bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C-subfamily ATP Binding Cassette Transporters Extrude the Calcium Fluorescent Probe Fluo-4 from a Cone Photoreceptor Cell Line
Authors: García-de-Diego Antonio-Miguel
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Whole transcriptome sequencing has revealed the existence of mRNAs for multiple membrane transporters in photoreceptors. Except for ATP binding cassette (ABC) member A4, involved in the retinoid cycle, an understanding of the function of most transport proteins in photoreceptors is lacking. In this research paper extrusion of fluo-4, a Ca2+ fluorescent probe, from 661W cells, a cone photoreceptor murine cell line was studied with
Methods
online fluorometry and immunocytochemistry.
Results
Fluo-4 efflux was temperature dependent, required ATP but not extracellular Na+, was not affected by pH in the range 5.4-8.4, and followed saturating kinetics with a km of nearly 4 μM, suggesting it was effected by ABC type transporters. A panel of antagonists showed an inhibitory profile typical of the C subfamily of ABC transporters. Immunofluorescence staining was positive for ABCC3, ABCC4 and ABCC5.
Conclusion
These experimental results are compatible with fluo-4 being extruded from 661W cones by one or a combination of C-type ABC transporters. Examination of physicochemical descriptors related to drug membrane permeability and ABCs substrate binding region further suggested efflux of fluo-4 by C-type ABC transporters. Possible functions of this transport mechanism in photoreceptors are discussed.
Association between Familial Aggregation of Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Incidence and Progression: A Nationwide Family Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Kim Jae Young , Chun Sung-youn , Lim Hyunsun , Chang Tae Ik
Published: November 2022

Background
This study aimed to examine the association between familial aggregation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and risk of CKD development and its progression.
Methods
This nationwide family study comprised 881,453 cases with newly diagnosed CKD between 2004 and 2017 and 881,453 controls without CKD matched by age and sex, using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service with linkage to the family tree database. The risks of CKD development and disease progression, defined as an incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD), were evaluated.
Results
The presence of any affected family member with CKD was associated with a significantly higher risk of CKD with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.42 (1.38–1.45), 1.50 (1.46–1.55), 1.70 (1.64–1.77), and 1.30 (1.27–1.33) for individuals with affected parents, offspring, siblings, and spouses, respectively. In Cox models conducted on patients with predialysis CKD, risk of incident ESRD was significantly higher in those with affected family members with ESRD. The corresponding HRs (95% CI) were 1.10 (1.05–1.15), 1.38 (1.32–1.46), 1.57 (1.49–1.65), and 1.14 (1.08–1.19) for individuals listed above, respectively.
Conclusions
Familial aggregation of CKD was strongly associated with a higher risk of CKD development and disease progression to ESRD.
Design of supercapacitor electrodes constructed with silicene-polythiophene nanocomposites
Authors: Molele Donald Tlou , Saliu Oluwaseyi Damilare , Ramontja James
Published: November 2022

In this study silicene nanosheets (SNs) were prepared by molten salt chemical exfoliation, and polythiophene (PTh) and SNs/PTh nanocomposites were prepared via in-situ chemical oxidative polymerisation method. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the formation of SNs, PTh, and a series of SNs/PTh nanocomposites in three different ratios. XRD confirmed the formation of crystalline SNs, the amorphous nature of PTh, and crystalline SNs and amorphous PTh in the nanocomposites. FESEM revealed corrugated sheets of silicene, aggregated PTh with granular globes and flakes, in the case of SNs/PTh nanocomposites, PTh granular globes and flakes are fairly dispersed over the surface of the SNs. TEM showed almost transparent and reduced-stacking of SNs, aggregated PTh flakes and SNs/PTh nanocomposites exhibited fairly and even PTh flakes over SNs surface. The electrochemical results showed that SNs/PTh nanocomposites exhibit higher specific capacitance, energy density and stable cycling performance compared to individual SNs and PTh. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements showed that the best performing supercapacitor electrode, SNs/PTh-67 nanocomposite, attained a specific capacitance of 276.25 F/g at a scan rate of5 mV/s and delivered energy density of 13.8 Wh/kg. SNs/PTh-67 nanocomposite also exhibited excellent cycling stability with capacitance retention of 85.9% of its initial capacitance after 2000 consecutive charge-discharge cycles at a current density of 4 A/g. This study provides the first insight into the feasibility of using SNs/PTh-67 nanocomposite as a stable and high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors.
PREDICT validity for prognosis of breast cancer patients with pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants
Authors: Muranen Taru , Morra Anna , Khan Sofia , Barnes Daniel , Bolla Manjeet , Dennis Joe , Keeman Renske , Leslie Goska , Parsons Michael , Wang Qin , Ahearn Thomas , Aittomäki Kristiina , Andrulis Irene , Arun Banu , Behrens Sabine , Białkowska Katarzyna , Bojesen Stig , Camp Nicola , Chang-Claude Jenny , Czene Kamila , Devilee Peter , Domchek Susan , Dunning Alison , Engel Christoph , Evans Gareth , Gago-Dominguez Manuela , Garcia-Closas Montserrat , Gerdes Anne-Marie , Glendon Gord , Guénel Pascal , Hahnen Eric , Hamann Prof U. , Hanson Helen , Hooning Maartje , Hoppe Reiner , Izatt Louise , Jakubowska Anna , James Paul , Kristensen Vessela , Lalloo Fiona , Lindeman Geoffrey , Mannermaa Arto , Margolin Sara , Neuhausen Susan , Newman William , Peterlongo Paolo , Phillips Kelly-Anne , Pujana Miquel Angel , Rantala Johann , Rønlund Karina , Saloustros Emmanouil , Schmutzler Rita , schneeweiss andreas , Singer Christian , Suvanto Maija , Tan Yen Yen , Teixeira Manuel , Thomassen Mads , Tischkowitz Marc , Tripathi Vishakha , Wappenschmidt Barbara , Zhao Emily , Easton Douglas , Antoniou Antonis , Chenevix-Trench Georgia , Pharoah Paul , Schmidt Marjanka , Blomqvist Carl , Nevanlinna Heli
Published: November 2022

