2 data, comparisons of annual reporting completeness and annual incidence were performed for 2020 and 2021; additionally, comparisons were stratified by malaria epidemiological strata (parasite prevalence: very low <1%, low 1≤5 %, moderate 5≤30%, and high >30%). Results Weekly eIDSR reporting completeness steadily improved over time, with completeness being 90.2% in 2020 and 93.9% in 2021; conversely, monthly DHIS2 reporting completeness was 98.9% and 98.7%, respectively. Weekly reporting completeness and timeliness were highest in the very low epidemiological stratum. Annual malaria incidence as reported by weekly eIDSR data was 17.5% and 12.4% lower than reported by monthly DHIS2 data in 2020 and 2021; for both 2020 and 2021, annual incidence was similar across weekly and monthly data in the very low stratum. Conclusion The concurrence of annualized weekly and monthly reporting completeness and incidence in very low strata suggests that eIDSR could be useful tool for early outbreak detection, and the eIDSR platform could reliably be expanded by adding more indicators and modules for CBS in the very low epidemiological stratum.
The role of serum metrics in anti-VEGF treatment for macular edema induced by retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Wang Yun-Chang , Zhou Chuan-Qi , Li Rong-Rong , Cai Yi , Wang Meng-Meng , Yuan Li-Fei , He Yi-Qing
Published: July 2022

•AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the pretreatment serum metrics and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of patients with macular edema (ME) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and its subtypes after intravitreal ranibizumab or conbercept implantation.•METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 201 patients (201 eyes) who had been diagnosed with ME secondary to RVO at Heibei Eye Hospital between January 2020 and January 2021 and had received intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Serum metrics were measured before the first treatment, and the correlations between BCVA and each of the following four parameters—platelets, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR)—were analyzed to identify the predictors of effective intravitreal injection treatment outcomes.•RESULTS: The mean platelet level was significantly different between the effective and ineffective groups for RVO-ME (273.02±41.49 x109/L vs. 214.54±44.08 x109/L, P<0.01), BRVO-ME (269.43±49.52x109/L vs. 214.72±40.42x109/L, P<0.01), and CRVO-ME (262.32±32.41x109/L vs. 209.27±42.91x109/L, P<0.01). The cutoff value of the platelets was 266.500, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.857, and the sensitivity and specificity were 59.8% and 93.6%, respectively. The mean PLR was significantly different between the effective and ineffective groups for RVO-ME (154.66±49.60 vs. 122.77±44.63, P<0.01), BRVO-ME (152.24±54.99 vs. 124.72±41.46, P=0.003), and CRVO-ME (152.06±44.23 vs. 118.67±41.80, P=0.001). The cutoff value of the platelets was 126.734, the AUC was 0.699, and the sensitivity and specificity were 70.7% and 63.3%, respectively. There were no statistical differences between the effective and ineffective groups (RVO-ME and its subtypes) for NLR and MLR.•CONCLUSION: Higher pretreatment platelets and PLR were associated with BCVA in patients with RVO-ME and its subtypes who had been treated with anti-VEGF drugs. Platelets and PLR may be used as predictive and prognostic tools for effective intravitreal injection treatment outcomes.
Bibliometric and Retrospective Analysis on Economic Behavior for Inclusive Growth
Authors: Saher Liudmyla , Vakulenko Ihor , Shevchenko Kateryna , Bondarenko Yevheniia , Lyulyov Oleksii
Published: July 2022

The article provides a bibliometric analysis of existing publications on the market participants’ behavior(manufacturers, trading companies, and other intermediaries and consumers). The basis for the study is the Scopus database, which presents publications on this topic for over thirty years. The article aims to study the research directions on behavioral models of economic entities and the factors that influence their formation. Such analysis can be used to determine the place of behavioral economics in the system of modern views of economists on its impact on the further global development of the economic system. By selecting the most relevant articles on the economic behavior of market participants in the context of an inclusive economy, 1198 scientific articles were selected, published in periodicals from 1989 to 2021. The clustering and retrospective analysis were chosen as a methodological study tool, performed using VOSviewer 1.6.16 software. It made it possible to obtain a clear visualization of research clusters on economic entities’ behavioral aspects, including individual periods of the enormous publication activity from 2011 to 2021. In addition, the article identifies the largest regional research networks of behavioral models in an inclusive economy. Based on the analysis of the scientific publications from the Scopus database, three periods of research on the behavioral aspects of economic entities were identified. The study of the first stage focused on e-commerce development as a significant factor in market changes, accompanied by the transition of competition from local to global. The next phase of the economic behavior study was accompanied by the sustainable development concept and changes in consumer values, which influenced the choice of suppliers and service providers and the growing importance of decision criteria that previously could not be considered purely economic. Considerable attention in this period of publishing activity was paid to social responsibility and sustainable consumption. The last research defined in the article stages is aimed at using modern research methods and information technologies for a deeper analysis of the subject area. It makes it possible to identify relevant factors influencing the formation of economic entities’ behavior patterns, which could not be determined before.
Financial Decision Making Within Thermodynamic Principles
Authors: Njegovanović Ana
Published: July 2022

