bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early alterations of RNA binding protein (RBP) homeostasis and ER stress-mediated autophagy triggers progressive retinal degeneration in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP)
Authors: Goswami Anand , Yamoah Alfred , Tripathi Priyanka , Guo Haihong , Scheive Leoni , Walter Peter , Johnen Sandra , Müller Frank , Weis Joachim
Published: August 2022

The retinal degeneration 10 (rd10) mouse model is widely used to study retinitis pigmentosa (RP) pathomechanisms. It offers a rather unique opportunity to study trans-neuronal degeneration because the cell populations in question are separated anatomically and the mutated Pde6b gene is selectively expressed in rod photoreceptors. We hypothesized that RNA binding protein (RBP) aggregation and abnormal autophagy might serve as early pathogenic events, damaging non-photoreceptor retinal cell types that are not primarily targeted by the Pde6b gene defect. Therefore, we specifically aimed to detect silent, yet dynamic, early molecular pathologies which trigger the sequence of neurodegenerative events in the rd10 retina. We found that early, robust increases in levels of the protective endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ buffering chaperone Sigma receptor 1 (SigR1) together with other ER-Ca2+ buffering proteins including calreticulin and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) indicative of Ca2+-induced ER stress were evident in both photoreceptors and non-photoreceptor neuronal cells before any morphologically noticeable photoreceptor degeneration. In line with this, we found markedly altered expression of autophagy proteins, especially, p62 and LC3 together with abnormal ER widening and large autophagic vacuoles as detected by EM. Interestingly, these changes were accompanied by early, prominent cytoplasmic and nuclear aggregation of the key RBPs pTDP-43 of the FET family RBPs FUS, EWRS1, and TAF15. Co-immunolabelling studies with the stress granule (SG) marker Tia1 revealed that RBP aggregation at least in part proceeded through the SG pathway. The fact that cytoplasmic RBP aggregation occurs in non-photoreceptor retinal neuronal cells before the demise of photoreceptors suggests that functional alterations of connectivity may be sufficient to trigger cytoplasmic RBP mislocalization. These findings in rd10 mice might benefit our understanding of the spread of pathology in many age-related progressive neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by Ca2+ imbalance, autophagy dysregulation, and altered RBP homeostasis.
Usefulness of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss in Obstetrics And Gynecology, A prospective observational study
Authors: Yadav Akanksha , Mahadik Kalpana
Published: August 2022

Background: Uterine bleeding in reproductive age is due to hormonal causes in 14% of women as a whole which is medically treatable. Hemorrhage is a major killer in Obstetrics. Uterine bleeding is a main cause of modifying health related quality of life in child bearing age group. To avoid major surgical intervention, there is a need for a medical modality which will act quickly and effectively. Here we address outcomes of use of tranexamic acid in mild PPH, abnormal uterine bleeding and threatened abortion. This agent acts by arresting capillary bleeding. Milder category of abnormal uterine bleeding and postpartum bleeding of short duration are areas where there is need for a medical approach. In this study we intended to find effect of various doses and routes of drug in improving blood loss, hemoglobin and hematocrit increase.Methods: One hundred and forty-five gynecology and 40 obstetric patients were recruited in C.R. Gardi Hospital, Ujjain over 20 months in 2017 – 2020 having various types of bleeding pathology. In Gynae pictorial blood loss assessment chart, was used to assess blood loss improvement and visual blood loss assessment by judgment of a gynecologist was used in Obstetrics. Assessing blood loss, hemoglobin and hematocrit; before and after treatment was observed. Doses of 1.5 gm to 10 gm per day of tranexamic acid was used. In PPH 1 gm to 5 gm was used. Results: Sixty-five and 35% women in category ≤ 120 and ≥120 showed improvement in PBAC score respectively. Increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit and reduction in PBAC score (p=0.00) are major findings. No significant difference was found in improvement of hemoglobin in mildly and severely bleeding patients. Average gain in hemoglobin was 0.5gm% and hematocrit of 7.4 in one week. In 33% of PPH patient’s major surgery could be postponed.Conclusion: Improvement in pictorial blood loss assessment chart score in abnormal uterine bleeding patients, improvement in hemoglobin and hematocrit with avoidance of major surgical treatment in mild PPH are major findings of this study.
Inferring time-varying generation time, serial interval and incubation period distributions for COVID-19
Authors: Chen Dongxuan , Lau Yiu-Chung , Xu Xiaoke , Wang Lin , Du Zhanwei , Tsang Tim , Wu Peng , Lau Eric , Wallinga Jacco , Cowling Benjamin , Ali Sheikh Taslim
Published: August 2022

The generation time distribution, reflecting the time between successive infections in transmission chains, is a key epidemiological parameter for describing COVID-19 transmission dynamics. However, because exact infection times are rarely known, it is often approximated by the serial interval distribution. This approximation holds under the assumption that infectors and infectees share the same incubation period distribution, which may not always be true. We investigated incubation period and serial interval distributions in data on 2989 confirmed cases in China in January-February 2020, and developed an inferential framework to estimate the generation time distribution that accounts for variation over time due to changes in epidemiology, sampling biases and public health and social measures. We identified substantial reductions over time in the serial interval and generation time distributions. Our proposed method provides more reliable estimation of the temporal variation in the generation time distribution, improving assessment of transmission dynamics.
Covid-19 and comedications in atrial fibrillation – a case-control study in Stockholm
Authors: Bell Max , Ekbom Anders , Linder Marie
Published: August 2022

