bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of G4S Mutation on N-glycosylation and conformation of the Human Coagulation Factor IX GLA domain: In silico and In vitro Analysis
Authors: Ghasemi Fahimeh , Maddah Mina , Kalhor Hourieh , Khorashadizadeh Mohsen , Zomorodipour Alireza
Published: December 2021

Missense mutations are the most prevalent form of mutation in hemophilia B patients. These alterations may result in the creation of novel and non-native N-glycosylation sites (Asn-X-Ser/Thr) through single amino acid substitutions. The pathogenic mechanisms of N-glycosylation mutations in hemophilia B patients have not been extensively studied yet. By survey among known missense mutations, we found only one N-glycosylation mutation in the γ-carboxyglutamic-rich (GLA) domain of the human coagulation factor IX (hFIX). This mutation that was reported in patients with mild and moderate hemophilia B, is caused by G4S amino acid substitution. To investigate the possibility of glycan attachment to the novel N-glycosylation site in G4S-mutant hFIX and the occurrence of hyperglycosylation, site-directed mutagenesis was applied to introduce the selected mutation into the coding sequence of the hFIX. The nucleotide sequences of the both native and G4S-mutant hFIX were separately cloned into the pcDNA3.1 expression plasmid and transiently expressed in HEK293T cells. Our results from gradient SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis of the both recombinant native and mutant hFIX demonstrated no glycan attachment to the new N-glycosylation site in the G4S-mutant hFIX. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was also conducted to provide atomistic insights into structure and behavior of the native and G4S-mutant GLA domains in the both free and membrane-bound states. The results revealed that the mutation slightly affected the dynamic behavior of the mutant GLA domain. The conformational analysis proved that the native GLA domain had less fluctuation and more stability than the mutant GLA domain. The slight conformational changes may influence the binding capacity and interaction of the mutant GLA domain to phospholipid bilayer which is necessary for coagulation activity of the hFIX. These findings were in accordance with the nature of the G4S mutation which causes mild hemophilia B.
Pancreatic α and β cells are globally phase-locked
Authors: Ren Huixia , Li Yanjun , Han Chensheng , Yu Yi , Shi Bowen , Peng Xiaohong , Wu Shufang , Yang Xiaojing , Sneppen Kim , Chen Liangyi , Tang Chao
Published: December 2021

The Ca2+ modulated pulsatile secretion of glucagon and insulin by pancreatic α and β cells plays a key role in glucose homeostasis. However, how α and β cells coordinate via paracrine interaction to produce various Ca2+ oscillation patterns is still elusive. Using a microfluidic device and transgenic mice in which α and β cells were labeled with different colors, we were able to record islet Ca2+ signals at single cell level for long times. Upon glucose stimulation, we observed heterogeneous Ca2+ oscillation patterns intrinsic to each islet. After a transient period, the oscillations of α and β cells were globally phase-locked, i.e., the two types of cells in an islet each oscillate synchronously but with a phase shift between the two. While the activation of α cells displayed a fixed time delay of ~20 s to that of β cells, β cells activated with a tunable delay after the α cells. As a result, the tunable phase shift between α and β cells set the islet oscillation period and pattern. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the phase shift can be modulated by glucagon. A mathematical model of islet Ca2+ oscillation taking into consideration of the paracrine interaction was constructed, which quantitatively agreed with the experimental data. Our study highlights the importance of cell-cell interaction to generate stable but tunable islet oscillation patterns.
Upcycling of Waste Polyethylene and Cement Kiln Dust to Produce Polymeric Composite Sheets Using Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Khozemy Ehab , Radi Hamdi , Mazied Nabila A
Published: December 2021

Cement kiln dust (CKD) is a residue produced during the manufacture of cement that contains hazardous solid waste of high toxicity that affects the environment and public health. In this study, the possibility of using cement waste as a filler in the plastic and rubber industry was studied. Different concentrations of (CKD) and gamma irradiation on the mechanical, thermal stability of the prepared composites sheets were investigated. Different concentrations of (CKD) 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, and 40 wt % were prepared with double screw extrusion by mixing waste polyethylene (WPE), de-vulcanized rubber (DWR), and EPDM rubber. These prepared composites were irradiated with doses 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 kGy to study the effect of radiation on the physical, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the prepared composite sheets. The prepared composite sheets were characterized and verified by FTIR and soluble fractions. The morphology of the composite sheets was investigated by SEM. Mechanical and thermal properties were investigated to evaluate the possibility of its application in the plastic and rubber industry.
A Flexible Broadband CPW-Fed Circularly Polarized Biomedical Implantable Antenna With Enhanced Axial Ratio Bandwidth
Authors: Ahmad Sarosh , Manzoor Bilal , Naseer Salman , Ghaffar Adnan , Hussein Mousa
Published: December 2021

