bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic prediction of agronomic and malting quality traits in six-rowed winter barley
Authors: Charmet Gilles , Pin Pierre , Schmitt Marc , Leroy Nathalie , Claustres Bruno , Burt Christopher , Genty Amélie
Published: August 2022

While two-rowed barley is usually preferred for malting and beer-making, six-rowed malting barley varieties appear in Europe around 30 years ago, and several breeders have specific improvement programs on this specific germplasm. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of genomic prediction for yield and malting related traits using 679 breeding lines from two French barley breeders, as well as a set of recently registered varieties. These lines were evaluated in five locations and two harvest years in an unbalanced design. Although the germplasm from the two breeders does show some trend towards differentiation, globally the whole panel did not show a clear-cut genetic structure. Predictive ability of GBLUP was evaluated through random cross-validation within and across breeder sets, and using cross-prediction between breeder sets. Results show moderate to high predictive ability (PA), particularly for malt friability and b-glucan content, for which predictive ability of 0.8 was obtained with training populations as small as 96 registered varieties and across breeding sets. The long range of useful linkage disequilibrium in this particular germplasm allows using as few as 2,000 to 5,000 markers to obtain high PA. Other prediction methods such as Bayesian LASSO, Bayes Cpi or EGBLUP not improve predictive ability. These results are very encouraging for implementing GS prediction of malting quality traits in applied breeding programs
Assessing the health risks associated with elevated manganese and iron in groundwater in Sreemangal and Moulvibazar Sadar, Bangladesh
Authors: Rushdi Muhtasimul Islam , Basak Rony , Das Priyanka , Ahamed Tanvir , Bhattacharjee Shubhra
Published: August 2022

The principal source of drinking water in Bangladesh is groundwater tapped through tubewells. Studies on the concentrations of Mn and Fe in groundwater have been conducted in two hilly areas: Moulavibazar Sadar and Sreemangal upazila in the district of Moulavibazar, where groundwater samples were collected from 23 publicly accessible tubewells. Graphite furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was used to identify the concentration of Mn and Fe in groundwater. Results demonstrated that 73% and 69% of the groundwater samples from the studied areas contained levels of Mn and Fe above the permissible limits for drinking water, respectively. Furthermore, water quality index analysis indicated that 34.8% of samples had poor water quality, while only 17.3% had excellent water quality. Hazard indexes (HI) were used for adults and children to determine the risk of drinking water contaminated with Mn and Fe. The HI values of children ranged from 0.76 to 55.31 and 14.58 to 46.63, respectively, with a respective mean of 18.85 and 27.52 for Moulvibazar Sadar and Sreemanagal. For adults, Moulvibazar Sadar and Sreemangal had respective means of 2.58 and 3.12 for HI, ranging from 0.79 to 4.54 and from 1.38 to 6.04. This result implied that the health risks associated with non-carcinogenic elements: Mn and Fe are more prevalent among children than adults in the study area.
Curvilinear Regression Analysis of Benzenoid Hydrocarbons and Computation of Some Reduced Reverse Degree Based Topological Indices for Hyaluronic Acid - Paclitaxel Conjugates
Authors: Ravi Vignesh , Desikan Kalyani
Published: August 2022

Graph theoretical molecular descriptors alias topological indices are a convenient means for expressing in numerical form the chemical structure encoded in a molecular graph. The structure descriptors derived from molecular graphs are widely used in Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) and Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) studies. The reason for introducing new indices is to obtain predictions of target properties of considered molecules that are better than the predictions obtained using already known indices. In this paper, we apply the reduced reverse degree based indices introduced in 2021 by Vignesh et al. In the QSPR analysis, we first compute the reduced reverse degree based indices for a family of benzenoid hydrocarbon molecules and then we obtain the correlation with the Physico-chemical properties of the considered molecules. We show that all the properties taken into consideration for the benzenoid hydrocarbons can be very effectively predicted by the reduced reverse degree based indices. Further, we compute the defined reduced reverse degree based topological indices for Hyaluronic Acid-Paclitaxel Conjugates (HAP) n , n ≥ 1.
A smooth particle dynamics method considering material point failure for crack propagation simulation applied in rock mechanics
Authors: Gao Yiwei , Xu Tao , Gu Hongyan , Ren Xuhua , Zhang Jixun , Xiang Xun , Xin Zhenyang
Published: August 2022

The numerical simulation of rock fracture mechanics has been a major research hotspot and challenging area in the field of rock mechanics. Based on this background, a smooth particle dynamics numerical simulation method (RGIMP) is proposed to consider the failed material point. The RGIMP algorithm is simple in form, does not need to use multiple velocity fields, takes advantage of the efficient computational efficiency and stability of the GIMP itself, and simulates the brittle fracture process of the rock by the failure process of the material point, and the resulting cracks are display cracks. The accuracy of the RGIMP algorithm proposed in this paper was verified by uniaxial compressive numerical simulations of single-cleft standard cube specimen, double-cleft standard cube specimen, and double-cleft Brazilian disc specimen. The research results provide a certain reference for the application of smooth particle dynamics methods in rock mechanics engineering and understanding of rock fracture mechanisms.
Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum Dihydropteroate Synthetase (540pfdhps) Gene Responsible for Sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine Resistant Malaria in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Nwankwo Nelson Jehosephat , Paul Joel , Longdet Ishaya Yohanna , Kutshik Richard Joseph
Published: August 2022

