bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluación de los Costes y de la Planificación en Rehabilitaciones de Bloques de Vivienda = Evaluation of the Costs and Planning in Residential Block Renovation Projects
Authors: Mingarro-Montori Luis , Del-Rio-Merino Mercedes
Published: September 2022

Tras la crisis económica del año 2008, con gran impacto en el sector inmobiliario, la rehabilitación de viviendas se potenció como modelo urbanístico frente a la ciudad expansiva y de salida de la crisis. Por ello, este trabajo tiene por objetivo analizar la viabilidad económica del proceso de rehabilitación en España, en concreto a través de casos seleccionados de bloques de viviendas rehabilitados en la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón. La metodología de estudio analiza los diferentes costes que incurren en el proyecto, las ayudas públicas recibidas para la rehabilitación y los flujos de caja que se originan, contrastándolo con los plazos de ejecución de todo el proceso. Este estudio establece estimaciones económicas y temporales para futuros análisis de viabilidad. Además, para poder optar a otras vías complementarias de financiación, mediante la incorporación del sector privado, el estudio fija las necesidades económicas y márgenes de beneficio o perdida.AbstractAfter the 2008 economic crisis, which had a great impact on the real estate sector, housing renovation was promoted as an urban development model in contrast to the urban sprawl and as a means of overcoming the crisis. As such, this paper seeks to analyze the economic feasibility of the renovation process in selected examples of renovated residential blocks in Spain, specifically in the region of Aragon. The study methodology analyzes the different costs incurred in the project, the government grants received for renovation and the cash flows that are generated, contrasting them with the completion times for the whole process. This study establishes economic and time estimates for future feasibility analyses. In addition, in order to be eligible for additional financing routes, by including the private sector, the study sets out the financial needs and profit or loss margins.
Calculation of the Higgs Mass for Quark and Lepton Electric Charges Swap Lie-Groupoid
Authors: Koorambas Elias
Published: September 2022

Starting from the SU(2) group of weak interactions in the presence of Electric Charge Swap (ECS) symmetry, we show that ordinary and non-regular (ECS) leptons are related by the ECS rotational group SO(3). We find that many Standard Model (SM) algebras depend on the sin of the angle θs of the ECS rotational group SO (3). We call these ECSM algebras. Furthermore, the break of the gauge symmetry of the SM groupoid gives the massive ECS particle. We find that the ECS particle masses are related with the SM particle masses by sinθs . We also investigate the finite subgroups of the ECS Möbius transformations. We find that sinθs could be derived from the ECS dihedral group DF, which refers to the symmetry of the fermionic polygon (F-gon). The average value of the anchor of the SM algebroid depends on the fermionic Catalan numbers (CF). Finally, we find that the ECS physics at loop level differs the SM physics. The ECSM mass is suppressed by the CF numbers. For 24 fermions, the calculated one-loop radiative correction to the bare Higgs mass µ is 125GeV—a value very close to the experimental one.
Accumulation of Postoperative Unexpected Events Assessed by the Comprehensive Complication Index Are Prognostic Outcome Parameters After Kasai Procedure
Authors: Madadi-Sanjani Omid , Brendel Julia , Uecker Marie , Pfister Eva-Doreen , Baumann Ulrich , Ohlendorf Johanna , Kuebler Joachim F
Published: September 2022

Introduction Kasai procedure in children with biliary atresia (BA) is associated with several complications in the short-term. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) is a validated metric in adult surgery for the analysis of complication and morbidity in surgical patients. We aimed to analyze the CCI for the first time in BA infants and to corelate its association with the outcome. Material and Methods Retrospective review of medical records of infants with type III BA undergoing Kasai procedure between January 2011 and December 2021 at our institution. All unexpected events were ranked according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and the CCI per patient was subsequently calculated. Clavien-Dindo grades, individual events, the CCI and the total event number per patient were correlated with the one- and two-year outcome post Kasai. Results 131 events were identified in 101 patients (range 0 – 11 per patient). Forty-four Grade I (33.6%), 67 Grade II (51.1%), 18 Grade III (13.7%) and two sentinel events [> Grade IV] (1.5%) were documented according to Clavien-Dindo, including one death in a cardiac-associated BA patient. None of the complications correlated significantly with a poor outcome. Sixty-three (62.4%) CCI were calculated (range 0 – 100). The mean CCI during the in-patient treatment post Kasai, was significantly higher in patients with a poorer outcome compared to patients with native liver survival at one- and two-year follow-up (22.7 21.7 vs 13.2 18.1; p=0.02). Conclusion Not the severity of complications, but the accumulation of numerous events related to Kasai procedure are associated with a poorer outcome. Therefore, the CCI is an excellent instrument for the postoperative morbidity assessment of BA patients.
Different Intermolecular Interactions Drive Nonpathogenic Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Potentially Pathogenic Fibril Formation by TDP-43
Authors: Zeng Yu-teng , Bi Lu-lu , Zhuo Xiao-feng , Yang Lingyun , Sun Bo , Lu Jun-xia
Published: September 2022