ObjectivesTo test the main hypothesis that anticoagulation reduces risk of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death in COVID-19.DesignNested case-control study among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in Stockholm. Cases were matched to five controls with same sex, born within +/- 1 years, and without COVID-19.SettingSource population was individuals in Stockholm with AF 1997-2020. Swedish regional and national registers are used. National registers cover hospitals and outpatient clinics, local registers cover primary care. Records were linked through the personal identity number assigned to each Swedish resident.ParticipantsCases were individuals with diagnosis of, ICU admission for, or death with COVID-19. The source population consisted of 179,381 individuals from which 7,548 cases were identified together with 37,145 controls. The number of cases (controls) for hospitalization, ICU admission and death were 5,916 (29,035), 160 (750) and 1,472 (7,360). The proportion of women was 40% for hospitalization and death, but 20% and 30% for admission to ICU in wave one and two, respectively. Main outcome measuresPrimary outcome was mortality, secondary outcome was hospitalization, tertiary outcome was ICU admission, all with COVID-19.ResultsOdds ratios (95% confidence interval) for antithrombotics were 0.79 (0.66 to 0.95) for the first wave and 0.80 (0.64 to 1.01) for the second wave.ConclusionsUse of anticoagulation among patients with COVID-19 and arrythmias is associated with lower risk of hospitalization and death. If further COVID-variants emerge, or other infections with prothrombotic properties, this emphasize need for physicians to ensure compliance among vulnerable patients.
Electro-osmosis and coupled stress effect on peristaltic power-law fluid flow with gold nanoparticles through a non-Darcy porous medium
Authors: Eldabe N. T. , Abou-zeid M. Y. , Seliem A. S. Abo , Elenna A. A. , Hegazy N.
Published: August 2022

In this work, we studied the electro-osmotic peristaltic motion of nano-coupled stress fluid with heat transfer through a non-uniform inclined channel. The flow in this discussion obeys the power-law model through a non-Darcy porous medium. The system is stressed by an external magnetic field. Moreover, the effects of thermal radiation, heat generation, Ohmic dissipation and chemical reaction are taken in consideration. The governing equations that describe the velocity, temperature and nanoparticles concentration are simplified under the assumption of long wavelength and low-Reynolds number. The resulting system of partial differential equations is solved numerically. The effects of the physical parameters of the problem with these solutions are discussed and illustrated through a set of figures. It is found that the axial velocity profiles decrease with the raising of electro-osmotic parameter.
Early pregnancy outcomes following COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection: a national population-based matched cohort study
Authors: Stock* Sarah , Calvert Clara , Carruthers Jade , Denny Cheryl , Donaghy Jack , Hillman Sam , Hopcoft Lisa , Hopkins Leanne , Goulding Anna , Lindsay Laura , McLaughlin Terry , Moore Emily , Pan Jiafeng , Taylor John , Almaghrabi Fatima , Auyeung Bonnie , Bhaskaran Krishnan , Gibbons Cheryl , Katikireddi Srinivasa , McCowan Colin , Murray Josie , O’Leary Maureen , Ritchie Lewis , Shah Syed , Simpson Colin , Robertson Chris , Sheikh Aziz , Wood Rachael
Published: August 2022

There are limited data regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in early pregnancy. This may contribute to vaccine hesitancy in people who are pregnant, or who are planning pregnancy. We conducted a population-level matched cohort study assessing associations between COVID-19 vaccination and miscarriage (pregnancy loss prior to 20 weeks gestation) and ectopic pregnancy. We used electronic health records of all female residents in Scotland who were vaccinated between 6 weeks preconception and 19 weeks 6 days gestation (for miscarriage; n = 18,780) or 2 weeks 6 days gestation (for ectopic; n = 10,570). Primary analyses used unvaccinated women from the pre-pandemic period as controls (historical controls) matched (3:1) on maternal age, gestational age at vaccination, and season of conception; with adjustment for maternal deprivation level, rural/urban status and clinical vulnerability. Supplementary analyses used unvaccinated women from the pandemic period as controls (contemporary controls). Analyses of outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection were undertaken with infection rather than vaccination as the exposure. Following COVID-19 vaccination, the rate of miscarriage was 9.1% (n = 1,716) and ectopic pregnancy 1.2% (n = 126). Primary analyses found no association between vaccination and miscarriage (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.02, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 0.96–1.09) or ectopic pregnancy (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.92–1.38). Primary analyses also found no association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Results of supplementary analyses were similar to primary analyses. Given that SARS-CoV-2 infection in later pregnancy carries substantial risks to women and babies, our findings support current recommendations that vaccination remains the safest way for pregnant women to protect themselves and their babies from COVID-19.
Data mining on identifying diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers in head and neck squamous carcinoma
Authors: Ju Guoyuan , Yao Zhangyu , Zhao Yanbin , Zhao Xiaotong , Liu Fangzhou
Published: August 2022