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) for use as an intermittent preventive medication in malaria-endemic regions to help reduce the global malaria burden in a susceptible population. The therapeutic efficacy of the SP is impaired by growing SP resistance (SPR). Resistance to sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine has previously been linked to mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps) genes. As a result, molecular research into Plasmodium falciparum's genetic makeup will aid in the development of new antimalarial medications as well as the improvement of existing ones.Methods: The dihydropteroate Synthetase gene (dhps) was used as a marker to study SP resistance in 100 malaria cases. The DNA of the parasite was isolated from whole blood samples obtained and kept in EDTA bottles using the Zymo extraction kits' technique. PCR and gel electrophoresis were used to identify the Plasmodium genus, Plasmodium falciparum, and the 540-dihydropteroate synthetase gene. Sangar sequencing was utilized for sequencing, and nucleotide blast, blastx, and querry-anchored alignment view with dot of the NCBI tool were employed for bioinformatic analysis.Results: Only 50% of the clinically tested samples were positive for Plasmodium genus, 96% for Plasmodium falciparum, and point mutations in the pfdhps gene at codon K540E in 16.67% of the isolates, according to the findings. The sequence alignment of the parasite gene's resultant nucleotide indicates a point mutation in the nucleotide sequence. Despite the fact that a point mutation occurred in the DNA's coding region, there is no mutation when the nucleotide sequence is translated into amino acids.Conclusion: Plasmodium falciparum is the most common malaria species in Jos, with more than nine out of 10 (96%) malaria patients testing positive for the parasite. The discovered mutation has no influence on the amino acid sequence, and consequently has no effect on the protein's functionality. It's possible that the reported resistance isn't attributable to a mutation in the 540-dihydropteroate synthetase gene, but rather to other factors mentioned in the literature.Trial Registration: Plateau Specialist Hospital's institutional review committee/boards accepted the research protocol, and ethical clearance was obtained. NHREC/05/01/2010b is the registration number, and it was obtained on December 11, 2019.
Actively transcribed rDNA and distal junction (DJ) sequence determine association of NORs with nucleoli
Authors: Liskovykh Mikhail , Petrov Nikolai S. , Noskov Vladimir N. , Masumoto Hiroshi , Earnshaw William C. , Schlessinger David , Shabalina Svetlana A. , Larionov Vladimir , Kouprina Natalay
Published: August 2022

Although they are organelles without a limiting membrane, nucleoli have an exclusive structure, built upon the rDNA-rich acrocentric short arms of five human chromosomes (nucleolar organizer regions or NORs). This has raised the question: what are the structural features of a chromosome required for its inclusion in a nucleolus? Previous work has suggested that sequences adjacent to the tandemly repeated rDNA repeat units (DJ, distal junction sequence) may be involved, and we have extended such studies by addressing several issues related to the requirements for association of NORs with nucleoli. We exploited both a set of somatic cell hybrids containing individual human acrocentric chromosomes and a set of Human Artificial Chromosomes (HACs) carrying different parts of a NOR, including an rDNA unit or DJ or PJ (proximal junction) sequence. Association of NORs with nucleoli was increased when constituent rDNA was transcribed and may be also affected by the status of heterochromatin blocks formed next to the rDNA arrays. Furthermore, our data suggest that a relatively small size DJ region, highly conserved in evolution, is also involved, along with the rDNA repeats, in localization of p-arms of acrocentric chromosomes in nucleoli. Thus, we infer a cooperative action of rDNA sequence - stimulated by its activity - and sequences distal to rDNA contributing to incorporation into nucleoli. Analysis of NOR sequences also identified LncRNA_038958 in the DJ, a candidate transcript with the region of the suggested promoter that is located close to the DJ/rDNA boundary and contains CTCF binding sites. This LncRNA may affect RNA Polymerase I and nucleolar activity. Our findings provide the basis for future studies to determine which RNAs and/or proteins interact critically with NOR sequences to organize the higher order structure of nucleoli and their function in normal cells and pathological states, including ribosomopathies.
Potential Usefulness of Tracking Head Movement via a Wearable Device for Equilibrium Function Testing at Home
Authors: Yamanobe Yoshiharu , Fujioka Masato , Ohashi Masanao , Ozawa Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

