bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep analysis results of portable polysomnography in patients with acute and chronic temporomandibular disorder
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Auh Q-Schick
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate portable polysomnography (PSG)-based 'sleep' and pre-diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in acute temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and patients with chronic TMD.Methods: Randomly selected 25 patients with acute TMD (mean age, 42.58 ± 18.77 years; 14 females) and 26 age-and sex-matched patients with chronic TMD (mean age, 49.24 ± 17.52 years, 19 females) were enrolled.Results: The eight psychological subscales of SCL-90R had significantly higher values in the chronic TMD group than in the acute TMD group (all p < 0.05). There was no significant group difference in the respiratory event index examined using a portable PSG. OSA was observed in 57.7% in acute TMD, and 68.0% in chronic TMD, respectively. From the multiple regression analysis, palpation index was the strongest predictor of pre-diagnosis of OSA (OR = 17.550). Among the contributing factors for TMD, psychological stress (OR = 12.226), self-reported sleep problems (OR = 10.222), and above-average value of DEP (OR = 1.443) were followed.Conclusion: Patients with chronic TMD were psychologically more vulnerable than those with acute TMD, and the existence of subjectively perceived sleep problems or objective sleep indices examined by portable PSG could affect TMD symptom severity in different ways.
Multiobjective Deep Reinforcement Learning based Joint Beamforming and Power Allocation in UAV assisted Cellular Communication
Authors: Li Haitao , lv xin , Zhang Shuai
Published: May 2022

In order to provide spectrum and energy efficient communication for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assisted cellular network, the problem of joint beamforming and power allocation (JBPA) in aerial multicell scenario is addressed. The JBPA multiobjective optimization model which would simultaneously maximize the achievable spectrum and energy efficiency is first developed. In view of the model, the centralized deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithm, i.e., upper confidence bound based Dueling deep Q network (UCB DDQN) with Mish activation function, is proposed to solve the multiobjective optimization problem and we make use of this learning algorithm to design joint beamforming and power allocation strategy. Furthermore, a federated UCB DDQN learning based JBPA is to proposed tackle the challenge of centralized DRL would require excessive data exchange. Simulation results validate that the faster convergence speed and the total weighted energy-spectrum efficiency (TWESE) achieved by the joint beamforming and power allocation based on UCB DDQN is greater than conventional DQN based resource allocation approach, and show the superior TWESE performance federated UCB DDQN achieve compared to centralized UCB DDQN.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) ­and­ influenza­ virus coinfection during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ansari Nastaran , Bakhtiari Somaye , Doosti-Irani Amin , Asadi Fatemeh Torkaman
Published: May 2022

In covid-19 patients, undetected coinfection may have seriously increased hospitalization, a variety of therapeutic approaches, and mortality; therefore, we examined the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus coinfection among referred cases-patients from November to January 2021 in Hamedan province, Iran. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples were obtained from 14116 individuals with COVID-19 symptoms (2216 inpatient and 11903 outpatient) and they screened for respiratory pathogens (SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus) using multiplex real-time PCR panel assay. Case-patients were with a < = 18, 19–60 and 60 < = age, and 53.56% and 46.44% were male and female, respectively. Among them, 2004 (14.19%) were infected with the influenza virus; 2409 (17.11%) were infected with the SARS-CoV-2, and 191 (1.35%) were co-infected with both viruses. Patients aged 19–60 were more likely to be infected with a coinfection. Also, coinfection 96(50.26) was more common in females than males. The positive and negative cases reported for SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, and coinfection were more observed in Hamedan city. Our result suggests that the circulating influenza virus was during the COVID-19 pandemic during the peak season, but coinfection with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus was not very common.
Modeling of two-scale array microstructure and prediction of apparent contact angle based on WEDM
Authors: Li Zhaolong , Liu Yingtao , Li Wangwang , Cao Bingren , Dai Ye
Published: May 2022

The core issue in the theoretical design of superhydrophobic surfaces is to elucidate the relationship between surface microstructure and wettability. In this paper, four two-scale array microstructure models with different shapes are proposed to predict the apparent contact angles (CAs) of EN-GJL-250 (Grey Cast Iron) surface under different Wire-cut electrical discharge machining (WEDM) discharge parameters. The primary microstructure is the artificially designed semicircle, rectangular, sawtooth and square column array microstructure, and the secondary microstructure is the micro-nano structure of the surface machined by WEDM. Firstly, the mechanical analysis of water droplets placed on the primary array microstructure is carried out by the force balance method. According to Newton's third law, equations containing CA parameters are listed. Secondly, the finite element method (FEM) was used to analogue simulation the distribution of material surface temperature and flow field in the WEDM single pulse discharge machining process. The surface equivalent geometric model of WEDM was established by a uniform arrangement of single pulse pits obtained by simulation, the surface roughness coefficients under different discharge parameters were calculated, and the influence of the surface roughness coefficients on the surface wettability was studied. The numerical results show that the CA is jointly determined by the surface roughness coefficient under different discharge parameters, and the shape and size parameters of the microstructure. Finally, semicircle, rectangular, sawtooth and square column array microstructures were fabricated on EN-GJL-250 surface by high-speed WEDM. Experimental results show: The CA of water droplets on the square column array microstructure is the largest, the predicted values of the CA were in good agreement with the experimental values, and the average relative error was 7.83%.
Preparation of melanin-silver nanocomposites material and its physiological activity in vitro
Authors: Gao Li , Guo Lixiao , Zhang Shuli , Zhao Yinghu , Xie Jun , Liu Linlin , Xu Hongyu
Published: May 2022

