bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and genome-wide analysis of new Acinetobacter baumannii bacteriophage vB_AbaM_AB3P2
Authors: Tan Yujing , Su Jianhui , Luo Dandan , Liang Bingshao , Liu Shenshen , Zeng Haiyan
Published: September 2023

New lytic Acinetobacter baumannii phage, vB_AbaM_AB3P2, was isolated from sewage treatment plant of Luoyang, China. The genome of vB_AbaM_AB3P2 is composed of double-strand DNA that is 44,824bp in length with G + C content of 37.75%. 96 open reading frames were identified, genes for antibiotic resistance and virulence factors were not found. The genomic and phylogenetic analyses of this phage revealed that it represents a new species in genus Obolenskvirus. Phage vB_AbaM_AB3P2, which has short latent period (10 min) and high stability in 30–70 ◦C and pH 2–10, is potentially useful for controlling multi-drug resistant A. baumannii in the future.
∂-dressing method to PT-symmetric multi-component nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Zhou Hui , Huang Yehui , Yao Yuqin
Published: September 2023

In this paper, the PT-symmetric multi-component nonlinear Schr¨odinger (PTSMCNLS) equation is derived using the ∂-dressing method in two local 4 × 4 matrix ∂-problems. The relations between the potential of the PTSMCNLS equation and the solution of the ∂-problem are established. The explicit Nsoliton solutions of the PTSMCNLS equation are obtained. Moreover, the PT-symmetric three-component nonlinear Schr¨odinger (PTSTCNLS) equation is constructed by virtue of reduction. As applications, some specific soliton dynamical behaviors are theoretically explored and graphically illustrated.
Fixation of dorsal rim fragments in distal radial intra-articular fractures: Is it necessary
Authors: Xu Guoqiang , Wang Gang , Wang Baojun , Bai Xiaodong
Published: September 2023

Background
To retrospectively analyze the effects of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of AO type C intra-articular fractures on the recovery of wrist function in distal radial fractures with or without dorsal rim fragments and with or without dorsal rim fragment fixation.
Methods
A total of 98 patients with type C distal radius fractures treated with ORIF using the volar approach were enrolled. They were divided into three groups based on the existence and fixation of dorsal rim fragments: no dorsal rim fragment, fixed dorsal rim fragment, and unfixed dorsal rim fragment. Patients were followed-up with radiographs, range of motion (ROM), disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores, and Gartland–Werley (G–W) scores.
Results
The radiographs showed significant improvement at each follow-up time point compared to the preoperative status in all groups. There were no significant differences in the G–W and DASH scores among the three groups, except for the DASH score 3 months after surgery. No significant differences in wrist ROM, functional assessment scores, volar tilt angle, or radial length were observed between the fixed and nonfixed groups.
Conclusion
ORIF with locking plates is an effective approach for restoring the wrist anatomy in AO type C distal radius fractures. Significant differences were observed in radial inclination, radial styloid height, and postoperative wrist flexion ROM between the three groups 12 months after surgery, whereas no significant differences were found in volar tilt angle, other wrist ROMs, G–W, or DASH scores. Therefore, fixing dorsal rim fragments in distal radial intra-articular fractures is unnecessary.
Abdominal Cancer Pain Admission in Emergency Department Vs Oncology Emergency Department
Authors: Zaslavsky Kristina , Morag Ofir , Jurkowicz Menucha , Pesah Galia , Levitan Michelle , Goor-Aryeh Itay
Published: September 2023

Purpose
to investigate the rates of hospitalization, opioid prescription, supportive care, hospice referral and 30-day all-cause mortality in metastatic cancer patients with abdominal pain complaints admitted to general emergency room (ER) versus the Oncology Emergency Medicine (OEM).
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was evaluated, consisting of metastatic patients with abdominal pain complaints admitted to the ER or OEM at Sheba Medical Center, between June, 2020 and May, 2022. The MDClone ADAMS Platform, a healthcare data analytics environment, was used for data collection.
Results
Patients visiting the OEM were 70% less likely to be hospitalized than patients visiting the ER (p < 0.01) and a greater proportion of patients admitted to the OEM received supportive care and hospice referrals (p < 0.01). In both emergency departments, patients who received biologic treatment were less likely to be hospitalized (p = 0.02), while patients who received opioids, fluids and antibiotics were more likely require hospitalization (p = 0.03), (p = 0.01), and (p = < 0.00) respectively.
Conclusion
Our study found out that an OEM with oncology-specific expertise enabled patients suffering from metastatic cancer to receive optimal care.
Differential growth and metal accumulation response of castor bean genotypes on a lead contaminated soil
Authors: Naveed Sahar , Mahmood Sajid , Ishaque Wajid
Published: September 2023

