bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incisional Hernia rates between Intracorporeal and Extracorporeal Anastomosis in Minimally Invasive Ileocolic Resection for Crohn's disease
Authors: Calini Giacomo , Abdalla Solafah , Aziz Mohamed A. Abd El , Behm Kevin T. , Shawki Sherief F. , Mathis Kellie L. , Larson David W.
Published: February 2023

Purpose: One-third of patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) require multiple surgeries during their lifetime. So, reducing the incisional hernia rate is crucial. We aimed to define incisional hernia rates after minimally invasive ileocolic resection for CD, comparing intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision (ICA-P) versus extracorporeal anastomosis with midline vertical incision (ECA-M).
Methods: This retrospective cohort compares ICA-P versus ECA-M from a prospectively maintained database of consecutive minimally invasive ileocolic resections for CD performed between 2014 and 2021 in a referral center.
Results: Of the 249 patients included: 59 were in the ICA-P group, 190 in the ECA-M group. Both groups were similar according to baseline and preoperative characteristics. Overall, 22 (8.8%) patients developed an imaging-proven incisional hernia: seven at the port-site and 15 at the extraction-site. All 15 extraction-site incisional hernias were midline vertical incisions [7.9%; p=0.025], and 8 patients (53%) required surgical repair. Time-to-event analysis showed a 20% rate of extraction-site incisional hernia in the ECA-M group after 48 months (p =0.037). The length of stay was lower in the intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision group [ICA-P: 3.3±2.5 vs. ECA-M: 4.1±2.4 days; p=0.02] with similar 30-day postoperative complication [11(18.6) vs. 59(31.1); p=0.064] and readmission rates [7(11.9) vs. 18(9.5); p=0.59].
Conclusion: Patients in the ICA-P group did not encounter any incisional hernias while having shorter hospital length of stay and similar 30-day postoperative complications or readmission compared to ECA-M. Therefore, more consideration should be given to performing intracorporeal anastomosis with Pfannenstiel incision during Ileocolic resection in patients with CD to reduce hernia risk.
Genomic Analyses of Germline and Somatic Variation in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Adamson Aaron W. , Ding Yuan Chun , Steele Linda , Leong Lucile A. , Morgan Robert , Wakabayashi Mark T. , Han Ernest S. , Dellinger Thanh H. , Lin Paul S. , Hakim Amy A. , Wilczynski Sharon , Warden Charles D. , Tao Shu , Bedell Victoria , Cristea Mihaela C. , Neuhausen Susan L.
Published: February 2023

Background High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) display a high degree of complex genetic alterations. In this study, we identified germline and somatic genetic alterations in HGSC and their association with relapse-free and overall survival. Using a targeted capture of 577 genes involved in DNA damage response and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, we conducted next-generation sequencing of DNA from matched blood and tumor tissue from 71 HGSC participants. In addition, we performed the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants to examine somatic copy number alterations.
Results Approximately one-third of tumors had loss-of-function germline (18/71, 25.4%) or somatic (7/71, 9.9%) variants in the DNA homologous recombination repair pathway genes BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, MRE11A, BLM, and PALB2. Loss-of-function germline variants also were identified in other Fanconi anemia genes and in MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway genes. Most tumors harbored somatic TP53 variants (65/71, 91.5%). Using the OncoScan assay on tumor DNA from 61 participants, we identified focal homozygous deletions in BRCA1, BRCA2, MAP2K4, PTEN, RB1, SLX4, STK11, CREBBP, and NF1. In total, 38% (27/71) of HGSC patients harbored pathogenic variants in DNA homologous recombination repair genes. For patients with multiple tissues from the primary debulking or from multiple surgeries, the somatic mutations were maintained with few newly acquired point mutations suggesting that tumor evolution was not through somatic mutations. There was a significant association of loss-of-function variants in homologous recombination repair pathway genes and high-amplitude somatic copy number alterations. Using GISTIC analysis, we identified NOTCH3, ZNF536, and PIK3R2 in these regions that were significantly associated with an increase in cancer recurrence and a reduction in overall survival.
Conclusions From 71 patients with HGCS, we performed targeted germline and tumor sequencing and provided a comprehensive analysis of these 577 genes. We identified germline and somatic genetic alterations including somatic copy number alterations and analyzed their associations with relapse-free and overall survival. This single-site long-term follow-up study provides additional information on genetic alterations related to occurrence and outcome of HGSC. Our findings suggest that targeted treatments based on both variant and SCNA profile potentially could improve relapse-free and overall survival.
Corneal Endothelial Pathology and Thickening in Early Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Gushansky Konstantin , Pitchkhadze Anry , Bilenko Natalia , Levy Jaime , Lifshitz Tova , Belfair Nadav
Published: February 2023

