bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retours sur le roman aquinien : défis de lecture et exégèse de Marilyn Randall
Authors: Tomescu Daniela
Published: May 2022

Quelques décennies après la publication des premiers romans d’Aquin, le discours critique ne cessait de revenir sur l’effet de choc, de contrariété, qu’avait provoqué une fiction qui défiait toute grille de lecture, que ce soit de facture structuraliste ou sociologiste. Pour ce qui est de la critique contemporaine, elle exprime parfois des inquiétudes à l’égard d’une œuvre classique, qui en raison de sa complexité et de sa canonisation, risquerait d’être oubliée, incomprise, mal lue. Marilyn Randall a une façon originale de se rapporter aux intrications du texte qui ont laissé tant de fois perplexes lecteurs et critiques, et n’hésite pas à traiter de l’originalité plagiaire, et des niveaux de fictivité confondus, et de la littérature anti-littéraire chez Aquin. En l’absence d’un ravivement de la critique biographique après la vague structuraliste, l’exégèse de Randall reconduit à découvrir le nom de l’auteur et la fonction signifiante de la présence auctoriale dans le roman non autobiographique d’Hubert Aquin.
Itinéraires et parcours en Aquinie : entretien avec Marilyn Randall
Authors: Arroyas Frederique , Randall Marilyn
Published: May 2022

Marilyn Randall est professeure émérite au Département d’études françaises à l’Université Western Ontario à London (Canada) où elle a enseigné la littérature québécoise et la théorie littéraire. A l’occasion de sa retraite, nous sommes revenues sur certains moments clés de sa carrière et sur les choix et les circonstances qui ont orienté son œuvre critique, que ce soit sa collaboration avec Janet Paterson pour l’édition critique de Trou de mémoire d’Hubert Aquin, son intérêt pour le roman de la Révolution tranquille, la pragmatique du plagiat littéraire ou la figure du Patriote et la représentation des femmes à l’heure des Rébellions 1837-38 au Québec. L’interview a été réalisé en août 2021.
Using the modern Colorado delta to reconstruct the compound clinoforms of the Pliocene Colorado delta
Authors: Rey Fernando M. , Olariu Cornel , Steel Ronald J.
Published: May 2022

Compound clinoforms contain both shoreline and subaqueous clinoforms, both with a topset–foreset–bottomset morphology, but with a wide subaqueous platform (30–150 km) in between. Recent datasets suggest that compound clinoforms are common in tide-dominated deltas, but there are only a few good examples from ancient deposits. The limited vertical expression of the shoreline clinoform and the lateral extent of the subaqueous clinoform hamper the identification of compound clinoforms in the rock record. The modern Colorado River Delta, in Baja California, Mexico, is tide-dominated and exhibits a compound clinoform; we use this delta as an analog to guide our interpretation of the ancient (Pliocene) Colorado delta in Southern California. The outcrops of the Deguynos Fm. are a representative section of the Pliocene Colorado delta. Four stratigraphic sections were measured from the outcrops, seven facies associations are recognized, and three depositional environments are interpreted using the nearby modern Colorado delta as an analog system. The Deguynos Fm. exhibits at least 22 parasequences organized in 4 stratigraphic parasequence sets; the parasequences (∼ 12 ky each) are likely autogenic stratigraphic responses, while the parasequence sets (∼ 62 ky each) are interpreted as a combination of eustatic changes and tectonic response to the creation of accommodation space along the West Salton Detachment Fault. The comparison between the Pliocene and modern Colorado deltas provides an excellent opportunity to better understand ancient compound clinoform deposits and to aid recognition of this morphology in other locations.
A Systematic Approach to Well Surveying Calculations
Authors: Taylor Howard L. , Mason C. Mack
Published: May 2022

The information used in well surveying calculations is studied and formalized. A general, natural, mathematical approach to the problem is presented and four special cases are developed: (1) triangular or trapezoidal, (2) secant, (3) quadratic and (4) minimum curvature. These methods are compared and their properties analyzed for reasonableness. Two of these methods are new and have appeared promising when applied to real and test data.

Introduction

Several new approaches have been proposed to the problem of performing well surveying calculations, and it has been pointed out that improvements in directional drilling tools and techniques justify a better treatment than the old tangential methods.1,2 However, a systematic analysis of the problem in a standard mathematical form has not been published. This paper will try to cover several of the more useful methods in a natural mathematical framework and to suggest several alternative approaches and directions for improvement.
The Impact of Food Insecurity on Women and Girls: Research from Pibor and Akobo counties, Jonglei State, South Sudan
Authors: Yuggu Lukolo Kenyi Henry , Toma Iulia Andreea
Published: May 2022

This briefing presents research undertaken in the midst of a critical food insecurity crisis in Pibor and Akobo counties in order to understand its impact on the lives of women and girls. The research found that women and girls’ household chores, their livelihood opportunities and their access to education have all been impacted. It also found serious risks to their safety and health, and that they have limited coping mechanisms to deal with the crisis. The report highlights what the humanitarian community should do to ensure a gender-sensitive response to these pressing needs.
Design and simulation of a new reversible ALU in quantum-dot cellular automata technology
Authors: azimi nemat , Mohammadi Shahriar , Khalatbari Ahmad , moshtaghi maryam
Published: May 2022