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins has been found ubiquitously in eukaryotic cells, critical in the controlling of many biological processes through forming a temporary condensed phase with different bimolecular components. TDP-43 is recruited to stress granules in cells and is the main component of TDP-43 granules and proteinaceous amyloid inclusions in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). TDP-43 low complexity domain (LCD) is able to demix in solution forming the protein condensed droplets. The molecular interactions regulating its LLPS were investigated at the protein fusion equilibrium stage, where the droplets stopped growing. We found the molecules in the droplet were still liquid-like but with enhanced intermolecular helix-helix interaction in the LCD. The protein would start to aggregate after about 200 minutes of lag time and aggregate slower than at the condition when the protein does not phase separate or the molecules have a reduced intermolecular helical interaction. A structural transition intermediate towards protein aggregation was also discovered involving a decrease of the intermolecular helix-helix interaction and a reduction in the helicity. Therefore, LLPS and the intermolecular helical interaction could help maintain the stability of TDP-43 LCD.
Potential Inflammatory Biomarker in Patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Park Ji Hyun
Published: September 2022

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that can diminish the quality of life of both children and adults in academic, occupational, and social contexts. The kynurenine pathway (KP) contains a set of enzymatic reactions involved in tryptophan (TRP) degradation. It is known to be associated with the risk of developing ADHD. This review will address the KP and underlying mechanism of inflammation in ADHD. Potential inflammatory biomarkers reported in the most recent studies are summarized. Although a strong neuroimmunological basis has been established due to advances of recent neurobiological research, the pathophysiology of ADHD remains unclear.
HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF JABUTICABA BARK IN FEMALE BETTA FISH DIET
Authors: França Gesyane Bentos , Siqueira Mayara Schueroff , Melo Jean Carlos de Souza , Albuquerque Danusia Tavares de , Venturini Francine Perri , Honorato Claucia Aparecida
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydroalcoholic jabuticaba bark on the diets of female blue Betta splendens in relation to the level of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and antioxidant activity. The sample constituted 150 individuals subdivided into five groups in triplicate, totaling 10 fish per 20 L experimental unit. Commercial diets (40.88% CP and 4374.8 Kcal kg-1) were added to jabuticaba bark (EJB) hydroalcoholic extract concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g .kg-1. The rations were provided twice a day, until apparent satiety, for 21 days. Fish mortality was not observed during the trial. Growth indices did not show any significant differences, apart from feed conversion. The use of the extract promoted an increase in the luminosity of the fish; however, there was no statistical difference in chromaticity a * and b *. A decrease in the activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the skin of fish fed diets of 1.5 and 2.0g.kg-1 EJB was observed in comparison to the other diets. There was no change in CAT activity. It is concluded that the use of 2 g kg-1 EJB has an antioxidant effect that reflects the greater luminosity of blue female Betta splendens.
QUALITY OF LIFE AND COPING STRATEGIES IN DEPRESSIVE AND NON-DEPRESSIVE INDEVIDUALS
Authors: Mubeen Ayesha
Published: September 2022

The present study was compared depressive and nondepressive individual with reference to their coping strategies and quality of life. A purposive sampling technique was used to collect data. A total of 200 (N=200) individuals were taken, 100 with diagnosed depressed patients from psychiatric unit of Multan and 100 taken from general population. Both groups were matched on four demographic variables like age, education, gender, and profession. The Brief Cope Scale and WHOQOL-BREF were used for data collection, to assess 14 coping strategies and quality of life. The independent t-test was used to see the difference between depressive and nondepressive individual and ANOVA was used to compare the groups on the bases of their age differences. Findings of the research show that depressed individual had different score on quality of life and coping strategies scale
Ownership Structure On Tax Avoidance: Empirical Study On Manufacturing Companies
Authors: Yusri Nurfadilah , Astuti Sri Wibawani Wahyuning , Irawan Dwi , Juanda Ahmad
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study aims to examine the effect of ownership structure as measured by institutional and public managerial ownership on tax avoidance. The population of this study are manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2019. The sampling technique uses a purposive sample which is a sampling method with criteria such as manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2019 and companies that present annual reports during 2019. The results show that managerial ownership structure affects tax avoidance, while public ownership structure and institutional ownership structure does not affect tax avoidance in manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2019. These results indicate that companies owned by managers are more likely to carry out tax avoidance because managers have full power to prepare financial statements in accordance with their wishes compared to institutional and public ownership. This research contributes to providing information to stakeholders about which type of ownership structure is more likely to avoid tax.
Comparison of the analgesic effect of quadratus lumborum block and intrathecal block: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: LI Yi , WU Jin , JIANG Peng
Published: September 2022

