bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete mitochondrial genome of sea slug Phyllidiella sp.(Phyllidiidae, Phyllidiella) from the South China sea and its phylogenetic implications
Authors: Liu Hui , Shen Pingping , Lin Qiang , Zhang Huixian
Published: January 2023

Background
The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationship of the newly recorded species of sea slug from the South China sea has not been reported. The taxonomic status of sea slug is not clear.
Methods and results
The whole mitochondrial genome of a newly recorded species of sea slug from the South China sea (Phyllidiella sp) was determined by Illumina Hiseq4000 sequencing and denovo assembly. The mitochondrial genome of Phyllidiella sp was 14,677 bp in length, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs. In the mitochondrial DNA of Phyllidiella sp the base composition of mitogenome is 30.37% for A, 37.30% for T, 15% for C, and 17.33% for G, and the content of AT was 67.67%. Beside the two kinds of tRNA-Ser, the secondary structure of all tRNAs had a typical cloverleaf structure. In comparison with Phyllidiella pustulosa and Phyllidia ocellata from the same family, the mitochondrial genes of Phyllidiella sp. was not rearranged. The phylogenetic results showed that Phyllidiella sp. and Phyllidiella pustulosa from the same genus clustered into one cluster. Moreover, the genus Phyllidiella clade was sister relationship to the Phyllidia clade.
Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that Phyllidiella sp. belongs to the family Phyllidiidae, due to the morphological identification. This study provides molecular information for the phylogenetic analysis of the taxonomic status of sea slugs.
Anca-Associated Vasculitis in a Hiv-Infected Patient: A Case Based-Review
Authors: Vornicu Alexandra , Obrișcă Bogdan , Sorohan Bogdan , Berechet Andreea , Ismail Gener
Published: January 2023

Background: The occurrence of autoantibodies in HIV-infected patients has been previously reported with a prevalence ranging from 20 to 83%. There are also few reports of clinically-relevant autoantibodies profiles in HIV-positive patients that lead to true systemic autoimmune disease; these possible life-threatening diseases have to be considered and treated accordingly.
Case presentation: Here, we present the case of a 29-year-old female patient with a history of well-controlled HIV infection in the last 6 years, admitted in our department for the evaluation of an acute kidney injury and a nephrotic syndrome with active urinary sediment. A diagnosis of systemic ANCA-associated vasculitis with renal and pulmonary involvement was established. The patient was treated with cyclophosphamide, rituximab and tapering glucocorticoids with resolution of the diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, but the evolution of kidney function was unfavourable, that led to the need to initiate haemodialysis. We highlight the importance of establishing the correct diagnosis, treating accordingly the disease and also the possible clinical issues that can appear in a patient with HIV infection during the immunosuppressant treatment as induction treatment. Also, we performed a thorough literature review of ANCA positivity in HIV-infected patients in order to properly understand the current evidence.
Conclusions: Although it is not clear whether HIV infection and ANCA-associated vasculitis are causally or coincidentally related, the possible systemic autoimmune phenomena should be acknowledged by physicians in order to establish the correct diagnosis and treat accordingly the disease by keeping a balance between the risks and benefits of immunosuppression in this category of patients, with the treatment decisions being taken in a multidisciplinary team in centre’s with experience in ANCA-associated vasculitis.
Epigenetics and stroke: role of DNA methylation and effect of aging on blood-brain barrier recovery
Authors: Phillips Chelsea , Stamatovic Svetlana , Keep Richard , Andjelkovic Anuska
Published: January 2023

Incomplete recovery of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function contributes to stroke outcomes. How the BBB recovers after stroke remains largely unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic factors play a significant role in regulating post-stroke BBB recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the epigenetic and transcriptional profile of cerebral microvessels after thromboembolic (TE) stroke to define potential causes of limited BBB recovery. RNA-sequencing and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) analyses were performed using microvessels isolated from young (6 months) and old (18 months) mice seven days poststroke compared to age-matched sham controls. DNA methylation profiling of poststroke brain microvessels revealed 11287 differentially methylated regions (DMR) in old and 9818 DMR in young mice, corresponding to annotated genes. These DMR were enriched in genes encoding cell structural proteins (e.g., cell junction, and cell polarity, actin cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix), transporters and channels (e.g., potassium transmembrane transporter, organic anion and inorganic cation transporters, calcium ion transport), and proteins involved in endothelial cell processes (e.g., angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, cell signaling and transcription regulation). Integrated analysis of methylation and RNA sequencing identified changes in cell junctions (occludin), actin remodeling (ezrin) as well as signaling pathways like Rho GTPase (RhoA and Cdc42ep4). Aging as a hub of aberrant methylation affected BBB recovery processes by profound alterations (hypermethylation and repression) in structural protein expression (e.g., claudin-5) as well as activation of a set of genes involved in endothelial to mesenchymal transformation (e.g., Sox17, Snail1), repression of angiogenesis and epigenetic regulation. These findings revealed that DNA methylation plays an important role in regulating BBB repair after stroke, through regulating processes associated with BBB restoration and prevalently with processes enhancing BBB injury.
In vitro Anticancer potential of Laminarin and Fucoidan from Brown seaweeds
Authors: Sanniyasi Elumalai , G Rajesh Kanna , Damotharan Rajesh , A Arthi , S Madhumitha , S Nandhini , A Monisha
Published: January 2023