Implantable antennas have a vital role in biomedical telemetry applications. Therefore, a compact low-profile circularly polarized biomedical implantable antenna operational in industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band at 2.45 GHz is reported. The presented antenna is fed by a modified co-planar waveguide (CPW) technique to keep the size of the antenna compact. The radiating monopole consists of a slotted rectangular patch with one slot at an angle of 45 degree and truncated small patch on the left end of the CPW ground plane to make the antenna circularly polarized at the required frequency band. A flexible Roger Duroid RT5880 substrate (εr = 2.2, tanδ = 0.0009) with the standard thickness of 0.254 mm is used to achieve bending abilities. The complete volume of the designed antenna is 21 mm × 13.5 mm × 0.254 mm (0.25 × 0.16 × 0.003 ). The antenna covers the bandwidth from 2.35-2.55 GHz (200 MHz) in free space while from 1.63 GHz to 2.8 GHz (1.17 GHz) inside skin tissue. As the designed antenna is operational in skin tissue with larger bandwidth, the bending analysis along the (x & y)-axis is also analyzed through the simulation. A good agreement between the simulation and measurements of the bended antenna is observed. The measured -10dB impedance bandwidth and the 3dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth inside skin-mimicking gel are 47.7% and 53.8%, respectively at 2.45 GHz frequency band. Finally, the specific absorption rate (SAR) values are also analyzed through simulations, and it is 0.78 W/kg inside skin over 1 g of mass tissue. The proposed SAR values are less than the limit of the federal communication commission (FCC). This antenna is miniaturized and an ideal applicant for the biomedical implantable applications.
The Effect of A2E On The Levels of ROS and The Distribution of A2E in RPE Cells Exposed to Blue Light
Authors: Luo Maomei , Zeng Chun , Wang Shu , Cai Shanjun
Published: December 2021

AimsTo establish the N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine(A2E) and blue light induced RPE cells damage model to explore the regularity of distribution of A2E and the levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS).MethodsThe fourth to sixth generation of human RPE cells in vitro were divided into five groups randomly: control group, blue light group, A2E-loaded group, A2E-loaed+blue light group and A2E-loaded+blue light +nifedipine group. The levels of ROS in cytoplasm by DCFH-DA staining was assayed by flow cytometry. The concentration of A2E in cytoplasm and lysosomes were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The fluorescence intensity of A2E in lysosomes by Lysotracker redDND-99 staining was assayed by confocal laser scanning microscope. ResultsExposure to blue light and/or A2E could increase the levels of ROS in RPE cells, and nifedipine could inhibit oxidative stress response and reduce ROS levels. By HPLC-MS, it was found that A2E was not detected in the groups without load A2E, and A2E levels in cytoplasm and lysosomes decreased after light exposure. The green fluorescence produced by A2E loaded on RPE cells was mostly coincident with the red fluorescence labeled by lysosomes.ConclusionBlue light and A2E can increase the ROS levels of RPE cells and both have a synergistic effect. A2E is mainly concentrated in lysosomes, which is reduced by oxidation under blue light irradiation, damages lysosomal membrane with oxidized species of A2E, and leaks out from lysosomes.
Identifying the Key Factors Influencing Technology Management in the Power Plant and Electric Power Industry, and Prioritizing Factors Using Network Analytical Process (ANP): Evidence from MAPNA Group
Authors: khamseh abbas , kheradranjbar maryam
Published: December 2021

This research has been conducted in order to identify and determine the order of influential factors on technology management in MAPNA Group. After studying the related literature and collecting conducted researches and experts’ opinions, 71 influential indicators were identified in the technology management of power plants and the electric power industry. Afterward, the opinions of experts in the industry and university concerning the influence of these factors were collected by designing a questionnaire and using Likert scaling, and next, decisions were made regarding these indicators. After this process, 51 indicators were approved and categorized into 6 factors and 12 dimensions, based on which the final questionnaire was designed and distributed among 32 managers and experts of MAPNA Group. Using structural equations and Smart PLS software, the research model was fitted and ultimately, surface six indicators were approved for the designed model. Also, the ANP technique was utilized in order to determine the order of factors and the result illustrated that factors namely “propagation“ and “acquisition“ were given the 1st and 2nd order respectively and factor “protection“ was given the last order. According to the conducted researches in the technology management of MAPNA Group, all six facts factors have a significant influence on technology management and hence, all six factors must be paid attention to. In case such a thing does not happen, reaching success in technology management will fail.
Exploring the Mental, Social and Lifestyle Effects of COVID-19 Infection on Syrian Refugees in Jordan: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kheirallah Khalid A , Ababneh Bayan F , Bendak Heba , Alsuwaidi Ahmed R , Elbarazi Iffat
Published: December 2021