Background: Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) is cancer with a poor prognosis that induces high cancer-related death worldwide. The biomarker screening on diagnosis and prognosis is of great importance. This research is aimed to explore the specific diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for HNSC through bioinformatics analysis.Results: The mutation and dysregulation data were acquired from UCSC Xena and TCGA databases. The top ten genes with mutation frequency in HNSC were TP53 (66%), TTN (35%), FAT1 (21%), CDKN2A (20%), MUC16 (17%), CSMD3 (16%), PIK3CA (16%), NOTCH1 (16%), SYNE1 (15%), LRP1B (14%). A total of 1,060 DEGs were identified, with 396 up-regulated and 665 downregulated in HNSC patients. Patients with lower expression of ACTN2 (P=0.039, HR=1.3), MYH1 (P=0.005, HR=1.5), MYH2 (P=0.035, HR=1.3), MYH7 (P=0.053, HR=1.3), and NEB (P=0.0043, HR=1.5) exhibit longer overall survival time in HNSC patients. The main DEGs were further analyzed by pan-cancer expression and immune cell infiltration analyses. We can observe that MYH1, MYH2, and MYH7 were dysregulated in the cancers. Compared with HNSC, their expression levels are lower in the other types of cancers. All the five DEGs have a significant positive correlation with CD4+ T cells and macrophages.Conclusion: ACTN2, MYH1, MYH2, MYH7, and NEB genes were significantly associated with poor prognosis in HNSC. Moreover, MYH1, MYH2, and MYH7 were expected to be the specific diagnostic and prognostic molecular biomarkers of HNSC.
Health-related Quality of Life in Children under Treatment for Overweight, Obesity or Severe Obesity: a cross-sectional study in the Netherlands
Authors: Voorn Bibian van der , Camfferman Roxanna , Seidell Jacob C. , Halberstadt Jutka
Published: August 2022

Background
It is unknown whether weight class is associated with impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for children in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to explore generic and weight-specific HRQOL in a clinical cohort of children with overweight, obesity or severe obesity aged 4–19 years in the Netherlands.
Methods
803 children from three clinical cohorts participated: mean age 11.5 (SD 2.9) years, 61.1% girls. The influence of weight class was explored in a subgroup of 425 children (25.2% with overweight, 32.5% obesity and 42.3% severe obesity), of whom the exact International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) BMI class was known. Generic HRQOL was measured by the PedsQL child report. Weight-specific HRQOL was measured by the IWQOL-Kids child or parent report. Average total, subscale and item scores were reported and the influence of the IOTF BMI class analyzed by multiple linear regression, corrected for age and sex.
Results
Children with severe obesity had lower generic and weight-specific HRQOL scores than those with obesity or overweight. IOTF BMI class was negatively associated with item scores from all subscales, especially physical, social and emotional problems. Children with overweight reported similar HRQOL total, subscale and item scores to children with obesity.
A Machine Learning Based Algorithm for Joint Improvement of Power Control, link adaptation, and Capacity in Beyond 5G Communication systems
Authors: Norolahi Jafar , Azmi Paeiz
Published: August 2022

In this study, we propose a novel machine learning based algorithm to improve the performance of beyond 5 generation (B5G) wireless communication system that is assisted by Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) techniques. The non-linear soft margin support vector machine (SVM) problem is used to provide an automatic modulation classifier (AMC) and a signal power to noise and interference ratio (SINR) estimator. The estimation results of AMC and SINR are used to reassign the modulation type, codding rate, and transmit power throughout the frames of eNode B connections. The AMC success rate versus SINR, total power consuming, and sum capacity are evaluated for OFDM-NOMA assisted 5G system. In comparison to recently published methods, our results show that the success rate improves. The suggested method directly senses the physical channel because it computes the SINR and codding rate of received signal just after the signal is detected by successive interference cancellation (SIC). Hence, because of this direct sense, this algorithm can really decrease occupied symbols (overhead signaling) for channel quality information (CQI) in network communication signaling. The results also prove that the proposed algorithm reduces the total power consumption and increases the sum capacity during the eNode B connections. Simulation results compared to other algorithms show more successful AMC, efficient SINR estimator, easier practical implantation, less overhead signaling, less power consumption, and more capacity achievement.
Access to dermatologic care for adult and pediatric Medicaid patients: Acceptance rates, wait times and accountable care organization webpage accuracy
Authors: Kuceki Guilherme , Gardner Laura J. , Mortenson Brett C. , Secrest Aaron M.
Published: August 2022

Fewer U.S. dermatologists are accepting Medicaid plans over time. We sought to investigate whether there are discrepancies between Accountable Care Organization (ACO) webpage-reported dermatologist acceptance of Medicaid vs. actual acceptance of Medicaid via telephone calls to dermatology offices in Utah. Telephone calls were placed to each dermatology office in Utah posing as a patient requesting an appointment. We compared the information obtained over the phone with the ACO webpage and calculated wait time averages for appointments. The positive predictive values ranged from 83.1–95.5% depending on the ACO. *We also discovered that ACO webpages failed to list several dermatologists as accepting Medicaid who reported Medicaid acceptance on the telephone. We also compared waiting times for new patients with Medicaid to those with the leading medical insurance in Utah and found that the mean waiting time for adults with private insurance (3.0 days) was significantly shorter (p = 0.02) than adults with Medicaid (13.5 days) when the patient requested to be seen by a Physician Associate or Nurse Practitioner. For accurate information, Medicaid patients seeking dermatologic care should make telephone calls to local dermatology offices, rather than search for a Medicaid-listed provider on ACO webpages.
Dynamical equations and exact solvability of the Modified Emden equation under position-dependent mass settings
Authors: Mustafa Omar
Published: August 2022

