bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyp2b6 and Sult1a1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism: Implication for Nevirapine-based Hiv Therapy Among Ghanaians
Authors: Prah Isaac Egyir , Asiedu-Gyekye Isaac Julius , Nartey Edmund Tetteh , Aboagye Elvis Twumasi , Kudzi William
Published: May 2023

Background Nevirapine is used in many developing countries for the management of HIV-1 patients. Despite its usefulness, hypersensitivity reaction is a common complication that accounts for patients defaulting during therapy in Ghana. Genetic variations in drug-metabolizing enzymes have been implicated in reported adverse drug reactions observed in patients on nevirapine regimen. The study determined genotypic frequencies of specific CYP2B6 and SULT1A1 variants and their association with nevirapine hypersensitivity among persons living with HIV in the Ghanaian population.Methods An unmatched case-control study was conducted in a tertiary health facility in Ghana. Baseline clinical data were recorded from the patients’ folder. Genomic DNA (gDNA) samples were genotyped for CYP2B6*18 (c.983T > C) and SULT1A1*2 (c.638G > A) using Polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results Mean age of the patients was 38 ± 9.47 years with the majority 77.1% (54/70) of the participants being females. For CYP2B6*18 (c.983T > C) genotype frequencies, T/T and T/C were 94.3% (66/70) and 5.7% (4/70) respectively while for SULT1A1*2 (c.638G > A) genotype frequencies, G/G, G/A, and A/A were 61.4% (43/70), 34.3% (24/70) and 4.3% (3/70) respectively. The prevalence of CYP2B6*18 (c.983T > C) and SULT1A1*2 (c.638G > A) minor allele were 2.9% (4/140) and 21.4% (30/140) respectively among the study participants.Conclusion Extensive metabolizer genotypes for CYP2B6*18 (c.983T > C) and SULT1A1*2 (c.638G > A) were more common than the intermediate and poor metabolizer genotype. However, CYP2B6 983C/C representing poor metabolizers of CYP2B6*18 (c.983T > C) were not detected among the study population. Genetic polymorphism of CYP2B6*18 (c.983T > C) and SULT1A1*2 (c.638G > A) were not associated with nevirapine hypersensitivity. However, these variants may contribute to differential variations of other drug responses among the Ghanaian population.
The Sphere Conundrum: Using Voxel-based Dosimetry to evaluate sphere concentration and tumor dose in Hepatocellular Carcinoma treated with Y-90 Radioembolization
Authors: Sandow Tyler , Gimenez Juan , Nunez Kelley , Tramel Richard , Gilbert Patrick , Oliver Brianna , Cline Michael , Fowers Kirk , Cohen Ari , Thevenot Paul
Published: May 2023

Purpose To evaluate sphere concentration delivered to tumor and non-tumor tissue using voxel-based dosimetry as it relates to treatment, pathologic outcomes, and adverse events.Methods A retrospective, single-center analysis of patients (n = 57) with solitary HCC who were treated with Y90 radiation segmentectomy with Y90 glass microsphere infusion (TheraSphere; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) from 2020 to 2022 was performed. Post-treatment dosimetry was evaluated using Mirada DBx Build 1.2.0 Simplicit90Y dosimetry software. Voxel-based dosimetry and MIRD formula were utilized to calculate sphere concentration to tumor and non-tumor tissue. Time to progression (TTP), treatment response, pathologic response, and adverse events were studied.Results Fifty-seven patients with solitary tumors were analyzed with a median tumor diameter of 3.4cm (range 1.2-6.8cm). The median tumor absorbed dose was 692Gy (range, 256-1332Gy) with a median perfused treatment volume of 113mL (range, 33.6-442mL). Median sphere activity (SA) at time of delivery was 1428Bq (range, 412-2589Bq). Using voxel-based dosimetry and the MIRD formula, median tumor sphere concentration was 12,339 spheres/mL (range, 2,689 − 37,649 spheres/mL). Sphere concentration to tumor exhibited a weak, inverse correlation with perfused treatment volume (R2 = 0.25). However, tumor sphere concentration and non-tumor sphere concentration exhibited a direct, positive correlation (R2 = 0.72). Of the 52 tumors with post-treatment imaging, objective response was noted in 50 patients (96%) and complete response in 41 patients (79%). 98% of all treated tumors demonstrated a durable response at 2 years. The median time to progression for all patients was not reached with a 2-year progression rate of 11%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated target dose as the only statistically significant variable associated with TTP (p = 0.033). 14 patients underwent liver transplant. Median tumor necrosis was 99% (range, 80–100%).Conclusion Voxel-based dosimetry following Y90 radioembolization can be utilized to measure sphere concentration into tumor and non-tumoral tissue. Higher SA allows increased tumor absorbed dose with limited sphere/mL tumor capacity.
Performance and revolving analysis of Solar box cooker using PCM with prediction Hybrid deep Algorithms
Authors: kumar Gothandaperumal Palani , Muthucumaraswamy Rajamanickam , Chithambaram Venkatesan , Shanmugan Sengottaiyan
Published: May 2023