Background
Since its introduction in 2007 by Blanco[1], quadratus lumborum block (QLB) has been proven to supply effective analgesia after abdominal, hip and lower limb surgeries. Studies of its possible mechanisms have shown that local anesthetics can spread to the paraspinal space during QLB [2].
Aim
The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare the postoperative analgesic effects of the emerging QLB with that of traditional intrathecal block.
Methods
We performed article searches using the PubMed, Cochrane Library,Web of Science and Embase databases. In total, 245 articles were screened, of which 15 studies meeting the inclusion/exclusion criterias were summarized. The primary outcome was the postoperative rescue analgesia rate,and the secondary outcome was the pain scores at rest (analogue scale, 0–10) at 2,6,12,24 hours after surgery. Other secondary outcomes were postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and some complications with block,for example, postoperative infection rate, allergic reactions,hematoma, nerve damage and local anesthetic intoxication and so on.
Results
The total of 15 studies with 826 patients were included. In the rate of postoperative rescue analgesia there is no significant differences (RR = 0.28; 95% CI = 0.05 to 1.43; P = 0.13;I2 = 70%, P = 0.04) compared to caudal, no significant differences (RR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.53 to 1.49; P = 0.64;I2 = 75%, P = 0.04) compared to epidural, no significant differences (RR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.40; P = 0.87;I2 = 7%, P = 0.30) compared to spinal.Compared with caudal analgesia method, QLB showed significantly reduce for the pain scores at 2 hours (SMD = -0.59; 95% CI = -1.15 to -0.04; P = 0.04), 4 hours (SMD = -0.44; 95% CI = -0.84 to -0.03; P = 0.03, [I2 = 0%, P = 0.42]), and 12 hours after surgeries (SMD = -1.21; 95% CI = -1.80 to -0.61; P < 0.0001). No significant differences have been found between QLB and caudal at 24 hours postoperatively (P = 0.35 > 0.05; I2 = 76%, P = 0.04).Compared with epidural and spinal block, QLB showed no significant differences in the pain scores at rest at 2h,6h,12h and 24h respectively (P > 0.05). Compared with other analgesic methods,QLB significantly reduce the postoperative complications or by-effects (RR = 0.44; 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.65; P < 0.0001;I2 = 9%%, P = 0.36).
Conclusions
In conclusion, most studies supported the finding that QLB provides more lasting analgesia and less opioid consumptions as well as lower pain scores. However, the available evidence is insufficient because it is mainly based on a few cesarean section surgeries, thus requiring more diverse studies incorporating other types of surgeries, pediatric or elderly patients, and different routes of QLB.
Phytochemical analysis and gastro-protective effect of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. methanolic extract on piroxicam-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats
Authors: Aleem Abdul , Aslam Bilal , Alim Bilal , Hussain Asif , Faisal Muhammad Naeem , Majeed Wafa , Anwar Majid
Published: September 2022

Stellaria media Vill. is widely distributed throughout the world and traditionally used to treat inflammatory, respiratory, heart and gastrointestinal diseases. This study was designed to phytochemically characterize and investigate the anti-ulcer activity of methanol extract of S. media (SME) on piroxicam (PRX)-induced gastric ulcer in rats. The plant extract was subjected to qualitative as well as quantitative analysis (HPLC and FT-IR) to elucidate the phytochemical composition of the extract. DPPH radical scavenging assay was done to determine in vitro antioxidant capacity. In 14 days of animal study, PRX (30 mg/kg, i.g.) was co-administered with omeprazole (OMP; 20 mg/kg, i.g.) as standard gastroprotective drug and SME at 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg, i.g., respectively. The gastric pH, acid volume, acidity, ulcer score, hematological parameters and serum levels of oxidants/antioxidants were determined along with histopathological studies of gastric tissue. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of considerable phenolic and flavonoid contents which corroborated with a significant DPPH radical scavenging (IC50: 27.94 µg/mL) activity of extract. Administration of SME at 150, 300 and 450 mg/kg exhibited a dose-dependent gastroprotective effect evidenced by increased gastric pH and acidity but decreased gastric acid volume, decreased gastric ulcer score and ulcer index, reversed altered hematological parameters and oxidative stress markers (TOS, MDA, TAC and CAT). In addition, histopathological findings supported the aforementioned results. Conclusively this study suggests that Stellaria media possess promising gastroprotective activity against piroxicam-induced gastric ulcer.
Anger hits the road: Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Arabic version of driving anger scale and its association with road traffic crashes and fines
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Salameh Pascale , Abou-Abbas Linda , Salmi Louis-Rachid
Published: September 2022