In Pakistan, probably thousands of hectares are contaminated with heavy metals. As castor plant is hyper-accumulator of heavy metals, its cultivation in the area of lead (Pb) contamination can show great potential in terms of remediation of soils. Present study aimed to evaluate the phytoremediation potential of different castor genotypes, NIAB Gold, NIAB Spineless, NIAB-2020, DS-30 and C-3 grown in pots filled with 5 kg soil, spiked with various concentrations of Pb (0, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg− 1). Results showed that plant biomass and photosynthetic pigments reduced significantly with increasing Pb concentrations. Activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase were decreased significantly whereas catalase and ascorbate peroxidase were increased with increasing Pb levels in all genotypes. At 800 mg Pb kg− 1 soil, the highest catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities of 12.23 and 64.43 mM/g FW, respectively, were recorded in DS-30 followed by NIAB-2020. The highest total soluble proteins (8.44 mg g− 1) were recorded in DS-30 followed by NIAB-2020 under Pb contamination at 800 mg kg− 1 soil. Lead uptake increased significantly with increasing levels of Pb and highest uptake in roots were recorded in NIAB-2020 (302 mg kg− 1) followed by DS-30 (299 mg kg− 1) under Pb contamination at 800 mg kg− 1. All genotypes showed metal translocation factor less than 1 under all Pb levels. In conclusion, NIAB-2020 and DS-30 possessed good potential with better Pb accumulation, osmolytes production and antioxidant activities compared to other castor bean genotypes.
Dynamical Onset of Light-Induced Unconventional Superconductivity – a Yukawa-Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev study
Authors: Grunwald Lukas , Kennes Dante , Passetti Giacomo
Published: September 2023

We investigate the dynamical onset of superconductivity in the exactly solvable Yukawa-Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model.
It hosts an unconventional superconducting phase that emerges out of a non-Fermi liquid normal state, providing a toy model for superconductivity in a strongly correlated system.
Analyzing dynamical protocols motivated by theoretical mechanisms proposed for light-induced superconductivity, that is light-induced cooling and the dressing of Hamiltonian parameters, we investigate the exact relaxation resulting out of undercooling and interaction quenches.
While, in contrast to BCS theory, it is not possible for superconductivity to emerge following interaction quenches across the superconducting phase transition, we find that the dynamical relaxation of undercooled states universally leads to superconductivity. Despite the strong correlations, the emerging order parameter dynamics are well captured by a coarse grained Ginzburg-Landau theory for which we determine all parameters from microscopics.
Retrospective cohort study of the predictors of weight loss after 3 months of treatment with Liraglutide for patients with obesity/overweight at the “Centre d’Obésité et de Contrôle du Poids” (COCP)
Authors: Moujaes Ghassan , Azzam Wael , Maalouf Mario , Wakim Victor , Fares Jocelyn Eid
Published: September 2023

Objective:Different responses were observed in patients on Liraglutide therapy, where data showed more significant weight loss in some people compared to others. The aim of this study was to assess the percentage of weight loss and to determine possible weight loss predictors in Lebanese patients with obesity/overweight who were treated with Liraglutide.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study involving patients with obesity/overweight from the Middle East Institute of Health (MEIH) in Lebanon. Patient charts were reviewed between 2014 and 2018. A total of 100 patients fulfilled the criteria and were followed up for 3 months. Measures collected were weight and waist circumference at baseline, after 1 and after 3 months of therapy, age, gender, BMI, metformin use and presence of diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidemia.
Results: A significant weight loss of 5.79 kg and decrease in waist circumference of 7.53 cm was found after 3-months follow up. None of the chosen predictors (age, gender, cumulative liraglutide dose, weight loss after 1-month, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, HOMA-IR and concomitant Metformin treatment) could significantly predict the response to therapy.
Conclusion:Our results confirm the efficacy of Liraglutide in people with obesity/overweight in Lebanon. None of the chosen predictors seems to predict the long-term efficacy of the drug in order to identify patients who will benefit from treatment continuation.
Corrosion of carbon steel rebar in binary blended concrete with accelerated chloride transport
Authors: Hoque Kazi Naimul , Presuel-Moreno Francisco , Nazim Manzurul
Published: September 2023

Samples with two different binary blended concrete mixes were prepared, one containing cement replacement of 50% slag (referred here as SL mix) and the other containing cement replacement of 20% fly ash (termed here as FA mix). The water to cementitious ratio used to produce concrete specimens was 0.41. On the top surface of each specimen, various reservoir lengths that ranged from 2.5 cm to 17.5 cm were fitted, and these reservoirs were filled with a 10% NaCl solution. Electromigration was used to accelerate the transport of chlorides, with an applied potential of 9V at first, and subsequently reduced to 3V after about a week. For a period of about 1100 days, the corrosion related parameters such as concrete solution resistance, rebar potential, and corrosion current were monitored via the rebar potential measurements, linear polarization resistance (LPR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, the latter used only to obtain the solution resistance. The corrosion current values determined through experimental observations were then converted to mass loss using Faraday’s law. The readings of corrosion current values (last 10 sets of readings) as well as the calculated mass loss values were found to be larger for the rebars embedded in specimens prepared with SL mix, followed by rebars embedded in specimens prepared with FA mix. Corrosion current and calculated mass loss values in general tended to increase with increasing solution reservoir lengths. No cracks or corrosion products that reached the surface of the concrete were observed on the specimens for the duration of the reported monitored propagation period. This study offers a framework for future studies on accelerated steel corrosion in concrete.
Response of Elymus nutans seedling physiology and endogenous hormones to drought and salt stress
Authors: Long Jianting , Liu Dandan , Qiao Wei , Wang Yanwei , Miao Yanjun , Baosai Henna
Published: September 2023