We consider the modified Emden equation (MEE) for position-dependent mass (PDM) classical particles. We use the most general solution for the simple harmonic oscillator’s linear dynamical equation (i.e., the initial conditions shall be identified by the PDM-MEE problem at hand) and report the most general solution for the MEE. We map MEE-solution, using a nonlocal point transformation, into the effectively PDM-MEE. Two PDM-MEE-type classical particles are used as illustrative examples, and their exact solutions are reported. Under specific parametric considerations, the phase-space trajectories are reported for the MEE-type and for PDM-MEE-type classical particles.PACS numbers: 05.45.-a, 03.50.Kk, 03.65.-w
Source Mechanism and Tectonic Analysis of 06 May 2022 Mw 5.4 Khuzdar Earthquake along Western Boundary of the Indian Plate
Authors: Shaukat Ahmed Zeeshan , Tahir Mohammad , Iqbal Tahir , Iqbal Talat , Shah Muhammad Ali
Published: August 2022

On May 06, 2022 an earthquake of M5.4 occurred in NW of Khuzdar (Baluchistan), Pakistan. This event caused damages to infrastructure and collapsed several mud houses, according to local news agencies. On the same day, an earthquake of a similar size (M5.4) which is 230km away from the Khuzdar earthquake occurred in Dalbandin, Baluchistan. Both of these earthquakes were independent and have not appeared to be related with each other. The 2013 Awaran earthquake of magnitude 7.7 has been the largest event within this region, located 70 km away from a recent event. The recent seismicity within the Khuzdar area might be the post viscoelastic relaxation the of Awaran earthquake having the NE-SW nodal plane as the fault plane. To understand the faulting style and tectonic setting, moment tensor inversion was performed using local seismic data. The mechanism of this event was strike-slip (sinisteral faulting style) and associated with Ornach-Nal strike-slip fault. Based on 38 events focal mechanism solutions from the global Harvard Centroid Moment Tensor (CMT) of the Khuzdar region depict NW-SE orientation of SHmax direction. Reduced stress tensors obtained from formal stress inversion are then divided into two subsets (thrust and strike-slip) on basis of their stress homogeneity. The present-day stress state confirms, the oblique convergence of Indian and Arabian Plates beneath Eurasian which is subjected to a transpressional tectonic environment. A lower b-value (0.7) and accelerated earthquake sequence were observed in the Khuzdar region before this event. The spatial distribution of b-value depicts the lowest value in this region, before the occurrence of the Awaran earthquake. Although high differential stress was exhibited in this region but large has not occurred. These stresses were transferred to the western part, where the Awaran earthquake has been occurred.
Substance use among university students and affecting factors in Marrakech region, Morocco: a cross-sectional Study
Authors: BASLAM ABDELMOUNAIM , KABDY HAMID , MOUBTAKIR SOAD , ABOUFATIMA RACHIDA , BOUSSAA SAMIA , CHAIT ABDERRAHMAN
Published: August 2022

University is a period characterized by an absence of parental supervision and independence. Few research has been conducted in Morocco among this particular population, the aim of this study is to assess the prevalence to substance use among student, to develop knowledge of how and why substances are used and or abused.There were 1054 participants, divided into university student group (n=444) and non-student group (n=610) using a random sampling process for the university student group, and multistage stratified probability procedure for the other.The current study revealed that tobacco use was found the most prevalent substance used among university student representing 65,1%. While the prevalence of cannabis use was 29,1%, and psychotropic drugs was 2,5%.This study has demonstrated a high prevalence of substance use among young educated adults who should be role models for their community, fighting substance use rather than using it.
A Novel Platinum Resistance-related Immune Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction in Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhou Chenfei , Ma Junnan , Luo Wanjun , Hu Jiemei , Chen Jing , Liang Suiying , He Shanyang
Published: August 2022

Background
Ovarian cancer (OV) is a highly heterogeneous gynaecological tumor that makes the prognostic prediction challenging. Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis in OV. There seems to be an overlap between molecular mechanisms responsible for platinum resistance and immunogenicity in OV. However, the predictive role of platinum-resistance-related immune genes for OV prognosis needs to be further explored.
Methods
In our study, the mRNA expression data of OV patients with corresponding clinical information was collected from the TCGA and ICGC cohort. A multigene signature was constructed for OV patients in the TCGA cohort using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model, and was validated in the ICGC cohort. Furthermore, we performed functional analysis to explore the immune status between the two risk groups.
Results
Our data showed that there were 41.1% of the platinum resistance-related genes differentially expressed between immune score low and high OV patients in the TCGA cohort. Univariate Cox regression analysis identified 30 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05). A 14-gene signature was established to classify OV patients into a low- and high-risk group. Patients in the low-risk group showed significantly higher OS than those in the high-risk group (P < 0.0001 in the both TCGA and ICGC cohort), which was associated with different immune status for the two risk groups.
Conclusion
A novel platinum resistance-related immune model can be used for prognostic prediction in OV. Targeting tumor immunity may be a therapeutic alternative for OV with platinum resistance.
Impact of hospital volume on mortality and cost in sepsis based on a Japanese nationwide medical claims database study—the Japan Sepsis Alliance study group
Authors: Oami Takehiko , Imaeda Taro , Nakada Taka‑aki , Aizimu Tuerxun , Takahashi Nozomi , Abe Toshikazu , Yamao Yasuo , Nakagawa Satoshi , Ogura Hiroshi , Shime Nobuaki , Umemura Yutaka , Matsushima Asako , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: August 2022