The paper provides an intricately complex set of links between the fields of physics, neuroscience, artificial intelligence and climate science, and multiple loops on tourism, proposing a path to new solutions to the uncertainty that exists (already present) roots in the solution through non-isolated systems that have different connection relationships with the external environment. These relationships create complex thermodynamics and information transfer between the system and its environment. The deductive research framework seeks to see the role within a non-isolated system in shaping thermodynamic coupling as a basis for financial decision making through interdisciplinary financial knowledge, in a world where resources are limited and their use will have an impact on efficient resource management. In practice, this implies a role in the fine balance between economic growth, the risk of modern slavery, the exploitation of Earth’s resources and global environmental problems such as climate change and water scarcity, which often lead to armed conflict. Negative effects can be mitigated a little by choosing the right energy sources and resources and using them as much as possible with zero or a minimum of negative side effects by applying interdisciplinary knowledge.
Ownership Structure and Goodwill Impairment in Listed Nigeria Financial Institutions
Authors: Sambo Halimah S. , Chinyere Iluno Ezinne , Ringim Kabiru Jinjiri , Zahra Fatimah
Published: July 2022

The broad objective of this study is to examine the effect of ownership structure on goodwill impairment in listed financial institutions in Nigeria. Ownership structure is proxies using director’s shareholdings, ownership concentration, institutional ownership and chief executive officers shareholdings. The study used a purposive sampling technique and filter out financial institutions that do not satisfy the criteria set out for inclusion thereby arriving at the sample size of twenty five (25) financial institutions. Secondary source of data was used which was extracted from the annual financial statement of the sampled financial institutions from year 2011 to 2014. Logit multiple regression was adopted in this study. The findings reveal that ownership concentration and institutional ownership were both positive and statistically significantly related to goodwill impairment while chief executive officers shareholdings were positive but statistically insignificant to goodwill impairment decisions of listed financial institutions in Nigeria. It can be inferred to some extent that ownership structure and chief executive officers may not necessarily influence the goodwill impairment decision of managements in listed financial institution in Nigeria It is recommended among others that listed financial institutions should give more attention to their ownership concentration and institutional shareholdings in other to ensure the timely recognition of goodwill impairment so as to present their financial statement in its true and fair nature so that investor’s interest will be protected.
The potential of pathogenetic therapy in the treatment of new coronavirus infection COVID-19
Authors: Shovkun L. A. , Kudlay D. A. , Kampos E. D. , Nikolenko N. Yu. , Shlyk I. F. , Sarychev A. M.
Published: July 2022

The objective: to increase efcacy of treatment of patients with new coronavirus infection COVID-19 by prescription of Remaxol.

Subjects and Methods: 105 patients with confrmed new coronavirus infection COVID-19 with lung damage from 25 to 50% (CT-2) were examined and divided into 2 groups (Main Group and Comparison Group). All patients received standard treatment; patients from Main Group (55 people) additionally received Remaxol intravenously 200.0 ml No. 10 daily, then No. 5 every other day. Treatment efcacy was assessed between the 3rd and 4th week of the study.

