bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Zhubech, a New 5-FU Analog Liposomal Formulation, against Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ndemazie Nkafu Bechem , Zhu Xue You , Bulusu Raviteja , Frimpong Esther Kesewah , Inkoom Andriana , Okoro Joy , Ebesoh Dexter , Rogers Sherise , Han Bo , Agyare Edward
Published: January 2023

Pancreatic cancer is projected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030 in the US. The benefits of the most common systemic therapy for various pancreatic cancer have been masked by high drug toxicities, adverse reactions, and resistance. Using nanocarriers like liposomes to overcome these unwanted effects has become very popular. This study aimed to formulate 1,3-bis tetrahydrofuran-2yl-5FU (MFU)-loaded liposomal nanoparticles (Zhubech) and evaluate the stability, MFU release kinetics, in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities, and biodistribution. Particle size and zeta potential were determined using a particle size analyzer, while cellular uptake of rhodamine-entrapped liposomal nanoparticle (Rh0-LnP) was determined by confocal microscopy. Gadolinium hexanoate (Gd-Hex) was synthesized and entrapped into the liposomal nanoparticle (LnP) (Gd-Hex-LnP) as a model contrast agent, to evaluate gadolinium biodistribution and accumulation by LnP in vivo using inductively coupled plasma mass spec-trometry (ICP-MS). The mean hydrodynamic diameters of the blank LnP and Zhubech were 90.0 ± 0.65 nm and 124.9 ± 3.2 nm, respectively. The hydrodynamic diameter of Zhubech was found to be highly stable at 4o C and 25oC for 30 days in solution. In vitro drug release of MFU from Zhubech formulation exhibited the Higuchi model (R2 value = 0.95). Both Miapaca-2 and Panc-1 treated with Zhubech showed reduced viability, two- or four-fold lower than that of MFU-treated cells in 3D spheroids (IC50Zhubech = 3.4 ± 1.0μM vs IC50MFU = 6.8 ± 1.1μM) and organoids (IC50Zhubech = 9.8 ± 1.4μM vs IC50MFU = 42.3 ± 1.0μM) culture models. Confocal imaging confirmed high uptake of rhodamine-entrapped LnP by Panc-1 cells in a time-dependent manner. Tumor efficacy studies in PDX bearing mouse model revealed more than 9-fold decrease in mean tumor volumes in Zhu-bech treated (108 ± 13.5 mm3) compared to 5-FU treated (1,107 ± 116.2 mm3) animals respectively. This study demonstrates that Zhubech may be a potential candidate for delivering drugs for pancreatic cancer treatment.
Effect of Firm Size, Profitability and Capital Intensity on Effective Tax Rate (ETR)
Authors: Aulia Nur Afni , Ernandi Herman
Published: January 2023

This study aims to determine the size of the company, profitability and capital intensity affect the effective tax rate on Manufacturing Companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The period used in this study is 3 (three) years, starting from 2017 to 2019. This study uses a form of quantitative research method. The sampling technique in this study used a purposive sampling method which resulted in 23 manufacturing companies according to existing criteria with a three-year observation period, so that the total sample was 69 companies. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression. In addition, there are also descriptive statistical tests and classical assumption tests. In this study, the hypothesis was tested using the t test (partial) and the coefficient of determination (R Square). The statistical program in this study uses SPSS version 18.0. The results obtained based on multiple linear regression analysis indicate that the variables of firm size, profitability and capital intensity affect the effective tax rate. Simultaneously, the variables of firm size, profitability and capital intensity have been shown to have an effect on effective tax rates.
Uplifting mountains and shaking deserts: volcano-tectonic earthquakes revealed by soft-sediment-deformation structures in Upper Cretaceous aeolian deposits
Authors: Alessandretti Luciano , Warren Lucas V. , Varejão Filipe G. , Rassi Raul , Dos Santos Maurício G.M. , Silva Mariana N.M. , Honorato Fernando R. , Estrada Michele J.T. , Cunha João V.O.
Published: January 2023

During the last stages of Gondwana fragmentation, large regions of the newly formed South American continent were covered by extensive deserts. Some parts of this continental landmass were synchronously affected by pronounced tectonism and magmatism, which were responsible for reshaping the regional topography. In this context, the southwestern part of the Sanfranciscana Basin in central Brazil is a key area for understanding this particular period in the geodynamic evolution of the South American continent. Aeolian deposits of the Posse Formation in the basin occur in direct association with volcanic rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Mata da Corda Group. Here, we report evidence of synsedimentary magmatism in direct association with soft-sediment-deformation structures, including flame structures, load casts and pseudonodules, water-escape structures, convolute lamination, faults, breccias, and clastic dikes, developed exclusively in aeolian sandstone and siltstone facies. The deformation features are interpreted as indicative of liquefaction, fluidization, and brittle behavior of the loose to partially lithified, wet sandy–silty sediments. The Late Cretaceous aeolian sedimentation is contemporaneous with the uplift of the Paranaíba High and associated magmatism in the Minas–Goiás Alkaline Province. In this context, these significant volcano-tectonic activities are considered to have triggered ductile to brittle deformation in the reported aeolian deposits.
Plan de negocio de la Empresa de Transportes JJCA E.I.R.L
Authors:   , Flores Rodríguez Dinavet Reyna , Gaspar Porras María Elena , Gómez Huamán Johnny Hans , Plasencia Palacios Jenny Jackelyn , Vega López Fabiola Esther
Published: January 2023