Background:
The impact of hospital volume on the mortality rate and medical costs in sepsis has not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that high-volume hospitals have low mortality rates and high medical costs in sepsis cases.
Methods:
This retrospective study used the administrative data from 2010 to 2017. The hospital volume categorization into quartiles was performed according to the annual number of sepsis cases. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were medical costs and length of hospital stay. A mixed-effects logistic model with a two-level hierarchical structure was used to adjust for baseline imbalances. Fractional polynomials and restricted cubic splines were investigated to determine the significance of the association between the hospital volume and clinical outcomes. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed for the primary outcome.
Results:
Among 1,781,014 sepsis patients from 1,622 hospitals, the crude in-hospital mortality rate was 22.1% and 17.0% in the lowest and highest quartile of sepsis volume, respectively (p < 0.0001). After adjustment for confounding factors, the in-hospital mortality in the highest quartile was significantly lower than that of the lowest quartile (odds ratio, 0.789; 95% confidence interval, 0.774–0.804; p < 0.0001). Investigations with fractional polynomials and restricted cubic splines revealed that the hospital volume was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (p < 0.0001). The highest quartile had higher daily medical costs per person and shorter length of hospital stay than those of the lowest quartile. Subgroup analyses showed that the high-volume hospitals with patients subjected to intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor therapy, and renal replacement therapy had a significantly low in-hospital mortality (p < 0.0001). The sensitivity analysis, excluding patients who were transferred to other hospitals, demonstrated a result consistent with that of the primary test.
Conclusions:
This nationwide sepsis study using the medical claims database suggested that a higher hospital volume leads to lower in-hospital mortality and higher daily medical costs per person. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanism of the case volume–outcome relationship in sepsis cases.
Photosynthetic acclimation to chilling in the widespread chilling-tolerant cyanobacterium Nostoc commune
Authors: Chen Zhen , Yuan Zu-Wen , Luo Wei-Xin , Wu Xun , Shao Hai-Cheng , Xu Kui , Li Wei-Zhi , Xiong-Wen Xiong-Wen
Published: August 2022

Nostoc commune (N. commune) is a widespread chilling-tolerant cyanobacterium, whereas its photosynthetic acclimation to chilling remains largely unknown. Here, its photosynthetic responses to chilling were investigated. During 24 h exposure to chilling temperature (4 ºC), this cyanobacterium exhibited photosystem II (PSII) photoinhibition, as evident by the significant decrease in both the PSII maximum quantum yield Fv/Fm and the PSII core protein D1 abundance. However its photosystem I (PSI) maintained stable, both the maximum photo-oxidizable P700 and the PSI core protein PsaA/B abundance remained largely unchanged after chilling. Chilling activated the non-photochemical quenching to maintain energy balance of intersystem electron transport in N. commune, its quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation in PSII (Y(NPQ)) significantly rose by 41%, so that its PSII excitation pressure (1-qP) remained stable. Furthermore, the significant stimulation of cyclic electron flow (CEF) was observed upon the transfer to chilling and subsequent recovery in N. commune, and its photodamage in the presence of chloramphenicol was similar to that in the presence of methyl viologen, suggesting that CEF contributed to the PSII repair under chilling stress. The present data provide novel insight into photosynthetic acclimation to chilling, which benefit the survival of N. commune in cold habitats or during over-wintering periods and could be used as a reference for the design of robust photosynthetic cell factory.
High Gain 13-level Switched-Capacitor Based Inverter with Low Device Count
Authors: Jena Kasinath , Gupta Krishna Kumar , Dewangan Niraj Kumar , Kumar Dhananjay
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a novel single-phase multilevel inverter with boosting capabilities. The proposed inverter is powered by a single direct current supply, and it generates a thirteen-level voltage waveform utilizing fourteen switches, one diode, and three capacitors. The suggested inverter eliminates the need for a back-end H-bridge, and hence the voltage stress on all switches is less than the peak load voltage. The proposed topologys topological design, operation, and modulation strategy description are all analyzed in-depth, as is the power losses analysis. A detailed comparison with existing switched capacitor topologies (SCTs) proves the cost-effectiveness and compactness of the proposed topology. The MATLAB/Simulink environment and experimental setup were used to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed design
The Effect of a Nutrition Program for Weight Loss during the Pre-competition Period on the Body Composition, Hydration, and Mood Profile of Elite Greco–Roman Wrestlers
Authors: Ayar Muttalip , Yetgin Meral Kucuk , Agopyan Ani , Elmacioglu Funda
Published: August 2022