Human health is an important main part of the food to consideration in the performance analysis of PCM (Magnesium chloride hexahydrate - MgSO4. 7H2O) covered plastic balls (PBs) were augmented in Solar box-type cooker (SBC). The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) prediction analysis of thermal behavior in SBC is simulated and integrated using a tree and seed metaheuristic algorithm (TSA) an accuracy level was achieved in predicting SBC's efficiency. Hence, the enhancements entailed by introducing a variant may depend on improving ANN's concert. Engineering design found the optimal weights of the neurons using the TSA and includes a copper bar plate (CBP) with 50% higher thermal performance comparable to a silver bar plate (SBP). The functioning of the ANN/TSA technique using SBC has been simulated in the direction of predicting hourly variation by CBP & SBP with ANN/ANN/TSA is verified from food cooking efficiency related to predicting improvements of the SBC is applied as R2, RMSE, MRE, and MAE values like 0.99, 0.0475, 0.228, and 0.05 for the CBP design, while for the SBP design, they were 0.98, 0.086, 0.007, and 0.053, respectively. The R morals working out, testing, and whole statistics set of CBP design were 0.999, 0.995, and 0.997, respectively. For the SBP design, they were 1, 0.964, and 0.996, respectively. It is concluded that the SBC design with PCM-covered PBs and CBP improves cooking performance and increases the system's efficiency in preparing rice and eggs within 2 to 3 hrs.
Coconut Coir derived Nanocellulose as an Efficient Adsorbent for Removal of Cationic Dye Safranine -O: A detailed Mechanistic Adsorption Study
Authors: Jakka Venkatalakshmi , Goswami Anandarup , Nallajarla Anil Kumar , Roy Uttariya , Srika Koigoora , Sengupta Shubhalakshmi
Published: May 2023

Coconut (cocos mucifera) coir is an abundant agricultural waste prevalent worldwide. Utilization of this waste has been carried out in this study by obtaining nanocellulose (NC) fibres for waste water remediation purposes. Nanocellulose was obtained from coconut coir using bleaching, acid-alkali treatments followed by ultrasonication and lyophilization. The structural, compositional, surface and thermal properties of the synthesized material were identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), N2 adsorption/desorption, differential thermal (DT) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analyses. These analyses confirmed the synthesized NC with enhanced thermal stability and porosity which was further used for adsorption process. After synthesis, NC was used for the removal of cationic dye Safranin-O from water under ambient conditions through batch adsorption studies. The batch adsorption studies revealed that at 10 ppm of dye concentration, above 99% removal was achieved by 100 mg dosage of NC within 4.5 h at room temperature with qe value of around 83 mg. g-1. The corresponding adsorption process fitted well fitted with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetics. The modes of adsorption from the thermodynamic studies were found to be chemisorption. Optimization of The adsorption process was achieved through response surface methodology (RSM) study which revealed that at optimized conditions of temperature 35°C with a dose of 137.50 mg and contact time of 180 mins, above 99% of dye (conc. 0.01mg/mL) was removed. The present comprehensive study revealed that a greener eco-friendly synthesis of nanocellulose from waste material coconut coir was an effective nanoadsorbent for dye removal having high efficacy. This surely opens up opportunities to develop sustainable protocols for efficient environmental remediation.
Insights from rare variants into the genetic architecture and biology of youth-onset type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kwak Soo Heon , Sriniva Shylaja , Chen Ling , Todd Jennifer , Mercader Josep , Jensen Elizabeth , Divers Jasmin , Mottl Amy , Pihoker Catherine , Gandica Rachelle , Laffel Lori , Isganaitis Elvira , Haymond Morey , Levitsky Lynne , Pollin Toni , Florez Jose , Flannick Jason
Published: May 2023

Youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing public health concern. Its genetic basis and relationship to other forms of diabetes are largely unknown. To gain insight into the genetic architecture and biology of youth-onset T2D, we analyzed exome sequences of 3,005 youth-onset T2D cases and 9,777 ancestry matched adult controls. We identified (a) monogenic diabetes variants in 2.1% of individuals; (b) two exome-wide significant (P < 4.3×10-7) common coding variant associations (in WFS1 and SLC30A8); (c) three exome-wide significant (P < 2.5×10-6) rare variant gene-level associations (HNF1A, MC4R, ATX2NL); and (d) rare variant association enrichments within 25 gene sets broadly related to obesity, monogenic diabetes, and β-cell function. Many association signals were shared between youth-onset and adult-onset T2D but had larger effects for youth-onset T2D risk (1.18-fold increase for common variants and 2.86-fold increase for rare variants). Both common and rare variant associations contributed more to youth-onset T2D liability variance than they did to adult-onset T2D, but the relative increase was larger for rare variant associations (5.0-fold) than for common variant associations (3.4-fold). Youth-onset T2D cases showed phenotypic differences depending on whether their genetic risk was driven by common variants (primarily related to insulin resistance) or rare variants (primarily related to β-cell dysfunction). These data paint a picture of youth-onset T2D as a disease genetically similar to both monogenic diabetes and adult-onset T2D, in which genetic heterogeneity might be used to sub-classify patients for different treatment strategies.
Mapping the Vulnerability of Irrigation Sand Traps in a Tropical Volcanic Basin, Indonesia
Authors: Pradipta Ansita Gupitakingkin , Loc Ho Huu , Park Edward , Prihanan Akram Sripandam , Nurhady Sigit , Setyawan Chandra , Mohanasundaram S. , Virdis Salvatore G.P. , Shrestha Sangam
Published: May 2023