El objetivo del trabajo es presentar el plan de negocio de la empresa de TRANSPORTES JJCA EIRL y conocer su plan financiero, para analizar si es rentable el negocio. Realizamos un análisis de macroentorno utilizando los instrumentos Pestle y de sondeo mercado local; por lo que va permitir a la gerencia identificar las amenazas y oportunidades. Por otra parte, se identificó las fortalezas y debilidades, por lo que nos preocupa principalmente una de sus debilidades “No cuenta con unidades de todas las capacidades, que solicita el cliente”, es de hecho la información recopilada ayudará al gerente en determinar las estrategias de negocio. Se realiza un plan de marketing con el objetivo de hacer conocer la marca en el mercado local, fidelizar a nuestros clientes, introducir nuestro servicio E commerce y afianzar nuestro servicio en las redes sociales a través de las estrategias planteadas. El plan de operaciones de TRANSPORTES JJCA EIRL, nos indica un organigrama empresarial clásico (vertical), está conformado por un equipo administrativo, equipo de coordinadores logísticos y un equipo operativo, también tenemos el proceso de actividades iniciales para el proceso de producción de ingreso de conductor. ingreso de vehículo y salidas de la planta. Revisamos datos histórica con referencia al plan financiero, es decir que es necesario conocer los costos, los materiales de insumo para el servicio, las inversiones, el estado de pérdidas y ganancias, proyección de fluidez de caja para poder determinar si el negocio es rentable y poder aumentar sus activos cubriendo las necesidades exponenciales de sus clientes.
Plan de negocio para la producción y comercialización de bebidas elaboradas a base de quito quito, que ayudan a combatir la anemia en niños menores Ate-Vitarte, 2022
Authors:   , Orellana Ingaruca Nicolle Sumiko , Ludeña Travi Jennifer Patricia , Alzamora Lazaro Clemencia Verenice , Chuco Grovas Lesly Carla
Published: January 2023

El presente trabajo desarrolla una propuesta de negocio enfocada en contrarrestar enfermedades como la anemia en niños, además de promover la reflexión alimenticia saludable mediante nuestro producto de bebidas naturales de pulpa de quito quito con razón social LULO S.A.C y presentado con el siguiente nombre comercial “QUITOMAX”. Nuestra mencionada propuesta contiene diversas ventajas saludables que ayudan a fortalecer el sistema inmunológico, además que contamos con un valor agregado que nos diferencia como iniciativa ante nuestros clientes y población en general, por lo que compartiremos una plataforma donde un nutricionista brindará información saludable de los alimentos, con ello no solo queremos vender sino reflejar que hacemos por mejorar nuestra sociedad como responsabilidad social. En este sentido, para obtener la viabilidad de nuestro negocio se han evaluado en entorno a través del análisis PESTEL en la cual se obtiene datos positivos y algunos negativos, de igual manera iniciamos con un análisis exhaustiva de los factores que tiene la empresa para poder identificar aquellas oportunidades y amenazas, y así permitirnos a desarrollar estrategias en base a ello. Posterior a ello, se consideraron los mejores instrumentos y elementos para la producción y comercialización de calidad de nuestra bebida, ya que fue lanzada al mercado como una opción más de alimentación saludable en el distrito de Ate. Se finalizó con el plan financiero, que orienta a aprovechar todos los datos e información extraída para que la empresa alcance las ventas proyectadas con el fin de que logre un crecimiento significativo dentro del mercado.
Reservas de carbono en un ecosistema del desierto sudamericano: El caso de las Lomas de Amancaes (Lima, Perú)
Authors:   , Guerrero Palomino Victor Hugo
Published: January 2023

La captura de carbono es un proceso fundamental que regula el clima y permite contrarrestar el calentamiento global. Este estudio estimó las reservas de carbono en las Lomas de Amancaes, un ecosistema del desierto sudamericano en Lima (Perú). Se tomaron muestras de la biomasa vegetal aérea y del suelo (0 – 20 cm de profundidad), midiendo el carbono almacenado en ambos compartimentos. Los resultados indicaron que la cantidad de carbono almacenado (CA) es de 6 510,72 tC (29,76 tC/ha); el CA fue mayor en el suelo (28,67 tC/ha) que en la biomasa aérea (1,09 tC/ha); al comparar el CA entre rangos altitudinales (300 - 750 m s.n.m.), no se encontraron diferencias significativas (p>0,05). Al compararlo con otros ecosistemas del desierto costero peruano, el CA de las Lomas de Amancaes es mayor a lo encontrado en tillandsiales (3,6 tC/ha), pero fue menor a los reportado para algunos humedales (38,47-305,37 tC/ha). El CA del área de estudio se asemeja a las reservas de varios ecosistemas desérticos del mundo (el valor oscila entre 0,15 - 45,55 tC/ha en desiertos de África, Zona de transición Sahel, Desierto de Negev, Desiertos en China, Desierto Mojave, Cuenca de La Paz y Los Planes) con algunas excepciones (como los desiertos templados de Asia Central, Sabana de Acacia y Túnez que cuentan con un CA = 40,40 -159,2 tC/ha). Estos resultados representan una de las primeras estimaciones de las reservas de carbono en las lomas del desierto del Pacífico Sudamericano y brindan datos valiosos para su conservación.
La escasa efectividad de la suspensión perfecta de labores como medio de protección de la formalidad laboral frente a la crisis post Covid-19
Authors:   , Godoy Mariño Mónica Patricia
Published: January 2023