We assessed the PREDICT v 2.2 for prognosis of breast cancer patients with pathogenic germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants, using follow-up data from 5453 BRCA1/2 carriers from the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2 (CIMBA) and the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC).
PREDICT for estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer had modest discrimination for BRCA1 carrier patients overall (Gönen & Heller unbiased concordance 0.65 in CIMBA, 0.64 in BCAC), but it distinguished clearly the high-mortality group from lower risk categories. In an analysis of low to high risk categories by PREDICT score percentiles, the observed mortality was consistently lower than the expected mortality, but the confidence intervals always included the calibration slope. Altogether, our results encourage the use of the PREDICT ER-negative model in management of breast cancer patients with germline BRCA1 variants. For the PREDICT ER-positive model, the discrimination was slightly lower in BRCA2 variant carriers (concordance 0.60 in CIMBA, 0.65 in BCAC). Especially, inclusion of the tumor grade distorted the prognostic estimates. The breast cancer mortality of BRCA2 carriers was under-estimated at the low end of the PREDICT score distribution, whereas at the high end, the mortality was over-estimated. These data suggest that BRCA2 status should also be taken into consideration with tumor characteristics, when estimating the prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer patients.
Health risk assessment of heavy metal contamination of groundwater around Nnewi Industrial Area, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Eboagu N. C. , Ajiwe V. I.E.
Published: November 2022

The influence of water quality from boreholes situated around the Nnewi industrial area was evaluated by assessing the heavy metal concentrations and health risks associated with human exposure. Water samples were collected from 16 different boreholes around eight industries at one month interval from May – October 2019 and November 2019 – April 2020 to cover the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Water samples were analyzed for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron(Fe), zinc(Zn), chromium (Cr), arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd) and nickel(Ni) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Data obtained for both seasons indicate Cu ranges of (0.04–0.81) mg/L, Pb (0.00–0.09) mg/L, Fe (0.00–0.83) mg/L, Zn (0.26–1.48) mg/L, Cr (0.01–0.09) mg/L, and As(0.01–0.02) mg/L, respectively. All the heavy metal concentrations of the sampled water were within their various WHO permissible limits except As, Cr and Pb. The pollution index of As, Cr and Pb were greater than 1, showing heavy contamination of the water. Carcinogenic risk assessment of water via ingestion and dermal route for Cr and As were above the recommended safe limit of 1×10− 6which posed a cancer risk. The results show that borehole waters were contaminated with heavy metals in both seasons. It is, therefore, recommended that borehole water from the study areas should be treated before used for various domestic purposes.
Barriers and enablers of pelvic floor rehabilitation behaviours in pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence: A qualitative analysis using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Xu Ping , Jin Ying , Guo Pingping , Xu Xuefen , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhang Wei , Mao Minna , Feng Suwen
Published: November 2022

Background‎
Stress urinary incontinence during pregnancy is closely related to the occurrence of postpartum and long-term urinary incontinence. Early pelvic floor management is of great significance in promoting the recovery of pelvic floor tissues in pregnant women. However, effective management of urinary incontinence is far from achievable owing to the low compliance of pregnant women in partaking in pelvic floor rehabilitation. In this study, we aimed to identify barriers and enablers of pelvic floor rehabilitation behaviours in pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence.
Methods‎
A descriptive, qualitative design was used in this study. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence based on the Theoretical Domain Framework. The data were analysed using a combination of inductive and deductive methods. The study followed the COREQ guidelines.
Results
Twenty pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence were interviewed. Seven themes were summarised and used to explain the pelvic floor rehabilitation behaviours of pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence. The seven themes were (1) individual knowledge and experience of pelvic floor management, (2) judgments about expected outcomes, (3) interactions of interpersonal situations, (4) environment, resources, and decision-making processes, (5) personal goal-setting and efforts towards behaviour change, (6) emotional influences on decision-making, and (7) personality traits. After deductive mapping of topics to the Theoretical Domains Framework, it was found that 13 of the Theoretical Domains Framework domains affected the pelvic floor management behaviours of pregnant patients.
Conclusions
The pelvic floor rehabilitation behaviours of pregnant women with stress urinary incontinence are complex and are affected by many factors. Understanding how pregnant patients feel about pelvic floor rehabilitation behaviours and what factors influence their decision to adopt them can guide healthcare professionals in providing targeted interventions to improve adherence to pelvic floor rehabilitation behaviours.
Structural Assessment of the Full-Length Wild-Type Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 by Mass Spectrometry-Guided Computational Modeling
Authors: Sinz Andrea , Ianni Alessio Di , Ihling Christian , Kipping Marc , Köppen Janett , Arlt Christian , Iacobucci Claudio , Tüting Christian , Kastritis Panagiotis
Published: November 2022