Objective The study aimed to investigate the effect of a nutrition program introduced among elite Greco–Roman wrestlers during weight loss period prior to the competition on the athletes’ body composition, hydration, and mood. Methods The experimental group comprised from the Greco–Roman Wrestling National Team (U23) of different weights (n = 8) and the control group consisted of substitute athletes (n = 8) with the same weights with the experimental group. To achieve the target weight, the experimental group followed a personalized weight loss program under the supervision of a dietitian, whereas the control group lost weight using their own methods. The athletes completed a mood profile questionnaire, food and fluid consumption, urine density evaluation, anthropometric measurements, and body composition assessments were performed. Results The athletes who followed a balanced diet under the guidance of a dietician had decreased body mass index, body weight, body fat rates (%) and urine density compared to the athletes who used traditional methods (P< 0.05). Negative changes in the control group and positive changes in the experimental group were observed in the mood profile scores (P< 0.05). There was a higher decrease in variables, including energy (kcal), carbohydrate (g/kg), protein (g/kg), fat (g/kg) and micronutrient consumption, in the control group (P< 0.05).Conclusion Change in nutritional intake at the macro and micro level was found to be more balanced among male athletes who followed a regular and planned nutrition program under a dietitian’s supervision. In addition, the experimental group had decreased body fat percentages and urine density, and underwent a positive change as confirmed by their mood profile.
Spatiotemporal Patterns and Environmental Drivers of Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) Abundance along the Missouri River, USA
Authors: Illeperuma Nadeesha D. , Withanage Miyuraj Harishchandra Hikkaduwa , Magnuson Kimberly I. , Elliott Caroline M. , Vogelmann James E. , Dixon Mark D.
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Bifidobacterium longum upregulates mitochondrial activity and suppresses Parkinson’s disease in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sugawara Takaya , Sakamoto Kazuichi
Published: August 2022

Bifidobacterium is a probiotic bacterium that has positive effects on human health, including the regulation of intestinal function. This study aimed to identify novel bioactive effects of Bifidobacterium inCaenorhabditis elegans. Previously, we found thatBifidobacterium longumsignificantly increased the motility of nematodes and, although antioxidant effects are thought to be one of the factors, we hypothesized thatB. longummight have affected the muscles and mitochondria, causing an increase in motility. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze the bioactive effects and mechanisms of action ofB. longumon the muscle and mitochondria ofC. elegans. The results showed thatB. longumincreased the muscle mass, mitochondrial mass, ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial ROS. Furthermore, high-resolution microscopy and qPCR showed thatB. longummaintained mitochondrial homeostasis. We also used inhibitors of the mitochondrial complexes to analyze those which were specifically targeted byB. longum. The results implicated mitochondrial complex I, which is closely associated with Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore,B. longumincreased the expression of dopaminergic neurons and decreased the expression of α-synuclein inC. elegans. Overall, we showed thatB. longumis beneficial to health and has the potential to prevent Parkinson’s disease.
Buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction
Authors: Rafizadeh Seyed Mohsen , Daryabari Seyed-Hashem , Hassanpour Seyed Rahim , Nikdel Mojgan , Ghadimi Hadi
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of a surgical technique using buccal mucosal membrane graft for correction of cicatricial lower eyelid retraction.Methods: Twelve patients with unilateral cicatricial lower eyelid retraction were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a four-step surgical technique consisted of release of scars, midface lift, transfer of buccal mucosal membrane to posterior lamella as spacer graft, and canthal tightening. All patients were followed for at least 12 months. Results: Mean preoperative Margin- -Reflex-Distance 2 (MRD2) was 7.73 ± 1.10 mm, compared to mean postoperative MRD2 of 5.04 ± 0.49 mm (P < 0.0001). The mean improvement in retraction was 2.69 mm. Postoperative scleral show was present in only one case and no major complications were observed. Conclusion: The four-step procedure (scar release, midface lift, buccal mucosal graft and canthal tightening) was an effective procedure to correct cicatricial lower eyelid retractions with acceptable outcomes and a low morbidity rate.
Clinical features and risk factors for interstitial lung disease spreading in low-dose irradiated areas after definitive radiotherapy with or without durvalumab consolidation therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sakagami Mai , Inokuchi Haruo , Mukumoto Nobutaka , Itoyama Hiroshige , Hamaura Nobunari , Yamagishi Mutsumi , Mukumoto Naoki , Matsuda Shogo , Shibuya Keiko
Published: August 2022