El articulo muestra como la Suspensión Perfecta de Labores, una norma existente con uso poco frecuente en el ordenamiento jurídico peruano. Fue utilizada como medida de protección laboral frente a una situación de caso fortuito como es la pandemia del Covid-19. Una adaptación de esta norma fue la solución equitativa hacia el empresariado y trabajador, buscando proteger el vínculo laboral durante el estado de emergencia. Se presenta una crítica a esta norma pues no ha demostrado sostener el empleo formal a largo plazo. Puesto que se observó un incremento en la tasa de desempleo posterior a su aplicación.
Identification of the function, immunological role and m6A modification of MYSM1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Nan , Huang Xuanyu , Cheng Jinsheng
Published: January 2023

Background:MYSM1 displays vital roles in hematopoiesis and lymphocyte development. However, the prognosis, immune infiltration and m6A modification role of MYSM1 in Head and Neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) remains unexplored.
Methods: A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was used to identify the expression profiles and prognosis of MYSM1 in pan-cancer through multiple databases. TIMER and CIBERSORT database were used to analyze the relationship between MYSM1 expression and immune infiltration. GSEA and R language was utilized to estimate the functional enrichment analysis of MYSM1 in HNSC. The TCGA-HNSC cohort was used to investigate the relationship between MYSM1 expression and m6A modification in HNSC.
Results: MYSM1 was differentially expressed in a variety of cancers including HNSC, and highly MYSM1 expression was associated with favorable overall survival (OS) and histological grade. CIBERSORT analysis showed that MYSM1 expression was significantly correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells. And the specific mechanism of MYSM1 regulating immune infiltration may be involved in the PD-L1 expression and PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer and TNF signaling pathway. TCGA-HNSC cohort analysis revealed that MYSM1 expression was related to 9 m6A modifier genes.
Conclusion: Our comprehensive study found that MYSM1 can serve as a prognostic biomarker for determining prognosis, and is correlated with tumor immune infiltrating cells and m6A modification.
Compression of images with a mathematical approach based on sine and cosine equations and vector quantization (VQ)
Authors: Ghadami Raheleh , Rahebi Javed
Published: January 2023

Image compression is one of the most attractive and practical topics. Without image compression, the image size becomes too large for storage. The transmission of uncompressing images on computer networks slows down and network bandwidth is wasted. Various approaches to image compression have been proposed so far, one of which is vector quantization using mathematical concepts and image processing to compress images. The LBG algorithm is a practical algorithm for compressing images using vector quantization concepts. Most researchers have used meta-heuristic and optimization algorithms with a modeling approach of swarm behavior of living things to improve the quality of the LBG compression algorithm. This study uses a meta-heuristic method based on sine and cosine algorithms (SCA) to improve the quality of the image compression algorithm. In the proposed mathematical modeling method, the SCA algorithm is improved using spiral equations. The improved SCA algorithm is then used to find the optimal codebook in the LBG compression algorithm. Finding a better codebook in the proposed method will increase the quality of the compression images. The proposed method implemented in MATLAB software and experiments showed that the PSNR index in the proposed method improve the ratio of the LBG algorithm by about 13.73%. Evaluations show that the PSNR index of compressed images in the proposed method is higher and better than PBM, CS-LBG, FA-LBG, BA-LBG, HBMO-LBG, QPSO-LBG, PSO-LBG. The result shows the proposed method (or ISCA-LBG) has less time complexity than HHO and WOA compression algorithms.
Epi-Clock: A sensitive platform to help understand pathogenic disease outbreaks and facilitate the response to future outbreaks of concern.
Authors: Ji Cong , Shao Junbin Jack
Published: January 2023