Sand traps in irrigation networks are typically used in mitigating canal sedimentation. In irrigation networks located in basins of high sediment yield due to the presence of volcanoes, it is essential to assess the vulnerability of sand traps. Using sediment yield at irrigation scheme inlets, sand trap vulnerability can be evaluated. This study aims to understand the vulnerability of irrigation sand traps throughout the Progo-Opak-Serang (POS) Volcanic River Basin, Indonesia, via mapping the sediment yield distributions in the basin. We employed the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to estimate soil loss, where the results show that the average soil loss in the POS River Basin is 179.69 tons/ha/year that falls under the category of moderate erosion potential, while the average sediment yield for the whole basin is 51.04 tons/ha/year. Parts of the basin with high yields of more than 180 tons/ha/year were mostly found along the volcanic mountains such as Sindoro, Sumbing, Merapi, Merbabu, and Telomoyo, and the Menoreh Hills. The model demonstrated relatively high performace with R2, NSE, RMSE, and MAE of 0.89, 0.82, 0.14, and 0.11, respectively. Within the POS Basin, Badran, Kalibawang, and Blawong are the three most vulnerable irrigation sand traps, with sediment yield values of 252.83, 178.92, and 63.49 tons/ha/year, respectively; they are all located in sub-watershed outlets. The vulnerability assessment conducted in this study can be used for the decision support system (DSS) to prioritize irrigation sand traps towards a more effective irrigation system development.
Establishment of a Gis (Geographical Information System) Dedicated to Agro-ecological Diagnosis and Integrated Development of Mountain Lands in the Wilaya of Tlemcen, Algeria
Authors: REGAGBA Mohamed , MEGHRAOUI Mâamar , SELADJI Abdelhakim , REGAGBA Zineb , MEDERBAL Khalladi
Published: May 2023

To develop agriculture in mountainous areas, environmental analysis is a necessary step. However, the classical methods of agro-ecological diagnosis, which are numerous and diversified, do not allow to study large spaces in a reasonable period of time and often do not meet the expectations of the practitioner of the field. The aim of this project is to implement an approach consisting of conducting an environmental analysis with a preference for the choice of a spatial dimension ( level of perception ) in line with the needs of the farmer ( agricultural spatial unit ). This analysis will be based on the most relevant physical, biotic and socio-economic indicators using two distinct but complementary approaches: - Firstly, by the synthetic view of the landscape offered by satellite imagery by limiting the number of ground surveys, a space remote sensing approach will be adopted; - Then, by the performance allowed by the Geographical Information System (GIS) tool, the spatially referenced data will be combined; - Finally, on the basis of the results of the agro-ecological diagnosis using the geomatics tool (cartography, remote sensing and GIS), development guidelines will be outlined to develop mountain lands (soil, water) and preserve the agro-ecosystems weakened by three (03) Test sites selected on a north-south transect in the Tlemcen wilaya.
Cutting Dynamics Research on the Five-Axis Machining of Thin Curved Surface With Barrel-Taper-Ball Milling Cutter
Authors: Jiang Yufeng , Guo Minglong , Du Guocai , Wei Zhaocheng
Published: May 2023

The use of blisk is essential for improving the performance of aviation engines, and the cutting of blade curved surface is the core of the blisk CNC machining. In response to the problem of traditional ball end milling cutter and barrel milling cutter that is difficult to take into account the quality and efficiency of curved blade machining, this article proposes a barrel-taper-ball milling cutter. The contour of the new cutter's barrel taper area is more fit with the blade curved surface, which is conducive to obtaining a larger cutting step and a tiny scallop height. Further, for the problem of weak-rigidity thin-wall curved surface machining chatter, the cutting dynamics model of the five-axis machining of the barrel-taper-ball milling cutter is established. Through the determination of the material contact criterion of the cutting edge micro element, the cutting geometry analysis algorithm of the five-axis processing of the blade curved surface is proposed. By deducing the forces in oblique cutting of the barrel taper area and the ball end area, the time-varying characteristics of the blade modes are explored, and the multiple frequently method theory is extended to the five-axis machining of the blade curved surface with barrel-taper-ball milling cutter. Finally, the stable state cutting parameter domain is constructed. Experiments and simulation indicate that the cutting step of the new cutter under the same surface roughness can increase by 7 times, the error of the cutting geometry solution of the blade curved surface is only 0.5%, the average error of the predicted three-dimensional cutting force is about 4.95%, and the optimized stable state cutting parameter can achieve machining without cutting chatter.
Added Value of Positive Intraluminal Contrast CT over Fluoroscopic Examination for Detecting Gastrointestinal Leakage after Gastrointestinal Surgery
Authors: Kim Min Gwan , Kim Se Hyung , Jeon Sun Kyung , Han Seungchul
Published: May 2023