Background:Traffic and driving situations constitute a typical context that triggers anger among drivers which can lead to road traffic crashes (RTCs).Objectives:This study aims to validate the Arabic version of the Driver Anger scale (DAS) and explore its multidimensional structure for assessing anger among Lebanese drivers. Besides, it targets to investigate the association between DAS and risk involvement (RTCs and traffic offenses).Methods:Using a self-completion Arabic questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese drivers recruited from all Lebanese governorates using a non-probability convenience sampling method. A face-to-face approach was used for data collection. The questionnaire includes demographic information and driving variables in addition to the Arabic version of DAS measured by 33 items. Data entry and statistical analysis were performed using SPSS version 24. Exploratory factor and confirmatory analysis were performed to investigate the factorial structure of the DAS. To test the correlation between continuous variables, the Pearson correlation test was used. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between DAS subscales and being involved in RTCs or being fined for traffic offenses.Results:A total of 1102 drivers participated in this study. The Exploratory Factor Analysis on DAS data differentiated six dimensions of driving anger with good reliability: hostile gestures (α=0.92), illegal driving (α=0.87), traffic obstruction (α=0.84), slow driving (α=0.89), discourtesy (α=0.81), and police presence (α=0.91).The results of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated that the original six-factor model of the DAS fitted the Lebanese driving anger data. Gender, occupation, experience, and annual mileage differences were revealed in regards to anger subscales. Compared to other countries, Lebanese drivers displayed a high level of anger in the majority of anger aspects and the hostile gestures dimension was found the greatest contributing factor to driving anger. Drivers who experienced anger resulting from illegal driving, discourtesy, slow speeding, and police presence reported prior involvement in RTCs than their counterparts who didn’t experience such emotions.Conclusion:The Arabic version of the DAS is a valid and reliable tool for assessing traits driving anger among Lebanese drivers in different driving situations. The revealed role of driving anger in increasing the risk of RTCs in this study stressed the importance of adopting countermeasures to relieve driver anger.
Epidemiological burden of persistent co-transmission of malaria, schistosomiasis, and geohelminthiasis among 3-15 years old children during the dry season in Northern Cameroon
Authors: Nkemngo Francis N. , Raissa Lymen W.G. , Nebangwa Derrick N. , Nkeng Asongha M. , Kengne Alvine , Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Fotso-Toguem Yvan G. , Wondji Murielle J. , Shey Robert A. , Fru-Cho Jerome , Ndo Cyrille , Njiokou Flobert , Webstar Joanne P. , Wanji Samuel , Wondji Charles S. , Nguiffo-Nguete Daniel
Published: September 2022

Background
The double burden of malaria and helminthiasis in children poses an obvious public health challenge particularly in terms of anemia morbidity. While both diseases geographically overlap, most studies focus on mono-infection and general prevalence surveys without molecular analysis. The current study investigated the epidemiological determinants of malaria, schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis transmission among children in the North Region of Cameroon
Methodology:
School and pre-school children aged between 3–15 years were enrolled from three communities in March 2021 using a community cross sectional design. Capillary-blood samples were obtained, and each was examined for malaria parasites using RDT, microscopy and PCR while hemoglobin level was measured using a hemoglobinometer. Stool samples were analyzed for Schistosoma mansoni, S. guineensis and STH infections using Kato Katz method and urine samples were assessed for the presence of S. haematobium eggs using the standard urine filtration technique.
Result
A malaria prevalence of 56% (277/495) was recorded by PCR as opposed to 31.5% (156/495) by microscopy and 37.8% (186/495) by RDT. Similarly, schistosomiasis was observed at prevalence levels of up to 13.3% (66/495) overall [S. haematobium (8.7%); S. mansoni (3.8%); mixed Sh/Sm (0.6%); mixed Sh/Sm/Sg (0.2%). Both infections were higher in males and the 3–9 years age group. A high frequency of PCR reported P. falciparum mono-infection of 81.9% (227/277) and mixed P. falciparum/P. malariae infection of 17.3% (48/277) was observed. Malaria-helminths co-infections were observed at 13.1% (65/495) with marked variation between P. falciparum/S. haematobium (50.8%, 33/65); P. falciparum/S. mansoni (16.9%, 11/65) and P. falciparum/Ascaris (9.2%, 6/65) (χ2 = 17.5, p = 0.00003). Anemia prevalence was 32.9% (163/495), categorically associated with P. falciparum (45.8%, 104/227), and Pf/Sh (11.5%, 26/227) and Pf/Sm (3.9%, 9/227) polyparasitism.
Conclusion
Polyparasitism with malaria and helminth infections are common in school children despite periodic long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) distribution and regular school-based Praziquantel and Albendazole campaigns. Co-existence of Plasmodium parasites and helminths infections notably Schistosoma species among children may concurrently lead to an increase in the force of Plasmodium infection and an enhanced the risk of anemia, highlighting the necessity of an integrated approach for disease control interventions.
Towards large scale DRP simulations: generation of large super-resolution images and extraction of large pore network models
Authors: Regaieg Mohamed , Varloteaux Clément , Faisal Titly Farhana , ElAbid Zakaria
Published: September 2022