With dimension reduction of technology towards nanometers scale, every day, energy consumption becomes more resistant to advances in computer science. It is felt that existing technologies, including CMOS technology, are approaching the limits of their progress. Using Quantum Dot Cellular Automata (QCA), is one the most promising solutions to replace existing technologies. Duo to its nature, has very low energy losses. On the other hand, for energy consumption reduction, it can be useful to design circuits without loss of information or in a reversible manner. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is known as the principal part of processor systems. In this paper, we introduce a reversible ALU unit based on QCA technology using existing reversible logic gates and the proposed ANG gate. The proposed method is simulated using QCADesigner. The proposed structures are simulated using QCADesigner version 2.0.3. The reversible ALU unit in spite of 43% increasing in occupied area, has an improvement of 34% and 27% in cell counts and latency, respectively.
Effect of remimazolam tosylate compared with etomidate on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery: study protocol for a randomized trial
Authors: Hu Bailong , Zhou Haiyan , Zou Xiaohua , Tan Li , Song Tao , Li Xingyu
Published: May 2022

Background: Patients with cardiac disease are prone to develop cardiovascular adverse events such as hypotension, hypertension and tachycardia during anesthesia induction. Therefore, hemodynamic stability is one of the most important concerns for induction of anaesthesia in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Remimazolam tosylate is a new ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine agent, with the advantages of rapid onset and offset, minimal cardiorespiratory depression. We aim to compare the effect of remimazolam tosylate and etomidate for anesthesia induction on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.Methods/design: The trial is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled, single-center trial to compare the effect of remimazolam tosylate and etomidate on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. 117 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023 will be enrolled and randomly allocated into one of three groups: low-dose remimazolam group (Group LR), high-dose remimazolam group (Group HR) or etomidate group (Group E). The primary outcome is hemodynamic fluctuations during anesthesia induction (the difference between mean arterial pressure (MAP) to baselinee, ▲MAP, the difference between maximum or minimum heart rate (HR) and baseline, ▲HR). Secondary outcomes include the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events (hypotension, severe bradycardia, hypertention, tachycardia and arrhythmia), the cumulative doses of vasoactive drugs used per patient, incidence and degree of injection pain and myoclonus.Discussion: This research will determine the effectiveness and safety of remimazolam tosylate induction on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.Trial registration: www.chictr.org.cn identifier: ChiCTR2100052535 (17th Dec 2021, http://www.chictr.org.cn/).
Delineation of kaolinized and aquifer formations using Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Induced Polarization techniques
Authors: Prasad Yellapu Siva , Rao Bekkam Venkateswara
Published: May 2022

The majority of well failures in the khondalitic terrain of northern parts of Eastern Ghats of India are due to the extent of the depth of kaolinisation (highly weathered material) of the khondalitic aquifer. Since One-Dimensional Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys show the similar resistivity values for both kaolinised and weathered khondalitic aquifer, the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Induced Polarization (IP) techniques are employed along the success and failed well pair in the khondalitic terrain. Very thin kaolinised formation followed by the aquifer for the success well and the complete kaolinisation up to deeper depths for the failed wells are the characteristic features for the difference in well yields. The ERT images found that the depth of kaolinised material at the failed wells is extended about 21–50 m deeper than the success wells. The aquifer thickness is varied nearly 15–31 m at success wells while the same is maintained only about 7–9 m at failed wells. IP images revealed that the layers with moderate chargeability values of 2.63–3.58 m-sec are indicated as weathered/fractured khondalitic aquifers and the layers with lower chargeability values of 0.23–1.0 m-sec are characterized as kaolinised formations. The study found that ERT and IP imaging are potential techniques for mapping of contrasts in kaolinised and non-kaolinised aquifer formations in the khondalitic suit of rocks.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a Third Dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine — An Interim Analysis
Authors: Anderson Evan , Jackson Lisa , Rouphael Nadine , Widge Alicia , Montefiori David , Doria-Rose Nicole , Suthar Mehul , Cohen Kristen , O'Connell Sarah , Makowski Mat , Makhene Mamodikoe , Buchanan Wendy , Spearman Paul , Creech C. Buddy , O'Dell Sijy , Schmidt Stephen , Leav Brett , Bennett Hamilton , Pajon Rolando , Posavad Christine , Hural John , Beigel John , Albert Jim , Abebe Kuleni , Eaton Amanda , Rostad Christina , Rebolledo Paulina , Kamidani Satoshi , Graciaa Daniel , Coler Rhea , McDermott Adrian , Ledgerwood Julie , Mascola John , DeRosa Stephen , Neuzil Kathleen , McElrath M. Juliana , Roberts Paul
Published: May 2022

