bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Line-shape parameters and line mixing for the low-intensity high-J oxygen transitions
Authors: Domysławska Jolanta , Wójtewicz Szymon , Bielska Katarzyna , Masłowski Piotr , Cygan Agata , Słowiński Michał , Bilicki Sławomir , Trawiński Ryszard S , Ciuryło Roman , Lisak Daniel
Published: February 2023

We present the results of investigations of the oxygen B-band R-branch transitions with intensities in the range from 1.5×10−26 to 2.5×10−28 cm−1/(molecule/cm2) and the total angular momentum quantum number for the lower state, J”, up to 38. High resolution CRDS laboratory spectra were fitted with the Voigt profile as well as with advanced line-shape functions consistent with the Hartmann–Tran profile, that is the speed-dependent Voigt profile and speed-dependent Nelkin–Ghatak profile using the multispectrum fitting technique. The line positions, line intensities and other line-shape parameters, together with our previous data, were collated to show trends for the whole R branch. Using the determined frequencies of the B-band transitions, the Dunham fit was performed to obtain spectroscopic parameters for both ground and excited states. Newly recorded spectra at the band head, with the signal-to-noise ratio above 20000, were analyzed with line profiles including also the line mixing. First-order line mixing determined directly from the line shape fitting at relatively low pressure (32 Torr) is in good agreement with values calculated by Sung et al. [1].
Simulated circulation and particle trajectory analysis related to the oil spill event in the Karawang Coastal Waters
Authors: Azzahrawaani A , Hartanto M T , Naulita Y , Apriansyah
Published: February 2023

The Karawang waters are situated at the north coast of West Java Province, where the wind-driven monsoonal current controls significantly the dispersion of oil spill. Here accident of oil spill was happened on 12 July 2019. The present study aims to simulate seasonal circulation and particle trajectory analysis related to oil spill dispersion, by performing a fine-resolution 1/96° coastal circulation model of CROCO. The model is validated SST (Sea Surface Temperature) detected form satellite, sea level, and surface current with high correlation (corr.>0.86). The Sentinel-1A imagery determined initial position of oil spill. Seasonal reversal currents are reproduced well by the model, consistence with past studies. The westward flows along the northern coastal area during the southeast monsoon (SEM) bring colder and saltier seawater. In contrast, the eastward flows during the northwest monsoon period, associated with warmer and fresher seawater. The massless particles related to oil spill dispersions are advected by the current westward along the coastal area. About one week after the accident, the oil spill closed to the Tanjung Karawang waters, where particle trajectories overlay with the observed Sentinel imagery. The model suggested that on 24 July 2019, particle trajectories released from oil spill accident arrived offshore Jakarta Bay.
Growth performance and blood figures of African catfish (Clarias sp.) fed with marine fungal fermented feed
Authors: Ekasari J , Achmadi F F , Isti’anah I , Tarman K
Published: February 2023

This study examined the impact of marine fungal fermented feed at various concentrations on the growth and blood profiles of African catfish Clarias sp.. Catfish with an average body weight of 0.74 ± 0.01 g were raised in an aquarium that measured 30 cm x 45 cm x 30 cm and contained 25 L of water. The feed was not fermented in this study (control), and the feed was fermented with marine fungi at various concentrations (using 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4% extract marine fungi). At 8:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 16:00 pm, fish were fed three times a day until they were completely satisfied. The results showed that feeding juvenile catfish marine fungal fermented diet resulted in significantly higher growth performance. The larger final biomass, faster growth, and lower feed conversion ratio were used to examine this. The generation of red blood cells in fish fed with fermented diets was higher and better than the control treatment, according to the results of the blood profile of catfish (P 0.05).
Ultrasound-assisted depolymerization of carrageenan from Kappaphycus alvarezii hydrolized by a marine fungus
Authors: Tarman K , Zuhair M W , Uju  , Pari R F
Published: February 2023

Kappaphycus alvarezii is a species of red seaweed that produces kappa-carrageenan. Carrageenan is a polysaccharide containing D-galactose and 3,6-anhydrogalactose units which linked by α-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. The study aimed to determine the optimal ultrasonication time in the carrageenan depolymerization process. In this study the hydrolysis process of K. alvarezii to obtain the carrageenan was carried out biologically using a marine fungus RS6A. Viscosity of the carrageenan was measured using Brookfield viscometer, which was then used to calculate the molecular weight by Mark-Houwink equation. The carrageenan’s viscosity and molecular weight values varied between 3.73-6.13 cP and 35.58-52.15 kDa, and had an inverse correlation with the ultrasonication time. These results indicated that ultrasonication was effective in reducing molecular weight in the depolymerization process. The selected treatment was obtained by ultrasonication for 30 minutes with conformity to standards of carrageenan according to SNI 8391: 2017 and FAO (2014).
Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) monitoring in Bokan Kepulauan (2017-2021) highlights the need for the “BCF Garden” approach
Authors: Ndobe S , Serdiati N , Gani A , Walalangi J Y , Moore A M
Published: February 2023

The Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni is a restricted range marine fish classified as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Traded as an ornamental fish, the Banggai cardinalfish (BCF) is of national and international conservation concern. The “BCF Garden” concept aims to replenish depleted BCF stocks through community-based habitat and microhabitat rehabilitation. Under the National Action Plan for Banggai cardinalfish conservation, selected BCF populations have been monitored annually since 2017. Eight endemic BCF populations in the Bokan Kepulauan District, Banggai Laut Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, were monitored using a standardized belt transect method in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. Data were collected on BCF abundance, size/age structure and microhabitat association, and critical microhabitat abundance (sea urchins, mainly Diadema and sea anemones). Despite the inter-site variation, overall abundance declined significantly for BCF (p = 0.02) and sea urchins (p=0.02). Total counts of BCF (4646) and urchins (498) in 2021 were 31% and 11%, respectively, of 2017 values (4921 and 4460); sea anemone count increased (61 to 87) but remained well below historical abundance levels. These results confirm the need for targeted measures to promote the recovery of BCF populations in Bokan Kepulauan. The holistic BCF Garden approach is recommended, especially at sites where Diadema urchins are heavily exploited.
Optimizing Tilapia Biofloc Technology Systems and Its Economic Profitability on Industrial Scale in Indonesia
Authors: Nugroho E , Kristanto A H , Pamungkas W , S Dewi R R S P , Rifaldi M
Published: February 2023

One of the technologies that can produce a high number of fish in limited land and water is biofloc. Adapting biofloc technology in Indonesia from laboratory to industrial scale requires several improvements. This study aims to optimize biofloc technology and to reduce production costs. A series of research activities to increase the productivity of tilapia by biofloc technology have been carried out using superior seeds variety, proper application of stocking densities, type and volume of tank/pond, and the seed size at the stocking. Feed efficiency, productivity, survival rate, specific growth rate, and economic parameters were observed. Using tilapia superior seed can increase biomass by 4% compared to Nirwana II tilapia variety. The best seed density that can be used is 75-80 fish/m3, it is related to the appropriate type or volume of the round tank, which is 10 m3. The correlation value (R2) between the size of the initial seed and the observed parameters were 0.9439 (specific weight gain rate); 0.5841 (feed efficiency); 0.4880 (productivity) and 0.4789 (survival rate). Optimization of biofloc technology can save production costs up to 38.41 %. The value of the R/C ratio is 2.03.
Investigation of the optimal parameters for butt joints in a friction stir welding (FSW) process with dissimilar aluminium alloys
Authors: Harachai Komsak , Prasomthong Suriya
Published: February 2023

Aluminum alloys are used in the modern automotive industry because they are lightweight. However, it is establised that conventional fusion welding processes affect weld performance. In this study, friction stir welding (FSW), also known as solid-state welding, was used to weld dissimilar aluminum alloys, AA6061-T6 and AA5083 plates. Response surface methodology based on Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to investigate the appropriate process parameters. In this study, the effects of rotation speed (S), welding feed rate (f), and work angle (θ) were investigated. These three factors were examined at three levels over 17 experimental runs. The design was used to conduct experiments and develop mathematical regression models. Variance analysis was performed to examine the adequacy of the developed models. Finally, the effects of the process parameters on the mechanical properties of welded alloyes were investigated using mathematical models based on the macrostructure, microstructure, chemical composition, and fracture characteristics of the joints using SEM. The investigation found that the optimum welding parameters are a rotational speed of 777 rpm, welding speed of 44 mm min−1, and a work angle of 0.75°. Furthermore, the results confirm that the mathematical models and experiments are consistent.
Identification of aminobenzoic acids as selective inhibitors of the N-terminal phosphatase of soluble epoxide hydrolase
Authors: Kihara Yasuhiro , Nishimura Erina , Kanai Chisato , Kitano Yoshikazu , Suzuki Eriko , Hasumi Keiji
Published: February 2023

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (EC 3.3.2.10) is a key enzyme in the regulation of inflammation and metabolism, whereas, the role of its N-terminal phosphatase activity (N-phos) has been poorly understood because of a lack of selective inhibitors. Here we report 4-aminobenzoic (Ki 15.3 µm) and 3-amino-4-hydroxy benzoic acid (Ki 11.7 µm) as selective competitive inhibitors of N-phos.
Coronavirus Immunotherapeutic Consortium Database
Authors: Mahita Jarjapu , Ha Brendan , Gambiez Anais , Schendel Sharon L , Li Haoyang , Hastie Kathryn M , Dennison S Moses , Li Kan , Kuzmina Natalia , Periasamy Sivakumar , Bukreyev Alexander , Munt Jennifer E , Osei-Twum Mary , Atyeo Caroline , Overton James A , Vita Randi , Guzman-Orozco Hector , Mendes Marcus , Kojima Mari , Halfmann Peter J , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Alter Galit , Gagnon Luc , Baric Ralph S , Tomaras Georgia D , Germann Tim , Bedinger Daniel , Greenbaum Jason A , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Peters Bjoern
Published: February 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has seen multiple anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies being generated globally. It is difficult, however, to assemble a useful compendium of these biological properties if they are derived from experimental measurements performed at different sites under different experimental conditions. The Coronavirus Immunotherapeutic Consortium (COVIC) circumvents these issues by experimentally testing blinded antibodies side by side for several functional activities. To collect these data in a consistent fashion and make it publicly available, we established the COVIC database (COVIC-DB, https://covicdb.lji.org/). This database enables systematic analysis and interpretation of this large-scale dataset by providing a comprehensive view of various features such as affinity, neutralization, in vivo protection and effector functions for each antibody. Interactive graphs enable direct comparisons of antibodies based on select functional properties. We demonstrate how the COVIC-DB can be utilized to examine relationships among antibody features, thereby guiding the design of therapeutic antibody cocktails.