Digital Rock Physics (DRP) provides a fast way to compute rock properties and carry-out related sensitivity analysis to complement laboratory measurements. In DRP, the first step is to obtain micro-CT images of a rock, this is then followed by segmenting the images to distinguish the rock from the pore space, and finally flow simulations are performed to compute advanced rock properties such as relative permeability and capillary pressure.
During image acquisition, a compromise is often made between the speed of the image acquisition, the size of the scanned volume and the resolution obtained: increasing the resolution decreases the field of view, in turn limiting the quantity of information obtained from the image and thus making DRP simulations less representative. Furthermore, the geometry of a real rock is not always well characterized, notably due to the lack of image resolution which in turn introduces uncertainty in the pore/throat geometry and consequently introduces errors in rock property computations
Recent advances in deep learning methods have led to major advances in computer vision techniques, and notably in the field of super-resolution imaging. In this work, we present such a strategy to digitally increase the resolution of 3D micro-CT using a deep learning approach called Enhanced Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Network (ESRGAN). This allows us to have well resolved images with large field of view. Large super-resolved images were produced for resolution improvement factors of x4 and x8 in each direction. The super-resolved images were more realistic visually and produced better single and multiphase flow simulations results.
In order to enable the simulations of very large images generated by ESRGAN we describe a stitching strategy that we have developed in order to enable the extraction of pore networks on such large images and present several validation cases of this method. This approach enables the extraction of pore networks from large images (3184*3280*12928 voxels image) that are needed to achieve large scale DRP simulations.
Large Pore Network simulations coupled with innovative wettability anchoring experiment to predict relative permeability of a mixed-wet rock
Authors: Regaieg Mohamed , Nono Franck , Faisal Titly Farhana , Rivenq Richard
Published: September 2022

Since the pioneering work of Oren et al. 1998several attempts have been made to predict relative permeability curves with Digital Rock Physics (DRP) technique. However, the problem has proved more complex than what researchers have expected, and these attempts failed. One of the main issues was the high number of uncertain parameters especially for the wettability input and this gets worst in mixed-wet scenario as the number of parameters is higher than in water-wet and oil-wet cases. In fact, Sorbie and Skauge 2012 stated that wettability assignment is the most complex and least validated stage in DRP simulation workflow. Similarly, Bondino et al. 2013concluded that “genuine prediction” of multi-phase flow properties will remain not credible until important progress is achieved in the area of wettability characterization at the pore scale.
In this work, we propose a pragmatic approach to tackle these problems. First, we parallelize our pore network simulator in order to achieve large scale PNM simulations. Then, we develop an innovative and fast anchoring experiment imaged by micro-CT scanner, that helps to determine several wettability parameters needed for the DRP simulation (including the fraction of oil-wet/water-wet pores, any spatial or radius correlation of oil wet pores…). This experiment also provides an estimation of macroscopic parameters that help to anchor our pore scale simulations and further reduce the uncertainty. In addition to help reducing the uncertainty of the simulation, this experiment provides a fast estimation of the wettability of the system. Images representing large volumes with low resolution are, first, improved with Enhanced Super Resolution Generative Adversarial Networks (ESRGAN) to obtain a large image with high resolution. Then, a pore network is extracted, and TotalEnergies parallel pore network simulator is used for multiphase flow simulations considering the constraints from the anchoring experiment to reduce the uncertainty. Finally, we compare our simulations against high quality SCAL experiment performed in-house and we assess the predictive power of our DRP workflow.
Forsythiaside A Ameliorates Sepsis-induced Acute Kidney Injury via Anti-inflammation and Antiapoptotic Effects by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Chen Yi , Wei Wei , Fu Jingnan , Zhang Teng , Zhao Jie , Ma Tao
Published: September 2022

Ethnopharmacological relevance
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection in the body, and accompanying acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of sepsis and is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Forsythiae Fructus, the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine.
Aims of the study: This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of Forsythiaside A (FTA) on sepsis-induced AKI by downregulating inflammatory and apoptotic responses, and to further explore its underlying mechanism.
Methods: Septic AKI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg) using male C57BL/6 mice and pretreated with FTA or control saline. First, we assessed the degree of renal injury by creatinine, blood urea nitrogen measurement, and HE staining of renal tissue; secondly, the inflammation and apoptosis were measured by TUNEL immunofluorescence, qPCR, and ELISA; finally, the mechanism was explored by computer molecular docking and Western blot.
Results: Our data showed that FTA markedly attenuated kidney pathological injuries, alleviated the elevation of serum BUN and Creatinine, suggesting the renal protective effect of FTA. Notably, FTA significantly inhibited the renal expression of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α both at protein and mRNA levels and attenuated cell apoptosis in kidney, as measured by caspase-3 immunoblot and TUNEL assay, indicating its anti-Inflammation and antiapoptotic properties. Mechanistically, administration of LPS resulted in robust endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses in kidney, evidenced by glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78) upregulation, protein kinase RNA–like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) activation, eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (elF2α) phosphorylation and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) overexpression, which could be significant blocked by FTA pretreatment. Dynamic simulation and molecular docking were performed to provide further insight.
Conclusions: Collectively, our data suggest that FTA ameliorates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury via its anti-Inflammation and antiapoptotic properties by regulating PERK signaling dependent ER stress responses.
Farmers’ Adaptation to Extreme Weather: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Mao Hui , Zhang Xiaoheng , Fu Yong
Published: September 2022