Waning immunity after two SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations and the emergence of variants precipitated the need for a third dose of vaccine. We evaluated early safety and immunogenicity after a third mRNA vaccination in adults who received the mRNA-1273 primary series in the Phase 1 trial approximately 9 to 10 months earlier. The booster vaccine formulations included 100 mcg of mRNA-1273, 50 mcg of mRNA-1273.351 that encodes Beta variant spike protein, and bivalent vaccine of 25 mcg each of mRNA-1273 and mRNA-1273.351. A third dose of mRNA vaccine appeared safe with acceptable reactogenicity. Vaccination induced rapid increases in binding and neutralizing antibody titers to D614G, Beta, and Delta variants that were similar or greater than peak responses after the second dose. Spike-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells increased to similar levels as after the second dose. A third mRNA vaccination was well tolerated and generated robust humoral and T cell responses. ClinicalTrials.gov numbers NCT04283461 (mRNA-1273 Phase 1) and NCT04785144 (mRNA-1273.351 Phase 1)
What position does Spain occupy in the EU-28 (2008-2017) from the standpoint of natural and managerial efficiency?
Authors: Yñiguez Rocio , Sanz-Diaz Maria Teresa , ortega-Irizo Francisco Javier , Velasco-Morente Francisco
Published: May 2022

The European Union (EU) has become the group of countries most interested in the fight against climate change and is therefore committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This research analyses the Natural and Managerial efficiency of the EU-28 countries for the period 2008–2017. The Data Envelopment Analysis methodology is used and Natural and Managerial Malmquist indices are obtained by assuming that a shift in the efficiency frontier exists and by considering that frontier crossings are possible across the different periods considered. The input variables used are those of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), non-emitting energy consumption, and employment. Gross domestic product (GDP) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are taken as the desirable and undesirable output variables, respectively. The results of the analysis indicate that both Natural and Managerial efficiency have worsened in Spain during the period considered, whereby Spain has dropped in the relevant ranking. With regard to the Malmquist Index (MI), during this entire period, the position of the evolution of Spain in relation to all EU countries was better within the sphere of Managerial efficiency, than in that of Natural efficiency.
Effects of bread fortification with pomegranate peel powder on health status: Study design and protocol
Authors: Zare Maryam , Goli Amir Hossein , Karimifar Mozhgan , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Rezaei Atefe , Amani Reza
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The oxidative stress caused by the creation and breakdown of reactive oxygen species affects glucose tolerance, B-cell function, insulin resistance, and metabolites containing free fatty acids. Therefore, owing to their health benefits and ability to prevent oxidative stress, functional foods have received particular attention. This research aims to assess strategies used to ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Methods and Analysis: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted on 90 patients with T2DM. Run-in courses will last for two weeks. The intervention and control groups will receive wheat bread with and without pomegranate peel powder, respectively. Several variables, including anthropometric data, fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1C, lipid profile, insulin level, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and mood state, will be measured at baseline and after three months of the intervention. Beta-cell function (HOMA-B) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) will also be assessed. Research findings will increase the scientific knowledge about the use of bread in health intervention targeting.Ethics and dissemination: The protocol has been approved by the Ethics committee of the faculty of Medicine of the University of Isfahan (IR.MUI.RESEARCH.REC.1399.087). The study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific meetings.Trial Registration: Registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (ID: IRCT2019209045672N1) on September 21, 2020.
Predictors of Colonoscopy Use Among Asian Indians in New York City, 2003-2016
Authors: Nagpal Neha , Xia Yuhe , Lin Kevin , Glenn Matthew , Ng Sandy , Trinh-Shevrin Chau , Troxel Andrea B. , Kwon Simona C. , Liang Peter S.
Published: May 2022

Background: Indians are among the most under-screened Asian American subgroups, but there is limited data for this population. Methods: Using 2003-2016 the New York City Community Health Survey, we examined the association between sociodemographic and medical factors and up-to-date colonoscopy (defined as colonoscopy within the last 10 years) in Asian Indians using logistic regression over four time periods: 2003-2008, 2009-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016. Results: On multivariable analysis, only language was associated with colonoscopy uptake in more than one time period. Compared to participants who preferred English, those who preferred an “Other” language were less likely to be up-to-date on colonoscopy in 2003-2008 (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04-0.66), while those who preferred an Indian language were less likely to have been up-to-date in 2013-2014 (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.66). Conclusions: Among Asian Indians living in New York City, language appeared to be an important predictor of colonoscopy use and colorectal cancer screening.
Production of the Final Score Tables of the Soccer Tournaments using Functional Programming
Authors: Milani Muhammed
Published: May 2022

In sports tournaments, several teams compete with each other, and in the end, it will rank according to the final table of competitions. The results from the tournament will form the final tables. Because each match can obtain different results, a tournament can achieve different final tables. This article presents a systematic method for generating all possible scenarios for the final tables that a football tournament can achieve. In this research, we have only used the teams' results to produce the final tables, and other issues such as the number of goals scored or the goal difference have not been addressed. The proposed recursive method is suitable for functional programming and implemented using Haskell programming Language.
Optimal Configuration of Array Elements for Hybrid Distributed PA-MIMO Radar System Based on Target Detection
Authors: Qi Cheng , Xie Junwei , Zhang Haowei , Ding Zihang , Li Zhengjie
Published: May 2022