The tetrameric tumor suppressor p53 represents a great challenge for 3D-structural analysis due to its high degree of intrinsic disorder (ca. 40%). We aim to shed light on the structural and functional roles of p53’s C-terminal region in full-length, wild-type human p53 tetramer and their importance for DNA binding. For this, we employed complementary techniques of structural mass spectrometry (MS) in an integrated approach with AI-based computational modeling. Our results show no major conformational differences in p53 between DNA-bound and DNA-free states, but reveal a substantial compaction of p53’s C-terminal region. This supports the proposed mechanism of unspecific DNA binding to the C-terminal region of p53 prior to transcription initiation by specific DNA binding to the core domain of p53. The synergies between complementary structural MS techniques and computational modeling as pursued in our integrative approach is envisioned to serve as general strategy for studying intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered region (IDRs).
The biological and prognostic role of long non-coding RNA NEAT1 in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Miliara Sophia , Neddermeyer Anne , Bonetti Alessandro , Shin Jay W. , Mujahed Huthayfa , Carninci Piero , Arner Erik , Soren Lehmann , Lennartsson Andreas
Published: November 2022

Nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) is a long non-coding RNA associated with the promotion of several solid cancers. As part of the FANTOM6 project, we aimed to define its role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelopoiesis, since it remains largely uninvestigated. We show that NEAT1 expression increases during myelopoiesis, especially in monocytes. NEAT1 expression is elevated in AML compared to normal bone marrow (NBM), especially in AML with inv(16)and t(8;21). In addition, NEAT1 expression correlates positively with ASXL1, KRAS and NRAS mutations, but negatively with TP53 mutant AML. Higher NEAT1 expression is associated with better overall survival in AML, independent of other known risk factors. Knockdown of NEAT1 in AML cells induces monocytic differentiation and upregulated gene expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism. By investigating genome-wide RNA and DNA interactions using RADICL-sequencing, we show that NEAT1 binds to the RUNX2 locus that is associated with differentiation, metabolism, and glucose uptake. The results suggest that the lncRNA NEAT1 has a role in myelopoiesis, AML and is implicated in glycolysis.
Runx2 Overexpression Promotes Bone repair of Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH)
Authors: Xu Hai-Jia , Liu Xiangzhong , Yang Lu , Xu Liang-Liang , Sun Da-Ming , Liao Wen , Yang Yi , Li Zhang-Hua
Published: November 2022

Background: Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) has been considered an inducer to improve bone repair ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Methods and Results: Twenty-four rabbits were randomly devided into four groups. The Ad-Runx2 group was administrated with Runx2 overexpression MSCs, the Runx2-siRNA group was treated with Runx2-siRNA transfection MSCs, the MSCs group was injected with MSCs, and the Model group was treated with saline. The injection was administered at 1 week and 3 weeks after model establishment. The expression of BMP-2, Runx2 and Osterix from the femoral head was detected at 3 and 6 weeks after MSCs being injected, and Masson Trichrome Staining, Gross Morphology, X-ray and CT images Observation were used to evaluate the repair effect of ONFH. The data revealed that the expression of BMP-2, Runx2 and Osterix in the Runx2-siRNA group was reduced at 3 weeks compared with the MSCs group, and then the expression further reduced at 6 weeks, but was still higher than the Model group besides Osterix; The expression of these three genes in the Ad-Runx2 group was higher than in the MSCs group. Masson Trichrome Staining, Gross Morphology and X-ray and CT images Observation revealed that necrotic femoral head of the MSCs group was more regular and smooth than the Runx2-siRNA group, which has a collapsed and irregular femoral head. In the Ad-Runx2 group, necrotic femoral head was basically completely repaired and covered by rich cartilage and bone tissue.
Conclusions: Overexpression of Runx2 can improve osteoblastic phenotype maintenance of MSCs and promote necrotic bone repair of ONFH.
Medication administration errors in the domain of infusion therapy on intensive care units: A survey study among nurses
Authors: BEAUDART Charlotte , WITJES Maureen , ROOD Paul , Hiligsmann Mickael
Published: November 2022