Background: The current standard of care for patients with unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is chemoradiotherapy (CRT) combined with durvalumab consolidation therapy. However, radiotherapy (RT) always carries the risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP), which can preclude durvalumab continuation. In particular, the spread of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in low-dose areas or extending beyond the RT field often makes it difficult to determine the safety of continuation or rechallenging of durvalumab. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed ILD/RP after definitive RT with and without durvalumab, with assessment of radiologic features and dose distribution in RT.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical records, CT imaging, and radiotherapy planning data of 74 patients with NSCLC who underwent definitive RT at our institution between July 2016 and July 2020. Univariate analysis and propensity score analysis were performed to assess the risk factors for recurrence within one year and occurrence of ILD/RP.Results: In 68 patients followed up for more than one year, propensity score analysis showed that ≥7 cycles of durvalumab significantly reduced the risk of recurrence within one year (odds ratio: 0.232). Nineteen patients (26%) were diagnosed with ≥ Grade 2 and 7 (9.5%) with ≥ Grade 3 ILD/RP after completing RT. Propensity score analysis showed no significant correlation between durvalumab administration and ≥ Grade 2 ILD/RP. Twelve patients (16%) developed ILD/RP that spread outside the high-dose (>40 Gy) area, of whom 8 (67%) had ≥ Grade 2 and 3 (25%) had Grade 3 symptoms. Univariate analysis showed that high HbA1c level (>6.2%) was significantly associated with the ILD/RP distribution pattern. In propensity score analysis adjusted for risk factors for diabetes mellitus, high HbA1c level was also significantly correlated with ILD/RP pattern spreading outside the high-dose area (odds ratio: 9.865).Conclusions: Durvalumab improves 1-year progression-free survival without increasing the risk of ILD/RP. High HbA1c level was associated with ILD/RP distribution pattern spreading in the lower dose area or outside RT fields, with a high rate of symptoms. Further study of the clinical background of patients including diabetes is needed to safely increase the number of durvalumab doses after CRT.
Vaccine Effectiveness of Modified Vaccinia Ankara in Human Monkeypox
Authors: Arbel Ronen , Sagy Yael Wolff , Zucker Roy , Arieh Noa Gur , Markovits Hila , Abu-Ahmad Wiessam , Battat Erez , Ramot Noga , Carmeli Guy , Mark-Amir Avner , Wagner-Kolasko Gal , Duskin-Bitan Hadar , Yaron Shlomit , Peretz Alon , Hammerman Ariel , Lavie Gil , Netzer Doron
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThe recent global outbreak of the human monkeypox virus (MPXV) was declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization. Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) is currently the only FDA-approved vaccine against MPXV that was approved for this indication based on a study in non-human primates. Since there is currently scarce evidence of the efficacy in humans, our objective was to evaluate real-life vaccine effectiveness (VE) after providing one vaccine dose to individuals at risk of MPVX infection.MethodsThe study cohort included all Clalit Health Services (CHS) members estimated to be at moderate to high risk for MPXV infection. The study commenced on July 31, 2022, when the MVA vaccination campaign was initiated in CHS, and participants were followed until August 10, 2022. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model with time-dependent covariates was used to estimate the association between vaccination and MPXV infections with adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical risk factors.Results8,168 subjects met the study eligibility criteria (0.17% of CHS members). Of them, 626 (7.7%) were vaccinated with MVA and completed at least 7 days of follow-up. 14 infections were confirmed in CHS during the study period, all within the study cohort and all in unvaccinated participants. VE was estimated at 100% (95% CI: 100%-100%).ConclusionsThese short-term preliminary results suggest a very high VE of a single dose of MVA for MPVX infection in moderate to high-risk individuals. These findings suggest that urgent MVA vaccination of high-risk subjects may contribute to outbreak containment.
Fetal Effects of Mild Maternal COVID-19 Infection: Metabolomic profiling of cord blood
Authors: TURKOGLU Onur , ALHOUSSEINI Ali , SAJJA Sonia , IDLER Jay , STUART Sean , ASHRAFI Nadia , YILMAZ Ali , WHARTON Kurt , GRAHAM Stewart F. , BAHADO-SINGH Ray O.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The impact of maternal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection on fetal health remains to be precisely characterized.Objectives: Using metabolomic profiling of newborn umbilical cord blood, we aimed to investigate the potential fetal biological consequences of maternal COVID-19 infection.Methods: Cord blood serum samples from 23 mild COVID-19 cases (mother infected/ newborn negative) and 23 gestational age-matched controls were analyzed using nuclear magnetic spectroscopy and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Metabolite set enrichment analysis (MSEA) was used to evaluate altered biochemical pathways due to COVID-19 intrauterine exposure. Logistic regression models were developed using metabolites to predict intrauterine exposure.Results: Significant concentration differences between groups (p-value <0.05) were observed in 19 metabolites. Elevated levels of glucocorticoids, pyruvate, lactate, purine metabolites, phenylalanine and branched chain amino acids of valine and isoleucine were discovered in cases while ceramide subclasses were decreased. The top metabolite model including cortisol and ceramide (d18:1/23:0) achieved an Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (95% CI) = 0.841 (0.725 - 0.957) for detecting fetal exposure to maternal COVID-19 infection. MSEA highlighted steroidogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, gluconeogenesis, and Warburg effect as the major perturbed metabolic pathways (p-value < 0.05). These changes indicate fetal increased oxidative metabolism, hyperinsulinemia, and inflammatory response. Conclusion: We present fetal biochemical changes related to intrauterine inflammation, altered energy metabolism in cases of mild maternal COVID-19 infection despite the absence of viral infection. Elucidation of the long-term consequences of these findings is imperative considering the large number of exposures in the population.
Data Mining Method in Seismology by Applying Cellular Automaton Equivalence of Ground Vibration Fluctuations Recorded Near the Epicenter of the 2011 Mw 9 East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroyuki
Published: August 2022