Elymus nutans, a pioneer plant for the restoration of high quality pasture and vegetation, is widely used to establish artificial grasslands and ecologically restore arid and salinized soils. To investigate the effects of drought stress and salt stress on the physiology and endogenous hormones of E. nutans seedlings, this experiment configured the same environmental water potential of PEG-6000 and NaCl stress to investigate the effects of drought stress and salt stress, respectively, on E. nutans seedlings under the same environmental water potential. The results showed that although the physiological indices and endogenous hormones of the E. nutans seedlings responded differently to drought stress and salt stress under the same environmental water potential, the physiological indices of E. nutans leaves and roots were comprehensively evaluated using the genus function method, and the physiological indices of the E. nutans seedlings under the same environmental water potential exhibited better salt tolerance than drought tolerance. The changes in endogenous hormones of the E. nutans seedlings under drought stress were analyzed to find that treatment with gibberellic acid (GA3), gibberellin A7 (GA7), 6-benzyladenine (6-BA), 6-(y,y-dimethylallylaminopurine) (2.IP), trans-zeatin (TZ), kinetin (KT), dihydrozeatin (DHZ), indole acetic acid (IAA), and 2,6-dichloroisonicotininc acid (INA) was more effective than those under drought stress. By analyzing the amplitude of changes in the endogenous hormones in E. nutans seedlings, the amplitude of changes in the contents of GA3, GA7, 6-BA, 2.IP, TZ, KT, DHZ, IAA, isopentenyl adenosine (IPA), indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and abscisic acid was larger in drought stress compared with salt stress, which could be because the endogenous hormones are important for the drought tolerance of E. nutans itself. The amplitude of the changes in the contents of DHZ, TZR, salicylic acid, and jasmonic acid was larger in salt stress compared with salt stress. Changes in the content of melatonin were larger in salt stress compared with drought stress, which could indicate that endogenous hormones and substances are important for the salt tolerance of E. nutans itself.
Lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory factors as predictors of immunotherapy efficacy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Gao Shuyue , Cheng Jiamin , Qian Niansong
Published: September 2023

Objective：We aimed to investigate the correlation between lymphocyte subpopulations expressing inhibitor receptors, IL-6 levels, and the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods：Blood samples were prospectively collected before and after immunotherapy from patients with intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who were treated with immunotherapy at the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from August 2022 to May 2023. According to the efficacy of the patients, patients were divided into effective and ineffective groups, with 20 in the effective group and 24 in the ineffective group. We compared changes in lymphocyte subsets and IL-6 levels between the two groups. Optimal cut-off value was determined using ROC curves. Then, patients were categorized into high and low groups based on cut-off value, and the disease control rates were compared.
Results：Before immunotherapy, there were no significant differences in the baseline levels of lymphocyte subsets (PD1+TIM3+T/T, TIGIT+T/T, TIM3+T/T, CTLA4+T/T, LAG3+T/T, PD1+T/T) and IL-6 between the two groups (P>0.05). After immunotherapy, the levels of PD1+TIM3+T/T, TIGIT+T/T, and IL-6 in the effective group were lower than those in the ineffective group and these differences were statistically significant (P=0.001, P=0.008, P=0.000). However, the levels of other lymphocyte subsets showed no significant difference. Using the ROC curve to assess efficacy prediction, PD1+TIM3+T/T, TIGIT+T/T and IL-6 demonstrated high predictive ability (AUC=0.8, AUC=0.83, AUC=0.73). The predictive value of efficacy was further improved when all three factors were combined (AUC=0.93, P=0.000). Based on the ROC curve, we identified optimal cut-off value for three factors. Notably, patients with values below the optimal cut-off value had higher disease control rate.
Conclusion：The levels of PD1+TIM3+T/T, TIGIT+T/T, and IL-6 after immunotherapy may serve as predictors of treatment efficacy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
An Arrhythmia Classification Approach via Deep Learning Using Single-lead ECG
Authors: Liu Liong-Rung , Huang Ming-Yuan , Huang Shu-Tien , Kung Lu-Chih , Lee Chao-hsiung , Yao Wen-Teng , Tsai Ming-Feng , Hsu Cheng-Hung , Chu Yu-Chang , Hung Fei-Hung , Chiu Hung-Wen
Published: September 2023

Arrhythmia, a frequently encountered and life-threatening cardiac disorder, can manifest as a transient or isolated event. Traditional automatic arrhythmia detection methods have predominantly relied on QRS-wave signal detection. Contemporary research has focused on the utilization of wearable devices for continuous monitoring of heart rates and rhythms through single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), which holds the potential to promptly detect arrhythmias. However, in this investigation, we employed a convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify distinct arrhythmias without necessitating a signal detection step. The ECG data used in this study were sourced from publicly available databases. We randomly selected 5-second and 10-second segments of single-lead ECG data, accurately labeled for various arrhythmias, to train a one-dimensional CNN. In our experimental setup, the CNN model exhibited the capability to differentiate between Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR) and various arrhythmias, including Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB), Atrial Flutter (AFL), Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW), Ventricular Fibrillation (VF), Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), Ventricular Flutter (VFL), Mobitz II AV Block (MII), and Sinus Bradycardia (SB). Notably, both 10-second and 5-second ECG segments yielded a classification accuracy averaging 97.31%. This underscores the practicality of utilizing even brief 5-second recordings to detect arrhythmias in real-world scenarios.
Genome-wide DNA methylation in relation to ARID1A deficiency in ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Shang , Meersma Gert Jan , Kupryjanczyk Jolanta , de Jong Steven , Wisman G. Bea A.
Published: September 2023