Many studies have reported the use of wearable devices to acquire biological data for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Balance dysfunction, however, is difficult to evaluate in real time because the equilibrium function is conventionally examined using a stabilometer installed on the ground. Here, we used a wearable accelerometer that measures head motion to evaluate balance and examined whether it performs comparably to a conventional stabilometer. We constructed a simplified physical head-feet model that simultaneously records “head” motion measured using an attached wearable accelerometer and center-of-gravity motion at the “feet”, which is measured using an attached stabilometer. Total trajectory length (r = 0.818, p -false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.004) and outer peripheral area (r = 0.691, p -FDR = 0.026) values measured using the wearable device and stabilometer were significantly positively correlated. Root mean square area values were not significantly correlated with wearable device stabilometry but were comparable. These results indicate that wearable, widely available, non-medical devices may be used to assess balance outside the hospital setting, and new approaches for testing balance function should be considered.
A multiple-tool method for fast FEM simulation of incremental sheet forming process
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Kumar Dharmesh , Jirathearanat Suwat , Wong Wei Hin
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we proposed a multi-tool modeling method to reduce the finite element simulation computational time of incremental sheet forming (ISF) process. The aim is to study the computation efficiency and the prediction accuracy of thickness reduction and spring-back of ISF part using multi-tool simulation model. The tool paths necessary for this method were generated by an in-house code and can be extended for more complex geometries of ISF parts. The proposed multi-tool method allows for tremendous reductions in CPU time. To verify the proposed method, simulation models of ISF truncated cones shape were compared to the experimental results in terms of thickness distribution, forming forces and final part geometrical profile. The comparison results show that the developed multi-tool simulation approach can reduce the CPU time by up to 90% with satisfactory geometric accuracy as compared to traditional FE model. This study provides an important guideline for using FE simulation in design and manufacturing of large industry-sized ISF parts.
Validation and Clinical Evaluation of an Ultra-performance Liquid Chromatography Ultraviolet Method for Quantifying Isavuconazole in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: PEÑA-LORENZO Diego , REBOLLO Noemí , SÁNCHEZ-HERNÁNDEZ José German , PÉREZ-BLANCO Jonás Samuel , VÁZQUEZ-LÓPEZ Lourdes , OTERO María José , ZARZUELO-CASTAÑEDA Aránzazu
Published: August 2022

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography ultraviolet detector (UPLC-UV) method for quantifying isavuconazole in plasma has been developed. The method involves simple plasma precipitation by UPLC with a reversed phase C18 column at 40ºC coupled with ultraviolet detection set at a wavelength of 285 nm. The sample manager was operated at 20º C and the sample injection was 10 µl in full-loop model.The method was validated over the concentration range of 0.25-15.0 µg/ml and proved to be reliable and reproducible with an average percentage of recoveries of 99.96% ± 5.36% and inter- and intra-day variation coefficients lower than 10.5% in all cases. In addition, the method is simple, fast, and inexpensive and was successfully applied in determining 58 samples from 18 patients being treated with isavuconazole. Thus, the method proposed would be useful to facilitate the implementation of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for personalizing isavuconazole treatment in invasive fungal infections.
Monthly potential evapotranspiration estimated using the Thornthwaite method with gridded climate datasets for Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil
Authors: Santos Christiane Nascimento , Santos Anderson Amorim Rocha , Abreu Marcel Carvalho , Martins Fabrina Bolzan , Lyra Guilherme Bastos , Souza José Leonaldo , Lyra Gustavo Bastos
Published: August 2022

Monthly potential evapotranspiration (PET) using the Thornthwaite (ThW) method fed with gridded climate datasets was evaluated relative to PET by ThW and to reference evapotranspiration (ETo) estimated using the FAO56 Penman-Monteith method (PM-FAO56) with observed data, for Rio de Janeiro state, and neighboring states in southeast Brazil. The PM-FAO56 method used monthly climate series (1961–2010) on sunshine hours, air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed, from 21 weather stations of the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), São Paulo (SP), Minas Gerais (MG), and Espírito Santo (ES) to estimate ETo. The estimated PET using the ThW method was based on observed air temperature from INMET stations and also using gridded air temperature datasets (1961–2010) from the Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) and the University of Delaware (UDel). The ETP estimates had an agreement (Willmott index) between 0.54 ≤ dw ≤ 0.96 – GHCN and 0.62 ≤ dw ≤ 0.96 - UDel; a precision between 0.44 ≤ r² ≤ 0.88 – GHCN and 0.53 ≤ r² ≤ 0.95 - UDel; and RMSE inferior to 1.39 mm d− 1 – GHCN and 1.13 mm d− 1 - UDel. The PET estimated with the UDel gridded series was better overall performance than using the GHCN product. Differences in altitude, latitude and longitude were the main geographic variables determining the precision and agreement of the PET estimates using GHCN and Udel. The gridded datasets are an alternative for locations without climatic series data or with low-quality non-continuous data series.
Clinical outcomes of implantation of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens for pathologic and non-pathologic myopia
Authors: Caixia Lin , Yawen Bai , Yuxin Fang , Xiaoxia Li , Yuhan Wang , Ke Yang , Liya Qiao
Published: August 2022