How to utilize limited system resources budget to maximize the effectiveness potential of the entire system through optimal allocation has always been a hot issue in radar resource management. This paper establishes a hybrid distributed phased array multiple-input and multiple-output (PA-MIMO) radar system model. It combines coherent processing gain and spatial diversity gain to synergistically improve the target detection performance of the radar system. For the hybrid distributed PA-MIMO radar system, we derive a likelihood ratio (LRT) detector based on the Neyman-Pearson (NP) criterion. The coherent processing gain and spatial diversity gain are jointly optimized by implementing subarray-level and array element-level optimal configuration at both transceiver and transmitter ends. Moreover, a quantum particle swarm optimization-based stochastic rounding (SR-QPSO) solution algorithm is proposed for the integer planning-based configuration model. And the optimal array element configuration strategy is guaranteed to be obtained with fewer iterations and realize the joint optimization between subarray and array levels. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out using three typical optimization problems to demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimal configuration of the hybrid distributed PA-MIMO radar system.
Micro-dissolved fabrication of robust Superhydrophilic and Underwater Superoleophobic membranes based on cotton fabrics for oil/water separation
Authors: Song Jing , Yu Qiuyu , Liang Xinyue , Rao Qin , Wang Peng , Lu Ming , Xiao Hang
Published: May 2022

The superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic membranes based on textile possessed excellent separation efficiency and anti-oil fouling property, but the poor stability caused by nanoparticles (NPs) shedding had severely limited the practical application in oily wastewater treatment. In this paper, a feasible method to prepare the robust membranes based on cotton fabric (CF) decorated with TiO 2 NPs and citric acid (CA) using micro-dissolution method was reported. The CF were slightly dissolved in a NaOH/urea solution at low temperature, allowing the incorporation of the TiO 2 NPs into the superficial layers of the fabrics. Then, the vacuum filtration process facilitated the TiO 2 NPs uniformly deposition on the CF surface. In the subsequent coagulation process, the TiO 2 NPs were firmly anchored on the fabric surface. Then, the esterification reaction between CA and cotton was carried out to impart the fabric with superior hydrophilic properties. The prepared membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Additionally, the separation efficiency and stability of membranes were systematically evaluated. The results of SEM indicated that the TiO 2 NPs were uniformly anchored on the membrane surface. The prepared membranes could not only separate traditional oil/water mixture but also treat complicated oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion with excellent separation efficiency. What’s more, the membranes could withstand various harsh condition and repeated use. Therefore, the prepared TiO 2 /CA decorated membranes have the potential to be used in the practical oily wastewater treatment.
Predictors of indoor particulate matter and carbon monoxide concentrations in households of an informal urban settlement in Fort Portal city, Uganda
Authors: Kansiime Winnifred K. , Mugambe Richard K. , Atusingwize Edwinah , Wafula Solomon T. , Nsereko Vincent , Ssekamatte Tonny , Nalugya Aisha , Coker Eric Stephen , Ssempebwa John C. , Isunju John Bosco
Published: May 2022

Background
Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) are critical indicators of IAQ, yet there is limited evidence of their concentrations in urban informal settlements in low-income countries.
Objective
This study assessed household characteristics that predict the concentrations of PM2.5 and CO within households in an informal settlement in Fort Portal City, Uganda.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 374 households. Concentrations of PM2.5 and CO were measured using Multi-purpose Laser Particle detector and the Carbon Monoxide IAQ Meter respectively. Data on household characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Data were analysed using STATA version 14.0. Linear regression was used to establish the relationship between PM2.5, CO concentrations and household characteristics.
Results
The majority, 88.8% (332/374) of the households used charcoal for cooking. More than half, 51.9% (194/374) cooked from outdoors. Cooking areas had significantly higher PM2.5 and CO concentrations compared to the living area (t = 18.14, p ≤ 0.05) and (t = 5.77 p ≤ 0.05) respectively. Cooking from outdoors was associated with a 0.112 increase in the PM2.5 concentrations in the cooking area (0.112 [95% CI: -0.069, 1.614; p = 0.033]). Cooking with moderately polluting fuel was associated with a 0.718 increase in CO concentrations (0.718 [95% CI: 0.084, 1.352; p = 0.027]) in the living area.
Discussion
The concentration of PM2.5 and CO during the cooking time for both the cooking area and the living area were above the World Health Organisation Air Quality Guideline of 25µg/m3 and 7ppm for 24 hours respectively. Interventions to improve the indoor air quality in informal settlements should address change in the type of cooking fuels and improvement in the ambient air quality.
Relationship between seminal HIV-1 RNA shedding and genital schistosomiasis in HIV-positive men receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) along the south shoreline of Lake Malawi: A prospective pilot study.
Authors: Kayuni Sekeleghe A. , Abdullahi Adam , Alharbi Mohammad H. , Makaula Peter , Lampiao Fanuel , Juziwelo Lazarus , LaCourse E. James , Kumwenda Johnstone J. , Leutscher Peter D.C. , Geretti Anna Maria , Stothard J. Russell
Published: May 2022