Database URL  https://covicdb.lji.org/
Biology and physiology ofHanseniaspora vineae: metabolic diversity and increase flavour complexity for food fermentation
Authors: Carrau Francisco , Dellacassa Eduardo , Boido Eduardo , Medina Karina , Valera Maria Jose , Fariña Laura , Perez Gabriel , Martin Valentina , Alvarez-Valin Fernando , Balestrazzi Lucia
Published: February 2023

Apiculate yeasts belonging to the genus Hanseniaspora are predominant on grapes and other fruits. While some species, such as Hanseniaspora uvarum, are well known for their abundant presence in fruits, they are generally characterized by their detrimental effect on fermentation quality because the excessive production of acetic acid. However, the species Hanseniaspora vineae is adapted to fermentation and currently is considered as an enhancer of positive flavour and sensory complexity in foods. Since 2002, we have been isolating strains from this species and conducting winemaking processes with them. In parallel, we also characterized this species from genes to metabolites. In 2013, we sequenced the genomes of two H. vineae strains, being these the first apiculate yeast genomes determined. In the last 10 years, it has become possible to understand its biology, discovering very peculiar features compared to the conventional Saccharomyces yeasts, such as a natural and unique G2 cell cycle arrest or the elucidation of the mandelate pathway for benzenoids synthesis. All these characteristics contribute to phenotypes with proved interest from the biotechnological point of view for winemaking and the production of other foods.
Simultaneous Quantitative Analysis of Salmeterol and Fluticasone in Inhalation Spray Using HPLC and a Fast Spectrophotometric Technique Combined with a Time Series Neural Network and Multivariate Calibration Methods
Authors: Valizadeh Maryam , Ameri Braki Zahra , Smiley Erfan , Arghand Arezoo , Dastafkan Poriya
Published: February 2023

Background

Chromatographic methods have been used for the simultaneous determination of salmeterol (SMT) and fluticasone (FLU). The methods take a lot of analysis time, need sample pre-treatment and large amounts of solvents, and are costly.

Objective

The aim of this paper was to propose a simple, quick, and low-cost method for the determination of SMT and FLU using a time series neural network and multivariate calibration methods, including partial least-squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR).

Methods

The simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of SMT and FLU in binary mixtures and anti-asthma spray was performed by applying multivariate calibration methods and an intelligent approach.

Results

The coefficient of determination (R2) of the time series neural network was obtained: 1 and 0.9997 for SMT and FLU, respectively. The mean recovery of PLS was found to be 99.29% and 99.84% for SMT and FLU, respectively. Also, the mean recovery related to the PCR method was 102.05% and 103.72% for SMT and FLU, respectively.

Conclusion

The inhalation spray was assessed using HPLC and the results were compared with chemometrics methods via an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test.

Highlights

Intelligent and multivariate calibration methods were proposed. Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of salmeterol and fluticasone was studied in an anti-asthma spray. HPLC as a reference method was performed and compared with chemometrics methods. Rapid, simple, low-cost, and accurate are the benefits of the proposed approaches.
Sequence architecture, depositional system evolution and controlling factors in a lacustrine basin: a case study from Changdi Area, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China
Authors: Cheng Yuhan , Wang Zhiwei , Liu Jingyan , Wu Qunhu , Yu Shina , Ma Xiao , Peng Dingliang , Zhang Yiyao
Published: February 2023

The Paleogene Shahejie and Dongying formations of the eastern Bohai Bay Basin contain >500 m fluvial-deltaic deposits and >600 m deltaic-lacustrine deposits, both of which are important for oil and gas exploration. This study aims to figure out the deposition system distribution within the sequence stratigraphy and predict the exploration target. Sequence boundaries are recognized by unconformities in the seismic profiles and abrupt changes in the well-logging curves (acoustic, spontaneous potential, natural gamma-ray and resistivity), and two second-order and five third-order sequences (SQs1, SQs3 in the Shahejie Formation and SQd1-SQd3 in Dongying Formation) are identified. Four types of depositional system and distribution are determined by well-logging profiles, cores, relative sand content and root-mean-square seismic attributes. The SQs3 sequence is predominantly fan deltas and lacustrine deposits, the SQs1 sequence is predominantly shallow lacustrine deposits, the SQd3 sequence is predominantly braided-river delta, semi-deep lacustrine, and turbidite fan, and the SQd2 sequence is predominantly braided-river delta deposits, whereas the SQd1 sequence is predominantly braided-river deposits. The controlling factors are determined by basin subsidence simulation and fossil data of biological palynology, indicating that tectonic activity is the main controlling factor in SQs3 and SQd3 while climate is the main controlling factor in the SQs1, SQd2 and SQd1 sequences. Combined with the physical properties of sandstone, it is concluded that the beach bar in the SQs1 sequence, turbidite fan in the SQs3 and SQd3 sequences, and thick sandstone in the SQd2 sequence are the important exploration targets.
Dynamic Covariance Matrix Estimation and Portfolio Analysis with High-Frequency Data
Authors: Jiang Binyan , Liu Cheng , Tang Cheng Yong
Published: February 2023