Background: The poor chemo-response and high DNA methylation of ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) have attracted extensive attentions. Recently, we revealed the mutational landscape of the human kinome and additional cancer-related genes and found deleterious mutations in ARID1A, a component of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, in 46% of OCCC patients. The present study aims to comprehensively investigate whether ARID1Aloss and genome-wide DNA methylation are co-regulated in OCCC and identify putative therapeutic targets epigenetically regulated by ARID1A.
Methods: DNA methylation of ARID1Amt/ko and ARID1Awt OCCC tumors and cell lines were analyzed by Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip. The clustering of OCCC tumors in relation to clinical and mutational status of tumors were analyzed by hierarchical clustering analysis of genome-wide methylation. GEO expression profiles were used to identify differentially methylated (DM) genes and their expression level in ARID1Amt/ko vs ARID1Awt OCCCs. Combining three pre-ranked GSEAs, pathways and leading-edge genes epigenetically regulated by ARID1A were revealed. The leading-edge genes that passed the in-silico validation and showed consistent ARID1A-related methylation change in tumors and cell lines were regarded as candidate genes and finally verified by bisulfite sequencing and RT-qPCR.
Results: Hierarchical clustering analysis of genome-wide methylation showed two clusters of OCCC tumors. Tumor stage, ARID1A/PIK3CAmutations and TP53 mutations were significantly different between the two clusters. ARID1A mutations in OCCC were related to DM promoter or gene-body CpG islands of 2004 genes. Three pre-ranked GSEAs collectively revealed the significant enrichment of EZH2- and H3K27me3-related gene-sets by the ARID1A-related DM genes. Leading-edge DM genes (238) were extracted from the enriched gene-sets, of which 13 passed the expression-based in-silico validation and showed consistent ARID1A-related methylation change in tumors and cell lines. Bisulfite sequencing and RT-qPCR analysis showed promoter hypermethylation and lower expression of IRX1, TMEM101 and TRIP6 in ARID1Amt compared to ARID1Awt OCCC cells, which was reversed by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment.
Conclusions: Our study shows that ARID1A loss is related to the differential methylation of a number of genes in OCCC. ARID1A-dependent DM genes have been identified as key genes of many cancer-related pathways that may provide new candidates for OCCC targeted treatment.
Genetic diversity and phylogenetic analyses of Asian lineage of Zika virus whole genome sequencing derived from Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes and urine of patients during the epidemic in Thailand
Authors: Phumee Atchara , Chitcharoen Suwalak , Sutthanont Nataya , Intayot Proawpilart , Wacharapluesadee Supaporn , Siriyasatien Padet
Published: September 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that is emerging and re-emerging. Since 2010, sporadic ZIKV cases have been reported annually in Thailand, with over 1,000 confirmed positive cases in 2016. High-throughput sequencing technologies, such as whole genome sequencing (WGS), have recently enabled the rapid sequencing of pathogen genomes. Therefore, this study used multiplex amplicon sequencing by the Illumina Miseq to describe the ZIKV WGS. Six ZIKV WGS were obtained from three samples of field-caught Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes and three urine samples collected from human in three different provinces of Thailand. Additionally, one ZIKV isolate was successfully isolated from a female Cx. quinquefasciatus. Based on WGS analysis, the timing of the 2020 outbreak correlates with the acquisition of five amino acid changes in the Asian lineage ZIKV strains from Thailand 2006, Cambodia 2010 and 2019, and Philippines 2012, including C-T106A, prM-V1A, E-V473M, NS1-A188V, and NS5-M872V. This mutation was found in all seven WGS, which was previously reported to be associated with significantly higher mortality rates. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis indicated that the seven ZIKV sequences belonged to the Asian lineage. The genomic region of the E gene showed the highest nucleotide diversity (0.7–1.3%). The data can be applied to develop molecular tools to better understand the virus's patterns and evolution. Furthermore, it could indicate potential targets for development of more effective to control and prevent the zika outbreak.
Synergistic effect of two human-like monoclonal antibodies confers protection against orthopoxvirus infection
Authors: Israely Tomer , Tamir Hadas , Noy-Porat Tal , Melamed Sharon , Cherry Lilach , Barlev-Gross Moria , Alcalay Ron , Yahalom-Ronen Yfat , Achdout Hagit , Politi Boaz , Erez Noam , Weiss Shay , Rosenfeld Ronit , Epstein Eyal , Mazor Ohad , Makdasi Efi , Paran Nir
Published: September 2023