Climate change is a huge challenge for agricultural production. Climate-adaptive technology is an effective measure for farmers to adapt to climate change and improve their ability to cope with natural disasters. The low adoption rate of climate-adaptive technology has become an important factor restricting the sustainable development of China’s agriculture. Extreme weather may affect farmers' decisions to adopt climate-adaptive technology. This paper uses the survey data of 622 apple growers in Shaanxi Province to study the impact of extreme weather on farmers’ climate-adaptive technology adoption behavior and its mechanism. The results show that extreme weather has a significant positive effect on farmers’ adoption of climate-adaptive technology. This result still holds after robustness checks such as changing the measurement methods of key variables. In terms of the mechanism, one is that extreme weather can improve farmers’ risk perception and promote their adoption of climate-adaptive technology; the other is that extreme weather can promote farmers’ participation in credit, which in turn promotes their adoption of climate-adaptive technology. Heterogeneity analysis shows that compared with areas without policy incentives, extreme weather has a greater effect on farmers’ climate-adaptive technology adoption behavior in areas with policy incentives. Overall, the results suggest that promoting farmers’ adoption of climate-adaptive technology and understanding how well farmers respond to climate shocks can inform policy design and help reduce risks to agricultural production from extreme weather.
Utilisation of Exome Sequencing for Muscular Disorders in Thai Paediatric Patients: Diagnostic Yield and Mutational Spectrum
Authors: Summa Sarinya , Ittiwut Chupong , Kulsirichawaroj Pimchanok , Paprad Tanitnun , Likasitwattanakul Surachai , Sanmaneechai Oranee , Boonsimma Ponghatai , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Shotelersuk Vorasuk
Published: September 2022

Muscular dystrophies and congenital myopathies are heterogeneous groups of inherited muscular disorders. An accurate diagnosis is challenging due to their complex clinical presentations and genetic heterogeneity. This study aimed to determine the utilization of whole exome sequencing (ES) for Thai paediatric patients with muscular disorders. Of 176 paediatric patients suspected of genetic/inherited myopathies, 133 patients received a molecular diagnosis after performing conventional investigations, single gene testing, and gene panels. The remaining 43 patients from 42 families could be classified into three groups: Group 1, MLPA-negative Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) with 9 patients (9/43; 21%), Group 2, other muscular dystrophies (MD) with 18 patients (18/43; 42%) and Group 3, congenital myopathies (CM) with 16 patients (16/43; 37%). All underwent whole exome sequencing which could identify pathogenic variants in 8/9 (89%), 14/18 (78%), and 8/16 (50%), for each Group, respectively. Overall, the diagnostic yield of ES was 70% (30/43) and 36 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in 14 genes were identified. 18 variants have never been previously reported. Molecular diagnoses provided by ES changed management in 22/30 (73%) of the patients. Our study demonstrates the clinical utility and implications of ES in inherited myopathies.
Stressed Atoms and Their Recover. Charge Density Redistribution With Pressure in a Zeolite Framework
Authors: Stachowicz Marcin , Gajda Roman , Huć Agnieszka , Parafiniuk Jan , Makal Anna , Sutuła Szymon , Fertey Pierre , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: September 2022

As a result of external stress applied to crystals, ions relax, in addition to shortening the bond lengths, by changing their shape and volume. Modern mineralogy is founded on spherical ions/atoms, i.e. the close packing of spheres, ionic/atomic radii, and Pauling and Goldschmidt rules. More advanced, quantum crystallography has led to detailed quantitative studies of electron density in minerals. Here we innovatively apply it to high pressure studies up to 4.2 GPa of the mineral hsianghualite. With external stress, electron density redistributes inside ions and among them. For most ions, atomic volumes decrease; however, for silicon atomic volume increases. With growing pressure, we observed the higher contraction of cations in bonding directions, but a slighter expansion towards nonbonding directions. It is possible to trace the spatial redistribution of the electron density in ions even at the level of hundredths parts of an electron per cubic angstrom. This opens a new perspective to experimentally characterise mineral processes in the Earth’s mantle. The use of diamond anvil cells with quantum crystallography offer more than interatomic distances and elastic properties of minerals. Interactions, energetic features, a branch so far reserved only to the first principle DFT calculations at ultra-high pressures, become available experimentally.
Plastic Nanoparticles Cause Proteome Stress and Aggregation by Compromising Cellular Protein Homeostasis ex vivo and in vivo.
Authors: Jing Biao , Wan Wang , Hu Bo , Jin Wenhan , Zhang Zhenduo , Peng Congcong , Wang Mengdie , Dong Xuepeng , Gao Zhenming , Liu Yu
Published: September 2022