In recent years, due to the potential application of metal nanomaterials in the field of medical sectors, the biological preparation of silver nanoparticles is attracting people's interest. Melanin is a natural biological dye, has a variety of biological functions, and has been widely used in the preparation of composites. In this study, melanin-nanometer silver (Mel-AgNPs) composites were prepared by one-step biological method using silver nitrate as raw material and melanin as reducing agent and coating agent. The ultraviolet - visible spectrum of MEL-AgNPS composites showed the maximum absorption wavelength at 403 nm, which proved nano silver formation. The FTIR confirmed the carboxyl group in melanin to reduce the Ag+ reduction as AgNPs, which promoted melanin covered in nano-silver surface. The SEM analysis showed that the morphology of Mel-AgNPs showed a spherical, and the particle diameter was about 30 nm. The element silver in the synthesized Mel-AgNPs was confirmed using EDX to exist silver in the synthetic Mel-AgNPS, and the crystal structure was characterized by XRD. The antibacterial activity experiments showed that Mel-AgNPs composites had inhibitory effect both on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the inhibitory effects on E.coli is greater than Staphylococcus. In vitro antioxidant experiments showed that Mel-AgNPs composites had strong Fe3+ reduction ability and scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS radical. The cytotoxicity experiments showed that Mel-AgNPs composite had weak toxicity to normal mouse fibroblast L929 and had inhibitory effect on human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, and Mel-AgNPs composites could down-regulate the level of BCl-2 gene in MCF-7 cells. This indicated that the material could inhibit the growth of cancer cells by regulating the pathways involved in the process of apoptosis and had certain anti-tumor activity. The anti-tumor experiments showed that Mel-AgNPs composites have strong antiviral capabilities to the H3N2 of the influenza virus, which can be used as a promising potential antiviral agent.
Clinical feedback as an additional communication aide in therapy processes: A dual case study of how feedback can influence therapeutic work
Authors: Helleseth Marianne Magnesdotter , McAleavey Andrew , Moltu Christian
Published: May 2022

Background
While routine outcome monitoring and clinical feedback may improve outcomes of psychotherapy, results from efficacy studies have been mixed. Moreover, how clinical feedback is implemented influences how it works for patients and clinicians, and its working mechanisms are not fully understood. Researchers have argued that inviting and using feedback from patients is best conceived of as a clinical skill. In this paper, we use case study methodology to explore and describe feedback’s functions within three clinical skill themes: actualising alliance work, concretising change and stagnation, and verbalising the nonverbal.
Case presentation:
Sonja is a young adult patient with a trauma background. She has a history of serious suicide attempts and distrust in relationships. She attended psychotherapy for eight months. Harald is a middle-aged man with a stable family. Traumatic events in his past has made him conceal own needs and developing depression. He attended psychotherapy for 19 months. Case material include the patient’s clinical feedback over a range of life areas, medical health notes and the therapist’s process notes.
Conclusions
Clinical feedback can be a positive supplement to the therapeutic work and process. The importance of making this as a joint tool between the client and the therapist is significant.
A potential trade-off between wing morphology and colouration for improved flight efficiency in the Larinae
Authors: Goumas Madeleine
Published: May 2022

There are many hypotheses explaining the diversity of colours and patterns found in nature, but they are often difficult to examine empirically. Recent studies show the dark upperside of the wings of gliding birds could reduce drag by decreasing the density of surrounding air. It may therefore be expected that species with darker wings have less efficient wing morphology than their paler counterparts. I conducted a phylogenetic comparative analysis of the Larinae (gulls) to test whether wing loading is a predictor of wing darkness. I found that, for each standard deviation increase in wing loading, wing darkness is predicted to increase by 1.2 shades on the Kodak grey scale. Wing darkness is also negatively correlated with the distance from the equator of species’ breeding and resident ranges. Furthermore, heavier species have lower aspect ratio wings, suggesting that dark wings have evolved to improve the trade-off between maneuverability and long distance flight.
ONCOACH, a prospective study to evaluate the impact of coaching in improving the well- being of oncologists
Authors: Darbas Tiffany , Leobon Sophie , Facchini-Joguet Teeva , Lavau-Denes Sandrine , Randrianasolo Harinaivo Freddy , Troussel Alexandre , Piolle Jean-Marie , PASCAL Valérie , Fourcade Laurent , Deluche Elise
Published: May 2022