The covariance matrix associated with multiple financial returns plays foundational roles in many empirical applications, for example, quantifying risks and managing investment portfolios. Such covariance matrices are well known to be dynamic, that is, their structures change with the underlying market conditions. To incorporate such dynamics in a setting with high-frequency noisy data contaminated by measurement errors, we propose a new approach for estimating the covariances of a high-dimensional return series. By utilizing an appropriate localization, our approach is designed upon exploiting generic variables that are informative in accounting for the dynamic changes. We then investigate the properties and performance of the high-dimensional minimal-variance sparse portfolio constructed from employing the proposed dynamic covariance estimator. Our theory establishes the validity of the proposed covariance estimation methods in handling high-dimensional, high-frequency noisy data. The promising applications of our methods are demonstrated by extensive simulations and empirical studies showing the satisfactory accuracy of the covariance estimation and the substantially improved portfolio performance.
How can statistics help to prevent blackouts?
Authors: Lenzi Amanda , Anitescu Mihai
Published: February 2023

Last issue, Amanda Lenzi and Mihai Anitescu introduced the role of statistics in energy forecasting. Here, they explore the best way to anticipate and avoid power failures. Part two of a two-part series
Intrathoracic lipoma of chest wall misdiagnosed as liposarcoma with malignant features based on radiological image and intraoperative findings
Authors: Koike Sachie , Miyazawa Masahisa , Kobayashi Nobutaka , Satomi Hidetoshi
Published: February 2023

Lipomas are common benign tumors, which are usually located in the subcutaneous tissue. It is relatively rare for lipoma to occur in the intrathoracic cavity, and it is clinically difficult to distinguish it from liposarcoma. We present the case of a 72-year-old man with a chest wall tumor preoperatively diagnosed as liposarcoma, with tumor enlargement with radiological image change to heterogenous and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography uptake. The tumor was resected along the chest wall, lung and diaphragm because of dense adhesions. The tumor was diagnosed as lipoma with fat necrosis and inflammatory changes.
Interstitial Cell Dysregulation in Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Morphodynamic Study of Novel Interstitial Cell Telocytes
Authors: Zhu Zhaoxuan , Ma Qianhui , Meng Xiangfei , Pan Yuxue , Li Yanhua , Wang Jia , Liu Yue , Yang Ping
Published: February 2023

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an occupation-dependent skin disease that afflicts humans with recurrent, non-specific episodes. Telocyte (TC) is a novel interstitial cell discovered in recent years and, together with fibroblasts, constitutes the predominant interstitial cell population in the skin. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphodynamic changes of interstitial cells, especially TCs, in the skin during the development and treatment of ACD by histological and microscopic scientific methods. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to track morphodynamic changes in interstitial cells during the development and treatment in the ACD-involved skin induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The results demonstrated that TCs were mainly present around dermal collagen fibers, perivascular (except dermal papillary vascular loop), and skin appendages, which expressed CD34+, Vimentin+, PDGFR-α+, and α-SMA−. The absence of TCs during ACD development and after ACD recovery causes dermal interstitial cell dysregulation. The special anatomical relationships between TCs, immune cells, and follicular stem cells were also revealed, suggesting their potential dermatitis-regulating function. In a nutshell, our results provide morphodynamic evidence for the process of ACD development and recovery and offer potential cytological ideas for ACD treatment.
Circ0005654 as a new biomarker of thyroid cancer interacting with SP1 to influence the prognosis: A case-control study
Authors: Yang Cui , Cao Zhi-Guo , Zhou Zheng-Wu , Han Sheng-Jin
Published: February 2023

Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) have been reported to play key roles in the progression of various cancers, including thyroid cancer (TC). Transcription factor 1 (SP1) promotes the development of thyroid cancer. This study aims at investigating the expression level of Circ0005654 in combination with Transcription factor1 (SP1) in patients with TC for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A total of 76 patients with thyroid cancer underwent radical surgery. Intraoperatively, thyroid cancer tissues and paired adjacent tissues and the corresponding clinicopathological data were collected. The expression of SP1 and β-catenin in thyroid cancer and adjacent tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) while the Circ0005654 expression level was measured by semiquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (sqRT-PCR). Then, we compared the variability of Circ0005654, SP1, and Wnt/β-catenin expression in cancerous and adjacent tissues and determined the relationship between the correlation analysis and the clinicopathological features of the thyroid cancer patients. The diagnostic value of Circ0005654 in thyroid cancer tissues was analyzed with the help of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, counting the 3-year postoperative survival rate, and analyzing the effect of Circ0005654 and SP1 protein levels on the 3-year survival rate of the patients. sqRT-PCR showed that the expression level of Circ0005654 in thyroid cancer tissue was significantly higher than that of adjacent tissues. The area under the ROC of Circ0005654 was 0.9553, 95% confidence interval: (0.9211−0.9895) with a cutoff value of 0.7895, a sensitivity of 92.11%, and a specificity of 86.84%. The IHC results showed that the expression level of SP1, β-catenin, and Wnt was higher in cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues; Circ0005654, SP1, Wnt/β-catenin expression levels were associated with tumor diameter, lymph node metastasis, TNM stage, and envelope invasion (all P < .05). According to the Circ0005654 expression level in thyroid cancer tissue, the 3-year survival rate of the high expression group was 77.5% and 94.4% in the low expression group with a statistically significant difference; the 3-year survival rate of SP1 positive and negative patients was 78.6% and 100%, respectively, with the data being significantly different. Circ0005654 may serve as a potential biomarker for thyroid cancer diagnosis and may be involved in the development of thyroid cancer.
Clean mucosal area detection of gastroenterologists versus artificial intelligence in small bowel capsule endoscopy
Authors: Ju Jeongwoo , Oh Hyun Sook , Lee Yeoun Joo , Jung Heechul , Lee Jong-Hyuck , Kang Ben , Choi Sujin , Kim Ji Hyun , Kim Kyeong Ok , Chung Yun Jin
Published: February 2023