Background : Despite extensive research carried out on medication administration errors (MAEs) in the domain of infusion therapy, there is limited knowledge on nurses perceptions on the occurrence of MAEs during infusion therapy. Since nurses are responsible for medication preparation and administration in Dutch hospitals, it is vital to understand their perspective on the risk factors for MAEs.
Aim: The purpose of this study is investigated the perception of nurses, working on adult ICUs, on the occurrence of MAEs during continuous infusion therapies.
Methods: A digital web based survey was distributed among 91 ICU nurses working in Dutch hospitals. The survey investigated nurses’ perceptions on the frequency, severity of consequences and preventability of MAEs, factors for the occurrence of MAEs, and infusion pump and smart infusion safety technology.
Results: A total of 91 nurses completed the survey Medication-related factors and intensive care-related factors were perceived as the two most important risk categories for the occurrence of MAEs. Important risk factors contributing to the occurrence of MAEs included high patient-nurse ratio, problems in communication between caregivers, frequent staff changes and transfers of care, and no/incorrect dosage/concentration on labels. Drug library was reported as the most infusion pump feature and both Bar Code Medication Administration and medical device connectivity as the two most important smart infusion safety technologies. Nurses perceived the majority of MAEs as preventable.
Conclusions:Results observed in this study suggest ICUs to focus on prevention strategies to reduce risk factors for MAEs as well as to increase awareness among nurses on the risks of MAEs.
Analysis of the Coronary Care Unit Bed Allocation policy and selecting the most suitable model for optimal allocation in a low and middle-income country: a multiphase study
Authors: Headayati Maryam , Azami-Aghdash Saber , Arabloo Jalal , Rezapour Aziz , Alipour Vahid , Moradi Najmeh , Yousefzadeh Negar , Zarei Leila , Zanganeh Marzieh
Published: November 2022

Background
This study aimed to conduct a policy analysis on allocating Coronary Care Unit (CCU) beds and clarifies the well-suited model for allocating CCU beds in Iran.
Methods
As a multiphase study, this was conducted in 4 steps, including a literature review, semi-structured interviews, an analysis of the policymaking process, and the Delphi study. The bed allocation models, their criteria, and the challenges of CCU bed allocation were explored through a literature review and semi-structured interviews. The CCU beds allocation policy was analyzed using Walt and Gilson's Health Policy Triangle (HPT). The Delphi method chose the suitable model for the optimal allocation of CCU beds in Iran.
Results
Findings were reported in four dimensions of the policy analysis triangle, including content, context, process, and actors. Various social, economic, environmental, and political factors affect policy development. Allocating policy emphasizes fair distribution of resources and full access to health services and encourages the private sector. Achieving efficiency of hospital bed utilization put bed allocation on the agenda in Iran. Thorough literature review, 11 models and 14 indicators were found. After conducting interviews, the number of indicators increased to 58 cases, and the CCU bed allocation challenges were identified. The Trend Model was picked through the Delphi study as a framework for CCU bed allocation.
Conclusion
Using the results of the present study and the proposed model can help to allocate hospital beds, especially CCU beds, optimally and efficiently. However, challenges and barriers identified by this study require consideration during the development of the proposed model. Also, managers and policymakers require information about the most effective strategies to reduce the need for CCU beds in the future. It is recommended that future studies and scenario planning be considered prior to the optimal allocation of hospital beds.
Tissue-like cultured fish fillets through a synthetic food pipeline
Authors: Liu Donghong , Xu Enbo , Niu Ruihao , Lao Jihui , Zhang Shengliang , Li Jie , Zhu Yiyuan , Shi Huimin , Zhu Qingqing , Chen Yijian , Jiang Yuyan , Wang Wenjun , Yin Jun , Chen Qihe , Huang Xiao , Chen Jun
Published: November 2022

Tissue-like cultured meats of some livestock have successfully been established by different approaches. However, production of a structure similar to fish fillets is still challenging. Here, we develop tissue-like cultured fish fillets by assembly of large yellow croaker muscle fibers and adipocytes with 3D-printed gel. Inhibition of Tgf-β and Notch signals significantly promoted myogenic differentiation of piscine satellite cells (PSCs). The mixture of fish gelatin and sodium alginate combined with a p53 inhibitor and a Yap activator supported PSC viability and proliferation. Based on the texture of fish muscle tissue, a 3D scaffold was constructed by gelatin-based gel mixed with PSCs. After proliferation and differentiation, the muscle scaffold was filled with cultured piscine adipocytes. Finally, tissue-like fish fillets with 20×12×4 mm were formed, consisting of 5.67×107 muscles and 4.02×107 adipocytes. The biomanufacture of tissue-like cultured fish fillet here could be a promising technology to customize meat production with high fidelity.
Learn from the Best Hospitals: A Comparison of the Mission, Vision and Values
Authors: Qin Xiaoping , Wang Bing-Long , Zhao Jinhong , Wu Peixin , Liu Tingfang
Published: November 2022