Purpose To compare endothelial properties and central corneal thickness (CCT) between nondiabetic and early type-two diabetic (T2DM) patients with good glycemic control.
Methods This is a retrospective case-control study. We included patients who were diagnosed with T2DM in the previous 10 years, and nondiabetic patients, who underwent a comprehensive ocular examination and specular microscopy. Endothelial Cell Density (ECD), CCT and the coefficient of variation were measured and compared.
Results A total of 312 eyes from 180 patients were included in this study: 118 eyes in the T2DM group, and 194 eyes in the nondiabetic group. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in terms of age and sex distribution (p = 0.08; p = 0.49, respectively). Mean ECD was significantly lower in the diabetic group (2467.8 ± 334.5 and 2553.5 ± 289.2, respectively; p = 0.028). CCT was significantly greater in the diabetic group (558.8±48.8 and 547.1±44.6, respectively, p = 0.034). No statistically significant differences were found in Coefficient of Variation.
Conclusions The present study reveals significant differences between early T2DM and nondiabetic patients in ECD and CCT values. These changes are evident even in early disease with good glycemic control.
Detecting temporal and spatial malaria patterns from first antenatal care visits
Authors: Pujol Arnau , Brokhattingen Nanna , Matambisso Gloria , Mbeve Henriques , Cisteró Pau , Escoda Anna , Maculuve Sonia , Cuna Boaventura , Melembe Cardoso , Ndimande Nelo , Munguambe Humberto , Lopez Julia Montana , Nhamussa Lidia , Simone Wilson , Tetteh Kevin , Drakeley Chris , Gamain Benoît , Chitnis Chetan , Chauhan Virander Singh , Quintó Llorenç , Chidimatembue Arlindo , Soler Helena Martí , Galatas Beatriz , Guinovart Caterina , Saute Francisco , Aide Pedro , Macete Eusebio , Mayor Alfredo
Published: February 2023

Pregnant women attending first antenatal care (ANC) visits represent a promising malaria surveillance target in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here we assessed the spatio-temporal relationship between malaria at ANC (n=6,471), in children at the community(n=9,362) and at health facilities (n=15,467) in southern Mozambique (2016-2019). ANC P. falciparum rates detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction mirrored rates in children, regardless of gravidity and HIV status (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC]>0.8, χ²<1.1), with a 2-3 months lag. Only at rapid diagnostic test detection limits at moderate-to-high transmission, multigravidae showed lower rates than children (PCC=0.61, 95%CI[-0.12-0.94]). Seroprevalence against the pregnancy-specific antigen VAR2CSA reflected declining malaria trends (PCC=0.74, 95%CI[0.24-0.77]). 80% (12/15) of hotspots detected from health facility data using a novel hotspot detector, EpiFRIenDs, were also identified with ANC data. The results show that ANC-based malaria surveillance offers contemporary information on temporal trends and the geographic distribution of malaria burden in the community.
Analysis Study of a Real Photovoltaic Plant In Desert Conditions
Authors: DAHBI Abdeldjalil , Bouchelga Fatma , Benmedjahed Miloud , Khelfaoui Abderrahmane , Bouraiou Ahmed , Slimani Abdeldjalil
Published: February 2023

The objective of this paper is to investigate the behavior of the poly crystalline photovoltaic field installed in the site of Oued Nechou in Ghardaia, Algeria. The cellule, panel, and array have been modeled and simulated in STC then in various input conditions in order to understand the performances of this PV plant. Moreover, the poly crystalline PV plant has been simulated using real climate data in order to identify the potential of solar energy in the studied area and evaluate the PV plant. According to the results, it should be highlighted that the environmental factors, particularly the sun irradiation and temperature, have a significant impact on the photovoltaic system's performance, which results in fluctuations in electrical energy output and performance ratio. Additionally, they show that the location has significant solar potential, which enables it to produce electricity that is acceptable despite the local environment, this encourages the construction of new PV plants there.
Brief periods of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve autonomic balance and alters circulating monocytes and endothelial cells in patients with metabolic syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Moraes Tercio Lemos , Costa Fernando Oliveira , Cabral Danielly Gomes , Fernades Daniella Marques , Sangaleti Carine Teles , Dalboni Maria Aparecida , Mota Josiane Mota e , de Souza Maria Liliane Appratto , Irigoyen Maria Claudia , Brines Michael , Tracey Kevin , Pavlov Valentin A , Colombo Fernanda
Published: February 2023

Background: There is emerging evidence that the nervous system regulates immune and metabolic alterations mediating Metabolic syndrome (MetS) pathogenesis via the vagus nerve. This study evaluated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on key cardiovascular and inflammatory components of MetS.
Methods: We conducted an open label, randomized (2:1), two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial in MetS patients. Subjects in the treatment group (n=20) received 30 mins of TAVNS with a NEMOS® device placed on the cymba conchae of the left ear, once weekly. Patients in the control group (n=10) received no stimulation. Hemodynamic, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical parameters, and monocytes, progenitor endothelial cells, circulating endothelial cells, and endothelial micro particles were evaluated at randomization, after the first TAVNS treatment, and again after 8 weeks of follow-up.
Results: An improvement in sympathovagal balance (HRV analysis) was observed after the first TAVNS session. Only patients treated with TAVNS for 8 weeks had a significant decrease in office BP and HR, a further improvement in sympathovagal balance, with a shift of circulating monocytes towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and endothelial cells to a reparative vascular profile.
Conclusion: These results are of interest for further study of TAVNS as treatment of MetS.
New insights into membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles for the treatment of ETX intoxication
Authors: Xu Jinglin , Li Dongxue , Kang Lin , Liu Tingting , Huang Jing , Li Jiaxin , Lv Jing , Wang Jing , Gao Shan , Li Yanwei , Yuan Bing , Zhao Baohua , Wang Jinglin , Xin Wenwen
Published: February 2023