Background Male Genital Schistosomiasis (MGS) is hypothesized to increase seminal shedding of HIV-1 RNA. We aimed to assess the impact of MGS on genital HIV-1 RNA shedding by longitudinally measuring HIV-1 RNA levels in men established on long-term ART comparing those with and without a diagnosis of MGS. Methods Following optimisation of the GeneXpert® HIV-1 RNA assay for use with seminal fluid, we analysed 76 paired plasma and semen samples collected from 31 men over 12 months, comprising 15 with and 16 subjects without MGS. Study visits occurred at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. A diagnosis of schistosomiasis was based on Schistosoma positivity using eggs by microscopy of filtrated urine, semen, seminal sediment, POC-CCA test or by testing PCR of seminal sediment or urine at one or more time points. MGS was diagnosed by egg positivity on semen microscopy or PCR of seminal sediment. All subjects were blindly treated with a single dose of praziquantel at each study visit.ResultsAcross the entire study population, HIV-1 RNA was detected in 7/76 (9.2%) seminal samples and 29/76 (38.2%) plasma samples. Among all participants, 5/31 (16.1%) showed HIV-1 RNA detection in one or more seminal samples, with 3/5 (60%) showing HIV-1 RNA detection in semen only with levels up to 400 copies/ml. The three subjects were in the MGS positive group. The two subjects showing HIV-1 RNA in seminal fluid from the MGS negative group also had concomitant HIV-1 RNA detection in plasma. Conclusion We found no notable difference in the pattern of genital shedding in the seminal compartment of HIV-1 infected men established on ART with and without a diagnosis for MGS following treatment with praziquantel.
Does lean improve efficiency or effectiveness from the patient perspective?
Authors: Xing Xianjin , Gao Tian , Wang Jian , Liu Jinyang , Han Jinming , Qu Ge
Published: May 2022

Background: The purpose of this paper is to assess the impacts of lean healthcare on patient satisfaction and determine whether it improve the efficiency or effectiveness in the eyes of the patient after lean interventions. Methods: A multi-method, systematic review of the English literature researching the relationship between lean healthcare and patient satisfaction was conducted from September to November 2021. From the initial identification of over 621 papers, 51 studies that met the search criteria were selected. We did a thematic content analysis of the 51 papers.Results: 41 out of 51 studies clearly reported that the application of lean would lead to improved patient satisfaction, one study sated that satisfaction remained unchanged, two studies reported a decrease and one stated that the impact is unclear. The factors, impacting the relationship between lean healthcare and patient satisfaction, were classified into 7 categories: medical staff service, service process, service outcome, hospital facilities and equipment, hospitalizations, patient complaints, respondents’ characteristics. Most studies have verified the impact of the improvement of service process factors caused by lean implementation on patient satisfaction, and only 7 studies have verified the impact of lean improved service results on patient satisfaction.Conclusion: Most of the research on lean improvement on patient satisfaction focuses on efficiency, not effectiveness—the effect of patient treatment. Although the efficiency improvement in lean improvement itself also starts from the patient, the improvement of effectiveness still needs more attention, and the focus of lean healthcare needs to return to the essence of medical treatment.
A New Necroptosis-Related lncRNA Signature Predicts the Prognosis and Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhao Jinlai , Ma Haiyan , Feng Ruigang , Li Dan , Liu Bowen , Yu Yue , Cao Xuchen , Wang Xin
Published: May 2022

Background: The issue of relationship between necroptosis and lncRNAs has been a controversial subject within cancer-related research. Currently, the exact role of necroptosis and lncRNAs exerted in breast cancer (BC) remains to be discovered. Therefore, the necroptosis-related lncRNAs in BC are explored in this study.Methods: BC transcriptome data were obtained from the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database to create synthetic matrices. Analysis approaches of univariate Cox regression and co-expression were combined to identify necroptosis-related prognostic lncRNAs. Then multivariate Cox regression and Lasso approaches were performed to acquire necroptosis-related lncRNAs, from which the predictive necroptosis-related lncRNA signature was constructed. Next, calibration curves, the time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROCs), ,and a nomogram were obtained, and the Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to verify and evaluate the proposed model. Besides, the risk groups were analyzed with the Gene Set Enrichment Analyses (GSEA). Finally, these groups were studied by immune analysis to obtain the predicted half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50).Results: A model was proposed based on 10 necroptosis-related lncRNAs, and the calibration plots accorded well with the predicted prognosis. For the 1-, 3-, and 5-year prognosis, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) values were 0.71, 0.729 and 0.707 respectively. GSEA identified that the functions of target genes located primarily in immunity, metabolism, as well as tumor occurrence and development. The remarkable differences in IC50 and gene expression between risk groups gave a significant insight for further systemic treatments. Besides, higher macrophage scores were found in the high-risk group, in which the patients were more sensitive to conventional chemotherapy drugs (such as AKT inhibitor VIII and saracatinib) and anti-CD80, TNF SF4, and CD276 immunotherapies.Conclusion: The prognosis of BC patients can be independently predicted by the predictive signatures, which shines new insights on further exploration of how necroptosis-related lncRNAs exactly works in BC and clinical treatments of BC.
Preventing blastocyst culture failure risk in IVF cycles merits a strategy of cleavage backup combined with blastocyst culture
Authors: Ren-Tao Jin , Na-Ru Zhou , Xiao-Hua Jiang , Bo Xu , Fang-Ting Lu , Li-Hua Luo , Luan Hong-Bing , Xian-Hong Tong
Published: May 2022