Studies comparing the detection of clean mucosal areas in capsule endoscopy (CE) using human judgment versus artificial intelligence (AI) are rare. This study statistically analyzed gastroenterologist judgments and AI results. Three hundred CE video clips (100 patients) were prepared. Five gastroenterologists classified the video clips into 3 groups (≥75% [high], 50%–75% [middle], and < 50% [low]) according to their subjective judgment of cleanliness. Visualization scores were calculated using an AI algorithm based on the predicted visible area, and the 5 gastroenterologists’ judgments and AI results were compared. The 5 gastroenterologists evaluated CE clip video quality as “high” in 10.7% to 36.7% and as “low” in 28.7% to 60.3% and 29.7% of cases, respectively. The AI evaluated CE clip video quality as “high” in 27.7% and as “low” in 29.7% of cases. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant differences in the 6 evaluation indicators (5 gastroenterologists and 1 AI) (P < .001). Among the 300 judgments, 90 (30%) were consistent with 5 gastroenterologists’ judgments, and 82 (91.1%) agreed with the AI judgments. The “high” and “low” judgments of the gastroenterologists and AI agreed in 95.0% and 94.9% of cases, respectively. Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test showed no significant difference between 3 gastroenterologists and AI (P = .0961, P = 1.0000, and P = .0676, respectively) but a significant difference between the other 2 with AI (P < .0001). When evaluating CE images for cleanliness, the judgments of 5 gastroenterologists were relatively diverse. The AI produced a relatively universal judgment that was consistent with the gastroenterologists’ judgements.
Instrumental in Surgery
Authors: Casey Vincent J. , McNamara Laoise M.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

To provide an informed understanding of existing energy-based surgical cutting technologies and aerosol-generating surgical procedures. We provide a perspective on the future innovation and research potential in this space for the benefit of surgeons, physicians, engineers, and researchers alike.

Background:

Surgery is a treatment for many medical conditions, the success of which depends on surgical cutting instruments that enable surgeons to conduct surgical procedures for tissue cutting and manipulation. Energy-based surgical cutting tools improve accuracy and limit unnecessary destruction of healthy tissues and cells, but can generate surgical smoke and aerosols, which can be handled using surgical smoke evacuation technology.

Methods:

A narrative review was conducted to explore existing literature describing the history and development of energy-based surgical instruments, their mechanisms of action, aerosol-generating medical procedures, surgical smoke and aerosols from aerosol-generating medical procedures, and the recommended mitigation strategies, as well as research on rapid biological tissue analyzing devices to date.

Conclusions:

Smoke evacuation technology may provide diagnostic information regarding tissue pathology, which could eliminate health concerns and revolutionize surgical accuracy. However, further research into surgical smoke is required to quantify the measurable risk to health it poses, the cutting conditions, under which it is generated and to develop advanced diagnostic approaches using this information.
Evaluation of synergistic activity of antibiotic combinations in extensive drug-resistant Acinetobacter species using checkerboard assay
Authors: Abdel Halim Rania M. , Saber Sally M. , Fahim Noha Alaa Eldin
Published: February 2023

Introduction.

Acinetobacter

is one of the challenging drug-resistant organisms that can endanger patients' lives if not treated properly.

Aim. This study was designed to investigate the activity of three synergistic antimicrobial combinations against extensive drug-resistant

Acinetobacter

isolates; ampicillin/sulbactam plus amikacin, ampicillin/sulbactam plus ciprofloxacin, and meropenem plus amikacin.

Methodology. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of 100 XDR-

Acinetobacter

isolates were determined using the Vitek2 system. The broth micro-dilution method was performed to determine tigecycline MIC. Checkerboard assay was used to evaluate in vitro activity of the three antibiotic combinations.