Marine seaweeds are cultivated and consumed in China, Japan, Korea, and South Asian countries. Brown seaweeds are rich sources of polysaccharides such as Laminarin and Fucoidan. In the present study, both the laminarin and fucoidan were isolated and the obtained yield was higher in PP (4.36%) and STM (2.32%) respectively. Carbohydrate content in laminarin and fucoidan was 86.91% and 87.36%, whereas sulphate content in fucoidan was 20.68%. Glucose and mannose were the major monosaccharide units in laminarin, similarly, fucose, galactose, and xylose in fucoidan (STM). FT-IR down peaks represent the carbohydrate of laminarin and fucoidan except, 1219 cm-1, and 843 cm-1, illustrating the sulphate groups of fucoidan. The molecular weight of laminarin and fucoidan was 3 to 5 kDa, and 2 to 6 kDa respectively. Both polysaccharides showed no cytotoxicity on Vero normal cells, whereas, they were cytotoxic to the human colon (HT-29), and liver cancer cells (Hep G2) with IC50 values of 57 ± 1.2 µg/mL and 24.4 ± 1.5 µg/mL. AO/EB assay significantly resulted in apoptosis and necrosis upon laminarin and fucoidan treatment. DNA fragmentation results support necrotic cancer cell death. Therefore, laminarin and fucoidan from PP and STM were potential bioactive compounds for cancer therapy.
Sustainable development and a performance assessment of Alkyl Polyglucoside as a substitute for Nonylphenol Ethoxylates in detergents.
Authors: Bernal-Jácome Luis Armando , Izar-Landeta Juan Manuel , Flores-Ramirez Rogelio , Farreras Jordi Morató i , Vargas-Berrones Karla Ximena
Published: January 2023

Water quality is paramount for human and all living organism’s development. The chemical industry, accelerated industrialization and economic development have led to higher consumption of natural resources and environmental pollution. Detergents are a highly produced pollutant with environmental problems like foam generation and toxic effects in biota. Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE) is an efficient, economic, and versatile surfactant, used in detergents due to its detergency capacity. However, in environmental conditions, NPE biodegrades transforming into the metabolite nonylphenol (NP) classified as an endocrine disruptor. Regulations in developed countries, like United States and the European Union, have prohibited or limited NPE use due to the related adverse effects. However, in developing countries there are no regulations in this regard; therefore, the substitution of NPE as a surfactant in detergents is recommended. Alkyl polyglucoside (APG) are sugar-based surfactants that were assessed as a substitute. The feasibility of this substitution was demonstrated according to physical and chemical properties, cleaning performance, and antimicrobial properties. NPE substitution in detergents is proposed as a strategy to minimize exposure risks in humans and the environment.
Improved disinfection performance for 280 nm LEDs over 254 nm low-pressure UV lamps in community wastewater
Authors: MacIsaac Sean A. , Rauch Kyle D. , Prest Taylor , Simons Richard M. , Gagnon Graham A. , Stoddart Amina K.
Published: January 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection has been incorporated into both drinking water and wastewater treatment processes for several decades; however, it comes with negative environmental consequences such as high energy demands and use of mercury. Understanding how to scale and build climate responsive technologies is key in fulfilling the intersection of UN Sustainable Development Goals 6 and 13. One technology that addresses the drawbacks of conventional wastewater UV disinfection systems, while providing a climate responsive solution, is UV light emitting diodes (LEDs). The objective of this study was to compare performance of bench-scale 280 nm UV LEDs to bench-scale low pressure (LP) lamps and full-scale UV treated wastewater samples. Results from the study demonstrated that UV LED provides robust treatment that outperformed LP systems at the bench-scale. A comparison of relative energy consumptions of UV LEDs at 20 mJcm-2 and LP system at 30 and 40 mJcm-2 was completed. Based on current projections for wall plug efficiencies (WPE) of UV LED it is expected that energy consumption of LED reactors will be on par or lower compared to the LP systems by 2025. This study determined that, at a WPE of 20%, the equivalent UV LED system would lead to a 24.6% and 43.4 % reduction in power consumption for the 30 and 40 mJcm-2 scenarios, respectively.
Examination of Residency Program Websites for the Use of Gendered Language and Imagery
Authors: Read Catherine E. , Tracz Jovanna A. , Mhaimeed Nour , Mainville Rylie N. , Elzie Carrie A.
Published: January 2023