Background
Blastocyst transfer is associated with a high cycle cancellation rate due to more early embryo arrest. However, cleavage backup combined with blastocyst culture maybe merit prevention blastocyst culture failure.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 7026 cycles between October 2017 and August 2020 in our center for reproductive medicine. Two day-3 embryos were transferred or cryopreserved in addition to at least 1 surplus embryo extended the culture for blastocysts. The primary objective was to analyze the factors of influencing blastocyst formation. The secondary objective was to study the fate of sibling cleavage embryos after sparing the embryo culture for blastocysts.
Results
In all included cycles, there was 12.43% occurrence without blastocyst formation (CNB), 5.19% of nonavailable blastocysts (NAB), and 82.38% cycles with at least 1 valuable blastocyst (CHB). The number of day-3 embryos was associated with blastocyst formation outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71), and older women and short agonist ovary stimulation decreased the odds of blastocyst formation (aOR 0.97 and 0.18, respectively). Female age and numbers of embryos for blastocyst culture were related to blastocyst quality (aOR 0.98 and 1.36, respectively). Some couples underwent fresh cleavage transfer (CNB 453, NAB 203, CHB 2341), and the pregnancy rate was significantly higher with positive culture results (CHB 47.97%, NAB 34.48%, CNB 34.88%, P = 0.001). There was a lower chance of being pregnant for advanced aged women (aOR 0.94). Compared with mild ovary stimulation, the long stimulation protocol and modified ultralong protocol were beneficial for pregnancy after day-3 embryo transfer (aOR 1.62 and 2.77, respectively). Cleavage of embryos from cycles with available blastocysts increased the odds of implantation (CHB 35.25%, CNB 23.40%, NAB 24.88%, P < 0.001). Pregnancy from cycles of no available blastocyst was associated with higher odds of miscarriage (NAB 19.10%, CNB 9.84%, CHB 10.70%). Outcome of blastocyst formation had no influence on preterm birth rate (CNB 12.03%, NAB 18.21%, CHB 18.45%, respectively, P = 0.139), birth defects (CNB 1.05%, NAB 1.09% CHB 0.89% P = 0.966), or sex ratio of male proportion (CNB 0.57, NAB 0.55, CHB 0.53, P = 0.669).
Conclusions
The pregnancy outcome of sibling cleavage transfer is related to blastocyst formation of spare embryos. For negative blastocyst culture patients, there is a lower but acceptable live birth rate from sibling cleavage transfer. Cleavage backup combined with blastocyst culture may prevent blastocyst formation failure risk.
How are left-sided rib fractures associated with splenectomy in cases of splenic injury? A multicentre cohort study from urban India.
Authors: Banker Amay , Wärnberg Martin Gerdin , Gadgil Anita , Sarang Bhakti , Prajapati Ramlal , Soni Kapildev , Khajanchi Monty
Published: May 2022

Background
Any fracture to the rib cage, particularly the left sided ribs, implies a high impact trauma and higher predisposition to splenic injury. Our hypothesis is that injuries causing fractures to the left sided ribs may indicate a high-grade splenic injury which may require splenectomy. This would help the surgeon working in rural and limited resource settings, to plan splenectomy in hemodynamically stable patients with an undetermined grade of splenic injury. With this hypothesis in mind, we aimed to determine how fractures to the left sided ribs, in cases of splenic injury, are associated with splenectomy.
Methods
We performed a subgroup analysis of patients with splenic injury from a prospective trauma registry study named ‘Towards Improved Trauma Care Outcomes’ in India. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi square test and a binary logistic regression was developed to assess the significance of continuous variables.
Results
During the study period, a total of 16047 patients were included. Of these, 267 patients suffered from splenic injury and 70 patients required splenectomy. Fractures of the left sided ribs was not associated with splenectomy. Injury severity score (ISS), a lower systolic blood pressure and oxygen saturation at arrival, requirement of blood transfusions within 24 hours of admission and a higher grade of splenic injury (grade 4 and grade 5) were associated with splenectomy.
Conclusion
In contradiction to our initial hypothesis, we found that left sided rib fractures were not significantly associated with splenectomy. Grade of splenic injury was an important determinant of splenectomy.
CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering as a novel prognostic tools for Prostate cancer: long non-coding RNAs the predictive diagnostic index of targeted liposomal-coated compounds in prostate cancer therapy
Authors: Kadry mai o. , Abdel-Megeed Rehab M.
Published: May 2022

Background: CRISPR/Cas9 is a recently explored genomic editing system that has greatly altered the technique that scientists study genes and their functions in mammalian systems. Cas9 is regulated via guide RNAs that match the targeted DNA in cleavage to modify the respective gene. The incessant advancement in prostate cancer (PC) modeling has directed not only to innovate resources of recognizing the signaling pathways overriding prostate cell carcinoma, but it has also created a vast reservoir for complementary tools to examine therapies counteracting this type of cancer. Various cultured somatic rat models for prostate cancer have been produced that nearly resemble human prostate cancer. Nano-medicine can passively target cancer cells via the enhanced permeability and retention phenomenon or by conjugation with specific ligand, contributing to reduced systemic side-effects and increased efficacy. This article highlights the utilization of PEG-targeted liposomal loaded nano-medicine for potential treatment of prostate cancer and clarifies the CRISPR/Cas9 variation accompanied with prostate cancer.Methods and Results: PC is induced experimentally in western rat model via a diet containing 0.75 ppm of ethinyl estradiol for 3 weeks and a single SC. injection of 50 mg/kg body weight of 3,2'- dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl estradiol (3,2'-DAE) followed by treatment via PEG-2000 targeted liposomal-coated compounds such as PEG-liposomal dexamethasone, PEG-liposomal doxorubicin and PEG-liposomal curcumin (3 mg/kg IP) for four weeks in a comparative study to their non-targeted analogue dexamethasone, doxorubicin and curcumin. 3, 2'- dimethyl-4-aminobiphenyl estradiol elicit prostate cancer in western rats within 5 months. Simultaneous supplementations with these liposomal compounds influence on prostate cancer; tumor markers were investigated via prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Several long non-coding RNAs have been indicated to be deregulated in prostate cell carcinoma, including MALAT1. On the other hand, gene expression of apoptotic biomarkers focal adhesion kinase (AKT-1), phosphotidyl inistol kinase (PI3K) and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) was also investigated and further confirming these results via histopathological examination. Conclusion: PEG-liposomal loaded dexamethasone, doxorubicin and curcumin can be considered as promising therapeutic agents for prostate cancer via modulating CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and long non coding gene MALAT1.
Long non-coding RNA PTTG3P promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth via modulating nuclear-cytoplasm shuttle of ILF2 and stabilizing TOP2A mRNA
Authors: bai hansong , zhang hangyue , Lyu jiahua , Liang Long , Jia Hongyuan , Zeng Ming , Li Tao
Published: May 2022