Results. MIC results by the Vitek 2C system revealed that all

Acinetobacter

isolates were resistant to all tested antibiotics except for colistin against which no resistance was reported. As for tigecycline, all isolates were susceptible. Regarding MIC results of each antibiotic, all isolates were resistant to meropenem and ciprofloxacin. While 95 % of isolates were resistant to both ampicillin/sulbactam and amikacin. The activities of antibiotic combinations by checkerboard assay were as follows: ampicillin/sulbactam plus amikacin was synergic in 52 %, additive 40 % and indifferent in 8 % of isolates, ampicillin/sulbactam plus ciprofloxacin was synergic in 40 %, additive 46 % and indifferent in 14 % of isolates, meropenem/amikacin combination was synergic in 22 %, additive in 49 % of isolates and indifferent in 29 % of isolates. No antagonistic activity was detected against any of the tested antibiotic combinations.

Conclusion. Ampicillin/sulbactam plus amikacin showed the highest synergistic activity followed by ampicillin/sulbactam plus ciprofloxacin. This reflects the value of adding aminoglycosides to either of a β-lactam or quinolone. The tested antibiotic combinations are promising treatment options for XDR-

Acinetobacter

.
Risk factors for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Liu Yang , Chu Min , Wang Daosheng , Luo Yunhe , Liu Zhuohang , Zhao Jing
Published: February 2023

Introduction. The intestinal flora has become a promising new target in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common pathological condition of the intestinal flora. Recently, the lactose hydrogen–methane breath test has emerged as a non-invasive and economical method for the detection of SIBO in AIS patients. Exploring the prevalence of SIBO and its associated risk factors will provide a clinical basis for the association between intestinal flora and AIS.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Given that the prevalence of SIBO and its risk factors in patients with AIS remain to be studied, there is a need to investigate them.

Aim. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of SIBO in patients with AIS

Methodology. Eighty patients tested for SIBO using the lactulose hydrogen–methane breath test were evaluated. Patients were divided into SIBO-positive and SIBO-negative groups according to the presence or absence of SIBO, respectively. The baseline characteristics and clinical biochemical indicators of the patients were compared between the two groups. The independent risk factors and predictive value of SIBO in AIS patients were determined using multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.

Results. Of the 80 consecutive patients with AIS, 23 (28.8 %) tested positive for SIBO. Triglyceride (TG) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels were identified as independent risk factors for SIBO in patients with AIS using multivariate logistic regression analysis (P<0.005). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of TG was 0.690 (95 % CI 0.577–0.789, P=0.002). The sensitivity, specificity and optimal cut-off values were 95.7 %, 35.1 % and 1.14 mmol l–1, respectively. The AUC of Hcy was 0.676 (95 % CI 0.562–0.776, P=0.01). The sensitivity, specificity and optimal cut-off values were 73.9 %, 59.7 % and 14.1 µmol–1, respectively. When TG and Hcy levels were combined, the AUC increased to 0.764 (95 % CI 0.656–0.852, P<0.001). The specificity and sensitivity were 61.4 and 82.6 %, respectively. This showed that the combined detection of TG and Hcy levels had a higher predictive value

Conclusion. The prevalence of SIBO in patients with AIS was 28.8 %. TG and Hcy levels are independent risk factors for SIBO in patients with AIS. Both markers had good predictive value for the occurrence of SIBO. In the future, we should actively utilize these indicators to prevent intestinal flora imbalance and the occurrence of SIBO.
Initial Heart Rate Score Predicts New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Pacemaker Patients
Authors: Hayashi Katsuhide , Abe Haruhiko , Olshansky Brian , Sharma Arjun D. , Jones Paul W. , Wold Nickolas , Perschbacher David , Kohno Ritsuko , Richards Mark , Wilkoff Bruce L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Heart Rate Score (HRSc), the percent of all atrial paced and sensed event in the largest 10 bpm rate histogram bin of a pacemaker, predicts survival in patients with cardiac devices. No correlation between HRSc and development of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been reported.

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between pacemaker post-implantation HRSc and newly-developed AF incidence.

Methods

Patients with dual-chamber pacemakers, implanted 2013-2017, with ALTITIUDE remote monitoring data with ≥600,000 beats of histogram data collected at baseline were included (N=34,543). HRSc was determined from the post-implantation histogram data during the initial 3 months. Patients were excluded if they had AF, defined as atrial high-rate episodes >5 minutes or >1% of right atrial beats >170 bpm during the initial 3-months post-implantation. New AF, after the baseline period, was defined by each of the following: >1%, >10% or >25% of atrial beats >170 bpm or Atrial Tachycardia Response (ATR) events >24 hr.

Results

Patients were followed a median of 2.8 (1.0-4.0) years. Patients with initial HRSc≥70% were older, had higher %RA pacing, had lower %RV pacing and were more likely programmed with rate-response vs subjects with HRSc<70%. The incidence of AF increased in proportion to HRSc (Log-Rank P-value <0.001); results were insensitive to AF definition. Initial HRSc (HR:1.07, 95% CI:1.05-1.09; P<0.0001) independently predicted AF after adjusting for age, gender, % RV pacing and rate-response programming. The %RA pacing and initial HRSc correlated.