Background.
Significant disparity in gender distribution exists among medical specialties. Residency program websites are a main source of preliminary program information for candidates, and website content may influence a prospective applicant’s sense of belongingness within a particular program. Given the importance of the residency program website as a recruiting tool, this study sought to examine and compare the presence of gendered language and imagery on residency program websites across various specialties.
Methods.
A list of words considered masculine or feminine was used to evaluate residency program websites of the two most male-dominated specialties (orthopedic and thoracic surgery), female-dominated specialties (pediatrics and obstetrics and gynecology), and gender-balanced specialties (dermatology and family medicine) in the United States in 2022. Forty-five residency programs were randomly selected from each specialty across different regions of the US, with the exception of thoracic surgery of which there are only 33 programs. Masculine and feminine words were evaluated using a parsing and scraping program. Representation of female and male-presenting team members in photos on program websites was also evaluated.
Results.
Masculine wording occurred more frequently in male-dominated specialties compared to gender-balanced (p = 0.0030), but not female-dominated specialties (p = 0.2199). Feminine language was used more frequently in female-dominated compared to male dominated fields (p = 0.0022), but not gender balanced (p = 0.0909). The ratio of masculine-to-feminine words used was significantly higher in male-dominated specialties compared to both gender-balanced (p < 0.0001) and female-dominated specialties. (p < 0.0001). There was an average of 1, 7, and 10 female-presenting residency team members pictured on each male-dominated, gender balanced, and female-dominated specialty RPW respectively, with significantly more female-presenting team members pictured in the photographs on female-dominated specialty websites when compared to male-dominated and gender-balanced specialty websites (p < 0.0001, p = 0.014)
Conclusions.
The use of gendered language and female representation in photographs varies significantly across specialties and is directly correlated with gender representation within the specialty. Given that students’ perceptions of specialty programs may be affected by the use of language and photos on residency program websites, programs should carefully consider the language and pictures depicted on their program websites.
Aminated halloysite/Jute/phenol-formaldehyde composites with enhanced mechanical properties, improved lightweight character and lowered fire hazard
Authors: Shi Jianjun , Zhang Hailei , Wang Yu , Ren Xumin , Ba Xinwu , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

Organic fiber can be used as reinforcement in polymeric products, but usually aggravates the burden on fire hazard. On the other hand, the addition of nonflammable inorganic particles would bring concerns to the demand of lightweight. In this study, aminated halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were assembled on the surface of alkali-treated Jute fibers to afford HNTs-NH2@Jute as an organic-inorganic composite fiber with uniform micromorphology. When used as reinforcement in phenolic resins, the obtained HNTs-NH2@Jute@PF showed enhanced mechanical properties, improved lightweight character and lowered fire hazard. HNTs-NH2@Jute can achieve good dispersibility in phenolic matrix, in which the tensile strength and impact toughness increased by 93.9% and 88.3%. The cone calorimetry tests showed that HNTs-NH2@Jute@PF exhibited reduced heat release, lowered smoke production and suppressed carbon dioxide production. Our study afforded a facile approach to construct organic-inorganic composite fiber with enhanced mechanical properties, improved lightweight character and improved flame-retardant abilities, and other potential applications should be desirable.
Protective Effect of Aerobic Training and Micro-curcumin Supplementation on Motor dysfunction in Offspring Mice Exposed to Gestational Lead
Authors: Amooei Maryam , Meshkati Zohreh , Nasiri Rozita , Dakhili Amir Bahador
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate maternal aerobic training and curcumin (Cur) supplementation in protecting motor function (e.g., muscle strength and muscle relaxant activity) from the harmful effects of maternal lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2) exposure in female and male offspring BALB/c mice. The experimental groups included healthy group, intraperitoneally Micro-Cur-treated group (50 mg/kg of body weight), aerobic training group (once a day during 8 weeks of experiments), aerobic training group exposed to Pb(NO3)2 (2 mg/kg) through drinking water during breeding and pregnancy, and aerobic training group treated with Micro-Cur and exposed to Pb(NO3)2 through drinking water during breeding and pregnancy. The pre-pregnancy training program was performed 5 times a week for 4 weeks at a speed of 10 to 12 m/min (75% VO2 max). All offspring were grouped based on the maternal groups, and the motor function was evaluated using inclined plane, linear wire hang, and grip strength tests. Our results indicated that maternal Pb(NO3)2 exposure significantly decreased muscle strength and muscle relaxant activity, especially in males. These adverse effects were compensated by maternal aerobic training and Cur supplementation. The maximum of this compensation was observed in the maternal aerobic training group treated with Cur supplementation. Moreover, maternal aerobic training and Cur supplementation synergistically protected motor function in offspring mice from the adverse effects of maternal Pb(NO3)2 exposure, probably through different physiological mechanisms.
Combined use of CRP with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in differentiating between infectious and noninfectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Beberashvili Ilia , Omar Muhammad Abu , Nizri Elad , Stav Kobi , Efrati Shai
Published: January 2023

We tested whether CRP combined with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) optimizes the prediction of infectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients. We conducted a retrospective study of 774 (mean age 71.1 ± 12.8 years, 35% women) hemodialysis patients from our institution, hospitalized between 2007 and 2021 for various reasons, with CRP levels available at admission. Infection was defined according to the International Sepsis Definition Conference criteria. An algorithm for the optimal CRP and NLR cutoff points for predicting infection was developed based on a decision tree analysis in the training cohort (n = 620) and then tested in the validation cohort (n = 154). A CRP level above 40 mg/L (obtained as the cutoff point in predicting infections in the training group, using ROC curve analysis) predicted an infection diagnosis with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 76% with an odds ratio (OR) of 10.56 (95% CI: 6.47–17.23), according to a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Whereas, CRP levels above 23 mg/L together with an NLR above 9.7 predicted an infection diagnosis with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 84% with an OR of 18.13 (95% CI: 7.42–44.30). All these results were reproduced in the validation set. Combined use of CRP with NLR may lower the CRP cutoff point in distinguishing between infectious and noninfectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients.
Changes in the Facial Microbiome in Healthy Women After Wearing Masks during COVID-2019
Authors: Sun Qinmiao , Huang Chenyang , Wu Yinhua , Zhang Yu , Yang Shigui , Li Ang , Liu Xiaoyan
Published: January 2023