Background: The primary endpoint of this pilot program was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a coaching program in the training of oncologists. Methods: From November 2019 to May 2020, residents or young doctors had a coaching session, once a month for 6 months. Students completed a survey assessing demographic characteristic, stress evaluation, anxiety or/and depression (by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) and PHQ scale 9) and burnout. Results: Of the 20 eligible students, 90% (18/20) enrolled. Among them 33.4% (6/18) had five sessions with each coach and 55.6% completed all sessions (10/18). The majority of participants (72.2% of learners; 13/18) perceived the program was highly valuable, with 50% (9/18) of learners who would like to do coaching again. They found that coaching beneficial and they recognized that it was beneficial for feeling more comfortable at work (66.6%), to get the important messages across (50%) and to reduce stress at work (55.5 %). The stress evaluated by the short 9-item Psychological Stress Measurement questionnaire decreased during the coaching training (p = 0.0446) and remained stable after coaching training at M12 (p = 0.4). Anxiety, depression and burn-out was remained stable during and after the coaching. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated preliminary feasibility and acceptability for coaching and had positive impact on stress reduction.
Surrogate modelling for the forecast of Seveso-type atmospheric pollutant dispersion
Authors: Kocijan Jus , Hvala Nadja , Perne Matija , Mlakar Primoz , Grasic Bostjan , Boznar Marija Zlata
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a framework for the development of a computationally-efficient surrogate model for air pollution dispersion.
Numerical simulation of air pollution dispersion is of fundamental importance for the mitigation of pollution in Seveso-type accidents, and, in extreme cases, for the design of evacuation scenarios for which long-range forecasting is necessary. Due to the high computational load, sophisticated simulation programs are not always useful for prompt computational studies and experimentation in real time. Surrogate models are data-driven models that mimic the behaviour of more accurate and more complex models in limited conditions. These models are computationally fast and enable efficient computer experimentation with them. We propose two methods. The first method develops a grid of independent dynamic models (GIM) of the air pollution dispersion. The second method develops a reduced grid with interpolation of outputs (RGI). Both are demonstrated on an example of a realistic, controlled experiment with limited complexity based on an approximately 7 km radius around the thermal power plant in Šoštanj, Slovenia. The results show acceptable matching of behaviour between the surrogate and original model and noticeable improvement in the computational load. This makes the obtained surrogate models appropriate for further experimentation and confirms the feasibility of the proposed method.
An Algorithm of Deformation Image Correction Based on Spatial Mapping
Authors: Deng Xiangyu , Zhang Aijia , Ye Jinhong
Published: May 2022

The original image has geometric deformation in geometric position, shape, size and orientation due to the shooting angle or capturing in the process of image shooting. It brings a lot of inconveniences and great challenges in image processing field such as image fusion, de-noising, recognition and segmentation. In order to improve the processing ability and recognition accuracy of deformation images, an adaptive image deformity correction algorithm for the quadrilateral and the triangular is proposed. Firstly, the deformation image is pre-processed and the contour of image edge is extracted. And then, discrete points of image edge are found to locate image edge accurately. Finally, the deformation of the quadrilateral or the triangle is processed into standard rectangle or equilateral triangle image by using the proposed algorithm of three-dimensional homography transformation, so as to complete the transformation from irregular image to regular image adaptively. A lot of experiments show that the proposed algorithm is superior to the traditional methods such as Hough transform and Radon transform, which improves the effect of deformation images correction, solves the problem of geometric deformation images well, and provides a new technical method for image processing of deformation images.
Socio Economic Condition of Tuk-Tuk Drivers With Their Problems Related to Tuk-Tuk Driving: A Case Study of Berhampore Municipality in Murshidabad District, West Bengal
Authors: Das Mousumi
Published: May 2022

Nowadays, E-Rickshaw is new the most popular short-distance mode of transport in the urban transport system, locally called Tuk-Tuk. This has made it possible to transport people and goods from one place in the city to other. It is an eco-friendly transportation system. Many people from different wards of Berhampore Municipality have found a new way to earn a living through it. But, unplanned urbanization, lack of road space, and such rapid growth of Tuk-Tuk became a burden on the existing transport realm. This is creating traffic congestion in the city. At present women are making a living from it. Although Tuk-Tuk has significantly reduced the number of the van, rickshaw pullers.There are about four to five thousand Tuk-Tuks in the area but the number of registered Tuk-Tuk is 1109, under Berhampore Municipality. It also focuses on urban environmental problems and the prospect of the Tuk-Tuk in the urban area.
Neonatal enterostomy complications：Can a simple drainage device inspired by prepuce surgery prevent？
Authors: Wang Kun , Cai Jing , Lu Ying Chou , Yu Jia Kang , Li Xiao Wei , Zhai Guo Min , Wu Gang Quan
Published: May 2022