Background: The hospital's mission, vision, and values are the core of the hospital's culture and the most profound expression of the hospital's culture. Although there have been many comparative studies on the mission, vision and values of organizations in the past, there have been few studies on the mission, vision and values of hospitals in the healthcare field. The purpose is to understand how the world's top hospitals perform the effective role of mission, vision and value.
Methods: This paper collects and discusses the approaches of the world's top five hospitals in mission, vision and value through a qualitative analysis method. Documents for the study were collected from the publicly available information of the five hospitals, including their websites, annual reports, and relevant academic literature published in English on Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science.
Results: These five hospitals have similarities and differences in the development of their missions, visions and values, which are worthy of study by other hospitals. The setting of a mission is a useful reflection of the hospital's focus and direction showing the social responsibility and sustainability of the hospital. The development of a vision has a guiding role in the equity and development of patients and employees and can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of hospital management and ensure the quality of services. The elaboration of values can greatly help hospitals to develop strategic plans and improve daily management.
Conclusion: Our research found that the top five hospitals in the world, regardless of the nature of the hospital or their management model, have some overlap in their missions, visions and values. In addition, each hospital also has some distinctive description that reflects their special characteristics.
Targeted therapy monitoring of BRAF-V600-mutant Erdheim-Chester disease by fast quantitative whole-body bone CZT-tomoscintigraphies
Authors: MELKI Saifeddine , Moulinet Thomas , Verger Antoine , Marie Pierre-Yves , Imbert Laetitia , Bahloul Achraf
Published: November 2022

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare histiocytosis due to proto-oncogene mutations, primarily affecting the long bones and possibly being treated by novel targeted therapies. 18F-FDG PET is a reference technique for ECD assessment. However, we present a case where easier and more objective monitoring of the ECD-related bone metabolism abnormalities under treatment was obtained with the Standardized Uptake Value (SUV)-based information provided by fast whole-body [Tc-99m]-HDP bone tomoscintigraphies (QWBT) recorded with a high-sensitivity CZT-camera / Computed Tomography (CT) hybrid system.
The landscape of fear as a safety eco-field: Experimental evidence
Authors: Farina Almo , James Philip
Published: November 2022

In a development of the ecosemiotic vivo-scape concept, a ‘safety eco-field’ is proposed as a model of a species response to the safety of its environment. The safety eco-field is based on the ecosemiotic approach which considers environmental safety as a resource sought and chosen by individuals to counter predatory pressure. To test the relative safety of different locations within a landscape, 66 bird feeders (BF) were deployed in a regular 15 x 15 m grid in a rural area, surrounded by shrubs, small trees, hedgerows, and buildings. On each of 48 days in November 2021 and February and March 2022, dried mealworms were placed on each BF and counts of larvae at each BF were made at noon and dusk. The European robin (Erithacus rubecula) and the great tit (Parus major) were the most regular visitors to the BFs. Land cover at each BF was recorded. Bird behaviour at the BFs was noted from direct video recordings of the birds at nine selected BFs, totalling 32 daily sessions in March. The different behaviours of the European robin and the great tit were observable. The safety eco-field changed according to the month and the time of day. The distance of the BF from the woodland edges seemed to be important only in the morning. In the afternoon, BFs that were more distant from the woodland edges received the highest number of visits. A significant relationship between land cover and the number of mealworm larvae removed from the BFs was observed. Within the grid of BF, three regions were distinguishable which were related to land cover in the safety eco-field process. The experimental framework confirms the adequacy, at least for birds that have cryptic predators, to map the landscape as a proxy of safety resource. Weather conditions were found to influence the number of mealworms removed, but this requires further investigation. From the video recordings it was noted that the European robin visits were distributed throughout the day without apparent temporal preferences, while the great tit visits were concentrated in the central part of the day. This result has the limitation of the short period of observation (March) and should be extended to the entire period of the experiment to eventually capture seasonal variation. The experimental evidence obtained confirms that the ecosemiotic-based models of safety eco-field are an efficient approach to explain bird feeding preferences and behaviours.
Modeling the mechanical behavior of cement stabilized macadam with defects based on particle flow theory
Authors: Luo Chengcheng , Yan Zhanyou , Wang Xinqiang , Yan Yongkang , Liu Junzhuo , Zhao Guofang
Published: November 2022

The material of cement stabilized macadam is a discontinuous, inhomogeneous and quasi-brittle material. When it is locally damaged, it will be very limited to analyze the crack propagation and stress transfer with the theory of homogeneity and continuum. In order to study the meso-mechanical properties of cement stabilized macadam, a discrete element model of cement stabilized macadam was constructed in this paper by random theory according to the gradation and porosity of the laboratory material. The linear bond contact model, parallel bond contact model and smooth joint contact model were used between aggregates. Pre-added cracks of a certain density and width are set up separately in the interior of the discrete element model. The mechanical behavior of cement stabilized macadam under external loads was studied. The results show that: The data of discrete element model is highly justified by the stress-strain curves and the distribution of micro-cracks. The peak stress gradually decreases as the density of pre-added cracks increases. The peak stress for a crack density of 0m/m2 is 45.3%, 67.7%, 77.4% and 84.2% greater than that of 20m/m2, 30m/m2, 40m/m2 and 60m/m2 respectively. The stress peak for pre-added cracks with a width of 0 mm is 13.3%, 20.1% and 27.7% greater than that of 0.15 mm, 0.3 mm and 0.43 mm respectively. Most of the breakage cracks extend in the direction of the pre-added cracks. The angle of the broken cracks is predominantly 70° − 110°, accounting for about 45%.
A Novel Synthesis of Rod-shape BaNiSn-Graphene Decorated TiO 2 Composite as a Ternary Photocatalyst to Improve Visible-Light Driven H 2 Evolution with Lactic acid and TEA
Authors: Areerob Yonrapach , Rafat Md Nazmodduha , Ullah Kefayat , Oh Won-Chun
Published: November 2022