Background: PTTG3P has been characterized as an oncogenic lncRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully understood. This study aimed to explore the functional partner of PTTG3P in modulating HCC malignant phenotypes. Methods: Hep3B and HepG2 were used as representative HCC models. Cellular and molecular studies were performed using RNA pull-down/mass spectrometry (MS), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)-qPCR, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR, and immunofluorescent (IF) staining. Results: PTTG3P interacts with both ILF2 and ILF3. The binding between PTTG3P and ILF2 helps maintain the cytoplasmic distribution of ILF2. Together with ILF2, PTTG3P binds to the 3'UTR of TOP2A. PTTG3P depletion impairs the binding and reduces TOP2A mRNA stability. Meanwhile, PTTG3P depletion is associated with nuclear accumulation of ILF2 and increased binding of ILF2 to the promoter region of TOP2A. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed that ILF2 activates the TOP2A promoter and increases its transcription. Conclusion: this study revealed that when PTTG3P is overexpressed in HCC tumor cells, it mainly acts as a TOP2A mRNA stabilizer, via recruiting the ILF2/ILF3 complex to the 3’UTR of TOP2A mRNA. However, PTTG3P depletion results in nuclear accumulation of ILF2 and subsequent transcriptional activation of TOP2A. This might be utilized by HCC cells to compensate the loss of PTTG3P and associated TOP2A instability. These findings help expand our understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms of PTTG3P in HCC.
Therapeutic effect of silibinin on vanadium-induced chronic lung injury in mice
Authors: Im Hobin , Kim Eungyung , Kwon Hong Ju , Kim Hyeonjin , Cho Na Eun , Ko Jiwon , Sung Yonghun , Jang Soyeon , Kim Sung-Hyun , Lee Eun Jung , Yoon Duhak , Kwon Woo-Sung , Ryoo Zae Young , Yi Jun Koo , Kim Myoung Ok
Published: May 2022

Background: Silibinin has shown therapeutic effects in various inflammatory and cancer models. However, the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism in V2O5-induced pulmonary inflammation, which consists of particulate matter and metal components, have not been identified. We examined the potential anti-inflammatory activity and underlying mechanism of silibinin in a vanadium-induced lung injury model. Results: Silibinin treatment resulted in a significant restoration of cell viability and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in a histological analysis. In addition, silibinin significantly reduced the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ꞵ. Furthermore, silibinin reduced inflammation by down-regulating the MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Treatment with silibinin significantly reduced the NLRP3 expression levels in lung tissue. Conclusion: These results indicate that silibinin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in V2O5-induced inflammatory mice.
Does Preventive Single Dose of Intravenous Dexketoprofen Reduce Pain and Swelling After Orthognathic Surgery? A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Kaba Yusuf Nuri , Demirbaş Ahmet Emin , Kütük Nükhet , Canpolat Dilek Günay , Alkan Alper
Published: May 2022

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a single-dose intravenous dexketoprofen administration for preventive analgesia on postoperative pain and reducing swelling in double jaw surgery.
Material and Methods
The authors designed a prospective, randomized, and double-blind cohort study. Patients who have Class III malocclusion were randomly divided in two groups. 50 mg intravenous dexketoprofen trometamol were administrated 30 minutes before incision in treatment group, while intravenous sterile saline was administrated 30 minutes before incision in placebo group. The primary predictor variable was treatment group. Primary outcomes were pain, swelling and 24-hour opioid intake. Patient- controlled analgesia with tramadol was given for management of postoperative pain. Other variables were demographic and operation related parameters. Visual analogue scale was used to evaluate postoperative pain. Stereophotogrammetry system was used to measure postoperative swelling. Data were analysed using two independent samples t test and Mann Whitney U test.
Results
The study sample was composed of 30 patients with a mean age of 20,63 years and 21 were female. Preemptive dexketoprofen administration decreased postoperative tramadol consumption by 25.9% compared to placebo group, and there was a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores (p < 0,05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of swelling (p > 0,05).
Conclusions
Preventive administration of intravenous dexketoprofen provides adequate analgesic effect in the postoperative 24-hour period and reduces opioid consumption in orthognathic surgery.
Mental and psychosocial health among youth after their first psychiatric hospitalization: a feasibility study
Authors: Ferro Mark A , Chan Christy KY , Vanderkooy John D , Horricks Laurie , Duncan Laura , Lipman Ellen L
Published: May 2022