The lack of virus fossilization precludes any references or ancestors for inferring evolutionary processes, and viruses have no cell structure, metabolism, or space to reproduce outside host cells. Most mutations yielding high pathogenicity become removed from the population, but adaptive mutations could be epidemically transmitted and fixed in the population. Therefore, determining how viruses originated, how they diverged and how an infectious disease was transmitted are serious challenges. To predict potential epidemic outbreaks, we tested our strategy, Epi-Clock, which applies the ZHU algorithm on different SARS-CoV-2 datasets before outbreaks to search for real significant mutational accumulation patterns correlated with the outbreak events. We imagine that specific amino acid substitutions are triggers for outbreaks. Surprisingly, some inter-species genetic distances of Coronaviridae were shorter than the intra-species distances, which may represent the intermediate states of different species or subspecies in the evolutionary history of Coronaviridae. The insertions and deletions of whole genome sequences between different hosts were separately associated with new functions or turning points, clearly indicating their important roles in the host transmission and shifts of Coronaviridae. Furthermore, we believe that non-nucleosomal DNA may play dominant roles in the divergence of different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 in different regions of the world because of the lack of nucleosome protection. We suggest that strong selective variation among different lineages of SARS-CoV-2 is required to produce strong codon usage bias, significantly appear in B.1.640.2 and B.1.617.2 (Delta). Interestingly, we found that an increasing number of other types of substitutions, such as those resulting from the hitchhiking effect, have accumulated, especially in the pre-breakout phase, even though some previous substitutions were replaced by other dominant genotypes. From most validations, we could accurately predict the potential pre-phase of outbreaks with a median interval of 5 days before. Using our pipeline, users may review updated information on the website https://bioinfo.liferiver.com.cn with easy registration.
Hippocampal Subregions Volume and Texture for the Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Chu Tongpeng , Liu Yajun , Zhang Zhongsheng , Zhang Gang , Dong Fanghui , Dong Jianli , Lin Shujuan
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the diagnostic efficacy of hippocampal subregions volume and texture in differentiating amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from normal aging changes.
Materials and Methods: Ninety MCI subjects and eighty-eight well-matched healthy controls (HCs) were selected from the ADNI-1 or ADNI-2 Database.Twelve hippocampal subregions volume and texture features were extracted using Freesurfer and MaZda based on T1 weighted magnetic resonance images. Then, two-sample t-test and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression were developed to select a subset of the original features. Finally, a support vector machine (SVM) was used to perform the classification task and the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the model.
Results: The volume features with high discriminative power were mainly located in the bilateral CA1 and bilateral CA4, while texture feature were gray-level non-uniformity, run length non-uniformity and fraction. Our model based on hippocampal subregions volume and texture features achieved better classification performance with an AUC of 0.90.
Conclusions: Based on hippocampal subregions volume and texture can be used to diagnose MCI. Moreover, we found that the features that contributed most to the model were mainly textural features, followed by volume. These results may guide future studies using structural scans to classify patients with MCI.
Assessment of the activity of tigecycline and colistin on biofilm producer Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from COVID-19 patients, Iran
Authors: Rahimi Sara , Bakht Mehdi , peymani Amir , Farshadzadeh Zahra , Ehteram Hasan , Bakhshi Ashraf , Nikkhahi Farhad , khakpour mohadeseh
Published: January 2023

Background
Pneumonia caused by β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae is encountered in hospitals. We aimed to investigate the activity of tigecycline, colistin and other selected antibiotics against 27 β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumonia isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in COVID-19 patients.
Methods
In the current survey phenotypic screening of ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase enzymes was carried out. Detection of ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase genes was also performed by the PCR method. Biofilm formation was assessed by staining with 1% crystal violet. Finally, a set of the virulence-encoding genes were detected by the PCR method.
Results
This study demonstrated the high percentage of ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae among COVID-19 patients. Tigecycline and colistin were more effective against these isolates. ESBL associated genes were detected in (18 (66.7%) blaTEM, 27 (100%) blaSHV, and 18 (66.7%) blaCTX−M) isolates. Also, carbapenemase-related genes were detected in 16 (59.3%) isolates. The prevalence of these genes were blaOXA−48−like 14(51.9%), and blaNDM1 2 (7.4%). Twenty-seven isolates exhibited biofilm formation. Molecular distribution of virulence genes revealed that 92.59%, 92.5%, 88.88%, 11.11% and 18.5% of the isolates carried entB, mrkD, Irp2, fimH and magA genes, respectively. MLST results for four colistin-resistant isolates showed three different sequence types-ST: ST3500, ST273, and 2 cases of ST2558.
Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrated the prevalence of infections caused by β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, which are biofilm producers among respiratory hospitalized Patients. The effective antimicrobial activity of tigecycline to the bacteria that produce these enzymes may be efficient in faster and better treating COVID-19 patients which are hospitalized.
Sustainable Bioethanol Production by Solid State Fermentation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ruslan Nur Fathin , Ahmad Noormazlinah , Abas Azlan , Sanfilippo Antonio , Mahmoud Khaled , Munaim Mimi Sakinah Abdul , Nour Abdurahman Hamid
Published: January 2023