Conclusion

HRSc predicts subsequent AF independent of well-known risk factors in pacemaker patients.
Association of childhood adversity with frailty and the mediating role of unhealthy lifestyle: Findings from the UK biobank
Authors: Yang Gan , Cao Xingqi , Yu Jie , Li Xueqin , Zhang Liming , Zhang Jingyun , Ma Chao , Zhang Ning , Lu Qingyun , Wu Chenkai , Chen Xi , Hoogendijk Emiel O. , Gill Thomas M. , Liu Zuyun
Published: February 2023

Background

Childhood adversity and lifestyle have been associated with frailty in later life, but not much is known about factors that may explain these associations. An unhealthy lifestyle may play an important role in the pathway from childhood adversity to frailty. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association of childhood adversity with frailty, and the mediating role of unhealthy lifestyle in the association.

Methods

This lifespan analysis included 152914 adults aged 40-69 years old from the UK Biobank. We measured childhood adversity with five items: physical neglect, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse through online mental health survey. Frailty was measured by the frailty index; an unhealthy lifestyle score (range: 0-5) was calculated based on unhealthy body mass index, smoking, drinking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet at the baseline survey. Multiple logistic regression and mediation analysis were performed.

Results

A total of 10078 participants (6.6%) were defined as having frailty. Participants with any childhood adversity had higher odds of frailty. For example, in the fully adjusted model, with a one-point increase in cumulative score of childhood adversity, the odds of frailty increased by 41% (Odds Ratio: 1.41; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.39, 1.44). Unhealthy lifestyle partially mediated the associations of childhood adversity with frailty (mediation proportion: 4.4%-7.0%). The mediation proportions were largest for physical (8.2%) and sexual (8.1%) abuse.

Conclusions

Among this large sample, childhood adversity was positively associated with frailty, and unhealthy lifestyle partially mediated the association. This newly identified pathway highlights the potential of lifestyle intervention strategies among those who experienced childhood adversity (in particular, physical and sexual abuse) to promote healthy aging.
Transcriptome-wide association study identified candidate genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Shi Yingzhou , Li Changrong , Yu Hongjie , Chen Xinyu , Shi Ping , Xu Chao
Published: February 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common metabolism and endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. However, the genetic mechanisms of PCOS remain largely elusive. A transcriptome-wide association study(TWAS) was conducted to identify the genes associated with PCOS using gene expression references of the whole blood and ovary. Then mRNA expression profiling analysis was performed to identify common genes with TWAS. Genes detected by TWAS were subjected to Gene Ontology(GO), pathway enrichment and protein-protein analysis. TWAS identified 422 genes for the whole blood and 177 genes for ovary, such as EML6 (TWAS.P = 6.33E-05), GRAP (TWAS.P = 0.000211), MAFTRR(TWAS.P = 1.21E-05). Functional enrichment analysis detected biological processes including ncRNA metabolic process, microtubule-related pathways. The present study identified a number of potential PCOS genes and biological processes. These results may provide insight into the genetic basis of PCOS.
Understanding depression in female adolescents: Correlations between interpersonal trust, self-esteem, and interpersonal attributional style
Authors: Li Lin , Tang Lan , Lai Yan-hong , Liu Jian
Published: February 2023

This study examines sociocognitive factors causing depressed mood in hospitalized female adolescents with depression and the correlations between interpersonal trust, self-esteem, and interpersonal attributional style. From June 2021 to October 2022, a total of 166 hospitalized female adolescents with depression who met the inclusion criteria were recruited from Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital. They provided demographic information and were evaluated for depressed mood, interpersonal trust, self-esteem, and interpersonal attributional style using the Chinese versions of the Children’s Depression Inventory, Interpersonal Trust Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Multidimensional–Multiattributional Causality Scale, respectively. Interpersonal trust and self-esteem were negatively correlated with depressed mood, whereas internal and external attributions of interpersonal attributional style were significantly and positively correlated with depressed mood. Interpersonal trust was significantly and positively correlated with self-esteem, and interpersonal trust and self-esteem were negatively correlated with interpersonal attributional style. An analysis of the theoretical model for interpersonal trust–self-esteem– interpersonal attributional style–depressed mood relationships revealed that the model had a good fit and the overall fit indicators met the statistical requirements. The results of the path coefficient analysis indicated that all path coefficients reached statistically significant levels, except for those from interpersonal trust to depressed mood. Therefore, self-esteem mediates the effects of interpersonal trust and interpersonal attributional style on depression and is a critical sociocognitive factor affecting female adolescents with depression. Accordingly, psychological interventions for female adolescents with depression should focus on improving self-esteem.
Real-world effectiveness of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir among COVID-19 community, highly vaccinated patients with high risk for severe disease: Evidence that both antivirals reduce the risk for disease progression and death
Authors: Paraskevis D. , Gkova M. , Mellou K. , Gerolymatos G. , Psalida P. , Gkolfinopoulou K. , Kostaki E.G. , Loukides S. , Kotanidou A. , Skoutelis A. , Thiraios E. , Saroglou G. , Zografopoulos D. , Mossialos E. , Zaoutis T. , Gaga M. , Tsiodras S. , Antoniadou A.
Published: February 2023