Background Complications frequently occur after neonatal enterostomy. Enterostomy formation is a common outcome following emergency neonatal laparotomy. This study aims aimed to determine whether the incidence of complications after enterostomy can be decreased with a drainage device and we introduce a new method for improving proximal enterostomy in newborns.Methods This study is a retrospective case note review of emergency neonatal enterostomy incidence over 3 years (2/2016-2/2019） at our center. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Intraoperative findings and complications, operative times, and postoperative complications were reviewed for all children.Results All 47 surgeries were successfully completed (32 boys and 15 girls). Average daily age (3.49±5.61) d (mean±S.D.). Full-term children in 22 cases, 25 infants were preterm. Eleven patients were diagnosed with ARMs, twenty with NEC, and eleven with SIP requiring laparotomy. Two patients had congenital intestinal atresia(CIA),one had incarcerated inguinal hernia(IIH), and Two had congenital megacolon(HD). Twenty of these cases used a modified drainage device, One case of prolapse of the intestinal, one case of premature surgery due to excessive orifice flow, and one case of periostomy dermatitis，Ohter patients not experienced intraoperative or postoperative complications.Conclusions Based on our preliminary observations, the simple drainage device is a safe and effective operation device that can reduce the risk of stoma-related complications.
Using human-centered design to co-design dedicated menstrual health spaces with menstruators in Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, Uganda: Learnings for further adaptation and scale in humanitarian settings
Authors: Beeman Aly , Kwesiga Joseph , Ippoliti Nicole , Bhandari Tanya , Pandya Geetika , Acam Faith Anne , Lee Saehee , Hope Rebecca , Gibbs Theodora , Levine Jordan
Published: May 2022

Background: Menstruators in low- and middle-income countries struggle to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity. This is exacerbated in humanitarian settings with limited access to products and safe, private spaces for changing, washing, and disposing of menstrual products. To address these challenges, Youth Development Labs (YLabs) used a human-centered design approach to co-design the Cocoon Mini, a safe, physical structure for managing menstruation in the Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda. Methods:The study comprised five phases, including secondary research, design research, rough prototyping, live prototyping, and a pilot study. A total of 340 people participated in interviews, focus groups, and co-design sessions. Solution prototypes were created, evaluated, and iterated upon in each successive project phase. The final intervention design, the Cocoon Mini, was evaluated qualitatively for feasibility and acceptability during a three-month pilot using semi-structured interviews with menstruators utilizing Mini structures, other community members, and Mini supervisors. Results:Our results show widespread desirability and acceptability of the Cocoon Mini among menstruators and other community members. Overall, 95% of menstruators stated the space had made menstrual health management easier, primarily by providing designated disposal bins, solar lights, and additional water sources. The Mini provided an increased sense of physical and psychological safety in knowing where to manage menstruation. Furthermore, the Mini demonstrated that an intervention could be run and maintained sustainably at the household level in humanitarian contexts, without continued external stakeholder intervention. Each Mini structure cost approximately $360 USD to build and maintain and served 15-20 menstruators, leading to a cost per person of $18-$24. Additionally, each incinerator attached to the Mini structure used to dispose of soiled menstrual products cost $2110 USD. Conclusions:Menstruators lack access to safe, private spaces for menstrual health and product disposal in humanitarian settings. The Cocoon Mini provides a solution for the safe and effective management of menstruation. Customizing and scaling up dedicated MH spaces like the Cocoon Mini should be considered a high-priority intervention in humanitarian settings.
Embelin alleviates weaned piglets intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction via PCAF/NF-κB signaling pathway in intestinal epithelial cells.
Authors: Yao Weilei , Wang Tongxin , Huang Lu , Bao Zhengxi , Wen Shu , Huang Feiruo
Published: May 2022

Background: Intestinal barrier plays key roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Inflammation damage can severely destroy the intestinal integrity of mammals. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of embelin and its molecular mechanisms on intestinal inflammation in a porcine model. One hundred sixty 21 day-old castrated weaned pigs (Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire, average initial body weight was 7.05 ± 0.28 kg, equal numbers of castrated males and females) were allotted to four groups and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet containing 200, 400, or 600 mg embelin/kg for 28 days, the growth performance, intestinal inflammatory cytokines, morphology of jejunum and ileum, tight junctions in the intestinal mucosa of piglets were tested. IPEC-1 cells with overexpression of P300/CBP associating factor (PCAF) were treated with embelin, the activity of PCAF and acetylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were analyzed to determine the effect of embelin on PCAF/NF-κB pathway in vitro.Results: The results showed that embelin decreased (P < 0.05) serum D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO) levels, and enhanced the expression of ZO-1, Occludin and claudin-1 protein in jejunum and ileum. Moreover, the expression levels of critical inflammation molecules (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and NF-κB) were down-regulated (P < 0.05) by embelin in jejunal and ileal mucosa. Meanwhile, the activity of PCAF were down-regulated (P < 0.05) by embelin. Importantly, transfection of PCAF siRNAs to IPEC-1 cell decreased NF-κB activities; embelin treatment downregulated (P < 0.05) the acetylation and activities of NF-κB by 31.7–74.6% in IPEC-1 cells with overexpression of PCAF.Conclusions: These results suggested that embelin ameliorates intestinal inflammation in weaned pigs, which might be mediated by suppressing the PCAF/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Research on Virtual Machine Consolidation Strategy Based on Combined Prediction and Energy-aware in Cloud Computing Platform
Authors: Wang Jinjiang , Gu Hangyu , Yu Junyang , Song Yixin , He Xin , Song Yalin
Published: May 2022