Escalation of the global population has accelerated the demand for sustainable energy sources such as bioethanol. Traditionally, bioethanol has been produced using fossil fuels, which are non-renewable, non-sustainable, and not eco-friendly. Thus, there is a need to develop new technologies and low-cost raw materials in order to ensure that bioethanol is economically comparable to traditional fossil fuels. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been in the limelight within the scientific community because of its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and promising technology to produce various products such as postbiotics and bioethanol. SSF involves the cultivation of microorganisms on solid substrate with the absence of free-flowing water, which eliminates the need for sugar extraction and reduces wastewater production. This systematic review provides an overview of the applications of SSF in bioethanol production while presenting recent studies and advancements of this technology for producing sustainable and cost-effective bioethanol.
Life cycle environmental impacts of wine grape production in Gansu, China
Authors: Wang Yaolin , Sun Tao , Li Yinke , Milne Eleanor , Yang Yanjun , Liu Kailin , Li Jinhui , Zhao Chuanyan , Yan Peiying , Li Shuo , Li Jingjing , Wan Xiang , Duan Bin , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Gansu, one of China’s major viniculture regions, is transforming its wine industry to a green production pattern. This study aims to delve into the environmental impacts associated with wine grape production in Gansu using life cycle assessment (LCA). Results show that the impacts of non-renewable energy consumption (NR) and global warming potential (GWP) are higher in the pre-farm stage than those in the on-farm phase. Nitrogen fertilizer (N) production and electricity generation contribute the most in the pre-farm stage, while N2O emission dominates the GWP impact in the on-farm phase. In contrast, the impacts of AP and EP in the on-farm stage are higher than their pre-farm counterparts. Organic fertilizer and N production as well as electricity generation are the main contributors to AP in the pre-farm stage, whereas NH3 emission predominates the on-farm impact category. Pesticide production contributes the most to EP in the pre-farm stage, while emission dominates the on-farm emission. N2O, NH3 and emissions are mainly the result of N application. Technological innovation, policy tools, precise and efficient fertilization, regulated deficit irrigation, alternate drip irrigation are all priorities to mitigate the environmental burden.
A picogram BA-ELISA quantification assay for rLj-RGD3, a platelet fibrinogen receptor antagonist, in the rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Yuping , Liu Zhien , Han Guozhu , Yu Ping , Yang Xiaobo , Wang Jihong , Lv Li
Published: January 2023

rLj-RGD3, a new member of RGD-motif toxin protein family derived from Lampetra japonica by means of DNA recombinant technique, has been demonstrated to be a platelet fibrinogen receptor antagonist. The present article aims to report an innovative validated highly sensitive and specific biotin-avidin enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (BA-ELISA) in order to provide a bio-analytical method for its pharmacokinetic (PK) study. The concentration of rLj-RGD3 in rat plasma was measured at a picogram level by the developed double sandwich BA-ELISA assay, which used two different mouse anti-rLj-RGD3 monoclonal antibodies as capture antibody and detection antibody, respectively, directed at different epitopes. The method was validated to be highly specific (no interference with the detection from blank plasma), precise (RSD <10%) and accurate (94%-104%). The absolute recovery was as high as 94%-105%. The calibration curve showed good linearity ranging from 50 to 1600 pg/mL. The LOQ was found to be as low as 50 pg/mL. The above validated assay was successfully employed for the assessment of PK disposition of rLj-RGD3 in rats. After i.v. and s.c. dosing 30 µg/kg the rLj-RGD3 plasma concentration declined biexponentially with time, which could be best fitted by the two-compartment model. In conclusion, the BA-ELISA method reported here was proved to completely meet requirements for PK study of rLj-RGD3 with effective pharmacological dose at µg/kg BW level.
Acoustic-Driven Magnetic Skyrmion Motion
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhao Le , Yi Di , Xu Teng , Chai Yahong , Zhang Chenye , Jiang Dingsong , Ji Yahui , Jiang Wanjun , Tang Jianshi , Yu Pu , Wu Huaqiang , Nan Tianxiang
Published: January 2023

Magnetic skyrmions have great potential for developing novel spintronic devices. The electrical manipulation of skyrmions has mainly relied on current-induced spin-orbit torques. A recent theoretical model suggested that the skyrmions could be more efficiently manipulated by surface acoustic waves (SAW), an elastic wave that can couple with magnetic moment through magnetoelastic effect. However, the directional motion of skyrmions that is driven by SAW is still missing. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the motion of Néel-type skyrmions in Ta/CoFeB/MgO/Tamultilayers driven by propagating SAW pulses from on-chip piezoelectric transducers. Our results revealthat the elastic wave with longitudinal and shear vertical displacements (Rayleigh wave) traps skyrmions, while the shear horizontal wave effectively drives the motion of skyrmions. In particular, a longitudinal motion along the SAW propagation direction and a transverse motion due to topological charge, are observed and further confirmed by our micromagnetic simulations. This work demonstrates a promising approach based on acoustic waves for manipulating skyrmions, which could offer new opportunities for ultra-low power spintronics.
A Smartphone Application for Postoperative Care with an Instant Feedback System after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Wu Ming-Han , Wu Pei-Chang , Hseih Long-Bing , Lin Li-Man , Tsai Chia-Ling
Published: January 2023

Purpose: Outpatient postoperative periodic visits still lack information for the early detection of patients with initial infection or other serious conditions after cataract surgeries. We developed and accessed a postoperative care smartphone application (PC app) for patients to self-record and report postoperative symptoms/signs with an instant bidirectional feedback system.
Methods: The PC app alerted the patient to report and grade six ocular symptoms/signs associated with endophthalmitis or retinal detachment. Patients used the PC app for 7 days postoperatively to assess their symptoms/signs 4 times a day after receiving an alert. The data automatically collected using a cloud computer system judged the grade and sent messages to medical staff for further medical assistance. User information and satisfaction were collected from the questionnaire on the 7th day.
Results: 50 patients participated. There were two reports of symptom grade deterioration (increased photopsia and fever) in two patients. 81% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied to communicate their symptoms instantly with the app, 86% reported the app to be helpful, and 81% opined to use it again. While, 79% of patients considered the PC app to improve the quality of postoperative care, 86% found it helpful for seeking medical assistance. Critical themes included less willingness to look at smartphones after eye surgery, lack of a footnote area, and the need for more medical education.
Conclusion:
This novel PC app for self-reporting of postoperative symptoms and instant bidirectional feedback system could be useful for cataract patients. It was perceived to be satisfactory and improve the quality of patient care after cataract surgery.
Cortical structural and functional coupling during development and implications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Soman Shania , Vijayakumar Nandita , Thomson Phoebe , Ball Gareth , Hyde C , Silk Tim
Published: January 2023