We tried to evaluate the added value of positive intraluminal contrast CT over fluoroscopy to detect anastomotic leakage after gastrointestinal surgery. 141 GI surgery patients with both fluoroscopic examinations and CT were included. Two radiologists reviewed fluoroscopic images with/without CT for determining anastomotic leakage on 5-point confidence scale and grading the leakage on 4-point grading system. Duration of hospital stay and type of treatment were recorded. Radiologists’ diagnostic performances for determining leakage were compared using the ROC analysis and inter-observer agreement was analyzed. 53 patients had GI leakage. When CT were added to fluoroscopic images, the AUC values significantly increased for both reviewers (from 0.859 to 0.942 for reviewer 1, P = 0.001; from 0.757 to 0.879 for reviewer 2, P = 0.002). Interobserver agreement between the two reviewers for the presence of leakage was excellent and improved with the addition of CT (weighted-kappa value, 0.869 versus 0.805). Postoperative intervention was more frequently performed (P < 0.001) and mean duration of postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with leakage (45 days versus 27 days) (P = 0.003). Through this, positive intraluminal contrast CT has an added value over fluoroscopic examination for detecting GI leakage in GI tract surgery patients, increasing AUC values and improving interobserver agreement.
Photovoltaics in agricultural landscapes: “Industrial land use” or a “real compromise” between renewable energy and biodiversity? Perspectives of German nature conservation associations
Authors: Hilker Janna Marie , Busse Maria , Müller Klaus , Zscheischler Jana
Published: May 2023

Our societies are facing the challenge of substituting environmentally hazardous energy sources with renewable energies as part of meeting climate protection goals. One common renewable energy source is photovoltaic (PV) systems. However, installing ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV-GM) systems in agricultural areas can lead to competition with other land uses. These projects therefore often encounter problems with social acceptance in affected communities. Especially from the perspective of nature conservation targets, conflicts can arise with the potential to lead to discord. These potential differences are still under-researched but represent important knowledge for the societally broadly accepted design of such facilities and their contribution to energy transformation. In this paper, we investigate the perspectives of nature conservationists on PV in the region of Brandenburg, Germany. In addition, we comparatively analyse attitudes towards agrophotovoltaics (APV) as a possible solution for mitigating land-use conflicts. Results are based on qualitative text analysis of ten interviews with local representatives and supraregional position papers put out by Nature Conservation Associations. A focus is put on factors influencing – either positively or negatively – the degree of local acceptability. Our finding suggest a growing consensus around basic assumptions of the need for renewable energies, the support for PV systems on rooftops, and the necessity for PV systems to be compatible with nature. Regarding specific site decisions, the various design options of PV parks and a projected large-scale expansion in the use of APV, we find diverging attitudes when we compare the content of position papers and the responses of interviewees. The interviewees advocate for paying due regard to the inclusion of local interests and specific regional conditions, the effects of APV on the local environment, and the need for distributional justice. Large-scale plants are locally less accepted than smaller ones and there is a more open attitude towards the expansion of APV. However, a range of concerns regarding consequences for landscape and biodiversity persists, and further research and clarification is required to address these issues. With this in mind, we draw conclusions about research needs when it comes to promoting the long-term social acceptability of renewable forms of energy generation. In line with other scholarly work, we conclude that basic ecological standards and the demands of local stakeholders and interest groups should be taken into account when planning, implementing and reviewing PV projects in the future.
Incidence and influencing factors of deep vein thrombosis after direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Liang Deng , Feng Eryou , Xu Dongmin , Weng Yan , Lin Feitai , Zhang Han , Chen Xiaoli , Xu Zhibiao , Ji Xiang
Published: May 2023

Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of the common complications after total hip replacement (THA). The direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty is widely promoted and used in clinical practice.The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and influencing factors of DVT after DAA-THA.
Methods: From January 2021 to November 2022, 168 patients who underwent DAA-THA were selected.These patients underwent the lower extremity doppler ultrasound examination before surgery, 3 days, 14 days, and 30 days after surgery. According to the results of postoperative ultrasound examination, patients were divided into DVT group and non-DVT group.The personal characteristics and clinical data of the two groups were compared and analyzed.
Results: The incidence of DVT after DAA-THA was 17.86% ( n = 30 ). Univariate analysis demonstrated that there were significant differences between DVT group and non-DVT group in gender (P=0.014), age (P=0.018), varicose veins (P=0.031) and blood transfusion (P=0.022). After adjustment by using logistic regression analysis,gender appeared to be the independent risk factor for DVT after DAA-THA (P = 0.021, OR = 3.1, 95%CI 1.2–8.3).
Conclusions: We found that gender was significantly associated with DVT after DAA-THA,with more females than males.In clinical practice, doctors should pay attention to the influencing factors of DVT to prevent the occurrence of DVT after DAA-THA.
Anti-Tumor Therapy through High ROS Performance induced by Ag Catalase from Boron Cluster with Halloysite Clay Nanotubes
Authors: Deng Xuefan , Xu Xiaoran , Xia Shiying , Li Yi , Wang Zhengxi , Wang Xinyu , Tan Yujia , Liu Pan , Sun Lijie , Huang Tianhe , Wei Yongchang , Zhang Haibo
Published: May 2023