Objective: This pilot study investigated the feasibility of studying 12-month readmission of youth aged 10-16 years following their first psychiatric hospitalization and changes in youth mental and psychosocial health prospectively. Results: Inpatient youth with a first psychiatric hospitalization and their parents were recruited from a regional hospital in Canada. Data were collected at recruitment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-discharge. Repeated measures ANOVA was performed to assess changes in health outcomes. Nineteen eligible youth were approached and 15 (78.9%) consented to participate (13.9±2.0 years, 73.3% female). Eleven youth (73.3%) gave permission to contact their parents, all of whom participated (39.2±7.6 years). Four youth dropped out of the study (26.7%) and six youth-parent dyads completed all four follow-ups. The readmission rate was 20.0% (n=3) over 12 months. Significant changes in youth-reported symptoms of conduct disorder (F=3.0, p=0.06) and adverse childhood experiences (F=3.4, p=0.05) were found. Changes in parent-reported youth mental health symptoms (F=3.1, p=0.06), particularly among internalizing disorders, youth health-related quality of life (F=11.3, p<0.01), and youth disability (F=2.7, p=0.08) were significant. This preliminary work demonstrates the feasibility of, and need to, engage youth and their families to understand their mental and psychosocial health during this vulnerable time in their lives.
Hydrothermal mineralization and mineral chemistry of arsenides and sulfarsenides in the Fe-Co-Ni-As-S system and introduction of three unknown minerals from the Port Radium IOCG deposit, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Somarin Alireza , Zhou Li
Published: May 2022

The Port Radium deposit is the result of intrusion of the Mystery Island felsic-intermediate plutonic complex into the ~ 1.885 Ga supracrustal marine sedimentary rocks and volcanic suits, which formed a variety of mineralization styles from iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) to epithermal. Extensive and intensive hydrothermal alterations including albitic, magnetite-actinolite-apatite, potassic ± albitic, phyllic, and propylitic prepared a ground for the main sulfide, sulfarsenide and uraninite mineralization during last stage of hydrothermal activity. Scarce and weak sulfide mineralization started from the beginning of the hydrothermal activity and reached to the strongest state during epithermal stage. In addition to the common arsenides and sulfarsenides, three unknown sulfarsenides were also found: (Co0.96Ni0.45Fe0.03)S0.27As4 which is probably a solid solution product of cobaltite and gersdorfite; (Ni2.13Co0.38)S0.97As4 and (Ni1.83Co0.83)S1.25As4 which are chemically comparable to the Port Radium rammelsbergite with substantial addition of S and Co; they could also be the solid solution product of gersdorfite-cobaltite or safflorite-rammelsbergite.
Steps dominate gas evasion from a mountain headwater stream
Authors: Botter Gianluca , Carozzani Anna , Peruzzo Paolo , Durighetto Nicola
Published: May 2022

Step-and-pools are dominant morphologic traits of high-energy streams, where climatically- and biogeochemically-relevant gases are processed, transported to downstream ecosystems or released into the atmosphere. Yet, capturing the signature of the small-scale morphological complexity of channel forms on large-scale river outgassing represents a fundamental unresolved challenge. Here, we combine theoretical and experimental approaches to assess the contribution of localized steps to the gas evasion from river networks. The framework was applied to a representative, 1 km-long mountain reach in Italy, where carbon dioxide concentration drops across several steps and a reference segment without steps were measured under different hydrologic conditions. Our results indicate that local steps lead the reach-scale outgassing, especially for high and low discharges.
These findings suggest that step-pools are key missing components of existing scaling laws used for the assessment of gas fluxes across water-air interfaces. Therefore, global evasion from rivers may differ substantially from previously reported estimates.
Hydrogel-extraction technique for non-invasive detection of blue fluorescent substances in plant leaves
Authors: Iwasa Shigeyuki , Kobara Yuso , Maeda Katsumi , Nagamine Kuniaki
Published: May 2022

This paper reports a new hydrogel extraction technique for detecting blue fluorescent substances in plant leaves. These blue fluorescent substances were extracted by placing a hydrogel film on the leaf of a cherry tomato plant infected with Ralstonia solanacearum; herein, chlorogenic acid was confirmed to be a blue fluorescent substance. The wavelength at the maximum fluorescence intensity of the film after the hydrogel extraction was similar to that of the methanolic extract obtained from the infected cherry tomato leaves. Chlorophyll was not extracted from the hydrogel film because no fluorescence peak was observed at 680 nm. Accordingly, the blue fluorescence of the substances extracted from the hydrogel film was not quenched by the strong absorption of chlorophyll in the blue light region. This hydrogel extraction technique can potentially detect small amounts of blue fluorescent substances and the changes in its amount within the leaves of infected plants. These changes in the amount of blue fluorescent substances in the early stages of infection can be used to detect presymptomatic infections. Therefore, hydrogel extraction is a promising technique for the noninvasive detection of infections before onset.