Decomposition of plastic materials into minuscule particles and their long-term uptake pose increasing concerns on environmental sustainability and biosafety. Besides common cell viability and cytotoxicity evaluations, how plastic nanoparticles interfere with different stress response pathways and affect cellular fitness has been less explored. Here, we provided the first piece of evidence to demonstrate plastic nanoparticles potentially can deteriorate proteome stability, compromise cellular protein homeostasis, and consequently cause global proteome misfolding and aggregation. Polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of different sizes and surface charges were exploited as model plastic materials. In cell lysate and human blood plasma, naked PS nanoparticles with hydrophobic surface deteriorated proteome thermodynamic stability and exaggerated its aggregation propensity. While no cell viability ablation was observed in cells treated with PS nanoparticles up to 200 μg·mL-1, global proteome aggregation and stress was detected by a selective proteome aggregation sensor. Further proteomics analysis revealed how protein homeostasis network was remodeled by positively charged PS nanoparticles via differential expression of key proteins to counteract proteome stress. In mice model, size-dependent liver accumulation of positively charged PS nanoparticles induced hepatocellular proteome aggregation and compromised protein homeostasis network capacity that were invisible to standard ALT/AST liver function assay and histology. Meanwhile, long-term liver accumulation of plastic nanoparticles deteriorated liver metabolism and saturated liver detoxification capacity of overdosed acetaminophen. This work highlighted the impact of nanoplastics on cellular proteome integrity and cellular fitness that are invisible to current biochemical assays and clinical tests.
Prevailing emotions in women’s suggestions on how to improve the quality of care around the time of childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Geremia Sara , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Mariani Ilaria , Lazzerini Marzia
Published: September 2022

Background
Recent evidence showed major gaps in the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) even across high-income countries of the WHO European Region. Collecting women’s views and emotions is crucial for quality of care improvement actions and requires innovative strategies and methods to enable quick and effective data analyses.
Aims
This study from the IMAgiNE EURO dataset aimed at identifying prevailing emotions in suggestions provided by women, after hospital birth in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Data were collected from mothers who gave birth in Italy, using a validated online anonymous questionnaire. This guided women across 40 WHO Standard-based Quality Measures and gathered women’s views via a final open-ended question. We explored answers provided in Italian between March 2020 and March 2022, using sentiment analysis, a text mining technique. It allows for identifying how single emotive words in the text shape the overall emotional content. Based on sentiment analysis, we developed word clouds illustrating graphically the emotional content of the 100 most frequent emotive words.
Results
Responses from 2,143 women were analysed. The dataset included a total of 79,204 words. The prevailing emotion in the text was trust (3,384 words) followed by anticipation (2,053 words), fear (1,409 words) and sadness (1,291 words). Many of most common words were verbs concerning actions, such as: “allow” (n = 201), “support” (n = 170), “assist” (n = 161), and “improve” (n = 144).
Conclusions
Sentiment analysis was useful in providing a set of preliminary findings on women’s emotions related to the quality of maternal and newborn care. It may be used to improve the documentation of service users’ emotions and attitudes toward quality of care, providing information useful for researchers and health-care providers. This approach may be considered a valuable and time-saving opportunity for the extraction of important information from large datasets of free-text patient feedback data.
Comparison of the effectiveness of spinal stabilization exercises and chiropractic spinal manipulation in healthy individuals: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arslan Mesut , YILMAZ FİGEN
Published: September 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of spinal stabilization exercises, chiropractic spinal manipulation and their combination on endurance, muscle strength, joint position sense, and balance in healthy individuals.

Methods

Eighty healthy people aged 18–45 years were included in the study. Participants in the study were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group 1 underwent 6 sessions of chiropractic manipulation. Instrument-assisted chiropractik manipulation was used. Group 2 underwent 18 sessions of stabilization exercises. Group 3 received both stabilization exercises and chiropractic manipulation. Group 4 was followed as the control group. Participants were evaluated with prone plank, side plank, Sorenson test, quadriceps muscle strength, knee joint position sense, and Y balance test before, after and 1 month after the application.

Results

After the application, significant improvements were observed in the prone and side plank parameters in Group 3 compared to Group 1 and Group 4, while a significant improvement was observed in the Sorenson parameter compared to Group 1 and Group 2. In addition, significant increases were found in quadriceps muscle strength in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 compared to Group 4.

Conclusion

Spinal stabilization exercise program applied together with chiropractic manipulation in healthy individuals may be more effective in improving muscular endurance and balance compared to other training programs. All training programs are effective in improving quadriceps muscle strength, but do not have the same effect on knee joint position sense.

Trial registration:

The study was also registered on ClinicalTrial.gov (Registration number: NCT04830098).
miR-499a-5P confers oncogenic roles in breast cancer by targeting SOX6
Authors: Wei Yanghui , Huang Qingnan , Chen Yong , Zeng Kai , Yang Weiqin , Chen Juan , Chen Jiawei
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in females worldwide, causing more than 680,000 deaths in 2020. Dysregulated microRNAs have been linked etiologically with breast cancer, controlling a wide range of cellular pathways. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the link between miR-499a-5p and SOX6. Studies including proliferation, migration and invasion assay were carried out to investigated functional roles. Animal model was introduced for in vivo investigation. We found high expression level of miR-499a-5p in breast cancer tissues which associated with worse survival. Overexpression of miR-499a-5p played oncogenic role by promoting cell growth and invasiveness in breast cancer cells. SOX6 was identified as the potential target of miR-499a-5p by silico prediction, which was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Further study confirmed a tumor suppressive role of SOX6 in breast cancer. Subcutaneous administration of breast cancer cells with ectopic miR-499a-5p expression led to larger tumor volume in mice. Taken together, for the first time, we identified a direct link between miR-499a-5p and its down-stream target SOX6, revealing their functionality, which would provide novel insight into the mechanism of breast cancer. Our finding indicating a promising diagnostic and therapeutic op-tion towards this malignant disease.
Comparative Evaluation of Prevention of Demineralization of Artificial Enamel Caries Treated with 5% Sodium Fluoride Varnish, Fluoride Varnish Containing CPP-ACP and 38% SDF in Primary Teeth: An in Vitro Study
Authors: Wassel Mariem , Allam Gehan , Mashhour Al Shaimaa
Published: September 2022