Objective: Functional connectivity is scaffolded by the structural connections of the brain. Disruptions of either structural or functional connectivity can lead to deficits in cognitive functions and increase risk for neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). To date, very little research has examined the association between structural and functional connectivity in typical development, while no studies have attempted to understand the development of structure-function coupling in children with ADHD.
Methods: 175 individuals (84 typically developing children and 91 children with ADHD) participated in a longitudinal neuroimaging study with up to three waves. In total, we collected 278 observations between the ages 9 and 14 (139 each in typically developing controls and ADHD). Regional measures of structure-function coupling were calculated at each timepoint using Spearman’s rank correlation and mixed effect models were used to determine group differences and longitudinal changes in coupling over time.
Results: In typically developing children, we observed increases in structure-function coupling strength across multiple higher-order cognitive and sensory regions. Overall, weaker coupling was observed in children with ADHD, mainly in prefrontal cortex, superior temporal gyrus and inferior parietal cortex. Further, children with ADHD showed an increased rate of coupling strength predominantly in the inferior frontal gyrus, superior parietal cortex, precuneus, mid cingulate, and visual cortex, compared to no corresponding change over time in typically developing controls.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the joint maturation of structural and functional brain connections in typical development across late childhood to mid-adolescence, particularly in regions that support cognitive maturation. Findings also suggest that children with ADHD exhibit different patterns of structure-function coupling, suggesting atypical patterns of coordinated white matter and functional connectivity development predominantly in the regions overlapping with the default mode network, salience network and dorsal attention network during late childhood to mid-adolescence.
A protocol for a single center, randomized, controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy of 3% diquafosol and 0.1 % hyaluronic acid in diabetic patients with dry eye disease.
Authors: Chen Jiayan , Chen Yimeng , Li Liangzhe , Qin Guanghao , Li Mingze , Cheng Yuan , Zhuang Shuting , Li Zhihui , Zhang Qing , Wu Yi , Yang Langting , Moutari Salissou , Moore Jonathan E , Xu Ling , He Wei , Yu Sile , He Xingru , Pazo Emmanuel Eric
Published: January 2023

Title:
A protocol for a single center, randomized, controlled trial comparing the clinical efficacy of 3% diquafosol and 0.1% hyaluronic acid in diabetic patients with dry eye disease. {1}
Background
The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to rise and 70% of diabetic individuals have dry eye disease (DED) that leads to subsequent abnormalities of the corneal epithelium, corneal nerves, tear film, or corneal endothelium. In addition, persons with diabetes produce less tear secretions than healthy individuals. While several anti-inflammatory drug-based therapies for dry eye in diabetic individuals are currently be administered but their efficacy not been studied in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 3% diquafosol (DQS) vs 0.1% hyaluronic acid (HA) eye drops in diabetic related dry eye patients.
Methods and analysis:
This single-blind randomized, control trial will include 140 diabetic related DED and will be assigned to DQS (n = 101) and HA (n = 101) one drop, six times per day for 8 weeks. Tear film lipid layer, non-invasive breakup time, cornea conjunctival staining score, corneal sensitivity, tear MMP-9 levels, meibum gland, tear meniscus height, corneal nerves and immune/inflammatory cells change, conjunctival hyperemia, ocular surface disease index questionnaire score will be assessed and compared at baseline, week-4, and week-8.
Discussion
This study will be a standardized, scientific, clinical trial designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of DQS and HA for diabetic related dry eye treatment.
Ethics and dissemination:
This study will be approved by the Ethics Committee of He Eye Specialist Hospital [ethics approval number: IRB (2022) K002.01]. Prior to participating in the trial, all patients will provide written informed permission. The outcomes of this study will be presented at local and international conferences and submitted for publication in journals with peer review.
Trial registration number
: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04980144 {2a, 2b}
Uncertain Monsoons, Weather Risks and Crop Yields
Authors: Singh Hardeep
Published: January 2023

This paper studies the relationship between weather and crop yields with a specific focus on the influence of delayed monsoon arrival on crop yields. In doing so, we add to the existing literature by focusing on a relatively less explored dimension of weather, that is, the impact of the arrival of monsoon on crop yields. Secondly, we study how monsoon arrival and other weather variables influence the entire probability distribution of crop yields. Therefore, we capture a much clearer picture of the distribution of weather-related production risks. Using the moment-based approach pioneered by Antle (1983), we find that besides reducing the mean crop yields, monsoon arrival also increases the crop yields variance and leads to an increase in downside risk to the farmers. We have also shown that delayed monsoon arrival increases the occurrence of extreme outcomes for the crop yields by having its impacts on the fourth moment of the crop yield distribution. Besides, we have shown the role played by irrigation in reducing crop yields variance and in reducing the exposure of crop yields to the downside risk and occurrence of extreme outcomes.
JEL Classification: Q10, Q18, Q50, G22
Spatially controlled construction of assembloids using bioprinting
Authors: Roth Julien , Brunel Lucia , Huang Michelle , Cai Betty , Liu Yueming , Sinha Sauradeep , Yang Fan , Pasca Sergiu , Shin Sungchul , Heilshorn Sarah
Published: January 2023