Wearing masks has become a new normal in our daily lives because of the global outbreak of COVID-2019 (COVID-19). To compare the differences in the facial microbiota of healthy women before and after wearing masks and to further explore the probable effect of the habits of regularly wearing masks on the facial microbiome, we re-enrolled the same 19 healthy female participants in our previous study and detected the microbial composition of facial DNA samples using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Both alpha and beta diversity, and the abundance and function of facial microflora of recruited healthy women changed remarkably before and after wearing masks. The destination with different air quality indices, which ever was the strongest factor on microbial composition before wearing masks, no longer contributed to both microbiota composition and pathway after wearing masks. Sufficient sleep protected skin from sensitivity and apoptosis, which might be related to Prevotella expression and the function of cytochrome c. Maskne was the common complication of wearing masks. Suitable mask-wearing habits should be recommended to avoid facial skin problems.
A System Dynamics model for the water balance of Lake Bracciano (Lazio, Italy)
Authors: Falconi Luca Maria , Mecali Alessandro , Musmeci Fabio , Proposito Marco , Taviani Sara
Published: January 2023

Lakes play a key role in both natural ecosystems and human activities, being rare hotspots of biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services. In recent decades, lake systems around the world have been affected by multiple stressors related to climate and human activity. The environmental crisis makes the implementation of simple and low-cost, easily applicable and reliable methodologies for the sustainable management of water resources an urgent and necessary need. In this paper, a simulation model based on the System Dynamics method and supported by a GIS-based spatial analysis is presented. Using hydro-meteorological and socio-economic public data from 1970 to 2019 and following the multi-step path of trial, error and redoing, the study provides an application of the water balance of a significative lake-aquifer system. The water resource of Lake Bracciano (Lazio, Italy) is an emblematic example of the current critical issues, playing a strategic role both in the survival of a protected natural area and in the water supply system of the urban and extra-urban areas of the city of Rome. The aim of the study is to investigate the reliability of the System Dynamic approach in evaluating the main driving forces influencing the lake’s water balance and their interactions with the lake’s water level. The results evidence that System Dynamics may constitute a suitable quali-quantitative approach able to efficiently support land planning, environmental protection and optimization of the use of water resources.
Experimental studies from shake flasks to 3L stirred tank bioreactor of nutrients and oxygen supply conditions to improve the growth of the avian cell line DuckCelt® -T17
Authors: Tingaud Valentine , Bordes Claire , Mouazen Eyad Al , Cogné Claudia , Bolzinger Marie-Alexandrine , Lawton Philippe
Published: January 2023

Background
To produce viral vaccines, avian cell lines are interesting alternatives to replace the egg-derived processes for viruses that do not grow well on mammalian cells. The avian suspension cell line DuckCelt®-T17 was previously studied and investigated to produce a live attenuated metapneumovirus (hMPV)/respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus vaccines. However, a better understanding of its culture process is necessary for an efficient production of viral particles in bioreactors.
Results
The growth and metabolic requirements of the avian cell line DuckCelt®-T17 were investigated to improve its cultivation parameters. Several nutrient supplementation strategies were studied in shake flasks highlighting the interest of i) replacing L-glutamine by glutamax as main nutrient or ii) adding these two nutrients in the serum-free growth medium in a fed-batch strategy. The scale-up in a 3L bioreactor was successful for these types of strategies confirming their efficiencies in improving the cells’ growth and viability. Moreover, a perfusion feasibility test allowed to achieve up to ~ 3 times the maximum number of viable cells obtained with the batch or fed-batch strategies. Finally, a strong oxygen supply – 50% dO2 – had a deleterious effect on DuckCelt®-T17 viability, certainly because of the greater hydrodynamic stress imposed
Conclusions
The culture process using glutamax supplementation with a batch or a fed-batch strategy was successfully scaled-up to 3L bioreactor. In addition, perfusion appeared as a very promising culture process for subsequent continuous virus harvesting.
Regular polygon central configuration of the planar 1+N-body problem
Authors: Chen Jian , Bi Peng , Yang Mingfang
Published: January 2023

In 1985, Perko, L.M. and Walter, E.L. [1] proved that N (N ≥4) bodies located at the vertices of a regular polygon form a central configuration if and only if all bodies have the same mass. In 2018, Chen, J. and Luo, J. [2] proved that the configuration which N (N ≥3) bodies are at the vertices of a regular polygon with the N+1-th body located at the center of the polygon is a central configuration if and only if the former N bodies have the same mass. In this paper, we proved that N (N ≥3) infinitesimal bodies located at the vertices of a regular polygon with a dominant body located at the center of the polygon form a central configuration of the planar 1+N -body problem if and only if the masses of all the infinitesimal bodies are equal when N is odd and the masses of the alternate infinitesimal bodies are equal when N is even.
Analysis and Experimental Tests of a Solid-State Fault Current Limiter
Authors: Bitencourt Alexandre , Nogueira Cauê , Santos Gabriel , Dias Daniel , França Bruno , Sass Felipe , Sotelo Guilherme
Published: January 2023