The eradication of smallpox was officially declared by the WHO in 1980, leading to discontinuation of the vaccination campaign against the virus. Consequently, immunity against smallpox and related orthopoxviruses like Monkeypox virus gradually declines, highlighting the need for efficient countermeasures not only for the prevention, but also for the treatment of already exposed individuals. We have recently developed human-like monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from vaccinia virus-immunized non-human primates. Two mAbs, MV33 and EV42, targeting the two infectious forms of the virus, were selected for in vivo evaluation, based on their in vitro neutralization potency. A single dose of either MV33 or EV42 administered 3 days post-infection (dpi) provided full protection against lethal ectromelia virus challenge. Importantly, a combination of both mAbs conferred full protection even when provided 5 dpi. Whole-body bioimaging and viral load analysis revealed that combination of the two mAbs allowed for faster and more efficient clearance of the virus from target organs compared to either MV33 or EV42 separately. The combined mAbs treatment further conferred post-exposure protection against the currently circulating Monkeypox virus, highlighting their therapeutic potential against other orthopoxviruses.
A human rules-based game agent with TDGG and VGD for online air target intention recognition
Authors: Chen Li , Yang Jing
Published: September 2023

Air target intention recognition (ATIR) is critical in the modern air defense operations. Through the analysis of typical air defense combat scenarios, first, the paper defines the intention space and intention parameters of air units based on military experience and domain knowledge. Then, a human rules-based game agent for online intention recognition is proposed, with no training, no tagging, no big data support, which is not only for intention recognition, parameters prediction, but for formation identification of air targets. The most critical point of the agent is the introduction and application of thermal distribution grid graph (TDGG) and virtual grid dictionary (VGD), where the former is used to identify the formation information of air targets, and the latter is used to optimize the storage space and simplify the access process for the large-scale and real-time combat information. Finally, to have a performance evaluation and application analysis for the algorithm, we carried out a data instance analysis of ATIR and an air defense warfare simulation experiment based on a Wargame platform, both of them verified the effectiveness, practicality and feasibility of the proposed game agent compared with the classical k-means and the sector-based forward search method.
What makes patients with traumatic brain injury seize despite receiving phenytoin prophylaxis?
Authors: Generoso Eugene , Diep Calvin , Hua Carolyn , Radar Elizabeth , Ran Ran , Lee Nathanael J. , Rivera-Lara Lucia
Published: September 2023

Background
Post traumatic seizure (PTS) is a well-known complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The objective of this study is to identify risk factors associated with breakthrough early PTS in TBI patients receiving phenytoin prophylaxis.
Methods
This was a single centered retrospective study including adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit, had a TBI, and started on phenytoin for seizure prophylaxis within 24 hours of admission. The primary outcome was the incidence and factors associated with early PTS, defined as a confirmed seizure on a continuous electroencephalogram within 7 days of TBI. Secondary outcomes included the association between early posttraumatic seizures and ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay and in hospital mortality.
Results
A total of 105 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients with early PTS were older (65 vs 48 years old, p = 0.01), had a higher Marshall score (5 vs 2, p = 0.01), were more likely to have a Marshall score > 2 (73% vs 37%, p = 0.01), had more neurosurgeries for hematoma evacuation (57% vs 19%, p = 0.01) and had higher number of neurosurgical procedures (1 vs 0, p = 0.02). In patients with early PTS, 87.5% had a therapeutic level (> 10 mcg/mL) at the time of seizure. Patients with early PTS had a longer ICU length of stay (14.7 days vs 5.9 days, p = 0.04) and a greater proportion of hospital mortality (21% vs 2%, p = 0.02).
Conclusions
Patients with higher age, Marshall score, hematoma evacuation and neurosurgical procedures had higher incidences of breakthrough early PTS despite the use of phenytoin prophylaxis. The majority of patients had therapeutic phenytoin levels at the time of seizure.
3D Metapaper with unprecedented mechanical properties under water
Authors: Zhu Mingwei , Huang Dafang , Liu Jia , Zhang Songyan , Fang Zhiqiang , Niu Shanyuan , Wang Zhenlin , Li Xiaoyan , Zhu Shining , Chen Yanfeng
Published: September 2023

Paper has been one of the most widely used sustainable materials for millennia. It is fascinating that its two-dimensional (2D) microstructure consisting of randomly stacked plant fibers has not significantly changed. Such laminate structure leads to paper’s limited mechanical strength and vulnerability to water. Here, we report a novel Metapaper architecture with unprecedented mechanical properties and a scalable roll-to-roll manufacturing process. The Metapaper consists of paper fibers tightly knitted with each other in three-dimensions (3D). Compared with conventional paper, Metapaper exhibits ultra-high mechanical properties, even in aqueous environments. A wet tensile strength of 11.2 MPa, fracture work of 797 KJ/m3 and abrasion resistance of 708 cycles have been achieved, which is about 16, 56 and 350 times more than that of regular paper, respectively. It can be folded over 600 times when loaded with 250g weight and bent at 135° under wet conditions, whereas regular paper would break down upon any folding operation. Except superior mechanical properties, Metapaper is completely additive-free, fully degradable and retains regular paper’s pleasurable visual and tactile sensations. We also demonstrate continuous roll-to-roll production of 3D Metapaper up to 45 cm in width with minimal add-on cost. The unprecedented mechanical properties of 3D Metapaper and its easily scalable manufacturing processes enable new prospects for paper’s applications.
An Investigation into the Electrical Properties of L- Cysteine Doped Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Crystals Grown under Electric Field
Authors: Mahadik Ashwini , Mithani Amol , Soni P. H.
Published: September 2023

Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate (KDP) is a well-known non-linear optical material and has numerous applications related to electro-optic switching and laser systems. L-Cysteine (C3H7NO2S) doped KDP crystals were grown using the slow evaporation solution growth method. The conventional two-probe method was used to perform impedance spectroscopy in order to study the dielectric behaviour and conduction mechanism between 323 K and 373 K at frequencies between 100 Hz and 1MHz. According to this study, the conductivity of KDP crystals increases with temperature and impurity concentration in the presence of an electric field. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss, complex impedance modulus, alternating current (a. c.) and direct current (d. c.) conductivities of pure and L-Cysteine doped KDP crystals have been measured as functions of frequency, temperature, and doping concentration. It is observed that the conductivity of crystals changes with temperature, indicating that this change is thermally induced. Jonscher’s universal power law has been used to analyze frequency-dependence of ac conductivity. As the temperature increases, the value of ‘s’ decreases, which implies that the a. c. conduction mechanism of crystals follow Correlated Barrier Hopping (CBH) mechanism.
Technological innovation in bioformulation between algae and PGPR to optimize germination and early growth of horticultural species
Authors: Iparraguirre Julia , Llanes Analía , Cortés Julieta , Reynaga Roxana Judith , Masciarelli Oscar , Reginato Mariana Andrea
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the landscape of horticulture has undergone a transformation characterized by a reduction in cultivation area and a simultaneous surge in intensive production. This shift has been driven by the integration of cutting-edge technological innovations, with a notable emphasis on biofertilization techniques aimed at enriching soil nutrients. Within this context, our current study explores the efficiency of a novel biofertilizer originated from the synergy between Macrocystis pyrifera algal extracts and the plant growth–promoting bacterium Azospirillum argentinense. This study is focused on assessing the potential of this biofertilizer to enhance germination and the establishment phase of prevalent horticultural species, including tomato, lettuce, radish, chicory and cabbage. The seeds of the five species were inoculated and placed in germination trays in a growth chamber to evaluate germination and early seedling growth. The results showed a positive effect of the combined use of both biofertilizers on germination in lettuce, radish and chicory, where the co-inoculation produced significant differences. Moreover, early growth parameters were significantly improved in all the horticultural species studied, mainly with the combination of A. argentinense and algal extract. From the results obtained arise that the use of M. pyrifera algal extract is an interesting tool for agriculture that may improve the general plant growth and to provide stress protection. Moreover, a new biofertilizing formula is obtained when A. argentinense is combined with the algal extract, with promising effects on germination and early growth in the horticultural species used in this study.
Usability evaluation of the computerized physician order entry system: A study in a developing country
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Zahra , Nickfarjam Ali Mohammad , Shakri Ali Akbar , Aghasizadeh Fatemeh , Rasooli Zahra , Miranzadeh Yalda
Published: September 2023

Background
Electronic prescribing is one of the most important processes with vital functions in the health system of any country. Electronic prescription is one of the best solutions to overcome many problems of the paper (manual) prescription process, such as writing errors. In this study, our purpose was to evaluate the Iranian computerized physician order entry system (CPOE).
Method
This is a cross-sectional research using a case study method that was conducted in 2023. The statistical population included two groups of physicians and users of outpatient units who were working in three hospitals (Shahid Beheshti, Akhwan, and Matini) under the supervision of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. For user interaction satisfaction the Iranian CPOE system was used from the QUIS Questionnaire. Also, to get a general idea of users' subjective evaluations of the Iranian CPOE system, the System Usability Scale questionnaire (SUS) was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (average and standard deviation), analytical (Independent-sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA), and calculation formula of the SUS questionnaire through SPSS software.
Result
According to the results obtained from the participants through the QUIS questionnaire, the overall user satisfaction range of the Iranian CPOE system from the physician's point of view was 4.65 out of 9 and from the outpatient unit user's point of view was 5.73 out of 9. Also, based on the results obtained from the participants through the SUS questionnaire, the overall usability score of the computerized physician order entry system was 72 out of 100 from the view of physicians and 76 out of 100 from according to outpatient unit users.
Conclusion
Iran's CPOE system is almost good in overall reactions due to being easy to use and learn, having control level, being stimulating, and being flexible to the needs of users. Also, the SUS questionnaire showed that the computerized physician order entry system was at a good level. Of course, at first glance and according to overall reactions, QUIS questionnaire and scores obtained from the SUS questionnaire Iran CPOE system can be evaluated as good, but they are still lacking and this shows that this Iranian CPOE system can be more competent. Therefore, it is recommended that in updating future versions of the Iranian CPOE system, authorities should pay attention to the demands and needs of its users and use aesthetic elements in design and development according to the principles of human-computer interaction.
Effect of intermittent Pringle maneuver on perioperative outcomes and long- term survival following liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hu Lingbo , Wang Aidong , Qiao Yingli , Huang Xiandan
Published: September 2023