Recently, nanomaterials, particularly catalase, have gained considerable attention in enhancing the outcomes of cancer therapy. To ensure the efficacious clinical application of catalase, a balance between its stability and biosafety is required alongside the maintenance of a high catalytic efficiency. Herein, halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) and dodecahydro-dodecaborate (closo-[B12H12]2–) with biocompatible properties were ingeniously combined and reduced in situ to obtain silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and single-atom nanozyme (SAzyme) composites (HNT@B12H12@Ag catalase) with significantly good antitumor effect and biosafety. This novel designed material (HNT@B12H12@Ag) can help avoid the elevated-temperature calcination that is typically employed as it prepares Ag SAzymes alongside AgNPs while maintaining ~ 100% efficiency of Ag utilization via the reducibility and coordination stabilization of closo-[B12H12]2− and HNTs. Moreover, we investigated the catalytic activity and antimelanoma effects of HNT@B12H12@Ag catalase, and the results revealed that it effectively suppressed melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo via toxic reactive oxygen species generated by mediating the catalytic reactions. This study provides a solid foundation for designing NP/SAzymes with promising clinical translation prospects.
Gondwanan Flood Basalts Linked Seismically to Plume-Induced Lithosphere Delamination
Authors: Morgan Jason , Shi Yanan
Published: May 2023

Delamination of continental lithospheric mantle is now well-recorded beneath several continents. However, the fate of delaminated continental lithosphere has been rarely noted, unlike subducted slabs that are reasonably well imaged in the upper and mid mantle. In the western US, the combination of high resolution USArray-based seismic imaging experiments and the rapid westward motion of the North American Plate allows us to recognize delaminated lithospheric fragments 400 km beneath where the ~17 Ma Columbia River Flood Basalt event took place, and ~500-600 km beneath where the ~75 Ma Western Wyoming Craton delamination event occurred. Beneath former Gondwana, recent high resolution seismic tomographic models indicate the presence of at least 6 horizontal fast-wavespeed anomalies at ~600 km depths that do not appear to be related to slab subduction, including fast structures in locations consistent with delamination associated with the Paraná Flood Basalt event at ~134 Ma and the Deccan Traps event at ~66 Ma. These fast-wavespeed anomalies often lie above broad slow seismic wavespeed trunks at 500-700 km depths beneath former Gondwana, with the slow wavespeed anomalies branching around them. Numerical experiments indicate that delaminated subcontinental lithosphere should tend to stagnate in the mid-mantle above a mantle plume where it shapes subsequent plume upwelling. For hot plumes, the melt volume generated during plume-influenced delamination can easily reach magnitudes of ~2-4×106 km3, consistent with the basalt eruption volume at the Deccan Traps. This seismic and numerical evidence suggests that observed high wavespeed mid-mantle anomalies beneath the locations of former flood basalts are fragments of delaminated former continental lithosphere, and that lithospheric delamination events in the presence of subcontinental plumes induced several of the continental flood basalts associated with the multiple breakup stages of Gondwanaland. Continued upwelling in these plumes can also have entrained subcontinental lithosphere in the mid-mantle to bring its distinctive geochemical signal to the modern mid-ocean spreading centers that surround southern and western Africa.
Glacial and seismic events investigation from a single-station records at Severnaya Zemlya archipelago (Arctic region)
Authors: Antonovskaya Galina , Kapustian Natalia , Konechnaya Yana , Morozova Ekaterina
Published: May 2023

The new permanent seismic station SVZ started working in Arctic (Severnaya Zemlya archipelago, Bolshevik Island), we discuss the first results of the local seismicity study. We have processed 46 local seismic events for 2017–2022. Data processing using a single seismic sensor is difficult but using waveforms and spectral-temporal analysis of P-, S- and surface waves it is possible to separate shallow earthquakes from glacial events. We distinguish two types of icequakes – glaciers and pulses. An increase in seismic background noise is related to with processes of glacial nature in summertime. Data processing allows to obtain the main peculiarities of local seismicity, i.e., mutual connection of glacial processes and crustal seismicity. We showed the presence of icequakes induced by local crustal events; their epicenters confined to the ice domes edges. Spatial-temporal sequence and the rate of events migration show that the glacial events are result of the defusing deformations process in the glaciers caused by the impact of shallow. Thousands of pulsed and noise high-frequency micro-oscillations associate with the sea ice sheet or lake ice. The temporal variation of events’ number and energy per day correlates with air temperature temporal variations. Moreover, there is a sharp increase in the number of pulses with sharp temperature changes. The greatest activity of this pulsed events is in winter and especially in March, connected with ice surface destruction. In case of a network deployment is not feasible, even a single seismic station allows to get a useful information about the glacial and seismic processes.
Prediction of pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients with CT-based delta-radiomics nomogram
Authors: Fan Liyuan , Yang Zhe , Li Ruijiang , Wen Qiang
Published: May 2023

Background
The aim of this study was to develop a nomogram model that uses CT-based delta-radiomics features and clinical factors to predict pathological complete response (pCR) in patients with resectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).
Methods
The study included 232 ESCC patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scans before and after nCRT between June 2018 and December 2021. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation sets with 174 and 58 patients, respectively. 837 radiomics features were extracted from delineations of the region of interest on pre- and post-treatment CT images, and calculated their deltas. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to select delta-radiomics features (DRF) based on classification performance. Logistic regression was used to construct a nomogram with clinical factors, and the performance of the nomogram in predicting pCR was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis.
Results
There was no significant difference between the training and validation datasets. The delta-radiomics signatures (DRS), consisting of four features, demonstrated good predictive performance for pCR, with α-binormal-based and empirical AUCs of 0.831 and 0.843. T-stage and differentiation degree were identified as independent predictive factors of pCR in ESCC patients with nCRT. The nomogram combined the DRS and clinical factors improved the classification performance in the training dataset (AUCαbin = 0.963 and AUCemp = 0.964). Furthermore, the validation set showed a similar performance to that of the training set, with AUCs of 0.967 and 0.964.
Conclusions
A nomogram model based on CT-based delta-radiomics features and clinical factors provided high discriminatory accuracy in predicting pCR status of ESCC patients after nCRT.
STOML2 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Promoting Lipid Raft Formation and NF-κB Activation
Authors: Gong Hui , Hu Qianying , Chen Shaojing , Li Yixuan , Huang Kaimeng , Li Riqing , Li Guiqiu , Fang Lishan
Published: May 2023