The increase in distribution power demand and distributed generation may lead to a rise in power substation fault current levels. One possible solution to this problem is the use of a Solid-State Fault Current Limiter (SS-FCL). In this context, this paper proposes the concept of a bridge-type solid-state device switching an air-core reactor as an SS-FCL topology. The overvoltage protection system details are presented, along with an explanation of the fault detection algorithm control's principle. An experimental setup is designed to evaluate various events in addition to the short circuit, such as load-steps, harmonic loads, motor startups and transformer’s inrush. Fault current is detected within one millisecond, with a total reduction of 42%. The overvoltage protection system clamped the peak voltage across the semiconductor switch and kept the dv/dt below the maximum stipulated. The load input tests showed a proper limiting operation, provided the device is within the parameterization range.
A geometric morphometric approach to testing discrete categories of backed flakes from recurrent centripetal core reduction
Authors: Bustos-Pérez Guillermo , Gravina Brad , Brenet Michel , Romagnoli Francesca
Published: January 2023

Paleolithic lithic assemblages are usually dominated by flakes, which display a high degree of morphological variability. When analyzing Paleolithic lithic assemblages, it is common to classify flakes into categories based on their morphological and technological features, which are linked to the position of the flake in a reduction sequence and how removals are organized in a given production method. For the analysis of Middle Paleolithic lithic assemblages, two categories of flakes are commonly used: core edge flakes and pseudo-Levallois points. A third type, core edge flakes with a limited back, is also commonly found in the archaeological literature, providing an alternative category with a definition that does not match the two previous types but shares many of their morphological and technological features. The present study addresses whether these three flakes constitute discrete categories based on their morphological and technological attributes. Geometric morphometrics are employed on an experimental set composed of the three categories of flakes to quantify morphological variation. Machine learning models and principal components biplots are used to test the discreteness of the categories. The results indicate that geometric morphometrics succeed in capturing the morphological and technological features that characterize each type of product. Pseudo-Levallois points have the highest discreteness of the three technological products, and while some degree of mixture exists between core edge flakes and core edge flakes with a limited back, they are also highly distinguishable. We conclude that the three categories are discrete and can be employed in technological lists of products for the analysis of lithic assemblages and that geometric morphometrics is useful for testing for the validity of categories.
Regulated Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Process in Pandemic-Time Asset Pricing of Stocks and Derivatives
Authors: Sani Sulaiman , Y. Peter Mhone , Mhlongo Mfundo , Daman Onkabetse A.
Published: January 2023

We present the properties of a regularly varying Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (regulated-OU) process and design the methodology for transforming its sub-exponential tail in the dominated regime. We demonstrate how the regulated-OU models arbitrage-free price of financial assets in non-normal trading times like trading an asset during a pandemic.
A microbial causal mediation analytic tool for health disparity and applications in body mass index
Authors: Wang Chan , Ahn Jiyoung , Tarpey Thaddeus , Yi Stella S. , Hayes Richard B. , Li Huilin
Published: January 2023

Background: Emerging evidence suggests the potential mediating role of microbiome in health disparities. However, no analytic framework is available to analyze microbiome as a mediator between health disparity and clinical outcome, due to the unique structure of microbiome data, including high dimensionality, sparsity, and compositionality.
Methods: Considering the modifiable and quantitative features of microbiome, we propose a microbial causal mediation model framework, SparseMCMM_HD, to uncover the mediating role of microbiome in health disparities, by depicting a plausible path from a non-manipulable exposure (e.g. race or region) to a continuous outcome through microbiome. The proposed SparseMCMM_HD rigorously defines and quantifies the manipulable disparity measure that would be eliminated by equalizing microbiome profiles between comparison and reference groups. Moreover, two tests checking the impact of microbiome on health disparity are proposed.
Results: Through three body mass index (BMI) studies selected from the curatedMetagenomicData 3.4.2 package and the American gut project: China vs. USA, China vs. UK, and Asian or Pacific Islander (API) vs. Caucasian, we exhibit the utility of the proposed SparseMCMM_HD framework for investigating microbiome’s contributions in health disparities. Specifically, BMI exhibits disparities and microbial community diversities are significantly distinctive between the reference and comparison groups in all three applications. By employing SparseMCMM_HD, we illustrate that microbiome plays a crucial role in explaining the disparities in BMI between races or regions. 11.99%, 12.90%, and 7.4% of the overall disparity in BMI in China-USA, China-UK, and API-Caucasian comparisons, respectively, would be eliminated if the between-group microbiome profiles were equalized; and 15, 21, and 12 species are identified to play the mediating role respectively.
Conclusions: The proposed SparseMCMM_HD is an effective and validated tool to elucidate the mediating role of microbiome in health disparity. Three BMI applications shed light on the utility of microbiome in reducing BMI disparity by manipulating microbial profiles.
Integrating seascape resistances and gene flow to produce area-based metrics of functional connectivity for marine conservation planning
Authors: Wilcox Mark A. , Jeffery Nicholas W. , DiBacco Claudio , Bradbury Ian R. , Lowen Ben , Wang Zeliang , Beiko Robert G. , Stanley Ryan R. E.
Published: January 2023