Clostridium perfringens ε-toxin (ETX) is the main toxin leading to enterotoxemia of sheep and goats and is classified as a potential biological weapon. In addition, no effective treatment drug is currently available in clinical practice for this toxin. We developed membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles (MNPs) with different membrane origins to neutralize ETX and protect the host from fatal ETX intoxication. We evaluated the safety and therapeutic efficacy of these MNPs in vitro and in vivo. Compared with membranes from karyocytes, such as Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells (N2a cells), membrane from erythrocytes, which do not induce any immune response, are superior in safety. The protective ability of MNPs was evaluated by intravenous injection and lung delivery. We demonstrate that nebulized inhalation is as safe as intravenous injection and that both modalities can effectively protect mice against ETX. In particular, pulmonary delivery of nanoparticles more effectively treated the challenge of inhaled toxins than intravenously injected nanoparticles. Moreover, MNPs can alter the biological distribution of ETX among different organs in the body, and ETX was captured, neutralized and slowly delivered to the liver and spleen, where nanoparticles with ETX could be phagocytized and metabolized. This demonstrates how MNPs treat toxin infections in vivo. Finally, we injected the MNPs into mice in advance to find out whether MNPs can provide preventive protection, and the results showed that the long-cycle MNPs could provide at least a 3-day protection in mice. These findings demonstrate that MNPs provide safe and effective protection against ETX intoxication, provide new insights into membrane choices and delivery routes of nanoparticles, and new evidence of the ability of nanoparticles to provide preventive protection against infections.
Scaling and Integration of site specific fourier spectra, response spectra, design response and ratios of H/V spectra of earthquakes in North-eastern India and vicinity : implication in seismic hazard assessment
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta , Baruah Saurabh , Gogoi Ashim
Published: February 2023

Understanding the behaviour of soil and site in highly seismically active Assam valley, Shillong-Mikir Hills Plateau and Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis of Northeastern India is important for seismic hazard assessment. Constrained by this tectonic interaction, we estimate the ground motion parameters of these tectonic domains through the inversion of 129 three component strong motion records of earthquakes with magnitude Mw>4.0 & Mw<6.0. Remarkably, parameters estimated at 9 different sites help to classify the region into four different site class subjected to magnitude and epicentral distance of the earthquake. Higher spectral acceleration observed at low period in Diphu, Nongstoin, Tezpur and Guwahati infer embedded site condition as rock subjected to removal of source and path effect. On the other, low spectral acceleration at high period in Kokrajhar, Golaghat, Goalpara and Nagaon indicate distinctly thick alluvial basin. Fourier spectrum width in Guwahati, Diphu, Nongstoin and Tezpur, within 2-10 Hz indicate the presence of compact & hard subsurface strata while the broad spectrum width of Kokrajhar, Golaghat, Boko, Nagaon and Goalpara within 0.5 – 10 Hz suggests presence of loose alluvium soil or soft sediments. Simultaneously, site specific response study on 11/08/2009, M5.6 Myanmar-Manipur Border earthquake indicate that high spectral acceleration is evolved due to thrust mechanism. This integrative approach comprising site specific fourier spectra, design response, influence of fault type and horizontal to vertical spectral amplitude ratios offer an unique method to characterize the site in various seismically active regions of the world.
Discovery of WS-384, a first-in-class dual LSD1 and DCN1-UBC12 protein-protein interaction inhibitor for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Li Anqi , Ma Ting , Wang Shuai , Guo Yueyang , Song Qianqian , Yu Bin , Feng Siqi , Liu Hongmin
Published: February 2023

Abnormally high expression of lysine-specific demethylase 1A (LSD1) and DCN1 plays a vital role in the occurrence, development, and poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accumulating evidence has shown that the development of small-molecule inhibitors dually targeting LSD1 and the UBC12-DCN1 interaction probably have therapeutic promise for cancer therapy. This work reported that WS-384 dually targeted LSD1 and UBC12-DCN1 interactions and evaluated its antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Specifically, WS-384 inhibited A549 and H1975 cells viability and decreased colony formation and EdU incorporation. WS-384 could also trigger cell cycle arrest, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Moreover, WS-384 significantly decreased tumor weight and volume in A549 xenograft mice. Mechanistically, WS-384 increased the gene and protein level of p21 by suppressing the neddylation of cullin 1 and decreasing H3K4 demethylation at the CDKN1A promoter. The synergetic upregulation of p21 contributed to cell cycle arrest and the proapoptotic effect of WS-384 in NSCLC cells. Taken together, our proof of concept studies demonstrated the therapeutic potential of dual inhibition of LSD1 and the UBC12-DCN1 interaction for the treatment of NSCLC. WS-384 could be used as a lead compound to develop new dual LSD1/DCN1 inhibitors for the treatment of human diseases in which LSD1 and DCN1 are dysregulated.
Comparation of robotic-assisted surgery and laparoscopic‑assisted surgery in children with Hirschsprung’s disease
Authors: Zhang Shuhao , Cai Duote , Chen Qingjiang , Zhang Yuebin , Pan Tao , Chen Ken , Jin Yi , Luo Wenjuan , Huang Zongwei , Hu Di , Gao Zhigang
Published: February 2023