Besides the significant benefits of vaccination against COVID-19, the risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19 among highly vulnerable populations remains of concern. Implementation of oral antiviral treatment has shown significant benefits for outpatients with high risk for severe disease, however, their effectiveness remains to be evaluated in real-life settings and in the presence of new Omicron subvariants. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of molnupiravir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir using a retrospective cohort design with outcomes hospital admission and death from COVID-19, in Greece. The effectiveness of each drug was estimated through a comparison of the antiviral’s recipients with an age-matched control group of non-recipients, adjusted for age, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination status, and vaccination recency. Our analysis showed that molnupiravir significantly reduced the risk for hospitalization (OR = 0.40, p < 0.001) and death from COVID-19 (OR = 0.31, p < 0.001), with the effect being more intense among elderly patients (≥75 years old). The effectiveness was higher among those with full adherence. Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was found also to significantly reduce the risk of hospital admission (OR = 0.31, p < 0.001) and death (OR = 0.28, p < 0.001) and, similarly to molnupiravir, effectiveness was stronger among elderly patients and those with the highest levels of adherence. Analysis of the relative effectiveness of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir versus molnupiravir suggested that nirmatrelvir/ritonavir was associated with a reduced risk for hospital admission (OR = 0.58, p < 0.001) compared to molnupiravir, adjusted for age, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination status, and co-morbidities. Our real-world study provides evidence about the reduced risk of hospitalization and death in highly vaccinated patients with a high risk for severe disease in Greece. These findings highlight that although the hospitalization and mortality risk has been reduced mainly due to vaccination and the emergence of Omicron variants, antivirals provide significant additional benefits in highly vulnerable patients and therefore their use is documented and strongly indicated.
Omics Analysis Unveils the Pathway Involved in the Purple Coloration in Tomato Seedling and Fruits
Authors: He Rui , Liu Kaizhe , Zhang Shuchang , Ju Jun , Hu Youzhi , Li Yamin , Liu Xiaojun , Liu Houcheng
Published: February 2023

The purple tomato variety ‘Indigo Rose’(InR) is favored due to its bright appearance and abundant anthocyanins.SlHY5is associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis in ‘Indigo Rose’ plants. However, residual anthocyanins still present inSlhy5seedlings and fruit peel indicated there was an anthocyanin induction pathway that is independent of HY5 in plants. The molecular mechanism of color formation in ‘Indigo Rose’ andSlhy5mutants is unclear. In this study, we performed omics analysis to clarify the regulatory network underlying coloration in seedling and fruit peel of ‘Indigo Rose’ andSlhy5mutant. Results showed that the total amount of anthocyanins in both seedling and fruit of InR were significantly higher than those inSlhy5mutant and most genes associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis exhibited higher expression levels in InR, suggesting thatSlHY5play pivotal roles in flavonoid biosynthesis both in tomato seedlings and fruit. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) results revealed that SlBBX24 physically interacts with SlAN2-like and SlAN2, while SlWRKY44 could interact with SlAN11 protein. Unexpectedly, both SlPIF1 and SlPIF3 were found to interact with SlBBX24, SlAN1 and SlJAF13 by yeast two-hybrid assay. Suppression of SlBBX24 by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) retarded the purple coloration of the fruit peel, indicating an important role ofSlBBX24in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation. These results deepen the understanding of purple color formation in tomato seedling and fruits in an HY5-dependent or independent manner via excavating the genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis based on omics analysis.
m6A regulates the stability of cellular transcripts required for efficient KSHV lytic replication
Authors: Manners Oliver , Baquero-Perez Belinda , Mottram Timothy J. , Yonchev Ivaylo D. , Trevelyan Christopher J. , Patterson Molly R. , Macdonald Andrew , Wilson Stuart A. , Aspden Julie L. , Whitehouse Adrian
Published: February 2023

The epitranscriptomic modificationN6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a ubiquitous feature of the mammalian transcriptome. It modulates mRNA fate and dynamics to exert regulatory control over numerous cellular processes and disease pathways, including viral infection. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) reactivation from the latent phase leads to redistribution of m6A topology upon both viral and cellular mRNAs within infected cells. Here we investigate the role of m6A in cellular transcripts upregulated during KSHV lytic replication. Results show that m6A is crucial for the stability of theGPRC5AmRNA, whose expression is induced by the KSHV latent-lytic switch master regulator, the replication and transcription activator (RTA) protein. Moreover, we demonstrate that GPRC5A is essential for efficient KSHV lytic replication by directly regulating NFκB signalling. Overall, this work highlights the central importance of m6A in modulating cellular gene expression to influence viral infection.

Author Summary

Chemical modifications on mRNA, such as m6A, are functionally linked to all stages of mRNA metabolism and regulate a variety of biological processes. As such, m6A modification offers unique possibilities for viruses to modulate both viral and host gene expression. m6A has been identified on transcripts encoded by a wide range of viruses and studies to investigate m6A function have highlighted distinct roles in virus life cycles. In addition, cellular transcripts undergoing differential m6A status during infection may also be important for virus replication. In this study we investigate the impact of differential m6A modification in host transcripts during KSHV lytic replication, by identifying transcripts with altered methylation profiles between latent and lytic replication programmes. We show that increased m6A content in one of these cellular mRNAs,GPRC5A, enhances its stability and correlates with increased abundance during KSHV lytic replication. Moreover, the importance of GPRC5A is demonstrated by depletion studies, showing that GPRC5A enhances KSHV lytic replication by inhibiting cell signalling pathways.