Background As one member of lipid raft proteins, STOML2 is up-regulated in several tumor types and participates in the tumor progression. We investigated the biological function and the underlying mechanism of STOML2 in colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods We used Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis to access the levels of STOML2 in 7 CRC cell lines and 119 human paraffin-embedded CRC samples. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to measure the expression of Ki67, CD31 and VEGFC in 50 human CRC samples. We determined the ability of STOML2 to activate NF-κB signaling using luciferase reporter assay, Real-time PCR and western blotting. The effects of STOML2 overexpression and knockdown with its specific short hairpin RNAs in CRC cell lines were detected using colony formation and tube formation assays. We analyzed development of CRC xenograft tumors in nude mice.Results STOML2 expression levels were increased in CRC cell lines and samples from CRC patients, compared with normal controls, and were associated with disease stage and survival outcomes. Overexpression of STOML2 in HCT116 and SW480 cell lines promoted proliferation and angiogenesis via promoting lipid raft formation and activating the NF-κB pathway. STOML2-induced angiogenesis effects could be greatly reversed by bevacizumab, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody against target with VEGF. Moreover, STOML2-overexpressing CRC cells formed larger tumors featured with more neovascularization in nude mice as compared to vector-control CRC cells. We identified STOML2 as independent prognostic factor in CRC.Conclusions The lipid raft protein STOML2 is up-regulated in CRC cell lines and tissues from patients and promotes CRC cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. STOML2 promotes lipid raft formation and activates the NF-κB signaling pathway in CRC cells. Our findings suggest that STOML2 functions as an oncoprotein and a prognostic factor in CRC, which might use to identify whether CRC patients may benefit from bevacizumab therapy.
Platelet count as a prognostic marker for acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wang Qianwen , Zhang Ge
Published: May 2023

Background
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of platelet count(PLT) in the prognosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.
Methods
We extracted data from the MIMIC-IV database, patients who diagnosed with ARDS according to criteria from Berlin Definition and had the PLT taken within the first day after intensisve care unit admission were analyzed.ARDS patients were assigned to one of four categories based on platelet counts (PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L,PLT 101–200×10^9/L,PLT 201–300×10^9/L,PLT > 300×10^9/L).The primary outcome was 28-day mortaily.Survival probabilities was anayled by Kaplan-Meier.Further,the association between platelets count and mortality in ARDS patients was assessed by univariate and multivariable cox proportional hazards model.
Results
Overall, 3207 eligible participants with ARDS were included in the final analysis. From the Kaplan–Meier curves for 28-day mortality of PLT, PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L was associated with higher incidence of mortality(P = 0.001),the same trends were found in the 60-day(P = 0.001) and 90‐day mortality(P = 0.001). In the multivariate model adjusted for the potential factors, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) at PLT 101–200×10^9/L group,PLT 201–300×10^9/L,and PLT > 300×10^9/L was 0.522 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.433–0.613,P = 0.000],0.572(95%CI,0.472–0.692,P = 0.000),and 0.681(95%CI,0.541–0.859,P = 0.000) compared with the reference group (PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L) relatively.In most subgroups,similar associations between PLT ≤ 100×10^9/L group and 28-day mortality were obtained.
Conclusion
Platelet count ≤ 100×10^9/L was strongly correlated with mortality in ARDS patients.These findings promoted the use of PLT as a prognostic biomarker with high predictive value for ARDS patients.
Regional Fuel Consumption and CO2 Emissions In Saudi Arabia: Impacts of Electricity Price Reforms
Authors: Darandary Abdulelah , Soummane Salaheddine , Mikayilov Jeyhun
Published: May 2023

Evaluating potential outcomes of energy price reforms is essential for policymakers to assess their effectiveness. In 2016 and 2018, the Saudi government enacted two waves of energy price reforms to curb historically fast-growing electricity demand. We quantify the effects of these measures on regional fuel consumption and carbon emissions. We develop an econometric model using Autometrics and Structural Time Series Modelling approach to assess demand changes following price reforms. These approaches, utilizing different channels, detect exogenous interventions leading to biased parameter estimations if not addressed. We model the resulting emissions and fuel savings on the supply side using an optimization model representing Saudi Arabia’s power generation sector. We estimate that between 2016 and 2019, electricity demand is lower by 8.8% per year on average following price reforms, resulting in USD 1.4 billion in fuel savings. Considering international oil prices would bring the total savings up to USD 9.8 billion. Moreover, we show that the two waves of reforming electricity prices avoided 81–102 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, i.e., a potential increase of 8.2%-10.4% of the power sector's emissions. Our results for Saudi Arabia demonstrate the benefits of reforming energy prices for countries with administered tariffs as an effective tool to reduce inefficient demand and carbon emissions to achieve climate pledges.JEL codes:C3, C5, C32, Q410, Q430, O210
Time-lapse analyses of epithelial and mesenchymal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma sphere formation and spread on plates
Authors: Shichi Yuuki , Gomi Fujiya , Hasegawa Yasuko , Nonaka Keisuke , Shinji Seiichi , Takahashi Kimimasa , Ishiwata Toshiyuki
Published: May 2023