Background
To compare the clinical outcomes of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation for non-pathological myopia and pathological myopia.
Methods
This retrospective case series study which were conducted in Beijing Tongren Eye Center between July 2017 and Oct 2021 comprised 192 eyes of 100 consecutive patients undergoing pIOL implantation. Eyes were divided into two groups based on having pathological myopia or not. Predictability, efficacy, safety, and adverse events were compared at 6 months after pIOL implantation.
Results
Our study included 86 non-pathological myopes (171 eyes, group1) and 14 pathological myopes (21eyes, group2) to analysis. The average ages were 25.5 and 33.0, respectively, and the spherical equivalent (SE) were − 9.31D and − 17.50D pre-operation. Six months after pIOL implantation, the SE were 0.00 and − 0.50, respectively, and the refraction changes were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Six months after surgery, 76.92% and 80.41% were within ± 0.50 D of the target and 92.31% and 95.88% were within ± 1.00 D. All eyes had unchanged BCVA or gained 1 or more lines in both groups and mean BCVA both improved a line 6m after operation. The efficacy index in the two groups were 0.95 and 0.88 and the safety index were 1.20, 1.33, respectively which was significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). Over the 6-month follow-up, no cataract, pigment dispersion glaucoma, pupillary block, or other vision-threatening complications happened, either.
Conclusions
The pIOL performed well for the correction of both non-pathological and pathological myopia throughout the 6-month observation period. The clinical outcomes of pIOL implantation for non-pathological myopia are essentially equivalent to those for pathological myopia.
Temporal Localized Turing Patterns in Vertical External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser
Authors: Bartolo Adrian , Vigne Nathan , Marconi Mathias , Beaudoin Grégoire , Pantzas Konstantinos , Sagnes Isabelle , Huyet Guillaume , Maucher Fabian , Gurevich Svetlana , Javaloyes Julien , Garnache Arnaud , Giudici Massimo
Published: August 2022

We show that large aspect-ratio Vertical External-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers (VECSELs) with a saturable absorber can be operated in the regime of spatio-temporal mode locking. The emitted pulses exhibit a spatial profile resulting from the phase locking between an axial plane-wave with a set of tilted waves having a hexagonal arrangement in the Fourier space. We show that these pulsating patterns are temporally localized, i.e. they can be individually addressed by modulating the optical pump.The theoretical analysis shows that the emergence of these pulsating patterns is a signature of a Turing instability whose critical wave vector depends on spherical aberrations of the optical elements. Our result reveals that large aspect-ratio VECSELs offer unique opportunities for studying fully developed spatio-temporal dynamics.
OsPEX1, an extensin-like protein, negatively regulates root growth in a gibberellin-mediated manner in rice
Authors: Li Jieni , Zhang Yuexiong , Li Zhenyong , Dai Hang , Luan Xin , Zhong Tianxiu , Chen Shu , Xie Xin-Ming , Qin Gang , Zhang Xiang-Qian , Peng Haifeng
Published: August 2022

Leucine-rich repeat extensins (LRXs) are required for plant growth and development through affecting cell growth and cell wall formation. LRX gene family can be classified into two categories: predominantly vegetative-expressed LRX and reproductive-expressed PEX. In contrast to the tissue specificity of Arabidopsis PEX genes in reproductive organs, rice OsPEX1 are also highly expressed in roots in addition to reproductive tissue. However, whether and how OsPEX1 affects root growth is unclear. Here, we found that overexpression of OsPEX1 in the pex1 mutant retarded root growth by reducing cell elongation resulting from an increase of lignin deposition, whereas knockdown of OsPEX1 had an opposite effect on root growth, indicating that OsPEX1 negatively regulated root growth in rice seedling. Upon further investigation, we uncovered the existence of a feedback loop between OsPEX1 transcription and GA biosynthesis for proper root growth. This was supported by the facts that exogenous GA3 application downregulated the transcription levels of OsPEX1 and lignin-related genes, rescuing the development defects of the root in the pex1 mutant, whereas OsPEX1 negatively regulated GA level by altering the expression of GA biosynthesis genes. Moreover, OsPEX1 and GA showed antagonistic action on the lignin biosynthesis in root. OsPEX1 overexpression upregulated the transcription levels of lignin-related genes, whereas exogenous GA application downregulated their expression, accompanied by altered root growth phenotypes. Taken together, our studies reveal a possible molecular pathway of OsPEX1-mediated root growth through coordinate modulation of lignin deposition via a negative feedback regulation between OsPEX1 transcription and GA biosynthesis.
Chemical composition of new varietal honeys and they antimicrobial activities
Authors: Kunat Magdalena , Rysiak Anna , Wiater Adrian , Grąz Marcin , Andrejko Mariola , Budzuński Michał , Bryś Maciej S. , Sudziński Marcin , Tomczyk Michał , Gancarz Marek , Rusinek Robert , Ptaszyńska Aneta A.
Published: August 2022