Background
This study aimed to compare the effect of a 5% sodium Fluoride (NaF) varnish (Clinpro TM white varnish), Fluoride varnish containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) (MI varnish), and 38% Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in preventing demineralization of treated white spot lesions (WSLs) in enamel of primary teeth.
Methods
Forty-eight primary molars with WSLs were allocated into four groups. Group 1 received 5% NaF, group 2 received MI varnish, group 3 received SDF, and group 4 control (no treatment). After pH cycling, the mineral content of specimens was evaluated by Energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDX) and the lesions depth was assessed via a polarized light microscope (PLM). One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test was used. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results
Statistically significant differences in lesion depth and mineral content were observed among all groups (p < 0.001). The highest value in lesion depth was found in the control group (576.69 ± 42.66), followed by SDF (293.32 ± 46.82), then Clinpro™ white varnish (285.43 ± 44.70), while the lowest value was found in MI varnish (226.23 ± 44.25). Meanwhile, MI varnish showed the significantly highest mean calcium ion content, and Ca/P, followed by Clinpro ™, SDF, and the control group.
Conclusions
MI varnish containing CPP-ACP performed better than Clinpro TM white varnish, and SDF in preventing demineralization of early enamel carious lesions in primary teeth.
The responses of prokaryotic communities to the algal blooms from the Pearl River estuary
Authors: Lin Ziya , Liu Zhaojia , Lei Zhenyuan , Xie Wei
Published: September 2022

Algal blooms are severe ecological disasters in the marine environment, affecting the biogeochemical cycles substantially. It is critical to explore how the prokaryotic community responds to the dynamics of algal blooms in the marine environment. The shifts in prokaryotic communities during the algal blooms have been extensively investigated, while the interactions and assembly mechanisms of prokaryotic communities are still incompletely understood. We conducted nutrient addition cultivations for the brackish water from the Pearl River estuary to simulate the algal bloom process and monitored the prokaryotic community compositions over forty days. Results showed evident differences between blooming and after-bloom stages of prokaryotic communities in diversity and taxonomic compositions. Bacillus, Gimesiaceae, and Fibrobacteraceae were dominant before the cultivation. Mesoflavibacter, Rhodobacteraceae, and Acinetobacter were accumulated in the blooming stage. Acinetobacter, Comamonadaceae, and Gimesia were enriched in the after-blooming stage, while Mesoflavibacter, Rhodobacteraceae, and Acinetobacter were active during the whole blooming period. Co-occurrence networks analysis showed that prokaryotic interactions were predominantly driven by positive relationships that impacted the algal blooming fates. Rhodobacteraceae, Flavobacteriaceae, Winogradskyella, and Pseudomonas are the keystone groups of the prokaryotic communities in the blooming stage network, while Marinobacter, Thalassobaculum, Actinobacteria, Flavobacterium, and Rhodobacteraceae are the keystone groups of the after-bloom stage network. Functional prediction by FAPROTAX showed that dissimilatory nitrate reduction increased in the after-bloom stage. Our study revealed the dynamic of the prokaryotic communities and the characteristics of their co-occurrent profiles, which shed light on revealing the potential functions of prokaryotic behaviors during estuarine algal blooming events.
Application of arthroscopy-assisted localization technique in PFNA surgery
Authors: Sun Weijun
Published: September 2022

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of PFNA operation using arthroscopy.
Methods: Patients who visited our hospital for PFNA surgery from January 2011 to December 2017 were selected as the research subjects, and the patients were randomly divided into two groups. The control group performed conventional fluoroscopy-assisted positioning of needle entry points, and the observation group performed arthroscopic assisted positioning of needle entry points. The intraoperative fluoroscopy time, operation time, tip distance, fracture healing time, Harris score, incision length and length were recorded and compared in both groups.
Results: Both groups completed the operation successfully and had no perioperative death. Bone healing was achieved at at least 1 year, free of screw blade removal, and nonunion occurred in all the patients' follow-up. Two patients in the control group developed distal fractures, which healed after auxiliary fixation with the enveldevice. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding and fluoroscopy time in the observed group were less significant than in the control group. There were no significant differences in fracture healing time, TAD, and Harris score at the last follow-up between the two groups.
Conclusion: Arthroscopy-assisted needle insertion point positioning technology can reduce the operation time and bleeding time, and can simplify the procedure of PFNA surgery, which is worth further promotion.