Purpose
There are few studies comparing robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) and laparoscopic-assisted surgery (LAS) in Hirschsprung’s disease (HSCR). This study aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between RAS and LAS performed during the same period.
Methods
All consecutive 75 patients with pathologically diagnosed as HSCR who underwent RAS or LAS Swenson pull-through from April 2020 to Nov 2022, were included. Patients were assigned to either RAS or LAS groups and a retrospective study was performed.
Results
A total of 75 patients were included, among which, 23 patients received RAS and 44 received LAS. The RAS and LAS groups had similar ages, sex, weight, postoperative hospital stays, and fasting times. Compared with LAS, blood loss (p = 0.002) and the incidence of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (p = 0.046) were significantly lower in the RAS group. The first onset of Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis in patients younger than 3 months occurred significantly earlier (p = 0.043). Two patients experienced anastomotic leakage in the LAS group. The cost of RAS was significantly higher than that of LAS (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
RAS is a safe and effective treatment for HSCR, and can be considered as ideal alternative for the treatment in selected HSCR children (> 6 months or > 7.5 kg), without considering its cost.
Elevated Blood Malondialdehyde Level Contributed to a High Stroke Risk in a Chinese Elderly Population from Rural Areas
Authors: Wan Rong , Su Yuhao , Zhu Meilan , Hu MD. Dongxia , Huang Ying
Published: February 2023

Background: Individuals living in rural areas had higher incidence rate for stroke than their urban counterparts in China. However, few studies investigated on the association between blood malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid oxidation caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), and stroke risk in rural population.
Aim: We aimed to investigate whether blood MDA level contributes to a higher stroke risk in a Chinese elderly population from rural areas.
Methods: Data from 2011-2012 of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a national cohort of older adults in China were analyzed. Smooth curve and multivariable correction analysis were used to evaluate the association between blood MDA level and stroke risk in the elderly populations from rural and urban areas respectively.
Results: The median age of all inluded participants (N=1598) was 84 years. The results of smooth curve model revealed a gradual upward trend on association of blood MDA levels with stroke risk in rural participants but not in urban participants. Similarly, the conditional logistic regression analysis suggested a significant association MDA levels with stroke risk in rural participants but not in urban participants after adjustments of related confounding factors (age, gender, current smoker, current drinker, current exercise, BMI and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and diabetes) were made.
Conclusion: Among the elderly population in China, elevated blood MDA levels were associated with increased stroke risk in rural participants but not in urban participants.
Alveolar macrophages polarity switch via α 2 -adrenoceptor activation ameliorates pulmonary inflammation following kidney ischemia reperfusion
Authors: Qin Zhigang , Li jieyu , He Xinhai , Liu Xiangfeng , Yang Ziheng , Xue Zhengwei , Yi Bin , Li Peng , Xu Yueming , Gu Jianteng
Published: February 2023

Purpose: To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of dexmedetomidine (Dex), an α2-adrenoceptor (α2-AR) agonist, on renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR)-induced acute lung injury (ALI).
Methods: RIR was performed in C57BL/6J mice by bilateral renal pedicles occlusion for 60min and reperfusion for 24h. Mice were pre-treated with or without Dex alone or combined atipamezole (Atip), an α2-AR antagonist. The pulmonary histopathological evaluation, arterial blood gas analysis, cell count and multiple cytokines examination in BALF, global inflammation status assessment in lung tissue and alveolar macrophages phenotype investigation were accomplished. In vitro, the polarity of mice alveolar macrophages (MH-S) treated with serum from normal or RIR mice were indirectly detected by qPCR.
Results: The results indicated that, compared to RIR animal, dexmedetomidine reduced lung injury and significantly promoted macrophage polarization towards an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype in the pulmonary tissue. Meanwhile, the reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were observed. In vitro studies confirmed that dexmedetomidine skewed MH-S towards M2 phenotype after stimulation of RIR serum. After administration of the atipamezole, these above effects were abolished.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine ameliorates renal ischemia-reperfusion induced ALI through activation of α2-adrenoceptor to skew macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype to reduce pulmonary global inflammation.
Comparison of hybrid walnut trees growth in an agroforestry system and under forestry condition
Authors: Heim Lucie , Candelier Kevin , Badel Eric , Denaud Louis , Dufour Lydie , Marchal Remy
Published: February 2023