Nowadays, there is an urgent need to look for antimicrobial substances due to a widespread occurrence of multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal strains. Honey with its antimicrobial properties is a very promising substance with many valuable properties. In this study we examined for the first time antimicrobial properties of novel varietal honeys. The experiments were carried out with 11 honey samples, i.e.: Plum, Rapeseed, Lime, Phacelia, Honeydew, Sunflower, Willow, and Multifloral-P (Prunus spinosa L.), Multifloral-AP (Acer negundo L., Prunus spinosa L.), Multifloral-Sa (Salix sp.), Multifloral-Br (Brassica napus L.). Their antimicrobial activity was tested against bacteria (such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus circulans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), yeasts (such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans) and mold fungi (such as Aspergillus niger). In tested honeys, phenolic acids were one of the most important group of compounds with antimicrobial activity. In our study, the highest amount of phenolic acids was found in honeydew honey (808.05 µg GAE/g) with the highest antifungal activity aiming A. niger. Among the tested phenolic acids, caffeic acid was in the greatest amount, which was found in the highest amounts in honeys as: phacelia − 356.72 µg/g, multifloral (MSa) and multifloral (MBr) − 318.9 µg/g. The highest bactericidal activity against S. aures was found in multifloral honeys MSa and MBr. Additionally, the highest amounts of syringic acid and cinnamic acid were identified in rapeseed honey. Multifloral honey (MAP) showed the highest bactericidal activity against E. coli, and multifloral honey (MSa) against S. aureus. Additionally, multifloral honey (MBr) was effective against both bacteria: E. coli and S. aureus. Novel varietal honeys tested in our study show various levels of antibacterial and antifungal activity and alhough they had some limitations, they can still enhance drug treatment against multidrug resistant bacterial and fungal strains.
Zurbarán attribution hypothesis supported by pigment analysis and hyperspectral imaging of four paintings by his workshop
Authors: Moreno-Soto Javier , Križnar Anabelle , Ager Francisco José , Morón María Auxiliadora Gómez , Osuna Antonio Gamero , Soto Agustín Martín , Respaldiza Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2022

Francisco de Zurbarán was one of the greatest painters of the Spanish Golden Age, whose artworks are scattered all over the world. Unfortunately, there are hardly any exhaustive studies on the pigments that he used. In this work, four canvas paintings attributed to the Zurbarán Workshop were studied. Each of them presents the figure of a different saint in a peculiar scene isolation: Saint Bruno, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Dominic of Guzman, and Saint Peter Martyr. Nevertheless, the painting of Saint Peter Martyr shows a superior quality in both technique and colours, so it is not clear whether this canvas was also made by the Workshop or actually by Zurbarán himself, as some art historians claim.Coinciding with conservation and restoration works, the paintings were analysed initially with non-invasive techniques such as ultraviolet photography (UV), infrared reflectography (IRR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for the characterization of the pigments. Those studies were complemented by stratigraphic analysis of some extracted samples with optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Among other results, we found significant differences between the pigment palette used in Saint Peter Martyr and the other paintings, supporting the hypothesis that this painting was executed by Zurbarán himself instead of his workshop. These results could also help to distinguish other authentic paintings by the master’s hand from very similar ones by his workshop or by other artists.
Application of a time-delay SIR model with vaccination in COVID-19 prediction and its optimal control strategy
Authors: Dong Suyalatu , Xu Lin-Lin , A Yana , Lan Zhong-Zhou , Xiao Ding , Gao Bo
Published: August 2022

In the classical infectious disease compartment model, the parameters are fixed. In reality, the probability of virus transmission in the process of disease transmission depends on the concentration of virus in the environment, and the concentration depends on the proportion of patients in the environment. Therefore, the probability of virus transmission changes with time. Then how to fit the parameters and get the trend of the parameters changing with time is the key to predict the disease course with the model. In this paper, based on the US COVID-19 epidemic statistics during calibration period, the parameters such as incidence rate and recovery rate are fitted by using the linear regression algorithm of machine science, and the laws of these parameters changing with time are obtained. Then a SIR model with time delay and vaccination is proposed, and the optimal control strategy of epidemic situation is analyzed by using the optimal control theory and Pontryagin maximum principle, which proves the effectiveness of the control strategy in restraining the spread of COVID-19. The numerical simulation results show that the time-varying law of the number of active cases obtained by our model basically conforms to the real changing law of the US COVID-19 epidemic statistics during calibration period. In addition, we have predicted the changes of the number of active cases in the COVID-19 epidemic in the United States over time in the future beyond the calibration cycle, and the predicted results are more in line with the actual epidemic data.
Normalization of the Tumor Marker and a Clear Resection Margin Affect Progression-Free Survival of Patients with Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer who have Undergone Conversion Surgery
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Xinyuan , Lu Na , Chen Yiwen , Zhang Xiaochen , Guo Chengxiang , Xiao Wenbo , Xue Xing , Sun Ke , Wang Meng , Gao Shunliang , Shen Yan , Zhang Min , Wu Jian , Que Risheng , Yu Jun , Bai Xueli , Liang Tingbo
Published: August 2022