A novel rod-shape BaNiSn-Graphene oxide decorated TiO2 composite (BaNiSn-GT) has beeen synthesized using a simple ultrasonic method to enhance the visible-light-driven H2 evolution. The unique structure between the interfaces of BaNiSn-Graphene and TiO2 provides graphene oxide of contact and excellent electron transfer for H2 evolution activity. The BaNiSn-GT ternary photocatalyst showed that the BaNiSn-GT displayed the highest H2-production rate of 1012 µmol h-1 g-1, which was about 4 times that of rod-shape BaNiSn and BaNiSn-G under visible light irradiation with scavenger media. Moreover, the higher photocurrent density of BaNiSn-GT is correlated with electron-hole recombination, providing evidence for its inhibition, which leads to a longer lifetime of carriers produced by photoelectrons. The mechanism of the photocatalytic H2 evolution of BaNiSn-GT based on a full physicochemical characterization was proposed. This study provides new insight into the efficient hydrogen-evolution of graphene-based photocatalysts.
Isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus saprophyticus responsible for death of two six- banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus)
Authors: Guo Chuangen , Sun Weibo , Cheng Wangkun , Chen Nan , Deng Changlin , Xu Haoran , Wu Congyu , Lv Yingjun
Published: November 2022

Two six-banded armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) suddenly died in a zoo of Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China, after exhibiting weak breath, high temperature, and nasal bleeding. Autopsy revealed dark brown appearance and enlargement of the visceral organs and several granular white necrotic foci in the spleen and liver of the two armadillos. Histological analysis revealed serious congestion, haemorrhage, and multiple necrotic foci in the spleen and liver; lungs exhibited congestion. Moreover, the bacterium suspected to be responsible for the death of the armadillos was observed in the spleen and lung tissue samples. Several gram-positive cocci were observed in the contacting smears of liver tissue samples. Biochemical analysis revealed that the isolated bacterium was Staphylococcus saprophyticus and was designated as S.S NH2021; 16S rRNA and gap gene sequencing of the isolate provided similar findings. Strain S.S NH2021 was resistant only against penicillin. Moreover, the mice challenged with high load of the isolated bacterium died and exhibited histopathological changes similar to those observed in the armadillos. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on S. saprophyticus infection in armadillos. This study provides a reference for breeding and management of six-banded armadillos in zoos.
Prevalence and characteristics of HTLV-associated uveitis in patients from Bahia, an endemic area for HTLV -1 in Brazil
Authors: Ozores Daniele P , Pinheiro Regina R , Boa-Sorte Ney , Dias Mauricio CS , Lima Raiana S , Araújo Thessika Hialla Almeida , Galvão-Castro Bernardo , Grassi Maria Fernanda Rios
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND
HTLV-1-associated uveitis (HAU) is an inflammatory reaction of the choroid, retina, optic nerve and vitreous that can lead to vision impairment. The worldwide prevalence of HAU varies widely.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of HAU in patients from Salvador, Bahia-Brazil, and describe uveitis type and associated symptoms.
METHODS
Cross-sectional analytical study to determine the prevalence of uveitis in HTLV-1-infected patients recruited in Bahia, Brazil, a region considered endemic for HTLV-1. Patients were enrolled at a local reference center for HTLV (infected) and at an outpatient ophthalmology clinic (noninfected group). All patients were examined by the same ophthalmologist following a single protocol. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated.
RESULTS
A total of 168 consecutively examined HTLV-1-infected patients and 410 noninfected patients (randomly selected) were included. Females predominated (82.1%) in the HTLV-1-infected group (versus 64.4% in the uninfected group) (p < 0.001). The mean age of infected and uninfected patients was 53.2 and 62.8 years, respectively (p < 0.001). The prevalence of uveitis in HTLV-1+ and HTLV-1− patients was 7.14% and 0.73%, respectively (PR = 9.76; 95CI%:2.79–34.15; p < 0.01). Bilateral intermediate uveitis, associated with symptoms including visual disturbances and floaters, was most commonly identified in the HTLV-1-infected patients, whereas unilateral anterior uveitis, in association with symptoms such as blurring and ocular pain, was more common in the uninfected group.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of uveitis in patients with HTLV-1 was markedly higher than in uninfected subjects. HAU patients were mostly asymptomatic and exhibited bilateral presentation, with uveitis more frequently localized in the intermediate chamber.
Facility-Led Community Based Approach in Mamfe Health District, Cameroon: A Differentiated Service Delivery Option in Complex Humanitarian Setting
Authors: Enongene Mekolle Julius , Keumami Kate Ivo , Omeichu Agwenam Amadeus , Agbornkwai Agbor Nyenty , Esa Ismaila , Chuyum Aseh Christian
Published: November 2022