Background: The fear of testing positive for COVID-19 infection has created panic among patients and families and discouraged some people from being tested and receiving medical care. Migrants and refugees are among the vulnerable populations that suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis. However, their experiences with COVID-19 positivity status have not been investigated. This study aimed to explore the physical, mental, and psychosocial impact of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis on Syrian refugees living in Jordan.Methods: Using a qualitative approach, twenty phone interviews were conducted with ten adult Syrian refugees living within the camp and ten refugees living in non-camp (host-community) settings. A follow-up interviews with five health care providers in the refugee camp were conducted to explore the services and support given to the refugees with COVID-19 infection. The findings were thematically analysed using Braun & Clarke's six-phase framework. Results: Physical effects of a positive COVID-19 status varied according to the seriousness of the condition but affected most participants' lifestyle by adopting more precautionary measures and caring for their physical health. Self-isolation and fear to infect others were common themes identified among all participants living within community settings. Resorting to friends and family members for mental and psychological support was the only option available for all participants. Refugees living within the community preferred to manage their condition at home utilizing traditional remedies and avoided being tested for financial reasons, poor healthcare access and fear of being identified. Refugees living within camps had better access to testing, healthcare, and disease management and did not experience fear of being deported. They did not display worries and feelings of shame and guilt, which were feelings expressed by refugees living within the community. Both groups suffered mental and psychosocial health impacts, as well as social isolation and fear of death and disease complications.Conclusions: COVID-19 infection has negatively impacted refugees’ well-being with noticeable disparities across the different living conditions. While mental health impact seems to be standardized, refugees living within host-community may need more support into managing their condition, accessibility to free testing as well as treatment and healthcare services.
Brain Structural Changes in Regions Within the Salience Network in Patients with Functional Constipation
Authors: Jia Zhenzhen , Li Guanya , Hu Yang , Li Hao , Zhang Wenchao , Wang Jia , Zhang Lei , Tan Zongxin , Lv Shuai , von Deneen Karen M. , Duan Shijun , Cui Guangbin , Zhang Yi , Nie Yongzhan
Published: December 2021

Functional constipation (FCon) is one of the common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). Previous studies reported alterations in cortical morphometry as well as changes in white matter (WM) fiber tracts and thalamo-limbic/parietal structural connectivity (SC). However, whether patients with FCon are implicated in changes in gray matter (GM) volume and associated SC remains unclear. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was first employed to examine differences in GM volume between 48 patients with FCon and 52 healthy controls (HC). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with probabilistic tractography analysis was then employed to explore alterations in SC of these regions. Compared with the HC, patients with FCon showed decreased GM volumes in the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG_R), left insula (INS_L), and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC, PFWE < 0.05) which had a negative correlation with abdominal symptoms and difficulty of defecation respectively. Seed-based SC showed patients with FCon had decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) of bilateral INS-ACC, bilateral ACC-MFG, bilateral INS-MFG, increased axial diffusivity (AD) of bilateral ACC-MFG, and decreased radial diffusivity (RD) of bilateral INS-ACC, bilateral ACC-MFG tracts. FA of the right INS-ACC tract had a negative correlation with difficulty of defecation and AD of the ACC-left MFG tract had a negative correlation with stool symptoms. These findings reflect patients with FCon are implicated in changes in GM volumes and corresponding SC in brain regions within the salience network.
Coastal Vulnerability Assessment Based on Multi-Hazardous Events. Case study: Northwestern Coastline of Guinea-Bissau (NC-GB)
Authors: Lopes Namir Domingos Domingos Raimundo , Tianxin Li , Matomela Nametso , Sa Rui Moutinho
Published: December 2021

Guinea-Bissau coastlines are found highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, and this vulnerability will likely increase under future climate changes scenarios. In addition, the multi-hazardous assessment studies have not yet been conducted to clarify the status of vulnerability index to coastal hazards. Therefore, we integrated eight bio-geophysical parameters and elaborate a comprehensive Coastal Vulnerability Index to coastal hazards, stablish the rate of sea-level rise and determine the role of coastal habitats in protecting the shorelines in the Northwestern Coastline of Guinea-Bissau, by using the GIS and Coastal Vulnerability Index of InVEST Model. The study found that, out of 87 km of the studied coastlines, nearly 45 km lie in high to very-high vulnerability index. 17 km are found in a moderate vulnerability index and 25 km are found at low to very-low vulnerability index. The main responsible for high vulnerability registered in Zone-B were the wind and wave exposure, as this coastline is highly exposed to sea. The other reason was the storm surge and sea-level that rises 8.79/year, motivated by low coastal elevation. Mangrove ecosystem that are largely found in Zone-A, play very important role in protecting shoreline from coastal hazards with value 0.61, followed by forest and sand dune that are found mostly in Zone-C with 0.49 and 0.4 respectively, and saltmarsh that are relatively found in Zone-B with value 0.32. These findings can assist coastal managers in cost-effective adaptation plans, provide a scientific basis for sustainable coastal management and guidance for ecological conservation in coastal regions.
The Transcription Factor HcERF4 Confers Salt and Drought Tolerance in Kenaf (Hibiscus Cannabinus L.)
Authors: Yue Jiao , Tang Meiqiong , Zhang Hui , Luo Dengjie , Cao Shan , Hu Yali , Huang Zhen , Wu Qijing , Wu Xia , Pan Jiao , Chen Canni , wang caijin , Chen Peng
Published: December 2021