The services provided by agroforestry trees are numerous, especially on the economic front. They help to improve the business model of the farm by diversifying activities and incomes for the farmer. However, agroforestry trees grow in very different conditions than in traditional forests; mainly because of the specific environmental conditions like their higher exposure to wind and light and the strong interactions with annual crops. Moreover, numerous human operations on branches (pruning) and the soil tillage, that can affect the root systems, modify the growing conditions too. Production level and quality such as anatomical, chemical and technological properties of wood coming from agroforestry systems have not yet been investigated. The present study aims to understand how the particular agroforestry growing conditions affect the trees’ development - especially primary and secondary growths. A comparative study on the growing kinetics in height and diameter, from 1995 to 2014 of hybrid walnut trees in an agroforestry plot and in a forest control plot, was performed at the Restinclières experimental Platform, in France. The results show that the quantities of biomass produced by the agroforestry walnut trees are higher than those produced by their forestry control trees. However, these tendency need to be qualified, because the two plots showed a great deal of variability, particularly in terms of water availability, which is one of the parameters that has been detailed in this work. Such results could provide interesting data to the farmers to promote access of agroforestry wood to conventional and/or niche markets.
Prevalence and predictors of tuberculosis among HIV patients who completed isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) at Reach out Mbuya community health initiative
Authors: Ssekayi Wycliff , Namyalo Edity , Namayanja Josephine , Kungu Joseph
Published: February 2023

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals in Sub Saharan Africa, including Uganda. Isoniazid prophylaxis therapy (IPT) is a major public health intervention to avert the progression of latent tuberculosis to active tuberculosis disease among people living with HIV. However, there is limited information about the influence of IPT on TB incidence and its associated risk factors among HIV positive patients in Uganda especially at Reach out-Mbuya community health initiative hence the study.
Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted among positive adult patients who completed a 6-months long daily treatment of Isoniazid preventive therapy. Sputum samples and urine samples were collected and analysed using gene xpert and lateral flow urine Lipoarabinomannan (TF LAM) tests respectively for presence of Tuberculosis. Data analysis was performed using STATA. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess the risk factors associated with tuberculosis among the study population and significance estimated at 95% confidence level.
Results
A total of 103 HIV positive adults was studied. The mean age of the participants was 42.09 ± 10.49 and median age was 43. The prevalence of tuberculosis among HIV positive adult patients who completed Isoniazid preventive therapy was 5.8% (6/103). Counselling, the only factor significantly associated with TB (aOR:0.028, P-value < 0.001) had a protective effect of influencing HIV patients to complete of IPT and reduce the risk of TB infection.
Conclusion
Administration of IPT to HIV patients effectively reduces the occurrence of TB. Counselling is a significant predictor of prevention of active TB among HIV patients.
Sialyltransferase7A promotes cardiomyocyte ferroptosis induced by sorafenibthrough increase in HIF-1ɑ expression
Authors: Li Qingsong , Gong Qiuyue , Hu Maolin , Hu Xinrui , Xia Yunlong , Zhang Dongmei
Published: February 2023

Sorafenib is a widely used in the treatment of many different types of cancer. Studies indicate that sorafenib has been associated with several cardiotoxicities including cardiac enzyme elevations, contractile dysfunction, and heart failure. Clinical observation shows that cardiotoxicity due to sorafenib treatment is largely underestimated, but the mechanism of cardiovascular toxicity is unclear. In this study, we first reported that one of the sialyltransferase family member sialyltransferase7A (Siat7A), promotes sorafenib induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by stimulating hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1ɑ) expression. Siat7A increased in cardiotoxicity of rats subjected to sorafenib infusion, myocardial hypertrophy marker ANP and α-actinin increased, while the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and SLC7A11, the markers of ferroptosis decreased. These results suggested that myocardial hypertrophy aggravated and ferroptosis increased in vivo. Siat7A overexpression significantly upregulated the level of Siat7A and cardiomyocytes ferroptosis, while Siat7A knockdown inhibited Siat7A and cardiomyocytes ferroptosis stimulated by sorafenib in vitro. HIF-1ɑ expression was stimulated by sorafenib both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we further revealed that sorafenib induced the activation of HIF-1ɑ in parallel to Siat7A in cardiomyocyte ferroptosis, that is HIF-1ɑ activation was inhibited in Siat7A knockdown cardiomyocytes and activated after Siat7Aoverexpression. Based on these findings, we conclude that Siat7A promotes cardiomyocyte ferroptosis induced by sorafenib through increase in HIF-1ɑ expression.
Prepossessing considerations for floc reduction in Cellulose Nanofibril Suspensions
Authors: Sutliff Bradley P. , Kaplan Aliya J. , Stutz Samantha , Oxley Samuel , Bortner Michael J.
Published: February 2023

Cellulose nanomaterials provide a promising avenue for combining composite materials with natural polymers or bio-based plastics, however, current studies on rheological characterization at high shear rates is limited. In this study, a capillary rheometer was employed to investigate the rheological characteristics of aqueous nanofibrillated cellulose suspensions (NFCs) at room temperature and shear rates above 1000 s-1. The shear rate-dependent viscosity of NFCs was characterized and monitored for viscosity-related indicators of fibril decomposition or entanglement due to the stresses induced by the high shear-rate flow. Traditional capillary rheology corrections for entrance pressure loss and irregular flow profiles were attempted to compare apparent and true rheological behaviors. Large entanglements of fibrils made the characterization of the suspensions difficult due to their ability to clog the capillary. However, appropriate preprocessing steps enabled better measurement resolution and enhanced dispersion of cellulose nanofibers, as verified by atomic force microscopy. The suspensions display shear thinning behavior and demonstrate higher entrance pressures for lower shear rates. Similar preprocessing techniques could be implemented on a large scale to enhance fibril distribution in NFC suspensions.
Additive Risk of Surgical Site Infection from More than One Risk Factor Following Craniotomy for Tumor
Authors: Maayan Omri , Lavieri Miguel E. Tusa , Babu Christopher , Chua Jason , Christos Paul J. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: February 2023