Background
With the advent of intensive combination systemic regimens, an increasing number of patients with UPC regain the opportunity of operation. To investigated the clinical benefits and prognostic factors of conversion surgery (CS) in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer (UPC).
Methods
We retrospectively enrolled patients with UPC who had received CS following first-line systemic treatment in our center between 2014 to 2022. Treatment response, safety of the surgical procedure and clinicopathological data were collected. We analyzed the prognostic factors for postoperative survival among UPC patients who had CS.
Results
Sixty-seven patients with UPC were enrolled (53 with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and 14 with metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC)). The duration of preoperative systemic treatment was 4.17 months for LAPC patients and 6.52 months for MPC patients. All patients experienced a partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) preoperatively according to imaging. Tumor resection was unsuccessful in four patients and, finally, R0 resection was obtained in 81% of cases. Downstaging was determined pathologically in 87% of cases; four patients achieved a complete pathological response. Median postoperative-progression-free survival (PO-PFS) was 9.77 months and postoperative overall survival (PO-OS) was 31.2 months. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the resection margin and postoperative changes in levels of tumor markers were significant prognostic factors for PO-PFS. No factors were associated significantly with PO-OS according to multivariate analyses.
Conclusions
CS is a promising strategy for improving the prognosis of UPC patients. The resection margin and postoperative change in levels of tumor markers are the most important prognostic factors for prolonged PFS.
Knockdown of circHomer1 in the orbitofrontal cortex results in differential encoding of salient stimuli
Authors: Zimmerman Amber , Weick Jason , Papageorgiou Grigorios , Mellios Nikolaos , Brigman Jonathan
Published: August 2022

BackgroundCircHomer1 is an activity-dependent circular RNA (circRNA) isoform produced from back-splicing of the Homer1 transcript. Homer1 isoforms are well-known regulators of homeostatic synaptic plasticity through post-synaptic density scaffold regulation. Homer1 polymorphisms have been associated with psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). Postmortem tissue from patients with SCZ and BD showed reduced circHomer1 levels within the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a region associated with behavioral flexibility. While dysregulation of circHomer1 expression has recently been identified across multiple psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders and is associated with impaired behavioral flexibility in mice, it is unknown whether circHomer1 can induce electrophysiological signatures relevant to cognitive dysfunction in these disorders.MethodsCircHomer1 was knocked down in bilateral orbitofrontal cortex of C57BL/6J male mice and in vivo microarray recordings were captured throughout a touchscreen reversal learning task to identify electrophysiological changes associated with reduction of circHomer1. Following task completion, qRT-PCR was used to quantify transcriptional changes following circHomer1 knockdown.ResultsKnockdown of circHomer1 within the OFC induced robust changes in multiunit firing rate and local field potential coordination and power to salient stimuli during reversal learning. Further, these electrophysiological changes were associated with transcriptional downregulation of glutamatergic signaling effectors and behavioral alterations leading to impaired cognitive flexibility.ConclusionsCircHomer1 is a stable biomolecule, whose knockdown in rodent OFC produces lasting electrophysiological and transcriptional changes important for efficient reversal learning. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a psychiatric-associated circRNA contributing to electrophysiological, transcriptional, and behavioral alterations relevant to psychiatric phenotypes.
Ecological Status of Temporary Wetlands in Central Tamilnadu District, India.
Authors: Krishnaraj Varunprasath , mathesh Subha
Published: August 2022

Temporary wetlands (TW) are distinguished by a distinct collection of uncommon and specialised flora and fauna species, modest size, periodical drying, and plentiful water during the flood season. The Indian subcontinent is home to a diverse range of freshwater, saline, and marine wetlands. The bulk of the inward wetlands are manmade or transitory, and they have traditionally been used by regional human groups. Most limnological research in India have focused on large, permanent bodies of water, pond ecosystems, and associated temporary wetlands.Furthermore, numerous Temporary Wetlands (TW) in Tamil Nadu State (TNS) offer significant potential for ecosystem service applications but are not yet well documented. Due to a lack of study, the existing survey explores the Ecological status (ES), distribution of Temporary Wetlands (TW), and individual wetland human disturbance score (HDS) in the Central Tamil Nadu district (CTND) in India. Seventy-five selected wetlands were surveyed using a variety of approaches in three districts: Karur, Namakkal, and Trichy. During the summer, all wetlands were hydrologically separated and parched.The TW size ranged from 1 to 10 acres, with 80 percent located in rural regions, 12 percent in semi-urban areas, and 8 percent in metropolitan areas. Wetland degradation was highest in Trichy district wetlands (TDW) at 76 percent Mid Impact (MI), followed by Namakkal district wetlands (NDW) at 36 percent MI, and Karur district wetlands (KDW) at 20 percent MI. Wetland degradation is often caused by landscape disturbance, buffer zone modification, hydrological alteration, pollution, and ecosystem alteration. The current study provides baseline facts on the biological state and distribution of Temporary Wetlands in CTND, which could help in the creation of provincial wetland management strategy. This method will fit other sections of TW and detect ecological status and human effect on wetlands, which will improve TW conservation and management decisions.
ALKBH5 alleviates hypoxia postconditioning injury in aged cardiomyocytes by regulating STAT3
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Li Feixiang , Zhang Xiaobei , Yin Yiqing
Published: August 2022