In the era of information explosion, the energy consumption of cloud data centers is significant. It’s critical to reduce the energy consumption of large-scale data centers while guaranteeing quality of service (QoS), especially the energy consumption of video cloud computing platforms. The application of virtual machine (VM) consolidation has been regarded as a promising approach to improve resource utilization and save energy of the data centers. In this paper, an energy efficient and QoS-aware VM consolidation method is proposed to address the issues. A combined prediction model based on grey model and ARIMA is applied to host status detection, and we provide a new scheme that VM placement policy based on resource utilization and varying energy consumption to search most suitable host and VM selection policy called AUMT selecting VM with low average CPU utilization and migration time. Extensive experimental results based on the Cloudsim simulator demonstrate that proposed approach enables to achieve the objectives reducing energy consumption, number of migrations, SLAV and ESV by an average of 56.07%, 79.21%, 91.01% and 84.34% compared with the benchmark methods and the AUMT can reduce energy consumption, the number of migrations and ESV by an average of 15.46%, 28.11% and 3.96% compared with the state-of-the-art method.
Comparative analysis of the culture of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis and Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in biofloc system
Authors: Krummenauer Dariano , Silva André Freitas , Xavier Missileny , Foes Geraldo Kipper , Poersch Luis H. , Cardozo Alessandro , Wasielesky
Published: May 2022

Shrimp farming in Biofloc Technology System (BFT), is already considered as an alternative to the traditional culture system. The bioflocs keep the water quality and can be used as food supplement for shrimp. Most of the production in BFT is based on the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. However, its cultured is limited by the low temperatures. Thus, the in BFT culture potential of native species such as the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis should be considered. The present study aimed to compare the culture of F. brasiliensis and L. vannamei in the Grow out phase, in BFT system. The experiment was composed of two treatments: (FB) Grow out of F. brasiliensis (LV) Grow out of L. vannamei. The study lasted 70 days and was conducted at the Marine Station of Aquaculture from Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The stocking density were of 100 shrimp/m² for both species. The shrimp were fed twice a day with commercial food. Physicochemical parameters of the water were monitored throughout the experimental period. The results showed that all physicochemical parameters of the water remained within the tolerated limits for both species. However, a better zootechnical performance of the shrimp L. vannamei compared to F. brasiliensis during the growth phase in the BFT was observed. The results point L. vannamei has a higher capacity to catch bioflocs as supplementary food, demonstrate a better response of that species to the BFT system in the Grow out phase compared F. brasiliensis.
EGFR driving mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer influences the incidence and characteristics of related brain metastases
Authors: Pesce Alessandro , Armocida Daniele , Palmieri Mauro , Cofano Fabio , Mantovani Sara , Perna Giuseppe , Palmieri Giuseppe , Cassoni Paola , Salvati Maurizio , Antonelli Manila , D’Andrea Giancarlo , Anile Marco , Santoro Antonio , Frati Alessandro
Published: May 2022

Background: Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common intracranial tumors in adults and the brain is one of the most frequent metastatic sites for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Some studies have hypothesized that EGFR expression in the primary tumor may result in clinically radiological and prognostic changes in related brain metastases, comparable to EGFR's correlation with prognosis in primary brain tumors. There are no current studies that clinically and radiologically demonstrate a difference between BMs from EGFR-mutated and wild-type NSCLC.Methods: We performed a retrospective study to identify prognostic factors for the survival of patients with NSCLC-BMs by exploring the role of driving mutations in NSCLC, focusing on EGFR mutated status, and comparing all morphological, radiological, and clinical features of NSCLC-BMs with their outcome parameters in a cohort of surgically treated patients. Results: The final cohort consisted of 81 patients. The overall survival of the cohort was 15±17 months. The tumor-related edema was associated with neurological symptoms at the clinical onset of the disease (p=.048). We found that EGFR and ALK mutation status did not reach significant associations with age, sex, and the morphology of the lesions. EGFR mutation in the primary tumor is positively associated with higher edema and tumor volume (respectively 22.38±21.35cm3 versus 7.68±8.44cm3 and 72.44±60.71cm3 versus 31.92cm3 p=.046 and p=.028). Moreover, EGFR mutation is associated with a clinical debut of seizures (p=.004).Conclusions: The role of EGFR and ALK mutations of NSCLC on prognostic characteristics of BMs is still to be fully clarified; however the results retrieved from the present study suggest that the presence of EGFR mutations significantly correlates with bigger edema volume and higher incidence of seizures. In recent studies, while EGFR mutation status did not affect the immune pathway scores of primary lung tumors, the overall immune pathway scores in related BMs indicate a peculiar immunogenic phenotype that could explain a large amount of edema volume. This study could be considered the first clinical and radiological demonstration of this immunological phenotype.
Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q-13): Short-Form of EDE-Q
Authors: ESİN Kübra , AYYILDIZ Feride
Published: May 2022