The biofabrication of three-dimensional (3D) tissues that recapitulate organ-specific architecture and function would benefit from temporal and spatial control of cell-cell interactions. Bioprinting, while potentially capable of achieving such control, is poorly suited to spheroids and organoids with conserved cytoarchitectures that are susceptible to plastic deformation. Here, we develop a platform, termed Spheroid Transfer Assisted by Magnetic Printing (STAMP), consisting of an iron-oxide nanoparticle laden hydrogel and magnetized 3D printer to enable the controlled lifting, transport, and deposition of spheroids and organoids. We identify cellulose nanofibers as both an ideal biomaterial for encasing organoids with magnetic nanoparticles and a shear-thinning, self-healing support hydrogel for maintaining the spatial positioning of organoids to facilitate the generation of assembloids. We leverage STAMP to create precisely arranged assembloids composed of human pluripotent stem cell derived neural organoids and patient-derived glioma organoids. In doing so, we demonstrate the potential for the STAMP platform to construct assembloids which recapitulate key developmental processes and disease etiologies.
Clinical Evaluation of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for the detection of pathogens in BALF in severe community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Wei Yupeng , Zhang Tongqiang , Ma Yuting , Yan Jisi , Zhan Jianghua , Zheng Jun , Xu yongsheng
Published: January 2023

Background: Rapid and accurate identification of pathogens is very important for the treatment of Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) in children. Metagenomic Next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been applied in the detection of pathogenic bacteria in recent years, while the overall evaluation the application of SCAP in children is lacking.
Methods: In our study, 84 cases of SCAP were enrolled. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were analysed using mNGS; and sputum, blood, and BALF samples were analysed using conventional technology (CT).
Results: Among the 84 children, 41 were boys, and 43 were girls, with an average age ranging from 2 months to 14 years. The pathogen detection rate of mNGS was higher than that of CT (83.3% [70/84] vs. 63.1% [53/84], P = 0.003). The mNGS was much greater than that of the CT in detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae (89.2% [25/29] vs. 44.8% [13/29], P = 0.001) and Haemophilus influenzae (91.7% [11/12] vs. 33.3% [4/12], P < 0.005). The mNGS also showed superior fungal detection performance compared with that of the CT (81.8% [9/11] vs. 18.2% [2/11], P = 0.004). The mNGS test can detect viruses, such as bocavirus, rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus, which are not frequently recognised using CT. However, the mNGS detection rate was lower than that of the CT (52.4% [11/21] vs. 95.2% [20/21], P = 0.004) for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP). The detection rate of mNGS for mixed infection was greater than that of the CT, although statistical significance was not observed (26.3% [20/39] vs. 21.1% [16/39], P > 0.005). Treatment for 26 (31.0%) children was changed based on mNGS results, and their symptoms were reduced; nine patients had their antibiotic modified, five had antibiotics added, nine had their antifungal medication, and seven had their antiviral medication.
Conclusion: mNGS has unique advantages in the detection of SCAP pathogens in children, especially S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and fungi. However, the detection rate of MP using mNGS was lower than that of the CT. Additionally, mNGS can detect pathogens that are not generally covered by CT, which is extremely important for the modification of the treatment strategy.
Pelvic floor function after third and fourth degree perineal lacerations: a case-control study on quality of life
Authors: Sartore Andrea , Scalia Maria Sole , Mangino Francesco Paolo , Savastano Giulia , Magni Elena , Ricci Giuseppe
Published: January 2023

Background
the primary aim of this study was to compare the quality of life between women with obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) and women with intact perineum or minor vaginal tears following their first vaginal birth through a validated urogynaecological questionnaire. As a secondary aim, we wanted to identify the specific symptoms for pelvic floor dysfunction after a vaginal birth.
Methods
133 cases (III- and IV-degree vaginal tears) and 133 controls (intact perineum or I- and II-degree vaginal tear) were asked to fill the PFDI-20 condition-specific and quality of life survey at three and twelve months after vaginal delivery. The survey evaluates pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms through three subsections: the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI), the Colorectal-Anal Distress Inventory (CRADI), and Urinary Distress Inventory, (UDI). The patients recruited were asked to complete the survey at three- and twelve-months follow-up visit. Accordingly, data collection started. Categorical variables were subjected to Chi-square test or Fisher’s Exact test. Quantitative variables were compared through Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney test.
Results
All surveys have shown statistically significant differences when comparing the cases to the control group. Consequently, PFDI-20 has shown a strong correlation between III- and IV-grade lacerations and pelvic floor dysfunction persistence at twelve months after delivery. Intestinal symptoms were the most reported disturbances among women with previous OASI.
Conclusions
Major vaginal tears have demonstrated to have a strong impact on women’s quality of life up to a follow-up of twelve months. The use of PFDI-20 questionnaire is a useful and valid tool in the diagnosis and follow-up of genital prolapse, fecal and urinary incontinence in primiparous women with a history of OASI. Thus, its application in clinical practice can help offering the most adequate rehabilitative treatment.
Phototherapy: a new risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants? a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Li Jie , Zhong Xiao-Yun , Zhou Li-Gang , Wu Yan , Wang Li , Song Si-Jie
Published: January 2023