Background: Intermittent Pringle maneuver (IPM) is commonly used to control bleeding during liver resection. IPM can cause ischemia-reperfusion injury, which may affect the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of IPM use on perioperative outcomes and long-term survival in patients with HCC.
Methods: A systemic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials and retrospective studies that compared the effect of IPM with no Pringle maneuver during liver resection in patients with HCC. Hazard ratio (HR), risk ratio, and standardized mean difference, and their 95% confidence interval (CI) values were calculated based on the type of variables.
Results:This meta-analysis included nine studies comprising one RCT and eight retrospective studies and involved a total of 3268 patients. Perioperative outcomes, including operation time, complications, and length of hospital stay, except for blood loss, were comparable between the two groups. After removing the studies that led to heterogeneity, the results showed that IPM was effective in reducing blood loss. Five studies reported overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) data and eight studies reported perioperative outcomes. No significant difference in OS and DFS was observed between the two groups (OS: HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.85–1.20; p = 0.95; DFS: HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88–1.17; p = 0.86).
Conclusion:IPM is a useful technique to control blood loss during liver resection and does not affect the long-term survival of patients with HCC.
Study on the use of waste polypropylene-based mask in crude oil as viscosity reducer
Authors: Du Yingna , Jing Rui , Li Wenjuan , Li Yongfei , Wu Ya , Chen Gang
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 leads the use and waste of a large number of polypropylene-based masks, and improper or arbitrary disposal of waste masks will cause serious environmental pollution. In order to utilize waste masks as resources, this work prepared oil soluble crude oil fluidity improvers using waste masks as a raw materials. The effect of the layers and their mixture of masks on reducing crude oil viscosity was evaluated, and then the most effective one was compounded with other oil soluble viscosity reducers and polymers to enhance its impact on the viscosity and pour point of crude oil. The results show that the tri-component, composed of oil PP-2, polyethylene glycol and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (named as CPPA), can reduce the viscosity of crude oil by 72.9%, depress the pour point by 7°C, reflecting excellent functional efficiency. DSC analysis shows that CPPA can reduce the wax precipitation point. CPPA can eutectic with wax crystals in crude oil, resulting in wax crystal disorder, changing intermolecular forces, and changing the crystal form of wax, thereby reducing the pour point. CPPA also interferes with the hydrogen bonds between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and colloidal macromolecules, thereby reducing viscosity. In addition, the viscosity reduction effects of other oil samples from CPPA have also been studied, indicating that CPPA has certain universal applicability, which has explored a feasible path for the resource utilization of waste masks.
Fano Resonance Based Ultra-Sensitive Nano- Displacement Sensor Using All-Dielectric Metamaterials
Authors: Karimipour Mohammad Reza , Naeimi Azadeh Sadat , Javadifar Nader , Nasrollahnejad Mohammad Bagher
Published: September 2023

In this paper, an ultra-sensitive nano-displacement sensing system consisting of an all-dielectric and mechanically tunable metamaterial has been proposed. The proposed sensor takes benefits from highly sensitive Fano resonance peaks as a result of the asymmetrical topology of the metamaterial. Simulation results demonstrate that perfect Fano resonance peaks with ultra-narrow bandwidths are achievable in the reflection spectrum of the proposed metamaterial which can provide excellent sensing characteristics. Based on the simulations performed using the frequency domain solver, a sharp resonance peak of a spectral bandwidth around 0.9 nm can be attained at the wavelength of 651 nm. Furthermore, the optical sensitivity of 1.04 nm/nm obtained for the proposed micro device, to the best of our knowledge, is the highest has ever been reported. The simple fabrication process, high resolution, and relatively highly wide measurement range are among the other features of the proposed micro device which make it suitable for several applications ranging from tunable reflectors to high-accuracy inertial sensors.
DTA-UNet: U-Net Based on Dynamic Convolution Decomposition and Triplet Attention
Authors: Li Yang , Yan Bobo , Hou Jianxin , Bai Bingyang , Huang Xiaoyu , Xu Canfei , Fang Limei
Published: September 2023