Context
Prioritizing regions that facilitate connectivity among populations is an essential principle for conservation planning. However, the lack of conspicuous geographical and environmental features that constrain dispersal and geneflow throughout life history challenges the characterization of dispersal pathways within a three-dimensional marine realm.
Objectives
To elucidate regions of high connectivity value in the marine environment, we develop a novel approach that integrates estimates of spatial genetic structure with representation of regions of high dispersal potential for meroplankton, incorporating elements of pelagic larval and benthic adult life history.
Methods
Spatial patterns of connectivity were characterized using circuit theory as an inverse function oceanographic- and habitat-based resistance to movement. We integrate emergent spatial patterns of connectivity with population genetic data to account for realized patterns of geneflow across a seascape. We apply this approach to four broadly distributed species in the Northwest Atlantic.
Results
Estimates of resistance to gene flow revealed multiple connectivity barriers not observed in oceanographic or habitat models. Comparison of isolation-by-distance versus isolation-by-resistance revealed genetic variation was best explained by seascape resistance in three of four species, supporting the resistance-based assessments of connectivity. Our approach identified areas of high and low connectivity value for each species, with overlap generally associated with geographic pinch points and areas of low genetic exchange.
Conclusions
By integrating spatial interpolations of gene flow and estimated pathways for dispersal, we develop a novel area-based metric of connectivity that considers life-history based structural constraints to dispersal and observed genetic variation. Outputs from this workflow can reveal regions of connectivity for conservation planning.
Analysis of the influence of fatigue on the bending of Peltogyne sp.
Authors: Balanco Giovana Gobatto , Souza Clara Gaspar Fossi , Christoforo Andre Luis , Lahr Francisco Antonio Rocco
Published: January 2023

This work presents the fatigue analysis on Peltogyne sp.. The specimens were submitted to three-point bending tests during 300,000 cycles. Analysis of influence of the number of cycles on wood bending stiffness was performed by comparing MOE (longitudinal modulus of elasticity) measured every 100,000 cycles applied. At the end of the application of 300,000 cycles, a decrease in the MOE value of three specimens was observed in relation to the MOE measured at the beginning, without application of cycles. A fourth specimen showed an increase in the MOE value. The visual analysis of the specimens during the tests is also important since they showed cracks. Microscopic images were performed to support the analysis of the observed behavior. With the application of time and more stresses on the piece, the crack can increase to the point of generating rupture and collapse of the structure, so the cracks were a determining factor to confirm the suspicions regarding the weakening of the wood due to fatigue of the material.
Blood pressure variation in children with obesity and consumption of ultra-processed foods
Authors: Cortes Caroline , Brandão Joana Maia , Cunha Diana Barbosa , Paravidino Vitor Barreto , Sichieri Rosely
Published: January 2023

Objectives
Investigate the influence in UPF consumption, assessed through dietary and urinary markers, on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in children with obesity.
Methods
Longitudinal analysis from a randomized clinical trial carried out with children with obesity aged 7 to 12 years. For six months, children and guardians attended monthly individual consultations and educational activities to encourage a reduction in UPF consumption. Body weight, height, blood pressure, and 24-hour dietary recall were measured at all visits. Random urine samples were collected at baseline, at the second and fifth-month follow-up.
Results
A total of 96 children were included in the analysis. Energy, UPF intake and blood pressure showed a quadratic pattern change, with a decrease in the first two months and an increase thereafter. There was an association between the consumption of UPF and DBP. Intake of UPF was correlated to urinary Na/K ratio (r = 0.29; p = 0.008) and with dietary Na/K ratio (r = 0.40; p ≤ 0.001). For every 100g of increase in UPF, DBP increased by 0.28mmHg (p-value = 0.01) and with further adjustment for change in BMI, the increase was 0.22mmHg (p-value = 0.04).
Conclusions
Our findings indicated that UPF intake and not obesity had a greater contribution to the change in DBP, as an additional adjustment for BMI did not influence the results. Therefore, reducing UPF consumption can be a good preventive strategy against hypertensionin.
The effect and mechanism of POSTN and its alternative splicing on the apoptosis of myocardial cells in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Tuerxun Zulikaier , Balati Yumaierjiang , Gong Pengfei , Zhang Ze , Bao Zhen , Yang Yuchun , He Pengyi , Muhuyati Muhuyati
Published: January 2023