Objective To investigate the possible association between phototherapy (PT) and development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
Study design A retrospective case-control study of VLBW infants with or without NEC (stage IIA or greater) born at ≤ 35 weeks’ gestation in a tertiary hospital over 7 years. Sample size calculation, trend test as well as univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed.
Results 824 VLBW infants were reviewed, and 74 cases as well as 122 controls were finally enrolled. The odds of NEC increased with increasing PT duration and number respectively (trend P=0.010 and 0.033), and became higher after adjustment for confounders. Exposure to >120 hours and >4 numbers of PT were significantly associated with NEC in multivariate analysis.
Conclusion This is the ﬁrst study to propose a possible association between PT and development of NEC in VLBW infants.
Phase regulation to obtain dense composite polymer-based electrolytes for high-voltage solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Wu Qian , Fang Mandi , Jiao Shizhe , Li Siyuan , Zhang Shichao , Shen Zeyu , Mao Shulan , Mao Jiale , Zhang Jiahui , Tan Yuanzhong , Shen Kang , Lv Jiaxing , Hu Wei , He Yi , Lu Yingying
Published: January 2023

Solid polymer electrolytes are accepted as promising candidates for solid-state lithium metal batteries due to the flexibility and large-scale manufacturability. In particular, poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based polymer electrolytes with unique “salt-polymer-trace residual solvent” configuration exhibit attractive for batteries’ room-temperature operations. However, the porous structure and the still limited ionic conductivity prevent their further advancement. Herein, we proposed a phase regulation strategy to disrupt the symmetry of PVDF chains by coupling with ferroelectric MoSe2 sheets, in which the asymmetric adsorption interactions result in the formation of all trans (TTTT) conformation of PVDF and dense structure of composite electrolyte. The developed β-phase-rich electrolyte provides a high dielectric environment to optimize the solvation structures that form abundant solvent-separated ion pairs, achieving high ionic conductivity (6.5×10− 4 S cm− 1) with low activation energy (0.07 eV). Further, the in-situ reactions between MoSe2 and Li metal construct fast conductor Li2Se in the interfaces, which significantly enhances the interfacial transport kinetics and electrochemical stability. Therefore, the Li||Li cells achieve record cycling of 480 hours at 1 mA cm− 2, and the Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 full cells show ultra-long lifespan of 2000 times at 3C. This work provides an encouraging strategy contributing to large-scale production towards their practical applications.
Anomaly detection and analysis in blockchain systems
Authors: Singh Priyanshi , Agrawal Deepika , Pandey Sudhakar
Published: January 2023

For a long time, anomaly detection is such a well topic. Its use in the banking industry has aided in the detection of questionable hacking activity. In the network of bitcoin, since all nodes are unlabeled, there is no proof that any particular transaction is the result of illegal activity, this thesis seeks to identify transactions that are unusual or suspicious. Finding abnormalities in the bitcoin transaction network is the main objective. We discuss anomaly identification in this paper with particular reference to the Bitcoin transaction network(BTN). In this instance, anomalies behaviors is a proxy for apprehensive activity, thus our objective is to find anomalies in the dataset in terms of their percentage. To achieve this, we use the feature selection method which is sequential forward feature selection along with three ML techniques, k-means clustering, isolation forest, and support vector machine (SVM) and got the highest accuracy of 98.2% in SVM as compared to all other methods.
Long Term Misdiagnosis of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Etemadifar Masoud , Sabeti Fatemeh , Abhari Amir Parsa , Etemadifar Fatemeh , Salari Mehri
Published: January 2023

Background Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system. Due to their many shared presentations, NMOSD misdiagnosis as MS is a rather common medical misconduct. Few studies have focused on the reasons for these misdiagnoses and how they were corrected in the end. Methods In this study, we report 10 cases of long-term NMOSD misdiagnosis as MS. We reviewed patients' medical records and collected their clinical, radiographic and laboratory data. Also, reasons for the misdiagnoses and how NMOSD diagnosis was confirmed were investigated. Results Nine patients (90%) were female and one was male (10%) with a mean age of 42.88 ± 7.09. Mean EDSS at onset was 1.44 ± 0.39 and 6 patients (60%) were NMO-IgG positive. All brain MRIs at onset had periventricular lesions which fulfilled MS diagnosis. However, periventricular lesions were reduced in 5 patients by the time of NMOSD diagnosis and no longer fulfilled MS diagnostic criteria. Only 2 patients had spinal lesions at onset one of which was a long extending transverse myelitis (LETM). Moreover, new LETM lesions were observed in the spinal MRI of 7 patients at the time of NMOSD diagnosis which led to the diagnosis; either alone or along with the confirmation of autoantibody seropositivity. In 3 patients, NMO-IgG seropositivity in the absence of LETM, led to NMOSD confirmation. Conclusion In order to further avoid misdiagnoses, we suggest to carefully follow the patients with uncertain diagnoses and check several times for NMO-IgG and other autoantibodies reported in NMOSD.