Background
The most pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), which have been classified as cells with epithelial or mesenchymal features. We recently found that the morphology of spheres formed in three-dimensional cultures and the effect of anticancer drugs differed between epithelial and mesenchymal PDAC cell lines. Cancer forms a mass and metastasizes in the human body; however, there are differences in the ability of epithelial and mesenchymal PDAC to invade the surrounding area.
Methods
Sphere formation and the ability of spheres to adhere and spread on culture plates were examined by time-lapse imaging using five epithelial and three mesenchymal PDAC cell lines.
Results
Immunocytochemical staining confirmed that E-cadherin was highly expressed in epithelial PDAC spheres, and vimentin was highly expressed in mesenchymal PDAC spheres. In the process of forming spheres using ultra-low attachment plates, the majority of epithelial PDAC cell lines showed an early decrease in sphere area. When this decrease ceased, the covering cells on the sphere surface fused to form a smooth surface. Mesenchymal PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells showed decreased reduction in the spherical area and few fused surface areas. When the formed PDAC spheres were seeded onto normal plates, the spheres of PK-8 cells with the highest E-cadherin expression did not adhere to the normal plates, even after 60 h, and epithelial PK45-P and T3M-4 spheres hardly adhered. In contrast, the area of adhesion and spread of mesenchymal PANC-1 and KP4 cell spheres on normal plates markedly increased from the early period.
Conclusions
Three-dimensional cultures of epithelial or mesenchymal PDAC spheres play an important role in examining the diversity of tumor formation and invasion in pancreatic cancer.
Step-by-step Guided Nanoplatforms for Efficiently Sensitizing Phototherapy via Mitochondrial Metabolic Reprogramming
Authors: Gao Yajie , Zhang Tingting , Li Bowen , Deng Kaili , Li Qiong , Tian Hailong , Li Jialin , Nice Edouard C. , Huang Canhua , Ding Huiqing , Xuan Rongrong
Published: May 2023

Background
Phototherapy, a promising chemotherapy alternative, has been widely utilized for cancer treatment. However, heat shock protein (HSP70) mediated-heat tolerance in photothermal therapy (PTT), and the attenuated therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment still limit its clinical applications, where both processes are intimately linked to energy metabolism.
Results
We designed a site-specific nanoplatform (CS@ATO/CHC/T780 NPs) modulating energy metabolism to down-regulate the expression of HSP70 and alleviate hypoxia for enhanced phototherapy by integrating a mitochondria-targeted triphenylphosphine (TPP) derivative (T780), mitochondrial electron transport chain inhibitor atovaquone (ATO) and monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 (MCT1) inhibitor α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (CHC), and modified with chondroitin sulfate (CS). Mechanistically, CS and TPP-tailored IR780 were used to achieve site-specific delivery to tumor tissues and mitochondria in tumor cells, respectively. After efficient cellular internalization, the nanoplatform could effectively disassemble to release cargoes in the acid tumor microenvironment. ATO, a mitochondrial electron transport chain complex III inhibitor, could reduce the production of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and further downregulate the expression of HSP70 to overcome the thermo-resistance of PTT. Meanwhile, CHC could reduce the uptake rate of lactic acid (LA) to save oxygen consumption for improving the effectiveness of PDT.
Conclusion
The CS@ATO/CHC/T780 NPs exhibits excellent anticancer activity and good biosafety in vitro and in vivo, providing a prospective strategy for efficient phototherapy by manipulating energy metabolism.
Long COVID is primarily a Spike protein Induced Thrombotic Vasculitis
Authors: Kerr Robin , Carroll Harriet A.
Published: May 2023

Long COVID describes an array of often debilitating symptoms in the aftermath of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with similar symptomatology affecting some people post-vaccination. With an estimated > 200 million Long COVID patients worldwide and cases still rising, the effects on quality of life and the economy are significant, thus warranting urgent attention to understand the pathophysiology. Herein we describe our perspective that Long COVID is a continuation of acute COVID-19 pathology, whereby coagulopathy is the main driver of disease and can cause or exacerbate other pathologies common in Long COVID, such as mast cell activation syndrome and dysautonomia. Considering the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can independently induce fibrinaloid microclots, platelet activation, and endotheliitis, we predict that persistent spike protein will be a key mechanism driving the continued coagulopathy in Long COVID. We discuss several treatment targets to address the coagulopathy, and predict that (particularly early) treatment with combination anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs will bring significant relief to many patients, supported by a case study. To help focus attention on such treatment targets, we propose Long COVID should be referred to as Spike protein Induced Thrombotic Vasculitis (SITV). These ideas require urgent testing, especially as the world tries to co-exist with COVID-19.
Computational Models and Their Applications in Biomechanical Analysis of Mandibular Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Aftabi Hamidreza , Eghbal Atabak , McGregor Sophie , Zaraska Katrina , Prisman Eitan , Hodgson Antony , Fels Sideny
Published: May 2023