Results: the patients treated with Remaxol showed more pronounced positive changes of clinical and laboratory symptoms (lower frequency of fever, improved state of health, appetite, decreased dyspnea, cough and wheezing, higher level of SpO2, decreased neutrophilia and blood clotting, ferritin levels, a signifcant increase in activity of superoxide dismutase in erythrocytes and a decrease in myeloperoxidase activity in neutrophils) versus patients receiving standard treatment. The CT lung scan after 3 weeks in patients from Main Group showed the transformation of ground-glass areas into impactions according to the consolidation type in 58.2% (32 people), in 52.2% (29 people) there appeared an organizing pneumonia, a decrease in size of impactions was observed in 54.6% (30 people); in Comparison Group ‒ in 24.0% (12 people), 20% (10 people) and 24% (12 people), respectively, in all three comparisons (p < 0.05).
Possible studies of gluon transversity in the spin-1 deuteron at hadron-accelerator facilities
Authors: Kumano Shunzo , Song Qin-Tao
Published: July 2022

Chiral-odd gluon transversity distribution
could shed light on a new aspect of hadron physics.
Although we had much progress recently on
quark transversity distributions, there is no experimental measurement
on the gluon transversity. The gluon trasversity does not exist
in the spin-1/2 nucleons and it exists in the spin-1 deuteron.
Therefore, it could probe new hadron physics in the deuteron
beyond the basic bound system of a proton and a neutron
because the nucleons cannot contribute directly.
Here, we explain that the gluon transversity can be measured
at hadron accelerator facilities, such as Fermilab and NICA,
in addition to charged-lepton scattering measurements
at lepton accelerator facilities by showing cross sections
of the proton-deuteron Drell-Yan process as an example.
Shadow generalized parton distributions: a practical approach to the deconvolution problem of DVCS
Authors: Bertone Valerio , Dutrieux Hervé , Mezrag Cédric , Moutarde H. , Sznajder Paweł
Published: July 2022

Deeply virtual Compton scattering (DVCS) attracts a lot of interest due to its sensitivity to generalized parton distributions (GPDs) which provide a rich access to the partonic structure of hadrons. However, the practical extraction of GPDs for this channel requires a deconvolution procedure, whose feasibility has been disputed. We provide a practical approach to this problem based on a next-to-leading order analysis and a careful study of evolution effects, by exhibiting shadow GPDs with arbitrarily small imprints on DVCS observables at current and future experimental facilities. This shows that DVCS alone will not allow for a model independent extraction of GPDs and a multi-channel analysis is required for this purpose.
Top quark pair and single top cross sections and ttX (CMS)
Authors: Verma Ravindra
Published: July 2022

Latest results on inclusive and differential top quark pair and
single top quark production cross sections are presented using
proton-proton collision data collected by the CMS experiment. The
differential cross sections are measured as a function of various
kinematic observables of the top quarks and the jets and leptons of the
event final state. The results are confronted with precise theory
calculations and used to constrain Standard Model parameters.
Measurements are performed also with high p_TpT
top quarks, i.e., in boosted regimes.
Measurement of the $t\bar{t}t\bar{t}$ production at 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC
Authors: Oncel O. Ogul
Published: July 2022

Two measurements and their combination for the
t\bar{t}t\bar{t}tt‾tt‾
production cross-section analysis using 139
fb^{-1}−1
of proton-proton collision data at a centre-of-mass energy of 13 TeV
collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC are presented. The first
analysis uses the final states with either one or two opposite-sign
leptons (electrons or muons). In the second analysis the final states
with either two same-sign or at least three leptons are considered. With
an observed (expected) significance of 4.3 (2.4) standard deviations
over the background-only hypothesis, the second analysis provides the
first evidence for the t\bar{t}t\bar{t}tt‾tt‾
process. No significant deviations from the Standard Model are
observed.
Measurements of the Antiquark Flavor Asymmetry in the Proton by the Drell-Yan Experiment SeaQuest
Authors: Nagai Kei
Published: July 2022

The antiquark flavor asymmetry \bar{d}/\bar{u}d‾/u‾
in the proton gives an insight on the non-perturbative structure of the
proton. The SeaQuest experiment measured the Drell–Yan cross section
ratio of proton-deuterium to proton-proton to determine the antiquark
flavor asymmetry \bar{d}/\bar{u}d‾/u‾
precisely in the range of 0.13<x<0.450.13<x<0.45.
SeaQuest provides the evidence of \bar{d}/\bar{u} > 1.0d‾/u‾>1.0
over a wide range of momenta. Some theoretical models reproduce this
result.
Energy-Momentum Tensor Form Factors in QED
Authors: Rodini Simone , Metz Andreas , Pasquini Barbara
Published: July 2022

We present the results for the Energy-Momentum Tensor (EMT) form factor D(t) at one-loop accuracy in quantum electrodynamics for an electron state.
We report the the results in the case of both zero and nonzero photon mass. Moreover, individual electron and photon contributions to the EMT are investigated.