Background: The Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) is a frequently used scale to evaluate eating behaviors and attitudes. In recent years, its use has increased due to the fact that the use of short forms is more practical. The aim of this study was to validate the short Turkish form of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q).Methods: The study included 924 adults at a mean age of 30.3±10.93 years. EDEQ-13 was translated and adapted to Turkish according to the Beaton guideline. The Eating Attitudes Test - 26 (EAT-26), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) were used to analyze their relationships with EDE-Q-13. Results: In this study, the rate of the total variance explained by the factors of EDE-Q-13 according to the Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA) results of the scale was 83.545%. The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale was 0.897, and the Cronbach's alpha values of the 5 subscales were calculated in the range of 0.758-0.942. Criterion validity showed an acceptable correlation between the EAT-26, SWLS and BAS. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the model obtained was within goodness-of-fit and acceptable -of-fit indexConclusion: Both EFA and CFA results showed that it is appropriate to use the Turkish EDE-Q-13. EDE-Q-13 was significantly correlated with eating disturbances, body appreciation, and life satisfaction. In conclusion, the Turkish version of EDE-Q-13 possesses high levels of validity and reliability.
Associations between serum mitokine levels and outcomes in stable COPD
Authors: Amado Carlos A. , Martín-Audera Paula , Agüero Juan , Lavín Bernardo A , Guerra Raúl A , Muñoz Pedro , Berja Ana , Casanova Ciro , García-Unzueta Mayte
Published: May 2022

Background: Mitokines (Humanin (HN), GDF15 and FGF21) are produced as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction and may have major roles in chronic inflammation, malnutrition and exercise capacity in people with COPD. Except for GDF15, studies on this subject are lacking.Methods: A total of 165 patients with stable COPD and 49 smokers without COPD were enrolled. We assessed their serum mitokine levels and clinical characteristics at baseline. We recorded moderate and severe exacerbation for the next 12 months.Results: Baseline serum HN (p=0.037) and GDF-15 (p= 0.013) levels were higher in the COPD group. High HN levels were independently associated with a high risk of exacerbation (HRE) (p=0.011), malnutrition (p=0.004) and 6MWD (p=0.008), and future moderate (p=0.007) and severe exacerbations (p=0.009). High GDF15 levels were associated with HRE (p=0.027), 6MWD (p=0.017) and predicted desaturation in 6MWT (p=0.006). High FGF21 levels were associated with HRE (p=0.05), and predicted future severe exacerbation (p=0.008). Conclusions: The mitokine levels were higher in patients with COPD than smokers without COPD, and were associated with important clinical outcomes such as exercise capacity and COPD exacerbation. Among the mitokines, HN showed the strongest relationship with COPD and may serve as a future risk biomarker in this disease. Trial registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT04449419; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. Date of registration: June 26, 2020.
Clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients in Binzhou, China during periods of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant BA.2 predominance: a single-centered, retrospective, observational study
Authors: Xu Haixiao , Huang Xiao , Xu Haiwei , Sun Mingyue , Liu Xiaojing , Zhang Mingming , Zhang Xue , Niu Chunliu , Tian Huanhuan , Li Jiankui , Hu Haoran , Ning Fangyu , Wang Tao
Published: May 2022

Background: Since the first identification of the novel SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern Omicron in South Africa, it has rapidly spread around the world. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant BA.2. Methods: In this retrospective study, we extracted data for 422 patients in Binzhou COVID-19 treatment centerl from March 11 to April 28, 2022. Cases were analyzed on the basis of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data as well as radiological features. Results: Of 422 hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant BA.2, there were 311 (73.7%) asymptomatic, 102 (24.1%) mild cases and 9 (2.1%) moderate cases. The median age was 38 years (IQR, 14 to 58) for all the participants, and the cohort included 207 men and 215 women. Compared with asymptomatic patients, moderate patients were older and had more chronic comorbidities (P<0.001). For all patients, Only 23 (5.5%) of 422 patients had never received any COVID-19 vaccine dose. Nonvaccination rate was significant difference between asymptomatic group and moderte group (4.5% vs 33.3%, p=0.001), respectively. The most common symptoms at onset of illness were fever, fatigue. Moderate patients had more ground-glass opacity, and patchy shadowing. Lymphopenia was present in 6.6% of all patients, which was more common in moderate patients than asymptomatic patients (44.4% vs 4.8%, P<0.001). Conclusion: Unvaccinated and older patients (>65 years) with comorbidities are at increased risk of moderate infection. Lymphopenia, increased D-dimer, ground-glass opacity, and patchy shadowing are common in moderate patients.
Description and genome analysis of Aoguangibacterium sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov., a noval denitrifying and carbon-fixing bacterium isolated from marine sediment
Authors: Yu Zi-Liang , Jia Ya-Wei , Du Yi-Heng , Du Zong-Jun , Mu Da-Shuai
Published: May 2022