Advanced head and neck cancers involving the
mandible often require surgical removal of the diseased parts
and replacement with donor bone or prosthesis to recreate the
form and function of the premorbid mandible. The degree to
which this reconstruction successfully replicates key geometric
features of the original bone critically affects the cosmetic
and functional outcomes of speaking, chewing, and breathing.
With advancements in computational power, biomechanical
modeling has emerged as a prevalent tool for predicting the
functional outcomes of the masticatory system and evaluating
the effectiveness of reconstruction procedures in patients
undergoing mandibular reconstruction surgery. These models
enable surgeons to provide cost-efficient and patient-specific
treatment tailored to the needs of individuals. To underscore
the significance of biomechanical modeling, we conducted a
review of 66 studies that utilized computational models in the
biomechanical analysis of mandibular reconstruction surgery.
These studies were categorized based on the main components
analyzed, including bone flaps, plates/screws, and prostheses, as
well as their design and material composition.
Emission Measurements and in-situ Observation of Ionic Liquid Electrospray Thrusters with Longitudinally Grooved Emitters
Authors: Matsukawa Koki , Nakashima Yuiko , Takao Yoshinori
Published: May 2023

An externally wetted emitter array with longitudinally grooved structures for ionic liquid electrospray thrusters has been fabricated to improve the ionic liquid transport to the emitter tips. Two grooved emitter shapes with different groove depths were successfully fabricated using micro-electro-mechanical systems process techniques. We evaluated the current-voltage characteristics and conducted in-situ observation with a high-speed microscope. The experimental results of the ion emission have shown that the absolute emission current increases compared with our previous emitter without grooves. This tendency becomes stronger with deeper grooves. In addition, the slope of the current-voltage curve for grooved emitters does not decrease even when high voltages are applied, indicating that the grooved structure improves the ionic liquid transport to the emitter tips. However, it was found that deeper grooving also increased the percentage of the current intercepted by the extractor electrode. The high-speed microscope observation has shown that too much ionic liquid deposited on the extractor causes the ion emission from the extractor to the emitter, known as backspray, and implied that no large droplets are emitted for both grooved emitter structures.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards the influenza vaccine among the adult population in North Macedonia
Authors: Gacova Ivana , Radevska Ana Marija , Ivkovska Sanja , Brava Edmond , Skeparovska Keti , Poposki Kostadin , Rangelova Vanya , Jakimovski Dejan
Published: May 2023

Introduction/Objective Vaccination against seasonal influenza is the most effective way to prevent infections, hospitalization, morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the North Macedonia adult population towards seasonal influenza vaccine Methods A prospective cross-sectional study in November-December 2022 among the adult population of North Macedonia was conducted. A total of 1012 respondents filled in the 4-item semi-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards the influenza vaccine. The chi-square test was used to test for associations and logistic regression was used to determine the effect of variables on the possibility of vaccination. Results The median age of the respondents was 36 years, predominantly female (73.5%). Only 7.8% of respondents received the influenza vaccine in the previous season (2021/2022) and 12.4% planned to vaccinate in the current season. A statistically significant difference between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals was established in terms of age groups and the presence of comorbidity (χ2 = 11.246, p = 0.004). The main source of information for vaccinated respondents were official sources such as MH, WHO, and CDC for information about the influenza vaccine compared to non-vaccinated (χ2 = 8.099, p = 0.004). The vaccinated respondents significantly more often tend to consider the influenza vaccine as safe (χ2 = 5.026, p = 0.025) and effective (χ2 = 11.247, p = 0.001). Respondents who had comorbidities, who considered the vaccine as effective were 3 times and 1.9 times more likely respectively to have received an influenza vaccine. Conclusion The study discovered that in North Macedonia the coverage with influenza vaccine is low. Addressing influenza vaccine safety, efficacy, patient-specific recommendations and encouraging effective physician communication and counselling are some of the key areas for increasing knowledge and awareness.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Nanotube and Nanochain from Ag/Chloroquine /Cyclodextrin and Ag/Co/Chloroquine /Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex
Authors: Mani A. , Ramasamy P. , Prabhu A. Antony Muthu , Senthilraja P. , Rajendiran N.
Published: May 2023

Chemical reduction method was used to form a silver and silver/cobalt nanoparticles. Ag and Ag/Co nanoparticles with a chloroquine-cyclodextrin inclusion complex were examined using UV-Visible, fluorescence, computational technique, FE-SEM, TEM, FTIR, Differential Scanning Colorimeter and XRD. Silver and silver/cobalt nanoparticles exhibit a blue-shifted absorption maximum in the presence of CQ/CD inclusion complex. All of the experimental findings supported the interaction of Ag and Ag/Co nanoparticles with CQ:CD inclusion complexes. There was only one emission found across all solvents and CDs. TEM image showed the presence of nanochain in Ag/CQ/β-CD and nanotubes in Ag/Co/CQ/β-CD. The pure isolated CQ drug has a stronger antibacterial effect than samples A and B. Additionally, sample A exhibits greater efficacy for all six infections than sample B.