Ischemic postconditioning (I/Post) reduces ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by activating endogenous cardioprotection mechanisms, such as the JAK/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt pathways, which offer a traditional approach to myocardial protection. According to the previous study, cardioprotection by I/Post may lost in aged mice, and in our previous research, hypoxic postconditioning (H/Post) lacked a protective effect in senescent cardiomyocytes, which was associated with low expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) H19. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a dynamic and reversible process that has been confirmed plays a role in cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms of m6A modification in myocardial I/Post remains to be explored. Neonatal cardiomyocytes were isolated from 2-day-old Sprague Dawley rats and senescence was induced by D-galactose, followed by stimulation of hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) and H/Post. Hypoxic injury was evaluated by cell viability and the Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio. Total m6A levels were measured using a colorimetric m6A RNA Methylation Quantification Kit and the m6A modified and differentially expressed mRNA was determined by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP). We found that H/Post increased m6A methylation and decreased RNA mA demethylase alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5) expression in aged cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, ALKBH5 knockdown exacerbated injury following H/Post in senescent cardiomyocytes. Additionally, ALKBH5 regulated STAT3 expression by mediating its m6A modification and lncRNA H19/miR-124-3p. ALKBH5 also alleviated the H/Post injury induced by the low expression of STAT3 in aged cardiomyocytes.
Simulation study on disaster evolution of ventilation system during coal and gas outburst
Authors: Wang Yadi , Li Zongxiang , Rong Hai , Li Nannan
Published: August 2022

In order to solve the serious secondary disasters of the gas overrun or gas explosion, which is caused by coal and gas outburst in mine. In this paper, the equations of fluid transients, convection diffusion and source-containing ventilation network were established respectively to research the dynamic effect and gas migration process of gas outburst in ventilation system of coal mine. In order to research the unsteady movement characteristics of mine airflow under the joint action of gas outburst source flow power and fan ventilation, we completed the experiment of ventilation pipe network system for gas outburst. The fitting equation of gas dispersion parameters under different wind speeds was obtained, which was used as the simulation calculation parameter. In this paper, NC2.0, one simulation software of coal and gas outburst, was developed, and the 10.27 coal and gas outburst accident in Jiaozuo Jiulishan coal mine was reappeared by it. Throughout the simulation process, unsteady air flow and gas distribution in Jiulishan coal mine after coal and gas outburst were simulated respectively by the given fluid changing curve. The research results indicate that the outburst pressure after coal and gas outburst, which is the main factor leading to the changing airflow, and radiates in the form of wave. The high-intensity air flow from the gas outburst source changes the air flow movement of the mine system, causes over air flow phenomenon in return air roadway, suppresses the air volume in air inlet roadway at the same time. Even countercurrent occurs in severe cases. The research results provide the theoretical basis for disaster prevention and aid, reducing loss and preventing secondary disasters in outburst mine.
Body Mass Index and patient-reported function, quality of life and treatment toxicity in women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Nyrop Kirsten A. , Monaco Jane , Vohra Sanah , Deal Allison M. , Wood William A. , Shachar Shlomit S. , Dees E. Claire , Kimmick Gretchen G. , Speca JoEllen C. , Muss Hyman B.
Published: August 2022

Background: This study investigates whether high body mass index (BMI) in women diagnosed with early breast cancer (BC) is associated with patient-reported symptom severity during chemotherapy.Methods: Women with Stage I-III BC completed toxicity reports for 17 side effects during regularly scheduled chemotherapy infusions. Toxicity reports were compared in women with obesity (BMI >=30) versus no obesity (BMI <30). Fisher’s exact tests and 2-sample t-tests compared baseline patient characteristics. Risk ratios (RR) for women with obesity as compared to no obesity were estimated for individual symptoms that were patient-rated as moderate, severe or very severe (MSVS) severity, adjusting for marital status and race. Results: In a sample of 286 patients, Black women comprised 23% of the sample. The obesity rate was 76% among Black patients and 31% among White patients (p<.0001). Women with obesity rated an average of 6.9 side effects (standard deviation, SD 4.2) as MSVS vs 5.5 side effects (SD 3.7) among women with no obesity (p=.003). In adjusted analysis, women with obesity had significantly greater risk for MSVS fatigue (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.36), dyspnea (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.09-2.69), arthralgia (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.10-1.97), peripheral neuropathy (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.01-2.08), edema of limbs (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.18-2.88), and abdominal pain (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07-2.87). There were no inter-group differences in BC stage or phenotype, chemotherapy treatment modifications, or hospitalizations.Conclusions: Among women with early BC, patients with obesity reported higher chemotherapy toxicity as compared to patients without obesity; however, this did not result in differences in treatment completion.
Exploring the phase stability in interpenetrated diamondoid covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Borgmans Sander , Rogge Sven , De Vos Juul , Voort Pascal Van Der , Speybroeck Veronique Van
Published: August 2022

Soft porous crystals, which are responsive to external stimuli such as temperature, pressure, or gas adsorption, are being extensively investigated for various technological applications. However, while substantial research has been devoted to stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks, structural flexibility in 3D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) remains ill-understood, and is almost exclusively found in COFs exhibiting the diamondoid dia topology. Herein, we systemically investigate how the structural decoration of these 3D dia COFs -- their specific building blocks and degree of interpenetration -- as well as external triggers such as temperature may promote or suppress their phase transformations, as captured by a collection of 2D free energy landscapes. Together, these provide a comprehensive understanding of the necessary conditions to design flexible diamondoid COFs. This study reveals how their flexibility originates from the balance between steric hindrance and dispersive interactions of the structural decoration, thereby providing insight into how new flexible 3D COFs can be designed.
A qualitative study to explore the healthcare-seeking experiences of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Rwanda
Authors: Isano Sandra , Yohannes Tsion , Igihozo Gloria , Ndatinya Grace Iliza , Wong Rex
Published: August 2022