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic, red colony, mesophilic, and slightly halotolerant bacteria with carbon fixation and denitrification, designated strain D16T, was separated from intertidal surface sediments from Xiaoshi Island, Weihai, China. The strain was able to grow at 10–43°C, pH 5.5–9.5 and in 0–5% (w/v) NaCl. Optimum growth conditions of the strain were at pH 7.0, 30–33°C and 1% (w/v) NaCl. The predominant respiratory quinone, major fatty acids and polar lipids of the strain were (MK-6), (iso-C15:0, 32.0%, C16:0, 10.5%) and (DPG、PE、AGL、 GL、 AL、PGS), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genomes indicated that strain D16T was the closest to genera Eudoraea, Poritiphilus, Muriicola, Robiginitalea and Zeaxanthinibacter, sharing 92–93% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the representative of these genera. The draft genome of strain D16T composed 3,225,638 bp, and the G + C content was 42.8 mol %. The ANI, dDDH, AAI values of strain D16T compared to similar genera ranged from 67.3 to 70.2%, 16.2 to 19.1% and 68.3 to 70.1%, respectively, below the threshold for recommended species division of ANI 95–96%, dDDH 70% and AAI 95%. Furthermore, POCP values between strain D16T and similar genera were less than 50.0%, consistent with the description of a new genus. Based on the results of phylogenetic, phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic analyses and comparative analysis of metabolic pathway, environmental distribution and characterization between in strain D16T and other relative genera of family Flavobacteriaceae, it is concluded that strain D16T represents a novel species of a noval genus of the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Aoguangibacterium sediminis gen.nov., sp. is proposed. The type strain is D16T (= MCCC 1H00463T = KCTC 82746T).
Construction and evaluation of a prognostic risk model of DNA mismatch repair related genes in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Yin Quan , Ma Sheng Jie , Fu Xue Qi , Wang Quan
Published: May 2022

Background:According to the expression of mismatch repair （MMR） genes, the status of MMR is referred as deficient MMR (dMMR) and proficient MMR (pMMR). It is believed that MMR status may predict cancer response/resistance to certain chemotherapies. However, even among dMMR/MSI-H patients, there are non-responders to immunotherapy, arising the urgent need to develop more sounding predictive biomarkers or models. Methods:Transcriptome data of CRC patients were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and limma package was used to screen deferentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, gene ontology (GO) functional annotations, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs were conducted. The univariate COX-LASSO-multivariate COX method was applied to construct the prognostic model. We also developed a nomogram for patient survival and carried out validation of the prognostic model.Results:Totally 414 DEGs were screened out in CRC patients and 8 prognostic DEGs (PBK, UBD, C1QTNF3_AMACR, CHN2, CTTNBP2, PIGR, GGH and HAGLR) were identify. CRC patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups in terms of risk scores. Patients in the high-risk group had shorter overall survival time than those in the low-risk group. Risk score was proven to be a valuable independent prognostic factor in both univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses. Moreover, 5 infiltrated immune cells were significantly different between the two groups. Patients in high-risk group had higher stromal and ESTIMATE scores, lower tumor purity and elevated expressions of 13 immune checkpoints. Prognostic nomograms were also constructed to visualize the relationship between individual predictors and survival probabilities in patients with CRC.Conclusions: An accurate MMR-related prognostic model was established and validated. In addition, this study revealed the potential mechanisms of distinct response to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer with different MMR status.
Serum Granulocyte-Monocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) is increased in patients with active radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and persists despite anti-TNF treatment
Authors: Papagoras Charalampos , Tsiami Styliani , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Mitroulis Ioannis , Baraliakos Xenofon
Published: May 2022

Background: Accumulating evidence supports the role of monocytes and neutrophils in radiographic axSpA (r-axSpA). Granulocyte-Monocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) is a growth factor for both leukocyte lineages and a pro-inflammatory cytokine activating myeloid cells and promoting osteoclastogenesis. It acts through the JAK-STAT pathway. We measured serum GM-CSF and markers of bone metabolism in patients with r-axSpA before and after anti-TNF treatment.Methods: Patients with active r-axSpA despite treatment with NSAIDs, all eligible for treatment with a biologic agent were recruited. Healthy donors were sampled as controls. Serum was collected before (baseline) and after 4-6 months (follow-up) of anti-TNF treatment and the following molecules were measured with ELISA: GM-CSF, Sclerostin (SOST) and Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1). Results: Twelve r-axSpA patients (7 males, 5 females, median age 37 years) with a median disease duration of 1 year and 16 age- and sex-matched controls were included. At baseline, patients had mean BASDAI 6.3±2 and ASDAS 3.2±0.7, which decreased to 4.1±1.7 and to 2.2±0.6 at follow-up, respectively. At baseline, r-axSpA patients had significantly higher mean serum levels of GM-CSF (150 vs 62pg/ml, p=0.049), significantly lower Dkk-1 (1228 vs 3052pg/ml, p=0.001), but similar levels of SOST (369 vs 544pg/ml, p=0.144) compared to controls. Anti-TNF treatment did not affect GM-CSF, Dkk-1 or SOST levels. Spearman correlation analysis showed that GM-CSF correlated positively with ASDAS at baseline (r=0.61, p=0.039), while no correlations were identified between bone markers (Dkk-1, SOST) on one hand and GM-CSF or disease activity indices on the other.Conclusions: GM-CSF is increased in patients with active AS and strongly correlates with disease activity. TNF inhibition does not affect GM-SCF levels, despite improving disease activity. GM-CSF may represent an important pathway responsible for residual inflammation during TNF blockade, but also a potential target of JAK inhibitors, explaining their efficacy in r-axSpA.
Circularity and biofertilizers in Agroforestry systems: impact on soil health
Authors: Álvarez-López Vanessa , Lado-Liñares Marcos , Lamas Alexandre , Vazquez Beatriz , Mosquera-Losada Rosa
Published: May 2022