Background
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, and has no effective treatments. Our study aimed to investigate key molecular targets in the pathogenesis of AMI, and provide new strategy for the treatment.
Methods
The myocardial ischemia and hypoxia model was constructed by using cardiomyocytes from HL-1 mice. The constructed cardiomyocytes, along with normal cardiomyocyte controls, were transfected with lentiviruses carrying over-expressed POSTN gene (GV492-POSTN-WT), over-expressed POSTN alternative splicing gene (GV492-POSTN-MUT) and negative control (GV492-NC), respectively. Cardiomyocyte proliferation and apoptosis, and the level of proteins related to endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis was examined to explore the effects and mechanisms of POSTN and its alternative splicing on the proliferation and apoptosis of ischemic hypoxic and normal cardiomyocytes.
Results
Ischemic hypoxic and normal cardiomyocytes transfected with GV492-POSTN-WT showed significantly increased OD value, and significantly decreased apoptosis (p < 0.05), with low expression of elF2α, CHOP, GRP78, ATF4 and BAX and high expression of BCL-2 (p < 0.05). Cardiomyocytes transfected with GV492-POSTN-MUT also showed significantly decreased apoptosis (p < 0.05), however, the expression levels of elF2α, CHOP, GRP78, ATF4, BAX and BCL-2 showed no difference between the 2 groups.
Conclusion
POSTN could promote the proliferation whilst inhibit the apoptosis of normal and ischemic hypoxic cardiomyocytes. The mechanism by which POSTN inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis may be through inhibiting the GRP78-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress. The alternative splicing of POSTN could also inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis, however the mechanism requires further investigation. Our results demonstrated that POSTN might be a potential therapeutic target for AMI.
Dosimetric and radiobiological comparison of IMRT, VMAT, and Helical tomotherapy planning techniques in hippocampal sparing whole brain radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost for multiple brain metastases
Authors: Balasubramanian S , Shobana M K , Anabalagan D , Thanasekar P , Joel S , Chaudhary Prekshi
Published: January 2023

Purpose
To compare treatment planning and dosimetric outcomes for hippocampal sparing whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) with the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) in brain metastasis (BM) patients using tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) formalism between IMRT, VMAT, and HT techniques.
Methods and Materials
In this retrospective study, the treatment data of 20 BM patients who typically received whole brain radiation with SIB treatment were used. Prescription doses of 30Gy and 36Gy was delivered in 10 fractions for WBRT and SIB, respectively. Niemierko and LKB models were applied for calculating TCP and NTCP.
Results
All the plans were evaluated for the RTOG 0933 protocol criteria and found acceptable. Additionally, the homogeneity of the PTV boost is 0.07 ±0.01,0.1 ±0.04, and 0.08 ±0.02 for IMRT, VMAT, and HT, respectively (P<0.05). The percentage of TCP for the PTV boost was 99.99±0.003, 99.98 ±0.004, and 99.99±0.002 of IMRT, VMAT, and HT, respectively, (P<0.005). The NTCP value of the lenses was higher with the VMAT plan as compared to IMRT and HT Plans. The hippocampal NTCP values are equal in all three planning proficiencies.
Conclusion
The techniques like IMRT, VMAT, and HT can reduce the dose received by hippocampus to the dosimetric threshold during the delivery of WBRT with hippocampal sparing and can simultaneously boost multiple metastases. Overall, the high-quality dose distribution, TCP, and NTCP comparison between all three planning techniques show that the HT technique has better results when compared to the VMAT and IMRT techniques.
Eco-efficiency of the Transportation Process in the Context of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: ŚLASKI Paweł
Published: January 2023

Global warming is one of the most common issues in the context of climate change and means a constant increase in the average air temperature on Earth. The main cause of changes affecting the natural environment is human activity. There may also exist a positive feedback loop between phenomena such as: melting of natural ice-lands and glaciers, rising water levels in seas and oceans, increased frequency of extreme weather events (heat waves, violent storms, hurricanes, droughts, floods and fires) climatic phenomena. These phenomena have massive socio-economic consequences, e.g. high costs of managing losses caused by weather phenomena, or increased spending on adaptation measures. The most important task is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, and one of the most important elements is the change in the direction of energy policy - the transition from traditional fossil fuels towards zero-emission energy sources, and according to the author of the publication, systemic changes in the transport process are also necessary. The article proposes a mathematical model of the eco-efficiency of the transportation process in terms of reducing CO2 emissions to the natural environment. A detailed analysis of the delivery costs was carried out, which in turn led to measurable model results in the form of optimal parameters of the tested process (frequency of deliveries and economic volumes of deliveries) at minimal costs.
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy could not improve cumulative live birth rate among 1,003 couples with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Zhao Shaotong , Lyu Chunzi , Huang Yumei , Liu Yingbo , Zhang Qian , Ni Tianxiang , Yan Junhao
Published: January 2023