Ethylene response factors (ERF) are members of the APETALA2/ERF transcription factor family, and they play an important role in plant growth, development, and response to various environmental stresses. In the present study, an ERF transcription factor HcERF4 was isolated and characterized from kenaf. The protein encoded by the HcERF4 has 233 amino acid residues with a theoretical isoelectric point of 8.89 and a predicted molecular weight of 25.53 kDa. HcERF4 had an over than 86.97% identity to HsERF4(XP_039019980.1), and shared a closest phylogenetic relationship with Hibiscus syriacus. Subcellular localization analysis shows that HcERF4 is located in the nucleus. Transactivation assays in yeast demonstrated that HcERF4 functions as a transcriptional activator. The expression of HcERF4 was enriched in leaf and root, and can be induced by salt or drought treatments in kenaf. The VIGS-silenced HcERF4 plant showed significantly reduced plant height, stem diameter, fresh weight, and relative water content (RWC) compared with wild type plants under salt or drought stress condition; In addition, the contents of MDA, O2−, H2O2, and free proline is significantly increased, and the activities of SOD and CAT are significantly reduced. The DAB/NBT staining results showed that the H2O2 and O2− contents in HcERF4-silenced plants were consistent with the determination. Based on these results, it is proposed that HcERF4 plays an important role in regulating salt and drought stress in kenaf.
Multitargeting Strategy Using Tetrathiomolybdate and Lenvatinib: Maximizing Anti-Angiogenesis Activity in a Preclinical Liver Cancer Model
Authors: Nan LI , Yuan WAN , Jianyong YANG , Yonghui Huang
Published: December 2021

Purpose
To investigate the suppressing tumor-promoting effects via multi-anti-angiogenesis activity of the copper chelator (Ammonium Tetrathiomolybdate, TM) combined with lenvatinib for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Material and methods
Fifty-five C57 mice were injected subcutaneously with Hepa1-6 hepatoma cell suspensions into the right posterior thigh. Seven days later, all subcutaneous tumors were formed and the mice were randomly distributed into 5 groups: TM Group (G1), Lenvatinib Group (G2), TM+Lenvatinib Group (G3), Control Group (G4), and Copper (II) Gluconate Group (G5). And copper concentrations in serum and tumors were measured at the predetermined times. After fourteen days of treatments, tumor weight and volumes were analyzed, histology was observed, and the expressions of VEGF and microvessel density (MVD) in tumor tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC).
Results
Average concentration of copper in serum was 405.14 ug/L, 480.44 ug/L, and 679.80 ug/L in normal mice, in mice on 7 days after implantation, and in the control group, respectively. Similarly, intratumoral copper concentrations were greater in G4 mice (1511.90 ug/L) than mice on 7 days after implantation (852.80 ug/L) (p < 0.05). And the serum concentration of copper was 363.65 ug/L, 508.83 ug/L, 370.52 ug/L, 822.12 ug/L in G1, G2, G3, and G5 [G5 vs other Groups, all p < 0.05; (G1, G2, and G3) vs G4, p < 0.05; G1 vs G2, p = 0.013; G2 vs G3, p = 0.018; G1 vs G3, p = 0.903] while intratumoral copper concentrations was 674.31 ug/L, 988.91 ug/L, 550.52 ug/L, and 3004.95 ug/L in G1, G2, G3, and G5 And the average tumor weight was 0.55 g, 0.44 g, 0.08 g, 1.37 g, 3.11 g in the mice of G1, G2, G3, G4, and G5, respectively. [G5 vs other Groups, all p < 0.05; (G1, G2, and G3) vs G4, p < 0.05; G1 vs G3, p < 0.05; G2 vs G3, p < 0.05; G1 vs G2, p > 0.05]. Furthermore, tumors were collected for HE staining and IHC examination. The expression levels of VEGF in G1, G2, and G3 were 43.75, 32.48, and 15, and all of them were significantly lower than those in G4 (64.28) and G5 (89.03) (G4 vs G5, p < 0.05). Similarly, the trend of MVD was just like that of VEGF in the five groups whereas no significant difference occurred in G1 and G2.
Conclusion
The study shows that there is a significant positive correlation between tumor load and copper. Administration of copper can promote tumor progression, and copper chelating could suppress tumor growth. The combination of TM with lenvatinib can reduce tumor angiogenesis and improved the effect of antitumor treatment. These findings offer basic data support and theoretical foundation for the clinical application of the combination therapy.
Contraceptive Use in Women with Inherited Metabolic Disorders: A Retrospective Study and Literature Review
Authors: Gold Jessica , Gold Nina B , DeLeon Diva D , Ganetzky Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Background
Reproductive planning is an emerging concern for women with inherited metabolic disease (IMD). Anticipatory guidance on contraception is necessary to prevent unintended pregnancies in this population. Few resources exist to aid informed decision-making on contraceptive choice. A retrospective case-control study was performed to examine trends in reproductive planning for adolescent and adult women seen at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Literature review on contraception and IMD was performed to assess global use.
Results
In a cohort of 221 reproductive-aged female IMD patients, 29.4% reported routine contraceptive use. Anticipatory guidance on contraception was provided by metabolism doctors to 36.8% of patients during the study period. Contraception discussion was more likely to occur in women older than 21 years, who lived independently and were followed by gynecology. Women who received contraception counseling from their metabolism provider were 40-fold more likely to use regular contraception. Use of combined hormonal contraceptives was most commonly reported, but contraception choice varied by age and IMD.
Conclusion
Metabolism providers are ideally suited to provide guidance on contraception to women with IMD. Reproductive planning should be addressed routinely using shared decision-making. Contraceptives should be selected for their efficacy, effects on metabolism, and likelihood of patient adherence.
The Normal and Fibrotic Mouse Lung in Situ Classified by High Dimensional Single Cell Analysis on Routinely Processed Tissue
Authors: Ciccimarra Roberta , Bolognesi Maddalena M. , Zoboli Matteo , Cattoretti Giorgio , Stellari Fabio F. , Ravanetti Francesca
Published: December 2021