Medical image segmentation methods can assist doctors to quantify and diagnose lesions faster, and give more accurate treatment plans. However, in practical clinical applications, the robustness and generalization ability of medical image segmentation models are challenging due to the differences between different disease types, different image types and different cases. Although U-Net is a universal segmentation framework, it still has the problems of limited feature expression and inaccurate segmentation. To this end, we propose DTA-UNet, a U-Net based on Dynamic Convolution Decomposition (DCD) and Triple Attention (TA). The model uses Attention U-Net as the baseline network. Firstly, we use DCD to replace all conventional convolutions in the encoding-decoding process to enhance its feature extraction capabilities. Secondly, we combine TA with Attention Gate (AG) to skip connections, remove redundant information in both spatial dimensions and channel dimensions, and highlight lesion regions. Then, we performed ablation experiments on the stroke segmentation dataset of the cooperative hospital, which proved the effectiveness of DCD and TA, and the parameters (params) were only increased by 0.7628M compared with the baseline algorithm. Finally, to verify the universality of the DTA-UNet, it was applied to the cooperative hospital stroke segmentation dataset, the public COVID-SemiSeg dataset and the ISIC 2018 dataset, and was compared with 6 advanced methods. The experimental results show that DTA-UNet has advantages in different segmentation indexes, can effectively segment different types of lesions, and is more friendly to the boundary blur problem, which is better than other methods.
Vimentin contributes to the comorbidities of Cryptococcus neoformans and HIV-1 gp120
Authors: He Long-Xiao , Zhang Tie-Song , Li Li , Zhang Mu-Jie , Liang Jia-Xin , Zeng Qing , Zhang Bao , Huang Sheng-He , Cao Hong , Peng Liang
Published: September 2023

Cryptococcus neoformans (CN) is the most common pathogen causing fungal meningitis (CNM)in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Due to the ambiguity of the mechanism of comorbidity of CNM and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 encephalopathy, AIDS patients with CNM have maintained a high mortality rate. CD44 on the surface of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs), which is a main component of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), mediates the CN adhesion and penetration across the BBB. However, the HIV-1 envelope protein gp120, which binds to vimentin (Vim), is required for the entry of virus into the target cells. Our previous study has shown that NF-κB is regulated by Vim that interacts with soluble CD44. How VIM and gp120 contributing to the comorbidity of AIDS-associated CNM remain largely unknown. In this study, we generated a Vim−/−/gp120 double transgenic mouse strain and a meningitis mouse model of CN infection. Compared with Vim+/+/gp120 mice, the number of CN in the brain, circulating brain microvascular endothelial cells (cBMECs) in the blood, and p65 and TNF-α concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Vim−/−/gp120 mice were significantly decreased. In addition, astrocyte proliferation and the degree of the neuron/BBB damage induced by CN infection were also reduced in Vim−/−/gp120 mice. In vitro experiments showed that the NF-κB inhibitor caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), Ca2+-calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine (TFP), and the lipid raft inhibitor Nys inhibited gp120-induced leukocyte migration. The VIM inhibitors Withaferin-A (WFA) and ginsenoside Rg3 significantly blocked VIM protein expression and gp120-induced astrocyte proliferation. Our results suggest that VIM is required for the gp120-mediated CN invasion of BBB in AIDS patients, which is closely related to the activation of the NF-κB pathway and the development of meningitis. VIM-targeting inhibitors have the potential to be developed into new drugs for the treatment of CN meningitis in AIDS patients.
YAP/TEAD involvement in resistance to paclitaxel chemotherapy in lung cancer
Authors: Brosseau Solenn , Abreu Paula , Bouchez Clémentine , Charon Lucie , Kieffer Yann , Gentric Géraldine , Picant Valentin , Veith Irina , Camonis Jacques , Descroix Stéphanie , Mechta-Grigoriou Fatima , Parrain Maria-Carla , Zalcman Gérard
Published: September 2023

Background: The Yes-associated protein (YAP) oncoprotein has been linked to both metastasis and resistance to targeted therapy of lung cancer cells. We aimed to investigate the effect of YAP pharmacological inhibition, using YAP/ TEA domain (TEAD) transcription factor interaction inhibitors, in chemo-resistant lung cancer cells.
Methods: YAP subcellular localization, cell migration, and TEAD transcription factor functional transcriptional activity were investigated in cancer cell lines with up-regulated YAP, with and without YAP/TEAD interaction inhibitors. Parental (A549) and paclitaxel-resistant (A549R) cell transcriptomes were analyzed. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of paclitaxel or trametinib, an inhibitor of Mitogen-Activated protein kinase and Erk Kinase (MEK), combined to YAP/TEAD inhibitor (IV#6) was determined. A three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic culture device enabled us to study the effect of IV#6/paclitaxel combination on cancer cells isolated from fresh resected lung cancer samples.
Results: YAP activity was significantly higher in paclitaxel-resistant cell lines. YAP/TEAD inhibitor induced a decreased YAP activity in A549, PC9, and H2052 cells, with reduced YAP nuclear staining. Wound healing assays upon YAP inhibition revealed impaired cell motility of lung cancer A549 and mesothelioma H2052 cells. Combining YAP pharmacological inhibition with trametinib, in A549, K-Ras mutated cells, recaped synthetic lethality, sensitizing these cells (MEK) inhibition. The YAP/TEAD inhibitor lowered paclitaxel IC50 in A549R cells. Differential transcriptomic analysis of parental and A549R cells revealed an increase of YAP/TEAD transcriptomic signature in resistant cells, down-regulated upon YAP inhibition. YAP/TEAD inhibitor enabled restoring paclitaxel sensitivity in A549R cells cultured in a 3D microfluidic system, with lung cancer cells from a fresh tumor efficiently killed by YAP/TEAD inhibitor/paclitaxel doublet.
Conclusions: Evidence on YAP/TEAD transcriptional program's role in resistance to chemotherapy opens routes towards therapeutic YAP targeting.