Background
The government of Cameroon’s 2017 operational guidelines for the implementation of the “test and treat” strategy expressly incorporates and prescribes the DSD model with testing and treatment services being decentralized and task shifted at community level. However, express guidance on DSD approach in conflict situations, characterized by pressure on existing health systems remains a limitation. The outbreak of COVID19 further confounded humanitarian responses for fear of spread. Facility-led community-based approach (FLCBA) was employed as a model of care in addressing DSD for HIV in conflictaffected settings within the COVID19 context.
Methods
A retrospective quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Mamfe District Hospital. Descriptive statistics was used to evaluate the implementation of FLCBA as a DSD model from April 2021 to June 2022 along the clinical cascades. Data were collected using a chart abstraction template from the respective registers. Analyses were done using Microsoft excel 2010.
Results
In 15 months, a total number of 4707 (2142 males, 2565 females) people were screened for HIV and 3795 (1661 males, 2134 females) eligible individuals were tested. Out of the 11 targeted health areas, 208 (5.5%) new positive cases were identified, all (100%) of whom were linked to care and treatment. During this period, 61% (34/55) targeted missing clients were tracked through this means among which 31 were defaulters and 3 LTFU. Of the 196 target clients for FLCBA, eligible for viral load sample collection, 142 (72%) samples were collected.
Conclusions
The FLCBA as an integral primary health care delivery package is an efficient and effective variant of DSD for conflict settings; however it requires bravery of health care providers.
Semantic Term weighting representation for Kannada Document Classification
Authors: Rangan R Kasturi , Harish B S
Published: November 2022

In natural language processing, sequence order of terms plays a vital role. This positional sequence information helps in the semantic analysis of the natural language. The absence of semantic information in term weighting methods motivated us to propose the semantic term weighting representation. On the other hand, to address the demand for Indian regional language resources, especially for the Kannada language we have created an 11,045 Kannada documents dataset. This dataset is multilabel and unbalanced. The proposed semantic term weighting representation methods (Term Frequency-Positional encoding (TF-PE) and Term Frequency-Inverse document frequency-Positional encoding (TF-IDF-PE)) are applied to the proposed dataset. Further, the K-Fold and normal train-test split experimentations are carried out on the proposed dataset. Among the proposed representation methods Unicode encoded Term Frequency-Inverse document frequency-Positional encoding (TF-IDF-PE) representation performed better than Term frequency-Positional encoding (TF-PE) representation. The Unicode encoded TF-IDF-PE representation with the SVM classifier yields better average accuracy of 68.62% in K-10 Fold experimentations.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic complex segmentectomy in older child with incidental congenital pulmonary airway malformation and abscess: Case report
Authors: Ahn Seha , Moon Youngkyu
Published: November 2022

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a very rare phenomenon subject to malignant transformation that requires surgical resection. In an asymptomatic 10-year-old girl, we identified a single cystic and consolidated lesion on computed tomography of the neck. This incidental finding was confined to anterior segment of lung in right upper lobe (RUL). Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) served to successfully achieve anterior segmentectomy, without chest tube placement. The surgical specimen confirmed features of CPAM, also showing acute and chronic inflammation with abscess formation. Once the surgical mainstay for such lesions, open lobectomy is now under challenge by thoracoscopic technique, port-reduction methods, and a lung-preserving strategy. Herein, we have shown uniportal VATS complex segmentectomy to be a viable option for an older child with CPAM confined to a single lung segment.
Supplementing commercial media with shrimp fecal waste enhances productivity in Salicornia grown in a hydroponic system
Authors: Ende Stephan S.W. , Jiménez-Muñoz² Marina , Meixner² Raphael , Jähne Gregor , Pinheiro Isabela , Ezzraimi Hanna Taieb , Henjes Joachim
Published: November 2022

The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of shrimp waste as a bioavailable source of nutrients for the growth of Salicornia europaea, before and after a cavitation process and either in combination with or without commercial fertilizer. Fecal wastes were collected from the drum filter in a recirculating system for shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei culture. The two-factorial experimental design was pretreatment of fecal waste with cavitation (and control without cavitation) and nutrient source (commercial nutrient media (NM) or fecal waste (FW)) at different concentration ratios (100%/0%; 65%/35%; 35%/65% and 0%/100% of nutrient media or fecal waste). The growth experiment lasted 62 days. Media composition had a significant effect on final biomass, and yields ranged from 0.29 to 0.62 kg m-2 at 0%/100% and 65%/35%, respectively. The commercial media evaluated does not appear to be well suited for cultivation of Salicornia, and performance can be significantly increased if the commercial media is partially replaced with fecal waste (65%/35% ratio). However, whether pretreatment of fecal sludge is necessary to make nutrients available to Salicornia cannot be answered because it had no significant effect on final biomass.
Hydrothermal synthesis of Ti-Fe2O3 /In2O3 on the TiO2 nanotubes substrate for highly efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation
Authors: Szkoda Mariusz , Ilnicka Anna , Zarach Zuzanna , Roda Daria , Nowak Andrzej P. , Trzciński Konrad
Published: November 2022