Single cell classification is elucidating homeostasis and pathology in tissues and whole organs. We applied in situ spatial proteomics by multiplex antibody staining to routinely processed mouse lung, healthy and during a fibrosis model. With a limited validated antibody panel (24) we classify the normal constituents (alveolar type I and II, bronchial epithelia, endothelial, muscular, stromal and hematopoietic cells) and by quantitative measurements, we show the progress of lung fibrosis over a 4 weeks course, the changing landscape and the cell-specific quantitative variation of a multidrug transporter. An early decline in AT2 alveolar cells and a progressive increase in stromal cells seems at the core of the fibrotic process.
Metabolomic Spectra For Phenotypic Prediction of Malting Quality In Spring Barley
Authors: Guo Xiangyu , Jahoor Ahmed , Jensen Just , Sarup Pernille
Published: December 2021

The objectives were to investigate prediction of malting quality (MQ) phenotypes in different locations using information from metabolomic spectra, and compare the prediction ability using different models and different sizes of training population (TP). A total of 2,667 plots of 564 malting spring barley lines from three years and two locations were included. Five MQ traits were measured in wort produced from each individual plot. Metabolomic features (MFs) used were 24,018 NMR intensities measured on each wort sample. Models involved in the statistical analyses were a metabolomic best linear unbiased prediction (MBLUP) model and a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model. Predictive ability within location and across locations were compared using cross-validation methods. The proportion of variance in MQ traits that could be explained by effects of MFs was above 0.9 for all traits. The prediction accuracy increased with increasing TP size but when the TP size reached 1,000, the rate of increase was negligible. The number of components considered in the PLSR models can affect the performance of PLSR models and 20 components were optimal. The accuracy of individual plots and line means using leave-one-line-out cross-validation ranged from 0.722 to 0.865 and using leave-one-location-out cross-validation ranged from 0.517 to 0.817.In conclusion, it is possible to carry out metabolomic prediction of MQ traits using MFs, the prediction accuracy is high and MBLUP is better than PLSR if the training population is larger than 100. The results have significant implications for practical barley breeding for malting quality.
Does Parental Marital Status at Birth Influence the Risk of Children and Grandchildren Requiring Local Authority Care? A Retrospective Study of the Scottish Birth Cohort
Authors: Colvin Michael
Published: December 2021

Background

- Demand in children’s social care remains at historically high levels across the UK. The number of children in local authority care in Scotland increased every year between 1998 and 2013. This study explores a possible trans-generational influence of historical changes in family structure at birth.
Method

- Children who were accommodated by a typical Scottish local authority from 2000 to 2013 were identified. The parental marital status on birth registrations of the children and their parents was compared to all Scottish registrations in national birth cohorts and relative risk (RR) was calculated for different birth circumstances.
Results

- The children who entered care were more likely to have been born to unmarried parents than their peers (RR 7.8, CI 6.3-9.6). Their mothers (RR 3.2, CI 2.7-3.9) and fathers (RR 1.5, CI 1.1-2) were also more likely than their peers to have been born to unmarried parents. The accumulated risk of young children entering care if their parents and maternal grandparents had been unmarried on birth registrations was very large (RR 23.3, CI 12.5-43.5).
Conclusion

- Parental marriage is protective against entering local authority care for children in Scotland. Historical changes in family structure at birth may influence demand in children’s services.
Lipoxin A4 Regulates M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization via FPR2-IRF Pathway
Authors: Yuan Jixiang , Lin Feihong , Chen Lichen , Chen Weikang , Pan Xiaodong , Bai Yongheng , Cai Yong , Lu Hong
Published: December 2021

Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. Herein, our team investigated the potential role of LXA4 in the macrophage polarisation and elucidated its possible molecular mechanism. The RAW264.7 macrophage cell line was subjected to pre-treatment with LXA4 with or without lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). In cultured macrophages, LXA4 inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory polarization, thereby decreasing the release of proinflammation cell factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and increasing the release of antiinflammation cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10). Notably, the inhibitory effect of LXA4 on inflammation macrophage polarisation was related to the downregulation of p-NF-κB p65 and IRF5 activity, thereby downregulating LPS-induced phenotypic and functional polarization of macrophage M1 via the FPR2/IRF5 signaling pathway. Moreover, LXA4 also promotes the IL-4-induced polarization of M2 macrophages by promoting the FPR2/IRF4 signaling pathway. Therefore, Lipoxin A4 regulates M1/M2 polarization of macrophages via FPR2-IRF pathway.
SeisDeNet: An Intelligent Seismic Data Denoising Network for the Internet of Things
Authors: Sang Yu , Peng Yanfei , Lu Mingde , Li Liquan
Published: December 2021