Purpose
This study seeks to expound upon risk factor etiologies for surgical site infection (SSI) and investigate their combinatorial effects on infection rate following craniotomy for neuro-oncologic pathology.
Methods
Patients who underwent neuro-oncologic craniotomy between 2006-2020 were included. Medical records were reviewed to identify the occurrence of wound infection at ≤3 months postoperatively. Potential risk factors for infection included tumor pathology, location, anesthesia type, indication, ventricular entry, foreign body, brachytherapy, lumbar drain, prior operation, prior cranial radiation, prior infection, bevacizumab, and medical comorbidities (hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, other cancer, cirrhosis). Logistic regression was implemented to determine risk factors for SSI. Chi-square tests were used to assess whether the number of risk factors (e.g., 0, ≥1, ≥2, ≥3, ≥4) increases the risk of SSI compared to patients with fewer risk factors. The relative increase with each additional risk factor was also evaluated.
Results
A total of 1209 patients were included. SSI occurred in 42 patients (3.5%) by 90 days after surgery. Significant risk factors on binary logistic regression were bevacizumab (OR 40.84; p<0.001), cirrhosis (OR 14.20, p=0.03), foreign body placement (OR 4.06; P<0.0001), prior radiation (OR 2.20; p=0.03), and prior operation (OR 1.92; p=0.04). Infection rates in the combinatorial analysis were as follows: ≥1 risk factor = 5.9% (OR 2.74; p=0.001), ≥2 = 6.7% (OR 2.28; p=0.01), ≥3 = 19.0% (OR 6.5; p<0.0001), ≥4 = 100% (OR 30.2; p<0.0001).
Conclusions
Risk factors in aggregate incrementally increase the risk of postoperative SSI after craniotomy for tumor.
Fusion from a Condorcet Perspective
Authors: Tyomkin Liron , Kurland Oren
Published: February 2023

The fusion task is to merge document lists retrieved from a corpus in response to a query. Despite the few decades of research work on fusion, there are still no theoretical tools to formally analyze fusion methods. We use the Condorcet voting rule as a first step to this end. We then present an in-depth empirical analysis of TREC runs and existing fusion methods with respect to Condorcet. In addition, we propose two simple novel fusion approaches which are inspired by the Condorcet rule. Empirical evaluation demonstrates their merits.
Study of ground ozone and precursors along with particulate matter at residential sites in the vicinity of a power plant
Authors: Chelani Asha B. , Gautam Sneha
Published: February 2023

Ground ozone (O3) and its precursor variables carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylene (BTEX) along with particulate matter of size less than 10 and 2.5 micron (PM10 and PM2.5) and meteorological variables have been studied at a residential site near the coal-fired power plant in two cities; Chandrapur and Nagpur during 2016-2019. O3 is observed to be not correlated significantly with any of its precursor variables. On a finer time scale however, a significant correlation of O3 with CO, NO, NO2 and BTEX suggested that O3 formation mechanism is driven by VOCs (mainly BTEX), CO and NOx. On the coarser scale however seasonality and other factors have distorted the correlation. Random forest model with O3 concentration as the response variable and NO2, NO, SO2, CO, BTEX, PM10 and PM2.5 as independent variables suggested that PM10, NO, CO and solar radiation are highly important variable governing the O3 dynamics in Chandrapur. In Nagpur, wind direction, relative humidity, temperature, toluene and NO2 are more important. Qualitative analysis to assess the contribution of emission sources suggested the influence of traffic emissions in Nagpur and dominance of non-traffic related emissions, mainly power plant and mining activities in Chandrapur. Hazard index is observed to be > 1 in both the cities suggesting the health hazard to the residents living in the area.
Threats of invasive alien species to Nature’s Contribution to People
Authors: Gallardo Belinda , Bacher Sven , BARBOSA A. Marcia , Gallien Laure , Gonzalez-Moreno Pablo , Martínez-Bolea Víctor , Sorte Cascade , Vimercati Giovanni , Vilà Montserrat
Published: February 2023

Invasive Alien Species are a major driver of biodiversity loss, but their threats to nature’s contributions to people (NCP) at large spatial scales remain largely undetermined. Here we quantify and map the current and potential threat posed by invasive species of concern in Europe to regulating, material and nonmaterial NCP. We show that the current threat of biological invasions is concentrated in human-altered areas unable to support major regulating and cultural NCP, such as habitat maintenance, hazards regulation, and human physical and psychological experiences. Furthermore, the top NCP contributing areas of Europe have little accessibility and climatic suitability for the future spread of invaders. However, the threat posed by invasive species is high in areas providing economically strategic NCP, such as the regulation of freshwater quality and the provision of food, where the expansion of invaders may cause the greatest impacts. This threat is likely to intensify with climate change. Hotspots combining high favourability for invasion and high NCP supply represent between 0 and 13% of the European area, depending on the invasive species and contribution considered, and should become priorities for research and conservation. Our findings can be used to guide the prioritisation of management actions to prevent, minimise and mitigate the adverse effects of IAS on biodiversity and related ecosystem services.
Does Uncertainty Affect Corporate Investment Decisions? Evidence from Turkish Firms
Authors: Tan Omer Faruk , Cavlak Hakan , Cebeci Yasin , Güneş Necati
Published: February 2023