This paper links ground vibration velocity fluctuation (GVF) recorded near an epicenter of the Great East Japan Earthquake of magnitude 9 (GEJE) with a cellular automaton (CA), and provides a data mining methodology using the CA to extract GEJE-related information from the GVF. Although the GVF can be discussed in the framework of the master equation which represents the thermodynamics of a stochastically fluctuating non-equilibrium system, the relation between the thermodynamic parameters and seismology-related phenomena is not clear. On the other hand, this relation can be relatively easily derived in CA. So, the thermodynamic equivalence between GVF and CA makes it possible to extract the seismology-related information from GVF by deriving the thermodynamic parameter associated with seismology-related information in CA. In the demonstrated example of data mining, the stress relaxation signal immediately after GEJE is discovered from the recorded GVF data by deriving the thermodynamic parameters representing the stress relaxation of CA and evaluating these thermodynamic parameters with respect to the recorded GVF data. Furthermore, the elastic rigidity and viscosity of the underground structures are estimated from the stress relaxation signal. The non-traditional features of this study are that the GVF of interest is a weak fluctuation signal with no specific waveform and that CA is not used to model ground motions.
Effect of Enhanced Ultraviolet-B Radiation on Fruit Maturity and Quality and Leaf Photosynthesis in ‘Guifei’ Mango
Authors: Lin Xiaokai , Liu Feng , Liao Haizhi , Du Jingjia , Peng Junjie , Zhou Kaibing
Published: August 2022

To investigate the characteristics of photosynthetic physiological changes in leaves of Mangifera indica L. cv. Guifei under enhanced ultraviolet (UV)-B radiation, natural light-exposed trees were used as controls and 96 kJ·m−2·d−1 enhanced UV-B radiation was artificially simulated in the field. The changes in fruit maturity and quality, the leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn), photosynthetic pigment contents, photochemical reactions, the activities of photosynthetic enzymes and related gene expression levels were determined. Compared with the control, the percentage of mature fruits under the treatment significantly increased, and fruit quality improved. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn), photosynthetic pigment content, Hill reaction activity, and photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) of the treated leaves showed significantly higher values than those of the control leaves. The activities of Rubisco and Rubisco activating enzyme (RCA) and the expression levels of the Rubisco large subunit and Rubisco small subunit were significantly increased. Treatment with 96 kJ·m−2·d−1 enhanced ultraviolet-B radiation improved Rubisco activity by increasing the expression of the Rubisco large and small subunit genes, thereby enhancing the CO2-fixing capacity and dark reaction capacity of leaves. Thus, the net photosynthetic rate of leaves increased, which promoted the early maturity of ‘Guifei’ mango by the rapid accumulation of photosynthetic products.
The ALF (Algorithms for Lattice Fermions) project release 2.0. Documentation for the auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo code
Authors: Assaad Fakher , Bercx Martin , Goth Florian , Götz Anika , Hofmann Johannes , Huffman Emilie , Liu Zihong , Parisen Toldin Francesco , Portela Jefferson , Schwab Jonas
Published: August 2022

The Algorithms for Lattice Fermions package provides a general code
for the finite-temperature and projective auxiliary-field quantum Monte
Carlo algorithm. The code is engineered to be able to simulate any model
that can be written in terms of sums of single-body operators, of
squares of single-body operators and single-body operators coupled to a
bosonic field with given dynamics. The package includes five predefined
model classes: SU(N) Kondo, SU(N) Hubbard, SU(N) t-V and SU(N) models
with long range Coulomb repulsion on honeycomb, square and N-leg
lattices, as well as Z_2Z2
unconstrained lattice gauge theories coupled to fermionic and
Z_2Z2
matter. An implementation of the stochastic Maximum Entropy method is
also provided. One can download the code from our Git instance at
https://git.physik.uni-wuerzburg.de/ALF/ALF/-/tree/ALF-2.0 and sign in
to file issues.
Codebase release 2.0 for ALF (Algorithms for Lattice Fermions)
Authors: Assaad Fakher , Bercx Martin , Goth Florian , Götz Anika , Hofmann Johannes , Huffman Emilie , Liu Zihong , Parisen Toldin Francesco , Portela Jefferson , Schwab Jonas
Published: August 2022

The Algorithms for Lattice Fermions package provides a general code
for the finite-temperature and projective auxiliary-field quantum Monte
Carlo algorithm. The code is engineered to be able to simulate any model
that can be written in terms of sums of single-body operators, of
squares of single-body operators and single-body operators coupled to a
bosonic field with given dynamics. The package includes five predefined
model classes: SU(N) Kondo, SU(N) Hubbard, SU(N) t-V and SU(N) models
with long range Coulomb repulsion on honeycomb, square and N-leg
lattices, as well as Z_2Z2
unconstrained lattice gauge theories coupled to fermionic and
Z_2Z2
matter. An implementation of the stochastic Maximum Entropy method is
also provided. One can download the code from our Git instance at
https://git.physik.uni-wuerzburg.de/ALF/ALF/-/tree/ALF-2.0 and sign in
to file issues.