Deep learning (DL) has attracted tremendous interest in various fields in last few years. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based DL architectures have been successfully applied in computer vision, medical image processing, remote sensing, and many other fields. A recent work has proved that CNNs based models can also be used to handle geophysical problems. Due to noises in seismic signals acquired by geophone equipment this kind of important multimedia resources cannot be effectively utilized in practice. To this end, from the perspective of seismic exploration informatization, this paper takes informatization data in seismic signal acquisition and energy exploration field using cutting-edge technologies such as Internet of things and cloud computing as the research object, presenting a novel CNNs based seismic data denoising (SeisDeNet) architecture is suggested. Firstly, a multi-scale residual dense (MSRD) block is built to leverage the characteristics of seismic data. Then, a deep MSRD network (MSRDN) is proposed to restore the noisy seismic data in a coarse-to-fine manner by using cascading MSRDs. Additionally, the denoising problem is formulated into predicting transform-domain coefficients, by which noises can be further removed by MSRDNs while richer structure details are preserved comparing with the results in spatial domain. By using synthetic seismic records, public SEG and EAGE salt and overthrust seismic model and real field seismic data, the proposed method is qualitatively and quantitatively compared with other leading edge schemes to evaluate it performance, and some results shows that the proposed scheme can produce data with higher quality evaluation while maintaining far more useful data comparing with other schemes. The feasibility of this approach is confirmed by the denoising results, and this approach is shown to be promising in suppressing the seismic noise automatically.
The anti-ovarian carcinoma activity of L-amino Acid Oxidase from Crotalus adamanteus venom in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Bo Li , Xiong Yan , He Qiyi , Yu Xiaodong , Li Bo , Xiang Bolin , Wang Ping , Chen Xiang , Song Ziwei
Published: December 2021

The anti-tumor potential of animal toxins has fully attracted the attention of researchers. Snake venoms is a complex mixture of different components and has revealed high toxicity on normal and tumoral tissues or cells. The snake venom L-Amino-acid oxidase (svLAAO) has grown up to be a critical research target in molecular biology sciences and medicine sciences since widespread presence and various biological roles, including antitumor application. We found that Crotalus adamanteus (C. adamanteus) venom LAAO significantly decreased the viability of ovarian cancer cells and caused morphological changes preceded cell death. Cell experiments confirmed that C. adamanteus venom LAAO caused alterations of intrinsic or extrinsic apoptosis pathway-related genes in ovarian cancer cells. Animal experiments and histological analysis also proved that C. adamanteus venom LAAO could effectively inhibit the damage of ovarian cancer to tissues. The major apoptosis induction of C. adamanteus venom LAAO on ovarian cancer cells can be blocked by catalase, suggesting that the cytotoxicity of C. adamanteus venom LAAO on ovarian cancer cells was mainly mediated by H2O2. Our preliminary results revealed that C. adamanteus venom LAAO may induce apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells through the death receptor pathway and mitochondrial pathway. It is inferred that C. adamanteus venom LAAO will be some advantages in New Drug Research and Development of antitumor drugs in the future. Nevertheless, extra studies on the pharmacological actions and molecular mechanism of svLAAO in anti-cancer are necessary in order to better promote its application.
WITHDRAWN: Researching Social Anxiety in an Online Sample of Patients
Authors: Khalifa Samar
Published: December 2021

Objective
The research paper is discussing and investigating the disorder of social anxiety in terms of psychology and mental health.
Methods
A Psycom Social Anxiety Test was conducted on a sample of online patients (n = 41) with social anxiety to use this data in further research for social anxiety disorder.
Results
The data showed a moderate correlation between the question “Are you extremely conscious of your actions when in social settings because you fear they might offend someone or you could be rejected?” and the question “Are your work life, home life, social life, and/or relationships affected by your anxiety?”.
Conclusion
There is a relation between the consciousness of the actions and the social life so social anxiety arises in those objects who suffer from social fear.
Is iron status associated with markers of non-communicable disease in Indian children?
Authors: Ghosh Santu , Thomas Tinku , Kurpad Anura , Sachdev Harshpal Singh
Published: December 2021

BackgroundHigh body iron stores have been associated with risk for non-communicable diseases (NCD) like diabetes (high fasting blood sugar, FBS), hypertension (HTN) or dyslipidaemia (high total cholesterol, TC) in adults, but not in adolescent children. This is relevant to iron supplementation and food iron fortification programs that are directed at Indian children. MethodsThe association of NCD with serum ferritin (SF) was examined using logistic additive models, adjusted for confounders such as age, Body Mass Index, C-Reactive Protein, haemoglobin and sex, in adolescent (10-19 years old) participants of the Indian Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey. The interaction of these associations with wealth and co-existing prediabetes was also examined. A scenario analysis was also done to understand the impact of iron fortification of cereals on the prevalence NCD among adolescents.ResultsThe odds ratio (OR) of high FBS, HTN and TC were 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.08), 1.02 (95% CI: 1.001-1.03) and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01-1.06) respectively for every 10µg/L increase in SF. The odds for high TC increased with co-existing prediabetes. The scenario analysis showed that providing 10 mg of iron/day by fortification could increase the prevalence of high FBS by 2%-14% across states of India. Similar increments in HTN and TC can also be expected.ConclusionsHigh SF is associated with a significant risk for NCD in adolescents, and this is dependent on the wealth class, and on co-existing prediabetes. This should be considered when evaluating the benefits and harms of enhancing iron intake in anaemia prevention programs.
Full-range birefringence control with piezoelectric MEMS-based metasurfaces
Authors: Meng Chao , Thrane Paul , Ding Fei , Bozhevolnyi Sergey
Published: December 2021