In this study, we analyse the impact of uncertainty on the corporate investment of 164 Turkish manufacturing firms. The time covers the period from 2005 to 2019. Our results reveal that there is a negative association between corporate investment and uncertainty. Under uncertainty, firms opt to decline their investment. Additionally, financially constrained (non-dividend payers) firms are negatively affected more than financially unconstrained firms. The use of alternative measurements of uncertainty and investment ensures the validity of our results. Policymakers should deal with the uncertainty and implement economic policies to decrease the country’s risk premium.
Does Electronic Payment Services Create Value to Bank Performance? Evidence from Southeast Asia
Authors: Lu Ming Pey , Ooi Chai-Aun , Lee Kian Tek , Kossim Zunarni
Published: February 2023

This study examines the nexus between four electronic payment channels’ transaction values and bank performance of Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand for 2010–2020. We find that, the impact of credit and charge card’s transaction value on banks’ return on equity (ROE) is significantly positive across various econometric specifications, including firm fixed effect panel regression, two-way clustering method and generalised method of moment. Instead, the impacts of the other three payment channels (e-money, debit card and internet and mobile banking) are negative but not significance across all econometric specification. These suggest that only the credit and charge card is economically relevant to the banks’ shareholders. We further add that only credit and charge card significantly improves banks’ operating income, while all four payment channels are not significantly related to revenue growth of the banks. In the additional analysis, we find that e-money, debit card, internet and mobile banking are negatively influencing the relationship between banks’ operating income and ROE. In summary, our study implies that majority of the electronic payment services offered by banks are not economically sustainable in the long run.
Audit Committee Effectiveness, Internal Audit Function and Financial Reporting Lag: Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Rohaida , Mohd-Saleh Norman , Yaakob Rubayah
Published: February 2023

This study examines the association among the effectiveness of audit committee, arrangement of internal audit function (IAF), and financial reporting lag (FRL). It also expands the literature by exploring the effect of IAF sourcing arrangement on financial reporting lag. Financial reporting lag is measured based on the number of days between the dates of the financial year end to the date of announcement of financial reporting. The effectiveness of the audit committee consists of size, independence, meetings, experts, and the chairperson’s qualifications. The internal audit arrangement is either performed in-house or outsourced to a third-party internal audit service provider and the cost of incurred for the IAF in the financial year. The agency theory is applied to explain the framework of this study and tested on 2,284 Malaysian listed companies from 2012 to 2015. Results show that IAF sourcing arrangement and cost are significantly associated with financial report lag. These findings offer important implications on audit committee and IAF literature through improving the timeliness of financial information.
O longevo na contemporaneidade: A segregação familiar na velhice e a marginalização social
Authors: Thomazini Maria Clara , Fermentão Cleide Aparecida Gomes Rodrigues
Published: February 2023

O presente estudo tem como fulcro investigar o problema levantado sobre a vivência do idoso na contemporaneidade, de forma a constatar a grande modificação social, cultural e estrutural que tem levado o longevo ao afastamento e segregação do seio familiar ao qual está inserido, e uma consequente e proporcional marginalização social. O objetivo da pesquisa é constatar que o idoso vem sendo negligenciado quanto à convivência familiar e à convivência em comunidade, tendo por base a justificativa do crescimento populacional dos longevos, que acaba por agravar ainda mais tal situação de vulnerabilidade à qual o idoso pertence. Os resultados esperados da presente pesquisa referem-se a uma verificação do percalço referente ao isolamento social e familiar do idoso, bem como deixa o alerta quanto à necessidade de contorno ao problema, observado o envelhecimento populacional brasileiro. No que se refere à metodologia abordada, o estudo utiliza como método de abordagem o modelo hipotético-dedutivo. Quanto ao método procedimental empregou-se os modelos histórico, observacional e também o comparativo. Ademais, foi aplicado o recurso teórico, que representa a revisão bibliográfica de livros pertinentes e relevantes, artigos científicos nacionais, legislação compatível e doutrina especializada.
Revisão Bibliométrica no âmbito da Administração e Educação: Métodos Alternativos para a Resolução de Conflitos
Authors: Dutra Garcia Cougo da Costa Cândida , Kocourek Sheila
Published: February 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar as publicações científicas nacionais e internacionais sobre métodos alternativos de resolução de conflitos, restringindo a pesquisa às categorias ligadas à Administração, áreas correlatas e educação. Realizou-se levantamento da produção científica da expressão alternative dispute resolution durante todo o período existente na base Web of Science, somente nas categorias ligadas à Administração e à educação, e também dos últimos 11 anos, a fim de que fosse possível fazer uma comparação. Após, realizou-se pesquisa no Scientific Periodicals Electronic Library (Spell), base de periódicos da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Administração (Anpad), para conhecer as pesquisas no Brasil sobre o tema resolução de conflitos, nos periódicos das áreas de Administração Pública e de Empresas, Contabilidade e Turismo. Também foi utilizado o software VOSviewer para realização de um mapa de palavras. Verificou-se que em âmbito nacional, nas áreas ligadas à Administração, as publicações sobre o tema ainda são escassas, pois se localizou apenas cinco artigos científicos. Em plano internacional, correspondente às categorias da Administração e educação, o tema possui maior impacto nas publicações. De acordo com a análise comparativa realizada entre o período integral da base e os anos de 2010 a 2021, evidencia-se semelhança em todos os resultados. Foi possível, portanto, delinear um panorama sobre o que está sendo pesquisado em âmbitos nacional e internacional sobre a resolução alternativa de conflitos na área da Administração, correlatas e da educação, contribuindo para a publicação de novos trabalhos sobre o tema.
Prevalence of Deformed wing virus and Chronic bee paralysis virus in Honey Bee Colonies of Bingöl province, Turkey
Authors: BALKAYA Adnan , GÜLLER Abdullah , USTA Mustafa , KURT Zeynelabidin
Published: February 2023