Background
Globally men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) encounter many negative experiences when accessing health services compared to the general population. Stigma, discrimination, and punitive laws against same-sex relationships in some sub-Saharan African countries have made MSM and TGW more prone to depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, non-communicable diseases, and HIV. None of the prior studies in Rwanda on MSM and TGW had explored their lived experience in accessing the health services. Accordingly, this study aimed at exploring the healthcare-seeking experiences of MSM and TGW in Rwanda.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted on 16 MSM and 12 TGW, using purposive and snowball sampling approach in 5 districts in Rwanda. Results were summarized using thematic analysis approach.
Results
Four main themes emerged from the study: 1) The healthcare experiences of MSM & TGW were generally dissatisfactory, 2) MSM & TGW generally hesitate to seek care unless they were severely ill, 3) More services specialized in addressing MSM & TGW’s needs are necessary, and 4) Advocacy and awareness for and among MSM & TGW communities are needed.
Conclusion
Rwandan MSM and TGW continue to face negative experiences within the healthcare delivery settings. These experiences include mistreatment, refusal of care, stigma, and discrimination. Provision of services for MSM and TGW, and on-the-job training cultural competence in the care of MSM and TGW patients is needed. Including the same training in the medical and health sciences curriculum was recommended. Furthermore, awareness and sensitization campaigns to improve the understanding of the existence of MSM and TGW and to foster acceptance of gender and sexual diversity in society are necessary.
Effect of waste type and pyrolysis temperature on the physical and chemical properties of Biochar
Authors: Khater El-Sayed , Bahnasawy Adel , Hamouda Ramy
Published: August 2022

The main aim of this study is to determine the physical and chemical properties of biochar made from different raw materials (straw rice, sawdust, sugar cane, and tree leaves) at different pyrolysis temperatures (400, 600, and 800°C). Moisture content, water holding capacity, bulk density, and porosity were the measured physical properties; pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulfur were the analyzed chemical properties. The results show that the biochar yield decreased with increasing pyrolysis temperature, and the values of the analyzed properties varied depending on the type of biochar and pyrolysis temperature. The moisture content ranged from 1.11–4.18%, and the water holding capacity ranged from 12.9 to 27.6 g water g− 1dry sample. The bulk density ranged from 161.5 to 211.9 kg m− 3. The porosity values ranged from 45.9–63.7%. The pH ranged from 6.6 to 10.4, and EC ranged from 0.82 to 3.46 dS m− 1. Total organic matter ranged from 66.0–98.1%; total organic carbon ranged from 38.3–56.9%, and total nitrogen ranged from 0.4–1.9%. The ranges of phosphorus and calcium content were 47.6–134.6 and 241.3–649.0 mg kg− 1, respectively. The magnesium, sodium, and sulfur content had ranges of 10.9–51.7, 1124–1703, and 3568–12060 mg kg− 1, respectively.
Assessment of Attitudes and Perceptions toward Neurology and Neurosurgery Specialties among Zambian Medical Students
Authors: Mukambo Emmanuel , Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis
Published: August 2022

Background: Prevalence and incidence of organic and inorganic brain diseases have skyrocketed over the past decades, while on the other hand, the number of trained neurologists and neurosurgeons has not kept pace. Building a larger, robust neurological/neurosurgical workforce therefore becomes an apparent solution. However, the fear of neurosciences and clinical neurology, represents an important perceptual impediment that limits consideration of a career in these fields. Objective: To assess attitudes and perceptions of Zambian medical students towards a career specialty in neurosurgery and neurology.Methodology: This was a cross sectional survey of medical students from six (6) Zambian medical universities. A 20-item online survey containing multiple choice, Likert-scale, and free-response questions was adapted from prior literature and administered through social media. Preliminary information that explains the objectives of the study and asks for the participants’ consent was sent with questionnaire. Results: A total of 1236 complete responses were obtained from medical students across Zambia. Most students (70.9%) considered neurology and neurosurgery as difficult subjects because of very long training time and were majorly dissuaded from pursuing a career in these fields because of inability to maintain work-life balance. Neurosurgery (36.6%) and neurology (28.1%) were ranked 7th and 8th respectively on a list of 10 medical and surgical specialties. Respondents were least likely to pursue a career in rheumatology (14.6%) and geriatrics (11.7%). Eighty one percent and 89% of participants who considered neurosurgery and neurology as future career respectively agreed that insufficient knowledge of the students about neurology/neurosurgery and difficulty of neurological disorders, contribute to consideration of neurology and neurosurgery as difficult specialties (p<0.01). Conclusion: Numerous factors are associated with medical students’ attitudes. Most of these significantly stem from inadequate or absent early career exposure to these career specialties. Therefore, incorporation of earlier, rigorous, and focused neurology/neurosurgery education program in medical pedagogy would be a cornerstone effort towards an improved understanding and positive perception of neurology and neurosurgery among medical students.