Dynamic polarization control is crucial for emerging highly integrated photonic systems with diverse metasurfaces being explored for its realization1–6, but efficient, fast, and broadband operation remains a cumbersome challenge. While efficient optical metasurfaces (OMSs) involving liquid crystals suffer from inherently slow responses1, other OMS realizations are limited either in the operating wavelength range (due to resonances involved)2,3 or in the range of birefringence tuning4–6. Capitalizing on our development of piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) based dynamic OMSs7, we demonstrate reflective MEMS-OMS dynamic wave plates (DWPs) with high polarization conversion efficiencies (~ 75%), broadband operation (~ 100 nm near the operating wavelength of 800 nm), fast responses (< 0.4 milliseconds) and full-range birefringence control that enables completely encircling the Poincaré sphere along trajectories determined by the incident light polarization and DWP orientation. Demonstrated complete electrical control over light polarization opens new avenues in further integration and miniaturization of optical networks and systems8,9.
Correlation Between Ultrawide-Field Fluorescence Contrast Results and White Blood Cell Indexes in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Huang Lili , Li Lele , Wang Min , Zhang Dongmei , Song Yu
Published: December 2021

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. DR involves a state of systemic inflammation, and chronic inflammation can promote microvascular and macrovascular diseases in diabetic patients and accelerate disease progression. Ultrawide-field FFA (UWFA) systems are increasingly being used to examine a wider retina. To explore the correlation between the different manifestations of retinopathy under UWFA and the systemic indicators of white blood cells in patients with diabetic retinopathy .Methods: This retrospective study included the hospitalized DR patients in the Department of Ophthalmology and Endocrinology of the Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University between January 2016 and March 2019. This study examined the correlations between the UWFA examination results and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), routine blood tests, blood coagulation function, liver and kidney function, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio of patients with clinically diagnosed DR during hospitalization.Results: A total of 115 patients with DR (53 females and 62 males) were included (199 eyes: 102 right eyes and 97 left eyes). UWFA revealed that most eyes (77.4%) had grade 4 microvascular leakage, 52.8% had grade 0 capillary non-perfusion area, 59.3% had grade 0 neovascularization, and 92.0% had grade 0 fibrous proliferative membranes. Microvascular leakage was correlated with the NLR (r=0.186, P=0.027). Capillary non-perfusion area was correlated with the monocyte ratio (r=0.144, P=0.042) and the eosinophil ratio (r=0.123, P=0.044). Neovascularization was correlated to the monocyte ratio (r=0.324, P=0.018). Finally, the fibrous proliferative membrane was correlated to the monocyte ratio (r=0.418, P=0.002). Only the eosinophil ratio was independently associated with proliferative DR (odds ratio=1.25, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.51, P=0.018).Conclusion: The results of UWFA imaging in patients with DR are correlated with white blood cell population indexes. The eosinophil ratio was independently associated with proliferative DR.
Response Surface Mesh with the Outer Input Method
Authors: Duarte Francisco Daniel Filip
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence in general and optimization tasks applied to the design of very efficient structures rely on response surfaces to forecast the output of functions, and are vital part of these methodologies. Yet they have important limitations, since greater precisions require greater data sets, thus, training or updating larger response surfaces become computationally expensive or unfeasible. This has been an important bottle neck limitation to achieve more promising results, rendering many optimization and AI tasks with a low performance.To solve this challenge, a new methodology created to segment response surfaces is hereby presented. Differently than other similar methodologies, this algorithm named outer input method has a very simple and robust operation, generating a mesh of near isopopulated partitions of inputs which share similitude. The great advantage it offers is that it can be applied to any data set with any type of distribution, such as random, Cartesian, or clustered, for domains with any number of coordinates, significantly simplifying any metamodel with a mesh ensemble.This study demonstrates how one of the most known and precise metamodel denominated Kriging, yet with expensive computation costs, can be significantly simplified with a response surface mesh, increasing training speed up to 567 times, while using a quad-core parallel processing. Since individual mesh elements can be parallelized or updated individually, its faster operational speed has its speed increased.
Impact of the Gamma Variant on the ICU Admission in a Hospital of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA), Argentina
Authors: Mandich Veronica , Chiacchiara Daniel , Bravo Marcelo , Pilipec Antonio , Grimaldi Santiago , Cotes Johnis , Paniouk Victor , Arevalo Henry , Escobar Oswaldo , Flach Sebastian Perez , Pozo Amilcar Herbas , Aimar Alejandro , Vargas Mario , Sañudo Karina
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Comparison between patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with ventilatory support during the first and second wave (Gamma variant) of COVID 19 in a tertiary hospital in the City of Buenos Aires.Method: Descriptive, observational, prospective cohort study in ICU of an acute general hospital in Argentina, with patients adult patients COVID-19 admitted consecutively to the ICU. The ICU the main variables of interest: Demographic and laboratory data, history, duration of MV, mortality.Results: 44 patients were recruited during the first wave, and 80 in the second. Significant differences were observed in the second wave for age (60, [SD 11]; vs 68 [SD 11]; p <0.01), days with symptoms (9 [SD 5]; vs 4.5 [SD 3]; p <0.01), duration of MV (10 days [SD 7]; vs 16 [SD 13]; p <0.01), Ferritin (1450 mcg / l [SD 547]; vs 941 mcg / l [ SD 593]; p 0.04) and use of antibiotics (97% vs 45% p <0.01). There was no difference in mortality (66% vs 78% p 0.14) but there was in its primary causes; being more frequent hypoxemia associated with sepsis in the second wave (40% vs 3.4% p <0.01) and hypoxemia and multiorgan failure in the first (28% vs 4% p <0.01).Conclusions: During the second wave of the pandemic, due to Gamma variant, more patients were admitted to our unit, younger, with a longer evolution time, a shorter time on MV and a greater inflammatory response, with no difference in mortality, although there was a difference in its causes.
The influence of brand image on the selection and preference of universities of technology
Authors: Matli Cleopatra Moipone , Tlapana Tshepo , Hawkins-Mofokeng Raymond
Published: December 2021