Background
PGT-A has been widely used for RPL couples to help improve pregnancy outcomes by selecting euploid embryos. However, there is still insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of PGT-A in RPL couples, especially on the cumulative live birth rate. This study aims to investigate whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) could improve the cumulative live birth rate in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).
Methods
A retrospective large cohort study with 1003 RPL couples (799 in the PGT-A group, and 204 in the conventional IVF/ICSI group) was conducted in a university-affiliated reproductive center. Stratified analysis was performed according to female age (< 35 years and ≥ 35 years). The associations between embryo selection with PGT-A and cumulative pregnancy outcomes were further analyzed by a binary logistic regression model.
Results
The cumulative live birth rates were similar between the PGT-A group and the conventional IVF/ICSI group both in women under 35 years old [53.32% vs. 61.97%, adjusted OR (95%CI): 0.853(0.547–1.330), P = 0.483] and in women aged ≥ 35 years [28.75% vs. 30.65%, adjusted OR (95%CI): 1.314(0.671–2.574), P = 0.426]. Whereas, a significantly lower cumulative rates of biochemical pregnancy loss (10.13% vs. 32.56%, P < 0.05) and clinical pregnancy loss [20.89% vs. 37.21%, adjusted OR (95%CI): 0.408(0.173–0.966), P = 0.042] were found in the PGT-A group compared with the control group, only among women aged ≥ 35 years. The numbers of embryo transfers were significant less in PGT-A women with < 35 years old [1(1;2) vs. 1(1;2), P < 0.05] and with ≥ 35 years old [1(1;1) vs. 1(1;2), P < 0.05].
Conclusions
PGT-A could not improve cumulative live birth rate in RPL couples regardless maternal age.
Payment and settlement system in Saudi Arabia: A multidimensional study
Authors: Ali Anis , A. Salameh Anas
Published: January 2023

A country’s payment and settlement system refers to payment means or instruments, procedures, supportive and technical services of clearance, fund transfer, and final settlement. To study the various dimensions of the payment and settlement system, an online survey was administered and 240 responses were collected from Saudi and non-Saudi nationals, while secondary data were obtained from the SAMA (Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority) website. Index numbers, percentages, ranks, Average Trend Growth Rate, and payment weights means are applied to get the mutual growth trend, average growth, and contribution of specific means in payment and settlement in Saudi Arabia. There are negative trends in the traditional payment and settlement system in Saudi Arabia. Based on the value (amount) of transactions, Mada (Debit card) and E-payment (SADAD – a payment system, and SARIE – Saudi Arabian Riyal Interbank Express) are the most significant contributors to online payment (51.63%), while POS (point of sale) is the fastest-growing (158%) means of payment and settlement in Saudi Arabia. The means of traditional payment and settlement negligibly (< 1%) contribute to the payment and settlement system in Saudi Arabia. The analysis of responses reveals that payment and settlement users were unsatisfied with the various dimensions of security (39%) and traceability (35%) of the payment and settlement systems in Saudi Arabia. All dimensions of security and traceability must be considered to increase the degree of satisfaction with payments and, in particular, settlements in Saudi Arabia.
Acknowledgment The authors are grateful to the Deanship of Scientific Research, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia, for providing funding to complete this project (Project No. 2021/02/18709).
Dynamic Time Warping Techniques for Time Series Clustering of Covid-19 Cases in DKI Jakarta
Authors: Yohansa Meicheil , Notodiputro Khairil Anwar , Erfiani Erfiani
Published: January 2023

The number of positive cases of Covid-19 in DKI Jakarta has contributed to the national issues, reaching 25% of the total cases in Indonesia. The research examined and modeled the distribution pattern of Covid-19 positive cases in DKI Jakarta based on 44 districts spreading over six administrative areas. The data were regarding positive Covid-19 cases in DKI Jakarta for the past year, from April 2020 to April 2021. The research related to the pattern of positive Covid-19 distribution in 44 districts was carried out by time series clustering through Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) distances and agglomerative hierarchical methods. Then, the effectiveness of the clustering process is evaluated by comparing the predicted value of Covid-19 cases between clustering and non-clustering forecast results at the city level for the next 14 days through the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. The results group 44 districts into 6 optimal clusters based on the pattern of positive cases of Covid-19 in each district. The highest distribution rate is in cluster A, and the lowest is in cluster F. Geographical characteristics are also indicated by clusters A, B, E, and F. Then, the results show that the Mean Average Percentage Error (MAPE) value of the clustering model ranges from 16% to 20%. The difference between MAPE values to the non-clustering model implies that the forecasting accuracy is not far apart, which is in the round of 5%−6%.
An Improved Weighted Median Algorithm for Spatial Outliers Detection
Authors: Pusdiktasari Zerlita Fahdha , Fitriani Rahma , Sumarminingsih Eni
Published: January 2023

A spatial outlier is an object that significantly deviates from its surrounding neighbors. The median algorithm is one of the spatial outlier methods, which is robust. However, it assumes that all spatial objects have the same characteristics. Meanwhile, the Average Difference Algorithm (AvgDiff) has accommodated the differences in spatial characteristics, but it does not use statistical tests to determine the status of an object, whether it is an outlier or not. The research developed an improved version of the median algorithm and AvgDiff, called the Weighted Median Algorithm (WMA) which combined the advantages of the two methods. From the median algorithm, WMA adopted median and statistical test concepts. Meanwhile, from AvgDiff, WMA adopted the concept of using differences in objects’ spatial characteristics as weights. A combination of the two advantages was innovated by calculating WMA’s neighborhood score using a weighted median. Then, a simulation was conducted to analyze the accuracy of the method. The result confirms that when objects have heterogeneous spatial characteristics, WMA performs better than the median algorithm. The accuracy of WMA is not much higher than AvgDiff, but the use of WMA can prevent a serious false detection problem. The methods can be applied to an incidence rate of Covid-19 data in East Java.