Forest management practices impact the amount of organic matter reaching the soil, but also the soil properties and/or vegetation composition that influence soil microbiome structure and composition.
After 15 years of the last application of sewage sludge (SS) alone or in combination with CaCO3 to soils of a silvopastoral system with Pinus radiata D. Don, still some residual effects were observed in the soil chemical parameters (such as pH, exchangeable Na, Ca, or K) but bigger changes on soil bacterial families were detected. However, no significant effect of the fertilization was found in the total amount of soil organic matter or its mid-infrared spectral signature. Acidobacteriaceae, Sinobacteraceae, Bradyrhizobiaceae, Burkholderiaceae and Pseudonocardiaceae were the most abundant identified families in all treatments and light changes in their abundances were detected in the different soil treatments. However, when looking at the bacterial diversity (number of families) a strong decrease in the number of specific bacteria linked to the NF soils (Non fertilised) was observed in the SS treated soils (and this decrease was even more pronounced when SS was combined with CaCO3). Soil pH and exchangeable Al were found the main factors shaping the structure of bacterial families in the studied soils, while other factors such as total soil P, exchangeable Na, exchangeable K showed the lowest correlation with bacterial abundances. Most of correlations between soil pH and families’ abundances were negative while in the case of exchangeable Al, both negative and positive correlations were observed equally. The Thermomonosporaceae, Acidimicrobiaceae and Coriobacteriaceae families showed the highest number of significant correlations with soil chemical parameters (pH, total N, organic C, exchangeable K and Al and CEC).
Integrative analysis of the immune-related ceRNA network in fetal growth restriction based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis
Authors: Li Pingping , Zhao Yuebin
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Immune disorders lead to placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction (FGR), but current research on the immune regulation mechanisms of FGR is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to construct an immune-related competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to predict FGR onset risk. Methods: Based on microarray data from the GEO database, CIBERSORT was used to analyze immune cell infiltration. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to screen immune-related module genes with differential expression (DE) in FGR. A ceRNA network was constructed by integrating long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-mRNA co-expression relations, lncRNA-microRNA (miRNA) relations, and miRNA-mRNA negative regulatory relations. The diagnostic values of key genes in the network and their relationships with immune cell infiltration were further validated. Results: By comparing FGR and normal samples, 442 DE mRNAs, 57 DE miRNAs, and 241 DE lncRNAs were obtained. Furthermore, four types of immune cells exhibited significantly different infiltration levels. WGCNA revealed 236 immune-related DE mRNAs that were involved in hormone secretion and immune cell differentiation. We then constructed a ceRNA network comprising 16 lncRNAs, 16 miRNAs, and 21 mRNAs through co-expression analysis and miRNA prediction. Receiver operating characteristic curves confirmed the superior predictive performance of key genes in the network for FGR. The validation dataset confirmed the increased infiltration of M1 macrophages in FGR samples and their positive correlations with NEURL1 and ODF3B expression. Conclusion: We constructed an immune-related ceRNA regulatory network wherein key genes are positively correlated with M1 macrophage infiltration and can be used for FGR diagnosis.
Identification of an epigenetic classification for hepatocellular carcinoma and biological relevance with cancer cells
Authors: Fu Yunong , Yang Kaibo , Wu Kunjin , Wang Hai , Li Qinglin , Zhang Fengping , Yang Kun , Yao Qing , Ma Xiaohua , Deng Yujie , Zhang Jingyao , Liu Chang , Qu Kai
Published: May 2022

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extensive heterogeneous disease where epigenetic factors contribute to its pathogenesis. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a group of subunits constituting various macro molecular machines to regulate the epigenetic landscape, which contribute to cancer phenotype and have potential to develop molecular classification of HCC. Results: Here, based on multi-omics data analysis of DNA methylation, mRNA expression and copy number of PcG-related genes, we established an epigenetic classification system of HCC, which divides the HCC patients into two subgroups with a significantly different outcome. Comparing these two epigenetic subgroups, we identified different metabolic features, which were related to epigenetic regulation of Polycomb Repressive Complex 1/2 (PRC1/2). Furthermore, we experimentally proved that inhibition of PcG complexes enhanced lipid metabolism and reduced the capacity of HCC cells against glucose shortage. In addition, we validated the low chemotherapy sensitivity of HCC in Group A, and found inhibition of PRC1/2 promoted HCC cells sensitivity to oxaliplatin in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we found that aberrant upregulation CBX2 in Group A and upregulation of CBX2 was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Furthermore, we found manipulation of CBX2 affected the levels of H3K27me3 and H2AK119ub. Conclusions: Our study provided a novel molecular classification system based on PcG-related genes data, and experimentally validated the biological features of HCC in two subgroups. Our founding supported the polycomb complex targeting strategy to inhibit HCC progression where CBX2 could be a feasible therapeutic target.