The research focuses on the factors that influence student brand preferences for Universities of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal. Brand preference is a marketing indicator that reflects a brand's market position. This indicator reveals whether consumers prefer one brand in the same category over another. Developing brand preference as a long-term strategy assists in the development of brand equity, which builds a brand's popularity and market domination in comparison to competitors. The primary goals of this research were to: investigate the most influential factors, influencing student brand choices; and identify traits that students in KwaZulu-Natal consider to be critical in the choosing of a University of Technology (UoT). The study also aimed to recommend strategies to improve service delivery in Universities of Technology. An exploratory study was carried out using a quantitative research approach, wherein questionnaires were administered to 500 DUT and MUT first-year students at the KwaZulu-Natal Universities of Technology and analysed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS). The study found that factors, such as investments in brand awareness and brand image, and service delivery influenced participants' choice and willingness to recommend their institutions to potential students. As a result, the report proposes that UoTs prioritize branding efforts as a means of guaranteeing institutional profitability, viability, and customer relationship management.
Study of hepatoprotective effect of bearberry leaves extract under insulin resistance in rats
Authors: Mazen Matar , Kravchenko Ganna , Krasilnikova Oksana
Published: December 2021

The aim of our study was to evaluate the antidiabetic and hepatoprotective efficacy of dry extract from bearberry leaves enriched with arginine in dexamethasone induced IR. Materials and methods. IR was induced in rats by low dose intraperitoneally injections of dexamethasone. Dexamethasone-induced IR in rats was treated by bearberry leaves extract enriched with arginine. Thus, animals were randomized into several groups including intact animals and animals, which administered reference compounds and medications. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamine transferase (GGT) were determined in blood serum and liver homogenate, in addition, in blood serum we measured lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lactate level and glycogen content liver tissue. Also, for the purpose of our experiment, in liver tissue were determined: thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), diene conjugates (DC), and reduced glutathione (GSH) content; and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and catalase (CAT) activities. All indices were determined using generally accepted unified methods or commercially available kits. Results. Long-term dexamethasone administration led to an increase in AST, ALT and GGT overall activity in the liver homogenate and serum; this could be the result of increased permeability of hepatocyte plasma membranes, as well as their enhanced synthesis in the liver. Studied extract ameliorate these indices of liver injury. Evaluation of indices that reflected oxidative stress and the antioxidant system status in liver confirmed oxidative stress development in IR rats` liver. Administration of arginine enriched bearberry leaves extract decrease TBARS and DC content in liver tissue, at the same time, improve SOD, Gpx, and CAT activities and increase GSH content. Conclusions. Bearberry leaves dry extract enriched with arginine inhibit oxidative stress development, improve membrane integrity, and normalize some indices of carbohydrate metabolism, particularly glycogen content in liver and lactate level in blood.
Development of technology of creams using hydrocolloids
Authors: Andrieieva Svitlana , Dikhtyar Aliona , Grinchenko Olga , Pyvovarov Yevgen , Kolesnikova Maryna , Omel'chenko Svitlana , Kotlyar Oleg
Published: December 2021

The article presents a scientific study of the functional and technological properties of hydrocolloids, namely thickeners of polysaccharide nature, which are used as thickeners and stabilizers in dessert products. According to the monitoring of literature sources and the experience of manufacturers, the most commonly used thickeners of polysaccharide nature are carrageenan, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, pectin, starch, etc. However, each of these polysaccharides has both positive and negative sides, more polysaccharides are able to form dense gels, but with a high synergistic effect. Thickeners, such as k-carrageenan, low-esterified pectins, can form gels only in the presence of Са2+. There are also polysaccharides that form gels only at low temperatures and are not stable during external factors (temperature of sale and storage, mechanical impact, etc.).

Therefore, the study was conducted on the combination of polysaccharides in order to obtain creams with an airy gel-like structure. It has been determined, that it is expedient to use the combination "xanthan gum 0.75 % – locust bean gum 0.5 %" to obtain cream