The layers of Ti-Fe2O3/In2O3 were prepared on the TiO2 nanotubes using hydrothermal method. The obtained materials were tested as photoanodes for water oxidation under sunlight irradiation. Deposited films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The formation of heterojunction increases photocurrent of water oxidation at 1.0 V vs RHE to over 725 mA/cm2, while TiO2/In2O3 and TiO2/Ti-Fe2O3 exhibit only 254 and 306 mA/cm2, respectively.
Prevalence of fatigue in children with congenital heart disease and correlations with disease-specific factors
Authors: de Vos D. R. H. , Hoefnagels J. W. , Vlist M. M. Nap-Van der , Breur J. M. P. J. , Nijhof S. L.
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND
Improved survival of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) leads to long-term challenges, like fatigue. Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom in childhood chronic disease with a remarkably similar presentation across diverse disease groups. We hypothesize that fatigue impacts children with CHD similarly. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of fatigue in children with CHD, its correlation with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and several cardiologic factors.
METHODS
Prospective data were obtained from the PROactive cohort study. We examined the prevalence of fatigue in CHD and its correlation with HRQoL in 2- to 18-year-olds. Fatigue and HRQoL were assessed using the PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and Generic Core Scales. Cut-off points for fatigue were based on a healthy control population (± 2SD). We assessed correlations between fatigue and disease-specific factors in 8- to 18-year-olds using linear regression analyses.
RESULTS
We included 259 patients (median age 8.9 (IQR 4.8–13.4), 56% boys). Of all participants, 34% reported fatigue and 16% reported severe fatigue. More fatigue was associated with lower HRQoL (β = 0.6, p < 0.01). Three disease-specific factors were significantly correlated with fatigue: number of cardiac procedures (β = 0.3, p = 0.01), exercise tolerance Watt/kg (β = 0.4, p < 0.01) and VO2/kg (β = 0.3, p = 0.02). These determinants explained 13% of the variance in fatigue.
CONCLUSIONS
Fatigue is common in children with CHD and its prevalence is comparable with other pediatric chronic diseases. Disease-specific factors explained a minor amount of the variance in fatigue. A biopsychosocial approach should be considered for the identification and management of fatigue in children with CHD.
Protein 4.1R regulates neutrophil function through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: hanhan li , Gao Xian , Lu Yu , Zhao Luyang , Guo Shuangshuang , Zhang Binglei , Sun Chuanxi , Chen Miaomiao , Liu Jingjing , Dai Liping , Fan Dandan , Ji Zhenyu
Published: November 2022

Neutrophils are important components of innate immunity in the blood. They are the body's first line of defense against microbial pathogens, especially when suppurative bacteria invade. Since its function can be both beneficial and harmful to the pathogen and the surrounding host tissues, its functions must be tightly regulated. First discovered in red blood cells, the 4.1R protein is a membrane skeleton protein that plays an important role in regulating the deformation and stability of the membrane. Many lines of evidence suggest that 4.1R has the ability to regulate cellular pathways in a variety of immune cells, but its function in neutrophils has not yet been reported. Here, we investigated the function of 4.1R in neutrophils using 4.1R−/−mice. Our results showed that the chemotactic function, phagocytic function, ROS production ability, and the secretion of inflammatory factors were increased in the 4.1R−/−neutrophils. Furthermore, results fromin vivoexperiments demonstrated that 4.1R−/−mice recruited more neutrophils, secreted higher levels of inflammatory cytokines, and had a shorter life-span. Further mechanistic evaluation revealed that the protein phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 was increased in the 4.1R knockout neutrophils after their stimulation and activation. In summary, the expression of 4.1R protein has an important negative regulatory effect on neutrophil function, which may be mediated through the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Once a week consumption of Western diet over twelve weeks promotes sustained insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fat liver disease in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Demaria Thainá Magalhães , Crepaldi Leticia Diniz , Costa-Bartuli Emylle , Branco Jessica Ristow , Zancan Patricia , Sola-Penna Mauro
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUNDS: The Western diet (high in fat and sucrose) consumption is a highly prevalent feature in the whole world, mainly due to the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), which are cheaper and easier-to-eat, as compared to fresh and highly nutritive meals. Epidemiological studies have associated UPF consumption withdevelopment of obesity, non-alcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD) and insulin resistance. For molecular studies, mice fed with Western diets have been used to characterize signaling pathways involved in these diet-induced pathologies, aiming to identify putative targets for treatments. However, these studies fed mice continuously with the diets, which is not compatible with what occurs in real life, when consumption is occasional.
METHODS: Here, we fed mice once-a-week with a high fat, high sucrose (HFHS) diet and compared these animals with those fed continuously with HFHS diet or with a standard diet.
RESULTS: Our results show that after a single day of consuming HFHS, animals presented impaired oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) as compared to control group. Although this impairment was reversed after 24 hours consuming regular diet, repetition of HFHS consumption once-a-week aggravated the picture such as after 12-weeks, oGTT impairment was not reversed after 6 days under control diet. Liver steatosis, inflammation, impaired insulin signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress are similar comparing animals that consumed HFHS once-a-week with those that continuously consumed HFHS, though weekly-fed animals did not gain as much weight.
CONCLUSIONS: Regimen of one day HFHS plus 6 days normal diet over 12 weeks is sufficient to induce insulin resistance and NAFLD in mice.