Viruses infecting honey bees are diseases that cause infection and economic damage in every
developmental stage of honey bees all over the world. In this study, a survey was conducted to
determine the presence and prevalence of two worldwide common honeybee viruses (deformed
wing virus [DWV] and chronic bee paralysis virus [CBPV]). 128 apiaries from 9 different
localities in the province of Bingöl were visited to determine viral RNA. Collected 384 honey
bee samples were tested molecularly (reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, RTPCR) using genome-specific primers specific to each virus. In molecular tests, 28 of 128
apiaries (21.87%) gave a positive reaction for DWV, but no CBPV pathogen was detected in
any apiary. The 711 bp nucleotide sequence revealed by cloning one of the randomly selected
positive samples was registered in the gene bank with the accession number MZ357973.
According to the BLASTn analysis in the NCBI database, the nucleotide sequence of the DWV
agent determined in Bingöl Province showed nucleotide similarity between 77.82-98.45%
when compared to other isolates of the same virus. In addition, our isolate was found to be in a
close phylogenetic relationship with the Erzincan-DWV isolate from Turkey, based on the
phylogenetic tree using isolates from different origins. According to our literature screening,
this study is the first record that reveals the prevalence and the presence of DWV and CBPV in
Bingöl Province with DNA-based approaches.
Efficacy testing of non-oxidizing biocides for polyamide membrane biofouling prevention using a modified CDC biofilm reactor
Authors: Da-Silva-Correa Luiz H. , Aasen Kirsten , Gamm Nicole E. , Godoy Rafaela , Rahmati Negar , Buckley Heather Louisa
Published: February 2023

Biofouling is one of the most challenging obstacles faced by reverse osmosis (RO) membrane systems to supply potable water. Currently, biofouling is imperfectly handled by RO feed water pre-chlorination, which is associated with the production of carcinogenic disinfection by-products. To propose a safer alternative to control biofouling in RO drinking water applications, this study investigates the efficacy of five biocides to prevent and remove Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms from RO membranes: 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT); 2,2-dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA); sodium bisulfite (SBS); sodium benzoate (SB); and ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE). Experiments were conducted on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Biofilm Reactor (CBR) with biocidal dosing estimated on 96-well microtiter plates. Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (CLSM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze the biocides' anti-biofilm efficacies under dynamic conditions relative to minimum biofilm inhibitory and eradication concentrations. The results in this study indicated that LAE presented the best anti-biofilm efficacies in treating P. aeruginosa biofilms when compared to all studied biocides; it not only prevented biofilm formation (>98%) but also it effectively removed pre-established biofilms (>99%) from RO membrane coupons. Therefore, due to safety and efficacy, LAE is an excellent candidate for controlling biofouling in drinking water RO membrane systems.
The influence of main channel velocity and water depth changes on the hydrodynamic characteristics of lateral water intake in a tidal channel
Authors: Wang Shan , Bi Qilong , He Wei , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2023

A tidal channel will be affected by the intrusion of seawater, so the current and water depth in the channel will change at every moment. These changes are critical to the hydrodynamic characteristics of water intakes in tidal rivers. This paper establishes a 3D model and validates it through laboratory models, then analyzes the influences of dynamic change of flow velocity and water depth, and the amplitude changes of velocity and water depth on the secondary flow in the water withdrawal process. With the increase of the main flow velocity and the decrease of the water depth, diversion width at the water intake decreases, the peak velocity increases, and the intensity of the secondary flow also increases. With the increase of the velocity of the main channel and the changing rate in water depth, the lag time of the velocity change at the water intake is also longer, and the peak velocity will be greater than the velocity of the constant flow. The influence of the water depth change is greater than that of the main channel velocity change. Combining these four factors, more sand may be washed into the inlet channel under conditions of high flow and low water depth.
Oteseconazole: First Approved Orally Bioavailable and Selective
CYP51 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Patients with Recurrent
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
Authors: De Surya K.
Published: February 2023

Oteseconazole was approved by the US FDA in April 2022. It is the first approved
selective and orally bioavailable CYP51 inhibitor for the treatment of patients with
recurrent Vulvovaginal candidiasis. Herein, we describe its dosage, administration, chemical
structure, physical properties, synthesis, mechanism of action, and pharmacokinetics.